Dear Dr. Fox • Would you please comment on
“Undercover TV,” regarding the filming of mistreated livestock and
dogs used for food in China. — S.G., Highland, NY

Dear S.G. • Many “undercover” films have been
produced that document the cruel and ignorant mistreatment of
“downer” cows going to slaughter and the unimaginable conditions
under which pigs, hens, broiler chickens and veal calves are raised
on factory farms and cows-and-beef-cattle feedlots. Check my
website www.twobitdog.com/drfox.

Being informed, thousands of people have chosen to become
vegetarian or vegan or to only consume meat and poultry from
certified, organic free-range systems.

Documentary films showing dogs and cats being captured and
butchered in China and some other countries in the Far East are
part of the process of social change. Making such undercover films
is not without risk and could mean imprisonment in some countries,
notably here in America, where states such as Iowa, Minnesota and
Florida have legislation pending to make it a criminal offense for
anyone filming what goes on in puppy mills and livestock and
poultry factories, slaughter plants and animal-testing
laboratories. Such legislation should be opposed, since financial
interests should not trump ethics and compassion.

Dear Dr. Fox • I have a 9-year-old golden
retriever who developed allergies last fall. The diagnosis from the
vet was startling to me, as I did not realize that this could occur
so late in her life.

Do you have any suggestions/recommendations? — C.T., Red Hook,
N.Y.

Dear C.T. • Seasonal allergies in dogs are an
all too common affliction, generally developing in older dogs, who
develop a hypersensitivity to certain allergens after repeated
seasonal exposures. Leaf mold and grass pollen in the fall are
common culprits. Early flowering grasses and other plants in the
spring can also be triggers and “crossing over” can occur when
hypersensitivity to one allergen leads to a greater sensitivity to
other allergens.

First, avoid vaccinations, anti-flea/tick treatments and other
drugs that may aggravate your dog’s condition. A soothing oatmeal-,
chamomile- or baby-shampoo every couple of weeks to remove
allergens from her fur may help along with cotton towels to lie on
(washed weekly). Food supplements such as Brewer’s yeast, flaxseed
oil and local honey or bee pollen help many dogs with skin
problems.

www.twobitdog.com/DrFox Dr. Fox, c/o “Animal Doctor,” United
Features Syndicate, 200 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y.
10016