DEAR DR. FOX: When my son was in grade school, he enjoyed the animals they had in his classroom -- a rabbit and a couple of gerbils. He's older now and wants a ferret. You don't write much about these kinds of small pets in your column, but my question is: Are there any alternatives to having a female ferret spayed? It seems extreme since we will only keep one, and she won't have a chance to breed. -- P.K., Norman, Oklahoma

DEAR P.K.: I rarely receive letters concerning cage and aquarium animals, be they rats, hamsters, lizards, parakeets or tropical fish. Part of the reason, I suspect, is that many people now find answers online -- some possibly from not the most reliable sources. Others just see the animals as cheap and replaceable, the more expensive ones being taken to "exotic" animal veterinary specialists.

In this category of animals, significant improvement in their care is called for; too many live solitary lives in impoverished environments. Many die prematurely, often before they leave the pet supply stores. Others, for various reasons, are set free, and if they do survive, they can harm the balance of nature (like in Florida with the python). For a detailed critique of this market industry, see veterinarian Charles Danten's book, "Slaves of Affection: The Myth of the Happy Pet."

I am also aware of the plight of many animals kept in schools, who lack proper care over weekends and vacations, and, as Dr. Danten emphasizes, even with the best teachers, the "educational experience" is primarily one of acceptance of animal confinement and exploitation. There are better ways to teach children respect for other living beings.

The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 748,000 ferrets are kept as pets in the United States. If they are not kept for breeding purposes, the females must be spayed; otherwise, they keep coming in to heat (mating breaks the heat cycle). This leads to a form of fatal anemia called irreversible pancytopenia. Males are neutered to reduce musky odors as well as to prevent mating. These are good examples of the welfare and health issues of taking in various species not adapted to conditions of domestication or captivity, which deprives them of basic social and environmental needs.

Research on a sex hormone-inhibiting, long-acting implant is progressing as an alternative to surgical sterilization. Side effects are yet to be determined. The harmful side effect of surgical neutering in both males and females is all too common, namely Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism), which can mean chronic suffering and costly treatment. The hormonal imbalance caused by neutering is thought to be the cause, and this condition is not uncommon in neutered dogs.

While ferrets are adorable, intelligent, curious and affectionate animals, I would think twice about getting one -- and two is better than one for their social needs. Never purchase a purposely bred animal; instead, adopt from your local animal shelter.

DEAR DR. FOX: My 12-pound puppy has had diarrhea for at least five months. Our vet has tried special food like Hill's z/d hypoallergenic diarrhea powder. She's also been on prednisone and some antibiotics. At this point, I don't know what I can do anymore. She is otherwise a happy little puppy who seems to enjoy her life. Please, any help would be appreciated. -- S.S., Naples, Florida

DEAR S.S.: In my opinion, you need to find a veterinarian who will take a more holistic approach to your young dog's potentially debilitating condition. This would include, after ruling out internal parasites and bacterial infection, providing digestive enzymes, probiotics, prebiotics and an elimination diet to rule out a food allergy. For details on this diet, and my home-prepared dog food recipe, which might be the best solution, check my website, DrFoxVet.com. Do be sure there is no carrageenan in the canned dog food and soft treats, because this thickening agent can cause serious bowel problems in dogs and cats.

I am disturbed that antibiotics and prednisone were used on your pup without any evident diagnosis, which I am sure you would have shared with me. Such treatment is likely to make the condition worse.

Some holistic veterinarians, like more and more human doctors, are discovering the benefit of fecal transplants (via a rectal enema) in patients with chronic diarrhea caused by a variety of conditions. To find a holistic veterinarian in your area, a searchable list can be found at holisticvetlist.com.

(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: What can be done to educate dog owners to not let their pets urinate on trees and in gardens near sidewalks in urban areas? I live in a densely populated area in downtown Washington, D.C. Residents try to keep their trees and gardens lush and healthy for the enjoyment of all. Repeatedly dog owners will allow their pets to walk in gardens or by trees to urinate. Damage is evident by wilting, trampled plants and distressed-looking trees.

The District built a very nice dog park nearby that could be used for such purposes.

Also, is it possible for pet owners to have their dogs use the curbs? Thank you. -- S.D., Washington, D.C.

DEAR S.D.: You raise a very significant environmental and public health issue. I lament the fate of many urban trees with little soil, stifled by concrete and brick sidewalks, poorly nourished, rarely watered, with poor root formation making them prone to disease and being toppled by wind storms. All should have large soil and gravel beds around them, which would do much to help dilute and biodegrade dogs' urine.

All dog walkers should be fined for not picking up dog feces, which is a public nuisance for footwear and can be a public health hazard, being a source of potentially harmful bacteria and viruses. 

Dogs, especially males, need to mark their routes or territories with urine, and fire hydrants and lamp posts, again with a large circle of gravel and soil around the base, should be preferred targets directed by the dog walkers.

The cavalier attitude and indifference of some dog walkers when it comes to preventing their dogs from evacuating on neighbors' lawns and plants give a bad name for dog owners who are more mindful and respectful. Neighborhood parks, primarily for children, should have designated, ideally off-leash, dog zones, and strict rules when it comes to cleaning up after dogs and not allowing aggressive or unmanageable dogs off-leash.

DEAR DR. FOX: Our Weimaraner has developed allergies to almost all foods. Her reaction is severe ear infections.

Blood tests show the only things she isn't allergic to re beet pulp, potatoes and eggs. Her next lower sensitivity is to chicken and turkey. Is there any help out there? She's even allergic to the super-hypoallergenic dog food from Science Diet.

My husband wants to have her destroyed because we are to the point we can't afford to keep up her steroid medicines while I'm in school. I need help to find something to feed this dog to keep her from getting so many ear infections.

Any help would be appreciated. -- D.K.H., Wood River, Illinois

DEAR D.K.H.: Weimaraners are extremely sensitive to vaccinations and can develop a variety of adverse reactions, which can impair their immune systems. So I would first advise no more vaccinations and no oral or topical anti-flea and tick drugs. Check my website, DrFoxVet.com, for more details.

Science Diet special prescription foods can be of help for some dogs, but they are not free of additives, preservatives and manufacturing plant contaminants. These can cause problems for some dogs.

An ear product called Zymox, available online, would be worth trying. Pure, organic olive oil can work wonders after washing the external ear canals with a solution of equal parts warm organic apple cider vinegar and warm water. Dry the ears well and apply the oil after an hour or so on a daily basis until the inflammation subsides.

A good hypoallergenic diet for many dogs is a mixture of white fish and potato, with one human multivitamin and multi-mineral supplement per serving; a few drops of flax seed or fish oil; 1 teaspoon of coconut oil; and try adding a little well-cooked sweet potato, blueberries and lightly cooked broccoli. Discuss this home-prepared dietary regimen with your veterinarian. Many veterinarians now provide special recipes for their clients' animals' various diet-related health issues.

(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 family dog has bad hips. He is a Lab-golden retriever mix. He is about 9 years old. We don't know much about his early years because he came to live with us later in life.

How do humans know when a dog is in pain? He does not flinch, whine or show any different behavior when I feel his hips or hind legs. He just limps badly. Thank you for your advice. -- Y.P., Houston

DEAR Y.P.: Pain is a highly subjective phenomenon. Some dogs, like some people, have very high pain thresholds and can tolerate injuries that totally incapacitate others.

Your dog's limping is probably a combined protective response to minimize pain and a mechanical limitation in the range of joint mobility due to arthritic changes.

Some dogs show fear or appear depressed and withdrawn when experiencing pain, while others become snappy and show defensive aggressive behavior -- just like some people!

My book, "The Healing Touch for Dogs," and some of the supplements posted on my website, DrFoxVet.com, have helped many dogs with chronic joint issues like your canine companion.

DEAR DR. FOX: Four years ago we adopted two barn kittens (male and female siblings). The female is a healthy, happy cat (though not a lap kitty). The male, Cappy, who was the runt of the litter, appeared healthy until last year, when he was diagnosed with struvite (urinary tract stones).

He had had a couple of occurrences of urinating outside the litter box, but at the time of the diagnosis, he was unable to urinate and spent two days in the emergency animal hospital. Following this, both cats have been exclusively on a special prescription food (canned and dry) on the advice of our vet. Since then, Cappy seems to be fearful of the litter box. He avoids urinating in it as long as possible, then ends up going a huge amount in inappropriate places, most often a throw rug, occasionally on a bed. He will also sometimes defecate outside the box.

Cappy is a very loving cat, and his issues seem unrelated to anything in the household or our routine. Because he's very smart and has a good memory, I think he remembers when using the litter box was painful.

How do we rehabilitate him? And what role does diet play in struvite? His sibling seems happy enough on the current diet and shows no particular interest in other foods, but Cappy clearly would love a different kind of food and misses the treats he can no longer have.

What can you suggest? Thank you. -- T.N., Winston-Salem, North Carolina

DEAR T.N.: First, please check my website for some additional background information on struvite that may be helpful to you.

As an alternative to special manufactured prescription diets, transitioning your cats onto a raw food diet may be the best long-term solution. For details, visit feline-nutrition.org. Check my website for good cat treats. I would advise freeze-dried salmon and meats.

The litter box aversion is common in cats who associate pain from cystitis, blocked anal glands and urinary tract calculi or stones with being in the box. It can be helped through keeping the cat for a few days in the bathroom, for example, with no rugs on the floor and the bath and sink containing an inch or two of water to deter the cat. Provide a new disposable paper litter box or cut-down cardboard box containing a different brand of litter. Give the cat time out for play, feeding and grooming under strict supervision. Give some calming catnip to eat. Clean soiled areas with a product like Miracle Clean enzyme cleaner.

MORE CANINE HEALTH CONCERNS WITH EARLY NEUTERING

The University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine has posted a study by veterinarian Benjamin L. Hart and associates on the incidence of various cancers and joint problems in golden retrievers and Labradors in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.

Veterinary hospital records were examined over a 13-year period for the effects of neutering during specified age ranges: before 6 months; during 6 to 11 months; in year 1; or years 2 through 8. The joint disorders examined were hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear and elbow dysplasia. The cancers examined were lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumor and mammary cancer.

In Labrador retrievers, where about 5 percent of gonadally intact males and females had one or more joint disorders, neutering before 6 months doubled the incidence of one or more joint disorders in both sexes. In male and female golden retrievers, with the same 5 percent rate of joint disorders in intact dogs, neutering at less than 6 months increased the incidence of a joint disorder to 4 to 5 times that of intact dogs.

The incidence of one or more cancers in female Labrador retrievers increased slightly above the 3 percent level of intact females with neutering. In contrast, in female golden retrievers, with the same 3 percent rate of one or more cancers in intact females, neutering at all periods through 8 years of age increased the rate of at least one of the cancers by 3 to 4 times. In male golden and Labrador retrievers, neutering had relatively minor effects in increasing the occurrence of cancers. Comparisons of cancers in the two breeds suggest that the occurrence of cancers in female golden retrievers is a reflection of particular vulnerability to gonadal hormone removal.

(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.)