Experts say it's a good idea to check the batteries in your smoke detector twice a year, when setting the clock forward or back. For the last few years, I've tried to encourage another safety check: the New Year's pet neck-check.

It'll just take a minute, and you could be saving your pet's life.

First, check the collar. Is your dog wearing a "choke" collar? If so, take it off right now and give thanks that your pup is still alive.

No dog should ever wear such a collar except under direct supervision. Every year hundreds of dogs are killed struggling to free themselves from a caught choke collar. Their natural instinct to pull away only makes matters worse, as the collar pulls tighter and tighter the more the animal struggles. There have even been cases of dogs killed when their choke collars caught in the teeth of other dogs in play.

For everyday wear, a buckled collar is the only way to go. (Somebody tell Bill Clinton, quickly: You don't need a choke collar on a puppy, and the one on that dog's too large anyway!)

Even if you have a safe collar on your pet, give it a good look. Is it frayed or worn out? A well-worn collar could give way when you least expect it, letting your pet escape into a dangerous or even deadly situation. If it looks weak or worn, replace it right away.

Make sure the collar fits properly. Check by seeing how many fingers you can slip between your pet's neck and collar. Two is about right, although one will do for toy dogs, and three may be needed for large ones.

Now about those tags. Implanted microchips are wonderful (both my dogs are chipped), but they won't ever replace tags. Make sure your pet has both a valid license and an ID tag with your phone number on it. The tag with your phone number is very important, since few animal-control agencies are equipped to locate pet-owner phone numbers 24 hours a day.

Look at the ID tag. How accurate is the information? Did you move or change your phone number in the last few months? It's easy to forget that any such change needs to be noted on your pet's ID tag.

I've had people argue that theirs is a "backyard dog" or a "house cat," not likely to escape and therefore not in need of either a tag or a license. To my mind, an ID tag -- at $3 to $5 -- is the best way to protect your pet from a blown-down fence or a door left ajar.

And as far as a license goes, that "unnecessary expense" is the difference between your pet being put down or sold as a stray or being held extra days as an "owned" animal. That extra time may mean the difference between getting your pet back and never seeing him again.

Many people don't like to collar their cats, fearing that their pet will get hung up when jumping. Shelter workers counter that they put to sleep thousands of unclaimed cats -- many of whom are clearly someone's pet -- but they've never seen a cat skeleton hanging by a collar in a tree.

Chip 'em, collar 'em and tag 'em all. It's one of the best New Year's resolutions you can make where your pets are concerned.

Pets on the Web: In choosing a Labrador retriever, President Clinton is in good company: The Lab is the No. 1 dog in America, according to the American Kennel Club. The best online resource for anyone interested in Labradors is the Labrador Retriever Home Page (http://www.k9web.com/breeds/l/labrador), a collection of links to everything you could possibly want to know about this versatile breed, including important information on health problems.

Another good resource is the home page of Labrador Retriever Rescue Inc. (http://www.lrr.org), a nonprofit organization in the Washington, D.C., area that takes in unwanted Labs and finds them new homes. While the group doesn't work with dogs outside its area, the Web page has a lot to offer on why you should consider a "recycled" Lab.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies" and "Cats for Dummies," and is the editorial director of the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or e-mail to Giori(at)aol.com.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies" and "Cats for Dummies," and is the editorial director of the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or e-mail to Giori(at)aol.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

Don't forget those who help animals in this, the season of giving. While they may not be out ringing bells in front of stores this time of year, they need your help all the same.

It doesn't take much to help your local shelter, now or at any time of year. Gifts of time, services, or new or used goods are always welcome and can make a real difference in the lives of animals who aren't as lucky and loved as yours are. Here are a few suggestions:

-- Gifts of time. Not everyone is cut out to volunteer at the shelter -- some find it too depressing -- but fortunately that's not the only volunteer opportunity for an animal-lover with time to give. Fostering animals who need a little extra TLC is one way to help, but there are many more. If you're comfortable with public speaking, you could help with public-education programs, spreading the words of kindness and responsibility to schools or other groups. You could also work at fund-raisers, or work the phones to round up needed goods or services.

-- Gifts of services. If you have a business or a skill, chances are your shelter could use your help. Accountants, attorneys, writer/editors, graphic designers and contractors are among those who may find their expertise welcome at the shelter. Even if the shelter can't use your help directly, you could donate services to be raffled off to raise money. One of my friends is a photographer specializing in lovely hand-tinted portraits of pets, and she donates sittings and portraits to animal groups so they can raise money.

-- Gifts of goods. These don't need to be much, and all are appreciated. Old towels and newspapers are always in demand, as are items that can be used at thrift stores or used-book sales. Shelters also go through a lot of can openers, litter and animal food. Call and ask what is needed, or offer what you have. Your shelter will probably find a use for it.

As is always true when considering what to give, money is the welcome one-size-fits-all, no-need-to-return item on any list. Cash donations are always appreciated. If nothing else, consider the perfect gift for the animal-lover who has everything: a membership to your favorite shelter.

One of the best ways to help your shelter is to be sure you're not part of the problem of unwanted pets. Think, and think again, before introducing a pet into your family at this time of year, and don't give pets as gifts without being absolutely certain the recipient is as keen on the idea as you are. Above all, never buy a pet on impulse, no matter how cute, no matter how friendly, no matter that all you need do is pull out a credit card at the mall.

These caveats are especially true of puppies. Research carefully the breed or mix that will fit into your household, and take the time to find a reputable breeder, shelter or rescue group when it's time to pick your pup. Better still: Give a book now, along with the promise of a dog in the spring or summer. It's a lot easier to raise and train a puppy then, believe me. A great book for children who are dying for a puppy is the American Kennel Club's "Complete Dog Book for Kids" (Howell Book House; $22.95).

Pets on the Web: You just couldn't hope for anything better this holiday season than Elizabeth Cusulas' Dog Carols page (www.ddc.com/waggers/carols.html). The self-described "dogmama" to four cocker spaniels, Cusulas has rewritten holiday song lyrics to be more dog-focused. The results are very funny indeed, as evidenced in her version of "Shopping for the Doggies Once Again," sung to the tune of "Winter Wonderland": "Doggy toys, they're so nifty/You can never be thrifty/You spend all your cash/And then you must dash/Shopping for the doggies once again."

If you can't remember how the songs go, sound files are there to help you, or provide the instrumental background to your best singing effort. As Cusulas writes on the opening page: Point your muzzles to the sky and sing along!

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies" and "Cats for Dummies," and is the editorial director of the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or e-mail to Giori(at)aol.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

This week, a little petpourri ...

Pet Food vs. People Food: Do you include your pet in holiday festivities? If you do, you're not the only one. According to a recent survey conducted for Purina, nine out of 10 pet owners treat their pets like a member of the family. Nearly three-quarters of us consider our pets to be our best friend, and half feel guilty about leaving pets home alone.

When we do go out, we try to calm our guilty feelings by bringing home a doggie bag from the restaurant -- or so said 54 percent of the respondents.

Not surprisingly, Purina was especially interested in the feeding habits of these pampered pets, many of whom will share food from the holiday table. Turkey will be the No. 1 treat for these pets this holiday season, followed by ham. A few will even get cookies or candy -- even though 88 percent of those polled said they realized "people foods" can cause upset stomach in pets.

Actually, it's worse than that. Fatty or spicy foods can trigger a life-threatening case of pancreatitis in dogs, requiring a trip to the emergency clinic and a hefty holiday bill you weren't anticipating. In cats, the juice-saturated strings from holiday meats can prove too tempting to resist, but may need to be surgically removed in another lifesaving intervention.

Cookies or candies? Forget it! A big chunk of chocolate can be deadly to the small dog who eats it, and even a larger dog can get a bellyache. Foil or other food wrappings can also be dangerous if consumed. A touch of white-meat turkey won't hurt your pet, but it may not make him any easier to live with. The poll reports a list of problems related to poor eating habits, including begging (69 percent), sneaking food (52 percent) and diarrhea (40 percent).

All of which leads to Purina's self-serving but not incorrect conclusion: Your pets are better off being fed a complete and balanced pet food than they are sharing your meals.

There are more good foods on the market than ever before, in pet-supply stores, veterinary offices and even grocery stores. Choose a high-quality food, and leave the people food out of it.

The Ultimate Guides to Dog and Cat Products: The Purina survey also revealed that 13 percent of us will be giving our pets gifts this holiday season, a figure that to my mind seemed low. If your dog is on your gift list, however, a new book will help make the shopping easier -- and fun.

"The Whole Dog Catalog" (Three Rivers Press; $19.95) is a guide to every imaginable product for dog and dog-lover, from the simplest bowls to the most elaborate dwellings (could your dog live without a $4,500 doghouse made to look like a thatched-roof cottage?). Clothes for dog and dog-lover both, tags, toys, fine art and jewelry -- it's all in this remarkable and enjoyable book. My favorites: lifelike breed doorstops, dog sculptures and "pup tent" dog beds.

Author John Avalon Reed drops plenty of interesting dog facts into the book, too. His previous book, "The Whole Kitty Catalog," fills the same niche for cat-lovers. Either book would make a perfect gift for an animal-lover.

Pets on the Web: "We really enjoyed watching your cat eat," writes one fan. "I am in love with your kitty!" comments another. "You must have been busy yesterday getting rid of your slob reputation. Your kitchen looks nice."

These comments and many more are on Eric Max Francis' site, The CatCam (http://www.catcam.com), where a fixed camera under a table sends a constant flow of images to the Web. You can see his kitchen, from a cat's-eye view. Sometimes, you can see his cats, Beowulf and Ebi. The flash of a tail ... the hint of a leg ... oh, the suspense! If you can't stand it anymore, you can review the last day's worth of images. Empty room. Cat. Empty. Empty. Empty. Cat. Darkness.

"I trust I would not be the first person to point out that this CatCam business is very silly," comments another fan. "I love it."

Me, too. And the cats, when they do show up, are very cute.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies" and "Cats for Dummies," and is the editorial director of the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or e-mail to Giori(at)aol.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600