DEAR READERS: Bumblebees play, according to new research led by Queen Mary University of London and recently published in the journal Animal Behaviour. Per a summary on the university's website (qmul.ac.uk), "It is the first time that object play behaviour has been shown in an insect, adding to mounting evidence that bees may experience positive 'feelings.'"

Further summary from the university:

"Professor Lars Chittka, Professor of Sensory and Behavioural Ecology at Queen Mary University of London, head of the lab and author of the recent book 'The Mind of a Bee,' said: 'This research provides a strong indication that insect minds are far more sophisticated than we might imagine. There are lots of animals who play just for the purposes of enjoyment, but most examples come from young mammals and birds. We are producing ever-increasing amounts of evidence backing up the need to do all we can to protect insects that are a million miles from the mindless, unfeeling creatures they are traditionally believed to be.'"

In other apian news, researchers have found that the fuzz that covers bees' bodies helps them sense flowers' natural electric fields, allowing them to locate their favorite plants. Bees leave an electric trace on pollinated flowers, telling other bees the flower is "tapped out." A study found that fertilizers change that electric field and put bumblebees off from fertilizing. (Ellard R. Hunting et al, "Synthetic fertilizers alter floral biophysical cues and bumblebee foraging behavior," doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac230)

The whiskers (vibrissae) on many mammals and some birds, like the antennae on insects, may also be functional bioelectrical sensors. Many environmentalists are concerned about the documented harm from electropollution to bees and other creatures that play such vital roles in the world's ecosystems, especially as pollinators. For details, see my post at drfoxonehealth.com/post/electropollution-existential-threat-to-public-health-and-life-on-earth.

NEW COMMISSION FORMED TO MONITOR EMF ISSUES

The International Commission on the Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (ICBE-EMF) launched on Oct. 18. The ICBE-EMF was commissioned by the advisers to the International EMF Scientist Appeal, a petition signed by more than 240 scientists who have published more than 2,000 papers on EMF, biology and health. It was organized under the umbrella of the Electromagnetic Safety Alliance, a U.S. nonprofit organization.

To read more about the commission, visit icbe-emf.org.

DEAR DR. FOX: My son's cat has been on hyperthyroid medicine and was recently put on meds for high blood pressure. He has had two bouts of constipation since starting the new medication. Is it possible that the blood pressure medicine is the cause? -- G.R., Jupiter, Florida

DEAR G.R.: Blood pressure medications do have various side effects, which veterinarians are careful to monitor. Calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem (brand name Cardizem), relax the smooth muscles in blood vessels to lower blood pressure. But they also relax the muscles in the gut and may cause constipation.

The cat's condition should be reevaluated by the veterinarian, and I would advise not feeding him dry kibble as his main food. Rather, give him canned cat food plus a few drops of olive or flaxseed oil. Giving him a twice-daily abdominal massage, as per my book "The Healing Touch for Cats," may help alleviate this condition, along with encouraging the cat to play and be active.

Left unattended, chronic constipation in any animal can cause problems. One condition called megacolon is common in less-active cats and requires immediate veterinary attention. Retention of feces means increasing discomfort, nausea and compromised health due to absorption of fecal bacterial endotoxins.

(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 like dog shows, but I wonder why so many breeds have their whiskers snipped off before they go into the ring. Don't they need them? -- B.K., Washington, D.C.

DEAR B.K.: Dogs' whiskers serve many important functions. Veterinarian Leslie Gillette, DVM, wrote an excellent article for PetMD.com on the subject, a part of which I will share here:

"Dog whisker follicles contain clusters of tactile receptor cells (Merkel cells) that are essential for sending signals to the brain. If a whisker is touched by another object, or air currents move a whisker, that vibration transmits nerve impulses from a dog's whisker follicles to their brain. Whiskers can detect the size, shape and speed of nearby objects based on the movement of air currents.

"Whiskers in different areas give a dog specific information about their environment:

-- "Muzzle whiskers: Mystacial whiskers along the muzzle extend toward an approaching object to help determine the shape, proximity and texture of nearby surfaces as a dog moves their head back and forth. These whiskers help dogs detect food and water and measure distances.

-- "Eye whiskers: Superciliary/supraorbital whiskers detect potential threats to the eyes by responding to tactile stimuli or air currents. When the whiskers are moved, they send signals to a dog's brain that trigger the blink reflex to close their eyelids.

-- "Cheek whiskers: Genal whiskers help with peripheral perception of the environment, such as navigating through tight spaces and keeping a dog's head upright while swimming.

-- "Chin whiskers: Interramal whiskers grow from a mole under a dog's chin. These moles contain clusters of cells that provide sensory and tactile information to the brain. They are incredibly useful in detecting food, water and other objects that are out of the normal field of vision."

Dr. Fox here: I also theorize that some of these vibrissae may act like dowsing rods or bio-sensors, enabling animals to detect bioelectrical and geomagnetic fields so they can better navigate their territories.

There is no reason for show dogs to have their whiskers trimmed, and this practice may border on being an inhumane mutilation. As Dr. Gillette asserts:

"Removing whiskers by any means may cause significant stress to a dog. It affects their sensory function and can cause disorientation and a temporary disruption in normal activities like hunting, swimming and play. In some dogs, trimming whiskers may cause aggression as a stress response. From an animal welfare perspective, trimming or plucking whiskers is considered an amputation of a functional sensory organ rather than a cosmetic improvement, and it has been banned in several European countries."

The American Kennel Club might improve its reputation from being more than a registry for pedigree dogs by prohibiting whisker trimming in local and national dog shows.

DEALING WITH CANINE DEMENTIA

DEAR DR. FOX: During the last couple of months, our 12-year-old terrier mix's nighttime behavior has changed. After 7:30 or 8 p.m., he begins to pace, pant and keeps going to the door to be let out. We stopped letting him out until the last "out" of the night since it doesn't appear he has to relieve himself. He will sometimes settle down, only to get up and start all over again.

About twice a week, he gets up in the middle of the night and paces, pants and paws the bed. We let him out briefly, then he seems to settle down. A few times, he has woken us up three times in one night.

His weekday routine is: one 15-minute walk in the morning, outside in the backyard around 3 or 4 p.m., dinner around 4:30 p.m., a 40-minute walk around 5 p.m. and another 15-minute walk around 9:30 p.m. On the weekends, he spends more time in the backyard, but this doesn't seem to alter his night behavior.

Until recently, he has always been able to sleep at night for 10 hours without trouble. His last blood work was six months ago, and everything was normal.

About six months ago we switched him to Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for seniors, which he eats with cooked chicken mixed in. He has never been interested in eating in the morning, though we have always left dry food for him in his bowl in case he gets hungry.

We have read about this behavior in dogs with dementia but are not sure if this is the issue. I have not seen an article about this on your site. What steps do you suggest? -- D.S., Ann Arbor, Michigan

DEAR D.S.: From what you describe, it seems quite apparent that your dog is showing clear signs of dementia. It is encouraging that his blood readings show he is in relatively good physical health. I have advised many owners whose dogs have begun to behave like yours to try giving 3 mg to 6 mg of melatonin 30 minutes before bedtime; this can help all get a good night's sleep. Melatonin is also an excellent antioxidant. I would add other antioxidants to your dog's daily diet, such as a teaspoon each of raw grated carrot and crushed blueberries plus a few drops of fish oil and 100 mg magnesium. The latter can benefit both the brain and heart.

Two supplements that also benefit people and have a calming effect are L-theanine (from green tea) and tryptophan (from turkey meat). So I would substitute turkey for the cooked chicken you give your dog, and also give him 50 mg to 100 mg of L-theanine and tryptophan daily with food.

If these measures do not result in significant improvements within 10 to 14 days, discuss with your veterinarian putting your dog on anti-anxiety medication. Begin with a low dose while continuing with the treatment I have suggested.

Also, giving your dog a slow, relaxing massage before bedtime, as per my book "The Healing Touch for Dogs," may prove beneficial. Human patients spending extended time in the hospital can develop a disorienting "hospitalization dementia," which daily massage therapy has been shown to significantly ameliorate.

(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: We have a 15-year-old orange tabby. He is in good health, with no issues other than a couple teeth extractions over a year ago.

Several months ago, we noticed that if we walked up behind him, it would startle him. When we call him, he looks all around because he doesn't know where the sound is coming from. When he wants our attention, he gets right at our ankles or at the base of our chair and either meows or sits. It is beyond sad.

Our vet examined him, and his ears and everything else checked out OK. Would you please discuss feline hearing loss, including the causes and any tips for us owners? -- C.M.C., Cumberland, Maryland

DEAR C.M.C.: My first experience with this issue was years ago, with a kitten I named Rocky, whom I found wandering on the street where I lived in St. Louis. He was deaf, and the condition was no doubt congenital. He taught me a lot about communication and orientation by observing how he had learned to adapt.

As with deaf dogs and humans, cats will learn to respond to our body language signals. We can use hand and arm movements to communicate, or try stamping or tapping on the floor so the animal can feel the vibrations and orient toward you.

While Rocky was born deaf, older cats can learn to adapt to hearing loss. Deafness in both ears can be caused by chronic untreated ear infections, a stroke and/or infected teeth and gums (especially post-dental surgery). Regular aural and oral care are essential for all cats.

Loss of hearing can cause animals considerable anxiety because they are more vulnerable. It is imperative that you never let your cat roam outdoors. I also recommend that you provide him with extra physical contact to reassure him -- maybe even an evening massage, as per my book "The Healing Touch for Cats."

See below for more on cats' ear health.

EAR MITE INFESTATION

Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are a common cause of chronic ear infections in cats and dogs worldwide. The mites cause much itching, suffering and even loss of hearing if the infection is left untreated. Scratching and head-shaking can result in blood clots in the ears, which eventually crumple into "cauliflower ears." Some cats with ectopic mites present with generalized alopecia and pruritus similar to flea allergy dermatitis.

This common parasite can be transmitted to and from other wildlife, such as foxes and coyotes. All animals at trap-neuter-release cat colonies and all indoor-outdoor cats should be regularly examined and treated as needed, since mites are such prevalent parasites.

UKRAINE WAR: STEEP COST FOR WILDLIFE

As well as the toll on human life, Russia's invasion of Ukraine is affecting rare animal and plant species in the north of the country, according to a BBC report. Polissia, a region that extends into Belarus, Poland and Russia, harbors species such as moose, wolf and lynx that have disappeared from most of the rest of Europe. Shells fired into northern Ukraine have sparked fires that have burned more than 5,000 acres of forest, destroying rare plants and scattering wildlife. Landmines planted by Russians in Polissia have also made it dangerous for rangers to patrol.

Clearly, the insanity of war involves more than human victims. An end to such actions is ultimately enlightened self-interest, since the "victors" ultimately become the victims. Crimes against humanity and nature leave their stain on those who remain.

QUESTIONING BILLIONAIRES' JOURNEYS INTO SPACE

Most of us are guilty, to varying degrees, of selfishness and indifference. But I wonder about the billionaires who are taking pleasure trips into space (how they made their money aside). What of their carbon footprint and pollution from rocket fuel adding to climate change? Why not put those billions into planetary CPR -- conservation, protection and restoration -- for the common good? I also wonder about the billions in public funds being spent exploring Mars to see if there is, or was, life there, while ignoring the plight of life on planet Earth.

Some billionaires wear the emperor's new clothes of philanthropy, putting money back into a planet they have plundered, even with a record of opposing clean air and water legislative initiatives. No other species poisons its own nest and pollutes its environment under the banners of progress and profit, let alone reaps more money from treating anthropogenic diseases.

Part of the problem, aside from empathy deficit disorder, is the all-too-common attitude toward other species. Wildlife are regarded variously as pests, harvestable resources or, when protected under the Endangered Species Act, obstacles to land development and "progress." These attitudes are in large part responsible for the climate crisis and its socioeconomic consequences, which we all face today.

Mega-rich individuals, along with the more affluent nations, need to assume greater responsibility. Ultimately, they are stealing from the future and limiting the quality of life for the generations to come -- of our own species and all others.

(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.)