DEAR DR. FOX: The decline in wild bird populations is astonishing.

No doubt, loss of habitat is the major contributing factor, but the decline nearly parallels the increase in bird feeders and the explosion of the related industry.

I have noticed the effect of sprouting-prevention chemicals used on many commercially produced birdseed products as grass and other plants beneath the feeders die off. If there is also an effect on the health -- specifically, the reproductive health -- of the birds eating this seed, then these chemicals might be part of the cause of decline.

Have any studies been done on this issue? It would be terrible if those of us who adore having beautiful songbirds near us were inadvertently adding to the cause of their demise. -- D.R., South Bend, Indiana

DEAR D.R.: Many readers share your concerns, and indeed, the demise of wild birds across the U.S. and other countries is staggering.

This loss is not simply some aesthetic concern for bird-lovers, but one of profound ecological significance. The ecological services birds provide are of inestimable value for our own food and environmental security, and are one significant aspect of the climate crisis. Birds help in the pollination of some plants, as well the spread of seeds for reforestation and in the control of insects such as the emerald ash borer, now decimating ash trees across the country.

Many beneficial insects and birds are dying from starvation due to habitat loss and widespread use of herbicides like Roundup, a probable human carcinogen also linked with other systemic health issues. Birds lose their appetites when exposed to small amounts of insecticides via treated seeds and garden-store plants, and subsequently die. Insecticides are also applied to crops, livestock and companion animals, with consequent environmental contamination. This is compounded by GMO crops genetically engineered to produce their own insecticides.

Free-roaming domestic cats, both feral and owned, are responsible for killing an estimated 1.3 billion to 4 billion birds annually, as well as billions of small mammals. This magnitude of mortality is far greater than previous estimates of cat predation on wildlife, and may exceed all other sources of anthropogenic mortality of U.S. birds and mammals, according to an article in Nature Communications (volume 4, 2013).

This is all very depressing, and all responsible for this critical loss of global biodiversity should be prosecuted by a yet-to-be-established United Environmental Nations authority. In the interim, we must be vigilant, avoiding all such harmful products in and around our homes. We must also challenge what city and state forestry departments spray to control “weeds” and various insects, and instead support integrated pest control, habitat restoration and organic farming practices.

As for your specific concern, I am not aware that birdseed is treated against germination, although some seeds may inhibit others from germinating. Additionally, bird feeders must be regularly cleaned to minimize spread of avian diseases at feeding sites.

DEAR DR. FOX: I have seen mention in your column about some animal welfare work you are helping fund in India. Having visited there with my wife this past spring, we see there is a big need for the suffering animals there.

Do post some details about what you are doing there. -- T.U., Minneapolis, Minnesota

DEAR T.U.: My wife, Deanna Krantz, founded and directed the India Project for Animals & Nature to help the indigenous and tribal peoples of South India by improving the health and well-being of their farmed animals and of the dogs and cats in these communities. Against opposition, disinformation and death-threats, she investigated and documented the long-distance “death march” of cattle to slaughter, along with wildlife poaching, land encroachment and the tragic plight of elephants wild and captive.

Putting compassion into action and seeking justice for all, she became the voice for animals’ rights and for the indigenous peoples who cared, but were silenced by the authorities. Our book on the topic (details below) shatters the myth that animals regarded as “sacred,” especially cows and elephants, are always treated humanely, and paves the way for greater transparency and progress in addressing the tragic plight of the animals and all who depend upon them.

This richly illustrated book details the trials and tribulations of setting up an animal shelter and free veterinary clinic in the heart of a unique wildlife region in South India: the UNESCO-designated Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve. This is one of the subcontinent’s last few wildlife preserves for the Asian elephant and tiger.

We continue to support our veterinary team there, headed by Dr. M. Sugumaran, and by purchasing the book, you will help us sustain this support. His independent organization, Prakriti Save Nature Trust (prakritigudalur.in), is government-certified to receive foreign donations.

The book: “India’s Animals: Helping the Sacred & the Suffering,” by Deanna L. Krantz and Dr. Michael W. Fox, One Health Vision Press, 2016.

CATS CAN CARRY 36 DISEASES TRANSMISSIBLE TO HUMANS

Revised guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners list 36 diseases that can pass from cats to humans, although overall incidence of feline-to-human zoonosis is low, says co-author and veterinarian Michael Lappin.

Regular deworming, vaccination against rabies, treatment to prevent flea and tick infestations, as well as basic sanitation mitigate risk of disease and can protect humans against many of the zoonotic diseases cats can carry. (Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery; AAFP Feline Zoonoses Guidelines, Discover magazine, Oct. 16)

Most important of all is to make cats indoor-only animal companions, and be sure they have wellness examinations at least annually.

(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: Your recent piece about the effects of climate change is very helpful because it tells the public about the microeffects that climate change is having on the local environments that our pets inhabit.

I read the opposition letter from one of your readers that you should “stick to your own lane” and give advice only on pet care, and stay away from climate change.

Don’t let unthinking or politicized readers keep you quiet about the effects of climate change. You are doing your readers and their pets a service. -- R.P., Storrs, Connecticut

DEAR R.P.: Thanks for your words of support.

Sound science, reason and evidence-based opinion all have inevitable political consequences when they call for change in policies, governance and how the 7 billion of us should best live on this planet. We have excluded other animals, plants and microorganisms from equal and fair consideration, the latter contributing more to the common good than we do -- a realization that is beginning to dawn on the human collective consciousness.

I was very encouraged recently to see National Geographic’s beautifully illustrated publication “Secrets of Animal Communication” for sale at my local grocery store. The findings of ethologists and scientists who study animal behavior (I being one with a doctoral degree in this discipline) are presented in an engaging way to help the public understand and appreciate other creatures. Many of the species in this publication are endangered, and will soon be lost forever if we do not, collectively, address the extinction crisis.

Reading this publication will help people accept that just as we are spiritual beings experiencing life in human form, so these other organisms are spiritual beings experiencing life in other forms, and treat then accordingly. The Golden Rule may then be applied to all creatures, great and small. This publication helps advance this moral imperative.

LABRADOODLE CREATOR VOICES REGRETS

Wally Conron, known as the first to breed a poodle with a Labrador retriever, set off a firestorm of criticism when he said he regrets creating the “designer breed” because unscrupulous breeders have capitalized on the market.

Dr. John Howe, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, says prospective Labradoodle owners should take time to get to know a dog before committing. And former AVMA President Dr. John de Jong says mixing breeds can reduce the risk of genetic or health problems. (National Public Radio, 9/27; USA Today, 9/27)

In my opinion, there can be serious problems when a seemingly healthy Labrador and standard poodle are mated to generate Labradoodles: Both parents could carry the recessive gene for hip dysplasia or other heritable diseases. Put two asymptomatic recessive carriers together, and bingo! -- many of the offspring will have the disease and suffer the consequences.

Many “designer” dogs, large and small, come from commercial puppy mill breeders who treat the “breeding stock” like livestock, confined in small cages and crates. These are defended at the state level by livestock producers and their political cronies, who fear any kind of legislation with regard to commercial exploitation of animals might impinge on their business.

Take my advice and adopt a pet from a shelter. Never buy online. If you are seeking a particular breed of dog, learn all about it first, especially any health issues and behavioral needs that might not fit your lifestyle. And above all, see the prospective pup’s parents and living conditions.

DEAR DR. FOX: You espouse various philosophical views with regard to animals and the environment, and sometimes are critical of some religious traditions, notably how animals are ritually slaughtered.

May I ask which religion you follow or are you, considering the state of the world, an atheist? I have just about lost my faith and was raised Christian. -- Y.L., Fort Myers, Florida

DEAR Y.L.: No, I am not an atheist; as I spell out in my book “The Boundless Circle: Caring for Creatures and Creation” (published by the Theosophical Society), I embrace panentheism.

This is not pantheism, but rather holds that God or the Great Spirit is in all, and all is in God or the Great Spirit -- or whatever we choose to call the divine, universal, numinous presence deeply felt in moments of communion with another being or in nature.

Philosopher Martin Buber called this the “I-Thou” relationship, as distinct from ”I-It.” In relation to this concept, theologian Thomas Berry asserted that the universe is not a collection of objects, but a communion of subjects. Philosophers such as Joseph Campbell alluded to the “mysterium tremendum et fascinans,” the awakening of our sense of awe and wonder. This spiritual sensibility is the basis of religious rituals, practices, faith and beliefs. But I reject all religions that are anthropocentric and fail to extend the Golden Rule to other sentient beings.

Embedded in human DNA is our ancestral, evolutionary history, and we share many genes with other species, affirming our biological kinship. To believe that only humans are created in God’s image to rule the Earth is a misconception with tragic and self-limiting consequences if that God is not one of absolute compassion, with loving concern and care for all creatures great and small.

(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: A message from the British Veterinary Association:

“As animals have more acute hearing than humans, many show stress, fear or even phobia responses to loud and high-pitched noises.

“Loud and high-pitched fireworks can cause stress or fear responses across a range of species, including companion animals, wildlife, horses, livestock and zoo animals. Fireworks can reach up to 150 decibels -- as loud as a jet engine.

“It is estimated that 45% of dogs show signs of fear when they hear fireworks. [A 2018 report from PDSA, a U.K. veterinary charity,] highlights that 51% of veterinary professionals said that they have seen an increase in pets with phobias such as fireworks in the last two years, and 40% of dog owners report that their dog is afraid of fireworks.

“Debris and remnants of fireworks can also pose a risk to the health and welfare of livestock and wildlife. Current controls on the use and sale of fireworks don’t go far enough to protect the health and welfare of animals in the U.K. Easy access to fireworks is putting the U.K.’s animals at risk of avoidable pain, suffering and fear.”

Some of the BVA’s recommendations, which should be advocated by veterinary organizations in the U.S. and adopted by all municipalities, include:

-- Reduce the noise limit of fireworks for public sale and use to 97 decibels, with a 15-meter safety distance;

-- Clearly label fireworks to indicate their noise level to consumers, e.g., “low-noise firework” or “loud firework: risk to animal welfare”;

-- Restrict the private use of fireworks to agreed-upon traditional dates. This would align controls on use with controls on sale, which require retailers to have a license to sell fireworks outside of specific dates;

-- Introduce licensing of all public displays and organized events using fireworks.

If your pet suffers from these types of stressful reactions, your veterinarian will be able to advise you on evidence-based therapies, or refer you to an animal behaviorist.

DEAR DR. FOX: I have a 7-year-old longhaired male Chihuahua.

He is the love of my life and very spoiled. Twice now, he has needed veterinary care and had horrible results.

The first visit, I had them trim his nails. He was so scared and fought them so much that they had to hold him very tightly, and he cried for the next two days whenever I would pick him up.

The second time, he snagged a nail in my bedspread and pulled so hard to get free that he almost pulled the nail out. I rushed him to my veterinarian’s office, where they took him in the back, removed that nail and trimmed the others. When the doctor came in, he told me what they had done and that Sammie was so scared he had stopped breathing and was turning blue. I almost died right there.

I am a firm believer of spaying and neutering dogs, but because of these two visits, I am scared to take him in for the procedure. I’m scared of the chance that he’ll be so frightened that he’ll stop breathing again, or have a problem with the anesthesia.

I want him to live as long as he can. I am hoping you can ease my anxiety with a way I can get him neutered safely, so he can live a long, healthy life with me. -- S.M., Cape Coral, Florida

DEAR S.M.: What an upsetting experience for you and your poor dog.

Your veterinarian should prescribe an oral sedative to give to your dog in the future, prior to an ideally in-home visit, a trip to the hospital being a stressful event to be avoided.

It is important, as a preventative measure against terror and even heart attacks, to get dogs used to having their paws and gums massaged, teeth brushed and nail-tips clipped from as early an age as possible.

Also, get them used to being held; puppy “cradling” is essential conditioning. Properly hold the pup in your arms, gently and securely, and hold on if there is struggling. Do not release until the pup is calm and relaxed.

Many veterinarians are backing away from neutering small dogs, for various reasons. I see no reason you should consider neutering your dog, considering his age and temperament, which could indeed pose a potential anesthetic risk.

(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.)