Puppies are overrated. I say that after spending the last six months working on raising one, a darling, bright retriever who is as good a puppy as anyone could ever hope for. But after piddle puddles, chewed shoes and all the normal silliness and mess that goes along with raising a puppy, I'm reminded why most of the dogs who've ended up as part of my family have come into my home as adults.

And I'm reminded why, when people with a lot on their plates ask me about getting a puppy, I encourage them to consider a grown dog instead. Chosen carefully, an adult dog will be well past puppy foolishness and may have had some basic obedience training. Unlike puppies, who need constant monitoring, an adult dog should be able to be left alone while a family is at work or school.

For today's time-crunched households, there's no better deal than a good adult dog. But getting the right one is a little more difficult than going down to the shelter and picking out the cutest one.

While expecting to work on some minor behavior issues as your new dog gets used to you is reasonable, you want to avoid those animals who have too many problems, especially if one of them is aggression. Here are some questions that will help you:

-- What do you know of this dog's history? You may be dealing with a shelter, a rescue volunteer, the dog's original owner or breeder, or a nice person who found a stray. The more information you can get, the better. If you find out nothing about him because he was a stray, don't count him out. If he's healthy and friendly and otherwise fits your size, coat and activity criteria, he's a contender.

-- Why is this dog available for adoption? Dogs become available for lots of reasons, some as frivolous as a change in decor. "Losing our home," "divorce" and "death in the family" show no fault on the dog's part; "bit our daughter" obviously is a problem.

Listen, too, for what isn't said: "He needs more exercise than we can give him" may mean "He needs more exercise than anyone could possibly ever give him, and he eats furniture when he doesn't get it."

-- What behavior problems does this dog have? Many things are fixable and worth considering if you honestly believe you'll take the time to work with the dog. "Pulls on the leash" is fixable. "He snaps at people" is not, at least not by the average pet owner's standard, and not to the extent that you should take a chance on him with so many other dogs available.

Remember, too, that some problems are the owner's fault, not the dog's. "Won't stay in the yard," for example, may be easily cured by a decent fence and neutering.

-- How is he with children? Other dogs? Cats? Even if you don't have children, you're going to run into some from time to time. The same is true with other dogs. You can successfully avoid cats if you don't have them, but make certain your prospective pet at least tolerates them well if you have a cat in your home.

If you're getting an animal from a shelter, the organization should have asked the former owner to fill out a card on such things as problems with children or other animals. If you're adopting from a foster home, ask if the family has other animals and children. If there's no way to determine the dog's attitude toward children and other animals but he seems friendly, he may be OK. If you have doubts, however, hold out for an animal that you're sure fits well with your family.

Above all, take your time. This is a decision that should be for the dog's lifetime, and there are lots of pets to consider. Make the decision with your head, not your heart. There's plenty of time after adoption to fall in love with your new canine companion.

SIDEBAR

Adoptions on the Internet

Petfinder (www.petfinder.com) has become the No. 1 place to look for a pet to adopt, with thousands of listings searchable by species, breed type and geographic area. Shelters and rescue groups of all sizes use Petfinder to bring attention to the animals they're trying to place. Your local shelter will likely have listings of pets for adoption on its own Web site, as well.

While some rescue groups that work with a single breed use Petfinder, many do not. To find these organizations, visit the American Kennel Club's Web site (www.akc.org) and look up the breed you're interested in. The national rescue contact will be listed.

Q&A

College pet? Not a good bet

Q: I truly desire to get a yellow Labrador, a year old or so, at the beginning of this summer. I am a college student, attending the University of Connecticut.

I know that I would take care of my dog responsibly, with the utmost of care. I only worry about where I can find a place that allows dogs. I was wondering what your thoughts are. Should I get a dog during college, or is it a completely horrible idea? I would really love to get one, and I am studying carefully to make sure I do the right thing. -- E.D., via the Internet

A: I honestly think you'd be better off waiting until you're done with college. The shelters and rescue groups of every college town in the country are constantly dealing with the former pets of college students. As you've already guessed, finding and keeping housing that allows pets is a major challenge. So, too, can be finding the time and energy to care for a pet when there's so much to do and try when you're in college. And don't forget that pets can be expensive to maintain, and very few college students have much money to spare.

Even if you can find suitable housing, have you thought about what you'll do with your dog during school breaks? If you're planning on going home when you're not in school, you might find your parents unwilling to have your dog become a member of the family, even temporarily.

Why don't you volunteer at a shelter instead? You'll be able to pet all the dogs you want, and by helping with their socialization, you'll be making the animals more likely to be adopted.

Vets for pets

Q: I am thinking of moving and was wondering how to find out about veterinary services in my new area. This is of special concern because I need to find care for my parrot and my bunny. I know these pets need veterinarians familiar with their particular health needs -- not just any veterinarian will do. Can you give me some insight? I always like to find the right veterinarians wherever I plan on moving. -- M.Y., via the Internet

A: While I don't know of any veterinarians who limit their practice to rabbits, there are certainly those who specialize in birds. To find a good avian veterinarian, check with the Association of Avian Veterinarians (www.aav.org). The member listings merely provide a starting point, however, since not all of the veterinarians listed are in practice. Even those who aren't should be able to provide you with a referral, as should your current avian veterinarian.

You might also check with bird clubs in the area you're considering moving to, or scan for listings of avian veterinarians in publications such as Bird Talk magazine. If you want a bona fide avian specialist, ask the veterinarian if he or she is board-certified in avian practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.

For your rabbit, see if you can find a veterinarian recommended by members of the House Rabbit Society on its Web site (www.rabbit.org). The HRS also has an article on its site on how to evaluate a veterinarian as to how suitable he or she will be for your rabbit.

People with reptiles and amphibians also need to find veterinarians well-versed in the care of these pets. For pet owners looking for these veterinarians, check out Melissa Kaplan's resources on www.anapsid.org/vets.

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

THE SCOOP

Dog get loose? Don't punish!

Punishing a dog for running from you is one surefire way to make sure he's even harder to catch the next time. Wouldn't you keep running if you knew you'd get punished when caught?

If your dog takes off on you, kneel down and open your arms when calling to make yourself more inviting. If that doesn't work, try to use a command he knows well, like "sit" instead of "come." Many dogs know "sit" so well that they'll plant their rumps, and once they're sitting, you might be able to walk up and take their collars. Another possibility is to catch your dog's attention and run in the other direction, enticing him to follow you. The chase instinct is very strong in dogs, and it may well work.

Remember, a loose dog situation is not about dog training, but about dog saving. When you have your dog safely back on leash, praise him, be grateful and make a vow that you'll take the time to teach him this most important of commands. Because next time he's out, you may not be so lucky to get him back in one piece.

PET Rx

A blimpy bird needs vet help

Amazon parrots, large cockatoos, cockatiels and budgies seem more prone to obesity than other species of pet birds. Some of the signs of obesity in birds include:

-- The presence of rolls of fat around the abdomen and hip areas, along with cleavage on the abdomen or breast area.

-- Visible fat under the skin. The skin of most normal pet birds is typically very thin and quite transparent. When the skin is wet with rubbing alcohol, you should be able to see dark pink or red muscle underneath. In overweight birds, you see yellowish fat instead.

-- Breathing difficulty, such as labored breathing, especially after physical exertion.

-- Heat intolerance, shown by excessive wing drooping or open-mouthed breathing in a hot environment.

-- Overgrown upper beaks. Some birds will grow their upper beaks excessively long if they have obesity and fatty liver disease problems. This is particularly true in Amazon parrots and budgies.

If you suspect your bird is fat -- and especially if you already know your bird is fat -- see your veterinarian right away for nutritional counseling and other ways to attack the problem.

(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.)

PET TIP

Teach your cat to scratch a post

Scratching is natural, normal and satisfying behavior for a cat, best accommodated by training your pet to use a scratching post or cat tree.

The post or tree must be stable enough for your cat to climb and pull on, and should be covered with material your cat can dig her claws into, such as sisal.

Because clawing is also a territory marker, move the cat tree into a prominent place, such as near that clawed corner of the couch. Praise your cat for using the post instead. Move the post slowly -- a few inches a day -- to a place more to your taste after your cat is using it reliably.

Encourage your cat to use the scratching post by teasing her with a cat toy and praising her for digging in her claws. If your cat enjoys catnip, rub some on the post to encourage her to spend more time there, and give her treats for being on the cat tree as well.

Make the areas you don't want your pet to touch less appealing during the retraining process by covering them with foil, plastic sheeting or plastic carpet runners with the pointy side out. Use double-sided tape generously as well -- cats hate the feel of sticky stuff under their paws.

If you catch your cat clawing, squirt with a spray bottle. Try to stay out of sight whenever you do so and don't lose your temper. Remember: The idea is to get the cat to believe that the furniture itself is doing the disciplining.

Yes, your house is going to look pretty ugly for a while, with cat deterrents all over the furniture and a cat tree in the middle of the room. You must live with it until your cat's new pattern of clawing where acceptable is established.

BY THE NUMBERS

Hazards of the holidays

A recent analysis of claims submitted to the Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency suggests the holiday season can be dangerous for pets. Below are the most common holiday health problems and the average claim submitted to the company:

Surgery for foreign-body ingestion $825

Bandage treatment for injury $234

Chocolate poisoning $208

Plant poisoning $186

Hypothermia $181

Non-surgery treatment for fracture $132

ON THE WEB

A celebration of all goldens

Top Golden Retriever Sites (www.topgoldenretrieversites.net) is a helpful and wide-ranging resource for anyone who has or is considering adding one of these popular dogs to the family. The site offers articles, bulletin boards, a Web log, links, lots of pictures and even online games for golden lovers.

Much of the wisdom shared here comes from fans of the golden retriever, who are generous with their desire to help others determine if the breed is right for them, and if so, how to find the right puppy or dog from a reputable breeder or rescue group. There's even a special section for children, with a golden retriever coloring book and a quiz.

Discussion forums offer some interesting information, such as how much people spend on their dogs annually, what they feed and what their dogs weigh. There's even discussion on dogs and vacuums.

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

A friend of a friend, a co-worker from across the hall, another guest at a party ... someone will tell me he or she is looking for a perfect breed of dog for the family and ask me my opinion. The person will list the desired attributes: smart, easy to train, low-shedding, friendly, great with children.

I don't even have to think about it. "How about a poodle?" I say.

If the person who's asking is a man, chances are he'll make a disapproving face and tell me he was thinking of something more along the lines of a Labrador. If the person's a woman, I can put money on the prospect that she'll tell me her husband will never, ever go for a poodle.

I shrug, and think for the millionth time that what poodles need is a public-relations campaign. An image makeover, at the very least.

How can you ask for a dog better suited to more family situations than the poodle? The breed comes in three sizes -- the tiny toy, the still-small miniature and the full-sized standard -- and plenty of coat colors. They consistently rank near the top in intelligence and trainability. In smaller sizes, they're a clean and cheerful companion for a person who's not so mobile; in the full-sized version, they can be as outdoorsy as any other retriever.

Poodles were the top breed in the country for 23 years, displaced by cocker spaniels in the early '80s. (Labrador retrievers have held the top spot since 1990.) Year after year, poodles remain in the American Kennel Club's top 10, which says a lot about the devotion many feel for a breed that draws more than its share of snide remarks.

Most of those remarks, of course, have to do with the ridiculous fashions for show poodles. The grooming patterns are said to be based on protection for the water dog that the poodle is at heart, fashions taken to such extremes now as to be a silly parody of what a proud working dog might have once looked like.

Laugh if you want, because the great thing about a poodle is that he won't care. The genial poodle is as happy a dog as can be imagined, willing to join the party even if the laughs are at his own expense. The poodle lives to be happy, and is happy to share the joy.

Are there downsides to poodles? Of course. Those very coats that make them top show dogs and the butt of countless jokes require professional grooming at regular intervals. And all poodles, especially the smaller ones, tend to be barky.

As with any popular breed, poodles have plenty of health problems caused by careless breeding practices. The Poodle Club of America (www.poodleclubofamerica.org) lists more than a dozen serious congenital health problems, from Cushing's disease to epilepsy to luxated patellas, all of which may require lifelong veterinary care or surgery.

Healthy, well-socialized poodle puppies come from reputable breeders who are aware of the problems and breed only those animals certified clear of congenital health issues. Another possibility is to adopt a healthy adult poodle from a shelter or rescue group. The PCA offers referrals to breeders and breed-rescue groups on its Web site. You can also search for poodles in shelters and other rescue organizations by using Petfinder.org.

Is the poodle right for your family? If you can't take an occasional ribbing as well as a poodle can, maybe not. But if you're willing to look at what's really underneath that curly coat, you'll likely find a canine companion who's second to none.

SIDEBAR

Oodles of 'doodles'

The poodle has certainly had an impact when it comes to the creation of so-called "designer dogs" -- mixed breeds that recently have been in high demand.

The most common of these mixes has been around for decades: the cockapoo, a cross between a poodle and a cocker spaniel. More recently, mixes between Labradors and poodles (Labradoodles), golden retrievers and poodles (goldendoodles) and schnauzers and poodles (schnoodles) have become trendy.

"Doodle" breeders promote the mixes as hypo-allergenic (untrue, say allergists, in both poodles and poodle mixes) and healthier (debatable, say veterinarians, but the purebred vs. mixed-breed debate will never die). One thing that's certain: The prices are eye-popping, a thousand dollars (or even double that) for dogs that a decade ago would have been available for the price of a regular shelter adoption.

And still are, if you check the shelters and Web sites like Petfinder.com, where poodle mixes (and purebred poodles, for that matter) are plentiful.

Q&A

Keeping pets warm, heating bills down

Q: Gable, my tuxedo cat, is old and creaky. He likes to stay warm. But with heating prices what they are, I'm thinking of turning the heat way down while I'm at work. I just don't have a lot of money to spend on heating the apartment for my cat. He'll be OK, right? -- R.Y., via e-mail

A: The desire to find the warmest spots sometimes gets cats into trouble, such as when they snuggle up next to warm engine blocks after a car has been turned off, or snuggle into a pile of warm clothes sitting in a dryer. At this time of year, it's always good to check for a cat before you start your car or dryer.

As for saving on your heating bills, it's not necessary to heat your entire home to keep a pet warm. I always set my thermostat to 55 degrees overnight or when I'm not home.

Healthy younger cats and dogs can weather such cool temperatures just fine indoors, especially with comfortable beds to snuggle into. For older pets, I break out a heated bed to provide warmth for those creaky joints.

You can find electric heated beds or pet-safe heating elements at any pet-supply outlet. The Snuggle Safe ($20) is another option, a reusable heating element that you put in the microwave to charge and then slip into your pet's bedding. The manufacturer says it'll stay warm for up to 12 hours.

Puddling puppy

Q: We have a 6-month-old cockapoo, a very sweet little dog. However, we just can't seem to get her completely housebroken. When we come home, she pees right in front of us. We have yelled at her and spanked her, but she doesn't get it. Any suggestions? -- A.W., via e-mail

A: This isn't a house-training issue, but rather a behavior called "submissive urination" that's pretty common in gentle young dogs. Many outgrow the problem, but others need understanding and help to put the puddling behind them.

First, the understanding: What your dog's doing is something another dog would recognize as a show of respect to higher-ranked member of her "pack." It's a dog's way of saying, "I recognize that you're the boss, so please don't hurt me!"

Your dog's release of urine when she greets you is meant to be something of a canine compliment, strange as that may seem to us. Punishing a dog for submissive urination is the worst thing you can do, since it only makes you seem more dominant to your dog, who'll try even harder to appease you.

This puppy needs reward-based training and gentle socialization to gain confidence and to understand that while you're indeed the boss, you're a kind and benevolent one who doesn't require a show of urinary respect.

Instead of punishing your dog, take the stress out of your arrival home. When you come home, don't make a big deal out of your reunion with your pet. Instead, come in and ignore your dog for a few minutes, then greet her calmly and quietly. If she puddles, ignore it and clean it up without comment later. Squat down to interact with your dog and avoid direct eye contact to seem less intimidating.

Work to build your dog's confidence with basic obedience training that includes gentle praise and treats. As you develop a loving and trusting relationship with your dog, her submissive urination will likely decrease.

If you need help, please ask your veterinarian for a referral to a trainer or behaviorist.

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

PET Rx

Watch for signs of pet's diabetes

Excessive eating, drinking, urination and weight loss are the common symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats. A urinary tract infection may be another clue, because the presence of sugar in the urine that occurs in a diabetic animal produces an excellent environment for the growth of bacteria.

Any animal who displays these symptoms needs to be evaluated for diabetes by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

The cells of the body require the sugar known as glucose as food, and they depend on the bloodstream to bring glucose to them. They cannot, however, absorb and use glucose unless a hormone known as insulin is present. Insulin is produced by the pancreas, and in a diabetic animal, there isn't enough insulin production.

The result is that the body cannot detect the glucose present in the blood and is fooled into thinking starvation is occurring. As with a starving animal, the body starts breaking down, with disastrous results.

Treating diabetes is a matter of adding the proper amount of insulin, often with injections. Working with a veterinarian to maintain proper insulin levels is something many pet lovers are willing to do. With a dedicated owner and a veterinarian's help, many diabetic animals can enjoy a good quality of life for years.

(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

What it takes to specialize

Only those veterinarians who have earned additional certification are allowed to call themselves "specialists."

Specialists are called "board-certified" because testing for specialty knowledge is handled (and those extra letters are given out) by review boards, such as the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) or the American College of Veterinary Internal Medical Practitioners (ACVIM).

To become board-certified by the ABVP in the care of a particular kind of animal (such as avian or feline medicine), a veterinarian must have been in practice for five years, must pass a rigorous credentialing process, and then must study for and pass a test.

Internal-medicine specialists such as cardiologists or oncologists work in a kind of medicine, not on a certain kind of animal, and earn their ACVIM credentials after serving residencies and then passing a test.

Board-certified specialists can be difficult to find if you don't live in a large urban area or near a college or school of veterinary medicine.

PET TIP

'Safe room' key to moving your cat

The best way to move with your cat is to confine him before and after moving day in a "safe room."

Choose a room where your cat isn't going to be disturbed, and outfit it with food and water, a litter box, a scratching post, a bed and toys.

Confining your cat not only reduces his stress, but also prevents him from slipping out, which is a danger at both the old home and the new. Your cat could easily become scared, take off and get lost, even in his familiar neighborhood, if he gets disoriented. Even if your cat turns up back at your old place, a reunion can be hard to arrange if you need to leave before you find him, especially if you've moved to another city.

A safe room is also good for bringing a new cat into your home and for retraining any cat with furniture-destroying or litter-box-avoiding habits.

Your cat should be confined in his safe room the day before packing begins, moved to his new home in a carrier, and then confined again in his new safe room until the moving is over, the furniture arranged and most of the dust settled.

Trying to force a scared and stressed-out cat to do anything he doesn't want to is hazardous to your health. After you arrive at your new home, don't pull your cat out of his carrier. Instead, put the carrier in his safe room, open the carrier door, and let him come out into the room when he wants to. After he's a little calmer, you can coax him out with some fresh food or treats if you want. But don't rush him and don't drag him out -- or you may be bitten or scratched.

When you have the rest of the house settled, open the door to the safe room and let your cat explore his new home, on his terms.

BY THE NUMBERS

Where puppies play

Image: shepherd (no credit)

Optional cutline: The top two dog parks in the nation are in Texas.

The editors of Dog Fancy magazine teamed up with the manufacturers of the pain medication Deramaxx to rank U.S. dog parks based on a range of criteria from safety considerations to owner educational resources. The top 10:

1. Millie Bush Bark Park -- Houston

2. Fort Woof Dog Park -- Fort Worth, Texas

3. Alimagnet Dog Park -- Burnsville, Minn.

4. Tompkins Square Dog Run -- New York, N.Y.

5. University City Dog Play Area -- University City, Mo.

6. Piedmont Dog Park -- Atlanta

7. Wiggly Field -- Chicago

8. Chattanooga Chew Chew Canine Park - Chattanooga, Tenn.

9. Best Friend Dog Park -- Huntington Beach, Calif.

10. Hazeldale Dog Park -- Aloha, Ore.

ON THE WEB

Feline facts

Reader Carol Sulanke is a librarian, which means she is wonderful when it comes to finding the best information on any subject. So when she wrote me about the Cats International Web site (www.catsinternational.org), I had to take a look.

This well-designed site is the home of an organization dedicated to getting out good information on feline behavior and care, to help people and cats live more happily together. The articles run from common behavior problems (house-soiling, furniture-scratching) to interesting information about cats, and are well-written and reflect the latest behavioral advice. (As for fun facts: Did you know a cat will blink when his whiskers are touched? It's an automatic response designed to protect the eyes.)

The site also offers a behavior hot line for those who'd like to discuss their pet's problems directly. Links to other sites offering cat-friendly advice and products are also provided.

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

If there's one part of veterinary medicine that seems to concern the average pet lover most, it's anesthesia.

Some pet lovers consider anesthesia so high-risk that they hesitate to OK or even refuse entirely elective procedures that have long-term benefits to an animal's health and comfort. Other pet lovers think anesthesia is too expensive, blaming changes in protocols for increased cost.

The good news about veterinary anesthesia is that although it can never be risk-free, it's safer and more comfortable than ever. The bad news is that those things that improve safety for pets do indeed increase the cost.

"Anesthesia is absolutely safer now," says Dr. Rachael Carpenter, assistant professor of anesthesia and pain management at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. "One of the reasons is because the monitoring of anesthesia has come over into the veterinary field from human medicine.

"Monitors warn of problems early, and it's more likely these days for there to be someone whose sole job is to watch those machines and watch that patient," says Carpenter, who's also an anesthesia consultant to the Veterinary Information Network. "And that's not the person who's doing the surgery. Even without monitoring machines, it's important to have someone checking heart rate and breathing."

The simplest definition of anesthesia is putting an animal into an unconscious state so the pet will be immobile and pain-free while a procedure is performed.

While many pet-lovers probably think of veterinary anesthesia as a gas given through a mask over the animal's face, in fact the modern practice of preparing an animal for surgery is a no-size-fits-all combination of injectable medications (often combining anesthesia and pain-control agents), anesthesia-inducing gas and pure oxygen, the latter two delivered through a breathing tube to maintain an animal's unconscious state.

In addition to constant anesthetic monitoring by machines and trained technicians, the use of intravenous fluids during anesthesia is another safety measure, meant to allow a veterinarian to react rapidly if something unexpected happens during surgery.

"If there's an emergency, you want instant access to a vein," says Carpenter, who also puts keeping animals warm during anesthesia on her safety checklist. "An animal being cold is a big problem," she says. "It delays healing, and the shivering increases oxygen consumption."

Pre-anesthetic screening is also important when it comes to reducing risk.

"A good physical exam is the place to start," says Carpenter. "The veterinarian needs to determine underlying problems and recommend pre-anesthetic blood work based on what's found on the exam.

"In a young pet, that could be just checking for anemia. In an older pet, that means a complete blood count, determining kidney and liver function, making sure all organs are OK. An older pet is more likely to have problems than a 6-month-old Labrador bouncing in for a spay."

Carpenter says even in older pets, health problems don't necessarily rule out the benefits of procedures that require a pet be put under. "You have to balance risks with the benefits, and discuss them with your veterinarian. How much pain is the animal in? Has your pet has stopped eating because of a rotting tooth? That needs to be addressed."

And for a pet who's simply older? Age alone used to be a concern, but shouldn't be anymore. "Age isn't a disease," Carpenter says. "If an animal is healthy in every other way, age shouldn't be a factor."

The protocols outlined by Carpenter are not universal in veterinary medicine, and expense is no doubt the primary reason. It's important to have a frank discussion with your veterinarian before your pet has surgery, to understand how your pet will be treated and why. With a knowledge of what's available, you'll be able to make an informed decision when it comes to anesthesia and your pet.

Q&A

Which parrot is best pick?

Q: We have long enjoyed keeping small birds over the years, and have had many finches, canaries and parakeets. We're birdless right now, and recently retired so we are at home most of the time. We've decided to get a parrot.

We've always liked the look and personalities of cockatoos, but it seems they're a lot of bird to handle from what we've read. The large beaks of macaws seem too intimidating, so we've ruled them out, too. Maybe something smaller? We're thinking of an Amazon now, and have found one for sale, an adult female who comes with a cage. She's quiet and doesn't talk much, and we wonder if she'll learn more. What do you think? -- P.B., via the Internet

A: If you're interested in a talker, the two best species are the African greys and the Amazons, especially the yellow-naped and double-yellow-headed varieties of the latter. Both species learn quickly and can be equally challenging and delightful to live with, although the Amazons are generally considered a little more clownish.

The Amazon you're considering may indeed be a winner, as long as her quiet demeanor is not a result of illness. Birds are amazingly good at hiding signs of illness. It's a survival mechanism for wild birds, who would attract the attention of a predator if they seemed sick. People who do not know this often do not realize their pet is sick until their bird is nearly dead -- and at that point, there may be nothing the veterinarian can do to help. Before you buy any bird, have your new pet checked out by an avian veterinarian.

As for talking, she may well learn new words and phrases if you work with her, repeating them clearly and frequently. There's no guarantee, however, that any parrot will talk.

If you're looking for a parrot who's not as rambunctious and noisy as either the African greys or the Amazons, consider the smaller African Poicephalus parrots -- the Senegal, Meyer's and Jardine's -- as well as any of the Pionus varieties. While these birds are not known for talking, they are considered fairly mellow, sweet-natured and easy to keep.

A final note: Remember that parrots live a long, long time -- as long as 70 years for some species -- so after you've settled your new bird into your home, please take time to make plans for what will happen to your pet if he or she outlives you.

Is catnip safe?

Q: When our cat comes into contact with catnip, he gets so relaxed he rolls onto his back and goes into a daze. Any signs of playfulness he was showing disappear after he comes into contact with catnip. Do you think we should stop giving it to him? Is this reaction safe? -- D.K., via the Internet

A: Every cat reacts in his own way to catnip. Some will be giddy, some dazed, and a large percentage won't react at all. (Kittens under the age of 3 months are not affected.)

The ability to appreciate the herb is genetically programmed, with slightly more cats in the catnip fan club than not. Catnip contains a substance called "nepetalactone" in its leaves and stems, and this is what sets cats off. Rolling, rubbing, leaping, purring and general uninhibited happiness are all normal for a few minutes after exposure. The "high" is harmless and nonaddictive.

Catnip is fairly easy to grow for your pet. Be sure to protect young plants, or your cats will pull them up by the roots. Clip pieces from established plants for your cat, stuffing them into toys or rubbing them on cat trees.

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

THE SCOOP

Cat treats grow in popularity

After years of commercial treats being only for dogs, the cat treat market is now racing to catch up. Giving your cat a little something special from time to time isn't going to do him any harm and can be very useful in training situations. A few things to keep in mind, however:

-- All things in moderation. Treats, whether store-bought or from your dinner plate, aren't a complete and balanced diet for your cat. Make sure the majority of his diet is still high-quality, complete and balanced.

-- Avoid some foods entirely. Food that's heavily spiced or has onions can upset your cat's digestion, leading to diarrhea or vomiting. Onion can also lead to severe blood problems in cats. Avoid onion or onion powder in foods you prepare for your cat and in baby foods you may use as an occasional treat or for nursing a sick cat (the latter under the supervision of your veterinarian, of course).

-- Consider your cat. If you give your cat treats from your plate, you can't complain that he's a pest at mealtime. And if your cat's supposed to be losing weight, you shouldn't give him a treat at all.

We humans tend to confuse food with love, and we extend this idea to our interactions with our companion animals. Your cat doesn't really need much in the way of treats. Pet your cat, play an interactive game or just hang out together -- these activities are better options in the long run than overdoing the goodies. -- G.S.

PET Rx

Hairballs can be kept in check

Dealing with hairballs -- fur ingested as a cat grooms himself, then vomited back up in clumps -- is a normal part of living with a cat. If the problem is severe, however, your veterinarian may suggest the use of a mild laxative preparation or an increase in fiber in the diet to help the hairballs pass through your cat's system. Frequent brushing may also help, especially with long-haired cats.

Canned pumpkin -- not pumpkin pie filling -- is a good way to increase the fiber in your cat's diet. Many cats enjoy a teaspoon of pureed pumpkin daily if it's mixed with something yummy, such as canned food or the water from a can of tuna or clams.

Don't let your cat become a laxative junkie, however, as daily use may tie up and decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Hairball remedies should not be used more than twice weekly except on the advice of your veterinarian.

(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.)

PET TIP

New baby? Help your dog adjust

Some people consider a dog as kind of a "parenting trial run," and suggest that when you're ready to have children "for real" you should find your dog another home. Because of this, some dogs end up in shelters in a pre-emptive strike against any potential problem interactions of dog and baby.

Sometimes those worries are justified. If you have a dog who bites, get help from a trainer or behaviorist with experience in dealing with aggression. And realize there's a chance even with training that you may not be able to trust your dog around your child, which means you have some very difficult decisions to make about your dog.

More likely, though, you've just got a dog whose exuberance worries you. The best exercise for this is obedience training, with an emphasis on "down" and "stay." A couple of private lessons from a good dog trainer will help you through the rough spots.

Give your dog praise and treats only in the baby's presence for several weeks. He'll soon make the connection that the baby's a cool thing. If you pay attention to your dog only when you're away from the baby and ignore him when the baby's around, he never makes the connection between "cool thing" and "baby."

Aside from that, the usual "good dog" rule applies: The more exercise your dog gets, the better behaved he's likely to be. Managing both an infant and a dog in the first few months is hard, so maybe a friend or neighbor can help you out with walks or you can find another creative solution. Another option: doggy day care.

An excellent book on introducing dogs and babies is "Childproofing Your Dog: A Complete Guide to Preparing Your Dog for the Children in Your Life" ($9.95, Warner Books), by Sarah Wilson and Brian Kilcommmons. -- G.S.

BY THE NUMBERS

Reptile shopping

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, reptiles and amphibians kept as pets are likely to have come from a small pet store. Here's the breakdown of the top sources in 2004 for pet reptiles:

Pet store 38 percent

Friend/relative 17 percent

Caught outside 17 percent

Pet superstore 9 percent

Previous owner 9 percent

Humane society 7 percent

Independent breeder 5 percent

ON THE WEB

Groups help give animals a voice

Like many writers, I belong to a handful of national writing organizations. The two I've been most active in over the years have been the Dog Writers Association of America (www.dwaa.org) and the Cat Writers Association (www.catwriters.org). The DWAA is decades old, founded during a time when most major newspapers had one staff writer whose job it was to cover dog shows. These days, the organization embraces all kinds of writing, photography and broadcasting about dogs.

The CWA is a relative newcomer on the scene, but it has developed a large membership in just over a decade. The group also founded a wonderful annual writing conference, which it now holds in conjunction with the DWAA. This year's conference is Nov. 18-20 in San Mateo, Calif.

Both organizations also hold annual writing contests with cash prizes, and are generally helpful and supportive to new members. -- G.S.

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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