Community ClicksChin struggles with breathing issues
Dear Dr. Fox,
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, Fla.
Dear C.E.,
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.
Rule out mange for over-itchy Lab
Dear Dr. Fox,
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.
Dear G. & J.L.,
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.
Food-safety question
Three major varieties of genetically engineered (GE) corn — widely used by human food and soft-drink manufacturers and the livestock-feed and pet-food industries — have been found harmful to mammalian health.
European researchers report that in their analysis of feeding trials of insecticide producing Mon 810, Mon 863 and Roundup-herbicide-absorbing NK 603 varieties of GE corn, they found adverse impacts on kidneys and liver, the dietary detoxifying organs, as well as different levels of damages to heart, adrenal glands, spleen and blood system.
These scientists (report in the International Journal of Biological Sciences, vol. 5, p 706-726, 2009, http://www.biolsci.org/v05p0706) have called for immediate prohibition on the import and cultivation of these GE crops and more in-depth safety studies.
My advice is to buy certified-organic produce and avoid all manufactured foods, beverages and pet foods that contain corn ingredients.
