Urban living for dog lovers can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding housing. "No dogs" is the rule at many otherwise promising properties, and those buildings that allow dogs often do so grudgingly, forcing pets to use service elevators or back entrances, and to avoid any common areas.

But there's a new trend in high-rise living: projects that not only allow dogs but also welcome them with animal-friendly features. In Washington, New York and Florida, high-rise condominiums are going up with dog parks and grooming rooms built in.

"The two hottest cultural trends in America: pets and real estate," said real-estate expert Bradley Inman, publisher of the Oakland, Calif.-based Inman News. "It is no surprise that they are being married in new and creative ways. Developers are quick to pick up on new trends to differentiate their products and find ways of feeding new niches."

Consultant John Rymer of Atlanta-based Rymer Strategies has observed the same trend. "We recently did a focus group in Tampa for a project and found that pet-friendly activities were at the top of potential home-buyers' list," he said. "The condo project has yet to break ground, but the developer has made it a priority to include pet-friendly amenities."

In Seattle, a rooftop dog park was added to plans for the Cristalla project after focus groups expressed an interest in a safe place for canine exercise. "I would absolutely classify Seattle as a dog-friendly city," said Steve Washburn, the self-described dog lover who's a principal with Cristalla LLC. "I was excited when we were able to develop such a place."

Some dog lovers were just as excited to hear about it. Tom Taylor and Heather Hayes of Seattle, who have bought into the under-construction Cristalla, felt downtown living was a better match with their lifestyle, except that they were unwilling to compromise when it came to their dogs Madison and Jackson.

"Our dogs are so important to us that we consider them in just about everything we do," said Hayes of the couple's two wirehaired fox terriers. "We never would have moved to a place that would not have welcomed our pets. When we heard about the Cristalla's rooftop dog park, it made moving downtown a real possibility in our minds. The fact that the developer considered the dogs was a big part of it for us."

While its multiple dog parks and restaurants that cater to dog lovers mark Seattle as one of the more dog-friendly cities, the trend toward putting dog-friendly amenities in housing is gaining ground elsewhere as well. In New York City, for example, Manhattan Skyline Management's project on the Upper East Side will also include a dog park, on the fifth floor above the retail levels.

And while the Seattle and New York buildings are both pointed at the luxury market, the DUO condominium project in Hallandale Beach, Fla., is aiming for a more middle-class group of dog lovers. The draw at DUO is a "groom room" equipped with bathing, blow-drying and grooming stations for keeping dogs tidy. The room will be available for residents to groom their own dogs, or they can make arrangements for a groomer to make a house call.

"It's not the first time we've developed a property that allows pets, but it's the first that incorporates pet amenities," said David Reich of Triad Housing, developer of DUO. "We have people who are moving from houses and don't want to give up their dogs. We hear, 'Finally, I found a place that welcomes me!'"

Back in Seattle, Heather Hayes is used to the surprised reaction from people who assume she and her husband will be dumping their dogs as part of their move to high-rise urban living.

"A lot of people ask what we will do with the dogs when we move," she said. "You would never move into a place where your kids aren't welcome or have room to play. Our dogs are part of our family. A place that isn't pet-friendly isn't even a consideration for Tom and me."

Q&A

Pet songs are silly, but they sure are fun

Q: Thank you for your column on pet songs crooned by loving owners. Tonight during dinner I sang your song about your dog Andy to my husband, and we both teared up in recognition of this special tribute to your longtime canine companion.

Our dog Maybe certainly needed a song, and it did not take long for us to come up with one for the abandoned puppy who has become my husband's constant companion for seven years now. As soon as we started experimenting with the tune, Maybe became very excited, and we all had a dance around the kitchen, singing and barking. Thanks for a sweet idea and a fun evening. -- S.D., via e-mail

A: One of the most wonderful things about sharing our lives with animal companions is that around them we can indulge our silly side without worrying about anyone laughing at us.

I have always had "theme songs" for my pets. My darling Sheltie Andy, gone almost two years now, had the mottled gray and black coat common in breeds such as the Australian shepherd. His stunning markings attracted attention where ever we went, and it also inspired his "theme song," sung to the tune of "You Are My Sunshine":

"You are my Andy, my only Andy/You make me happy, because you're gray ..."

Like most of the animals in my home, he came to recognize "his" song and seemed to smile when I sang it. Now it makes me smile to remember it. Thank you for reminding me.

Q: I take issue with your view of dogs who display aggression. As a second-time Akita owner, I have known members of this breed to be highly intelligent and often assertive when protecting their owners.

On one occasion, my 2-year-old male Akita snapped at my former mother-in-law after she startled him. Given the fact that my mother-in-law was no stranger to him, I was alarmed by this behavior, immediately consulted with our veterinarian and subsequently worked with an animal behaviorist.

After weeks of advanced obedience training (consisting mostly of socialization techniques), the dog mellowed into a sweet family member and remained so for the rest of his life.

This is why I take issue with your staunch and unyielding view on aggressive dogs. With love, socialization and consistency, most dogs can be trained to be safe companions. Your article indicated little hope for aggressive dogs. I trust you don't share similar views on the child who, on occasion, "acts out." -- B.M., via e-mail

A: I trust you aren't serious in equating a child who throws an occasional tantrum in grocery store with a dog who has tried to bite or has succeeded in biting a human being.

Every time I share my "staunch and unyielding view" on aggressive dogs, I get letters from people who make excuses for their animals. Your reasoning is very common: The dog's breed is "naturally protective" and some degree of aggression toward people is normal for the breed.

What's essential for all dogs, regardless of breeding, is that we don't make excuses for aggression toward humans. You did the right thing by recognizing the problem and getting help immediately, which is exactly what I advise other people in your situation to do. In some cases, aggressive animals can indeed be rehabilitated.

I don't suggest, however, that all or even most dogs who are aggressive toward people can be cured. For those animals who cannot be made safe, I advocate euthanasia. No dog's life is worth putting a child through the hell of an attack and the reconstructive surgeries that often follow. And statistics show that in the most serious of attacks, a child is indeed the most common of victims.

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

ON THE WEB

Cat-friendly ideas for home design

Tops on my all-time list of favorite cat books are "The Cats' House" and "Cats Into Everything" by Bob Walker and Frances Mooney (Andrews McMeel). The books illustrate the creative and colorful way the artistic couple have converted a fairly ordinary Southern California tract house into a feline paradise, with overhead cat walks, floor-to-ceiling scratching pillars and kitty shortcuts sliced through walls.

Tours of the property are few and far between -- a recent fund-raising open house was the first in five years -- but the couple's books and Web site (www.thecatshouse.com) give a good look into the extraordinary environment of a handful of very lucky cats.

You really do have to see the pictures to believe the place. The bright colors alone are not for the timid. One of my favorite pictures has always been one of cat hair drifting down from above onto the breakfast table -- a good illustration of how much the cats are adored.

Whether you're thinking of making a couple of cat-friendly modifications to your living space or are just interested in seeing what the creative mind can do when inspired by cats, you should visit the house -- in print, on the Web or (if you're lucky) in person.

THE SCOOP

Target reaches out to help bull terriers

The Minneapolis-based Target retailing chain uses a white bull terrier in its advertising, modifying the dog's look with bright red circles drawn around one of the animal's eyes. The company mascot, dubbed Bullseye, gave the Bull Terrier Club of America the idea of asking Target for help. The BTCA applied for a charitable grant to assist in its work rescuing bull terriers in need of a new home -- and picked up a $20,000 check from the company.

The American Kennel Club noted in announcing the grant that many times a turn in the spotlight can be bad news for a breed, leading to a surge in popularity followed by a bump in the number of dogs needing homes after the novelty wears off.

The list of breeds affected by publicity is long and includes Dalmatians, following the Disney movies based on the book "101 Dalmatians," Chihuahuas, following a Taco Bell advertising campaign, and an even earlier burst in popularity thrust on bull terriers following the Spuds McKenzie Budweiser commercials.

It's good news to see a company helping those dogs whom publicity has put at increased risk, and I can't help but hope others will follow Target's example.

BY THE BOOK

The perfect gift for the literate dog lover

Some books teach you something you didn't know about yourself, while others remind you of something you knew but didn't like to admit. Still others boldly celebrate things that you knew but didn't think others would understand.

"Dog Is My Co-Pilot: Great Writers on the World's Oldest Friendship" (Crown, $25) manages to do all three and more. This makes it a wonderful gift for the well-read dog lover.

The book is a solid compilation of short pieces with dogs at the heart of each. Chosen by the editors of The Bark magazine, the pieces cover a wide range of writing styles and points of view, but each piece is thought-provoking and sometimes breathtaking in its execution. This is not surprising, given that The Bark's editors have managed to get the work of some of the most renowned authors between the covers, including Alice Walker, Erica Jong, Donald McCaig, Pam Houston, Mark Derr and many more.

"The Color of Joy," the piece by the late Caroline Knapp, had a great deal of resonance for me personally, as I have often been made to feel just a little bit crazy for the love I have for my dogs.

"Dog love, popular wisdom suggests, should be limited love," writes Knapp, in an excerpt from her best-selling book "Pack of Two." "Let on the depth of your true feelings about a dog -- how attached you are, how vital the relationship feels -- and risk being accused of any number of neuroses ..."

Not all the stories are about people besotted with their canine companions, of course. Some are even written by people who don't like dogs -- but with children who felt strongly otherwise. Other stories address what the relationship between humans and dogs means, and how it has changed, for better and for worse.

Work of this quality, not incidentally, is the hallmark of The Bark, a magazine that serves no one but dogs and those who love them, as opposed to most pet-themed magazines, which exist primarily for their advertisers. The magazine is $15 per year for five issues. Order on the Web (www.thebark.com), by phone (toll-free 1-877-227-5639), or by mail (2810 Eighth St., Berkeley, CA 94710).

PET Rx

Calming cats after veterinary visit

A trip to the veterinarian can send a cat into a full-blown snit that can last hours after the return home. The smells of a veterinary setting can even set off other feline family members, who may become aggressive toward the returnee.

Let your cat pick the speed at which he settles back into the household after a trip to the veterinarian. When you get home, put the carrier down in a quiet place, open the carrier door and leave him alone. Your cat may stay in the carrier for a while, may head for the nearest bed to hide under, or may step out and be just fine.

To help "de-vet" the scent of the returnee so other family cats will settle down, try running a towel over the cat who stayed behind and then swiping it over the returning cat.

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

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 petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

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

Three years ago, Kendra Luck was starting to wonder what else could possibly go wrong with her life. She'd lost her brother, and staff reductions at her newspaper had claimed her job as a photojournalist. Suddenly, she was left with her dog, Gladys, her skills as a photographer -- and her love of both dogs and photography.

She had a Web site (www.dogumentarian.com) and the germ of a business idea to go with it. "You get laid off, your brother dies, your world changes. I said to myself, 'I can't keep waiting to do the things I want in my life.' It was just time to do something."

And so, Kendra Luck became the Dogumentarian. "I was interested in doing happy work," she said. "After working in journalism so long, you get a little depressed."

Working out of her San Francisco Bay Area home, Luck started taking artistic portraits of dogs, avoiding the modern appeal of color or digital in favor of black-and-white film images that work to reveal the true personality of their subjects. From the beginning, Luck's work stood out as something different.

"Part of it is my background," said Luck, acknowledging how different her work looks from the studio shots more common in pet photography. "When I decided to start doing this, I saw there were pet photographers, but no one was doing exactly what I do.

"I shoot in a documentary style," she said. "There are hobbyists, who decide to start charging for their work, and there are studio photographers, who decide to add pets to their business. But I'm a photojournalist, and I apply that documentary style to my work with dogs."

Luck shoots on location, using available light and backgrounds. In addition to her eye for just the right shot, Luck says patience is, for her, more than mere virtue.

"I follow the dog around," she said. "I want the dog to just be a dog, and I don't want the dog to perform. You want them to get to know you. It's like working with people: You need to get them comfortable, get them to relax, get them to show their true colors."

A portrait involves eight to 10 hours of Luck's time, she says, and runs from $200 to $500, but Luck says her clients aren't necessarily affluent. Among her clients, she has single women, gay couples, and more traditional families without children or whose children are grown. "I have some clients with children," she said, "But not many."

She works not only in Northern California, but also in Seattle, Austin, Chicago and Phoenix, and her portraits have also been shown in art galleries.

"My clients are people who not only love their dog, but also love the personality of their dog," she says. "The portraits are driven more by personality than by looks."

SIDEBAR

Choose pet photographer by style, personality

By Morgan Ong

Like professional wedding photographers, photographers specializing in pets have experiences and skills that set them apart when capturing the essence of their subjects. As with selecting a wedding photographer, choosing someone to take an artistic portrait of your pet requires some research to achieve a lifetime of satisfaction.

The primary consideration in selecting a local or regional professional is a photographer's style. Do you want formal portraits, or do you prefer the documentary style that has become so popular? Is it possible to have a mix of the two styles? Will the style you choose satisfy you over the years when the photographs are on your walls, on your desk or in albums?

Also, don't overlook rapport. The best results usually happen when there's an emotional connection at the earliest stage of the session. Make sure both you and your pets are comfortable with the photographer you choose.

Get a start on the selection process by clicking on the Web sites of a few of the scores of professional pet photographers to help you grasp the range of photographic styles available.

(RYAN: Maybe break Web site listings into two columns?)

www.dogumentarian.com

www.mattmendelsohn.com

www.lauraciapponi.com

www.amandajones.com

www.heidiladendorf.com

www.agpphoto.com

www.maryludington.com

www.kerrymansfield.com

www.masonart.net

www.pawcassoart.com

www.wendygrossman.com

www.suemuir.com

PET TIP

Proper tools make trimming cat claws easier

Your cat keeps his claws in shape by removing the worn outer coverings -- called sheaths -- and exposing the new claw below, either by chewing the sheaths off or leaving them in whatever he claws. (If you look closely at your cat's scratching post, you'll probably find old sheaths stuck in the fabric.)

Keeping your cat's claws trimmed is a good practice for two reasons: First, doing so cuts down on destructiveness by removing some -- but not all -- of your cat's desire to dig his claws into objects. Second, it makes things a little more comfortable for us thin-skinned humans to live with cats -- as anyone with a cat that likes to "knead" with claws going in and out while napping on a lap can testify!

You have two choices in terms of nail trimmers: guillotine or scissors-type. Guillotine trimmers have a little oval guide into which you slip your pet's nail and a blade that extends into that guide after you squeeze the handles together. The scissors-type works like scissors, not surprisingly, with the nail going between two small, crescent-shaped cutting blades. Either kind works perfectly well and is a matter of personal preference. Human fingernail or toenail trimmers will also work, although they're not as easy to handle if your cat's a squirmer.

You also need to pick up something to stop the bleeding should you nick the vein in your pet's nail. Kwik-Stop powder is available in most pet-supply stores or catalogs.

Don't be put off by packaging suggesting that either kind of clipper is for use on dogs -- they work just fine on your cat, too. Some scissors clippers are made just for cats, but you may find these a little too small to use easily.

Q&A

Altering your rabbit makes for a better pet

Q: We have an affectionate and playful miniature lop rabbit who lives in the house and is a full member of the family -- no outside hutch for her! One of my daughter's classmates has a rabbit that her family no longer wants, and my daughter is asking us to adopt him. I've said yes. But the new rabbit is a male, and we certainly don't want the pair of them to do what comes naturally (if you get my drift). Can rabbits be spayed or neutered? -- B.W., via e-mail

A: Yes, rabbits certainly can be altered. And just as with dogs and cats, neutering and spaying eliminates many health and behavior problems. Female rabbits, for example, are at a high risk for uterine cancer, a leading killer of these pets over the age of 2. Spaying also removes the potential for common and potentially lethal reproductive-system infections. Besides extending your pet's lifespan, altering eliminates sex-related behavior problems. Sexually mature rabbits can be territorial or even aggressive, and may spray urine.

Put simply: Spayed and neutered rabbits make better pets. Despite all the benefits, however, anesthesia is a little trickier with rabbits than with dogs and cats. Be sure you're dealing with a veterinarian who is experienced with rabbits, and ask about anesthesia options and precautions. Do your part to help by following your veterinarian's pre- and post-operative directions precisely.

And bless your kind heart in giving an unwanted rabbit a second chance. Too many parents dump pets when the child for whom they were purchased loses interest. The message this sends to children -- living things are disposable -- is perfectly dreadful.

Q: We're having a problem with our cat, who doesn't want to seem to stay put after our move. Our new home is two miles from the old one, and Justin keeps going back to the house where he grew up. The people who live there now keep calling us to pick him up, and we don't know what to do to keep him home. Any suggestions? -- L.W., via e-mail

A: Because cats bond to places as well as to people, some cat lovers find that their free-roaming pets keep showing up at their old home after a move, especially if the new home, like yours, isn't very far from the old one. My best suggestion for you is to convert your cat to an indoor pet, because crossing streets to go "home" considerably ups his risk of getting hit. Remember, indoor cats in general live longer, healthier lives.

If permanent confinement is not possible, bring your cat inside for a couple of weeks. While he's cooped up, dedicate extra time to playing with him, especially interactive games such as with a toy on a string. This play helps to relieve him of some of his stress or excess anxiety and also aids him in forming attachments to his new home and to the idea of you in it.

After a couple of weeks, let him out for short periods into your yard with you, and take him back in when you go inside again. You should be able to get a feel for when he's starting to recognize the new digs as his home, and increase his freedom accordingly. There are no guarantees, but if you've taken your time to let him adjust, he should stay close by.

Make sure the new people at your old home aren't encouraging your cat to stay. Ask them not to feed him or pet him and to use a squirt bottle or a noisemaker to deter him from staying if they see him around.

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

PET RX

Variety the key to healthy bird diet

No matter what your bird thinks, seeds are not the best diet for pet parrots, a group that includes everything from the tiniest parakeet to the largest macaw.

An all-seed diet contributes both directly (through malnutrition) and indirectly (by weakening the bird, making it easier for infectious diseases to take hold) to a serious reduction in the possible lifespan of any pet bird -- by half or more in many situations, in fact.

What should you be feeding him instead? No one food is currently all your pet bird needs to thrive, not even the wide array of commercially prepared food pellets that should make up the largest portion of a typical pet bird's healthy diet. Variety is the name of the game when it comes to feeding your pet bird. This means in addition to offering high-quality pelleted food, you should be offering a wide array of healthy "people food" -- fresh vegetables, fruits, pasta, bread, scrambled eggs. Whatever has good nutrition for you is also good for your parrot.

If your bird is a "seed junkie," talk to an avian veterinarian about a strategy for converting your pet to a base diet of pellets supplemented by a variety of healthy foods.

As for seeds, they're still OK to give your bird as an occasional treat, or for an incentive used in training.

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

ON THE WEB

California ferrets still illegal -- and popular

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger made it clear recently in vetoing the state's latest ferret amnesty plan that he didn't have anything against the pets, which are legal in every other state except Hawaii.

"I love ferrets. I co-starred with a ferret in 'Kindergarten Cop,'" said the movie-star governor. "However, this bill is too bureaucratic, and it legalizes ferrets prior to conducting an environmental impact report."

The governor's action ensures another round of silliness by the California Legislature when yet another bill is introduced trying to reconcile the law with the fact that tens of thousands of ferrets already live in the state, so many that pet-stores openly sell ferret supplies.

In the meantime, ferret lovers in California and elsewhere will find good information on caring for these lively pets on the Ferret Central Web site (www.ferretcentral.org). The page isn't pretty, but it certainly is functional, with links to dozens of pages on every imaginable ferret-related topic. -- G.S.

BY THE NUMBERS

Love me, love my dog -- or get lost!

Have dogs replaced diamonds as a girl's best friend? It's certainly open to debate, with some supporting evidence for canine companionship revealed in a Harris Poll conducted over the summer for the makers of Milk-Bone dog treats.

Among the results:

-- Thirty-two percent of current dog owners agree that their dog is their best friend, with women (34 percent) more likely than men (29 percent) to think so.

-- Women are twice as likely as men to talk to their dogs on the phone or leave a message on their home answering machine while they're away.

-- While 38 percent of dog owners overall refer to themselves as "mommy" or "daddy" to their canine companion, there are differences by both region and gender. In the Northeast, 48 percent of dog lovers refer to themselves as parents, and women are more likely than men to do so, by 44 percent to 30 percent.

-- If you're a dog, you're better off with a single woman than a single man. Women are more likely than men to pass on marrying someone who doesn't like the dog, by 40 percent to 34 percent.

THE SCOOP

Head-butting cat's message: You're mine!

When your cat rubs his head against your leg, he's doing it because he loves you, right? Sort of. Your cat is definitely showing his affection for you, but he's also marking you as his property by putting his scent on you.

Your cat has sebaceous glands at the base of his hair follicles that produce sebum, a substance that serves two purposes: coating the fur for protection and depositing scent on objects in the cat's environment.

These glands are most numerous around your cat's mouth and on the chin, lips, upper eyelids, on the top of the tail base, and near his anus and genitals. If a cat rubs with his head (a behavior known as bunting), or any of these scent-loaded parts of his body, he's depositing both sebum and his own distinct scent on everything he touches.

Our pitiful noses can't detect these deposits, but other cats surely can.

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 petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

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

OK, pet lovers, it's time for a pop quiz. Halloween costumes for dogs are (choose one):

(a) A silly way to spend money

(b) Generally harmless fun

(c) Another sign of the decline of Western civilization

(d) All of the above

The answer, of course, depends on your perception of what a proper relationship with a companion animal should be. There are those among us who wince at the way pets are increasingly treated like little furry children, while others don't see the harm in anything that doesn't hurt anyone.

Me? I fall into both camps.

I do worry when I hear many of us refer to our pets as "children" -- and seem to really mean it when we say so. That concerns me because it leads some people to forget that pets are not people, but rather animals with different needs from ours. But if I had to choose on behalf of an animal, I have to admit I'd much rather see one spoiled than neglected or abused.

I do worry as well about the amount of money we spend on silly pet junk, especially when there are plenty of pets (and, it must be noted, plenty of people) who are in desperate need of the most basic of essentials. But I also know that one of the reasons we keep animals is to lighten our spirits, and if a few dollars spent here and there on silly pet stuff does that, where's the harm?

Which brings us back to Halloween costumes.

Let's face it: When you spend money on apparel for dogs, you're not doing it for the dogs, except in the case of a sweater for an old dog or for a dog of a cold-blooded breed like the whippet. Your dog doesn't care if he has a biker jacket, sunglasses, an ear-hugging visor or even a colorful bandana. He'll put up with most anything you put on him, as long as it means spending more time with you.

If putting a costume on your dog means you'll fuss over him and maybe take him somewhere interesting, like the costume contests that are everywhere these days, then sure, it's a no-lose proposition. Dress up your dog and have some fun. But while you have your checkbook out buying the costume, don't forget to send a little of that discretionary income to your local shelter, just because.

Not to say that you need to spend much money on a costume, of course. I've dressed up my dogs a few times for contests, and the best idea I ever came up with cost less than $5 to pull together. I bought round, white stickers at an office-supply store and put them all over Benjamin, my big black retriever. Outfitted as a "reverse Dalmatian," he won a $50 gift certificate in a pet costume contest, which is not a bad return on the investment.

If you don't want to put any effort into coming up with something, you can find ready-made costumes at many pet-supply outlets, in almost as much variety as you'll find in costumes for children. Make sure any costume meets the commonsense standard: It's comfortable and nonrestrictive, inedible, and it doesn't involve anything that could be hazardous, such as dye or paint.

Here are some other precautions to keep Halloween from being a fright:

-- Injuries. With the increase in activity, cats and dogs get nervous or excited, and some will take off if they can. That means an increase in animals hit by cars. Other animals may be a cause of injury: All those costumed young visitors can trigger territorial instincts or fear-responses in some dogs, who may then become a bite risk.

Prevention: Keeping pets confined inside away from the action, in a crate or behind a closed door. If you do take your dog to a costume contest, be sure to keep an eye on other dogs for signs of aggression, and don't crowd any dog, no matter how friendly he seems.

-- Food problems. Candy is a problem more for dogs than for cats, because cats are generally picky about what they eat. Not so for most dogs, who'll wolf down candy -- wrappers and all -- if given the opportunity, giving many a serious case of what veterinarians call "garbage gut." Any candy can trigger a bout of intestinal upset, but chocolate can do much worse. The small dog who gets a large amount of chocolate could end up dead without prompt veterinary intervention.

Prevention: No people treats for pets, and keep candy bowls and trick-or-trick bags out of reach of those animals who may be tempted to help themselves.

Bark back: What do you think about Halloween costumes for pets? Please let us know where you live when you reply to petconnection@gmail.com. We'll share readers' thoughts in an upcoming Pet Connection. (Responses may be edited for length and clarity.)

SECONDARY

Cat shows: What you need to know before you go

You don't need to know the difference between a Grand Champion and a Triple Champion or a Maine Coon Cat or Norwegian Forest Cat to enjoy a cat show. If you bring your love of cats and maybe your credit card, you can have a wonderful time. Here are a few tips to make the day easier.

-- Wear comfortable, casual clothes with a little flexibility. Show halls are notorious for being too hot or too cold, no matter the outside temperature. Wear something light and carry a sweater, and you'll be covered either way. Comfortable shoes are important; you're going to be on your feet a lot. Carry a backpack or big purse, as well as a notepad and pen. You're sure to run across freebies or buy toys to take home to your cat, and you may want to take some notes.

-- Be aware of the demands on exhibitors. Your first question to any exhibitor should be: "Is this a good time to ask a couple of questions about your cats?" They'll let you know, and if it's not, they can tell you when it will be. Never bother an exhibitor who has a cat in her arms, because she's almost certainly headed to or coming from the judging ring. And step aside: Cat-show etiquette -- and common sense -- demands that a person carrying a cat has the right-of-way.

-- Be respectful of the health and safety of the cats. Be aware that you almost certainly aren't going to be allowed to pet any cat at a show. Breeders are concerned about the spread of disease. So the only people who touch any cats at a show are the people who brought them and the judges, who are careful to sanitize their hands and the judging platform between each cat they handle.

-- Watch at least one class being judged. Unlike dog-show judges, who never share their thoughts with the spectators (or even the competitors), cat-show judges consider education an important part of their job. They often discuss the good and not-so-good points of each animal as they judge, and many are not only articulate and knowledgeable but witty as well. After the judging is over, most are happy to answer a question or two. Some shows also have separate rings set up for educational talks.

Best of all, a cat show is a special opportunity to see dozens of beautifully groomed cats -- not only of the more common breeds but also of some of the rarest in the world.

Q&A

Sunscreen necessary to protect some pets

Q: What do you recommend as a safe sunscreen for dogs? I have a young, primarily white, shorthaired Jack Russell terrier. I don't want to risk him getting sunburned on our days out hiking in the sun.

Is a sunscreen that's safe for babies a good idea for my dog? I have not found any products specifically for dogs available in pet stores. I have also asked the technician at my veterinarian's office, but she didn't have a clue. -- B.R., via e-mail

A: I can hear people snickering now. "Sunscreen for dogs? What next?" But the risks of overexposure to the sun can indeed be a problem for many dogs. For information on which animals are at risk and how to best protect them, I turned to a top veterinary dermatologist, Dr. Peter J. Ihrke of the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine.

"Unfortunately, dogs can develop a wide variety of sun-associated problems beyond sunburn just as humans can," says Ihrke. "Repetitive sun exposure can lead to chronic skin changes and sun-induced skin cancer just as it can in people."

Ihrke says the animals most at risk for sun-caused skin disease and cancer are those with short, white coats, light-colored skin and sparse tummy fur. Breeds that fit these characteristics include Dalmatians, bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, whippets, Italian greyhounds and greyhounds. The more sun, the greater the risk, he says, noting that dogs who like to sunbathe and are permitted to do so are at the greatest risk.

Skin cancer can hit dogs as young as 4 years old, he says, which is why prevention is extremely important. Decreasing exposure is the only way to protect an animal from sun-related problems.

"Preventing sunbathing, roofs over outdoor runs, and solar protective T-shirts or dog shirts can be very helpful," says Ihrke. "We also recommend waterproof pediatric or children's sunscreens. Sunscreens designed for children are less likely to be irritating and commonly do not have scents added."

Brand names mentioned by Ihrke as being safe for use on pets include Johnson & Johnson's Waterbabies, Bullfrog waterproof and EltaBlock waterproof. The benefit of waterproof products, says Ihrke, is that they're also dog-saliva-proof.

To find a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, go to the Web site of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (www.acvd.org) and click on "Find a Dermatologist."

Q: We took our golden mix Sadie to the dog park and noticed that wild mushrooms are becoming a problem again. A few of us picked them all and put them in the trash, but we thought it might be worth a reminder for all dog lovers to be careful. Would you pass the word along? -- A.F., via e-mail

A: Yes, cooler weather does bring different hazards, among them the return of wild mushrooms. Although curious puppies are probably most at risk of eating one, even grown dogs aren't immune from their appeal. Some dogs will eat anything that looks even remotely edible, after all.

It's always a good idea to check the areas your dog frequents, looking not only for poisoning risks such as wild mushrooms, but also other hazards such as loose fence boards, broken gate latches and more. While walking your dog, keep him on leash and be alert to anything he might try to grab for a "snack."

If you think your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, call your veterinarian immediately.

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

ON THE WEB

Denver shelter offers great advice -- for free

You don't have to live in Colorado to take advantage of one of the best collections of behavior information anywhere, easy to find on the Web site of the Denver Dumb Friends League (www.ddfl.org/tips.htm).

The DDFL is a pioneer in offering pet-behavior advice geared not only to helping new pet owners get off to a good start, but also to dissuading others from giving up an animal whose behavior is putting it at risk. The site offers care and training advice on everything from dogs and cats to ferrets, rabbits and rats. There are also a limited number of behavior sheets that have been translated into Spanish.

The section on problem-solving dog and cat behavior challenges is superb, with up-to-date information presented in a concise, easy-to-understand format.

There's no charge to get the help you need, but it would be nice to leave a donation to support this nonprofit organization. There's a link to help you do so right on the page.

PET RX

Clean up carefully after antifreeze spills

Fall is the time of year when shade-tree mechanics traditionally check the antifreeze in their vehicles. It's also the time of year when a lot of animals will die from ingesting this sweet-tasting poison.

You have two ways to protect your pet from antifreeze poisoning, one relatively foolproof, the other not.

Not foolproof: Use a safer antifreeze made from a different formulation than the more popular variety, store chemicals properly, and wipe up spills promptly. While this should eliminate most of the risk for dogs, these strategies are not foolproof for free-roaming cats, because they cannot control what your neighbors will do when it comes to using or storing deadly chemicals.

Foolproof: Keep cats from roaming. Free-roaming cats have relatively short lifespans because the outside world is full of deadly hazards. To antifreeze, add cars, coyotes (yes, even in urban areas) and cat-hating neighbors to the list of things that can kill a free-roaming cat.

If you even suspect a pet has gotten into antifreeze, take the animal to your veterinarian immediately. There's no "wait and see" period with this stuff.

Please support efforts to force manufacturers to add bittering agents to antifreeze. Pets aren't the only ones at risk from this sweet-tasting chemical: Children have also been killed.

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

THE SCOOP

Proper storage helps prevent food problems

What's the point of buying a high-quality pet food if you're going to damage or destroy its nutritional value by not storing it properly?

The Whole Dog Journal reports in its October issue that even those who pay top dollar for kibble often don't think twice about storing the food in ways that may reduce its nutritional value, shorten its shelf life and even turn it into something that may make pets ill.

In short, dry pet food should be stored in a cool, dry place, and maintained in its original packaging. The means no keeping those economy-sized bags in the garage, especially in summer, and no dumping loose kibble into metal trash cans or plastic containers that are not intended for storing food.

The Whole Dog Journal is $20 for 13 issues from P.O. Box 420031, Palm Coast, FL 32142-8624. Or call 1-800-424-7887, or subscribe online at www.whole-dog-journal.com.

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 petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

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