Protect your mail carriers
The U.S. Postal Service reports that the number of postal employees attacked by dogs nationwide was 6,244 in 2017 — a reduction of over 500 from 2016.
If you have one or more dogs, follow these tips:
■ If a carrier delivers mail or packages to your front door, place your dog in a separate room and close that door before opening the front door. Some dogs burst through screen doors or plate-glass windows to attack visitors. Dog owners should keep the family pet secured.
■ Parents should remind their children and other family members not to take mail directly from carriers in the presence of the family pet, as the dog may view the handing over of mail as a threatening gesture.
■ The Postal Service places the safety of its employees as a top priority. If a carrier feels threatened by a dog, or if a dog is loose or unleashed, the resident may be asked to pick up mail at a post office until the carrier is assured the pet has been restrained. If your dog is roaming the neighborhood, any nearby neighbors might also be asked to pick up their mail at the post office until the area is deemed safe.
Dear Dr. Fox: My kitty, Tony, nearly 2 years old, was a rescue. Apparently Tony climbed up in a car motor to stay warm when he was about 2 months old. He sustained an injury and required surgery to close his wound. I got him from a friend who rescues and fosters cats.
Since I brought him home, he has had recurring mouth sores that look painful, but don’t seem to bother him. I’ve taken him to four different vets, who have given him antibiotic shots. I do not give Tony any seafood and he eats out of ceramic bowls, and yet he continues to have this recurring problem. A week ago, Tony started limping and holding up his left paw. I took him to another vet, who thought it might be infected. The vet thought another antibiotic might help the paw as well as calming his mouth sores.
I have spent so much money on vet bills, and wonder if there is a “cure” for his problem, or if, as my cat rescue friend says, “some cats just have this in them.” Can this be true? Can you make any suggestions to help Tony? — C.C. Fort Myers, Florida
Dear C.C.: Your poor cat probably has one or more virus infections going on, such as herpes, and should be tested for FIV, feline immunodeficiency virus. Advances in developing anti-viral drugs and vaccines are slow and what may be available is costly.
Try my home-prepared diet (posted on drfoxvet. net), introducing slowly since most cats are finicky with anything new. A few drops of fish oil in the food may help since it is antiinflammatory. Avoid giving much, if any, dry cat food. The supplement Lysine, 250-500 mg twice daily by mouth (or mixed in the food), may also help. Ask your veterinarian to try VetzLife’s oral care gel on your cat.