What the vet says on doggie deluxe

By Lauren Johnston | amNY.com

5:46 PM EST, February 10, 2006

Dr. Francisco DiPolo of the East Side Animal Hospital talks to amNY.com about the benefits of dogs leading the good life.

Q:: Are botanical dog shampoos, like Paul Mitchell, better than regular pet store shampoo?
A:: I think it's something that still has to be proven. A lot of pets really don't need it. Some owners use it to avoid irritants found in the regular shampoos, but it's not a necessity.

Q:: Is organic food better?

A:: I think so. Our pets are exactly what we feed them. So, I do think the organic diet is better for dogs. The more natural the food is, the better it's going to be for the pet.

Q:: What about owners who give their dogs "people food" like steak?
A:: Ingredients like these have to be eaten in a balanced way. For example, if I go and get a Peter Luger steak and give it to my pet every day, he may be getting great quality steak, but it's probably very unhealthy for him.

Q:: What do you think of the dog massage trend?
A:: Some of these techniques are definitely beneficial for pets. Massage and acupuncture have a physiological effect that's measurable for conditions such as arthritis. I've seen pets improve dramatically with these approaches. Some of them I buy into and I actually practice, like acupuncture. Other things like Reiki and psychic therapy, I don't necessarily support.

Q: What do you think of dog fashion labels?
A:: I don't think pets care one bit if they're wearing Cartier or Old Navy. I think that some of them need to wear some clothing when they go outside because it can be very dry and cold and windy. They will benefit from it, but you know, I don't think you have to go that far to get the Burberry bandana.

Q:: Is there any evidence that pampered dogs live longer?
A:: I believe so, and I think as we start handing the human experience down to our animals, we're going to see them living longer. It has happened to us. Over the last centuries we have increased our life spans dramatically and we're doing the same things with pets.

Q:: Do you pamper your dog?
A:: He's a lucky guy. I have a golden retriever named Bo. He's fed a very good quality organic diet. When he's achy he gets his acupuncture and when it's rainy he wears a jacket. He's 11 and kicking now and I believe the diet he eats and the exercise are the reason he has had a chance to live such a long healthy life.