Question:

We have a 2-1/2-year-old Brittany spaniel who is a wonderful people dog and very content when we are in the house. However, when we are away for any extended period of time (three to seven hours), he gets anxious and chews on shoes and books. We have tried putting him in a cage or restricting him to the outside when we are gone, but his chewing habits continue. Any advice?

R.G., Vienna, Va Dec 27, 2009

Answer:

Your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, now a well-recognized condition for which I was ridiculed earlier in my career for even suggesting, as it was commonly believed that animals don''t suffer emotionally as we do!

Keep the dog in the room where he usually stays after you have removed anything he can reach to chew on. Give him a beef soup bone (a 2- to 3-inch piece of marrow-filled shank, raw) or a hollow rubber dog toy such as a Kong stuffed with dog chow, cream cheese or peanut butter. The stuffed toy can be refrigerated to make the tasty stuff hard. Then leave the house for five minutes, return, take the chew item away, and ignore the dog. Greeting him effusively when you come home sets him up in greater anticipation. Make leaving him a reward with the chew treat.

Repeat going out and coming back at various intervals for two to three days, leaving the chew treat with him when you depart. He will, hopefully, come to see you leaving as a pleasant experience (it produces a treat). There are dog-food toys on the market for your dog such as Ruff Wear Gourdo dog toy, Nina Ottosson''s interactive dog puzzles and Canine Genius toys (that my dogs love). Leaving a radio or TV on may also help him feel less alone.

Question:

My 10-year-old male cat had to be euthanized on June 19 of this year. In February, he began to gag and vomit small amounts of food. He continued to be interested in food, but wasn''t eating much. Gradually, he lost three to four pounds. My primary vet did X-rays and blood work and decided my cat had an "autoimmune" disease and would benefit from steroid shots every three weeks. My cat had bad breath, but the vet discounted dental issues. He had two shots, three weeks apart, and didn''t seem to improve. So I got a second opinion. The new vet said that he had severe dental problems, but wanted an endoscopy done to rule out other problems. We gave him an abdominal sonogram, an endoscopy and more blood work. All tests were satisfactory, and I agreed to dental work. As my cat recovered, he began to eat again and gained 11 ounces. The dentist said he was healing nicely. A week later, he died.

After his dental surgery I had purchased an over-the-counter spot-on flea product. Being between vets, my cat was not getting his usual medication, and I was concerned about his comfort. He began to display neurological symptoms that I did not recognize at first: He began to limp, gradually leaning to one side, seeming confused. This occurred over a period of two-and-a-half weeks. I thought he had hurt his leg, but right before I scheduled an appointment with the vet, he had a seizure in the middle of the night -- thrashing about, crying and leaving one pupil completely enlarged. He couldn''t seem to regain his balance and was fairly non-responsive. I agreed to euthanize him and have been heartbroken ever since. I would like to know what you think of the treatment he received and if you think the flea product could be what killed him. Thinking the latter breaks my heart even more, as it was a poor choice.

M.C., Staten Island, NY Dec 27, 2009

Answer:

I am saddened and frustrated about what happened to your beloved cat. Dental disease (which can lead to secondary diseases of internal organs and overwhelming toxic-bacterial invasion) is all too common in cats.

The fact that the second veterinarian identified this as the probable cause of your cat''s malaise is a telling point. But I question the additional costly tests. Many cats (and dogs) suffering from systemic complications of periodontal disease and gingivitis do not survive dental surgery. Your cat was in recovery, but not well enough to withstand the spot-on flea product that should never be given to even healthy cats and dogs, except as a last resort when safer methods of flea control prove ineffectual. To give such products routinely, even when there is no evidence of fleas in the animal''s environment, is what the manufacturers advocate and more and more veterinarians now deplore.

Question:

I have a rescued cat who is approximately 10 months old. I noticed a little swelling on his lower lip. I took him to the vet, and she suggested switching from plastic bowls to china and prescribed Clavamox Drops. The condition seemed to disappear, and all seemed well until a few days ago when the swelling reappeared. Then I saw your article on problems relating to pet food with flip-top can liners. I changed his diet from Friskies to Whiskas pouches. The swelling is not so visible now.

I''m wondering if I should give him only dry food. He is on Royal Canin Green Peas and Rabbit formula.

J.B., Mantoloking, NJ Dec 27, 2009

Answer:

Some cats get swollen lips that can develop into "rodent ulcers" when they drink and eat from plastic bowls. But some cats develop this abnormal cellular reaction in and around the lips and chin because they are allergic or hypersensitive to ingredients in their drinking water (fluoride, chlorine and other chemicals in municipal tap water) and ingredients in their food that could be fish, eggs or other protein. Corn is a major feline allergen. Avoid all cereal-filled cat foods. I would never feed a cat manufactured moist or semi-moist cat food that comes in a plastic bag. Check my Web site for a list of cat foods that I recommend or go to the Feline Nutrition Education Society''s Web site, www.fnes.org. Canned and dry cat foods, some organically certified (also for dogs) are available in health stores and include Karma, PetGuard, Wellness and Castor & Pollux. Try distilled water for your cat.

Question:

We have a chocolate Lab who is 4 years old. She appears to have allergies or dry skin because she is constantly licking her paws and bottom. Also, after she eats or goes outside, she rubs her face on the couch and floor. We have taken her to the veterinarian several times, changed her food three times, and she is on Benadryl twice a day, but nothing seems to help. She has licked her paws so much that she has bare spots all up and down her legs. Can you think of something that might ease her itching?

G. & J.L., Upper Marlboro, Md Dec 27, 2009

Answer:

There are many reasons why dogs (and cats) develop this condition. For details, check the archives of this column at my Web site, because some research could help pinpoint the cause of, and treatment for, this ailment. Presuming that the veterinarian has ruled out mange, a parasitic skin infestation, your poor dog probably has a food allergy. An elimination diet, which your veterinarian can help you with, is called for. Second, this might be a contact allergy, so spread cotton sheets -- washed in scent-free, eco-friendly, phosphate-free laundry detergent -- where your dog lies and sleeps. Stop using floor cleaners other than white vinegar, borax and Orange TKO organic concentrate.

Third, supplement her diet with 1 teaspoon (or 1,000 mg) of fish oil such as New Chapter or Nordic Naturals in her food, plus 1 teaspoon of local honey or bee pollen that can help dogs with non-food related allergies.

Question:

I have a 2-year-old hound mix that barely eats -- he will sometimes even refuse bacon, steak or liverwurst. He will go up to almost three days without a bite of food. We recently took him to the vet for his yearly checkup, and he received a clean bill of health.

Sometimes, when I put a bowl of food down, he will move his nose up against and around the bowl as if to cover it for later. On the days when he hasn''t eaten anything in a while, I still take him for his daily 20-minute walk, hoping it will work up an appetite. He will also play in the yard, although I''m never quite sure how he has the energy to do so. Two things about him have me questioning whether or not they are the cause of his suppressed appetite: One is the yellow/brown stains on his back teeth and a few on his canines. I was thinking he could have a toothache that is discouraging him from eating. His gums look healthy and pink, and his breath smells normal, so I''m sure he doesn''t have any kind of gum disease. I haven''t seen him chew in a way that indicates he may be in pain, but I am still watching whenever I manage to get him to eat. I usually feed him kibble mixed with soft food or liverwurst. I also discovered a few tick bites on him recently. He is vaccinated against Lyme disease, and I started him on the K9 Advantix to kill any lingering ticks. I have no clue why he barely eats.

P.H., Poughkeepsie, NY Dec 20, 2009

Answer:

Dogs lose their appetites for a variety of reasons, usually associated with pain or nausea. You are right to worry about a cracked or infected tooth. There are neuromuscular diseases that can affect the jaws and kidney and liver diseases, for instance, that can cause anorexia.

Did his loss of appetite come soon after the Lyme-disease vaccination? This can make some dogs ill. I would stop the K9 Advantix medication.

Because your dog has a "clean bill of health," I would advise an injection of Vitamin B-complex to stimulate the appetite and offer him a choice of quality canned and dry dog food, as per the list on my Web site or make up my dog-food and cookie recipes. Offer your dog the food, but do not fuss or coax. The more anxious you become trying to get him to eat, the more anxious he may become around food. His apparent anorexia could be emotional. Being around other friendly dogs and seeing them eat may spark his appetite. Also, discuss with your veterinarian giving him nutrient supplements, including subcutaneous injections if he''s seriously malnourished. Digestive enzymes and probiotics may also help.

Question:

We have a female Japanese Chin that is 7 years old and weighs 12 pounds. She has a terrible time breathing, a runny nose at times and sometimes sneezes and gasps for breath, which is frightening to hear. She is up-to-date at the vet, and he has us giving her an allergy antihistamine (diphenhydramine hydrochloride; 12.5 mg., three times a day), which we think helps some, but not enough. Her breathing at night is heartbreaking to hear. Is there any other medication or way of correcting this allergy? We love our dog like a daughter. Once a day, we feed her a bowl of Hill''s Prescription Diet mixed with a little Purina Beneful Prepared Meals that also have veggies, plus kibble and water.

C.E., Fort Myers, FL Dec 20, 2009

Answer:

Living in Florida can be hell for dogs, with all the bugs and allergenic pollens and molds. Your dog probably already has an impaired immune system, so I would stop any further vaccinations and anti-flea treatments. Instead, try my lemon tea: Simmer one whole lemon (sliced) in two cups of water for 10 minutes, mush, strain and store in a jar. Sponge on your dog to repel bugs.

I would transition your dog onto a healthier diet with organic and whole-food ingredients. Visit a local health store, and check the pet-food section that may carry good brands such as Natura, PetGuard, Wellness and Evanger''s, to name a few. These do not use inferior ingredients unfit for human consumption. Discuss giving your dog supplements to help boost her immune system and subdue inflammatory/allergic responses. These include fish, hemp and flaxseed oils; anti-inflammatory skullcap herb and super antioxidants such as rosemary; Vitamin C and bioflavinoids; zinc and selenium with vitamin E; and N-acetylcysteine with L-alpha lipoic acid. Discuss and explore these supplements with your veterinarian or consult with a holistic animal doctor practicing integrative medicine.

Question:

I have a 2-1/2-year-old female soft-coated wheaten terrier. For some reason, she has a horrible fishy breath smell. She loves to give kisses, but her breath is just awful. We bought her from a pet store (something I swore I would never do). After we got her home, she would vomit after eating. The pet-store vet said nothing was wrong. But when we took her to our vet, we found that she had a right aortic arch. She had surgery, and we had to feed her soft dog food for a long time and then slowly introduced dry food. We still feed her by hand because if she eats to fast, she'll get sick. We were told that she also has developed allergies, but we don't know to what. I have tried your suggestion of enzymes and give her Total-Zymes in her food each day. I also give her the new-millennium formula. She still has fishy breath, and I don't know why. Trying to brush her teeth is an ordeal -- she can clench her teeth tightly.

M.K., Brick, NJ Dec 20, 2009

Answer:

You certainly have been through the proverbial ringer with your pet-store-purchased and no doubt puppy-mill-produced dog -- let this be a warning to all prospective dog owners.

Wheaten terriers tend to be allergic to wheat (no pun intended), so I would avoid giving her any cereals in her diet, except a little rice. The fishy odor is most likely caused by bacteria in the mouth. Because brushing her teeth is difficult, you may have more success with PetzLife oral spray, which could help sweeten the breath and encourage a healthier bacterial population in your dog's mouth. A course of probiotics may also help. Ask your vet or local health store for a good brand, and give your dog about one-third of the recommended daily human dose. See if she will accept a tablespoon of aloe-vera liquid in her food every day for seven to 10 days in conjunction with the probiotics capsules or powder.

Question:

We have an 8-year-old male dachshund. We brush his teeth every night and also spray his teeth. I remember reading in one of your columns that this is not necessary -- some kind of chewable bone was all that he needed. Can you review that for us again?

We feed him Science Diet dry and moist dog food. He has bad breath, and I suspect it is the canned meat. Any advice?

E.K., Moorhead, MN Dec 20, 2009

Answer:

Bad breath can mean bad teeth (gingivitis and periodontal disease), but also a general toxicity that may or may not be related to dental problems. Often, a transition to a whole-food diet -- as per my Web site and in my one-edition newsletter -- is all that is needed. Healthy animals, like healthy people, do not have halitosis or bad body odor, and good nutrition plays a major role as the first medicine. Getting dogs used to having their teeth cleaned regularly is a good idea, especially with toy breeds that are more susceptible to dental diseases. Safe things to chew that help keep dogs'' teeth clean are hard to find. Most rawhide chews are chemically treated, often originating from cattle in Argentina and manufactured in China. My top choice is a raw, 2- to 3-inch piece of beef marrow/shank bone, ideally the cartilaginous "knuckle" end. Some dogs need only be allowed five to 10 minutes chew time daily because they may get too gnaw-obsessed and damage their teeth.

Question:

My Tibetan terrier is 15 years old. Three weeks ago, she tore a tendon in one knee -- the cross-tendon that keeps her knee from moving from one side to the other when she puts weight on it. The vet said it was a larger tear than usual and that it could be operated on, but at the risk of her life. He said her health is good, but he would have to take more tests to be sure. I did some checking on the Internet and found that some small dogs accommodate themselves after about six months. However, this tendon never heals.

Do you have any insights or suggestions?

J.T., Accokeek, Md Dec 13, 2009

Answer:

Surveys on dogs with torn cruciate ligaments indicate that small dogs usually do well without surgery, provided their recovery is carefully monitored. It is important to restrict the dog''s activity levels -- no running or jumping for three to four months -- and to regulate the dog''s weight. The slimmer the better. Eventually, inflammatory tissue and arthritic changes help to stabilize the knee, which may eventually have considerable range of motion.

As per my book "The Healing Touch for Dogs," gentle massage therapy every day will do wonders. A joint supplement such as chondroitin, glucosamine, MSM, hyaluronic acid, ginger and turmeric will also help if given daily with food. I would advise trying New Chapter''s Zyflamend herbal supplement (888-874-4461), their smallest capsules being most suitable for animals the size of yours. Many factors underlie this all-too-common knee disorder -- poor conformation, being overweight and possible vaccinosis (an adverse reaction to vaccination that can lead to deterioration of joint ligaments).

Question:

My 14-year-old female domestic shorthair cat has used carpets in my house as litter boxes from time to time since she was a kitten. Lately, however, she has been using the carpet almost constantly. I recently had a host of tests done, as I thought she might have diabetes, but all the tests came back negative. I have used numerous sprays and place foil on the areas, to no avail. Other than this behavioral issue, she seems to be in perfectly good health. There have been no changes in our home, and I give her a lot of attention. What do you think?

S.E., Crofton, Md Dec 13, 2009

Answer:

Some cats develop a place fixation or imprint, choosing to evacuate routinely in one area outside of the litter box. There are many reasons for this, such as the wrong kind of litter, a dirty litter box, an ammoniated covered box, impacted anal glands, constipation, cystitis and bladder stones. The surface on which the cat chooses to evacuate may also be a trigger, especially when it feels like grass, gravel, shag rugs or retro beanbags. Your cat may be drinking and urinating more because of chronic kidney failure. Have your animal doctor check this out, especially considering the cat''s age.

Since some cats defecate in the litter box and urinate in an empty box, I would line an empty box with a strip of your cat-stained carpet. This way, you will protect your floors. Once this new situation is accepted, you can work on restoring your floor. Enzyme cleaners and the nontoxic organic Orange TKO cleaner (800-991-2463) are a must in every pet''s home.