Madre
06-01-2009, 12:43 PM
Dr. Fox: Say no to plastic water bowls
By Dr. Michael Fox
UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE
06/01/2009
DEAR DR. FOX: I travel for my job and was sent to Texas last March. Normally, my 13-year-old Chihuahua, Sammy, is always with me. But on this trip, he stayed behind for a week and then came to meet me. I realized his water dish had been left behind, so I went to the store and bought a new one. Shortly after arriving, Sammy became ill and had all the symptoms of Cushing's disease, though the test was inconclusive. He could not sleep for more than two hours a night. He was constantly drinking and peeing. He stopped enjoying his favorite foods. He lost weight, and his stomach became bloated, swollen and tender to touch. He found it difficult to find a comfortable position to sit or lie down and did not want to be picked up. I had found a wonderful vet, and he tried everything he could think of. But nothing we did seemed to help. Sammy just got sicker and sicker, and I was worried he was slowly dying.
Sammy and I went to visit my sister last September. While there, I read your column in the local newspaper in which you discussed several pets that had odd ailments and symptoms, all of which were relieved by discarding their plastic water bowls. That day, I purchased a new glass bowl and threw out the plastic one.
Immediately, Sammy began to improve. He began to sleep through the night, his thirst subsided, and the frequent urination decreased dramatically. After a few months, he returned to his old self and is doing fine now.
I just want to share my experience in case it could help another sick pet. I tell every pet owner I meet: "Do not use a plastic bowl!" -- W.S., Ponca City, Okla.
DEAR W.S.: Your veterinarian tried every conventional approach to your dog's Cushing's disease-like symptoms, but they disappeared once you stopped using a plastic water bowl. This should be a lesson for all.
Thank you for confirming what I have long advocated: Never use plastic food or water/beverage containers because of the prevalence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in their composition that leach into foods and drinks -- more so when heated. This includes plastic heating pouches.
Other neglected sources of endocrine- and immune-system-disrupting chemicals are in most room fresheners and scented products, from detergents and kitty litter to floor cleaners and deodorizing sprays.
By Dr. Michael Fox
UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE
06/01/2009
DEAR DR. FOX: I travel for my job and was sent to Texas last March. Normally, my 13-year-old Chihuahua, Sammy, is always with me. But on this trip, he stayed behind for a week and then came to meet me. I realized his water dish had been left behind, so I went to the store and bought a new one. Shortly after arriving, Sammy became ill and had all the symptoms of Cushing's disease, though the test was inconclusive. He could not sleep for more than two hours a night. He was constantly drinking and peeing. He stopped enjoying his favorite foods. He lost weight, and his stomach became bloated, swollen and tender to touch. He found it difficult to find a comfortable position to sit or lie down and did not want to be picked up. I had found a wonderful vet, and he tried everything he could think of. But nothing we did seemed to help. Sammy just got sicker and sicker, and I was worried he was slowly dying.
Sammy and I went to visit my sister last September. While there, I read your column in the local newspaper in which you discussed several pets that had odd ailments and symptoms, all of which were relieved by discarding their plastic water bowls. That day, I purchased a new glass bowl and threw out the plastic one.
Immediately, Sammy began to improve. He began to sleep through the night, his thirst subsided, and the frequent urination decreased dramatically. After a few months, he returned to his old self and is doing fine now.
I just want to share my experience in case it could help another sick pet. I tell every pet owner I meet: "Do not use a plastic bowl!" -- W.S., Ponca City, Okla.
DEAR W.S.: Your veterinarian tried every conventional approach to your dog's Cushing's disease-like symptoms, but they disappeared once you stopped using a plastic water bowl. This should be a lesson for all.
Thank you for confirming what I have long advocated: Never use plastic food or water/beverage containers because of the prevalence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in their composition that leach into foods and drinks -- more so when heated. This includes plastic heating pouches.
Other neglected sources of endocrine- and immune-system-disrupting chemicals are in most room fresheners and scented products, from detergents and kitty litter to floor cleaners and deodorizing sprays.