DEAR READERS: Many of us have had to switch on our air conditioners during this summer's heat waves. When I did so, I soon experienced mild vertigo! The ionization of the air in my home had been changed by the electrical cooling device, increasing positive ions, which can cause physical discomfort for many people, especially in offices and stores.

"Ions are particles that have either a positive or negative electrical charge," wrote Milos Nedved in a study entitled "Ventilation and the Air Ion Effect in Indoor Building Environments." (The study appeared in the 2011 book "Sick Building Syndrome.") "In natural environments, they are produced to maintain a healthy ratio, but in an artificial indoor environment -- one with air conditioning, electrical equipment, fluorescent lighting and even synthetic clothing -- the balance can be seriously affected. Each recirculation of air through an air conditioning system reduces the concentration of negative ions."

It is notable that negative ions can help prevent the spread of airborne viruses by acting as a disinfectant. See the study "Ionizing air affects influenza virus infectivity and prevents airborne transmission" by Marie Hagbom et al., published in Scientific Reports in 2015.

In addition to the air conditioner-induced vertigo, I am also sensitive to sudden changes in barometric pressure, as are many people. Lower barometric pressure, such as before a storm, can cause the tissues around joints to expand, potentially increasing joint pain. My 9-year-old dog also shows signs of discomfort in these scenarios, since she has some arthritis.

POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY HARMS DOGS

High levels of certain indoor air pollutants are associated with the development of atopic dermatitis in dogs. For details, see the study "Indoor particulate matter induces epigenetic changes in companion atopic dogs" by Jihyun Kim et al., published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety in 2023.

NIH CUTS MUST BE RESTORED, RULES JUDGE

Rectifying more "cost-cutting" stupidity by the executive branch, a federal judge has ruled that the National Institutes of Health must restore funding to hundreds of research projects that were canceled because they touched on issues of racial diversity, sexual and gender minorities, and COVID-19.

The order covers only the scientists named in the lawsuits and the 16 states that sued the government, and therefore affects about one-third of the 2,400 NIH projects that have been cut. After the ruling, Judge William Young gave a statement and made his opinion on the cuts very clear.

“This represents racial discrimination and discrimination against America’s LGBTQ community,” said Young, who was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1985. “I would be blind not to call it out.”

DEAR DR. FOX: I am so intrigued by this behavior that my friend’s dog, Sadie, has displayed a couple times now. She’s not a huge fan of dog biscuits, but I have given her a couple “gourmet” ones from the health food store. Sadie accepts them politely, then takes them upstairs and puts them in the guest room where I am staying -- right under my pillow.

I’m curious what you think about this. Is she returning them because she doesn’t want them, and perhaps recognizes that they belong to me? Or is she trying to give me a gift? In any event, I find it utterly charming! -- B.K., Washington, D.C.

DEAR B.K.: As you speculate, Sadie may be simply returning what she does not want. Conversely, she may be setting it aside for your future enjoyment, as many dogs will hide treats for themselves to enjoy later.

I had one dog, Lizzie, a rescued village dog from Jamaica, who would scurry around to find something to put at the feet of any guest who came to our home. Once, as a friend chatted on our porch, Lizzie put a big leaf from the garden by our friend's feet!

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)

DEAR READERS: Here is a positive update to the issue that the Center for Biological Diversity called "the largest attack on public lands in U.S. history" -- namely, the proposal from some Senate Republicans to sell off nearly 3 million acres of public lands. According to Associated Press reporter Matthew Daly, the proposal has been blocked on a technicality. Its backers vow to keep trying to get it passed.

All concerned about the current administration’s total disregard for environmental and wildlife protection must remain vigilant. Consider supporting nonprofit organizations such as the CBD, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Nature Conservancy, which are closely monitoring legislative proposals and informing sympathetic politicians to take appropriate action.

Meanwhile, concerns are increasing about large-scale logging in boreal forest areas, including in Saskatchewan, Canada. Some sources report that 1 million acres of the Canadian boreal forest are lost each year to logging, with clearcutting being the dominant logging practice.

All of this deforestation and destruction, as we continue to exacerbate climate change and the loss of biodiversity, is truly insane.

JUDGE RULES AGAINST IMPROVING HORSE WELFARE

I was shocked to learn that Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas has blocked new regulations put out by the USDA’s Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service to strengthen regulations within the Horse Protection Act. These new regulations would outlaw the painful act of inflicting chemical soring or mechanical injuries on horses’ legs and hooves to force an exaggerated gait in certain breeds. (For details, see the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, volume 263.)

Animal protection organizations have been opposing these practices for decades. Their continuation is an outrageous and flagrant violation of the rights of equines -- totally unacceptable in any civilized society.

DEAR DR. FOX: I just read your column about the creation of "organ donor pigs." I could not agree with you more. Animal exploitation completely disgusts me, no matter if it leads to “advancements” in treating humans. The cost to the animals is far too high. Thank you for telling the truth. -- M.J., Santa Rosa, California

DEAR M.J.: I always appreciate words of support from readers. Some see this issue of creating organ donor pigs as lifesaving -- and even justified, since so many people eat pigs anyway. But I see it as ethically questionable. It underscores the degree to which humans have evolved into an exploitative global infestation, causing more harm than good.

If we had not so polluted our air, food and water, and if we had considered the quality of life of our fellow creatures, public health would not be so severely compromised today as to justify the need to create organ donor pigs.

PETS GAIN FAMILY MEMBER STATUS IN NYC

A Brooklyn judge has ruled that pet dogs should be considered family members rather than property, allowing a lawsuit to proceed for emotional damages after a pet’s death. The ruling could encourage more people to seek compensation if their dog is harmed or killed. (Full story: Gothamist.com, June 20)

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)

DEAR DR. FOX: We have two black Labrador retrievers, ages 3 and 4. I want to thank you for your advice in a past column about this breed being prone to obesity. We see so many fat dogs on our walks!

We have kept our dogs lean by giving them two small meals per day of organic pet food that's low in carbs and fats, plus lots of exercise. We wonder if there will soon be injections available for overweight dogs, similar to Wegovy and Ozempic for humans. -- W.M., South Bend, Indiana

DEAR W.M.: I am glad that my advice has helped your two dogs stay lean and healthy. Labradors have inherited genetic traits, like those in some humans, that make them prone to obesity. But there are many factors that can alter metabolism and the gut microbiome -- the population of beneficial microorganisms in the digestive system.

These can be affected by various food contaminants, such as the herbicide glyphosate, and additives such as preservatives and emulsifiers in highly processed pet and human foods. For details, see the study "Obesity and endocrine-disrupting chemicals" by Angelica Amorim Amato et al., published in Endocrine Connections in 2021.

It is likely that drugs similar to Ozempic and Wegovy will eventually be approved for use in companion animals. However, people who take such drugs face chronic shortages, high costs, insurance barriers and debilitating side effects. Similar issues would likely occur if and when such medicines are used in animals.

SALE OF U.S. PUBLIC WILDLANDS THWARTED FOR NOW

Please see this June 28 news release from the Center for Biological Diversity:

“After massive outrage, Sen. Mike Lee announced late today that he is pulling his provision for a huge sell-off of America’s public lands from the Republican megabill.

“‘Good riddance to the biggest attack on public lands in history,’ said Brett Hartl, government affairs director at the Center for Biological Diversity. ‘Selling off public lands remains overwhelmingly out of step with the values of nearly all Americans and it should never have even been considered. This is a huge victory for the many millions of people across this country who love our public lands and want vibrant wildlife populations and a healthy environment.’

“(The CBD) ran full-page ads in the Denver Post and Salt Lake Tribune blasting Lee’s measure, which initially aimed to sell off roughly 3 million acres of public lands in 11 Western states. Lands at risk included popular recreation areas, hunting and fishing spots, culturally sensitive areas, wildlife and endangered species habitats, public water sources, and nearly 100,000 miles of trails. ...

“More than 100 nonprofit organizations sent a letter to the Western Governors’ Association urging the 19 state leaders to oppose Lee’s proposal, and thousands of people rallied in support of public lands outside the association’s annual meeting in Santa Fe, New Mexico.”

For the full release, visit biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/victory-sen-lee-surrenders-on-plan-to-sell-off-americas-public-lands-2025-06-28.

DEAR DR. FOX: My niece is entering veterinary college this fall, and I want to get her your book “One Health: Veterinary, Ethical and Environmental Perspectives.” However, I only see it on Amazon, and would prefer not to purchase it there. -- R.G., Cleveland, Ohio

DEAR R.G.: I fully understand. You may purchase it directly from the publisher here: routledge.com/One-Health-Veterinary-Ethical-and-Environmental-Perspectives/Fox/p/book/9781032942599.

Good luck to your niece! The courses will be challenging, but the experiences will be rewarding. I hope my book will inspire as well as inform.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)