DEAR READERS: More women than men now graduate from veterinary colleges -- very different than when I graduated in 1962. After winning a county scholarship, my education in England was free. Today, graduates have student loan debts around $150,000, which is not a secure way to start a professional life dedicated to providing the best and most cost-effective care for cats, dogs and other animals.

The clinical challenges in helping animal patients are many and considerable. Rising costs of medications and essential diagnostics strain vets and owners alike. Most vets' animal patients are neutered, variously confined and often live long hours alone, fed highly processed manufactured foods and given over-the-counter anti-flea drugs on a routine basis. Many dogs and ever-more cats also have genetic abnormalities because of selective inbreeding that make them prone to various diseases and immune to vaccinations and anesthesia, which could mean frivolous malpractice suits and rising liability insurance costs. Add having to address the consequences of declawing, lack of understanding of animals' basic needs and post-traumatic stress disorder in abused and traumatized shelter animals, and vets' jobs are more stressful than ever. Highly trained and dedicated animal doctors are seeing a decline in patient treatment hours as the foundering economy affects more people, and causes pet owners to work longer.

Pet health insurance (for those who can afford it) and franchised veterinary services are now a reality. But in my estimation, the future would be more secure and the greater good better served by the professional veterinary sector becoming more deeply involved in local animal shelter, animal rescue, cruelty and protection concerns. Additionally, community vets should promote preventive health care, animal behavioral counseling and even speak to school children about animals and their proper, responsible care. The many dogs who bark for hours, and the free-roaming cats who kill songbirds and chipmunks are symptomatic of some major animal health, welfare and care issues that have not been fully addressed and rectified, in part because of a lack of veterinary expertise being called for in community relations and the establishment of effective municipal animal care and protection regulations.

A more socialized companion animal veterinarian is called for, and many are responding to this call. There is no group of professionals more qualified to share their experiences through volunteering and offering their expertise by beginning an ongoing educational dialogue with animal lovers in their communities. More veterinary students are also being exposed to this community-based orientation by helping in animal shelters and engaging in behavioral counseling and adoption programs. Others elect to invest in postgraduate specialist training and work in referral practices for those who can afford to see a veterinary dermatologist, neurologist or other specialist.

Fortunately, many health issues may soon be greatly reduced thanks to the advances being made in veterinary preventive and holistic, integrative medicine. Vets also help with public education about microchipping and adopting rather than buying pets. Many people now take their pups to puppy classes to socialize and learn animal communication and control, while those with cats learn how and why to make their cats enjoy life indoors and never need or be allowed to roam free off their property.

The best medicine is prevention, which calls for regular wellness examinations and a more holistic, integrative approach to companion animal health. This has already lead to a re-evaluation of vaccination protocols, of feeding highly processed "junk" commercial pet foods and of overmedicating, especially with so-called preventive medications. For further information, contact a holistic veterinarian in your area. A searchable list can be found at holisticvetlist.com. Veterinarians wishing to learn more are encouraged to become members of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, at ahvma.org.

DEAR DR. FOX: I have a sphynx cat who is 1 year old. Lately, he has been keeping me up at night meowing and begging to go outside -- he's an indoor cat, but I let him out on my patio when I'm outside. Usually, at 3 a.m., he will stand by the sliding glass door in my room and whine, or climb on my chair and scratch it until I wake up, or he will jump on my head. Closing my door doesn't help, as he stands outside and cries and rips up my carpet. Any suggestions? -- H.H., Reston, Virginia

DEAR H.H.: This is a frequent complaint, and many people with this issue have found that vigorous interactive play with the cat before bedtime and putting treats or dry cat food out, some hidden or in puzzle toys, can help. My book "Cat Body, Cat Mind" will give you more insights and solutions. In many instances, two cats are generally happier and healthier than those who must live alone and are in total confinement without even human contact for many hours during the day.

(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.net.)

DEAR DR. FOX: I have 24 cats. They all have their shots, etc. I give them plenty to eat, plus they catch mice outside. Every other day, I boil a whole chicken down to the bone to feed them. I also add salt, garlic powder and English thyme.

I know garlic is recommended for dogs, but can garlic harm cats? What I prepare is mixed well, and I add a lot of water to cool down the mash. The cats love it! I also give them flounder smothered in butter every other day (mixed with a lot of water). They like to slurp. They also eat Purina One salmon and tuna dry food, Wellness chicken and herring, Friskies poultry platter pate and Friskies ocean whitefish and tuna.

Please advise. -- N.H., Clinton Corners, New York

DEAR N.H.: Garlic can cause a form of anemia in cats, so do not give them garlic or onion. The cat food recipe posted on my website, DrFoxVet.net, may be more cost-effective and best for all your cats. I urge you to put up a large covered cat porch or gazebo with secured tree branches to climb and plenty of resting shelves or perches. Also, be sure to set out several litter boxes. Your cats are killing and probably eating other wildlife in addition to mice; this is not acceptable. You should not limit your care and affection to just one species! From the mice, your cats can get diseases that can infect people, and some of your cats may be injured or killed by hungry coyotes if you let them roam freely.

DEAR DR. FOX: I have a rescued male Shih Tzu, who I have owned for about nine years. Just recently, a gentleman came into my life, and we have been spending a lot of time together.

My dog has chewed up and destroyed a throw rug and is doing his "business" everywhere in my home. If I am home, he will still urinate in the house. I believe it's a case of jealousy, but I don't know what to do. The dog really likes my friend and pays attention to him. Please advise. -- B.G., Fort Myers, Florida

DEAR B.G.: Your dog is probably experiencing a combination of jealousy and separation-anxiety, which he acts on by destroying things and house-soiling. First, take your dog with you and your new gentleman friend whenever you can, and have the man walk the dog on the leash, groom the dog and engage with you and the dog in interactive games in an enclosed, off-leash area. Leave a TV or radio on when you must leave your dog at home to help make him feel less abandoned.

There are various dog toys and puzzles in which you can put treats for the dog so he can be engaged while alone. Be sure to give your dog some treats before you leave so he associates your departure with being rewarded.

Ignore him and don't scold if he makes a mess or chews things while you are away. That will only increase his anxiety and make him more likely to continue this behavior. Discuss with your veterinarian giving the dog a mild dose of Prozac or Valium to help him through this crisis so he can adjust better to a new member of the pack.

Dog Food Recall

Limited batches of Carnivore Meat Co.'s Vital Essentials Frozen Beef Tripe Patties and Frozen Beef Tripe Niblets have been recalled due to possible listeria contamination. Listeria can cause illness in dogs and people. If you purchased this product, call 920-370-6542 for information regarding a refund.

(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.net.)

DEAR DR. FOX: I hope you can help us. We have a 2-year-old female cat, Joy, who we adopted with her brother, Charlie, from the Naples Humane Society a year ago.

Joy has developed an allergy this spring. It started as a raised bump. Within two days, it turned into open sores; in fact, she had two sores above her eye. They got nasty looking very fast, so the next day we took her to the vet. Joy was diagnosed with an allergy called eosinophilic plaque, also called granuloma.

The vet gave Joy Depo-Medrol and Convenia. We were told this could be an ongoing problem and that it does show up at around 2 years of age. It took more than a week for her to heal.

A few weeks ago, Joy had a very large spot in front of her ear. We waited a day, and it got worse. We went to the vet again, and Joy got the same treatment. She had some tiny spots on her other ear. Luckily, she's healing quickly.

A few days ago, another bump showed up in the same area. It has not yet turned into a nasty sore, but there is another appearing on the other side, so we are watching it. These sores came up just a few weeks after the last ones, and I am concerned about the frequent use of steroids. The vet tells us there is no cure, and Joy has to be treated this way.

Is there a way to find out the cause of the allergy, and is there a cure for her? We think we could start with food. What about the laundry soap I use on their towels? The cats do go outside -- we have a screened-in patio. -- R.J.F. & E.J.M., Naples, Florida

DEAR R.J.F. & E.J.M: Your letter is one of the few I receive that makes me feel that the attending veterinarian may be off the mark. Fortunately, you included your phone number, so I could telephone you. As I suspected, on your screened-in patio, where your cats are allowed, mosquitoes often bite you. These kinds of lesions in cats (eosinophilic granulomas) can have a complex etiology, but the first consideration is biting insects that the attending veterinarian did not even question.

When I spoke to the letter writers, R.J.F.'s response was, "They did not seem interested in any investigation, just gave the medication." E.J.M. said, "They only treated the symptoms and not the cause."

I surely hope that other veterinarians in your area are not following this treatment protocol and are adding essential preventive measures to keep biting insects -- which can spread heartworm, West Nile and other diseases as well as trigger allergic reactions in animals -- away from companion animals.

Your patio must be made as insect-proof as possible; use one or more fans (which most cats love), and try a safe eucalyptus or lemon eucalyptus hydrosol on your cat's fur to repel these insects. In an emergency, soak a sliced lemon, peel and all, in 2 cups of boiling water; mash it up, strain and use a dab on your cat's ears, neck and back when the insects are out most -- usually early evening. Store the lemon extract in the fridge. Stop the cats from grooming each other and grooming themselves as best you can, since the extract may cause salivation and mild oral irritation. Applying topical antihistamine cream to any bites and adding anti-inflammatory fish oil to their diet on a daily basis may also provide relief.

DEAR DR. FOX: My male cat is 11 years old. He has lost 2 pounds since May. I took him to the vet to get his nails clipped, and after a blood test, his blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was 48 instead of the normal 14 to 36. His cholesterol was 260 instead of 75 to 220. His platelet count was 181 instead of 200 to 500.

I was told his kidney needed less stress from his food. The vet advised Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function canned food. My cat loves tuna or salmon canned food. This food is made with chicken, and he won't touch it. I tried blending it with tuna, but he won't eat that either.

To give me more years with him, I need to make or find the cat food that's best for him. Is dry cat food good for him? -- P.S., St. Louis

DEAR P.S.: When a cat refuses to eat, even for a few hours, I consider it an emergency requiring immediate veterinary consultation because of the risk of developing sudden-onset fatty liver disease. Your veterinarian should address this issue and should be able to provide recipes for home preparation according to your cat's special needs.

Alternatively, your veterinarian, if unfamiliar with the veterinary nutrition specialists and special diet formulating company Balance IT, should contact them at 1-888-346-6362 and visit secure.balanceit.com.

Many cats and dogs have difficulty accepting the manufactured special prescription diets. And some of those diets are of dubious value.

DEAR DR. FOX: I have a serious problem with my beautiful white poodle. He rubs his eyes on the carpet, his bed and the sofa, and he squeals in pain. I have taken him to the vet many times, and he was put on Hills Prescription Diet salmon dry food. He's also been put on antibiotics, and I give him small amounts of Benadryl -- all to no avail. His eyelids are raw. He has had lashes surgically removed three times. I do not know what to do for him. I daub cotton pads with cool water around his eyes daily to help contain bacteria. -- B.L., Naples, Florida

DEAR B.L.: Your dog's condition is very distressing for both of you, and I urge you to seek a second opinion from a veterinary ophthalmologist without delay. Putting water around his eyes could make matters worse. Removing an eyelash or two can give relief, but they can grow back, and when the problem is entropion (turning-in of the eyelids), corrective surgery is the only solution. Certainly, the inflammation and possible eye infection of the eyelids must also be addressed. My concern is that a dry eye condition and ulceration of the cornea may develop, which could ultimately lead to loss of vision.

(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.net.)