When the Food and Drug Administration banned cold-care and diet products with the ingredient phenylpropanolamine, or PPA, the recent action came at a price for many pet owners. The time-release versions of these over-the-counter products had been used as a tool in battling urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs.

But people whose pets have this messy problem should not get disheartened, because PPA and other treatment options will likely remain available through veterinarians.

"The first thing to remember is that urinary incontinence is not a disease in and of itself," said Dr. Katherine James, a veterinarian with the Davis, Calif.-based Veterinary Information Network, an online service for veterinary professionals. "It's a symptom, like vomiting." A thorough work-up by a veterinarian must be done to pinpoint the underlying causes of the leaking, she said, so an appropriate treatment regimen can be prescribed.

Giving over-the-counter medications meant for humans is a practice that should always be done on the advice of a veterinarian, or at least not done until after checking with the vet. Medications don't react the same in pets as they do in people. Tylenol, for example, can be deadly to a cat. While some veterinarians have recommended the timed-release versions of PPA found in over-the-counter diet products -- now off the market -- others have always argued that giving such medications to a pet is a bad idea because other ingredients besides PPA are in the mix.

Dogs who drip or leave puddles behind need to be checked out by a veterinarian to determine if the problem is just a weak sphincter (the muscle that controls the flow of urine), or if other health problems that produce an abnormal amount of urine are involved. One of those possibilities is diabetes, which will need to be treated as part of any treatment plan to control leaking.

In the typical leaky spayed female, said James, the problem is worse when the dog is asleep or at rest, after which owners will find wet spots where the animal was reclining. The problem is more common in large dogs than in small, and the risk seems to increase slightly for those animals who were spayed before their first heat.

Why are spayed females prone to these problems? The lack of the female hormone estrogen weakens the sphincter. Because of this hormonal problem, James says her first treatment choice isn't PPA at all, but the estrogen-replacement medication diethylstilbestrol, or DES. But there have been availability problems with this drug, too.

"There wasn't a use for it in people," said James, "so it was taken off the market. It was hard to get for a while." It's possible now for veterinarians to purchase the drug through special pharmacies that buy the product in bulk and prepare it for use in animals.

While DES presented problems in humans, it seems to be quite safe for dogs at prescribed doses, says James, and is more convenient for owners. PPA needs to be given two or three times a day, while DES is given daily for a week. If it seems to be effective at that point, the dosage goes to once every five or seven days.

For cases that don't respond to DES alone, said James, PPA is often added to the mix. The two medications complement each other, as they work on strengthening the animal's sphincter in different ways.

James says that people whose animals will still be treated with PPA shouldn't worry (in most cases) about using a medication that was deemed dangerous to humans.

"Dogs don't have as many risk factors for stroke as humans do," said James. "In the case of dogs with heart problems or high-blood pressure, though, those risk factors should be considered and discussed with your veterinarian."

PETS ON THE WEB

If you're interested in lizards, then www.cyclura.com is the place to be. Loaded with lots of information on these interesting creatures (in several languages), the site celebrates the lizard both as a pet and in the wild. Special attraction: Six Webcams trained on various collections of lizards. (While I was watching one of the Webcams, I swear one of the lizards was looking at the camera so intently I started to feel as if he were watching me!)

Another Webcam promised the image was updated every 30 seconds, but for five minutes, the lizard never moved. I was beginning to think the setup was broken, when the reptile finally shifted his head. I guess there just wasn't any reason to run around that day in Lizardville.

THE SCOOP

Cats love to nibble on plants, especially the tender shoots of new grasses. You can delight your pet by keeping a windowsill garden, sowing a new crop of alfalfa, rye and wheat grasses every couple of weeks. Long, shallow planters are ideal for grasses, and decorative ones can be found inexpensively at any garden or home center. Your cat may also enjoy pots planted with parsley and thyme, although you may wish to allow these plants to become more established before putting them where your cat can chew on them. The same can be said of catnip, and of valerian, another plant that offers mood-altering benefits to some cats. Unless you want to find these plants uprooted by a very happy cat, you're better off growing them out of reach of your pet and cutting off sprigs for your pet to enjoy.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: Would you please mention the problems caused by buying a pet on a whim? The release of Disney's "101 Dalmatians" in 1996 focused attention on the breed. Dalmatian puppies were bred in anticipation that an increased demand for spotted puppies would mean a profit.

While some of these breeders were able to sell their pups, many were not, and entire litters were abandoned or turned into shelters. Pups who were sold to unprepared impulse buyers were later abandoned, and there were few homes for the adult dogs. The only recourse for so many Dals was euthanasia.

The Dalmatian Assistance League/Dalsavers intends not to let history repeat itself with the release of "102 Dalmatians" this winter. Our goal is to educate the public with the message of responsible dog ownership. No one should adopt a dog without careful thought. Do some research and meet lots of dogs before you select a pet. Get your dog only from a responsible breeder, rescue group or humane organization. Once you have your pet, spay or neuter it. If you have already bred a litter, take responsibility for the lives you created and find new homes for any that have become homeless. For more information, go to www.dalsavers.com or http://thedca.org. -- Denise Powell, Santa Rosa, Calif.

A: About a year after the live-action "101 Dalmatians" came out, I got a call from a man who wanted to find a new home for a Dal. A year earlier, he had given the puppy as a Christmas gift to his 84-year-old mother, a woman who rarely left the house and used a walker to get around.

The man said his mother was now in the hospital with a broken hip, after the rambunctious young dog knocked her over. Next, she'd likely be entering a nursing home for good. The man was angry at the dog and was trying to find the animal a home only because his wife insisted. The caller preferred euthanasia as an option, the death penalty for a dog who'd committed a crime, in his opinion.

I tried to explain that it wasn't the dog's fault, and I steered the caller toward some organizations that might have been able to help. I don't know what happened in the end to the woman or the dog, but I do know this is one tragedy that could have been prevented. Even the smallest amount of research would have revealed that a young Dalmatian isn't a good match for a housebound elderly woman.

The handsome Dalmatian was bred to trot for hours effortlessly and stylishly under the wheels of a carriage. Is it any surprise that these dogs will not be content leading a couch-potato life? Without exercise, active dogs will turn to digging, barking and general "hyperness" that in many cases will land them in a shelter.

Anyone who's thinking of getting a Dal needs to consider the exercise requirements. Think, too, about white fur covering clothes and furniture. And don't forget health problems: As many as one in 10 Dals are deaf, a birth defect reputable breeders fight by having their dogs tested before breeding.

Every prospective pet owner needs to remember that you can't return a dog the way you can a sweater that doesn't fit or is the wrong color. Here's the bottom line: See the movie. Enjoy the movie. But think long and hard before falling for a breed that may not suit you.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also 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)spadafori.com.

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

Every animal lover has an opinion on what's the best look for a cat. Some love calicoes; others like the ever-formal appearance of black-and-white tuxedo cats. Some melt for cats who are sleek and small; others go for the big and fluffy.

I'm in the latter category. When it comes to cats, the ones I like best are what I call the "hunka cats," as in, isn't that a big hunk of cat? Which is one of the reasons I adore Manny.

My friend Ben sent me pictures of Manny for use in a book I was writing. I thought the pictures were wonderful, but the publisher didn't have room. So they came back to me. Try as I might, I don't seem to be able to put them in the mail to Ben. They've been on my desk for days now, and instead of looking for an envelope, I seem to be looking for frames.

I want that cat. And if I can't have him, I want to keep the pictures.

Yes, it's true: I covet my friend's cat. But Manny ... if you knew him, you'd understand.

First, there's the whole issue of beauty. I do think every cat is beautiful, in the way that every horse is beautiful. Both animals are designed in a way that's especially appealing to our sense of aesthetics. They are living artwork, inspiring sighs from admirers for their grace and the slight air of mystery that surrounds them.

Yes, every cat is beautiful, but Manny stands out even among the most beautiful. He's a big cat, to be sure, with the looks of a Maine coon and the rump of a Manx. His fur is medium length and very thick, dark gray-brown with perfect black tabby markings. He has a white chin bib and four perfect white mittens. Down his nose, a slightly asymmetrical strip of white adds character to his face.

Manny is not just a pretty face, though. He is the essence of cool, a classic case of the cat who when called will take a message and get back to you at his leisure. Manny does what he wants when he wants to, and doesn't care in the slightest that your plans might not mesh with his. Any cool cat knows such disagreements are your problem, not his, and they don't come much cooler than Manny.

The cat is the first of two pets my friend adopted; the dog Chula was added with neither Manny's permission nor his approval. The big, bouncy pup was not what Manny would have chosen for a housemate, and he voiced his disapproval by moving in with a neighbor for a while. He didn't ask for her permission: Being Manny was permission enough. The neighbor knew it, too, so she fed him.

He still eats there from time to time, just to keep his options open, but in the end he forgave Ben, accepted Chula and came home.

And that's the thing I like most about Manny: Above all, he's generous, accepting and loving. He is, in all ways, one heck of a cat.

Manny won't be mine, no matter how much I covet him. The cat makes his own decisions, and he has thrown in his lot with Ben and Chula. I wouldn't even dream of asking Ben for the cat, because the decision isn't ours to make. We are mere humans, not fit to decide for the likes of Manny. He knows it, and I know it, too. So I will just admire him from afar.

Those pictures, though, aren't going back anytime soon. I've decided the only thing to do is make copies. It's as close as I'll get to sharing my life with Manny, but it's just going to have to do.

PETS ON THE WEB

With the holidays fast approaching, people are already planning their holiday air travel, and for many, that travel will include pets. The American Kennel Club has put together a helpful list of the airlines and their pet policies (www.akc.org/love/dip/legislat/airline_petpolicies.cfm), which should help. The information is a great start, but remember: You'll still need to check with the airlines directly, because different rules apply depending on weather conditions.

THE SCOOP

If you're planning on traveling without your pets during the holiday season, you'd better hurry up and arrange for pet-sitting or boarding. In some cases, you may already be too late. The year-end holidays are peak times for boarding kennels and pet-sitting services, and openings go quickly. If you can't get a reservation, ask to be informed of a cancellation and start making backup plans. Your veterinarian may offer boarding, or a friend or neighbor may be willing to help out.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: Will you offer a warning to people that Thanksgiving leftovers aren't good for pets? Last year we spent the holiday at the emergency vet's, after our shih tzu, Mitzi, got really sick. She lived (the vet said Mitzi was lucky), and the vet's bill was a killer. We won't be giving her table scraps from the turkey this year, that's for sure. -- G.P., via e-mail

A: We all know how it goes at the holidays with delicious food and begging pets. How can you resist slipping your pet a little something special -- a big piece of turkey skin, a handful of chips with dip, some slices of salami? But resist you must, or your pet could end up the same place Mitzi did: at the emergency veterinary clinic.

Foods too rich, too fatty or too spicy -- or anything your pet's not accustomed to -- can trigger a bout of intestinal upset. For some animals, these foods can trigger a lethal inflammation of the pancreas or intestine.

What to avoid? Use common sense. While a little bit of lean meat won't hurt dogs, cats or parrots (and would be appreciated), steer clear of the fatty parts and the poultry skin, which also harbors fat. And don't forget that some foods ARE great for sharing: Be sure to share bits of carrots or other vegetables you may be chopping up with any pet who'll appreciate it, including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats or mice.

Poultry bones may seem like the perfect gift for the dog who has everything, but do your pet a favor and save them for the soup. (Broth is a wonderful treat over regular kibble.) Even the largest cooked turkey bones are prone to splinter, sending shards through the animal's intestines. Should one pierce through the lining, the result can be deadly peritonitis.

No one is saying your pet shouldn't enjoy a holiday meal too, but limiting the kind and amount of special food will ensure that it is a treat -- not a trouble.

And don't forget to be careful about the trash. The juice-saturated strings used to hold together turkeys or roast may be irresistible to your cat. Once the string gets into your pet's intestines, though, surgery to remove it may be needed to save your cat's life.

Q: I am the owner of eight pit bulls in beautiful Hawaii. The oldest of my dogs, Kane (which means "man" in Hawaiian), is about 15 years old and is rapidly losing strength in his rear legs. I've seen rear wheels being used with other animals, and wonder if you could tell me where I may acquire a set? -- J.P., via e-mail

A: I've known a handful of dogs whose owners have outfitted them with wheels, including one little Dachshund mix who lived happily for years.

A cart is definitely an option worth considering if your dog's front legs are strong enough to pull his weight. You must also determine your own commitment, since caring for a disabled pet requires more time and effort on the part of a pet lover.

The K9 Cart Co. has been making pet wheels for 30 years. The carts are made of stainless steel and aluminum, with padding where they are fitted to the pet. Prices range from $220 to $430, depending on the size of the pet and the accessories ordered.

For more information, call the company at (800) 578-6960, or visit its Web site at www.k9carts.com. The Web site includes tips on evaluating your pet to determine if a cart is suitable (some pets won't tolerate them), as well as resources and support for living with a pet whose mobility has been limited.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also 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)spadafori.com.

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

When you have to fit everything you need for six months into a relatively small minivan, you make some tough decisions as to what you can live without. In my case, that meant leaving behind lots of books and clothes, and looking closely at what I packed for the dogs. In the end, little else for them went besides leashes, dishes -- and Kongs.

Which is how I got to thinking about just how important a single brand of pet toy has become in the lives of dogs and the people who love them.

Kong is king. The pet toy that's shaped like the Michelin tire man has come a long way since its creator adapted it from a rubber piece off the suspension system of an old VW van. There's one thing that hasn't changed, though: This is one toy that has stood up to the abuse of countless dogs, cats and even birds.

Kong is coming up on its 25th anniversary, and words of praise for the highly recommended toy have turned up in such well-respected publications as the dog-lover's literary magazine The Bark, and the alternative-care newsletter The Whole Dog Journal.

Both publications devoted space recently to articles describing the toy's place in fixing behavior problems, as well as the art of stuffing the Kong's hollow center with goodies to keep dogs occupied. (Alternating layers of peanut butter with dog cookies is time-tested favorite for dogs, while peanut butter and seeds will keep most any parrot busy.)

Kong has been around about as long as I've been an adult, so my critters have always had Kongs. These toys last pretty close to forever, and I swear the first one I ever bought is still bouncing around the house. (If you have one of those rare chewers so strong he can destroy a Kong, the company will replace the toy for free.)

The toys come in different sizes and colors. The ones I can't seem to keep around are those I call "Retriever Kongs" (the manufacturer calls them Kool Kongs), designed to float and equipped with a rope for throwing. The vagaries of currents and tides, and the boneheadedness of certain retrievers in my family, means I seem to lose one of these toys a month. I figure they end up the same place that missing socks do, and I buy both Kool Kongs and socks in bulk and on sale so I'll always have both available.

Why are Kongs so remarkable? Part of the answer is durability; part is flexibility. The Kong stands up to countless hours of chewing, and its shape lends itself to erratic bounces that add interest to the most ordinary game of fetch.

You can use Kongs, especially the rope-equipped models, to keep your dog exercised. They're so popular at my favorite dog park that you can usually see one or two that are stuck in a tree from an errant throw. Probably more important is the use of Kongs to help dogs with separation anxiety, pets who get so upset at being left alone that they engage in destructive behavior. A goody-stuffed Kong offers a harmless alternative to chewing the sofa or scratching the windowsill.

I get news of dozens of new pet products every year and samples of dozens more. I almost never write about them because they're mostly just variations on some familiar themes, or are something new that's perhaps nice to have but in no way essential to keeping a pet happy. But like many veterinarians, trainers and behaviorists, I find myself recommending Kongs constantly. Any product that gets such universal support over so many years deserves a moment in the spotlight.

Kong is still the king of pet toys, and I haven't seen anything even come close to taking the crown.

PETS ON THE WEB

Here's a Web site to save for a rainy afternoon, because you'll be spending a lot of time on it once you get there. The Index of Famous Dogs, Cats and Critters Web site (www.citizenlunchbox.com/famous) lists more than 4,000 animals who are famous in their own right (like Lassie) or belonged to someone notable (like Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Scottish terrier, Fala).

I really liked how the site codes each entry as to whether the information has been confirmed as accurate or is just an educated guess. With so much bad information on the Internet, it's refreshing to see a site that wants to be sure what's being shared is accurate. And on the site's "famous dogs" page, don't miss the comprehensive listing of canines who have been characters on the TV show "The Simpsons." It's a hoot!

THE SCOOP

Clumping cat litter is great stuff indeed, but sometimes it gets where it shouldn't. Cats with silky, long hair sometimes get litter stuck to their fannies and the insides of their legs -- the moisture that catches on their fur from using the box attracts the litter. And then there's tracking: Moisture on a cat's paws can grab litter, which then gets rubbed off throughout the house. Fortunately, you can minimize both problems.

With longhaired cats, if you're not inclined to comb out the spots that attract litter on at least a daily basis, then you should keep the trouble areas clipped short. As for tracking, putting a large sisal doormat under the litter box will help. The rough texture of the mat will help to knock the litter off your cat's paws.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: I just lost one of my precious dogs to a choke-collar accident. My 2-year-old labs were wearing martingale-type choke collars, and one dog got his teeth and jaw caught in the other dog's collar. Before they could be cut apart, one of the dogs choked to death. I am devastated. If there is anything I can do to prevent this from happening to anyone else's dog, please let me know. -- L.F., via e-mail

A: I'm so sorry you had to learn the hard way about the dangers of these collars. As for helping to prevent another such tragedy, your story should go a long way.

If you use a choke collar, remember that it is to be put on at the same time as your leash when you're going to walk or train your dog, and taken off with the leash, as well. These collars (even the half-choke of the martingale) are not meant for use as everyday wear, and it's flat-out dangerous to use them for such a purpose. I cringe every time I see a dog who has his license and ID tags on a choke collar, a sure sign that collar is being used incorrectly.

Some folks are so collar-phobic that they won't put any collar on their dogs at all. They argue that their dogs are never out of the house or yard without supervision, and therefore don't need a collar and tags. Nonsense! Kids leave gates and doors open, fences blow down, and dogs find loose boards to wriggle through all the time. Without a collar and tags, a lost pet is far less likely to make it home again.

Take off any collar that tightens, and replace it with a well-fitted buckle or snap-together collar with a license and an ID tag with current information. This simple act is one of the most basic, and most powerful, ways of protecting your pet.

Q: I am at the age when adopting a young dog makes me concerned as to who may care for my pet when I am gone. So when I look to adopt, I now will take an older dog whose "parent" has passed on. Such dogs deserve to continue to live out their lives as normally as possible. I treat them as my children, and they return the favor by reading my mind and knowing what is required of them.

These dogs are great company, not as hard to train, and I love them very much. This practice should be mentioned to other older people who love animals but never thought of adopting an older pet. -- D.F., via e-mail

A: Older pets are often overlooked by people who are sure they cannot be happy with anything but a kitten or a puppy. But for many people, especially seniors, older pets are often the perfect choice.

You've touched on the reasons why. Many people in their 70s and 80s would enjoy and benefit from the company of a pet, but they shy from getting one because they are worried about the animal outliving them. With an older pet (five to 10 years of age or more), that worry is minimized. Older pets are often already trained and much less active than younger ones, making the transition from one home to another relatively easy.

When I was doing breed rescue, we had a very difficult time getting people to consider older pets. In some people's minds, an "older pet" is any animal over 1 year old! Although our sweet seniors usually stayed in foster care much longer than younger dogs, when they were matched with the right home, they were among our biggest success stories.

If you'd like to consider an older pet, check in with your local shelters, rescue groups or veterinarians. The right cat or dog for you will turn up soon enough.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also 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)spadafori.com.

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