By Christie Keith

Universal Press Syndicate

In a dog lover's perfect world, everyone would have dogs, love dogs, work with dogs or be a dog. Luckily, you can visit that perfect world anytime you want, just by peeking between the covers of one of the many mysteries produced by some of the dog world's best authors.

The godmother of the dog mystery, Susan Conant, unabashedly writes about the dog world from an insider's perspective. "I was reading lots of mysteries," Conant said, "and I knew there was no series about dogs. What I wanted to do was hold a mirror up to all of us, and I thought that all of us would be amused by our reflection."

Conant holds her mirror on a Cambridge, Mass., that is populated by perplexed psychoanalysts and eccentric academics, and has an alarmingly high crime rate. The heroes of the story are dog writer Holly Winter and her Alaskan malamutes, Rowdy and Kimi, who manage to stumble on at least one murder in every book.

Proving herself to be a diehard dog lover, Conant's first concern wasn't that she wouldn't be able to sell the books to a publisher, but that Rowdy and Kimi would be so appealing it might make the Alaskan malamute a fad breed.

"One of the first letters I ever got from a reader was hilarious," said Conant. "She said, 'After reading your book, I'm never going to get a dog and certainly not an Alaskan malamute.' And I thought, 'Wow, I certainly succeeded there.'"

You may not know anything about the world of dog shows, but neither does Melanie Travis, the reluctant crime solver in Laurien Berenson's poodle mysteries.

"I really wanted to write a cozy mystery, and I wanted to set it in the dog-show world," Berenson said. So she created a heroine who not only wasn't a dog-show insider, but she'd also never so much as owned a dog before. Her eccentric, poodle-breeding Aunt Peg changes all that when she asks Melanie to help her look into the circumstances of her husband's death. Before you can say "best in show," Melanie's knee-deep in crime and sharing her life with a bouncing black standard poodle named Faith.

Melanie is as bemused as any average person would be at the excesses of the dog-show circuit, but Berenson swears she's playing down reality. "I remember being at a show where this storm blew in, just slightly below a hurricane," she said. "The rings were literally under water. And they judged the toy group by getting everyone to bring their grooming tables and putting them back to back, and the toys were moved up and down the grooming tables."

Sometimes the dogs in dog mysteries are more than companions: They're actually crime fighters themselves. Two of the standout series in the dog mystery genre feature working dogs. Bloodhound handler Jo Beth Sidden made her debut in the award-winning "Death in Bloodhound Red" by the late Virginia Lanier. Jo Beth and the dog she calls her soul mate, a blind bloodhound named Bobby Lee, track lost children, escaped convicts and drug dealers into the Georgia swamplands.

Carol Lea Benjamin was best known for her dog-training books, but found a whole new set of fans when she introduced private investigator Rachel Alexander and her pit bull, Dash. The hard-boiled New York PI routinely looks into crimes that showcase the darker side of human nature, tackling themes including child abuse, homelessness and mental illness.

"I don't write dog mysteries," said Benjamin. "I write mysteries with a working dog in them."

SIDEBAR

Book 'em, doggo!

Here's an overview of the latest from the current top-selling writers of canine mysteries.

The Rachel Alexander series

Author: Carol Lea Benjamin

Sleuth: A private investigator in New York City

Dog: Dashiell the pit bull

Most Recent: "The Hard Way" (William Morrow)

Best: "A Hell of a Dog"

Darker and grittier than other mysteries in the genre, Benjamin's books touch on difficult themes, including homelessness, 9/11, child abuse and mental illness. The series becomes darker as it progresses and less focused on dog-related plots -- although Dash is still front and center. This is a dog mystery series for mystery buffs who don't like books about dogs, but it will also work for those who do.

The Melanie Travis series

Author: Laurien Berenson

Sleuth: A single mom and schoolteacher in a small New Jersey town

Dog: Standard poodle (and show dog) Faith

Most Recent: "Chow Down" (Kensington)

Best: "Best in Show" 

Melanie Travis does seem to get into an awful lot of trouble despite her seemingly benign life as a schoolteacher and single mom. And her poodle, Faith, isn't much help in solving the mysteries, but rather too good at getting her embroiled ever more deeply in them. And she has nothing on Melanie's Aunt Peg, who never met a mystery she didn't want Melanie to solve. Light and charming.

The Holly Winter series

Author: Susan Conant

Sleuth: A dog writer in Cambridge, Mass.

Dogs: Alaskan malamutes Rowdy and Kimi

Most Recent: "Gaits of Heaven" (Berkley)

Best: "The Barker Street Irregulars"

Either being a dog writer is a lot more dangerous than anyone could imagine, or a certain suspension of disbelief is needed to read Susan Conant's mystery series. Still, Holly is so delightful -- and her malamutes so captivating -- that most readers will be more than happy to take a little break from realism. Conant holds up a mirror to the world of dog people, with a mostly loving effect. -- Christie Keith

Q&A

Keep litter box on the inside

Q: I rescued my cat when he was 6 months old. He's about 2 years old now, and he's an inside and outside cat. I would like him to stop using the litter box and start going to the bathroom outside. How can I get him to do so? -- C.K., via e-mail

A: Although your cat can probably figure out how to make the transition to using the outside facilities on his own, I'd recommend sticking with the inside litter box for at least three good reasons:

First, being a good neighbor. When your cat's using the litter box, he's not using your neighbor's flower bed, vegetable garden or children's sandbox. It's not fair to your neighbors for them to have to deal with your cat's mess. And it's not very safe for your cat! You would not believe the number of angry e-mails I get from people who are ready to trap and take to the shelter (or even kill) a neighbor's cat over this issue.

Second, there's a health consideration. When you're cleaning the litter box once or twice a day, you're able to see changes in your cat's patterns of elimination. Is there a problem with diarrhea? A sudden increase in urination? Straining to pass feces? All of these problems could be symptoms of a serious health issue, and the sooner you catch it, the better for your cat (and your bank account).

Finally, there's an environmental concern. Cats are non-native species who spread diseases such as toxoplasmosis. Preliminary studies suggest that cat waste washed off the land and into the sewer system can end up killing native species such as otters in some parts of the country. The safest way to handle cat waste is to remove it from the litter box and place it in a digesting pet waste composter (not your garden compost!), or wrap it and place it in your household trash receptacle for pickup.

Honestly, it's not that difficult or time-consuming to keep a litter box clean. There are even litter boxes on the market that will clean themselves, wrapping the waste for easy disposal every few days. My advice: Keep the box inside for the good of all. It's the responsible thing to do. -- Gina Spadafori

Muzzle, please

Q: Our dog is a Rottweiler, a wonderful, lovable and obedient dog except for her aggression toward other dogs.

When I'm walking her and she sees a dog, she starts biting her leash, pulling and going crazy. The first incident resulted in her grabbing a small fluffy dog and shaking it. More than $1,000 later, she was lucky she did not get reported. What should I do? -- B.W., via e-mail

A: Your dog will kill another dog if you do not take responsibility from this second forward. Do not take your dog off your property without putting a comfortable box muzzle on her to prevent her from hurting someone else's pet. And make double-sure your fences and gates are secure so she does not get the chance to get out on her own.

Ask your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist who can evaluate your dog's aggression and set up a program to help you control, manage and potentially retrain this animal.

I'm glad you're taking this seriously enough to ask for help. If, with the help of a behaviorist, you cannot get your dog to a stage where she can be trusted, she must always be in a comfortable muzzle when she's away from your home. The sad alternative to managing her aggression, I'm afraid, is euthanasia, and I know you do not want that. -- Gina Spadafori

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

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Make carrier a cat's home

Every cat benefits from learning to relax inside a carrier. This prepares the cat for traveling safely and with less stress, whether to a friend's house, for boarding or for a veterinary visit.

Select a cloth-type bag that can fit under an airplane seat or a hard plastic carrier that is easier to clean and keep long term.

Put the open carrier in your cat's favorite location -- on a dresser or by a favorite window is ideal. Make sure nothing bad happens in or around the carrier, and make it the best place to be. Add a cushy bed. Feed your cat in the carrier, play in and around the carrier, and hide treats and sprinkle catnip inside.

For two weeks, look at, speak to and love up the cat only around and inside the carrier. Otherwise, the cat is ignored. Close the carrier door with the cat inside for short periods after a few weeks of acclimation.

(Animal behavior experts Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp are the authors of "On Good Behavior." For more information, visit their Web site at AnimalBehavior.net.)

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dogmobiles," and a weekly drawing for pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or visiting PetConnection.com.

THE SCOOP

Tips for teaching your cat not to bite

Do you have a cat who loves your petting one minute and bites your hand the next? While you can't completely turn a "skitty kitty" into a purring slug cat, you can work to increase your pet's tolerance for petting.

If your cat bites your hand while you're petting him, you've missed more than a couple of messages from him asking you to stop. The key one: a tail twitch that becomes more agitated and finally escalates into a noticeable thump or thrash.

You should also be aware that some places on a cat's body are more sensitive than others. For a highly reactive cat, restrict your caresses to behind the ears, under the chin or at the base of the tail.

Work to build your cat's tolerance to touch over time. When you pick up your cat for a petting session, don't surprise him. Come up on him slowly and pick him up gently. Pet the safe areas only, watching for the first sign of a tail twitch.

When you get that first early warning sign, stop petting him and allow him to calm down or leave if he wants to. Don't let it go so far that he feels the need to bite or to jump off you quickly. The key is to work up to the outskirts of tolerance and stop there, so your cat will learn to trust you in longer sessions.

Never hit a cat for biting. If you miss the signs and end up in your cat's non-affectionate embrace, just freeze. Providing no resistance will help calm your cat so he will just let go.

If you fight back or physically punish your cat, you are more likely to get bitten or scratched. You'll also undo your good training efforts and may hurt your relationship with your pet in the long run. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Cats and dogs rule

Cats and dogs remain the most popular pets, according to a 2006 survey of American pet owners. The percentage of households that have a particular kind of pet, by type:

Dog 37 percent

Cat 32 percent

Freshwater fish 12 percent

Bird 5 percent

Small animal 5 percent

Reptile 4 percent

Horse 4 percent

Saltwater fish 1 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PETS ON THE WEB

Get to know your budgie

All budgerigars are parakeets, but not all parakeets are budgerigars. Got that? So quit calling those little blue or green birds "parakeets" and do as the Brits do: Call them budgies.

Far from just being a "starter pet" for children, budgies can fit into almost any household situation. They're small enough that their cages don't take up too much space, and they're quiet enough to keep the neighbors from complaining. Some budgies are also outstanding talkers, learning to mimic hundreds of sounds, words and phrases.

The Me & My Budgie Web site (www.budgies.org) is a good place to go to start increasing your appreciation of these great little pets. The site offers good advice on care and feeding, as well pictures and stories submitted by budgie fans. There's even an arts and crafts section, with instructions on how to make safe, inexpensive toys for your bird. -- Gina Spadafori

Pet Connection is produced by a team of team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper, by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

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

By DR. MARTY BECKER and GINA SPADAFORI

Universal Press Syndicate

Those who think Americans spend too much on their pets aren't going to be happy with the news that soon we'll be spending even more. But for the hundreds of manufacturers and thousands of retail buyers who turned up in Orlando, Fla., recently for one of the pet industry's biggest trade shows, the news is nothing but good.

"I don't want to use the term recession-proof," said Bob Vetere, president of the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association Inc., at the group's annual Global Pet Expo. "But I will say this industry is resilient."

Vetere's group had predicted spending on pets would hit $38.4 billion in 2006 -- up from $21 billion in 1996. In fact, the APPMA was a little on the low side, with spending in 2006 coming in at $38.5 billion. Next year, said Vetere, the group's "conservative" estimate is an astonishing $40.8 billion in spending on pets.

To look around the massive trade-show floor -- the show sold out its 2,300 booths -- is to get a pretty good idea where all the money goes and how our relationship with pets has changed over the years.

"It's an emotional connection," said Vetere. "When I was growing up, we had a dog in the back yard, and he was considered well-cared-for. Now, if you're treating pets like children, you're no longer the oddball in the neighborhood -- you're the norm."

Vetere noted that because so many pets are now considered full members of the family, trends migrate quickly from human products to pet ones. "The same person is making both purchases," he said.

At Global Pet, the growth in human products that tout "natural," "organic" or "herbal" had clearly made the migration, not only in foods, but also in such things as aromatherapy kits and health-care products. Trends in fashion have migrated as well, with brand-name apparel for fashionable "purse dogs" more than holding its own from previous shows.

Choices in products that promise easy ways to deal with pet challenges also continue to expand. Where once there was one option in a self-cleaning litter box, now there are several competing for the dollars of the busy cat lover, along with countless litter box accessories. The revolutionary no-pull design of the front-clip dog harness is now offered with slight differences in several product lines.

One of the most pronounced trends at the trade show is the push toward products at the high and the low end of consumer spending. While the rich think nothing of spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on collars and coats for their dogs, and designer handbags for carting them around in, the desire for pup bling is also drawing the silly stuff into the nation's mass merchandisers.

For example, the venerable Sergeant's brand, which made pet-products history with its introduction decades ago of the flea collar, not only launched a new line of pest-control products for dogs, but also a clothing line for small dogs. Both are set to be competitively priced and headed for big-box grocery or general merchandise retailers.

The drive behind it all? Vetere says in part the spending is because baby boomers don't look at pets the way their parents did. Where once having a pet was something you did when the kids were at home, today's empty-nesters are filling their homes with pets. And at the other end of the age scale, young adults adopt pets while delaying marriage and children. Today, 63 percent of U.S. households have pets, but only 34 percent have children.

The next trend? Watch for an increase in new pet-care services, says Vetere. "Anything that allows people to have pets and freedom, too."

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dogmobiles," and a weekly drawing for pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or visiting PetConnection.com.

Q&A

Are cats happiest when allowed outside?

Q: I've noticed you're one of those people who insist that cats be kept inside. I disagree with you and don't think it's the problem it's made out to be. Our cats learn to stay close and avoid cars. We keep them well-fed, so they don't hunt.

Most of all, their lives are happy. They cry to go out, and we will continue to let them. Will you please provide the other point of view? -- W.S., via e-mail

A: No one disputes that cats love to go outside and roam freely. The problem with free-roaming cats is twofold: What cats do, and what gets done to them.

To a free-roaming cat, the world is his litter box. That's not fair to your neighbors, and it's also not good for the environment. Cat feces can transmit toxoplasmosis, which can potentially be not only a danger to humans but also a lethal risk to animals such as otters, when rains flush fecal matter into the sewage system.

Free-roaming cats also hunt, and some of their prey may be endangered. Feeding your cat doesn't stop him from hunting, by the way. The ability to hunt is hardwired into all cats. But the level of desire varies by a cat's genetics and early experiences, not by the rumbling in his belly. Many a well-fed cat is an avid hunter.

You may have been lucky with your cats, as studies show that free-roaming cats have life spans many years shorter than indoor kitties, thanks to traffic, predation, disease and poisoning (accidental ... or maybe not). You'll also likely spend more money in veterinary bills coping with the problems of your free-roaming cats, such as treating abscesses.

The prudent alternative to the risks and problems of free-roaming cats is to keep your cats in and provide environmental enrichments such as toys, access to a screened patio and so on. Your cats will be happy, and so will be your neighbors and all the birds within reach. -- Gina Spadafori

Puppy on the run

Q: When I lost my dog to cancer before the holidays, I lost not only my best friend but also my running partner. I have a new puppy now, a springer spaniel named Mathias. With the previous dog, we both started running as adults. How soon can I start running with Mathias? I miss having a dog with me. -- F.R., via e-mail

A: You need to wait awhile before putting the miles on that pup, or risk permanent damage to his developing body. Eight months of age is about the earliest you should start him running with you, and even then, you should figure on only a mile or two at a relatively slow pace at first.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't be doing anything with your puppy now. Use the next few months to make sure your pet is well-socialized. Introduce him to any situation that's likely to pop up, including being comfortable around people of all ages, bicycles, strollers, cars and noisy motorcycles.

Get your pup into a training class now so he'll learn how to walk -- and later run -- on lead without dislocating your shoulder or pulling you off-stride. While it's best to teach your dog to run without pulling, you can also get a great deal of control with one of the new front-clip harnesses. They're wonderful!

Talk to your veterinarian to get a more accurate assessment of your pet's development and suitability as a running companion. When you get the go-ahead to start training together, take your time building up your pet's mileage and speed.

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

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Teach your cat to come running

Your cat can learn to come when called, if you give him good reason to try.

Before starting any training, resolve to never call your cat to come to you before anything bad happens. Never call your cat for a bath, trimming nails, giving medications or anything else your cat doesn't like.

Your cat likes his dinner, so starting calling him when you put food down. Give a little less dry food to snack on during the day and offer canned food for supper to strengthen the association between the word you use to trigger the desired behavior and your cat's natural desire to come in for a meal.

When your cat is making the association between the word you're using and supper being served, expand on the lesson by offering kibbles or treats by hand. Call your cat, move backward, and then give the treat when he follows. For playtime, drag a string and call your cat as you back away.

You want your cat to know you are the source of all good things when the magic word is used.

(Animal behavior experts Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp are the authors of "On Good Behavior." For more information, visit their Web site at AnimalBehavior.net.)

PET TIP

Repetition key to bird talking

You can try to teach your parrot some words and phrases by repeating them clearly. Nurture communication further by using the words in their proper context and by setting up an association your bird can grasp.

For example, every time your bird lowers his head to request a scratch, ask him, "Wanna scratch?" and then scratch him. When you give him foods or other toys, call them by name out loud. Play naming games with him. Say "toy," and then tell him "Good bird!" for taking the toy from you, and then repeat the exercise.

You may have an easier time if yours is a one-bird household. Two birds may be more interested in talking their own language with each other than figuring out your expressions. Some experts also suggest not attempting to teach your bird to whistle, at least not until he has picked up speech. Whistling birds seem to show a reluctance to use words.

What about the words or sounds you don't want mimicked? Don't teach them, for a start, no matter how funny it may seem. As for those nasties a pet picks up by accident, the best you can do is ignore them, providing neither positive nor negative reinforcement. -- Gina Spadafori

THE SCOOP

Set up care for you pets in your will

How can you ensure that your pets will be well-cared-for if something happens to you?

You can't leave money to your pet because, in the eyes of the law, an animal is a piece of property, with little more legal status than a chair. Instead, you must leave your pet (and money to take care of the animal, if you can) to a friend, relative or organization that will look out for your pet's interests.

While you should formalize any arrangements with the help of an attorney, it's essential to discuss your plans with the person you've chosen to handle your affairs and with anyone you hope will adopt your pet. You might assume a friend or family member will adopt your pet, but that same person, no matter how well-meaning, may not be prepared for the responsibility and might quickly drop off the animal at the nearest shelter.

The time to find this out is now, so you can make other arrangements.

The Web site of the Association of the Bar of New York City (www.abcny.org) offers information on providing for your pet after your death. You can access the information by clicking on "Reports/Publications/Forms," then on "Brochures/Books," and finally by clicking on "Providing for Your Pets in the Event of Your Death or Hospitalization."

Although the information specifically applies to New York state law, it's broad enough to outline all the options. Even better: The association provides sample documents to show how to draw up agreements that will protect your pets. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

More pets than ever

The love of pets continues to grow, with more people than ever keeping company with some kind of companion animal or bird. The percentage of U.S. homes with pets:

1998 61 percent

2000 62 percent

2002 62 percent

2004 63 percent

2006 63 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association Inc.

PETS ON THE WEB

Better care for parrots

Sally Blanchard has strong opinions about parrots -- and she doesn't seem to care who disagrees with her. In both her public appearances and in her magazine, The Companion Parrot Quarterly, she offers strongly worded advice on how these clever pets should be raised, handled and cared for.

With some pet publications caring more about offending advertisers than offering information that puts pets first, Blanchard's views are a breath of fresh air. Her magazine is well worth the $28 basic subscription for six issues by second-class mail (or $40 for six issues by first-class mail).

You can also find a wide variety of articles for free on Blanchard's Web site (www.companionparrot.com) as well as her Web log. The site also offers original artwork, both drawings and sculpture, by Blanchard herself. Anyone with a parrot needs to bookmark this site. -- Gina Spadafori

Pet Connection is produced by a team of team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper, by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

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

By DR. MARTY BECKER

Universal Press Syndicate

Sometimes the news about dangers to humans from animal-carried diseases reads like an installment from the Threat-of-the-Month Club. And you have to wonder: Are the pets who live in our homes and sleep on our sofas a health risk?

In a word, "yes." In a few more words, "not really." The risk of your well-cared-for pet making you sick are low and can be made even lower by taking a few commonsense precautions. As I often say, "Get rid of the risk and keep the pet."

Pets can harbor parasites and transmit diseases that might endanger our health. These cross-species dangers are known as "zoonoses," with rabies being the most deadly. Rabies is also the best example of a public health triumph when it comes to an animal-borne threat. Where the cry of "Mad dog!" once terrified towns across the country -- remember that scene in "To Kill a Mockingbird"? -- today, legally mandated rabies vaccination programs have made the disease something you're more likely to get from a wild animal than a stray dog.

The most common threats to human health these days come from zoonotic diseases that are less deadly than rabies. One of the best-known is toxoplasmosis, from a parasite that infects nearly all mammals, including humans. While most people are not adversely affected by exposure to toxoplasmosis, pregnant women and those with depressed immune function are at risk. Toxoplasmosis can be transmitted through cat feces, so those at risk should have someone else change the litter box. Again, reduce the risk and keep the pet!

Salmonella has long been a concern, with outbreaks recently occurring in people who've handled pet reptiles or rodents infected with the bacteria. Other diseases include giardiasis (caused by a parasite), leptospirosis (caused by a bacteria), and ringworm (caused not by a worm, but by a fungus).

Now that I've scared you, remember you're more likely to catch a cold from your co-worker than something from your healthy pet. And while you can't do much about the co-worker who comes to work sick and sneezes all over you, you can protect yourself from zoonotic disease with a few simple precautions:

-- Use good, basic hygiene, and be sure your children are doing the same. Hand-washing is the cornerstone of disease prevention, so be sure everyone washes up with soap and water (or an antibacterial hand cleaner if bathroom facilities are not available) after handling pets, and especially before preparing food or eating.

-- Consider sources carefully when choosing pets, especially reptiles and rodents. Don't buy from a source that doesn't seem to practice good hygiene in animal-care areas. Families with young children, elderly relatives or immune-suppressed members ought to consider not choosing rodent or reptile pets at all.

-- Follow your veterinarian's advice on keeping pets free of all parasites. Puppies and kittens need to be de-wormed, and both dogs and cats should be on a heartworm preventive that also controls the most common intestinal parasites.

-- Keep your pet up-to-date on vaccinations and don't skip regular "well pet" visits. Annual vaccinations are no longer recommended across the board. Instead, veterinary organizations now recommend tailoring vaccines to an individual pet's needs, taking into account that animal's lifestyle and the risks prevalent in the region. Don't let reduced vaccination schedules become an excuse to skip regular physicals. A healthy pet is your best protection against zoonotic disease.

-- Handle pet waste properly. Pick up after your dog immediately, and keep the cat's litter box clean. Dispose of waste safely by putting it in a composting digester (not your garden's compost pile), or by wrapping it up and placing it in your garbage bin.

-- Keep pets away from outdoor water sources, which may introduce parasites. Toilet water may do the same, so if your pet likes to drink from the bowl, keep the lid down. On walks, carry fresh water for your dog.

When in doubt, talk to your veterinarian. No other health-care professional sees both pets and people. The nation's veterinarians are front-line troops in the war on animal disease -- and that includes keeping those diseases from making us sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has an excellent collection of information on its Healthy Pets Web site (www.cdc.gov/healthypets).

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dogmobiles," and a weekly drawing for pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or visiting PetConnection.com.

Q&A

Canine seatbelts really necessary?

Q: My husband and I have had dogs for more than 37 years, and we've taken them all across the country in the car. I want you to know we've never put them in a crate or seatbelt harness. Instead, we've trained them to behave.

I just don't think crates and seatbelts are such a good idea. A human can take off the seat belt and get out, but a dog can't. I think it's a trade-off, and I wonder if the risk of hitting the windshield is greater than being trapped in the car. Our attitude: We've never had a problem, so why change what we're doing? I think it's just an excuse to get us to buy more stuff. -- W.S., via e-mail

A: Anyone who has ever been through driver training has seen images of crash-test dummies flying forward into the windshield. It won't even take a major accident at a high rate of speed to turn your dog into unsecured cargo, flying around the car at risk to himself and all other passengers.

But it's not just about the impact. Having a dog secured is also safer after an accident. Emergency personnel can work more safely around a secured dog. If you are incapacitated, animal-control officials will be more able to care for a dog they don't have to catch. After an accident, a loose dog could even bite someone, from fear, injury or protectiveness.

It doesn't take much of a leap of logic to see that securing animals in a moving vehicle is just as good an idea as securing people or cargo. For the safety of your pet, of the other occupants of the car and of everyone else on the road endangered by a driver's distraction, resolve to start securing your dog.

It doesn't matter that you've been lucky so far. Your luck could change tomorrow, and you'll all be safer if your pets are secured. Old dogs can learn new tricks, and we older pet lovers can, too! -- Gina Spadafori

Greens for iguana

Q: What should I feed my iguana? I just got one, and there's different information all over the Internet. -- P.T., via e-mail

A: Iguanas should be fed plant matter only, a mixture of vegetation that's high in calcium but low in phosphorus and fat. Choices include mustard, collard and turnip greens, as well as yams, carrots, alfalfa sprouts, alfalfa hay and squash.

Chop the vegetables into sizes that can be easily handled by the pet, mix them up, and store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Offer small amounts twice a day, and sprinkle the food with a calcium supplement, available at a pet store. This diet can be supplemented by commercial foods.

Iguanas are not easy-keepers -- there's a lot more involved than just giving them the right diet -- which is perhaps why these pets finally seem to be waning in popularity. People don't seem to realize that these cute little "dinosaurs" grow up to be almost 6 feet long and can live for more than 20 years. That's if they grow up at all, of course, since many die before maturity because of a lack of proper care.

If you're going to search the Internet for iguana information, get the right stuff. Your first stop should be Melissa Kaplan's Anapsid.org. Even better, pick up a copy of her outstanding "Iguanas for Dummies" (Wiley, $22). It doesn't seem that you were quite prepared to take on this pet, but you can educate yourself now to provide your iguana with everything he needs.

Remember: Your new pet is counting on you! -- Gina Spadafori

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

PET BUY

Get in the swing with ball launcher

As a frustrated golfer (is there any other kind?) who owns an excitable golden retriever (ditto previous question), I couldn't resist the Doggie Driver. My dog doesn't get enough exercise, and I don't get to play enough golf.

I live on a quiet street. And while this violates every code in the Good Dog Owner Handbook, I take my dog out at least once every night with my tennis ball launcher. In five or 10 minutes, she gets the exercise she needs.

The Doggie Driver seemed like a neat new twist. The test run, however, was less than auspicious.

You place the ball in the face of the plastic driver and swing away. My drives didn't shatter any windows, but I could see immediately that the Doggie Driver lacked the accuracy of a standard tennis ball launcher.

And then there were my kids, who of course had to try it, too. It takes a pretty powerful swing just to get the tennis ball to leave the clubface. When I pulled the ball halfway out of the clubface, my son took a whack and duck-hooked the ball onto a neighbor's roof. My daughter's shot sailed backward.

I'm not ready to write off the Doggie Driver yet, but I suggest keeping it in the bag on visits to dog parks, and definitely don't use it in residential areas. It is a golf club, after all, and streets are narrower than fairways.

The Hyper Products Doggie Driver has a suggested retail of $30. -- Bob Burns

PET TIP

Mix things up for bird diet

Avian veterinarians say parrots do best on a diet of high-quality pellets, combined with daily helpings of healthy food such as fresh vegetables and fruits. But what if you don't want to spend all your time chopping up a healthy mix of produce?

It's easy to provide your pet with the good food he needs year-round by using frozen mixed vegetables, such as those sold for stir-fry dishes. Bags of vegetable mixes are easy to find and easy to store, and it takes only a short spell in the microwave to bring them up to room temperature. (Check after heating them to be sure you don't have pockets that are hot enough to hurt your bird.) Little shopping, no chopping and no rotting veggies in the refrigerator -- what could be better? -- Gina Spadafori

THE SCOOP

Cats can benefit from grooming help

Sure, your cat can groom herself, but there are benefits to you both if you help her out.

Grooming your cat regularly will reduce the amount of hair that ends up on your clothes and throughout the house, both as shed hair and hair balls. It'll also help allergy sufferers to better tolerate sharing their lives with cats, especially if you add a weekly bath to your cat's regular routine.

Your cat will benefit too. Keeping your cat well-groomed will help you spot health problems before they become serious. Is your cat's coat thinning? Are there wounds, lumps or bumps? You'll find the answers to all these questions when you groom your cat. When done gently and with a positive approach, grooming will also help strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

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 cat who's badly matted, arrange to have her 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 to build your cat's tolerance.

-- Reward your cat. Use treats, praise and gentle petting to let your pet know that you approve of his patience. 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. End the grooming session before your cat becomes impatient, annoyed or afraid. But if you miss the signs of an irritated cat or feel yourself becoming cross, stop immediately and let your cat go before you get bitten or clawed. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

The right angle

Although new materials such as acrylic make all kinds of aquarium shapes possible, most fish-keepers still choose the traditional rectangular shape. Aquarium shapes chosen (multiple answers allowed):

Rectangular 76 percent

Bubble/round 15 percent

Hexagonal 9 percent

Bow-front 4 percent

Coffee table 2 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Offer alternatives for your cat to scratch

Cats scratch to stretch their muscles, groom their nails and mark their territory. Shredding the sides of furniture is normal, healthy and natural behavior. To ease the destructiveness, provide scratching alternatives and teach cats the difference between acceptable and unacceptable scratching.

Teach acceptable scratching by placing treats and catnip on scratching posts and cat trees. Play chase games that move the laser light, string, toy mouse or feather up and around the post. Praise your cat whenever a paw touches an approved scratching area. At the same time, make furniture unattractive with a covering of foil, plastic wrap or commercial cat repellent.

Test your cat's preferences by providing an abundance of alternatives: both vertical and horizontal posts, in wood, carpet, cardboard and sisal rope surfaces.

(Animal behavior experts Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp are the authors of "On Good Behavior." For more information, visit their Web site at AnimalBehavior.net.)

Pet Connection is produced by a team of team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper, by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

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