DEAR READERS: The Indiana State Board of Animal Health reports that 10 horses have either died or had to be euthanized because of the impacts of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) on their nervous systems.

EEE is one of several New World encephalitis viruses. It is also what is known as an arbovirus: a virus that is spread by a mosquito or other arthropod. (West Nile is another.) To combat it, veterinarians prescribe vaccinations for susceptible horses, donkeys and mules. EEE can be spread to humans, and is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. It is fatal to approximately 30 percent of people who contract it; survivors are likely to have severe chronic neurological problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around seven human cases of EEE are reported in the U.S. each year, mainly in the eastern or Gulf Coast states. Positive tests in northern Indiana came in the wake of at least seven human deaths from the disease so far this year. There are reports that at least 27 people have tested positive for the disease in six states.

The EEE virus has killed two Mexican gray wolf pups at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan, which means that dogs could also become infected.

In my opinion, the climate crisis is a major factor creating more favorable habitat (longer, warmer and wetter summers) for mosquito proliferation, along with the biodiversity extinction crisis, where widespread use of pesticides have killed off natural predators of aquatic mosquito larvae and flying, breeding adults.

The best personal and companion animal protection is to apply a spritz of oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Use citronella candles outdoors, check screens on your windows, porches and patios; and avoid going out unprotected in the early evening. Note: I would not use OLE on self-grooming cats. Keep them indoors!

For more details, go to consumerreports.org and search “insect repellent.”

DEAR DR. FOX: From time to time, we see two shorn English sheepdogs locally.

I assume they are shorn because the owner believes them to be cooler in the summer if they have less hair. I seem to remember hearing or reading somewhere that canine hair follicles were hollow, and therefore, the fur acted as insulation against the heat.

Am I misinformed? I asked my son’s wife, who is a veterinary tech, and she didn’t have a clue, so I thought that I would ask the master. -- D.L., Washington, D.C.

DEAR D.L.: The coat of these dogs, coupled with high humidity, probably resulted in the dogs suffering some heat stress and distress this summer.

Dogs of different breeds and with different coats may need close attention in summertime, since coats that get moist can lead to fungal/yeast infections and other skin problems, along with a nasty odor.

Hollow hair is an adaptation of animals that live in very cold climates. Reindeer, caribou, llamas and alpaca have soft hollow hairs, densely packed together to help retain body heat. Polar bears have hollow hair: Each hair is a clear, hollow tube that reflects the light, making polar bears’ fur appear white, though each hair is actually transparent.

In dogs, wolves, Arctic foxes and other mammals, air is trapped between the under-fur and the longer upper guard hairs, serving as a layer of insulation against cold and heat.

I am not aware that dogs have any hollow hairs. Muscles in the dog’s skin can fluff up the coat, creating even more insulation. Most hair follicles have an associated oil gland that works to keep the skin pliable and the hair smooth. Dog breeds that were developed to retrieve game from water have very active oil glands, a factor that helps to waterproof their fur and skin.

(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: The recent trend of pet food manufacturers to market “grain-free” cat and dog food has been a contributing factor in some animals developing heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy). The various kinds of fiber in the complex carbohydrates of whole grains (and buckwheat) can help prevent obesity and other health problems in both dogs and people. Note: Such grains have no place in cat foods, but some fiber in cat foods can be beneficial.

High-calorie, -meat and -fat diets and treats play a major role in the companion animal obesity crisis. In 2018, an estimated 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States were overweight or obese. (See petobesityprevention.org.)

Genetic factors, owners’ lifestyles, eating habits and activity levels of both the animals and their caregivers also play a role. Such diets are also a major factor in some dogs developing pancreatitis with secondary diabetes. High-carbohydrate diets are in large part responsible for obesity, diabetes and other health problems in cats, and for pancreatic enzyme insufficiency in some dogs, especially German shepherds.

Complex carbohydrates in grains and seeds -- ideally organic, minimally processed ones such as brown rice, barley, oats, quinoa or amaranth -- include fibers that are beneficial for gut bacteria and starches that break down into energy-providing glucose, or can be stored in muscle as an energy reserve of glycogen or be converted into fat. Complex carbohydrates facilitate and slow down digestion, making for regular bowel movements and firm stools. They also play a role in satiety, which is important in weight control, with lower fat intake. Pregnant and nursing dogs and their pups thrive better with complex carbohydrates in their diets than when fed grain-free foods.

Food preference studies find healthy dogs prefer a diet of 36% carbohydrate, 30% protein and 41% fat. Some individual dogs, and breeds such as the Irish setter and Wheaten terrier, can have dietary intolerances to wheat. Wheat and soy are the most common causes of adverse food reactions in dogs; some are also allergic to beef, dairy or chicken.

My advice to people whose dogs do not require special diets (information about which is available at www.Secure.balanceit.com) is to make sure, as per my home-prepared recipe posted at drfoxonehealth.com, that some complex carbohydrates are included in their daily meals.

DEAR DR. FOX: I continue to be confused on the issue of vaccinations. Over the years, I have had three dogs and two cats, all of whom lived healthy lives to at least 16 years of age.

Each year when I received a postcard from my veterinarian that my pets were due for their annual vaccinations, I dutifully scheduled an appointment (and seldom left the office without a payment of approximately $100 per animal).

I now own three kittens that each came from dire and desperate conditions. I took all three into the vet for examinations and vaccinations (including follow-up vaccinations at intervals, which I understand are common for young animals). All three kittens are healthy, exclusively indoor cats.

I am getting reminders that they are due for their annual examinations and vaccinations -- one of which is rabies, which I understand and support. It is the other annual vaccinations that I question: annual distemper and “boosters.” Are these necessary? I have read some articles that suggest they are not, and a couple people have suggested that these vaccinations are not only not necessary (if they were vaccinated as kittens) but unhealthy.

I am sure you have commented on this issue in the past, but could you provide some guidance on this issue? -- R.F., Frostburg, Maryland

DEAR R.F.: I appreciate your concern, since vaccinations are of value in preventing various diseases, and yet there are legitimate concerns about possible harmful consequences (so-called vaccinoses). There is little consensus with regard to optimal protocols, and also about what to do about revaccination when animals have adverse reactions. There is also the fact that the vaccination needs for cats who never go outdoors are quite different from indoor-outdoor cats.

Check the vaccination protocols posted on my website (drfoxonehealth.com: go to Articles at the top, then click on CATS). So long as young cats have had all their “core” vaccinations by 1 year of age and are never outdoors, revaccinations, with the exception of legally mandated anti-rabies vaccination every year, are not warranted, in my opinion. But this does not mean the cats should not have annual wellness examinations -- ideally, for most cats, by a veterinarian who does house calls.

Some practices may refuse to see cats who are not up to date on their vaccinations because of the risk of exposure to other cats coming to the hospital who may be diseased. For good measure, be sure your kittens have been tested for feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus.

PETS MIGHT STAVE OFF DEPRESSION AFTER DIVORCE, DEATH OF SPOUSE

Older people who lose a spouse to death or divorce are less likely to experience depression and loneliness if they own a dog or cat, a study published in The Gerontologist found:

“When we take care of animals, we have a purpose to get up for in the morning,” said study leader Dawn Carr. (HealthDay News, 9/18)

(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: My rescue cat has a small bump on its jaw that the vet thinks is a tumor. It is firm, and doesn’t seem to bother him. Is there anything I can use, such as oils or supplements, that would help him to fight this?

Thank you for all you do for our animal friends and for the planet. -- A.T., Rolla, Missouri

DEAR A.T.: I am glad that you have had your cat examined by a veterinarian.

You must keep an eye on the growth, which could be cancer or a dental-root abscess causing jawbone inflammation. Cats are prone to chronic dental problems, which can get worse with age. One such disorder causes resorption of the tooth sockets in the jaw, necessitating tooth extraction. For details, check out my article on dental problems on my website, drfoxonehealth.com.

I would give your cat a few drops of fish oil daily for its anti-inflammatory properties. Begin with one drop in his food, since cats are finicky, and work up to five drops per meal. Meals should ideally consist of canned cat food fed in small amounts, five or six times a day. Cats do best with small meals.

Hope this helps. If the lump gets larger or the cat shows any discomfort eating, make another vet appointment.

DEAR DR. FOX: I read with interest about a Pomeranian with alopecia (hair loss) in your recent column. Our little dog Yogi Bear suffered from the same condition, also known as “black skin disease.” Yogi was diagnosed with the condition in 2005. He was 10 years old at that time. As the condition worsened, so did Yogi’s health, but we were told the condition was cosmetic and that his other problems were age-related.

I found a company called DERMagic that had a wonderful group of products that helped our Yogi. Yogi went from having very little hair in June of 2010 to a full coat by October that same year. Even our vet was amazed.

Company veterinarian Dr. Adelia Ritchie told me that Yogi’s energy would improve as well as his appetite, which they both did. But to us, the amazing thing was that the little quirks of his personality also returned. Even though he is nearly 16 years old now, Yogi is sleeping less, is more interested in people and his surroundings than he used to be, and is just a happier little guy in general. We have also seen a change in his bladder. When we began using the Skin Rescue Lotion, Yogi needed to urinate three times to empty his bladder as his stream was slow, much like a man with an enlarged prostate. In the last month, we have noticed that he is no longer needing to “three-pee” -- he will go one time, then back-kick and strut like he did a good job. He always used to do this.

We don’t feel there is any other explanation, other than his improved health from using DERMagic. -- D.G., Talent, Oregon

DEAR D.G.: I checked out this lotion and the other products on the website, which states:

“Founded in 2006 by Dr. Adelia Ritchie, DERMagic has been striving to help dogs and cats live a more comfortable life. In our all-natural skin care formulas, we use only the finest ingredients, including certified organic whole-leaf aloe vera gel, vitamin E, lanolin, beeswax, and soothing natural oils. DERMagic products promote fuller and healthier hair, protect skin and hair from damaging elements, and restore good skin condition. If your pet is suffering from black skin disease (alopecia-x), yeast, hot spots or dry and itchy skin, we have an all-natural product for you.”

I find none of these ingredients questionable, and am a longtime advocate of using aloe vera and natural oils for various skin disorders in animals as well as humans. The evident clinical benefits of such practices are discounted by drug companies that would rather see no such natural products on the market.

But I do not encourage dog owners to make their own diagnoses when their animals have some skin issue. These issues could be due to mange mites in the skin; flea bites; or other allergens, including seasonal pollens and certain food ingredients. A veterinary examination and diagnosis should be the first step, and then, based on the diagnosis or probable cause, discuss using a product like DERMagic with the veterinarian.

I would certainly try this option before using steroids or immunosuppressant drugs like Apoquel in treating chronic skin diseases.

(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.)