Every year at this time, I like to remind pet lovers that as fun as it is to wrap gifts for our pets, it doesn't hurt to expand the idea of giving.

After all, your pet hasn't been dreaming of this year's hottest gift, and he won't be disappointed if he gets something as modest as a package of yummy pet treats or a single new toy.

I encourage pet lovers to be reasonable when it comes to getting gifts for their own pets -- and to remember those other animals who aren't as lucky. The need for assistance has never been more critical in the nation's animal shelters, where funds are tighter than ever following the massive assistance efforts put together in the wake of this year's devastating hurricanes.

While shelters in the disaster region -- such as the Louisiana SPCA, which lost its New Orleans base entirely -- were hardest hit, the ripple effect of the disaster has been felt across the nation.

This year, I'm suggesting that people donate money to shelters in the disaster area, or to the national groups that saved so many abandoned animals. A good place to start is with a donation to the Louisiana SPCA. Checks can go to the organization at P.O. Box 127, Mandeville, LA 70470. Donations can also be made on the organization's Web site, www.la-spca.org. (Donations of goods are not recommended for organizations in the disaster region.)

Don't forget your local shelter. Not only were many of the nation's shelters involved in taking in animals from the disaster zone, but they're also struggling now because donations to local charities traditionally suffer after an event on the scale of Hurricane Katrina.

For local animal charities, a donation of money is most practical, but it's not the only kind of gift that can help.

Nancy Peterson of the Humane Society of the United States says it's important to ask your local shelter what's needed before giving.

"There's nothing worse for a shelter than to get bags of dog food or cat food they can't use, or toys that can't be disinfected," she said. "Storage space is always in short supply."

While perishable items or those that cannot be reused should not be given, there are a few items most any shelter can use, including old towels and newspapers.

In the coming year, the gift of your time may be appreciated most of all, according to Peterson.

"You don't have to volunteer in the shelter," she says, acknowledging that some people find it difficult to deal with the sad reality of homeless pets. "There are always events that can use volunteers."

One way to help is by getting others to donate. Find out what your local shelter needs in the way of goods and services, and then get on the phone to help get it donated by individuals and businesses in your community.

It all starts with making a decision to skip something your pet doesn't need and then putting the money to help those pets who need just about everything. To me, it's the best way to celebrate the season, by giving to those who really need it.

SIDEBAR

Heartworm hits Katrina dogs hard

Considering the South is a perfect environment for bugs, it's not surprising that many of the animals rescued following Hurricane Katrina were infested with fleas and ticks. A little more surprising: Rescue groups estimate that 80 percent of the dogs they saved tested positive for heartworm disease, a potentially deadly parasitic infestation that can be prevented with a monthly pill.

Treatment for an established heartworm infestation is hard on the animal and the pocketbook, which is why a coalition of humane and veterinary groups have stepped up with a special effort to help, by putting $150,000 into a fund for heartworm treatment of the rescued animals. Grants of up to $500 are being given to treat the disease.

More donations are needed and can be given in care of American Animal Hospital Association (www.aahahelpingpets.org, 866-443-5738). Grant guidelines are available at the same source.

Q&A

Should cold stop dog's daily walk?

Q: When is it too cold to walk my 2-year-old Labrador-boxer mix? The other morning I took her for a 30-minute walk when the temperature was in the low 20s, with a mid-teens wind chill and a dusting of snow on the ground. She was her usual curious, bouncy self the whole way. But when we got in the car to go home, I noticed that her feet were really cold. Should I have canceled or shortened the walk? -- J.F., via e-mail

A: Generally speaking, if you can take a walk, so can your dog, especially if the dog is as young and healthy as yours is.

If your dog is used to spending most of her time in the warm house (and I sure hope so, because dogs need to be part of the family), you might consider making things more comfortable on long winter outings by outfitting her with boots and a sweater or coat. Dog garments may seem silly, but in addition to keeping your dog warmer, they also make cleaning up after the walk easier, because you won't be dealing with melting snowballs between your dog's pads or the drip of melting ice from the coat. Boots also help to protect feet from chemicals used to melt ice on pavement.

When I was at the great British dog show Crufts, the largest canine event in the world, I was astonished by the range of high-quality weather protection designed both for dogs and the people who walk them.

One of the people at a booth selling well-designed, good-looking raincoats for dogs explained that when you live in a place as damp as England, anything that minimizes wet-dog smell is a good value. Viewed from that perspective, bad-weather gear for dogs is as much a convenience for people as a comfort for the animals.

Poinsettia myths

Q: After years of reading that poinsettias are poisonous, I've heard in the last couple of years that they're not. Looking on the Web, there's contradictory information. I like holiday greenery, but I'm not going to risk my pets' lives. What's the truth? -- S.T., via e-mail

A: Just last week I got a media release from a humane society, one of dozens of such releases I get this time of year from every conceivable organization or business hoping to get a little publicity. And there it was: "Be careful to keep poisonous plants such as poinsettias away from your pets."

Wrong. Poinsettias are not poisonous, according to folks who know more about pets and poisons than anyone else, the Animal Poison Control Center (www.aspca.org/apcc). Apparently the idea that poinsettias are deadly traces back to a story from early in the last century, when a young child was said to have been killed by eating a poinsettia leaf.

In fact, poinsettias can cause a mild tummy ache at most. While it's not recommended that you add poinsettia leaves to your pet's holiday meal, they're certainly not such a concern that you need to ban the plant from your home.

Mistletoe might be, however. According to the APCC, the common holiday decoration can, if ingested in sufficient quantities, cause a severe reaction that may include difficulty breathing, seizures, coma and even death. Other holiday eating hazards include yeast dough, alcohol, chocolate and avocados.

The Internet can be a good source of information -- or an even better source of misinformation. Whenever I get one of those breathless forwarded e-mails warning of a deadly substance or product, I check it out with the Animal Poison Control Center and with Snopes.com to make sure it's not another urban myth -- as the ongoing warnings about Febreze and Swiffer home-cleaning products have been shown to be by these reliable sources.

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

PET TIP

Making collar a better fit

Dog trainer and author Liz Palika (www.lizpalika.com) has spent enough time training dogs to know that no one tool or training method is right for every dog. For some dogs, her tool of choice is the pinch collar, a piece of equipment that seems to owe its less-than-ideal reputation to its fearsome appearance.

The collar has a double row of blunt points that pinch when the leash is pulled, providing a prompt correction that can get the attention of dogs with well-muscled necks, such as pit bulls, boxers and Rottweilers.

Since it's the "pinch," not the "points," that's important, Palika modifies the collars for sale at her San Diego-area training facility, Kindred Spirits: They're outfitted with fuzzy kids' socks. The toes are cut off the socks, and the collars go inside.

The socks soften the resistance of dog lovers to using the collars and soften the effect of the collars on the dogs. It's a nifty innovation. -- G.S.

PET Rx

Vet should choose pet's antibiotics

Antibiotics have saved countless lives of both the human and animal variety. But we have become so comfortable with these medicines and their frequent use, we sometimes forget they are powerful drugs that should be used with care.

Case in point: Some pet owners respond to any sign of illness by dosing -- and often, overdosing -- their pets with antibiotics commonly available at pet-supply stores (and often labeled for fish). "Prescribing" antibiotics on your own for your pet is a bad idea, for a couple of reasons.

First, if your pet has a viral or fungal infection, antibiotics will not help -- and they may even worsen your pet's condition.

Second, all antibiotics are not the same -- they each have their target bacteria, and may little affect bacteria that they're not designed to combat as well as bacteria that are resistant to their effects.

Finally, regular use of antibiotics may affect both your pet's immune system and the bacteria trying to beat it, leading to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that will be hard to stamp out, even with the "right" medication.

When you buy an antibiotic at a pet-supply store, you are often wasting your money, and you're certainly losing time -- time that should be spent taking your pet to your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

(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 BASICS

Many choices when it comes to litter boxes

While a simple plastic litter box may well satisfy your cat, there are more choices to consider than ever before. Among them:

-- Covered pans. Covered pans keep odors down and may prevent dogs from getting into the filler. Simple covered boxes are available in any pet-supply outlet. For something special, look in the back of cat magazines or visit a cat show to purchase cabinets designed to house litter boxes and cat care accessories.

Remember, though, that cats with asthma should not use a covered litter pan -- they need the increased ventilation an open-air variety offers. And if you choose a covered pan, don't forget that you must be as on top of its cleaning as you would with any other variety. Just because you can't smell it doesn't mean it isn't stinking.

-- Self-cleaning pans. No one likes to clean the litter box, but some cats are so fussy that, if you let this important chore wait, your cat may turn her nose up and go elsewhere. At the high end of litter box choices are appliances that make cleaning a nearly "hands-off" affair, thanks to the easy-clean properties of clumping cat-box filler. Although more expensive than ordinary hoodless pans, a self-cleaning litter box may be a good option if you're not inclined to stay on top of cleaning.

-- Creative box choices. Litter-box possibilities are not limited to pet-supply outlets. Feline behaviorist Kate Gamble suggests using plastic blanket-storage boxes because they have lots of room and high sides for keeping litter in. (She cuts down one side for an easier entrance.) You can also try plastic dish pans, retired cake pans (the low sides are good for kittens) or even mortar-mixing pans.

With a litter box your cat likes and a commitment from you to keep it fastidiously clean, you'll have a good chance at keeping your cat thinking inside the box.

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Pets and cancer

The Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency (www.petinsurance.com) recently released an analysis of claims submitted for cancer. With more than 17,000 cancer-related claimed filed by VPI policy-holders, the No. 1 cancer for cats and dogs in 2004 turned out to be lymphosarcoma.

Top cancer claims for dogs:

Lymphosarcoma 22 percent

Skin tumors 14 percent

Bone cancer 6 percent

Top cancer claims for cats:

Lymphosarcoma 36 percent

Skin tumors 8 percent

Thorax cancer 6 percent

ON THE WEB

Toys keep birds healthy, happy

Pet birds do not live by food alone -- they need to be kept occupied. The Birdbrain (www.thebirdbrain.com) is one of the most expert sources for toys and other things to keep your bird busy. Proceeds from their sales go to one of the best bird charities around, the well-respected Colorado-based Gabriel Foundation (www.thegabrielfoundation.org).

The Birdbrain offers all kinds of parrot-related items, from perches to food containers to cleaning supplies, but the toy selection is truly outstanding. The shop breaks them down into categories such as "noisemakers," "foot toys" and "destructible," and will even suggest toys for birds with disabilities. I visited the Gabriel Foundation and The Birdbrain near Snowmass, Colo., a few years back and took home a rather large collection of toys for my parrot. The store's now in Denver, and it is a must-visit for any parrot lover. There's lots of good information on the site, too!

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 cat show is a rare opportunity to see dozens of beautifully groomed cats, not only of the more common breeds, but also some of the rarest in the world. If you love cats, you'll find spending a couple of hours at a cat show to be interesting, educational and just plain delightful.

Bring your natural curiosity and your love of cats, and you can have a wonderful time. Here are a few tips to make the visit more comfortable and productive.

-- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. 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're covered either way. Carry a backpack or big purse, and a notepad and pen. You're sure to run across freebies or buy toys to take home to your cat, and you may meet a breeder you want to talk to after the show.

-- Be aware of the demands on exhibitors. Most exhibitors don't mind answering questions and talking about cats to the general public, but not in those tense moments before their animals will be judged. 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 will be. Never bother an exhibitor who has a cat in her arms. She's almost certainly headed to or coming from judging. 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. Don't ask to pet a cat, because you almost certainly won't be allowed to. Breeders are very concerned about the spread of disease. 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. If an exhibitor does invite you to pet a cat, you'll likely be asked to wash your hands before and after, which is a small price to pay for the experience of caressing a cat in perfect show condition.

-- 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 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.

-- Bring money. Nearly every show has people on hand to sell cat-related merchandise. You often find not only free cat-food samples, but also hand-crafted toys, scratching posts and cat trees direct from the people who make them. Some of the merchandise is more for cat lovers than for the cats themselves: clothing, jewelry, artwork, books. Neat stuff!

Many cat shows also provide booth space for local feline rescue groups, and these deserve your support. If you're spending big bucks on cat toys or cat-themed goods for yourself, be a sport and drop a couple of dollars in the kitty to help out those animals who aren't as lucky as yours or the gorgeous show cats you've been enjoying.

SIDEBAR

Finding a cat show

The Cat Fanciers' Association (www.cfa.org) and The International Cat Association (www.tica.org) are the two most dominant organizations in the cat-show world. Information on upcoming shows can be found on the organizations' Web sites, or in publications such as Cat Fancy.

The CFA and TICA sites also have information on recognized breeds, how cat shows work and how to get involved with your cat -- even if he's not a purebred.

Q&A

Keeping items safe from clumsy cat

Q: My cat is so clumsy, constantly knocking stuff off shelves. How can I make her stay on the ground? -- B.G., via e-mail

A: Lithe and agile, cats are not really meant to stay on the ground. Instead of going against your cat's nature, consider moving valuable display items to glass-fronted cases that will keep your cat at bay and still allow you to enjoy the look of your favorite collectibles.

For less valuable pieces, double-sided tape or Velcro can be used to "lock" objects in place on shelves, and can be found at any home-supply store. You can also try a product called Quake Hold, a putty that seals objects to their display surface.

Ear problems

Q: My little terra-poo has what the veterinarian said was an ear infection. I gave her the antibiotics, but she's still shaking her head and her ear looks nasty under the flap. Can you suggest something I can buy that will take care of this? I don't see the point of spending more money at the vet for another expensive and useless round of drugs. -- S.V., via e-mail

A: Whenever a medication your veterinarian gives you doesn't do the trick for any reason, you need to go back for further assistance. Every day I hear from people whose pets are still suffering with problems that would likely be cured if their owners had pursued follow-up care. A medication may need to be stronger, given longer or may need to be changed, decisions that can be made only by a veterinarian.

Since those of use who are not veterinarians are often way off the mark when it comes to a proper diagnosis and treatment, I advise that over-the-counter remedies be purchased and used only as part of treatment program recommended by your veterinarian. As for home remedies, a lot of them are a waste of time and money. Go back to a veterinarian.

'Cat years'?

Q: How old is a 16-year-old cat in "human" years? The "dog formula" doesn't seem to work -- it would make him 112! -- M.D., via e-mail

A: The "1 equals 7" dog formula doesn't really apply for dogs, either. Consider: A dog who's a year old is a young adult, far more mature than a 7-year-old human child. I've heard of "1 equals 4" or "1 equals 5" rules for cats, but those don't make sense, for the same reasons the dog formula fails.

Sorry I can't offer you anything that's easy to remember, but here's the way to figure out the rough human equivalent of a cat's age: Figure the first year as taking the cat to around 15 or so, and the second year as equating to mid-20s in a human. After that, add four "human years" for each "cat year." That would put your cat at the equivalent of more than 80 years old in human terms.

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

PET Rx

Behavior changes could be trouble

You must be aware not only of your pet's physical condition, but also of his behavior. Many times, behavioral changes are later confirmed as illnesses through the use of such diagnostic tools as blood or urine tests. Always be aware of the subtle changes in your pet's behavior, especially regarding the following areas:

-- Changes in eating habits, especially loss of appetite. Be aware of how much and how eagerly your pet eats, and make a mental note of any changes. The ability to keep an eye on feeding behavior is one of the biggest arguments against keeping food always available.

-- Changes in activity level: If a pet who's always ready to run is suddenly not interested in playing, the lethargy may be cause for concern.

-- Changes in drinking habits: Pets drink more in the summer than in the winter, but even taking that into consideration, you look for variations in your pet's drinking habits. Get an idea of what's a normal amount of water, and be aware of changes. You don't need to measure by the ounce: Just keep an eye on how often you're refilling that water bowl.

-- Changes in voice: Does your dog's bark or cat's meow sound different? Is his pattern of vocalizing changing?

If you think you have an "ain't doing right" pet, a visit to your veterinarian is in order if the issue isn't resolved in a few days -- even if there's no overt physical sign of illness that you can see.

(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

Site offers names by the thousands

If you can't come up with a name for a new pet after spending a few minutes on www.petnamesworld.com, you just aren't trying very hard. The site claims to offer more than 11,000 names for all kinds of pets, even less-common ones such as pigs and snakes.

The Web site is searchable by alphabet, and offers advanced search functions to help you narrow down to selections based on a name's country of origin, meaning or the kind of pet it's best suited for. As you go through the searching you can add names to your own list of favorites so you can consider just a few finalists.

THE SCOOP

Pellets form the base of healthy bird diet

The trend in recent years has been toward pelleted diets for parrots, and these pet birds are now healthier than ever before as a result. Pelleted diets are readily available from many reputable manufacturers and can be purchased at specialty bird stores, from avian-supply Web sites or from many veterinarians who work with birds.

Pellets are a blend of foods, such as grains, seeds, vegetables, fruits and various protein sources. Manufacturers mix the ingredients and then either bake and crumble or shape them -- ending up with pellets of a proper size for any given species (large pellets for large birds, small pellets for small birds).

This process produces a food that has an advantage to the "smorgasbord" way of feeding -- the bird cannot pick out his favorite foods and ignore the rest. Pellets also are convenient for bird owners: These commercially prepared diets are easy to buy and relatively inexpensive to use, and they store nicely in a cool, dry place.

Pelleted foods are a solid basis for your pet bird's diet, but even pellets need to be complemented with a variety of vegetables, fruits and "people food," such as whole-grain bread and pasta.

Some foods that are perfectly fine for you (in moderation, of course) are absolutely off-limits to your pet bird. Top of the list: avocado, which of course means not only plain avocado but anything with avocado in it, from guacamole to a California roll at the sushi bar. Another potentially deadly treat is chocolate.

Also, don't plan on sharing alcoholic or caffeinated beverages with your pet bird.

Birdy toast

If you're making French toast, take a few more minutes to make a special piece for your parrot. You can "birdify" the recipe by sprinkling the egg-drenched bread with hulled seeds and cooking as usual. Skip the powdered sugar and maple syrup, though: Birdy French toast is great treat just as it is!

BY THE NUMBERS

More the merrier

While most people with dogs are happy to have just one, among cat lovers the trend is for multiple ownership. Figures from 2004 (multiple responses permitted):

Number of cats owned

One 49 percent

Two 24 percent

Three or more 26 percent

Average number of cats owned: 2.4

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PET BUY

First-aid kits for family pet

A first-aid kit for your pets should be part of your emergency supplies. You can pull one together yourself (any pet first-aid book or Web site will have a list of ingredients) or purchase one of any number of ready-made kits available through pet-supply outlets. One company that makes good kits from top-grade supplies is Pet-Pak Inc. (www.healerpetproducts.com, 800-223-5765). Supplies are packed into a hard plastic container, with prices ranging from $26 for a travel kit to $34 for a more extensive home version, not including shipping.

A pet disaster-survival kit is available from ResQPet (www.ResQPet.com, 888-738-7377). Packed in sturdy bright orange bags in sizes from fanny pack to backpack, the ResQPet collections include emergency water packets and purification drops, a muzzle and a space blanket in addition to top-grade first-aid supplies and instructions. The kits run from $50 to $100, including shipping. -- 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.

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

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.

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