DEAR DR. FOX: Your column is always informative, and I appreciate your commitment to what is best for our pets and the environment.

I must take issue, however, with your recommendation of fish oil for pets -- or humans, for that matter. The international market for fish oil has resulted in giant factory ships that vacuum up the tiny fish that play a vital role in the ocean’s food chain. This practice is hastening the collapse of ocean fisheries.

I recommend Paul Greenberg’s excellent book, “The Omega Principle,” which is a fairly short and fascinating look at the fish oil industry. -- T.C., South Bend, Indiana

DEAR T.C.: I appreciate your legitimate concerns and the opportunity to clarify this important nutritional issue for cats and dogs.

Highly processed pet foods, especially dry kibble, are nutrient-deficient with regard to essential fatty acids, which are destroyed by heat processing and oxidation. Because most poultry and beef cattle are fattened on corn (as opposed to grass-fed), they have an imbalance of excess pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids from the corn. As documented in my book “Not Fit For a Dog: The Truth About Manufactured Cat & Dog Foods” (co-authored with two other veterinarians), many health problems can develop from deficiencies of these kinds of nutrients, which are available in fish oils, marine algae and, at lower levels, in organically certified, grass-fed beef and dairy products.

You will see on my website (drfoxonehealth.com) an article advising people against purchasing these oils derived from krill. You are also correct about the global problems of overfishing, drifting nets and ocean-bottom factory fishing and mining. Oils from farmed salmon are not acceptable because of dioxin contamination.

So to clarify: More sustainable sources of these essential oils can be obtained from suppliers of marine algae, wild salmon and Atlantic cod, the populations of which are being better managed. These are important dietary inclusions for cats, who are obligate carnivores. For dogs, organic butter from grass-fed cows will also be beneficial.

DEAR DR. FOX: Bebe is a wonderful, fun-loving 2-year-old Yorkiepoo, but a finicky eater.

She can’t eat chicken, but will eat egg yolks and dried liver treats. Eventually, she decides she doesn’t like most of what I give her. She does like corn, but it goes right through her.

Help. She only weighs 6.6 lbs. I’ve never had this issue with my other dogs. -- H.B., Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

DEAR H.B.: Some dogs are very clever and can manipulate/train us to give them what they want. I believe this is the case with your smart little dog.

First, a full wellness examination by a veterinarian would be in order, checking especially the teeth and throat for any issues. Then, set a schedule of physical activity: a long walk and/or playtime before eating, which should be two or three small meals a day, at a set time. Do not fuss over the dog after you put the food down. Ignore her, but make a big deal about getting the food ready. If the dog does not eat right away, pick it up without a word and put it down again a half-hour later after some outdoor activity.

Hungry dogs who are healthy should have a good appetite. If she seems to have any problems swallowing, discuss this with the veterinarian. And it might be good to put heavy ceramic food and water bowls (not metal because of static electricity sparks, or plastic because of lingering odor and possible toxic chemicals) on a slightly elevated platform, or in a stand, so she does not have to reach down too much to eat and drink. Also, try my home-prepared recipe, posted on my website. Let me know your progress!

P.S. No snacks or treats between meals until she is eating well!

(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: Kudos to you!

I don’t have a pet, but I read your article regarding President Trump’s environmental plans for our country. I wish you had a larger platform with which to let your thoughts be known. Please run for office somewhere in our country -- we need more people to voice their thoughts and vote in 2020. -- R.A., Bonita Springs, Florida

DEAR R.A.: Your words of support are appreciated.

Every nation must unite for the good of all life on Earth to avert the catastrophic consequences of intensified climate change, which is the result of accelerating the “metabolism” of the planet through the burning of fossil fuels.

More carbon is being put into the atmosphere, whereas a less polluting and more sustainable agricultural and industrial economy would impose carbon limits, capturing and recycling any excess. The challenges are enormous, but must be addressed. For governments to ignore this is a crime against humanity, and would severely compromise the health and quality of life of future generations of many species, including our own. The Trump regime’s move to essentially demolish the Endangered Species Act for the benefit of the oil, gas, fracking and timber industries is a travesty.

Below is a letter antithetical to yours, which shows we are a nation divided.

DEAR DR. FOX: How about sticking to something you know, like animal health, instead of showing your political ideology?

I have enjoyed your articles up to now, but if you continue your political attacks, I will no longer read anything you write.

Please stick to animal care. -- J.W., address withheld

DEAR J.W.: I appreciate your communication and expect that other readers may share your opinion, so allow me to clarify:

Animal health and welfare issues become political at local, national and international levels. Look at the unresolved controversy at the community level over people allowing their cats to roam free. This is an animal health and welfare issue that confronts a virtually unexamined cultural tradition that puts wildlife and public health at risk.

Progress in animal health and welfare has been limited for decades, not simply by a lack of knowledge, but by unchallenged cultural traditions (for instance, it’s OK to let one’s cats roam, but not one’s dogs) and by politics and economics in other sectors of the animal population. Ditto the cultural traditions, at home and abroad, of trophy hunting and whaling. Look at the plight of factory farmed animals, where the economics of scale and profit margins trump the hidden environmental, animal health and welfare costs.

But put under the banner of One Health/One Welfare, where animal health and welfare are linked with environmental and public health, cultural, political and economic obstacles might then be trumped by enlightened self-interest. In the process, the contributions of the veterinary and allied animal welfare science and bioethics professionals would surely find more fertile ground and public acceptance for generations to come.

What’s good for the animals is good for us, and the environment. This truism must be tempered by the reality of over-population of certain species, including humans and domesticated animals, and its adverse impact on biodiversity -- the keystone of sustainable, healthy ecosystems, upon which our own health depends. Good governance and “greener” politics are long overdue, as the climate crisis we now face clearly underscores! For more documentation, see my recent book, “Animals and Nature First.”

DEAR DR. FOX: I am forwarding you a very sad post that was sent to the Black Cat Appreciation Group. I would appreciate your responding to me so I can forward to her. She is asking for advice:

“I am in the U.K. and looking for a very good-quality wet food for Petra. She has heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, arthritis and skin issues, and she is going blind. She is getting really picky with her food, and at the moment will only eat a mouthful or two of Felix (which is not a good food). I am trying to give her the best possible for what is left of her life.” -- A.T.B., Bridgeport, Connecticut

DEAR A.T.B.: I appreciate the photo you sent of this poor cat, who is indeed in failing condition.

Normal saline (100 cc), injected daily under the skin, will help, since she looks dehydrated. This is like dialysis for a patient with kidney failure. Appetite can be boosted with tasty, blended baby food -- beef, chicken or turkey. And if she’s not allergic to fish, a canned sardine in water twice daily will help the sarcopenia (wasting associated with failing kidneys).

Keep the cat warm, and give very gentle, full-body massage, as per my book “The Healing Touch for Cats.” Gently groom her with a soft brush.

ORPHANED WHALE CALF CARED FOR BY DOLPHIN

A female bottlenose dolphin adopted an orphaned melon-headed whale -- something researchers say has never been observed before -- and the calf took on dolphin characteristics, staying with the mother dolphin for about three years.

“We were really excited to be able to witness such a rare phenomenon,” said Pamela Carzon, author of the study published in Ethology. (National Geographic online, 7/30)

This touching story is one of many I have heard of, where wild animals of one species have bonded with an orphan of another -- even a lioness and an antelope, in one case! These unusual bonds are perhaps driven by parental hormones, but also reflect animals’ capacity to empathize and show compassion. At my wife Deanna Krantz’ refuge in India, an orphaned sambar fawn was “adopted” by one very protective resident dog until she was old enough to be successfully released back into the wild.

(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: Pet owners older than 70 who had chronic pain said their pets helped them relax, motivated them to stay active and promoted good habits that can relieve pain. This all suggests that pets may be part of a pain-management toolkit, researchers reported in the Journal of Applied Gerontology.

The survey group also cited expenses, care burdens and grief over losing a pet as sources of stress, and the researchers are studying alternatives to pet ownership, such as regular contact with pets in community settings. (Medscape/Reuters, 7/22)

Assisted-living facilities should allow incoming residents to bring their animal companions, depending on the pets’ condition and age, and provided the animals are seen by a veterinarian every six to nine months. Group-home veterinary services, including companion animal euthanasia, are available in many communities as mobile veterinary services become more popular and much needed for our aging population.

Dogs can be incredible catalysts socially and emotionally, notably in memory care units, where they help bring back happy dog-related memories from residents’ earlier years. Volunteers with their own easygoing dogs may wish to help out in their communities in this regard after securing a certification of good health, stable temperament and anti-rabies vaccination for their dogs from their veterinarians.

As for younger generations, adoption of rescued dogs and cats from local shelters seems to be trumping pure-breed and designer-breed commercial puppy mill purchasing. Much of the latter is stupidly done online, and many people have sent money and been defrauded.

Never buy a pup in a poke with a click of your mouse!

DEAR DR. FOX: I have three rescue chihuahuas -- 12, 12 and 9 years old. We got them all about three years ago. They eat 1/3 cup kibble and a little cooked chicken twice daily.

I have noticed that two of them are getting a little chubby, so after reading in your column about the many people who rave about your homemade pet food, I decided to make it. It made a lot, so I made patties and froze three in a pack.

My guys were transformed. They circled the kitchen cleaning each other’s bowls! And I will make more this week, as the first batch is almost gone! -- L.M., Boynton Beach, Florida

DEAR L.M.: I appreciate hearing how well your dogs have come to accept my home-prepared dog food recipe. (This is available to readers on my website, drfoxonehealth.com.)

Many people have reported increased energy and improved appetites in their dogs after being fed this recipe. Whole foods make for whole dogs!

Most importantly, in addition to regular exercise, there should never be any exertion soon after dogs have eaten (ideally two meals a day); otherwise, there is always the risk of sometimes-fatal gastric torsion (bloat), especially in deep-chested breeds. This condition is probably aggravated, if not triggered, by soy and other ingredients in manufactured dog foods.

A very strict feeding time should be followed, and the dogs be given time outdoors beforehand to evacuate as needed. Any change in their behavior, such as loss of appetite or seeming depressed, can be more easily noted when their daily routines are set by the clock.

Above all, dogs should be weighed every month when transitioning onto a new diet to determine if they need to be fed more or less, after a wellness examination where the veterinarian will determine if the dog needs to lose weight.

Obesity is an endemic human and dog health crisis in most developed countries; so are food allergies and ingredient intolerance-related health problems. When we know what we are eating, and feeding to our animal companions, we may know better health for all.

ANOTHER COMPANY RECALLS PIG EAR CHEWS FOR DOGS

The Lennox Group recalled Rawhide Express brand pig ear chews for dogs that were shipped to distributors and retail stores from May 1 to July 3, becoming the second company to do so amid an investigation into possible salmonella contamination. At least two dogs that ate Lennox’s pig ears became sick, according to a company statement.

The FDA made a strong statement regarding pig ear dog treats, “advising that consumers avoid all pig ear pet treats and retailers stop selling all pig ear treats at this time.” (CBS News, 7/29 and 8/2)

For more, visit: truthaboutpetfood.com/fda-issues-pig-ear-dog-treat-warning/

(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.)