Q: I have a 9-month-old Labrador that is constantly carsick. I have tried all the usual remedies like taking her on short trips, etc. I have also tried some motion sickness tablets, but they made her very dopey for the whole day and when I am only going to Roanoke it is hardly worth it. Have you any suggestions?

I have used ginger with good effect in both dogs and humans. The root of the ginger plant is a tasty way to prevent motion sickness. Most dogs appear to like ginger, so you should have no trouble getting your dog to eat it. Ginger cookies are probably the most palatable form as far as your Labrador is concerned. Ginger also comes in a crystalline form and in capsules; however, chopping up a small piece of the root may not be as appetizing.

No one seems to be sure how ginger works in controlling travel sickness. The active ingredients are volatile oils and pungent compounds that work directly on the gastro-intestinal tract rather than the central nervous system, as the travel sickness drugs do. Therefore ginger does not have any sedative effects other than on the stomach and intestines.

Two plain ginger cookies or ginger snaps should work well for a medium-sized dog.

Q: I have a miniature poodle whose littermate has just been diagnosed with PRA. How will I know if my poodle has the same condition?

PRA is short for progressive retinal atrophy. This is a hereditary disease in which the cells of the lining of the back of the eye begin to deteriorate. In the early stages, dogs lose their ability to see in dim light. As the disease progresses, they can't see in bright light either. There is no treatment, but it is not painful. Ask your veterinarian to refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist. Obviously, as it is an inherited disease, your dog should be neutered.

Most dogs adapt very well to becoming increasingly blind, especially if you always keep the furniture and general home environment the same. Dogs will quickly learn where everything is; just be sure to keep their food and water bowls in the same place.

In strange surroundings the dog should be kept leashed and talked to soothingly.

There is no reason why dogs with PRA can't live to a good age.

Q: I have been using Febreze on my furniture to make sure there are no "doggy" smells when visitors come. Now I hear that this is a poison and could harm my dogs. Is this true?

Some time ago there were some rumors circulating on the Internet that one of the ingredients in Febreze, zinc chloride, could cause illness or even death in cats and dogs. Veterinary toxicologists at the ASPCA Poison Control center investigated this claim and found that it was without foundation. In fact, Febreze merits the ASPCA Seal of Approval as being safe to use according to the directions in deodorizing households with pets. The Humane Society of the United States agrees that it is safe to use when following the instructions.

Febreze should not be sprayed directly on the animal in question.

When washing smelly dog or cat bedding, add the laundry booster called 20 Mule Team Borax to the wash. This helps to destroy those persistent odors that tend to linger in animal bedding. This same borax product will also help in the cleanup of accidents in the home. After blotting up most of the urine, sprinkle the borax over the area, rub it in and leave to dry, then vacuum.

Dr. Jill Bowen has practiced veterinary medicine in England and Texas and has taught at Texas A&M. She lives with her veterinarian husband and two cats in Blacksburg. If you have a question, please write to her in care of The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg, VA 24068, or send an e-mail to mjbowen@radford.edu.