Dr. Barchas, my lawn needs some serious attention!
I would like to put one of the popular “weed and
feed” solutions on it, but I worry about my cats
who like to scamper around in the yard. Is this
stuff harmful to pets? If they play in the lawn,
then lick their feet, will there be any harmful
effects?

Kitty
Washington State

Some lawn treatments purport to be safe for pets. Others don’t make that claim. You should investigate your product’s label to see what it has to say about the matter.

However, even the supposedly safe products can cause problems in the wrong circumstances. I have seen dogs go into shock from allergic reactions to natural pest control agents containing only corn cob meal. Many natural or “safe” products can cause irritation if applied to the skin or eyes. And don’t forget that manure, the most natural fertilizer of all, is hardly safe to ingest.

Cats are at relatively greater risk for problems associated with lawn care products. First, they are much more sensitive to many compounds than other animals. Many products that are used routinely around or on dogs and people (such as permethrin, an insecticide) are not safe for cats.

As well, you have touched upon another issue that cat lovers should remember. Cats have unique grooming habits. Anything applied to a cat’s body is likely to get swallowed as the cat grooms itself by licking. Therefore, if your cats walk through lawn fertilizer, or any chemical, they will end up consuming it when they clean their feet.

Fortunately, you can take some simple steps to reduce the risk for your pets. Always use lawn products that claim to be safe for pets. Follow the instructions on the package. And, most important, don’t let your pets onto the lawn until an appropriate amount of time has passed.

In reality, the risk to pets is low when owners exercise common sense and use lawn products as directed.

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My four-year-old Beagle mix is not acting like
himself. He is not eating and just lies around.
We noticed when he peed there was
blood on the ground. I don’t know what to do with him
now or how to help him. What could cause this?

Teresa

What does blood in the urine mean?

Sue

In my practice (and if you believe the statistics, in veterinary medicine in general), bloody urine is a common complaint. Blood in the urine can mean a number of things, but it is never normal.

Urinary tract infections (also known as bladder infections) are by far the most common cause of bloody urine in pets. Teresa, based on your description, I’m guessing that’s what is causing your dog’s problems. Pets with bladder infections may urinate inappropriately in the house, drink more water, lose their appetite, become lethargic, or show vague signs of pain. Blood in the urine occurs in severe infections. Fortunately, most bladder infections can be cured with a course of antibiotics.

Besides bladder infections, there are a number of less frequent causes of blood in the urine. These may include bladder stones or crystals, prostate problems, trauma, masses or tumors in the bladder, certain kidney problems, or a decreased ability for blood to clot. Your vet should be able to determine whether your pet has one of these more serious conditions.

The long and short of it is that bloody urine always warrants immediate veterinary attention. If your pet has bloody urine, in the best case he is in pain, and in the worst case he has a serious medical condition.

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My English Mastiff recently started acting
aggressive at times to our cat and my son. She
has been drinking water excessively and has had a few
accidents in the house. I did make an appointment
with her vet but I would like to have your advice
first. Thanks.

Carrie
Location not specified

Animal aggression against people is an extremely serious matter. I recommend that the owner of a pet that acts aggressively towards any person, especially a child, take serious precautions. This recommendation applies to the owners of aggressive cats and Chihuahuas, but it is especially important if you own an animal, such as a Mastiff, that is large enough to cause serious injury.

First, in the short term, do not allow situations to arise in which your dog might be able to injure the cat or your son (or anyone). This may mean keeping them physically separated, or keeping the dog isolated.

Second, you have done the right thing by scheduling an appointment with your vet. Situations in which pets act aggressively always warrant professional help. Your vet may be able to identify the cause of the aggression, or help you to modify your pet’s behavior.

There are two general causes of aggression: medical problems and behavioral issues. Sometimes a combination of the two is involved.

You mentioned that your dog is drinking more water. This is a symptom of several medical conditions. Some hormonal irregularities, such as thyroid gland or reproductive organ problems, can cause aggression and increased thirst. As well, urinary tract infections can cause accidents in the house, and the associated pain can trigger aggression. Your veterinarian should be able to identify whether any medical problems are playing a role.

Aggression that is caused exclusively by behavioral issues can be very difficult to treat. Because of its serious nature, many people in your situation seek consultation with a specialist in veterinary behavior.

Even if you are able to control this situation, I strongly recommend that you be vigilant in the future to ensure that your dog does not have the chance to injure any person or animal.

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My Boxer and I live in south central Texas, and
ticks are a huge problem. I have tried everything,
even feeding her whole garlic cloves to get them
away. This actually worked to reduce them for a
while, but it no longer does. Do you have any
suggestions? Thanks.

Savannah
San Antonio, TX

Ticks are bloodsucking parasites that are found worldwide, although they are more common in some areas than in others. They attach to dogs, farm animals, birds, humans, reptiles, or wild mammals and consume a meal of blood over several days. Cats are susceptible to ticks, but suffer much lower rates of infestation due to their fastidious grooming habits.

Ticks are quite unpleasant and unsightly. Worse, they spread a large number of diseases that sound, and in fact are, creepy and scary. Lyme disease is the most famous of these, but other diseases spread by ticks include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Q Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Babesia, Potomac Fever, and Tularemia.

In my experience, natural and holistic tick preventatives such as garlic are not very effective. There are a number of new tick preventatives for dogs and cats that work much better. These preventatives are not natural, and they are chemicals. However, when used appropriately they are much safer for your pet than ticks and the diseases that ticks carry.

I recommend that you consult your veterinarian before using one of these products. Several lookalike and knock-off products are out there, and they are not as safe (nor as effective) as the originals, especially if used on cats. However, your vet will be able to recommend a tick preventative that is appropriate and safe.

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