Dear Dr. Fox: Kindly review the attached article regarding cats and human babies. Any comments to dispel the old wives' tale of cats smothering infants would be appreciated. Thanks from a fan and animal lover. -- D.G., North Palm Beach, Fla.

Dear D.G.: I cannot believe that a syndicated columnist like this pediatrician, Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, could write that "some cats will seek out the infants' mouths and noses and lie on them to smother them. ... It would be better for the baby if your daughter would rid herself of the cats."

While this article that you and others sent me is undated, it comes from the Dark Ages. Its main focus of concern is toxoplasmosis, which cats can transmit to humans. But there are ways that vets deal with this so a pregnant woman doesn't have to "rid herself of the cats." People are more likely to get this parasite from handling infected meat in their kitchens and from soil when out gardening.

This doctor should either wise up or fold up. Perpetuating myths and spreading disinformation like this is highly unprofessional, and the doctor should write a retraction.

Dear Dr. Fox: I just adopted a 1-1/2-year-old male Shih Tzu from a rescue center. He tested negative for heartworm and has been on Heartguard ever since.

My current vet wants to revaccinate next February, and I've heard there's some controversy about this perhaps not being necessary. What is your opinion on this subject? -- J.B., Tequesta, Fla.

Dear J.B.: Since your dog received only the one-year rabies vaccination, I would advise giving the three-year next time. Having a viable rabies vaccination is mandatory under state law.

Other vaccinations are probably not needed and are best avoided. Most other vaccines (the so-called "core vaccinations") are good for three to five years and even longer. For details, check my Web site (www.twobitdog.com/DrFox). Find another veterinarian if the one you are currently seeing insists on across-the-board annual booster shots. Overvaccinating may play a major role in autoimmune disease in dogs, the incidence of which has increased significantly in recent years.

To order Dr. Michael W. Fox's newsletter, Animal Doctor, on providing the best care for your animal companion, send a check or money order for $2 and a long, self-addressed stamped envelope to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Send your questions to Dr. Fox in care of this newspaper. 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 Web site at www.twobitdog.com/DrFox.