Dear Dr. Fox: One year, there was a flea infestation in our area. A friend told me if I rubbed my dog's coat and skin with olive oil, the fleas and itching would go away.
I tried it, and the constant itching and fleas disappeared as if by magic.
-- M.M., Clifton Park, N.Y.
Dear M.M.: Thanks for the very simple and surprising anti-flea treatment -- cheap and harmless, indeed. And, no doubt, the dog's coat had a nice shine.
Olives contain several botanical compounds that are beneficial to the skin, hair and immune system when ingested, and, like most plants, they may contain mild insect repellants that are harmless when ingested in moderate amounts.
It would seem that a mild solution of liquid dish soap and water, scented shampoo and Avon's 'Skin So Soft' really do repel fleas, and they are so much safer than the expensive flea-and-tick repelling pills, sprays, dips and drop-on drugs so widely marketed.
Anyone who advocates the routine use of these insecticidal drugs as flea prevention for indoor cats and dogs (especially in regions where there is a flea- and tick-free cold season) should have his or her head examined.
Dear Dr. Fox: We recently had to euthanize our 13-year-old male collie mix due to several severe health issues. We adopted him from the shelter when he was about 6 months old, and he was neutered at that time.
He was a very good pet/friend, with one big problem: He was quite territorial, and I think he could have been quite aggressive if he wasn't under my control.
This behavior occurred only at home. During walks, he loved everyone, especially children. He was fine at the local doggie park, too.
We went through a series of obedience classes (all helpful), and I spoke with a trainer periodically for guidance. If we decide to get another dog, how can we avoid this problem?
I would not want to deal with it again. I have read that many shelters and rescue groups do "temperament tests." Is this enough? My husband and I are senior citizens and would probably get a small- to medium-sized adult dog.
-- E.C.B., Rockville, Md.
Dear E.C.B.: Most dogs are naturally territorial on home base. But much barking and growling when someone is at the door does not mean the dog is going to bite.
Certainly, temperament tests at animal shelters can help in matching the prospective adopter's needs and lifestyle with the right dog.
I would urge you to adopt an older dog that comes already house-trained, is easygoing and has a known history (such as being surrendered by someone going into a nursing home). Such dogs do indeed bond well to a new family, make the best of companions and rarely need obedience training.
Heartworm in cats
The American Heartworm Society has released details on the newly defined heartworm-associated respiratory disease in cats that can be misdiagnosed as asthma or allergic bronchitis. For more information, visit www.heartwormsociety.org.
Send your questions to Dr. Fox in care of this newspaper. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.
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Olive oil rubs fleas out
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