Dear Ruthanne: Changing a dog's type of food or even brand of food can cause a variety of problems, including diarrhea. If you are concerned about nutritional value of the food, find out from your veterinarian what he advises for your particular dog. This could include vitamins and supplements. If there is a problem and Andy needs to have a change in diet, then I suggest that you start the switch slowly by mixing a little of the new food with the old, gradually increasing the new and decreasing the old. This may help, but of course, consult your veterinarian.

Dear Uncle Matty: I can't see any fleas on my cat, but she has recently started scratching — not all the time, but off and on throughout the day. She goes outside, but stays mostly on the patio and sleeps on one of our wicker chairs. I do not want to use commercial flea powders and collars, so is there a good alternative? —Aaron B., Itching in Tulsa, Okla.

Dear Aaron: Effectiveness can depend on the rest of your program to get rid of fleas, in spite of the product(s) you use. Two important actions are to vacuum the house several times a week and brush your pet daily. You can try bathing your cat (or dog) using a good quality castile soap. Another possibility is to put a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a bottle of natural shampoo for a natural flea bath. Don't put the oil directly on your pet. For some really good natural options, consult the book "Natural Pet Cures" by Dr. John Heinerman, published by Prentice Hall.

Good luck, and WOOF! —Uncle Matty

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Dog trainer Matthew "Uncle Matty" Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and host of the PBS series "WOOF! It's a Dog's Life!" Send your questions to dearuncle.gazette unclematty.com or mail to Uncle Matty at P.O. Box 3300, Diamond Springs, CA 95619. © Creators Syndicate Inc.

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