We're not done with winter, but gardeners are already thinking of spring. And if you are a dog lover who also dreams of a beautiful yard, take heart: Dogs and lush gardens aren't mutually exclusive.

But you can't just plant whatever you want where you want it and throw a bored, unsupervised dog into the mix. Instead, plan your yard to take your dog into account, and mind your dog's needs to get him to leave the plants alone. The basic guidelines:

-- Exercise your dog. A dog with too much energy isn't one you want to leave alone all day in a nice yard -- and yet that's exactly what many people do. If you don't take care of your dog's exercise requirements, he's going to take care of them on his own, by digging a hole to China or by removing the shrubs in your yard.

Dogs who don't get daily exercise are likely to expend that energy and cure boredom doing things people don't like -- digging, chewing and barking. Dogs who are well-exercised are more likely to sleep while you are gone.

When you leave, you should also offer your dog alternatives to choosing his own amusements: Provide him with chew toys. You can make them more appealing by praising him for using them and by stuffing hollow toys -- such as a Kong -- with something delicious, like peanut butter.

-- Work with your dog's habits. Observe how your dog uses your yard, and plan accordingly. For instance, many dogs consider it their duty to run the fence line, leaving a well-worn trail where many people hope to put flowers. Instead of fighting with your dog, go with his natural instincts. Place your beds and plantings away from the fence line, and let him do his guard-dog patrolling behind those plants.

-- Consider giving your dog a yard of his own. At my house, the dogs are never let out in the main yard without supervision, but they come and go at will into a side yard that's just for them. A low fence covered with climbing roses hides from view both the dog yard and a separate vegetable garden. The layout's ideal; now if I could just find the time to get all the planting done!

-- Redirect digging. Some breeds were developed to dig, and expecting them not to indulge in it is unfair. You can find most of these digging dogs in the terrier group -- the word terrier comes from terra, for "earth."

You can keep many dogs from digging if you keep them exercised, limit their access to dirt, and make the digging experience unpleasant. Sometimes, putting the dog's own stools in the hole and covering them with dirt deters them. Many dogs won't dig if their own mess is under the surface.

Another option is giving your dog a dig zone. While hardly clean fun, it is good fun, especially for dogs who are happiest with their noses in the dirt and their paws flying.

-- Put special plants in safer places. Raised beds and hanging planters are the place to put your most precious plants. In borders, put the plants that can take being stepped on in front.

What are some dog-friendly plants? Mint is a good one. This plant is nearly indestructible and greets each assault with a wave of cool mint smell. Some lilies are tough enough to be stomped or sat on, as well, and your gardening center may have suggestions for others that are dependable growers in your region.

Dogs don't know a wisteria from a weed, and they never will. That's why it's up to you not to leave them unattended around plants you want left alone. When you leave for work, limit your dog's space for his safety and to protect your plants. Most of a dog's time alone is spent sleeping anyway, so he doesn't need to have the entire run of the house and yard. Outings -- for jogging, walking, fetch or swimming -- should be done with your supervision.

If your dog is allowed in your yard under your supervision only, the chance of his digging or chewing is just about nil -- you can stop him before the damage is done. And you can enjoy your beautiful yard together.

SIDEBAR

Help for the dog-challenged gardener

Any dog lover who aspires to having a beautiful yard needs to get a copy of Cheryl S. Smith's "Dog Friendly Gardens, Garden Friendly Dogs" (Dogwise, $20). The book goes beyond the general suggestions to make specific recommendations that match up with the breed type of the gardener's dog.

Smith also offers suggestions to fix the bane of dog-loving gardeners: the dreaded yellow spot. Best recommendation? An out-of-sight potty zone. If that won't work, flushing the area as soon as possible with lots of water to dilute the urine will help.

Q&A

Older pets perfect for older people

Q: I share your sentiments about the inherent dignity and wise eyes of older pets. I have worked in animal rescue for 30 years with our local humane society and on my own. It is so hard to convince folks to adopt those older cats and dogs.

To me, it is a no-brainer: Once the kids are grown and gone, what better pet for a mature person than a mature cat or dog? My compassion and love for all my pets grew even stronger in their elder years as I recognized that they would not be with me forever. Older animals have much to teach us about the aging process and how to do it with few complaints and much grace. Can you please pass along the word? -- J.R., via e-mail

A: You bet I will. Even though it's still hard for older dogs and, especially, older cats to get attention in the shelter, it seems that more people are now embracing the idea that an older pet can be the ideal companion. These animals are perfect for older, quiet households, and many adult animals are great for young families as well. After all, it's a lot easier to adopt an adult dog with the house-training done and good manners instilled. These pets are out there if you look.

Many people who'll consider pets from 2 to 5 years in age will balk at any pet over the age of 5. And that's a shame, because many of these pets are in the prime time of their lives, with many years of love and companionship to share.

Shelters often offer incentives to people who adopt older pets, by the way.

Unwelcoming cat

Q: Help! Two months ago I adopted a 5-year-old declawed female Siamese mix with long hair. My 12-year-old declawed female Siamese has yet to accept the new addition. We've had lots of flying fur, spitting, growling, etc.

I have used a spray bottle to separate the two, but she keeps stalking the younger cat. The new cat is in a separate room for safety, but I hate to keep her isolated. She is afraid to come out of the room and mingle with the family. Should I be patient or give up? -- P.C., via e-mail

A: Be patient. In fact, that separate room is the best place for the new cat. Outfit it with a place to sleep, a cat box, food and water dishes, and toys and a scratching post. Let her relax in her new environment for a couple of weeks. Don't even try to have the two cats together. Spend time with both in their own areas, and don't feel bad about the new cat -- cats sleep most of the time anyway.

The cats should never be forced together, but when everyone seems to be settled into their own spaces, you can experiment with leaving the door to the bedroom open for increasingly longer periods of time. Let the cats choose how much to interact, and don't get impatient if each chooses to stay put.

Although in some cases cats never will learn to get along, most cats will eventually come to some sort of agreement if allowed to choose introductions at their own speed.

Remember, though, that even cats who get along may not like to share. Separate cat boxes and feeding areas may always be necessary. In fact, when it comes to cat boxes, the rule of thumb is that you should have as many as you have cats, plus one.

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

PET Rx

Human drugs helping pets

Without being able to use drugs marketed and approved for use in human medicine, veterinarians would not be able to provide the best care for pets.

According to Dr. Duncan Ferguson, a professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Georgia who specializes in clinical pharmacology, perhaps 90 percent of the drugs commonly used in veterinary practices are human ones, a figure that may come as a surprise to many pet lovers.

Ferguson says veterinarians are allowed to use these drugs because they've been accepted as part of standard practice, based on widespread documentation in research literature, textbooks and other professional forums.

Many pet lovers are amused when they hear about human drugs such as Prozac or Viagra being prescribed to pets, but it's nothing new. There may be differences, however, in why the medication is being used. Prozac, not surprisingly, has been used to treat a variety of pet behavior problems. Viagra, though, is sometimes prescribed in pets not for its commonly known human problem but rather to treat a pulmonary condition.

(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.)

PETS ON THE WEB

People, pets share more than love

If I think about all the diseases one can contract from animals -- from rabies to bird flu and more -- it's almost enough to make me want to go pet-free and wrap myself up in plastic. Almost? Well, not really.

But it is pretty mind-boggling how many diseases and parasites can be passed between species. Some basic precautions will keep your family healthier -- people and pets alike. To learn more, visit the Web site of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (www.petsandparasites.org). You can find all you never wanted to know -- and more -- on the subject, plus the information you need to know to keep the nasty stuff at bay.

The site is geared toward the owners of dogs and cats. In a way, that's too bad, because people with less-common pets, especially reptiles and rodents, need to know that their pets can make them sick, too.

PET BASICS

Comfortable collar can be stylish, too

Your dog's everyday collar should be a buckled collar, either flat or rolled, made of fabric web or leather. Either a flat collar or a rolled collar will work fine on dogs with short or medium fur, but rolled collars are preferable on dogs with thick, long fur at the neck, such as collies.

Never leave a slip or choke collar on an unsupervised dog -- it's too easy for the moving ring to catch on something and kill your pet.

Fabric web collars are fun because of the incredible variety of colors and patterns, and because some dogs are more apt to chew off a leather collar. Other dogs may find a fabric collar irritating and may do better with leather. As long as the collar is well-made, both sturdy fabric and leather will last for years.

In recent years, quick-snap closures have become popular, especially on flat web collars. And it's easy to see why: Press in at the edges, and the collar's off easily for baths and changing tags. Press the tips together, and snap! It's on again.

Because they are so simply adjusted, web collars with quick-snap closures are ideal for growing puppies. Be sure to adjust it for a correct fit. The collar should be loose enough to work two fingers in between the material and the neck, but tight enough not to slip over a dog's head.

While some people may think that elegant canine collars are a recent development, it's simply not true. Those who can afford it have always put ritzy collars around the necks of their prized canine companions -- gold and silver, pearls and other gems have been part of the society dog's wardrobe for centuries. -- G.S.

BY THE NUMBERS

Dogs and dollars

Pets can be expensive to care for. Not including veterinary costs, here are the 2004 average reported amounts spent on dogs:

Food: $241

Grooming: $107

Treats: $68

Parasite control: $64

Toys: $45

Beds: $40

Chews: $25

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PET TIP

Keep plants just for cat's pleasure

It's easy to grow an indoor garden for your cat.

Sow a fresh crop of grass seeds every couple of weeks in a wide, shallow planter. Alfalfa, rye and wheat seeds are ideal. You can find seeds from catalogs or nurseries, but be sure to choose those that have not been pretreated with chemicals.

Parsley and thyme are also popular and can be grown indoors for your cat's nibbling pleasure. You can also keep a crop of catnip or valerian on hand. Most people know about the amazing effect catnip has on some cats, but not many people know that valerian is another plant that tickles a cat's fancy. Plant both of these in cat-proof areas, or your pet may pull the seedlings out by the root. After the plant is large enough to stand it, trim off pieces for your cat.

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

In the last two decades, the number of organized competitions for dogs and their owners has seen incredible growth in terms of the number of events, participants and the number of sports.

Dog sports are good both for dogs and their people, providing better communication between species, an outlet for canine energy and plenty of fresh-air exercise for all. Most dog sports are family-friendly, encouraging youngsters to compete as well. There's a dog sport these days for everyone and for every dog.

In the months to come, I'll be taking an occasional look at each of the dozens of dog sports, telling you what you need to know to get started.

First up: dog shows.

What seems to be the easiest of canine competitions is in fact one of the most difficult in which to be successful. It's a lot harder than simply trotting a dog around in a circle for a judge, as it may appear to the outside observer.

Dog shows are supposed to be about evaluating breeding stock, with the goal of preserving and improving the dog breeds involved. But over the years the sport has become a high-stakes and high-cost endeavor that's perhaps the most difficult of all canine competitions for beginners to break into successfully.

Even if you have a "show quality" dog with no disqualifying or major problems in appearance, winning is tough. Getting a dog to look his best in the ring is a subtle art that's difficult to master. In many breeds, the work of getting a dog groomed for the show ring takes years to learn. And then there's the final hurdle to winning: Dog shows are one of few competitions of any kind where beginning handlers compete in the same classes with experienced amateurs and polished professionals.

So how do you start? While technically you can enter any registered purebred in any show recognized by that registry -- in most cases, we're talking about the American Kennel Club -- in fact, you won't get very far if you do.

Your dog must match up favorably to the ideal of his breed, called "the standard." Judges mentally compare each dog to the standard, choosing the one who most closely conforms to their vision of a "perfect" dog. Top handlers know how to emphasize a dog's best attributes and minimize his weakest in how they groom him and move him in the ring.

Typically, people who develop an interest in showing start competing seriously with a dog specifically chosen for the animal's competitive prospects. Many times a beginner will co-own a show dog with the breeder: It's a way to get a foot in the door while allowing a breeder to be assured of your good intentions.

A reputable, competitive breeder is the key to entrée in this sport, which relies heavily on mentoring for its infusions of fresh blood. A top breeder will be able to school you on correct grooming (for you and the dog), on how to understand what's going on in the ring and how to show your dog to best advantage.

The first rung of competition is for championships, and it's conducted in the breed ring, where dogs of the same breed compete against each other for championship points. Dogs who are already champions compete against other winners, with the best of each breed going on to challenge other best-of-breed dogs at the semifinal, or "group" level, and finally for best in show.

It'll be hard to get there without a mentor to help. So if you're interested in showing, you'll need to start off with some background knowledge. Then go to the shows, and network in your breed to find someone willing to help you. They're out there -- but in the clubby, tradition-bound and competitive world of dog shows, it will take some time to find yours.

But with the assistance of a show veteran, usually in a co-ownership agreement, you'll be bringing home the ribbons soon enough.

SIDEBAR

Getting started: Where to get help

For more information on showing your dog:

-- The American Kennel Club (www.akc.org) is the governing body for the majority of dog shows in the United States. The group offers information on sanctioned competitions on its Web site, in books such as "The Complete Dog Book" (Ballantine, $35) and in its magazine, the AKC Gazette. The AKC also provides contact information on breed clubs to help you find dog-show competitors and handling classes in your area.

-- The dog-books publisher and retailer Dogwise (www.dogwise.com, 800-776-2665) offers a wide selection of materials on all aspects of canine competitions. For showing, check out titles such as Lynn Hall's "Dog Showing for Beginners" ($20) and D. Caroline Coile's "Show me! A Dog-Showing Primer" ($13).

-- The InfoDog Web site (www.infodog.com) is where dog-show folks go to find show schedules and enter dogs in upcoming competitions. Click on "show information" to find the calendar listings.

Q&A

Ramps, stairs help older pets cope

Q: I live with three older dogs: two 10-year-old littermates and one old dog who was a rescue. The owners claimed he was 5 when they gave him up, but according to his veterinarian, he is probably closer to 15.

The old guy has trouble getting on the couch, frequently failing to make it. Where do I find stairs for him? I know that would help. The other dogs are taller than he is, and their longer legs are helpful in getting up on the couch. -- P.C., via e-mail

A: Few things so perfectly reflect the changing attitudes we have about pets as the kind of questions I get about couches. It used to be that the majority of questions regarding furniture were about how to keep pets off. Many people still don't want to share their furniture with their pets, but more and more I'm getting questions like yours.

The pet-supply market has moved with the times, of course, and you'll find plenty of items geared toward helping older pets. Pick up a copy of any dog magazine and flip back to the advertisements. You'll surely find a couple of manufacturers of small stairs or ramps to help pets onto furniture. I also found a surprisingly large selection of handsome indoor stairs and ramps from the catalog retailers Doctors Foster & Smith (www.drfostersmith.com, 800-381-7179) and J-B Wholesale Pet Supplies (www.jbpet.com, 800-526-0388).

You'll also find stairs and ramps for more than just furniture. When my sweet retriever Ben was in his final decline, he couldn't jump into the van. At 80 pounds, he was more than I could lift comfortably, so I looked for a ramp. I found several lightweight plastic models that were quick to use and could telescope into a smaller size for easy storage.

After Ben died, I took the ramp out of the van and put it in the garage. All the dogs I have now are capable of jumping up into the vehicle, but I know I'll have need of that ramp again, with Heather closing in on 10 years old and me getting even less capable of lifting a big dog.

Of course, if you're handy -- or know someone who is -- it's not difficult to make ramps and stairs at little cost. My neighbor John put together a ramp down the back stairs for Ben with little more than a few dollars' worth of scrap lumber and carpet. After Ben died, I left the ramp in place because all the dogs seemed to prefer it to the stairs.

Inside or out, ramps and stairs just make life easier for our pets -- and our backs!

Old age and birds

Q: Do birds get arthritis? I ask because my 16-year-old cockatiel seems to favor one leg on chilly mornings. Is there anything I can do? -- D.W., via e-mail

A: Birds can and do have problems with their joints as they age. "Arthritis" is a general term for any inflammatory problem within a joint, and the condition could have several causes.

A bird who's consistently lame or who has swelling at the joints should be checked out by a veterinarian with experience in avian medicine. Caught early and properly diagnosed, arthritis may be treatable. Another reason to see an avian veterinarian: Some forms of arthritis, such as gout or infection in the joints, can even be life-threatening.

Because birds are so good at hiding signs of illness until it's almost too late to help them, the best thing any bird lover can do for a pet is to schedule annual "well-bird" checkups to help spot and treat problems before they become worse.

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

PET RX

No easy cure for ear woes

Veterinarians call chronic inflammations of the external ear canal "otitis externa." Caused by bacteria, yeast, ear mites or allergies, these painful problems are one of the top reasons people take their pets to the veterinarian.

The key to getting on top of an ear infection is proper diagnosis by a veterinarian and a commitment to follow-through on the part of the pet lover. Follow-up care is especially important, because it can take dedicated daily attention for weeks to get ear problems cleared up for good.

Home care after the veterinary visit will likely involve thorough cleaning of the ear canal at prescribed intervals, followed by regular application of medication. Squirt the cleaning solution deep into the canal, massaging the base of the ear gently to work it in further. Use a cotton ball soaked in cleaner -- not a swab -- to collect debris. Follow with a dry cotton ball.

Your veterinarian can show you the proper technique for cleaning ears and applying medication. Be sure to ask if you're not sure what to do.

(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.)

PETS ON THE WEB

Feline advice from top vets

The Cornell Feline Health Center has been an influential source of innovation and advice when it comes to caring for cats. The center's Web site (www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc) offers both basic and cutting-edge information for cat lovers looking to provide the best care possible.

The heart of the site is the collection of articles covering topics ranging from house-soiling and aggression to diabetes and senior cat care. Each article provides detailed advice written in a straightforward, easy-to-understand style that doesn't get into too much jargon. The piece on the risks and benefits of vaccinations is especially thorough and helpful in explaining the controversies and concerns of recent years.

The center also offers consultations with staff veterinarians, for a $55 fee, and has various items in its online store, including the notable "Cornell Book of Cats" ($35, including shipping).

PET TIP

Minimize the stress of moving with pets

Moving is stressful for any family, and the addition of a worried dog or frightened cat can increase that stress enormously. What can you do to ensure things go smoothly for your four-legged family members?

Before you start packing up the china, your pets will probably know something is up and will start acting out. Cats may decide this is the perfect time to disappear for a few days, and dogs may suddenly decide to relive the happy days of puppyhood by eating your shoes.

Prior to the move, start keeping your cats indoors. Consider closing them in one room, even if it's for a week or more. That way, they won't slip out in the confusion of packing or loading up the moving van, or just out of anxiety. Be extra vigilant with your dog, too.

The morning of the move, put cats and dogs into carriers or crates. This way they are safe and out of the way. A large dog crate with a litter box and water is ideal as a temporary room for a cat, but a cat's regular carrier will be fine if that's what you have. Confined and stressed dogs will benefit from something to chew, such as a hard rubber toy stuffed with treats.

Upon arriving in the new place, get your cats settled in a secure place, with familiar furniture or objects in the room, and close them in safely. Although it's safest for cats to live indoors, if you do intend to let them outside, begin by keeping them inside for several days. This allows them to adjust to their new home.

The key to a successful move with pets is planning. Get them squared away before chaos descends. Strangers moving furniture, putting everything in boxes and leaving doors open can be a recipe for disaster. Moving is stressful enough without losing your family pet as well. -- Christie Keith, pethobbyist.com

BY THE NUMBERS

Hello, Doctor!

Dogs spend more time at the veterinarian than cats or birds do. That's according to a 2004 survey of pet lovers, which also revealed the total money spent at the veterinarian was higher for canine companions. In a year's time:

Percent who went to veterinarian

Dog 88 percent

Cat 63 percent

Bird 15 percent

Average number of veterinary visits

Dog 2.8

Cat 2.3

Bird 2

Average annual routine (non-surgical) expenses

Dog $211

Cat $179

Bird $71

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

THE SCOOP

Molting normal in springtime

With spring just a month away, many pet birds are getting ready to go through a big change. Worn feathers will be replaced with shiny new ones.

Birds are fastidious in caring for their feathers, but eventually a bird's body switches into replacement mode, and old feathers start falling. Molting happens typically once or twice a year, generally in the spring and fall, when the rapid lengthening or shortening of the days triggers the change.

The words "sitting duck" apply perfectly to a bird who has lost all flight feathers at once -- which is why nature doesn't work that way. These key feathers are usually dropped only one or two at a time. Many birds molt their flight feathers symmetrically: The same one or two flight feathers that are missing on one wing will be missing on the other.

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

Not long ago I answered a question from a couple whose four cats were sick, all with similar symptoms. The couple had guessed the cats had worms, and they wanted to know how soon before an over-the-counter medication could be re-administered. A veterinarian hadn't been consulted because finances were tight.

I advised them to ask around shelters and rescue groups for suggestions on finding a veterinarian who'd work with the couple on costs, and to take at least one of the cats in for a diagnosis. Without knowing what the problem was, I argued, worming the cats was a waste of time and money, and likely wasn't helping them.

Fair enough, and no complaints on that part of the advice. But then I suggested that when time finally took one or two of the cats, the couple set their total number of pets at what they could afford to care for. It's better to care properly for one or two cats, I wrote, than to offer inadequate care to four.

For this reasoning, I heard from quite a few readers. Most pointed out that the couple were indeed caring for their cats -- the animals were fed, neutered and out of the cold. The care they got was "better than nothing," argued one reader, who chided me for not being kinder to a couple struggling to keep as many pets as possible.

Here, I have to make a distinction between household pets and feral cats. I know many people who are caretakers for colonies of wild, free-roaming cats. These often-controversial efforts are about keeping the number of cats down and alleviating as much suffering as possible. For these essentially wild animals, neutering and feeding is often about the best you can do.

But once you take an animal into your home as a pet, I believe you must be prepared to provide decent care. That includes shelter and sustenance, as well as the basics of preventive care, such as vaccines and heartworm medication.

The responsibility of caring for a pet must also include working with a veterinarian when the animal is sick.

If you can afford to provide adequate care for only one pet, you shouldn't choose less-than-minimal care for more. Where do you draw the line? I've no doubt those people who end up overwhelmed by a house stuffed to the rafters with cats started out with just a handful. Most people who end up with dozens or even hundreds of starving, sick pets -- in the humane community they're called "hoarders" -- are firm in their convictions that they "love" their animals.

But love is not enough, and neither are good intentions.

I would like everyone who wants a pet to be able to enjoy the companionship of an animal. I wouldn't be writing this column if I didn't believe that people benefit from having animals in their lives -- an idea backed up by countless studies.

But I also believe the road goes both ways, and it's not right to take without giving. We have a responsibility to provide for those animals we take into our lives. One pet or a dozen, we must resist the temptation that substandard care is better than nothing at all.

Reasonable people can disagree on what those minimal standards of care should be. But we should all agree that denying veterinary attention to a suffering pet in your care is not acceptable.

SIDEBAR

Keeping pets in can save money

In the veterinarian's shorthand, it's HBC (hit by car). These accidents are as common as they are expensive, and often, as deadly.

One of the best ways to keep veterinary costs down is also the easiest: Prevent accidents by keeping cats inside and by containing dogs with fences and leashes. Keeping pets from roaming will also protect them against poisoning (accidental or deliberate) and from fights with other animals. When finances are tight -- and even when they're not -- keeping pets restrained is probably the one biggest factor you can control that will spare you from paying for expensive veterinary care.

Accidents can cost hundreds or even thousands to treat, but of course it's not just about the money. Protecting your pet from injury is one way to help you keep your pet's companionship for years to come.

Q&A

No shortage of adult cats

Q: We are looking for two kittens to adopt. We are having trouble finding what we want. We don't want to pay breeder prices, and the shelter doesn't seem to have much selection. We are looking for two kittens from the same litter. We would like black-and-white "tuxedo" markings on one of them. Do you have any suggestions? -- A.N., via e-mail

A: Prime kitten season is a few months away yet, peaking in late summer. By August most shelters will be swimming in kittens, with seemingly endless choices when it comes to coat type and markings. Too many kittens, really, because each year many more kittens will be born than can possibly be adopted. (Which is one reason why the constant effort of humane and animal-rescue groups to spay and neuter pets is so important.)

At this point, you have two main choices: Adopt a pair of adult cats, or wait until the shelter selection is larger later this year if you want two kittens from the same litter. If you don't mind cats who are not siblings, you could also adopt an adult cat now and a kitten or cat later.

The choice is yours, of course. But my advice is to seriously consider adopting a bonded pair of adult cats. Shelters always have a difficult time placing adult cats, and placing bonded pairs is harder still. But since you want to end up with two siblings, adopting adult littermates who are already comfortable with each other seems to me to be the perfect solution. If you're really interested in adopting siblings, I have no doubt you can find that in a bonded pair of adult cats. Just check around with area shelters and rescue groups.

How dry I am

Q: Our house is on the dry side even though we run a humidifier in winter. My cat's skin has been extremely dry. Is there something I can do to eliminate this massive white dander he is scratching out? -- P.T., via e-mail

A: I wouldn't be so certain the low humidity in your house is causing the problem. After all, cats are descended from desert-dwelling creatures, and low humidity alone shouldn't cause a massive amount of flakiness.

See your veterinarian to determine what's causing your pet's skin to be so flaky.

By the way, other pets do have a problem with the dry air of the modern home, most notably birds. Many species of pet parrots originally came from hot, humid environments. For these, dry air presents a problem and may contribute to feather-picking. That's why parrots need to be offered frequent opportunities to get damp, such as by being misted or being allowed to bathe.

Jumping pup

Q: Would you pass another idea along to the owners of the dog who jumps the baby gate?

There's no need to pay for an extra-high gate, which can be hard to find. They could do as we did: Get two cheapo gates exactly alike and fasten one to the top of the other.

My husband used metal bands and tightened them in several places. It worked perfectly, and the gate is eye-high to me (I'm 5 feet, 5 inches). We've used this strategy successfully for many years now. -- S.S., via e-mail

Never underestimate the ability of pet lovers to come up with all sorts of solutions for all kinds of challenges!

Other ideas from readers for keeping high-jumping little dogs out of trouble included canine exercise pens with lids, baby playpens modified with soft mesh material across the top and, as mentioned in an earlier column, an interior screen door. Thanks for all the suggestions!

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

THE SCOOP

Lively terriers remain popular

Terriers are tireless, plucky and stylish, equally comfortable in city, suburban or rural homes. Even small terriers are generally sturdy enough to be a child's pet, but their take-charge attitude can be a problem if they are not socialized and trained. If allowed to rule the roost, some of these dynamos can become little despots.

Other common behavior problems come straight from the terrier's background: They dig and they bark. Both are important skills for a dog trying to rid a place of vermin, but not so appreciated in a suburban back yard. Some terriers may get a little glassy-eyed and drooly over the presence of rodents in the house -- you may call hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice "pets," but you'll never convince a terrier they belong. Terriers may also be less than civil to other dogs.

The most popular terrier in the American Kennel Club rankings is the miniature schnauzer (or the Yorkshire terrier, if you count the breed as a terrier rather than a toy dog). Other popular terriers include the West Highland white, Scottish and Jack Russell (also known as Parson Russell), and the cairn. Terrier owners need a high tolerance for mischief and a good sense of humor, because their dogs will test both.

PET BUY

Pendant contains unique material

A display of jewelry caught my eye at a recent pet show. The pendants were pretty enough to draw me to the booth, where the saleswoman explained that they were more than eye-catching: Each of them contained a sample of an animal's DNA. You couldn't prove it by me, so I'll take the company's word for it.

The Life Jewel pendant is meant to be a wearable memorial to a cherished pet, with the animal's DNA spun onto a sterling silver thread and then suspended into the buyer's choice of 12 colors of resin.

The company says the DNA isn't preserved in a way suitable for potential cloning and isn't meant to be anything more than a way to keep the memory of a pet alive. DNA samples can be taken from a blood or hair sample, or a cheek swab.

The Life Jewel pendant is $55 from www.perpetua.us, or 800-584-2434.

PET Rx

Don't overlook care of teeth, gums in pets

Veterinary associations have made February their month to remind people that pets need healthy teeth, too.

Your veterinarian should check your pet's mouth, teeth and gums as part of an annual physical and make recommendations based on what he or she finds there. For many pets, the next step will be a complete dentistry under anesthesia. The procedure takes 45 minutes to an hour. It involves not only cleaning and polishing the teeth, but also checking for and treating broken or rotting teeth, cavities, abscesses and periodontal disease.

Today's anesthetics are dramatically safer than those of even a few years ago, making the danger and pain of untreated dental problems the bigger risk to health, even with older pets.

After the problems are treated, at-home care can keep things in good shape. Here are some tips:

-- Brush or wipe regularly. Use a toothpaste designed for dogs and cats a couple of times a week at least, although daily is better. Don't use toothpaste made for people, because animals don't know how to rinse and spit. Pet toothpastes contain enzymes that help dissolve plaque and can be swallowed. They also have a flavor that pets appreciate.

-- Offer teeth-cleaning toys and consider teeth-cleaning food. Some pet-food companies now offer kibble with a mild abrasive texture to help keep teeth clean, or with ingredients that help keep plaque from forming. Ask your vet about these if tartar buildup is a chronic problem for your pet.

Good dental health will also go a long way toward preventing bad breath in pets. But, more important, it will help with an animal's overall health and comfort.

(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.)

BY THE NUMBERS

My puppy Valentine

It seems some people are not dreaming of getting a puppy as a Valentine's Day gift, but rather wishing their human mates were more like a dog. And their dogs are helping them look for mates! According to the American Kennel Club's recent survey:

-- 25 percent of women polled wished men were in a perennially good mood, like a dog

-- 15 percent of men polled wished women were just as happy to stay home as go out on the town

-- 58 percent of men said a puppy is a foolproof way of meeting women in a park

-- 46 percent of women said they'd stop and talk to anyone with a cute puppy

PETS ON THE WEB

Gecko fans find plenty to love

The Global Gecko Association's Web site (www.gekkota.com) offers care information, photographs, links and merchandise to any fan of these cute little reptiles.

The information can be a little hard to find because many of the listings use the scientific names of the species, not the common ones. If you're looking for a picture of the leopard gecko, you're going to need to know that the scientific name is Eublepharis macularius in order to find it.

The GGA offers a generous selection of useful links and classifieds to help gecko lovers find what they need. For youngsters with a scientific leaning, the site is both fun and educational. There's enough information here to help any young reptile fan with a school report.

Membership in the GGA can be purchased on the site, and it comes with subscriptions to a gecko journal and newsletter, and discounts on other publications.

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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