DEAR DR. FOX: We have a 10-year-old dachshund named Abigail. She had what appeared to be a rash with dried, scaly scabs for more than two years. She licked herself constantly.

We tried different foods, narrowing it down to individual proteins rather than food with several meat products. Our vet suggested we try making her homemade food and treats for dogs with allergies. We eliminated beef and chicken and replaced them with fish and veal. We started trying different high-quality pet foods, mixing dry with moist food. The vet ordered several tests, including thyroid activity. Nothing showed up in the test results.

She was put on multiple rounds of antibiotics, anti-fungal medications and prednisone. We shampooed her two or three times a week using prescription shampoo, and we also tried medicated oatmeal shampoo, Selsun Blue medicated shampoo and Head & Shoulders shampoo, all to no avail.

Finally, we decided to have her tested for the type of allergies she may have. The test cost about $300, but it was worth it. Abigail is allergic to several things. However, the test that shot through the roof was food mites. The vet explained that some stores keep dog food on the shelf until it sells, rather than until its expiration date. Abigail is also allergic to dust mites.

We moved all the old rugs and even had hardwood floors put down in the den and hallway (something we were planning anyway, but this result expedited the change). The few rooms with carpet, which she does not go into often, were shampooed and sprayed for allergens. We threw away her old bedding, and all bedding and blankets are now washed weekly with hot water.

Abigail was placed on another round of antibiotics, anti-fungal medication and prednisone. We switched her food to a Blue Health Holistic Fish and Sweet Potato (dry and wet). Abigail had no signs of rash or scaly scabs within three months. It has been more than year and a half without any signs of a breakout.

It has been a long and trying road to get her relieved of her condition, but we consider our pets as part of our family, and we would do anything to relieve her discomfort. I hope this information will help others. -- E.R.P., Kernersville, N.C.

DEAR E.R.P.: I have noted several instances of food mite contamination of dry pet foods over the years. The bugs multiply inside the sealed, contaminated bags, so the older the bag, the greater the number of mites. Always check the expiration date on the bag, and think twice about buying discounted dog and cat foods past their expiration dates. Also, the older the food, the more nutrients are lost through oxidation.

Dust mites in the home are a significant allergen for dogs and cats. These mites eat the dead skin cells humans shed and the dander that dogs and cats shed.

Thorough vacuuming every five to seven days is a routine hygienic practice for all homes. You should also launder any animal bedding at the same intervals.

DOGS' SUPER SENSES

Dogs are acute observers of human behavior, so much so that they are trained to warn when a person with epilepsy is going to have a seizure. They also have an incredible sense of smell, which enables them to detect bladder cancer from urine, lung cancer from breath and diabetic ketosis from body odor. This reflects dogs' ability to detect differences between what is normal and abnormal, and to be trained to respond accordingly. Since our body chemistry changes under stress and distress, we should wonder how that impacts our canine companions and the "good" and "bad" scents they pick up from strangers.

Dogs can also detect deadly bacterial infections. Cliff, a 2-year-old beagle, is trained to detect the bacterium Clostridium difficile, which is responsible for 14,000 human deaths annually in the U.S. Cliff correctly identified the infection in 25 of 30 people and determined that 265 of 270 uninfected people didn't have the bacteria. Researchers say dogs could be trained to detect the infection more quickly than conventional tests.

Even the presence of a dog has its own magic. Dogs can often encourage children to read, and one autistic child recently spoke for the very first time in an outpouring of coherent sentences about his dog!

(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: Our beagle/basset-mix has had a persistent itching/scratching/biting problem for the past two years.

We have tried many medications. They all bring temporary relief, but none cures the itching. We have tried many types of food, from grain-free to all-natural to homemade. Again, there is no consistent relief. We have spent a lot of money at different veterinarians, trying to pinpoint the problem -- to no avail. Prior to the itching, which started in August 2010, our dog had been on the same high-quality food for three years. We've added no new pets, changed his beds and given him baths with prescription shampoo and conditioner/lotion. There is no consistency as far as time of year.

We got him as a rescue, so we are unsure of his age, but we believe him to be 8 to 10 years old. We have grown weary of opening our wallet time and again to try and fix a problem that is frustrating for him and us. -- J.P., Washington, D.C.

DEAR J.P.: It seems you and your poor dog have been through the ringer. He may have multiple allergies and a dysfunctional immune system. More costly tests and trial-and-error treatments may -- or may not -- put an end to his problem.

Here are a few suggestions: Have his thyroid function evaluated. Try short-term oral antihistamines. Discuss starting an elimination diet with your veterinarian. Give your dog cotton towels or bedsheets to sleep on, and never use scented laundry detergents. Don't use any anti-flea or -tick products. Give him up to 1 teaspoon brewer's yeast and fish oil. Give him a spritz of a mixture of aloe vera juice, calendula and witch hazel. (For more suggestions, check the archives on my website, DrFoxVet.com.)

DEAR DR. FOX: Our 18-year-old cat, Carmen, was just diagnosed with diabetes -- again.

Carmen had a scary start in life: She was an injured, lost kitten we rescued. She has always been timid and more fearful of things than the average cat. She was diagnosed with diabetes when she was about 15 years old. We used Lantus insulin for a year or so, and the diabetes, according to the vet, was "cured." Then a few months ago, she started losing weight and peeing outside the litter box, so back to the vet we went, where the return to diabetes was confirmed.

The vet wanted to bring her in for a daylong glucose curve test, which we did, although we were concerned about the stress on Carmen. The testing cost $200, and the vet said she wanted to do it again in two weeks. We complied, paid $200 and were told to bring her back in another two weeks for yet another test.

When Carmen had diabetes the first time, we would test her at home, and if the levels were within normal range, we would continue with her food (Wellness Turkey and Salmon canned food) and testing program. When I asked the vet why we couldn't do that this time around, she said that our testing was just a moment in time, and it takes the whole day to get an accurate reading. Our concern is that these daylong tests at the vet are extremely stressful to Carmen and so the glucose level readings are probably not going to be as accurate as they should be.

Our other concern is that dear little Carmen is close to 100 years old in people years, and we want this time to be calm and relaxing for her. And, needless to say, the $200 a pop ,in addition to the cost of the insulin, syringes, etc., is beginning to add up.

What are your thoughts? -- F.D., North Beach, Md.

DEAR F.D.: Subjecting a cat as old as yours to such stress, especially considering her timid disposition, is borderline malpractice. Saying that her diabetes was "cured" and taking her off the insulin makes me wonder. I would never subject my cats to such stressful tests, the costs notwithstanding. They may be scientifically valid, but are they medically relevant and of any real value? For your cat in particular, I think not. Why could you not be instructed to do the blood tests at home?

Diabetes mellitus may not be your cat's only problem. Her weight loss may be associated with thyroid disease, and she may have some loss of kidney function. Considering her age, quality of life is paramount. Check feline-nutrition.org for alternative diets, including raw foods that have cured many cats of diabetes, and seek a second opinion with a feline specialist.

(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 a 10-year-old sheltie who was recently diagnosed with Cushing's disease. My vet put him on a 60-milligram Vetoryl capsule daily for the adrenal glands.

He growls at me when I try to put on his halter or touch his front legs, so I know his feet hurt. He doesn't want to walk and is constantly sitting or lying down. His fur is coming out in clumps. He used to love being brushed, but no longer. I originally thought he had a bladder infection because he urinates in the house.

His appetite is good. He gets a small handful of Purina's Beneful and 2 heaping teaspoons of canned Alpo in the morning. In the evening, he gets treats like Pup-Peroni, Beggin' Strips, Meaty Bone and DentaStix.

Can you give me any advice on how I can improve his quality of life? -- J.S., Albrightsville, Pa.

DEAR J.S.: I am sorry to hear about your poor dog's condition, which is all too prevalent in the canine population today.

With Cushing's disease, adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone cortisol. It can be complicated by diabetes and low thyroid activity. You should have him tested for these conditions.

Improving your dog's nutrition may help improve his physical and mental condition. Over 10 to 14 days, transition him onto a grain-free food such as Wellness, Orijen or Organix. Discuss the possibility of giving your dog digestive enzymes, probiotics and a source of omega-3 fatty acids in his food. He may enjoy my recipe for buckwheat treats, which you can find on my website, DrFoxVet.com. You can also buy freeze-dried meaty treats like Stella & Chewy's. Don't buy any imported from China!

DEAR DR. FOX: We have a 13-year-old male cat who has started vomiting up his food on a daily basis. He is an indoor cat, and he eats California Natural chicken and brown rice formula and the occasional treat from the vet to clean his teeth.

We take him for walks on a leash daily. If he happens to eat grass while outdoors or if he drinks water after eating his first meal of the day, it will cause the vomiting. We have asked our vet for a remedy, with no solution. We would like to get your take on this because the vomiting is almost constant, and we are concerned about his health. -- G.R., Norman, Okla.

DEAR G.R.: I wish more people would take your initiative and try habituating their cats to a daily walk in a harness. Many cats enjoy such outdoor stimulation.

Ruling out lymphatic cancer (considering your cat's age) and fur ball accumulation in the stomach, I would consider a possible food hypersensitivity or allergy as the cause of his vomiting. Try transitioning your cat onto a different diet of known, whole-food ingredients -- no generic "meat meal" or byproducts. Avoid corn and soy because they may be genetically modified.

Do not allow your cat to eat grass, which can irritate an inflamed stomach. Give your cat small meals four to six times daily, since eating a large meal quickly can make hungry cats vomit.

(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.)