DEAR READERS: The natural diversity of animals (including insects), plants and microorganisms that are native to a particular place -- its ecosystem -- help maintain environmental health and sustainability, as well as the food web.

Such communities help prevent the spread of harmful and invasive species. These controls break down when various human activities, especially industrial farming, aquaculture and agroforestry, reduce biodiversity. Invasive weeds, pests and diseases take hold. Rather than change practices and adopt organic, ecologically sound systems of production, the treadmill of reliance on pesticides and various drugs becomes the accepted norm. The rising incidence of cancer in children and dogs is no coincidence.

We must all be vigilant and practice good personal and public hygiene; humane, responsible animal care; thorough wildlife protection; and robust environmental stewardship. And we must avert the need for chemical agents. This is because, as with antibiotics and fungicides, insecticides kill many harmless species that help control the proliferation of other potentially harmful species through competitive exclusion. Such loss of biodiversity helps create terrible “superbugs” -- the drug-resistant bacteria and fungi now resident in many hospitals -- and herbicide-resistant “superweeds” and resistant populations of mosquitoes and internal parasites around the world.

The rising incidence of tick-borne diseases in the Americas is not attributable to climate change alone. There are many factors, including human and livestock encroachment, habitat change, and the hunting, trapping and poisoning of natural predators -- even using cyanide guns to kill coyotes. A paucity of foxes, and other eaters of small rodents that are reservoirs of disease, and a similar lack of insectivorous birds and reptiles that consume the ticks that transmit these diseases to humans, make the outdoors unsafe. So more pesticides are used, and the cycle continues.

Additional problems are created by the importation of plant and animal produce and animal feed from abroad. This calls for heightened biosecurity and the discouragement of, if not legislation against, the ownership, propagation and deliberate or accidental release of “exotic” animals and plant varieties.

Optimal biodiversity is the keystone of One Health -- encompassing animals, plants, the environment and humans. The contribution of biodiversity to One Health includes clean air, pure water, productive soils, ecosystem resilience and food safety and security. These then lead to greater climatic, economic and social stability -- provided that human greed is effectively restrained.

For detailed documentation of the degradation of global ecosystems and loss of biodiversity, see the 2019 United Nations’ IPBES Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services at ipbes.net/assessment-reports/eca. The report finds that around 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, many within decades -- more than ever before in human history. It is a clarion call to all of us, and to our governments in particular.

DEAR DR. FOX: I read your regular column in our local newspaper, and have a question about the use of tramadol for dogs.

My goldendoodle had some surgery yesterday, and the veterinarian has put her on 50 milligrams of tramadol once every 12 hours for pain. Is this the suggested dosage? Are there any negative side effects that I should be aware of? -- S.M., Medford, Oregon

DEAR S.M.: Your veterinarian has not kept up with the professional literature on tramadol. It has recently been shown to be an ineffective analgesic for dogs (and also for rabbits). I have long questioned its use for dogs, since it can cause anxiety and palpitations in some dogs. Cannabidiol (CBD) would be a superior alternative for analgesia, and is also an anti-inflammatory.

DEAR DR. FOX: I am having an ongoing debate with my husband about cleaning out the cat box. We have two cats, and they use the same box. I say we should clean it out twice a day, and he says once is fine. What do you say? -- G.L., Fargo, North Dakota

DEAR G.L.: I would clean the litter box four times a day for two cats, or add another box and clean both twice daily, if equally used. Always wash your hands after scooping, raking and adding fresh litter. Empty the entire contents and replace with fresh litter every week or two.

Also: If you are pregnant, your husband should be the litter box cleaner for health reasons. For more litter box insights, check my website: drfoxonehealth.com.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)

A flying insect called the “kissing bug” that can carry and transmit a potentially fatal disease to humans, dogs and other animals is beginning to spread across the U.S. Well-established in Texas, Arizona and parts of New Mexico and California, kissing bugs have been reported now in Delaware and the Carolinas.

More informations from Texas A&M (kissingbug.tamu.edu):

“Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi can cause Chagas’ disease (also known as American trypanosomiasis) in humans, dogs, and other mammals. Kissing bugs can transmit the parasite to hosts by biting and subsequently defecating near the site of the bite. The parasites live in the digestive tract of the bugs and are shed in the bug feces. When infectious bug fecal material contaminates the mucous membranes or the site of a bug bite on a mammal, transmission of the parasite can occur. Alternately, dogs can also become infected through the consumption of infected bugs. The parasite can be transmitted congenitally, through blood transfusion, and through transplantation of infected organs. Chagas’ disease is endemic throughout Central and South America, and is increasingly recognized as both a human and veterinary health concern in the southern United States. Chagas’ disease became a reportable disease in Texas in 2013.

“In dogs, infection with the Chagas parasite can cause severe heart disease; however, many infected dogs may remain asymptomatic. There are variations in the degree of complications from Chagas’ disease that likely relate to the age of the dog, the activity level of the dog, and the genetic strain of the parasite. Cardiac rhythm abnormalities and sudden death may occur, as well as bloat due to reduced cardiac function and inability to properly pump fluids throughout the body. ...

“Testing for canine infection with the Chagas parasite is available through the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (tvmdl.tamu.edu). Unfortunately, treatment options are not readily available, although some research teams are developing new treatment approaches that are promising. There is currently no vaccination that protects against Chagas’ disease for either dogs or humans.

DEAR DR. FOX: My dog loves cheese. Is it safe to give her a small piece as a treat? -- R.M., Fargo, North Dakota

DEAR R.M.: Generally, it is safe; all things in moderation.

Avoid orange-colored cheeses that contain a plant dye (annatto) that can cause seizures in dogs. I also avoid all U.S. cheeses and dairy products (plain yogurt and kefir being good for dogs) that are not organically certified. This is because many dairy cows here are injected with rBGH, a genetically engineered bovine growth hormone. This product, which can harm cows and shorten their lives, is banned in Canada and Europe for humane and consumer health reasons. (For details, see https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/recombinant-bovine-growth-hormone.html.)

Some non-organic dairies do not use this drug, and will indicate this with “No rBGH” on the label.

OLDER PEOPLE SAY PETS MAKE THEM FEEL LOVED, REDUCE STRESS

Fifty-five percent of 50- to 80-year-olds responding to a survey said they own at least one pet, and nearly 90 percent of those owners said their pet contributes to feelings of being loved. Around 80 percent said pets mitigate stress, nearly 75 percent said their pet gives them a sense of purpose, and 64 percent said their pet helps them stay active.

Drawbacks to having a pet included adding complexity to leaving the house or traveling, financial strain and related falls or injuries. (TIME, April 3)

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)

DEAR DR. FOX: I am writing concerning my dog’s flea/tick/heartworm medicine.

My dog is 11 years old and he has been on Revolution ever since I’ve had him. But now, my vet will not give me Revolution unless I have him tested for heartworm. Why would this test be necessary if he has used the medicine for 11 years? -- N.R., Boynton Beach, Florida

DEAR N.R.: Your veterinarian does not want to run the risk of killing your dog.

That could happen when anti-heartworm medication is given to a dog who already has heartworms. The medication will kill the worms, which then break up into small pieces that can block major blood vessels and cause a stroke. This is why a blood test is done before starting medication. For those dogs who are on such preventive medication year-round, I would still run the test because of possible drug resistance, which internal parasites have been known to eventually develop.

People living in regions that have winter, and that lack the mosquitoes that transmit heartworms and other diseases, can safely take their dogs and indoor-outdoor cats off the preventive medication for a few months. But they still must always have their animals’ blood tested for any sign of infestation before resuming medication.

It is totally irresponsible for people with dogs on such oral medications not to pick up and safely dispose of their poop (by burying it, composting it or securing it in the garbage) because traces of the drug will be in the stools, and may kill beneficial coprophagic insects that play an important environmental function in recycling animal waste. This is a huge problem on conventional livestock farms, where cattle and sheep are treated with antiparasitic drugs.

DEAR DR. FOX: I am a journalism student at Northwestern, writing a piece on the animal shelter system.

I was hoping to hear what you think the biggest challenges facing this system are currently. I know overpopulation is a big part of the problem, but I’m curious if you think something has changed in this country that has led to the current numbers we are seeing today (per animals in shelters) or if you think this has been a continuous problem. -- M.Y., Chicago

DEAR M.Y.: Here are some of my concerns as many animal shelters continue to fill up:

1. Society as a whole still has a throwaway attitude toward animals.

2. Many people are uninformed, or at least ill-informed, about cat and dog behavioral needs. This could be rectified by animal shelters partnering with local veterinarians, vet technicians and certified animal behaviorists. For example: Shelters could providing “puppy classes” -- not just play groups, but educational sessions for owners/caregivers on training, handling, socialization and basic care.

3. Cats are stressed in shelters and should be in separate, sound-proof quarters, away from dogs.

4. Behavioral assessments for adoptability of both cats and dogs is often inadequate, leading to unwarranted euthanasia -- especially with breed prejudice (pit bulls and dogs who look like them) -- and release (of cats who are afraid and hiss).

5. So-called “no-kill” shelters often dump cats deemed unadoptable in communities under the banner of “community cats” or TNR (trap, neuter, release), which is inhumane and puts wildlife at risk.

6. Animals in separate cages in shelters often become cage-bound, fearful and defensive, and suffer lives of deprivation in no-kill shelters when not soon adopted. Group-housing of compatible, quarantined dogs and cats in enriched habitat enclosures, ideally with safe outdoor access, prevents such problems and helps make animals more adoptable.

7. Staff and volunteers must be dedicated to animal socialization. Human interaction (grooming, petting and play) with incarcerated animals is an essential aspect of optimal shelter care and post-capture or surrender rehabilitation. Dogs need to be regularly walked by responsible and experienced handlers, in both harness and collar with a double leash, to prevent escape and to facilitate leash-training and trust.

8. Noise can be a big problem, especially with caged, barking dogs. Things that can help include soft music, recordings of dogs’ happy sounds, and having a resident gentle dog to calm and play with puppies and shy dogs and kittens. In group-housed cats, having a resident “ambassador cat” who shows affection toward caretakers -- which shy cats will witness, thus beginning to trust people -- can make a big difference in recovery and adoptability.

9. Inhumane methods of euthanasia (gas and decompression chambers, electrocution) are becoming something of the past, thanks in part to the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Shelter staff need emotional support in dealing with cruelty and neglect cases and animal hoarders, as well as having to euthanize animals that are incurably suffering or cannot be rehabilitated for adoption for various legitimate reasons.

10. Greater community support and municipal funding of animal shelters and local humane societies is needed in many communities, as is outreach to schools and student visits to the shelters.

11. I support legislative initiatives banning the sale of cats, dogs, puppies and kittens in pet stores in order to encourage adoptions from local shelters and discourage online purchases, many of which are scams. See below for more on one such initiative.

MAINE BILL WOULD RESTRICT PET SHOP SALES OF DOGS AND CATS

Lawmakers in Maine are considering a proposal to restrict the sale of dogs and cats at pet stores in an effort to boost shelter adoptions. The bill, introduced by state Sen. Ben Chipman, would allow violators to be punished with a $500 fine per violation, as well as suspension or revocation of their license. (The Associated Press, April 25)

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)