Vitamin C may aid pets with cancer

A little reminder: A few weeks ago, my column dealt with Halloween safety and pets. Just a few more days, and the ghoulish decorations, hair-raising costumes and frightening sounds will permeate neighborhoods. Please consider your pets. Keep all cats indoors a few days ahead of Halloween and through the weekend. Make sure dogs are safe from strange things outside and loud noises like fireworks that can startle them and cause them to bolt. You don't want to be one of those frantic pet owners searching the pounds on Nov. 1.

Dear Uncle Matty: My 6-year-old golden retriever is undergoing treatment for cancer. I know she is having a hard time, and so am I. My sister told me to give Jewel a lot of vitamin C. Will this help? — Adrianne B., Oklahoma City

Dear Adrianne: Of course you should consult with your veterinarian. Many vets prescribe vitamin C as part of therapy for cancer, arthritis, and other serious and painful diseases.

In the book "Why Is Cancer Killing Our Pets?" by Deborah Straw, the author states that vitamin C is non-toxic and cannot harm your dog if it is given too much, but she warns that large doses can cause temporary diarrhea. She also quotes other sources that recommend additional vitamin C as part of a dog's regular diet. One reference in her book notes that Linus Pauling, two-time Nobel Prize winner, discovered the importance of vitamin C plays in the treatment and prevention of cancers.

You will find a lot of detailed information in Straw's book, and I recommend it for all pet owners because it deals heavily in the prevention of cancer in pets as well as the treatment. If you've ever wondered why cancer is affecting so many humans and pets, this book provides a lot of answers and plenty of food for thought.

Dear Uncle Matty: My wife and I got a dog about 18 months ago, and we are constantly disagreeing about issues related to Harley, who, by the way, is a very large Rottweiler. I wanted to train Harley from Day One, but my wife never wants to spend the money for training. As a result, we are constantly yelling at our dog to stop chewing on things. We are covering up holes in our expensive sofa where Harley chewed his heart out.

He understands the command "sit," but that's about it when it comes to obedience. The thing I really dislike the most is that Harley sleeps on our bed. This is one big dog, and I'm a 6-foot-3-inch-tall person, a little on the stocky side. I'm not getting enough rest. And Harley snores! Any thoughts? — William A., Hartford, Conn.