DEAR READERS: I am concerned about the long-term adverse consequences of insecticides given to companion animals externally -- whether as spot-on applications or released from impregnated collars -- on both the animals' health and that of the humans in the home. The latter face exposure through petting contact and in the ambient environment.
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Veterinarian Joe Cummins' letter in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association ("Parkinson's disease and the veterinary profession," March 1, 2021) questions if his later-in-life development of this incapacitating disease might be caused by "repeated exposure to flea and tick collars" in the animals he attended to during his career. I would also extend this awareness of exposure risk to dog groomers and anyone working in tanneries and slaughterhouses/animal processing facilities, considering the fact that insecticides are widely used by the livestock and poultry industries. K.A. Jennings et al, in their study, "Human exposure to fipronil from dogs treated with Frontline" (Veterinary and Human Toxicology, October 2002), quantified human contamination from touching dogs treated with this insecticide.
It would seem that many autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's have multiple potential causes. Several studies have linked these diseases to farmers' exposure to insecticides, fungicides and herbicides, as well as non-farming people's living in communities close to agrichemical-treated fields. For a general overview, see beyondpesticides.org and americanscientist.org/article/the-rise-of-parkinsons-disease.
Authors Freya Kamel and Jane A. Hoppin, in their extensive 2004 review of clinical and research studies of these concerns entitled "Association of Pesticide Exposure with Neurologic Dysfunction and Disease," conclude that "there is mounting evidence that chronic moderate pesticide exposure is neurotoxic and increases risk of Parkinson's disease" (Environmental Health Perspectives, June 2004).
The precautionary principle of risk reduction is an essential component of preventive health care maintenance. This means reducing the use of and human exposure to externally applied insecticides to companion animals in particular, and to farmed animals with the adoption of organically certified husbandry practices that preclude and negate the need for such chemicals.
DEAR DR. FOX: My dog is a small terrier mix, 17 pounds. She has kidney problems. The one thing my vet said not to do was to feed her chicken, but it seems like everything has some form of chicken in it. What do you suggest I feed her? -- L.T. (no location given)
DEAR L.T.: I am not sure why your vet said no chicken; some protein is needed, albeit at a low level, for dogs and cats with deteriorating kidney function. The low level is the key. As you likely know, if such animals are fed too much protein, it can lead to uremic poisoning (kidney failure/buildup of waste in the body).
This article on my website may help improve your dog's condition and provide some quality of life with food that she will enjoy, and that will not cause problems for her kidneys. See drfoxonehealth.com/post/care-for-dogs-cats-with-chronic-kidney-disease.
DEAR DR. FOX: I am so grateful for your compassionate heart for ALL life. Although I presently do not have a pet, I always read your column in our local newspaper.
My husband and I hope to do some extended traveling, and we do not feel it's right to leave one's pet -- a member of the family -- for extended lengths of time, even at one's home. For that reason, I hope to volunteer at our local animal shelter. We have also thought of doing some home exchanges with other travelers who need someone to take care of their pets.
Do you have any other ideas for those presently pet-less? -- P.S.G., Cape Coral, Florida
DEAR P.S.G.: I appreciate you sharing your sensible view that having one or more companion animals would be unfair, since you want to travel. During your trips, they would have to be boarded or have in-home care-providers come by, either of which would be stressful as well as costly.
However, many dogs are good road travelers, if that is your intent. I do not advise air travel or "shipping" them by plane.
I like your idea of taking in other people's animals when they are away for a short vacation or hospital stay. Local community networks can facilitate such endeavors. Also, consider taking shelter dogs for walks, or grooming and socializing with shelter cats.
I have raised the issue of people taking extended vacations -- from ocean cruises to international flights and even eco-safaris -- in terms of their carbon footprint. That issue stands, and now, even if vaccinated against COVID-19, there are evident health concerns with international travel. I think it preferable to enjoy what America's national parks and other wild places have to offer. These need more public involvement in their protection and restoration.
International travel is costly and the money does not always benefit the local communities whose dependence on tourism is a regrettable reality. Such dependence is no foundation for a secure and sustainable economy in times of global pandemics and other uncertainties, both political and environmental.
BE ALERT FOR SCAMS IF YOUR DOG IS LOST OR STOLEN
Two people who posted information on social media about their missing pets received calls from a number purporting to belong to the San Francisco Animal Care and Control Office claiming that the pet had been found and the owner would have to make a cash or gift card payment to get the pet back. "It's a scam," said the agency's Virginia Donohue. (Full story: KNTV-TV San Francisco, May 12)
(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.)