If you're thinking "puppy" when it comes to adding a new member to your home, you may be missing a good bet.

Adult dogs are a better choice for many of today's busy families. These dogs are past the trials of puppy-raising, and are a known commodity when it comes to size, health and temperament. Even better, they can be an amazing bargain: Nearly every purebred or trendy mix can be found in a shelter or from a rescue group. And if you're patient, you can even find a dog with basic training completed.

No matter the age of the dog you're interested in adopting, you must do what you can to find out everything possible beforehand. While expecting to work on some things 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. If you find out nothing about him, though, because he was a stray, don't count him out. If he's healthy, 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" are some of the most common and sadly understandable reasons for a dog needing a home. "Bites people" obviously is not. 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. "May bite" is not, at least not by the average pet owner's standards, and not to the extent that you should take a chance on a dog like this. 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 -- although there's no guarantee of honesty. 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.

-- What if it doesn't work out? Obviously you're on your own if the person is moving out of state, but you need to know what your options are up front. You need to know what time frame you're dealing with for returning a dog who's not working out and whether your adoption fees -- if any -- will be refunded, or if you'll be allowed to choose another dog at no charge.

Don't take a dog because you feel sorry for him. If you do, the perfect dog for you may never get a chance to be in a happy home. Choose with your head, not your heart. There are lots of dogs to choose from, and you'll be doing a good deed no matter which one you take.

There's lots of time to fall in love later.

SIDEBAR

Wanted: Good homes for black dogs

Shelters and rescue groups say the hardest dogs to find homes for are typically young, large and black. It may be that some find such animals intimidating, while others find them simply nondescript. But for whatever reason, black dogs are a hard sell when it comes to people looking for a family pet.

There's no reason for it at all. Many of these dogs are Labradors and Labrador mixes, breed types with a well-deserved reputation as outstanding family pets.

Don't overlook the black dogs. You can find a good selection at your local shelter or by checking out the animals for adoption on www.petfinder.org.

Q&A

Senior denied puppy adoption

Q: Our extremely healthy and fit friend who just had his 75th birthday was recently denied the adoption of a 4-month-old dog at a rescue center in the Midwest. He is a widower of 10 years, and he lost his golden retriever to kidney disease about eight weeks ago.

He was drawn to a particular dog, and he says he and the dog "bonded" through the cage. You can imagine how devastated he was when told his age prohibited him from adopting a dog this young.

Is it routine to ask a person's age, and is it policy to hold back a younger dog from a person of a certain age?

It would seem fair that before potential adoptive parents even enter the area to see available dogs, this age thing should be discussed so that older people would only look at older dogs. -- B.R., via e-mail

A: I get a lot of complaints about rescue groups and shelters. And sometimes the reason for the complaints is a lack of understanding of the mission of these organizations.

People must understand that shelters and rescue groups are not about "moving the merchandise." Many pets end up without homes because they were originally sold to people who bought on impulse or weren't a good match. Those helping pets find homes want their next one to be permanent, and that's their top priority.

How they evaluate potential adopters is as varied as can be imagined. Some won't place young dogs with older people, while others won't place cats unless they'll be kept exclusively inside, or other groups may require fenced yards and so on.

The best groups are up front about their placement guidelines and flexible enough to recognize that there are exceptions to every rule. When I was a breed-rescue volunteer, our group had a "no apartments" rule, and yet one of the best placements I ever made was putting a young Sheltie with a woman who lived in an apartment complex. Her history and references were perfect, and the dog lived a long and happy life with her.

I would hope that any rescue group or shelter would look beyond age and see how active a person is. While it's true that a 4-month-old puppy may outlive a 75-year-old adopter, there are no guarantees in life no matter what your age. That pup could go to a young couple who dump the dog when they divorce, or to a middle-aged person who dies unexpectedly.

It's only fair to judge each case on its merits, and above all to be honest, direct and polite in dealing with potential adopters. There are lots of groups and shelters who would be happy to place a pet with an experienced dog lover like your friend, so tell him to keep looking.

Vanilla tip

Q: Would you pass along a suggestion to the woman who's trying to get her late mother's cat to get along with her own cats?

After breeding and showing Siamese cats for 20 years, I use one of the tricks breeders know when introducing new cats. A dab of vanilla extract on the noses of all makes everyone smell alike. It confuses cats, and they chill out! -- G.A., via e-mail

A: Sometimes cats can be fooled by running a towel over one and then the other and back again as well. These tricks are worth trying, but sometimes no matter what you do, some cats will not get along.

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

ON THE WEB

Parrot site gets upgraded

Years have passed since I last visited the Web site of the Companion Parrot Quarterly, and I was delighted to see so many changes. Parrot expert Sally Blanchard has moved her entire operation from California to Colorado, is opening a retail and behaviorist business there, and still manages to put out her fabulous magazine for all kinds of parrot lovers.

The Web site is all new, with a clean look and smooth navigation. As always, Blanchard offers lots of free information to help parrot lovers cope with the occasionally difficult behaviors of these intelligent and long-lived companions. The answers cover the basics, and they refer to Blanchard's books and back issues for more detailed assistance.

Magazine subscriptions and other items can be purchased on the site as well.

PET TIP

Some pets fly as carry-ons

The best way for a pet to fly is with you, in the passenger compartment as one of your pieces of carry-on luggage. This privilege is reserved for small pets -- cats and toy dogs, primarily -- and regulations and fees vary from airline to airline. Typically the pet in a carrier must fit under the seat to be allowed in the passenger compartment.

Several companies make comfortable soft-sided carriers for the transport of cats and small dogs.

Not all airlines allow animal travelers, and even those that do usually limit the number on any given flight. That's why it's essential to talk to your airline well in advance and make sure all regulations are followed. Your pet will typically need a veterinarian's certificate of health dated within days of the flight to be allowed on board.

PET Rx

Chinchilla a pet for quiet households

The chinchilla is closely related to the guinea pig and porcupine and has been bred in captivity since 1923. They are clean, odorless and friendly pets, although they can also be shy and easily frightened.

Chinchillas are not the best pets for children, since the animals tend to be high-strung and hyperactive. These animals generally live eight to 10 years, although some live as much as a decade longer.

Commercial chinchilla pellets are available, but they are not available through all pet shops and feed stores. When the chinchilla variety is not in stock, a standard rabbit or guinea pig pellet can be fed instead. Chinchillas tend to eat with their hands and often throw out a lot of pellets. Timothy or other grass hay can be fed to chinchillas in addition to pellets, and dried fruit and nuts are excellent treats. Fresh water needs to be available at all times.

Chinchillas must be kept in an area that is well-lighted, adequately ventilated, cool and dry. They do not tolerate heat or humidity, and they thrive at lower temperatures. Wire mesh cages are typically used, and lots of room is needed for these active animals.

Dust baths should be provided at least once or twice weekly. These must be large and deep enough to allow the chinchilla to roll over in them. Finely powdered volcanic ash is used to keep the fur clean and well-groomed. Ready-made products are available, or a homemade preparation of nine parts silver sand to one part Fullers Earth can be used.

Chinchillas are prone to digestive and respiratory issues, and veterinary care should be sought out at the first sign of illness.

(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

Biting the budget

A recent poll by Life magazine and the Pets section of America Online asked Americans how they feel about their animals. Among the findings:

Over the last two years, how has your pet budget changed?

Increased slightly 42 percent

Increased dramatically 29 percent

Stayed about the same 25 percent

Decreased 4 percent

Do you spend more time with your pet than your spouse?

Yes 78 percent

No 22 percent

THE SCOOP

More toys the better

Toys are important for any pet. Animals weren't designed to live sedentary lives, whether in cages like birds or rodents, or on the couch like cats or dogs. Pets need something to do to keep their minds and bodies engaged, and that's where toys come in.

People readily accept the idea that dogs and even cats need toys, but they tend to overlook these important items when it comes to caged pets. These animals almost never get enough room to roam, making toys even more important for them.

Toys marketed for birds are usually great for rodents, too, but you don't always need to pay for your pet's play. Freebies that small pets enjoy include the centers of toilet paper and paper towel rolls, old toothbrushes (run them through the dishwasher first), leather shoelaces and small branches, especially from fruit trees.

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

I have to be honest: I don't like declawing.

I understand why people do it, and I understand how in some cases it's a cat's last chance to stay in a good home rather than face uncertain prospects at a shelter.

But I also know scratching is a natural and satisfying behavior for cats. It provides a good stretch, marks territory and keeps the claws in good shape. If at all possible, I'd rather a cat be allowed to be a cat, and that includes the pleasures of scratching.

If you absolutely, positively have no tolerance for scratching, please adopt a cat who has already been declawed rather than taking home a kitten and having him declawed. If you already have a cat who's driving you crazy clawing your couch, try the carrot-and-stick approach to changing the behavior to one you can live with.

The carrot: Offer your cat alternative places to scratch.

The stick: Make your furniture unattractive to a clawing cat.

The best investment you can make for your pet's enjoyment -- and your furniture's preservation -- is a cat tree with a high perch for your pet to look down on the family. (Cats like being above it all!) Sisal, a natural ropelike covering, is a good covering for cat trees, as is carpet with loops that aren't too shaggy. If you're even a little bit handy, you can make your own cat tree by using scrap lumber, sisal or carpet remnants.

You can make a cat tree even more appealing by playing games with your cat on the tree, and by petting and praising him for scratching there. Some cats may enjoy having fresh catnip rubbed onto the cat tree as added enticement.

Cat trees aren't the only options. Add other approved places for your cat to scratch, such as vertical or horizontal posts, scratching trays filled with corrugated cardboard or scratching pads hung from doorknobs. Experiment to see what your cat likes best.

Once you have approved scratching areas in place, make the places your cat shouldn't be clawing unattractive by putting double-sided patches (such as Sticky Paws) or tape on the furniture. If the furniture fabric is too delicate, put the double-sided material on a piece of cardboard that wraps around the corner of the furniture. Cats hate to touch anything sticky, and so anything mounted sticky-side out will discourage scratching.

Start with your scratching alternative near the problem area. Your cat may shift his attention away from your furniture to the scratching post or tree. Praise and treat for good behavior!

Once your cat understands what the scratching post is for, you can slowly move it to the part of the room where you'd like it. Leave the sticky deterrent on the furniture during the retraining, and be patient.

Declawing shouldn't be the first strategy for solving a scratching problem. Give your cat a chance to learn and follow the rules before you consider subjecting him to painful surgery.

SIDEBAR

Clipping your cat's nails

Keeping the sharp tips of claws blunt will help to minimize damage from clawing. It's best to start clipping nail tips when your cat's a kitten, but most adult cats can learn to tolerate the procedure.

You'll need clippers -- either ones sold for cats or just regular human nail trimmers will do -- plus a product such as Kwik-Stop in case you draw blood.

To clip your cat's nails, push gently on her pad to expose the nail. In the center, you see a pink area coming part way down: This area is a vein, called the quick, and you want to avoid it to prevent bleeding. Slide your clipper to a spot beyond the quick, and nip off the tip of the claw. If your cat moves and you nick the quick, try to daub on some Kwik-Stop to stop the bleeding. (But if your cat goes crazy, just let go before you get hurt.)

Give your pet treats, praise for each nail, and know when to call it a day. If you can get only one or two nails done per session, that's plenty. You'll get farther in the long run by not making nail trimming a war between you and your cat.

Q&A

Some safe options for socializing

Q: We're confused. We have a new puppy, just 9 weeks old. Our veterinarian says he is not to leave the house until he's 16 weeks old and is finished with all his puppy shots. (The exception is going to the veterinarian's office, and then we are to carry him.) But we've read how important it is to socialize puppies. Whom do we believe? -- S.F., via e-mail

A: Your veterinarian's advice and the advice you've read from dog trainers are not mutually exclusive. It is possible to socialize your puppy carefully while protecting him from contagious diseases until his immune system is strong.

Your puppy should never be allowed around dogs you don't know, or where there's a possibility that other dogs you don't know have been. That means no parks and no walks in the neighborhood for the next few weeks.

But socialization is extremely important to a puppy, which is why you need to seek out safe opportunities for your puppy to see the world. I recommend puppy classes. But before you sign up, be sure to ask the trainer what she has done to sanitize the training area to make it safe. Many such classes are held indoors, in areas that are cleaned thoroughly before the puppies arrive.

If you have friends or family who have dogs you know are healthy and have up-to-date vaccinations, you can take your puppy to visit. Car rides are also good to introduce puppies to new sights, sounds and smells.

Once your veterinarian gives the go-ahead, pull out all the stops and take your pup everywhere you can. The more socialized your puppy is, the happier and more relaxed a pet he will be.

Help for 'leaks'

Q: I'm afraid we're about ready to find a new home for our dog because we're at our wit's end. She's not old, but she leaks urine. We can't deal with mess anymore -- she is ruining our carpets. Is there any remedy? -- T.L., via e-mail

A: You didn't mention having her see the veterinarian. If you haven't taken her, you should. If you have, you need to go back. Urinary incontinence in spayed females is not uncommon, and there are medications that can help.

Even if working with your veterinarian only partly fixes the problem, you can cope with occasional leakage by restricting your dog to parts of the house that are easier to clean (such as tiled areas), putting down rubber-backed mats for sleeping, or even modifying human incontinence products by cutting out room for a tail. But see your veterinarian first.

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

THE SCOOP

Hard to tell girls from boys

Although you can guarantee birds can tell the difference, we humans can't easily tell the boys from the girls in a great many bird species. Not knowing may have no bearing on how good a pet a bird becomes, but some people can't stand not knowing. Even if they have no interest in breeding a pet, some people just want to know whether to choose a masculine or feminine name for their pet.

The answer is easy to come by, with a blood sample drawn by the veterinarian used to check a bird's DNA.

The eclectus parrot is one bird even we humans can't confuse when it comes to figuring out which birds are males and which are females. The male is bright green with red patches under his wings, while the female is a shimmery purple with red head and tail.

Male and female eclectus are so different that the two genders were once thought to be different species.

PET TIP

Kids may like these lizards

Iguanas are just not the most sensible of children's pets. They can grow to be more than 6 feet in length, and their care requirements are beyond the casual pet keeper.

Many children love lizards, and for them, the leopard gecko and bearded dragon may fit the bill. These reptiles are easy to find in the pet trade, are relatively easy to set up and care for, and will remain a reasonable size for life.

Many children are attracted to reptile pets because of an interest in dinosaurs. Caring for a reptile may even spark a lifelong interest in the sciences.

PET Rx

Tempting the finicky cat to eat

Feeding a variety of foods from the start helps to keep cats from becoming finicky, since cats may become overly attached to a single food if allowed to.

Some cats do not like to eat a variety of foods and will refuse to eat anything but their favorite. Others will try to hold out until they get what they like. If your cat is already finicky, you can try offering other foods, warming the food to make it smell more appealing or feeding wet rations instead of dry.

Be aware, however, that your cat may not be as finicky as you think. If you leave dry food down all the time, he may be nibbling more than a dozen times throughout the day and thus never eating very much in any one observed sitting. If your cat is allowed to roam, consider that he may be picking up meals at another house besides your own, or he may be hunting for part of his meals.

Occasional finickiness -- a missed meal or two now and then -- is no reason for concern as long as your cat's not losing weight. But if it goes beyond a meal or two, or if your cat is losing weight, there's reason to worry.

If that's the case, your cat may be at risk and may need prompt veterinary attention.

(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

Man's best friend?

Don't get between some people and their pets! A survey by the Hartz Mountain pet-supply company found that:

-- 9 percent of pet owners have changed plans with another person, opting to spend time with a pet instead

-- 13 percent have chosen a specific vacation site because it was pet-friendly

-- 9 percent report a significant owner has expressed jealousy of a pet

ON THE WEB

Learning about holistic care

Alternative medicine, sometimes also called "holistic," includes a wide range of treatment options, from acupuncture to chiropractic to homeopathy to traditional Chinese herbal medicine.

In holistic medicine, the whole patient is generally the focus, rather than the specific disease. Traditional Western medicine tends to do better with acute illness, such as a bacterial infection, or with trauma, such as a broken leg. Alternative medicine focuses more on chronic conditions, such as arthritis.

Some Western-trained veterinarians now embrace alternative care exclusively, but others are accepting elements of alternative care as a complement to traditional medicine. These latter veterinarians often refer to their practice as "integrated" -- that is, drawing from both traditional and alternative care to treat an illness.

The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (www.ahvma.org) is a good place to start finding out more about alternative veterinary medicine.

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

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

Every year brings more opportunities for traveling with pets. Guidebooks, Web sites, hotel chains (both modest and high-end), dog camps and special dog-friendly tours -- businesses geared to helping people take a vacation with their pets have never been more numerous.

The best way to plan your vacation? Check out Web sites dedicated to traveling with pets, and look for ads in pet-related magazines and newsletters.

The AAA guide to pet-friendly travel seems to double in size every third year, and it's a must-have for basic information on which hotels and motels accept dogs. For more detailed information, check out any number of dog-friendly guides that offer such information as to which restaurants welcome dogs on their patios, which beaches or other recreational areas offer legal off-leash exercise, and even the locations of the nearest self-serve dog wash.

Don't rely on any listing or book too much, though. Policies change, which is why it's essential to always call ahead and confirm that pets are still welcome where you've made your reservations.

Even though more people than ever are traveling with their dogs, there are plenty of people who don't like sharing space with the four-legged tourists. There are also plenty of resort properties that are one pet mess away from changing to a no-dog policy. That means you and your dog must be above reproach, to keep a great place open for future pet travel.

Three rules for safe and considerate pet travel:

-- Keep 'em clean. Your dog should be well-groomed and clean smelling. Always dry off wet dogs and wipe off muddy feet -- using your towels, not the motel's -- before allowing your dog inside. Cover furniture, carpets and bedspreads with your old sheets and towels. And if you need to bathe your dog, be sure, again, to use your towels and clean up afterward.

-- Keep 'em under control. Your dog should be obedient, friendly but not annoying, and never aggressive -- not to people, not to pets and not to wildlife. Do not allow your dog to bark uncontrollably. Use your best judgment when to let a dog off the leash in areas where doing so is allowed, and be sure that your dog isn't annoying other people or pets.

-- Pick up after 'em. Take your dog to out-of-the-way places on resort property to do his business -- the corner of the far parking lot, not the grassy inner courtyard. No leg-lifting allowed near rooms and eating areas. Make it so the pickiest dog hater on Earth wouldn't notice your dog has been around.

And finally, don't forget to show your appreciation. Those of us who travel with our pets realize it's a privilege, not a right, to have a nice place to stay. So along with keeping your pet from being a nuisance, don't forget to say "thank you" to resort staff, and tip generously when appropriate. Pets mean extra work for the people who work at these places, so let's try to keep them on our side.

SIDEBAR

Secure pets for a safer ride

Securing a dog in a vehicle makes sense all around. A loose dog in the car can cause an accident by distracting the driver. In an accident or even if the driver has to stop suddenly, a dog can hurt himself or other passengers.

Last year I tried out the PetBuckle ($36 in four sizes from www.petbuckle.com), and this year we're testing the Champion Canine Seat Belt (starting at $30 for five sizes from www.champk-9.com). Both products are easy to use, and my two older dogs seem to find them comfortable.

My two young retrievers ride in wire crates secured in the back of my minivan. The Midwest 606SS crates (retailing for around $130 each from www.midwesthomes4pets.com) are designed to fit side-by-side in minivans and SUVs, and they collapse for easy removal and storage.

Q&A

Finding a home for mom's cat

Q: After my mom died a few weeks ago, my dad asked me to take her cat Mandy. We have three cats already, and our attempts to integrate Mandy into our home have not gone well. There has been a lot of hissing from all the cats, and we're seeing lots of accidents, too, although I'm not sure which cat is behind that.

I feel awful about it. But my cats are unhappy, and so is my husband. Things have to go back to the way they were, without Mandy. Can you help? -- K.P., via e-mail

A: I'm so sorry you're in such a difficult position, and I know you want to do your best for your mom and for Mandy. Would it be possible to divide your home so Mandy has her own space temporarily, while all the cats adjust, or even permanently? Would one of your mom's friends or another family member take her? Would your dad take Mandy back if he knew her fate was uncertain otherwise?

If none of these suggestions is feasible, you might have to find a new home for Mandy. It's not easy to place an adult cat, but it's not impossible if you resolve to work at it and be patient.

Make fliers, take out ads, and use the Internet to spread the word. Post the fliers everywhere you can -- bulletin boards at work, pet-supply stores and your veterinarian's office. Talk to everyone, even people who you know won't take her. Someone who doesn't want a cat may know someone else who'd be perfect for Mandy.

Don't be so quick to place her that you aren't careful to check out any home that comes forward. Some people are such bad news that Mandy would be better off dead than to go out your door with any of them. (It's not unheard of for people to take pets for the training of fighting dogs, or for sales to research laboratories.) Ask for a veterinary reference, and ask about previous pets. A person who cannot name a veterinarian or has a history of having pets who have disappeared or have been dumped is not a good candidate. Check references!

Just as you want the person to be honest with you, you should be honest with them regarding any behavior or health problems Mandy has. My experience in placing pets has convinced me that many people will take a pet with problems if the situation is explained in advance. Someone who expects one sort of pet and gets another may not be so understanding.

If you absolutely, positively cannot keep Mandy, a no-kill shelter might be able to provide her with the home she needs while giving her another chance at clicking with someone looking for a cat. If you find a no-kill shelter or rescue group that can take her, please consider giving them a monetary donation to help offset the cost of their operation.

Worms? Maybe not

Q: Can you assume the trouble is worms when dogs drag their bottoms? We're trying to avoid another trip to the veterinarian. -- G.L., via e-mail

A: When a dog scoots across the carpet or grass on his rear, he's trying to relieve an itch or irritation. Parasites like tapeworms can be one source of that irritation. It can also be impacted or infected anal sacks, fecal material that is clinging to the hair, or even constipation or diarrhea.

Your pet needs to see a veterinarian, and there's no way around that. The only way to relieve your pet's discomfort is to get an accurate diagnosis followed by treatment proper for the condition.

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

PET Rx

Some pets need sun protection

Sunblock for your pet? You bet!

The risks of overexposure to the sun can be a problem for many dogs, reminds veterinary dermatologist Dr. Peter J. Ihrke of the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

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

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

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

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

THE SCOOP

Pets always need water and shade

Shade and access to water is a must for all pets during warm weather. Check to be certain that pets who stay outside while you're gone have a place to get out of the sun both in the morning and the afternoon.

Water should be left in a shaded place as well, to keep the dish and the water from heating up. One way to keep a pet's drinking water cool is to add homemade ice blocks. Freeze water in margarine tubs, and then add the blocks of ice to the water dish before you leave for work in the morning.

On hot days it's perfectly fine to give pets ice cubes to enjoy. Dogs and cats may even enjoy "petsicles" made from chicken or beef broth, which is frozen in ice cube trays.

PET TIP

Grooming is about more than good looks

Keeping your cat well-groomed will help you spot health problems before they become serious. Is your cat's coat thinning? Is his weight where it should be? Are there wounds, lumps or bumps? You'll find the answers to all these questions when you groom your cat.

The amount of time you'll spend grooming your cat depends on a couple of factors, primarily the kind of coat your cat has. With their long, silky coats, Persians and Himalayans need daily brushing, combing, detangling, frequent baths and even professional grooming on occasion.

Cats with medium or short coats are fine with weekly brushing and a bath now and then -- more frequently if you have allergy sufferers in the home or if you're especially sensitive to finding hair everywhere.

Although it's easiest to teach a cat to tolerate grooming when you start with a kitten, even an adult cat can learn to appreciate -- or at least tolerate -- the attention. Here are some tips to get you started:

-- Give yourself a fresh start. If you have a longhaired cat or kitten who's badly matted, arrange to have him shaved down by a groomer so you don't torture the poor thing by trying to comb out the clumps.

-- Go slowly. Introduce new routines a little bit at a time, and it will build your cat's tolerance.

-- Reward your cat. Use treats, praise and gentle petting to let your pet know that you approve of his behavior. You can't make a cat do anything he doesn't want to, so praise is the only way to go.

-- Know when to call it a day. You'll do better if you stop before your cat becomes impatient, annoyed or afraid. But if you miss the signs or feel yourself becoming cross, stop what you're doing and end the session on notes of praise and petting.

BY THE NUMBERS

The lure of the wild

More than 60 percent of people with pet birds also feed wild birds, according to a survey by the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association. Here's what they offer those wild birds:

Food sold for wild birds 86 percent

Bread 39 percent

Food sold for pet birds 22 percent

Other 11 percent

ON THE WEB

Time to book vacation care

Summer vacations are a busy time for boarding kennels and pet sitters. If you're going away this summer without your pets, the sooner you can make arrangements for their care, the better.

For information on choosing a boarding kennel, visit the Internet home of the American Boarding Kennel Association (www.abka.com). New to the ABKA is information on the newest pet-care industry, doggy day-care centers.

Many pets are better suited to being cared for in the home. If yours is among them, check out the Web site of Pet Sitters International (www.petsit.com) or the National Association of Pet Sitters (www.petsitters.org).

And don't forget to talk to your veterinarian. Many veterinary hospitals offer boarding, and some veterinary technicians moonlight as pet sitters. You'll also want to talk with your veterinarian if you have birds or exotics pets, or any special requirements for care.

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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