My Pet World: Medication can, indeed, help fearful dogs much as it helps fearful people. You could look it up!
COMMENT: We adopted Lucy, a Jack Russell-mix. She's a mild-tempered dog who's very specific about what she barks about. At Christmas, when my wife's cousin arrived for to visit, we couldn't get Lucy to stop barking. Later that night, the cousin was taken to the hospital with extreme abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with colon cancer and passed away early this year.
In another instance, Lucy began barking at my wife's brother, whom she adored. We couldn't figure out why. Mark was soon diagnosed prostate cancer. Lucy continued to be very agitated each time Mark came over. Eventually, Mark's prostate was completely removed. On Mark's first visit after surgery, Lucy was very happy to see him and didn't bark. Can she actually "smell" cancer? I'd heard similar stories, but was amazed to witness this happen. Any thoughts? -- A.F. Cyberspace
S.D.: Over the years, I've received countless emails like yours. Scientists have confirmed that there are several types of cancers dogs can identify by scent. The non-profit InSitu Foundation has a web site on this topic: dogsdetectcancer.org. Studies have shown dogs can detect bladder, lung, ovarian, prostate, breast and colorectal cancer. I'm sorry for your loss.
COMMENT: You missed the answer about dogs who eat poop by a good mile. Twice I bought a puppy who did this. My vet told me that when puppies are taken away from their mothers and siblings, some handle it well, but a few are so lonely they'll eat their own droppings. Both times, I bought a second puppy. The poop-eating stopped the very day I brought a companion home for my dog. -- A.M., Cyberspace
S.D.: Certainly, coprophagia, or poop eating, may be related to anxiety, particularly in puppies. It's also possible that when bringing home a second puppy, the first would continue to chow down on poop, and the second pup would learn the same behavior. The explanation for coprophagia in most (adult) dogs has more to do with a breed predisposition or individual predisposition, combined with opportunity.
COMMENT: The people of Holland love Cesar Millan, no matter what you say. He's the best! -- M.A., Amsterdam, Holland
S.D.: You're referring to a blog post (which likely Millan himself had nothing to do with) which used colorful language to describe me because I've been an open critic of many of Millan's dog training methods.
I'm sure many people in Holland do love Mr. Millan. However, my guess is that Dutch animal behavior and animal welfare experts concur with colleagues around the world, expressing serious concerns about Millan's methods.
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Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can't answer all of them individually, he'll answer those of general interest in his column Send e-mail to PETWORLD(at)STEVE DALE.TV. Include your name, city and state. Steve's website is www.stevedalepetworld.com; he also hosts the nationally syndicated "Steve Dale's Pet World" and "The Pet Minute." He's also a contributing editor to USA Weekend.
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