The quality of pet health books just took a grand leap upward with the publication of two pairs of references that coincidentally manage to complement each other beautifully.
"The Purina Encyclopedia of Cat Care" (Ballantine hardcover; $25) was the first of the foursome to appear, coming out to good reviews last year. The companion book, "The Purina Encyclopedia of Dog Care" (same publisher, same
price) is just out, and even better than its companion volume. Both are written by Amy D. Shojai, a former veterinary technician who now has a handful of well-respected pet books to her credit.
Despite the commercial link to a pet-food maker, the books are thankfully free of marketing pitches, handling even the area of nutrition in an objective, evenhanded way. Shojai uses the alphabet to organize her material, with plenty of cross-referencing and a detailed index to make finding information a breeze.
The Purina pair are packed with more information than you'd think would fit even in nearly 450 pages, with solid entries on illness, behavior, breed characteristics, and even the day-to-day challenges of living with a pet, such as proper supplies and traveling with pets. The references end with quick guides to symptoms of illness and a decent list of additional resources -- various animal-related companies and groups.
My only quibble: The type on some of the charts is awfully small, but then maybe it won't bother someone who hasn't just been told she needs bifocals!
Another experienced writer on pet topics, Elizabeth Randolph, has enlisted the help of a handful of top veterinarians in producing her just-published pair of health books, "The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms" and "The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Cat's Symptoms" (both from Villard in softcover; $17.95).
The veterinarians' guide books work from the symptoms backward, with outstanding tables and illustrations to help identify what may be bothering your pet. The text is clear and likewise easy to follow, with excellent advice on choosing and working with a veterinarian, what's "normal" for a healthy dog or cat, and even help with behavior problems. Another strength: The sections in both books on emergencies -- what is, what isn't, and what to do. These books are also well-indexed, and feature a much-needed glossary of veterinary terms.
The two sets of books work perfectly together, with the veterinarians' guides more focused on symptoms and the Purina encyclopedias dedicated to lengthier explanations of the diseases behind the signs of illness. Along with one other new book, "The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog or Cat" (Bantam paperback; $6.95), you can create a reference library you'll be thumbing through for years to come.
PETS ON THE WEB
Theodore Leopold Pusskin is one cool cat, an Abyssinian living in Ottawa, Canada, who has time for plenty of important napping and his own Web site, too. Theo's Abyssinian Cat Club (www.xander.com/jana/cats/abby_club/index-text.html) is a lighthearted site with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. Fortunately for the personable puss, his human companion is a Web designer, so the page is well-done and easy to navigate. There are lots of links to the home pages of other cats, including one of his Siamese friend Tasha. Her site is worth a side trip, if for no other reason than the clever slide show of her "on safari."
THE SCOOP
Pet-food bags have been the same forever. The string you cut your finger on pulling to open (if it doesn't break), the top that refuses to fold down to keep food fresh -- it seems as though someone ought to be able to invent something that works better. Keep an eye out, for just such a product will be turning up in the stores soon. A new pet-food package is being marketed by the Cryovac company of Duncan, S.C., with some definite improvements over what's being used now. The heavy-gauge plastic keeps food fresh and bugs and other pests out. It's easier to open and can be tightly resealed. It's about time!
QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK
Q: My little Maltese was sprayed by a skunk. I have washed him several times and cannot get the smell off him. Is there any secret you can share with me to get us out of our stinky situation? -- C.S, Artesia, Calif.
A: Indeed there is! Take 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution (available at any drugstore), one-quarter cup of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap. Mix and apply to the dog, let sit a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with plain tap water.
The story behind this concoction is fascinating. According to the Chicago Tribune, the inventor is a Lisle, Ill., chemist by the name of Paul Krebaum. His discovery will never make him rich, however, because of a quirk of the formula: It cannot be bottled. The chemical reaction produced when the ingredients are introduced is short-term, and will burst any closed container (which is why the remedy must be mixed fresh, used promptly and disposed of after.)
Krebaum may never become rich from his invention, but he ought to at least become famous. The word is that the mix really works.
Q: In a recent column you discussed ways to keep loose, vicious dogs away while we walk our leashed pooches. May I add a suggestion?
I run almost daily with my two beautiful dogs -- Kelly, a male 15-month-old black Labrador, and Henna, a 2-year-old female weimaraner. I run not only with a leash and collapsible water dish in hand, but also with pepper spray for an attacking dog. I haven't had to use it yet, but would not hesitate to do so if necessary.
I'm sure the other owner, if he or she were around, wouldn't like it, but too bad. Beats the heck out of a huge vet bill for stitches, etc.-- P.G., Sacramento, Calif.
A: Yours was not the only note I received on pepper spray, and after a recent experience, I'm carrying it, too. My big retriever, Benjamin, was jumped at our park by a dog who came charging with hackles up and itching for a fight. Bennie is so sweet-natured he was surprised to be attacked and just stood there, as if in shock. No harm to either dog, thank heavens, but lots of angry words between owners, especially after the person finally collared his dog and admitted the animal was too aggressive to be let off-leash!
I'm not in favor of stitches, either, and I certainly intend to use the spray if I'm faced with an attacking dog again.
Q:. Gina, you made a mistake! You said that chows were the only dogs with blue-black (purple) tongues, but Chinese shar-peis have them, too. I hope you will correct your error. Our shar-pei club is waiting. -- P.A, via the Internet
A: You're absolutely right. The Chinese shar-pei is also a member of the Purple Tongue Club. The odd thing about my oversight is that I was smooched by a shar-pei at a dog event not even a couple weeks before I put my mistake in print. Mea culpa.
Q: I am 13 years old and going to get a Lab soon. It actually is a family decision, but I am going to be the one to train and walk her every day. I am fully prepared for all the work she is going to require. My question: I have heard that Labs need to have a choke chain used to control them. When does this apply? -- J.L., via e-mail
A: Congratulations! The Labrador is the No. 1 dog in the country with good reason. They're great family dogs, smart, loving and highly trainable.
As for the choke collar, forget about it! No puppy should have one, and if you train your pup well, you may never need one at all. I have two large retrievers and haven't had anything but ordinary flat collars on them. My Sheltie, Andy, hasn't had a choke collar on in more than 11 years. And they go with me everywhere they're allowed (and a few places maybe they're not).
A choke collar is a training tool, one of many available today, and you cannot generalize by saying "this breed" or "that breed" has to have one. What your dog will definitely need is the training you'll be doing, and that starts with puppy classes at about 12 weeks of age. A well-trained dog will walk politely on leash no matter what collar you use. When you take your puppy to see the veterinarian, ask about training classes in your area.
Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies" and "Cats for Dummies," and is affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to WriteToGina(at)YourPetPlace.com.
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