Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 13, 1994                   TAG: 9403100086
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Karen Davis
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

FLEA OR FOOD ALLERGIES CAN BE MISERY FOR A PET

A: Elsewhere in your letter, you said your veterinarian believes your dog may have a flea allergy. This is the most common allergy in dogs and cats and often causes severe itching and hair loss. The reaction is believed to be caused by the flea's saliva.

The more allergic the pet is, the fewer fleas it takes to cause a reaction. And even though you may not see any sign of flea infestation - those nasty little black specks of flea dirt - on your dog, you still must treat the animal and its surroundings for fleas. Wash the pet's bedding. Vacuum carpets - where fleas breed - frequently and discard the vacuum bag or put it in the freezer to kill the flea eggs. Select flea products containing pyrethrin, which has a low toxicity to mammals.

Be aware, however, that mixing too many chemicals can be hazardous. For example, using a flea collar in combination with certain sprays, bug bombs and lawn pesticides may expose your pet to too many poisons at once. Your veterinarian can tell you which products are designed to be used together safely and how and when to use them.

Food allergies also can cause itching and dermatitis, plus gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. It is important to understand that the pet is allergic to some ingredient in the food, such as wheat, rice, milk, eggs, etc., and not to a particular food brand.

If a veterinarian suspects a food allergy, he may recommend that you feed a premium brand, instead of a grocery-store brand. Premium and prescription foods remain stable in their makeup, whereas the recipe ingredients in grocery-store brands may change according to their current market cost and availability. That doesn't necessarily mean that grocery-store brands are of lesser quality, however.

If you always feed the same brand, it's sometimes much easier to tell whether health-related changes are food-connected. And if you're feeding a special diet to see whether your allergic pet improves on it, introducing commercial treats, table scraps or any other foods might mess up the results.

Q: I've had a pet pig for a year now and haven't been educated enough about one. I am particularly interested in their diets, as far as what to eat and what not to eat, and the vaccinations or vitamins they need. B.D., Bluefield.

A: Overfeeding and underfeeding are common mistakes among new miniature pig owners. You don't say in your letter what breed your pet pig is. But if it is a Vietnamese potbellied pig, write to the Potbellied Pig Registry Service Inc. (PPRSI) at 22819 Stanton Road, Lakeville, Ind. 46536, and ask for literature. The organization also can steer you toward video tapes and books on all aspects of the care and training of miniature pigs. The phone number is (219) 784-2989.

Feed miniature pigs only foods that are specially formulated for them, such as Purina Mazuri or Heartland Exotics Mini Pig Feed. Farm market hog feeds are too high in fat and protein and too low in vitamins and minerals for miniatures. For Purina distributors in your area, call (800) 227-8941. For Heartland Exotics, call (800) 325-8414. These companies also can send you feeding charts with recommended amounts and answer questions about your pig's nutrition.

To satisfy the pig's hunger cravings, feed two or three small meals a day, rather than one large one.

As for what not to feed, never give your miniature pig table scraps, meat, eggs, cheese (unless it's fat-free), dog or cat food, fried foods, high-salt snacks or chocolate.

To tell whether your pig is too tubby or lean, place your thumb and middle finger across its hips and push in. If you cannot feel the bones at all, you need to gradually reduce your pig's rations. If you can see or easily feel the angular hip bones under the skin, your pet could stand to gain a little weight. If the rump looks well-rounded, but you still can feel the hip bones, plus feel a little padding over them, then your pig is probably in pretty good shape and should remain on its present diet.

Medical care for miniature pigs differs in many ways from that given to their larger farm cousins. You should plan a vaccination program in consultation with a veterinarian who has experience with miniature pigs, because several factors, such as disease problems in your area and proximity to other animals, must be considered.

Booster vaccinations usually are administered once or twice a year for parvovirus, leptospirosis and erysipelas, among other diseases. Again, PPRSI can furnish a recommended health care schedule.