Sally Jenkins’ May 9 Washington Post article, “Horse Racing Is Just a Gussied-up Vice,” documents some of the ethical and animal welfare concerns this industry needs to address, especially the fact that horses are raced at too young an age. They are not skeletally mature until they reach 4 years of age. However, prize money for 2-year-old racing continues to climb, making these immature horses a more profitable option, despite the huge risk of injury. Allowing them to properly mature would take too long and cost too much.

Most racehorses are retired by the end of their fourth year due to injury, chronic illness or an inability to win in higher classes. Most horses in training are confined to a stall for as long as 22 hours per day. Ninety percent of horses suffer from ulcers as a result of stress and an unnatural feeding regimen. Horses control their stomach acids by continuously grazing, which they are unable to do confined to a stall. Some 90 percent suffer from bleeding in the lungs due to overexertion when racing. For more details, visit horseracingkills.org.

Horses have served humanity in countless ways for millennia. It is now time for us to cease their unwarranted, money-driven exploitation and suffering. Selectively breeding, cloning and drugging horses for speed, and then racing them when they are too young and therefore prone to injury, should be prosecuted as felony animal cruelty.

DEAR DR. FOX: I have had four outdoor rescue cats (who became indoor cats) over the years. I am also allergic to bee stings, so I had my outdoor deck screened in. All four cats have enjoyed the fresh air and being able to see the yard. The best part is that we can sit together and enjoy the view. It’s a great idea for cat and dog lovers. -- B.M., Rhinebeck, New York

DEAR B.M.: I hope cat owners will take note of your initiative.

No cat should ever be allowed to roam free. Cats really do enjoy the visual stimulation and ability to sniff the outdoors from a cat-proof deck. In a pinch, a very secure window screen and a padded shelf by the windowsill will give many apartment-dwelling cats some environmental enrichment. Hanging a bird-feeder close to the window or in front of the patio screen provides additional stimulation -- it seems to be more entertaining than frustrating for most cats, as they watch for hours.

CANINE BRUCELLOSIS CONFIRMED AT IOWA FACILITY

Several cases of canine brucellosis were confirmed at a commercial small-dog breeding facility in Marion County, Iowa, according to state public health officials.

The disease is transmissible to humans. In dogs, it causes fever, lethargy and spontaneous abortion. In humans, it leads to fever, headache, joint pain and weakness.

All animals from the facility are undergoing testing, although State Veterinarian Jeff Kaisand advises testing for any dog obtained recently from a source in the county. (Des Moines Register, 5/13)

I would add the warning not to purchase a pup online from any commercial breeder.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 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 DrFoxOneHealth.com.)

DEAR DR. FOX: Except for rabies, may I opt out of annual shots for my dogs, and any other suggested vaccines at vet offices? -- L.A., Tulsa, Oklahoma

DEAR L.A.: You are raising an issue that is politically controversial in the human health care sphere -- so much so, that members of the Kennedy family have spoken out against Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his information on childrenshealthdefense.org. His views and concerns about the plethora of vaccines given to children, and what they contain, are backed by sound science and reason. They parallel many of mine when it comes to vaccinating companion animals. But neither he nor I are totally opposed to the cautious and appropriate use of safe and effective vaccines.

Too many veterinarians still advocate annual booster vaccinations, and some boarding and grooming facilities will refuse animals who are not “up to date” on their shots. This is analogous to schools forcing parents to have their children vaccinated regardless of pre-existing vaccination status, and barring them from school otherwise. Problems arise when irresponsible parents send sick children to overcrowded, poorly ventilated schoolrooms. Relying on vaccinations for so called “herd health” in humans is a poor substitute for personal hygiene, public health education, sanitation, good nutrition and healthful lifestyles.

If your dog has had prior basic “core” vaccinations, revaccination may not be needed. A blood test called a titer can be done to determine the status of immunity. Your dog may well need no other vaccinations aside from the mandatory (and questionable) three-year-duration anti-rabies vaccine. My website (drfoxonehealth.com) provides the basic vaccination protocol for dogs and cats, and a critical review article on the subject entitled “Animal Vaccination Concerns.”

I have been receiving more letters over recent years from people whose dogs have severe allergies and who are spending a small fortune on medications, many of which have harmful side-effects. One significant contributing factor may be repeated vaccinations. And some of the ingredients in current pet vaccinations are also present in vaccines given to children, who are showing a rising incidence of food allergies.

I implore doctors, veterinarians and other health care providers to read about this issue at: childrenshealthdefense.org/news/no-enigma-vaccines-and-the-food-allergy-epidemic/

DEAR DR. FOX: I have written to you before about renal support for my dog, who was suffering from kidney failure. Thank you for your advice, which was very helpful. He was much happier and, I think, healthier with a good diet instead of his old prescription dog food. Sadly, he died recently -- not from everything he was being treated for, but from a likely brain tumor.

A couple of months ago, he’d started having seizures, and within just a few days, it was obvious this was not a temporary condition. We had to put him down. I was able to hold him and comfort him during the procedure, and although he was pretty much out of it by that time, I think he knew he was in his favorite place: daddy’s lap.

One of our sons passed away from a heart attack at the same time we had to put Skeeter down, so it was doubly hard. I’m actually writing to you today about his dog: He and his fiancee had/have a rescue mix, about 35 pounds. His fur is not really short like a shepherd’s, and not long like a retriever’s, but in between, and he sheds something awful.

His fiancee has lint removers all over the house to remove dog hair from clothes, furniture, just about everything. He’s very active and friendly, so anyone who interacts with him ends up with hair on their clothes. She brushes and vacuums him regularly, but he still sheds a lot. I don’t see any skin conditions or fleas; he doesn’t scratch a lot, and his fur is clean and soft.

I know short-haired dogs stay clean by shedding, but I checked online for information about excessive shedding and found a lot of products, both oral and topical, that purport to control this problem. Do you have any advice about controlling shedding? -- J.S., Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

DEAR J.S.: I am so sorry to hear about the double loss of loved ones in your family. But I am glad that my help regarding nutrition for your kidney-compromised dog proved beneficial and improved your dog’s quality of life.

Shedding’s causes can be hormonal, environmental, genetic and nutritional. Stress, such as separation anxiety, can increase shedding. But most often, it is because of poor-quality dog food. It is amazing that so many dogs survive on a diet of dry kibble, which too many veterinarians sell in their clinics, only to turn around and treat dogs and cats for various health problems caused by such a diet! Anyone in doubt of this fact can check the book that I co-authored with two other veterinarians, “Not Fit for a Dog: The Truth About Manufactured Cat and Dog Foods.”

Regrettably, many new veterinary graduates know better, but are still obliged to sell such biologically inappropriate and harmful pet foods in order to generate income for their pet practices and pay off exorbitant student loans. At least some more progressive practices are now supporting local community members starting up their own pet food initiatives, and linking with veterinary-directed special diet recipes at secure.balanceit.com.

For the dog in question, I would recommend my home-prepared diet (on my website: drfoxonehealth.com) as at least half his daily meals. And be sure to give a few drops of fish oil and a half-teaspoon of brewer’s yeast in his food daily.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 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 DrFoxOneHealth.com.)

DEAR READERS: I live in Minnesota, where many serious environmental issues remain unresolved. These include the conflicts between industrial farming, water quality and climate change, and the protection of wolves from being “harvested” as a resource for trophy-hunters and trappers.

So I was pleasantly surprised last month to learn that a bill has been introduced to the state legislature to encourage residents to convert their lawns from grass to wild, indigenous flowering plants, which would help save the bees and other pollinators. The proposal would allot $2 million to subsidize 75 percent of the cost of these conversions. Funding the “Lawns to Legumes” program will increase the number of residential lawns with native vegetation and pollinator-friendly forbs and legumes.

I am confident that this legislation will pass, and that funding will be secured. It should be adopted by all states, especially targeting the absurd, irrigated lawns in California and the Southwest.

Also, Gov. Tim Walz’s Executive Order to Restore Healthy, Diverse Pollinator Populations became effective on April 19, directing several state agencies to promote “healthy and diverse pollinator populations that sustain and enhance Minnesota’s environment, economy and way of life.” This order comes at an important time, as pollinator populations are seeing critical declines. It will also help improve air and water quality, reduce chemical and noise pollution, and save energy!

I have long railed against lawns -- private ones, corporate ones, public ones along parkways and especially golf courses -- in this column, informing readers that many lawn chemicals are known to cause cancer in dogs as well as people. No offense to Tiger Woods and his industry, but golf courses, like lawns, are abominations when they widely and routinely apply chemicals, especially Roundup (glyphosate). These run off into surface waters and groundwaters, which we eventually drink, and also come down in rainwater far away.

Pesticides and chemical fertilizers should be prohibited, and a percentage of every golf course should be dedicated as a wildlife habitat.

DEAR DR. FOX: I’m just wondering, is it OK if I give my dog chicken bones? Some say it’s not good, and others say it doesn’t matter. -- B.D., Trenton, New Jersey

DEAR B.D.: The short answer is “no!”

The more detailed answer: Ground chicken bones (not from spent laying hens) are a good nutritional additive to a balanced diet. But raw and cooked chicken bones alike can splinter and cause internal damage.

The only safe bones to give a dog are raw beef soup bones (shank bones). Allow only a few minutes of chewing, and monitor closely, since some dogs can crack a tooth on them. This is also a problem with other very hard “chewable” items, like the popular deer and elk antler pieces. Other chews, from various animal parts -- from pigs’ ears, snouts and feet to bull penises -- can carry harmful bacteria.

Safer chews to keep teeth clean and gums healthy are rawhide strips and rolls, ideally U.S.-manufactured. Avoid knotted ones, since the knots may be chewed off and swallowed, causing choking or intestinal blockage. Raw chicken wing tips that are mainly cartilage can be fed with the skin after sterilizing in boiling water to get rid of bacterial contamination, a common problem with chicken from factory farms.

Turkey and pork bones, cooked or raw, should not be fed to dogs.

BEE SONG HELPS POLLINATION

Denise Ellsworth, an entomologist at Ohio State University, says bumblebees and some other wild bees do something honeybees don’t do: buzz pollination.

Bumblebees “can unhinge their wings from their wing muscles and vibrate their bodies,” Ellsworth says. This not only makes a buzzing sound in the tone of middle C, but also “causes the flower to explosively release pollen.”

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 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 DrFoxOneHealth.com.)