Q.
I have an eight-year-old almost Maine Coon cat that gets very red, irritated eyes. One eye will have a brown, thick, “mucus-type” buildup. The vet put her on a steroid eye drop a few months ago, but now that the problem has returned, I’d rather not go that route again. I’ve been adding a bit of detox and immune system boosting supplements to her food, as well as a bit of willow bark for the pain/inflammation. Can you offer other suggestions?

A.
Good for you on the supplements. The addition of digestive enzymes such as Prozyme can also help relieve congestion. I would also look at what you are feeding her. Cats are true carnivores, and carbohydrates are almost non-existent in their native diet. If you are feeding dry food, this could serve as a basis for bodily congestion. Topically, I have had much success using a homeopathic eye drop called Similasan Formula #1.

Q.
My Shih Tzu, Meisha, is three years old and for about the last month she has been vomiting in the mornings. I think it is mainly bile. She doesn’t seem interested in food until late afternoon, then eats both her morning and evening meals. Do you know what could be causing her to vomit only in the mornings? She seems to sleep most of the day, but is very playful later in the day and evening.

A.
Vomiting is one of the most common symptoms secondary to many primary conditions, so I couldn’t tell you what’s causing it without a direct examination. To be safe, you should have her examined by a veterinarian. I would also recommend a full blood panel. I am not familiar with the food you mention, but I doubt it’s ideal despite being categorized as top of the line. It would be a good idea to do some research into healthier foods.

Q.
My four-year-old cat has had three life-threatening attacks of pancreatitis, requiring emergency attention. The vet has her on a special commercial diet but can’t seem to prevent the attacks. Is there anything else I can do?

A.
Generally, I can’t rationalize using most commercial diets for any condition when the same formulations can be accomplished using whole foods. Although I am a proponent of raw diet, for this condition I tend to recommend cooked meats, vegetables like peas and carrots, and a touch, at most, of whole grains. I’d also use a pancreas glandular, such as Standard Process Labs’ Pancreatrophin, and a homeopathic, like Professional Health Products’ Pancreas-Stomach Drops or Heel-BHI’s Pancreas.

Q.
My seven-year-old female cat has a rash on her chin that seems to come and go. It tends to flake or scab up and she sometimes loses a little hair on her chin. She is very healthy otherwise; there are no other skin rashes or dryness anywhere else on her body and she has no fleas or other kind of bug that I can see. Do you know what could be causing this? Are there any holistic remedies you can recommend? I would also like to know if pure aloe vera gel cut right off the plant is toxic to cats if they ingest it, and also if tea tree oil is toxic.

Q.
In February, I took my six-year-old male chocolate Lab, Riley, for some blood work. It was routine in nature, but I had noticed that he seemed to be slowing down, had dandruff, and was slightly underweight. It has now been three months, and I have had follow up blood work done (all readings also enclosed). Based on his initial numbers, do you have any recommendations as to diet and/or supplementation to support proper thyroid function? Riley receives food enzymes and vitamin supplements, and I have been able to put a little weight on him. His dandruff has reduced and his energy level is increasing with the warmer weather, too. He has not received any shots in three years, but does take HeartGuard during the summer months. He lost his “sister” last fall to brain cancer, and was definitely under stress as a result. He now shares his home with a new puppy – stress again.

Q.
Sometimes, all of sudden, my Maltese starts to lick everything in sight – the floor, rugs, concrete – and he wants to eat anything he can. This lasts for hours. I tried the pepcid a/c and it seems to help him after a few hours. I was told it may be indigestion but the vet wasn’t sure. Since then, I’m giving him vanilla yogurt almost every night. Is it good for him?

Q.
I've read several articles that say grapes, and grape byproducts such as raisins, are toxic to dogs. I now hear that sometimes this might not be true. I’ve also read a report that says grapeseeds are a powerful antioxidant and may be beneficial to dogs. If this is so, what kind of grapeseed extracts would be good for dogs?

Q.
Do you know of any products or methods that may help us live with fecal incontinence? My red heeler has had anal gland surgery and now suffers from this condition. She sleeps on our bed and accompanies me to work every day and has done so for the last 13 years. How long does it take from the time food goes in to the time it comes out the other end? Can we regulate this?