DEAR DR. FOX: In your dreams or in working with sick animals as they pass on, have you ever gotten a sense from them of how they feel about humans ending their lives when they are ill?

Although we rationalize it as the most caring and compassionate thing to do, do we really have the right to do that to other beings? How do the animals think and feel about it? -- R.B., Philadelphia

DEAR R.B.: In my experience euthanizing animals and my limited experience with hospice care for humans, fear is the biggest issue. People and animals who know that they are going to die and are not at peace or feel insecure need all the help that caregivers can provide to make the transition as smooth as possible.

I have met all my beloved deceased animals in my dreams. Some of them did not have smooth exits, but all of them are shining with happiness now. While that could be my own psyche helping me feel good, I believe that there is irrefutable evidence of life after life. I contend that it is our duty to liberate animals under our care from intractable, incurable suffering. They have ways of letting us know they're OK once we get through our own guilt, anger, helplessness, depression and other feelings that can sweep over us when we relive the events leading up to the time when a humane death -- euthanasia -- is administered. In some instances, animals, like people, and their loved ones are blessed with an easy passage, dying in their sleep or in the arms of their loved ones without any anesthetic or pain-, heart- and brain-stopping medications. Empathy and compassion must take precedence over extending life at all costs.

I hope that this response helps answer these questions. I must add that some people have not come to terms with accepting death and do not appreciate the emotional exhaustion and ethical burden on many caregivers, as evidenced when they berate me for suggesting to readers that they should have their animals euthanized.

Note: I emailed this reply to R.B., who replied: Thank you so much for sharing your personal experience and perspectives on this most delicate subject. I feel a little more at peace now after having read your letter. Not only is it OK, it's actually our duty to liberate animals under our care from suffering.

JERKY DOG TREATS BEING RECALLED

Thousands of complaints about dogs becoming ill and even dying after consuming chicken jerky treats have been filed with the FDA. But, as I have documented on my website, DrFoxVet.com, no specific cause has been identified. I have long suggested food irradiation as a factor.

Now these widely marketed dog treats, all manufactured in China, are being taken off the market -- not because the poison has been identified, but because minute and allegedly harmless traces of an antibiotic used by poultry producers in China and prohibited in the U.S. has been found by the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets. Here are a few notable recalls:

-- Waggin' Train LLC is voluntarily withdrawing its Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch dog treats sold in the United States until further notice. For product refund or more information, call 1-800-982-0704 or go to waggintrainbrand.com.

-- Milo's Kitchen Chicken Jerky and Chicken Grillers home-style dog treats are being recalled. Consumers with questions about Milo's Kitchen products can get further information at 1-877-228-6493.

-- IMS Trading Corp. is taking its Cadet Brand Chicken Jerky Treats off the market. For more information, visit imspet.com/recallchickentreats.htm.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Universal Uclick, 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 DrFoxVet.com.)

DEAR DR. FOX: I have an 11-year-old spayed female mix-breed dog. She has a musty odor that will not go away, even after a bath. I have changed her food to no avail.

Do you have any suggestions that might help? -- E.B., Archdale, N.C.

DEAR E.B.: Older dogs often develop a distinct odor, which can be quite penetrating when one is close to them or sharing the same room. The smell is usually associated with the kidneys and liver not working as well as they should in ridding the body of waste products and toxins.

A generic approach to this geriatric issue is a regimen of regular exercise, weight management and a weekly "dry bath" (rubbing in and brushing out baby powder to absorb and remove odors). You might try various natural herbal spray products like PetzLife Bath Eaze, a bathless shampoo and conditioner, and Odorz Off bedding odor remover.

Launder your dog's bedding weekly using detergent with natural fragrances. In many instances, a periodic shampoo with Selsun Blue and daily supplements of brewer's yeast and flaxseed oil (about 1 teaspoon of each) in the dog's food can be of great help.

My old dogs always seemed happier and livelier when they smelled better, and I am sure many dogs become depressed by their stink.

A change in body odor can also mean a change in activity and the content of the skin's oil. A full veterinary checkup would be worth the investment, if you trust your nose as a potential diagnostic tool. Some smelly old dogs, for example, have poor thyroid or adrenal gland function, and no amount of shampooing is going to address the cause.

DEAR DR. FOX: Are wood pellets safe for kitty litter? I know pine is not good for cats, but I heard some shelters use the pellets. I use World's Best, but it's expensive with five cats. -- S.P., Minnetonka, Minn.

DEAR S.P.: Wood pellets (and also cedar chips/shavings) may contain dioxins and other potentially toxic chemicals, especially if made from treated lumber, and their absorbency of cat urine may be poor. Recycled newspaper pellets, like Purina's Yesterday's News, is more absorbent and may be safer than wood pellets. I have tried various cat litters, including imported coconut fiber, which can be very messy. In spite of the expense, I use the corn-based World's Best cat litter.

Some cats are allergic to corn in their food. I know of one cat whose cystitis cleared up after she was given a corn-free diet, but came back when a corn-based litter was used.

As a note, clay-based litters can be dusty and contain silica and other particulate material. Also, I advise that you not use scented cat litter. Cats can become allergic or develop hypersensitivity to synthetic fragrances, including room air fresheners.

DEAR DR. FOX: I have an energetic and bored 5-year-old (rescued) cat -- a part flame, part Siamese named Ziggy. He's very bright and can open doors and respond to commands. I'd like to teach him more tricks, but I haven't found anything of interest. Is there a website you might suggest? -- B.D., Leland, N.C.

DEAR B.D.: I am glad to learn of your interest in making life more stimulating for Ziggy. My book "Supercat: How to Raise the Perfect Feline Companion" has a full section on providing environmental enrichment, games and challenging IQ tests for cats.

Don't forget the best provision for a single cat is a companion, since two cats living together are generally healthier and happier than those who live alone.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Universal Uclick, 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 DrFoxVet.com.)

DEAR DR. FOX: I followed your advice about giving catnip to my three cats, and visited your website archives to learn more. Two of them love it! I grow my own in my yard, sun dry the herb and give them a pinch every few days. They get so relaxed!

I decided to give some fresh flower heads and leaves to the two who love it, and one immediately puked. He never did this when I gave him the crushed dry leaves and flowers. Cleaning it up, I found two fur balls. Maybe that's another use for this great herb. I make my own tea with it some evenings to relax. -- G.L., Roanoke, Va.

DEAR G.L.: First, let's give salutations to the many herbs in our yards and roadsides that can offer us and other animals so many healing benefits, and which most people wage war against with herbicides, not knowing how harmful these chemicals can be. We kill herbs that have many medicinal properties, but our ultimate healing will come when we change this adversarial and ignorant attitude toward all wild things that we seek to control and exterminate.

My two cats also enjoy the occasional pinch of dried catnip. One even vomited fur balls less than a minute after he ate the fresh herb, like your cat. Fur balls can be harmful to cats, and many do not regurgitate them; they can fill up the stomach, interfere with digestive processes and even cause intestinal blockage. Perhaps this is a new use for this herb, and I would like to hear from other cat owners and feline medicine experts on this topic.

DEAR DR. FOX: I have a cat with mild cardiac issues. He is on a low dose of baby aspirin and atenolol. Vets always want to clean his teeth -- he has tartar and a couple spots of redness on his gum -- but this cardiologist believes that while he would probably be fine with general anesthesia, in the absence of an emergency there's no reason to take the risk. He mentioned some vets have loved PetzLife, and maybe I should try it. He said as far as he knows, it won't interfere with medication.

What is better for cats, peppermint or salmon? -- J.K., Minneapolis

DEAR J.K.: I am glad to hear that your veterinary cardiologist is on the ball and acknowledging the benefits of PetzLife oral care products. I would use the salmon-flavored product that my cats like! Be sure to not overdo applications and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Giving your cat a raw chicken wing tip with all the skin from the wing or a thin strip of raw beef to chew on once a week will help keep teeth clean and will help remove the tartar loosened by the PetzLife gel or spray. Chicken skin and raw beef are like kitty dental floss, but scald them to kill any salmonella and other potentially hazardous bacteria.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Universal Uclick, 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 DrFoxVet.com.)