Pet Care

January 20, 2000

Whole Foods presents Werner Foster, from Dancing Paws, who discusses health issues concerning pets, pet care, nutrition, cats, and dogs.

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HonCCC: Tonight we'd like to welcome Werner Foster from Dancing Paws! Werner is an expert of alternative therapies for pets, pet nutrition and health. Chat with him about what you can do to make your pet happy and healthy. Hi Werner! Werner, do pets need the same types of vitamins and nutrients as humans?

WF-Werner Foster: No they don't. Each animal has their own specific needs. However all of our vitamins are human quality, which doesn't mean that they're human formula. They're very different.

WF-siggie: My cat often coughs as if he has a hairball although nothing happens. He stops just as suddenly as he starts! What can I do to stop this?

WF-Werner Foster: You can look for some foods that are formulated to address fur balls. But usually you have to get the cat checked out with the vet to find out what the cause is. They will direct you to the right foods or remedy.

WF-siggie: Is it a natural thing? Is it ok for the cat to do some of that? Or is it never normal?

WF-Werner Foster: It is natural.

WF-siggie: Ok thanks. I feel better.

WF-Werner Foster: It's extremely common. No need for alarm. Check in with your vet or favorite pet store. They will give you lots of options.

Rockee3: Hi, this may sound funny but what can happen if a cat has no whiskers? (My 5-year-old cut them off yesterday.) And will they grow back?

WF-Werner Foster: Yes, they will grow back. Get those scissors out of your 5-year-old's hands. The cat might bump into the furniture. It's the same thing as cutting your eyebrows out, no big deal.

Rockee3: Thanks. I thought they were vital for feeling or navigation or something.

ShygirlfromPA: Is it normal for cats to go through a stage of going on the floor a lot instead of in the litter box?

WF-Werner Foster: This could be behavioral related. Have you been absent from the house a lot recently? It could be separation anxiety.

ShygirlfromPA: No.

WF-Werner Foster: See if there are any other people or things in the house that are intimidating it.

ShygirlfromPA: Nobody left our house.

WF-Werner Foster: It may be a bladder infection if those first things don't work. I would call your vet.

ShygirlfromPA: Thanks.

Lynn92: I have a 12-year-old terrier mix just diagnosed with congestive heart failure and now on Lasix. He's doing better but do you have any other suggestions to prolong his life and make him more comfy?

WF-Werner Foster: Daily multivitamin and minerals, and a great enzyme formula like shake-n-zyme, and natural foods. And give him big hugs and kisses. <smile>

Lynn92: Thanks!

WF-Werner Foster: No problem.

WF-GeriatriCat: I am a very old kitty (20 years) and I wake up several times a night and howl to wake up my owner. She feeds me. Why do I wake up so much? The humans are getting mad at me.

WF-Werner Foster: Cause you feed him at night you would wake up in the middle of the night too if someone fed you then.

WF-HealthyMan: Mr. Forster, I've given my cats your multivitamin and they like it a lot but they get diarrhea on occasion. What's the cause do you think?

WF-Werner Foster: Lack of enzymes. Shake-n-zyme to the rescue!

WF-HealthyMan: Shake'n'zyme, I haven't heard of it. Does WholeFoods sell it?

WF-Werner Foster: They have natural cheddar and Romano cheeses and nine different enzymes--cat's go nuts over it.

WF-HealthyMan: Sounds good.

Incognita: Is it true that a dog could die from eating chocolate?

WF-Werner Foster: Death is pretty extreme. Chocolate is very bad for dogs. It would take lots of chocolate to get to that level.

CCCouGar: What are some of the lesser symptoms chocolate gives them?

WF-Werner Foster: It could cause diarrhea, and stomach upset.

WF-HealthyMan: Do you sell foods for pets yet?

WF-Werner Foster: No foods for pet except for treats.

HonCCC: Werner, I noticed at the pet store the other day that there was a huge isle of vitamins that I could give my cat. Is this necessary for a house cat? Is there anything wrong with just feeding her regular cat food everyday?

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