Dear Dr. Fox • I have a 3-year-old male Labradoodle who has experienced bouts of diarrhea, gassiness and vomiting. After a CAT scan to rule out blockages, our vet diagnosed the dog with irritable bowel syndrome. He can eat only expensive prescription ultra-low-allergen dog food. We are happy that the dog is doing well, but we would rather not pay the price for the food. — L.R., Rumson, N.J.

Dear L.R • So-called irritable bowel syndrome is one of the more common and costly canine afflictions. Generally, there is an underlying dietary ingredient or food hypersensitivity that is best prevented and treated by feeding dogs a wholesome, whole-food diet of known ingredients, ideally organically certified. For details, see my new book, "Healing Animals and the Vision of One Health," available on amazon.com.

Home-prepared diets (for recipes go to www.balanceit.com; 1-888-346-6362) can be as effective, less costly and more palatable than manufactured prescription/therapeutic dog foods. During acute episodes of diarrhea, treatment with Tylosin, aloe vera liquid, glutamine or aluminosilicate/kaolin and pectin medication can provide soothing and healing relief. Replacement fluid therapy is called for when there is dehydration and loss of electrolytes. Probiotics (pills or powder containing beneficial bacteria) and digestive enzymes can help many afflicted dogs stay well. Peppermint is one herb that has been shown to help in humans and should work on dogs.

Dear Dr. Fox • Dusty, my 17-year-old male cat, just died. We got Dusty from the pound when he was 7 years old and Katy a year later when she was 8 weeks old.

Dusty was jealous, and they never really bonded as I hoped they would. But they were company for each other and got along in a compromised way. I know Katy mourned Dusty's passing.

I can never replace Dusty, but I think it is important to find another companion for Katy. If possible, I would like to have the new cat or kitten and Katy bond this time. Katy is now 10. — S.D., Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Dear S.D. • It is generally true that the older the cat, the less likely it is to accept a newcomer. Cats get set in their ways, and any change in their familiar environment can be upsetting.

But there are exceptions to all generalizations, and Katy may come to enjoy a friendly feline companion. I would opt for adopting a neutered male of about Katy's age on approval, so you can return the new cat if they don't get along after three to four weeks. A playful and active kitten may be too much for her to handle without "time out" to give her a break. But that is your alternative choice.

www.twobitdog.com/DrFox Dr. Fox, c/o "Animal Doctor," United Features Syndicate, 200 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10016