DEAR READERS: Dog owners may be tempted to think that because animals eat “raw diets” in the wild, the same is appropriate for their canine companions. But wild carnivores and carrion eaters have acidic stomachs that probably aid in killing potentially harmful bacteria in the animal parts they consume. Dogs, after millennia of domestication, may not fare so well.

A warning from the American Veterinary Medical Association:

“The AVMA recognizes public interest in feeding raw diets to dogs and cats. However, the AVMA discourages feeding any raw or undercooked animal-sourced protein (e.g., meat, poultry, fish, egg, milk) to dogs and cats because of their risk to human and animal health. ...

“Animal-sourced proteins of concern include beef, pork, poultry, fish, and other meat from domesticated or wild animals, as well as milk and eggs. Several studies reported in peer-reviewed scientific journals and product recalls have demonstrated that raw or undercooked animal-sourced protein may be contaminated with a variety of pathogenic organisms, including (various species of) Salmonella, Campylobacter, (and) Clostridium; Escherichia coli; Listeria monocytogenes; and Enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus. Dogs and cats may develop foodborne illness after being fed animal-sourced protein contaminated with the organisms listed above if adequate steps are not taken to reduce or eliminate pathogens.

“Apparently healthy dogs and cats can develop subclinical infections with these organisms and pose a risk to other animals and people, especially young, elderly, pregnant, and immunocompromised individuals. People handling contaminated raw pet foods are also at risk of becoming sick.”

To read the full statement, visit: avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/raw-or-undercooked-animal-source-protein-cat-and-dog-diets.

I feed my dog some plant-based raw foods, and she enjoys nutrients from organically certified blueberries, grated carrots, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and sprouted mung beans.

PIG WELFARE CONCERNS FROM MINNESOTA TO CHINA

I took note of a full-page photo in the Aug. 26 Minnesota Star Tribune’s Scene at the Fair section, which depicted a newly born piglet in the fair’s Miracle of Birth Center being petted. Pigs are highly sentient animals, and sows giving birth seek seclusion and security -- neither of which they are afforded at state fairs, with milling crowds witnessing the birthing process. The disconnect between being moved to touch such an adorable creature and then proceeding to eat various pork products is evidently a cultural norm.

This disconnect persists in China, as well: According to the August 2024 edition of the British Veterinary Association’s journal, Veterinary Record, farm animals in China are often viewed as “production tools” or “animal-based protein products.” On July 2, the South China Morning Post reported about a 26-story pig factory in central China with the capacity to produce 1.2 million pigs per year.

It is notable that as of March 2024, Smithfield Foods, which is owned by the Chinese WH Group, controls more than a quarter of U.S. pig production. Smithfield is the largest pork producer in the U.S., raising and slaughtering nearly 18 million pigs each year.

A CAT BOOK TO INSPIRE ALL

I encourage all who love cats, as well as nature photography, to seek out the book “Rescue Cats: Portraits and Stories” by animal photographer Traer Scott. It features full-color portraits of cats alongside their stories, many of which include recovery from injury, illness, starvation and neglect.

Per the book’s description, “‘Rescue Cats’ pays tribute to these amazing felines who have undergone remarkable transformations and found their forever homes while conveying the profound impact of rescue and adoption. For cat lovers, photography enthusiasts, and advocates for animal welfare, this joyful cat book is a poignant reminder that every rescue is a chapter in a larger story of compassion and redemption.”

(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 READERS: Many illnesses and behavioral problems in dogs, cats and other companion animals can be prevented, and others cured, by their caretakers adhering to five basic principles. These qualities combine to ensure animals’ health and overall well-being.

Companion animals need:

-- the right relationship

-- the right breeding/genetics

-- the right nutrition

-- the right environment, and

-- the right holistic veterinary care.

It is every animal lover's responsibility to recognize these as basic animal rights. Doing so will prevent and alleviate much animal suffering, as well as reduce many animal health and behavioral problems (and therefore the veterinary and other costs associated with them). It would also lead to a reduction in animal abandonment and euthanasia.

Regrettably, according to a 2023 global assessment of pet homelessness, 15% of pet owners are considering giving up their pet in the next 12 months. Reasons given include personal health challenges, housing restrictions and time pressures. Almost half of the people surveyed said they had lost a pet in the past. (For details, see stateofpethomelessness.com.)

The duty-of-care principles bring out the best qualities in people by enhancing the human-animal bond. Animals will enjoy a higher quality of life and a better relational/emotional experience. The guidelines also provide an ethical compass of responsibility and compassion to advance the moral and character development of children. In learning how to respect and care for other animals, children enhance their sense of self-worth and refine their ability to empathize with other sentient beings.

As St. Francis of Assisi told his followers, “Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission: to be of service to them wherever they require it.”

CROPPING DOGS’ EARS HAS MULTIPLE DRAWBACKS

The practice of cropping dogs’ ears is illegal in many places, and has the potential for negative outcomes even when it is legally performed. These include pain and stress for the dog, along with the possibility of postoperative complications. The American Veterinary Medical Association opposes ear cropping when performed solely for cosmetic purposes. (Full story: Dogster.com, July 11)

The American Kennel Club should stop allowing dogs with cropped ears to enter the show ring.

DEAR DR. FOX: We’ve always given milk to our cats with zero problems. I give milk to my 11-year-old cat in the morning with her food -- just a few teaspoons. She drinks it first, then eats the cat food.

But some people say this is not good for them. And online, I'm reading that most adult cats are lactose intolerant and milk will make them throw up or get diarrhea. I don't understand. -- D.L., Maryland Heights, Missouri

DEAR D.L.: Some cats are not lactose intolerant -- as yours is obviously not, given the lack of problems you have witnessed. There is sufficient genetic diversity in cats, and in their gut bacteria, that most cats can do well on most foods.

That said, there are exceptions. Dairy products are on the list of foods that can cause allergies or food intolerances in felines. If you gave your cat more than the small amount of milk she is accustomed to, for instance, she might well have loose stools.

If she is on an all-dry-kibble diet, I would advise you to continue giving her a little milk. Many cats have a poor thirst-hydration regulatory system, as they were originally a desert-adapted species. Cats eating only dry kibble can develop health problems like cystitis from not consuming sufficient fluids. That is why I advise a diet of primarily wet food for cats, with a little kibble as a snack.

What kind of milk do you give your cat -- skim? Fat-free? Be sure not to give a cat raw milk, which could come from a cow infected with the H5N1 influenza virus. This virus has been infecting wild and domesticated birds and mammals. It has sickened and even killed several cats on dairy farms, as well as indoor-outdoor cats who consumed infected birds and rodents.

(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 READERS: I received some information about the insecticide Bravecto from Merck Animal Health, the product’s manufacturer. Please see this excerpt from the “safety information” section:

“BRAVECTO (fluralaner) Chews for Dogs: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, anorexia and pruritus. In some cases, adverse events have been reported following use in breeding females. ... Fluralaner is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia and seizures. Seizures have been reported in dogs receiving isoxazoline-class drugs, even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders.”

The isoxazoline class of insecticides, which is widely used in companion animal medicine, creates risks that may outweigh the benefits under most conditions of use. In addition, consumers may not be aware that, in order to be poisoned by furalaner (the drug in Bravecto), fleas and ticks must penetrate the host’s skin to draw blood. In the process, the bugs may transmit disease or trigger an allergic reaction.

There are safer alternatives. For more, see my previous posts on the issue:

-- drfoxonehealth.com/post/companion-animal-risks-of-flea-and-tick-insecticides

-- drfoxonehealth.com/post/preventing-fleas-ticks-and-mosquitoes

ANOTHER WONDER OF THE SPIDER WORLD

Researchers have learned that some orb-weaving spiders, after catching a male firefly in their webs, will use the trapped male's bioluminescence to their advantage. The spiders bite and wrap a flashing male firefly using a different technique than they use on other prey. This method seems to change the repeating light sequence of the male firefly -- which can still flash after being bitten -- to one that resembles a female’s single pulse. The signal seems to tempt more males to their demise. (Full report: doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.07.011)

DEAR DR. FOX: My dog, Bear -- black Lab, 9 years old, 86 pounds -- doesn’t seem to have any energy. What are your suggestions for his diet? -- A.T., Naples, Florida

DEAR A.T.: Your dog belongs to a breed that is very prone to becoming overweight, which can cause not only low energy, but also health complications like arthritis and vertebral disk herniation. In fact, my neighbors have a black Lab and recently spent $10,000 on spinal surgery to address a herniated disk issue. That was followed by months of a special diet and gentle exercise with a supporting harness.

I would highly advise a full veterinary checkup for Bear because he could have a thyroid, heart or kidney issue. And considering his age, he could have a painful joint or back problem, leading him to not want to be very active. This would only add to weight gain and progressive muscular weakness.

Don’t have the veterinarian insist on some special prescription diet. As documented in the book “Not Fit for a Dog: The Truth About Cat and Dog Food,” which I co-authored, most of these prescription diets are both expensive and unpalatable.

I would transition Bear, over a two-week period, to three small daily meals of Earth Animal’s Wisdom dog food. This air-dried kibble contains humanely raised chicken or turkey. They also have a vegan kibble, which Bear might enjoy and might be worth trying. Weigh Bear at the onset of this diet change, and again every three to four weeks. I would also recommend researching Earth Animal’s Healthy Weight supplements, developed by veterinarians.

In addition, I would advise giving Bear a supplement of chondroitin, glucosamine and MSM, available in drug stores. Give him one "human dose" daily, plus a few drops of good quality fish oil, as from Nordic Naturals (or two capsules of their marine algae if you want to avoid fish, as many vegans do).

(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.)