Universal Press Syndicate

Whatever got into that pet food, the effects of the unprecedented recall of 60 million containers from nearly 100 brands are going to be felt for months if not years to come.

The good reputations of companies such as Iams and Hill's Pet Nutrition, among others, backed by decades of solid nutritional research, may take a long time to recover.

The potential for chronic kidney disease in the pets who survived may reduce the quality of life for those animals and increase worry and costs for their owners.

And, finally, the loss of so many pets -- the final count can never be known -- will never be forgotten by the people who said goodbye or by the veterinarians who fought to save those animals.

The complete answer to the big question -- what went wrong? -- will be a long time in coming. But looming nearly as large are the questions of how the recall was handled and how it could have been handled better in order to protect pets and the people who love them.

Even if you couldn't care less about animals, it's not a great leap to see that there are important issues of human health and consumer protection here as well.

While it is the nature of business to downplay bad news and the nature of government to proceed with bureaucratic caution, the pet food recall was a situation that called for widespread and open communication.

The people who needed to know the most -- the nation's veterinarians -- were caught unaware of the recall and were unprepared for questions and for treating the desperately sick animals they were struggling to help. While many -- nearly 19,000 practicing veterinarians -- were able to tap into the Veterinary Information Network, a private online service long affiliated with Pet Connection, other veterinarians had no little or no access to the critical information they needed.

That information gap points out the dire need for the federal government to set up a system to disseminate and collect urgent information on animal health. While some may argue against spending money on animal health, in fact the nation's veterinarians play a key role in our national security. The health of animals is often an indicator of a human health crisis in the making. Anyone ever hear of bird flu?

From a consumer-protection angle, it's an understatement to say that the recall was a disaster. Pet owners had no idea that so many foods from so many brands were manufactured by the same company. This lack of transparency is unacceptable. We now realize such information is just as necessary to consumers as is any of the nutritional analysis already required to be on a pet food label.

While we're retooling that label to add the manufacturers, let's not forget that complete contact information for both the brand and the manufacturer should be required. So too should be language specifying the country of origin for the food's ingredients. The consumer has a right to know these things when making a decision on which food to buy.

While no one can guarantee that such a tragedy will not happen again, consumers need to be given the tools they need to make informed decisions, and veterinarians need to be respected for the health-care professionals they are and be provided with what they need to protect animals and humans alike.

We hope the loss of so many beloved pets serves as a wake-up call for the nation. We deserve better, for our pets and for ourselves.

SIDEBAR

What to feed now?

While the recent pet food recall involved a great many brands, by no means did it involve them all. From several large-scale manufacturers to many smaller companies specializing in foods with organic or human-grade ingredients, many commercial pet foods remain as safe as they ever have been, and most veterinarians have no problem continuing to recommend these products. Most of them are still feeding their own pets this way, in fact.

This is especially true of the majority of dry foods. Veterinarians suggest that if you switch to a dry food, either temporarily or long-term, you can make it more palatable to a pet used to wet foods by softening it in low-sodium bullion, or in clam juice for cats. Microwaving the product to body temperature may additionally tempt finicky pets, especially cats, who like warm food in part because it smells better to them.

But don't rule out canned diets. Again, many commercial products have no connection to the recall. To be sure, call the companies on their customer-service lines and ask where their products are made before you buy. You should also ask your veterinarian for guidance.

And what about home-prepared diets? While there are passionate advocates who insist that such diets be offered raw -- a suggestion that worries many veterinarians -- other advocates of home-prepared meals say it's not about cooking or not cooking. Rather, it's about the ability to choose fresh, whole ingredients yourself for your pet's meals.

While making a pet's food at home is certainly not as easy as pouring kibble into a bowl or opening a can, it's not really any more difficult than cooking for your family. It's a matter of planning, shopping and properly storing and handling the foods you buy. You can make things even easier by finding those companies offering frozen ground meat blends or freeze-dried raw diets.

To start with, though, advocates for home-prepared meals recommend educating yourself on what makes a proper pet diet. You just can't throw some hamburger in the dish and call it a day. It's easy to find plenty of information on such diets. The specialty book site www.Dogwise.com offers most such titles.

Additionally, seek out the advice of a veterinarian who's knowledgeable about home-prepared diets and is willing to help you with getting it right for your pet's needs. -- Gina Spadafori

Q&A

Ways to fight spotted lawns

Q: I had always been told that yellow spots in the yard were caused by female dogs. But we have a male Labrador now, and sometimes he "lifts" and sometimes he "squats." Where he squats, the lawn turns yellow. Is there a way to prevent these spots, perhaps by adding something to a dog's food or water? I'm looking forward to your answer and to some greener grass. -- H.T., via e-mail

A: In spring, a gardener's fancy turns to thoughts of greener lawns. Female dogs take the rap for destroying lawns because they are more likely to release a large quantity of urine in a single spot, while the males are more likely to spread theirs in smaller amounts on vertical surfaces such as trees and shrubs. But as you've found out, even male dogs can release enough urine to trash a lawn.

Pet-supply catalogs carry food additives that are advertised to minimize the damage. There are also many folk remedies floating about, suggesting the addition of substances intended to change the nature or the volume of the urine produced.

I hesitate to recommend any additives to a pet's food or water, however. First, the results seem to be pretty mixed, at best, and second, I don't like to suggest adding anything to a pet's diet that's not being put there for the good of the animal. (I'm not saying the additives are dangerous, mind you, but I don't like adding things to a pet's food unless it's going to be beneficial for them, not the lawn.)

The best solution is to set aside a less-visible part of your yard for your dogs to relieve themselves in. If that's not possible, you should dilute the urine by immediately flushing the area where your dogs have urinated with a couple of gallons of water from the hose. This should lessen the yellowing effect of the urine and help keep your lawn from spotting up. -- Gina Spadafori

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

DOG CARS

Outlander passes its 'Lab' tests

When the Mitsubishi Outlander arrived for its weeklong test-drive, I could do nothing but nod in appreciation. It's sleekly styled and well-sized -- a little bigger than a "cute-ute" but a lot smaller than a full-sized SUV.

It has impressive numbers, too. The top-end luxury package, with heated leather seats, a great sound system (yeah, like the dogs really care about the latter) and more, comes in a car priced thousands less than others offering similar features -- $29,000 on the tester I drove. Gas mileage isn't bad either, as it's rated at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway.

But as I continued to scan down the copy of the window sticker that comes with every test car, I had to raise an eyebrow at the name Mitsubishi gives to its glossiest black:

"Labrador Black Pearl."

Now, that's what I call pandering.

Although, wouldn't it be great to have some models actually named after dogs? Couldn't you see some sleek sports car as the Saluki? Or how about the Bull Mastiff for a hulking big SUV? A family sedan named the Collie? What better image of safety and protection for the little ones than a car that reminds us of Lassie?

But I digress.

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a great dog car that any human would enjoy driving. The cargo space is large and well-shaped, without the sloping rear that ruins it on many other SUVs. The seats flip forward to open it all up, and the door lifts easily out of the way to make loading everything easier.

Even better: The bottom of the rear gate flips down, giving dogs a good target for jumping in or humans a good place to sit while tailgating.

The whole vehicle feels tight and well-made, and in four-wheel drive it handles as close to a sports car as any SUV can. Again, the performance is on par with vehicles costing thousands more.

It's one of the few dog cars I've driven where compromise isn't necessary. It's a great car, at a great price -- and a lot of fun to drive. -- Gina Spadafori

PET Rx

'Wellness checks' should be more frequent

Your veterinarian may need to see your pet more often than once a year, especially if your dog or cat is very young or getting old. Here's why one traditional vet visit per year may not be enough:

-- Pets age faster. While "one year equals seven" really doesn't compute, the lifetime of a cat or dog is much shorter than ours. This means that age-related issues come up faster and, with many of these, early detection is key to treatment.

-- Pets hide illnesses. In nature, the sick and weak are preyed upon, so animals instinctively hide their illnesses. Many times, caring pet owners bring in their cat because the animal didn't want to eat breakfast this morning. But it's too late: The pet's kidneys are shot, with too much damage done to save them.

-- Pets can't talk. Although surveys reveal that most of us talk to our pets, they still can't talk back. Veterinarians are trained to find out what's wrong from animals who can't say what hurts or where.

-- Veterinarians are "it." People have health-care teams (doctors, dentists, optometrists, chiropractors, psychologists, etc.), but for the four-legged family member, the veterinarian wears every health-care hat.

If we take two pets from the same litter and send them to two different families, one pet could live much longer than the other. How?

The pet who gets a higher level of preventive health care and cutting-edge treatment can have years added to his life, while his littermate's health is being neglected.

That's why veterinarians now recommend more frequent wellness visits, for your pet's health and your peace of mind. -- Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

Happy families

It's often said that there are "dog people" and "cat people." But in fact, a lot of folks are just plain "pet people." For example, many people who have a dog also have (multiple answers allowed):

Cat 41 percent

Fish 20 percent

Bird 10 percent

Small animal 9 percent

Reptile 7 percent

Horse 5 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Skip these mistakes when house-training

The mistakes you make in the first 24 hours your puppy is home make it more difficult to house-train him properly. Here are some tips:

-- Don't allow your puppy to roam. If you catch the puppy in "sniff and circle" behavior, you can prevent an accident by scooping him up with no emotion and taking him to the preferred location outdoors.

-- Don't whack the puppy or rub his nose in the mess when he potties in the house. This only teaches the puppy not to potty in front of you and to fear you.

-- Don't give the puppy too big of a room. Instead, when you cannot supervise him, put him in a small bathroom or laundry room with a comfy bed inside a crate.

If done correctly, it takes only days to house-train a puppy.

(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.

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

Universal Press Syndicate

Here's a riddle for you: How is it that more families have dogs than have cats, but cats outnumber dogs as pets?

The answer: Many families have more than one cat.

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 41 percent of U.S. households recently reported having at least one dog, while cats ruled in 35 percent of households. (Some families, of course, have both.) But cats were by far the most popular pet, according to the same trade group, which reported recent figures of 78 million pet cats to 65 million pet dogs.

Problem is, in a lot of those multi-feline families, relations between cats are a bit strained. And when cats aren't happy, nobody's happy. The noise of cats grumbling threats at each other or engaging in frequent rumbles can get on one's nerves and even mean trips to the veterinarian. And the litter-box problems that can be a part of such turf wars can turn an entire house into a toilet.

Living with more than one cat doesn't have to be so contentious. The trick to domestic harmony for cohabiting felines is to introduce -- or reintroduce -- them slowly and carefully.

If you don't have a cat yet and know you'll eventually want two, it's easiest to adopt two kittens at the same time. Kittens don't have the sense of territory that grown cats have and will settle down together into a new home nicely. Second-best: Adopt two adult cats at the same time, so neither has a head start on the other when it comes to claiming territory.

But even a solitary adult cat can learn to enjoy living with a companion. Since the worst territorial spats are between cats who aren't spayed or neutered, your chances for peaceful co-existence are many times greater if the cats are both altered before any introductions are planned.

Prepare a room for your new cat, with food and water bowls, and a litter box and scratching post that needn't be shared. This room will be your new pet's home turf while the two cats get used to each other's existence.

Take your new cat to your veterinarian first, to be checked for parasites such as ear mites and contagious diseases such as feline leukemia. When you're sure your new pet is healthy, the introductions can begin.

Bring the cat home in a carrier and set him in the room you've prepared. Let your resident cat discover the caged animal, and don't be discouraged by initial hisses. When the new cat is alone in the room, close the door and let him out of the carrier. If he doesn't want to leave the carrier at first, let him be. Just leave the carrier door open and the cat alone.

Maintain each cat separately for a week or so -- with lots of love and play for both -- and then on a day when you're around to observe them, leave the door to the new cat's room open. Above all: Don't force them together. Territory negotiations between cats can be drawn-out and delicate, and you must let them work it out on their own, ignoring the hisses and glares.

Eventually you can encourage them both to play with you, using a cat "fishing pole" or a toy on a string. And slowly feed them in ever-closer proximity.

If you already have two cats who don't get along, treat them as if they've both just arrived. Give them their own quarters and let them slowly work out their territorial disputes. But do remember: Some cats will never get along. For these, separate quarters such as one upstairs, one downstairs, may need to become a permanent arrangement.

SIDEBAR

Litter-box rules

One of the most common points of conflict in multi-cat households is over the litter box. Some cats don't like to share, and that may force other cats to avoid the litter box altogether.

The rule of thumb behaviorists use: one box per cat, plus one.

Place the litter boxes in different parts of the house, and arrange each so a cat can feel secure but also keep an eye on his surroundings. No one likes to be ambushed while on the john! And don't forget the first rule of litter-box management: Keep 'em clean.

If it sounds like a lot of trouble, consider this: The one sure loser in any litter-box war is the person who cleans up the messes.

Q&A

Feline diabetes can be treated

Q: My 6-year-old cat has been diagnosed with diabetes. The vet says I can give her shots, but I just don't know. Wouldn't it be kinder to put her to sleep? And what would happen if I did nothing? Could she get better on her own? -- P.S., via e-mail

A: For the diabetic cat, the levels of sugar in the blood -- glucose -- cannot be normalized without treatment. Although a cat may be able to go a few days without treatment and not get into a crisis, treatment should be looked upon as part of the cat's daily routine. Treatment almost always requires some dietary changes. And whether an individual cat will require oral therapy or insulin injections will vary from case to case.

For the owner, there are two implications: financial commitment and personal commitment. Once a cat's diabetes is well-regulated, maintenance is not that expensive, with costs that may include a special diet, oral medication, insulin and syringes.

For many people, the personal commitment seems more difficult than the financial one, but that, too, is not insurmountable. You'll need to pay close attention to your veterinarian's instructions about medication, diet and home monitoring.

Consistency is the key to keeping a diabetic cat healthy. The more you keep the medication, diet and activity the same from one day to the next, the easier it will be to keep your cat's blood sugar regulated.

Insulin injections always worry people the most. But cats seem to be more comfortable getting shots than their owners are about giving them. Honestly, though, it's just a learning process for you both.

If the idea of giving your cat regular injections is what's making you consider putting her to sleep, consider these points:

-- Insulin does not cause pain when it is injected.

-- The injections are made with very tiny needles that your cat hardly feels.

-- The injections are given just under the skin in areas in which it is almost impossible to cause damage to any vital organ.

Although diabetes is a diagnosis that may seem like a death sentence to many upset people with newly diagnosed cats, it doesn't need to be that way. Work with your veterinarian and give your cat a chance. You may be surprised at how well things work out.

By the way, you can find a lot of information and support on the Feline Diabetes Web site (felinediabetes.com), which was started by a physician after her own cat was diagnosed with diabetes. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Got milk?

Q: I can't imagine many people can say this these days, but I was raised on a dairy farm. We always let our barn cats drink fresh milk, and they loved it. Today my cat gets her milk pasteurized from the fridge, but she loves it just the same. But a friend recently told me that she read somewhere that cow's milk was bad for cats.

I just find that hard to believe. We never had a cat get sick on milk, and it isn't making mine sick now. What's the truth? -- J.P., via e-mail

A: No adult cat needs milk to survive, and some cats, like some humans, cannot handle milk without ending up with diarrhea. For those cats who can handle milk and like it, it's a fine treat and good source of protein.

If your cat isn't experiencing any stomach distress -- check the litter box for signs of diarrhea -- then it's perfectly safe to give her milk as a treat. Feel free to indulge her just as you have been. -- Gina Spadafori

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

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Punishing pet will backfire

If you spare the rod, do you spoil the pet? Many people try to raise cats and dogs with the idea that a good spanking will teach the animal a lesson. But it just doesn't work that way. In fact, what physical punishment often teaches a pet is that people can't be trusted.

Because they don't use language as we do and can't understand delayed reactions to their behavior, pets who are physically punished tend to develop unstable personalities. They may become aloof, skittish, hand-shy or even aggressive (i.e., they may bite or scratch in self-defense before being hit).

For example, consider from a puppy's point of view what happens when he runs to you when called and puts his paws up on you when he arrives. You don't like him jumping up, so you yell, spank or knee him.

Instead of learning that he should always come when called, your puppy learns that when he does, he'll be punished. Better to reward him first for coming when called, and then use reward-based training to teach him that the second part of coming to you is keeping his feet on the floor or even sitting in front of you. In other words: It's all good.

(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

Little dogs need to be good, too

With small dogs so popular today, it's pretty common to run into some truly ill-mannered little beasts. It's not that small dogs are prone to bad behavior, mind you, but rather that the owners of small dogs tend to overlook behavior problems that would be absolutely intolerable in a 50-, 80- or 100-pound dog.

A big dog who can't walk nicely on a leash and snarls insults at other dogs isn't anything you'd want to share with the world: You'd train him, or you'd leave him at home. That's not the case with little dogs, however. An ill-mannered little dog's antics are not only tolerated, but also often encouraged by people who think their tiny terrors are adorable, no matter what.

Are you tolerant of your spoiled little brat of a dog? Wouldn't you rather have a dog that everyone else could enjoy being around, too?

While it might seem easier to ignore bad manners in a little dog, the fact is it's just not that hard to turn around a little tyrant. Little dogs are generally bright and easy to train, once their owners get the idea that training is not only desirable but also very possible.

Reward-based training works well with all dogs, and this is especially true of small ones, who tend to be too fragile and sensitive for punishment-based training.

Whatever you do, don't encourage behavior in your small dog that wouldn't be acceptable in a large one. Your dog's bratty behavior isn't appreciated by others, believe me. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

How many homeless?

Exact numbers are impossible to come by, since no one even knows how many shelters there are in the United States and Canada. But using a survey of 1,000 shelters in 1997 as a base, it's estimated that nearly 10 million animals a year are euthanized in shelters. While some animals entering shelters are not considered to be adoptable, many would be wonderful companions if only given a chance.

More shelter stats:

-- In 1997, roughly 64 percent of the total number of animals entering shelters were euthanized.

-- 56 percent of dogs and 71 percent of cats entering animal shelters were euthanized.

-- 15 percent of dogs and 2 percent of cats entering animal shelters were reunited with their owners.

-- 25 percent of dogs and 24 percent of cats entering animal shelters were adopted.

Source: American Humane Association (www.americanhumane.org) and the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (www.petpopulation.org).

PET TIP

Get collar on right

The choke collar is one of the most difficult pieces of training equipment to use properly, which is why in recent years I have discouraged its use. Newer products such as head halters and no-pull harnesses are easier to use and provide control with less strain on the dog.

One of the biggest problems with a choke collar is that people often put it on upside-down. Here's a how-to: With the dog sitting on your left, make a downward-facing "P" out of the collar, with the base of the "P" on your side. Then slip the collar over the dog's head. The moving end of the collar should go over the dog's neck, not under it.

If it's put on incorrectly, the collar will not release easily when the leash is slackened -- and that turns an already controversial training tool into an instrument of cruelty. -- 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

Universal Press Syndicate

Even in an off year, the housing market traditionally picks up in the spring, as families who need to change residences get moving so the children can be settled into the new neighborhood before the next school year begins.

But moving is tough on families, pets included. Animals always know when something's amiss, even if they can't understand exactly what's changing, or why.

The key to moving pets is to keep them secure before and during the move, and to settle them safely and quickly into a routine afterward.

Cats are a particular worry at moving time because they form a bond not only with the people in a home, but also with the home itself. Because of their mobility, cats can be difficult to keep around the new home long enough for them to realize that this is where the people they love will now stay.

The family dog is a bit easier to deal with: Put his leash on and drive him to his new address. Show him his new, warm home and the securely fenced back yard. Unless the dog is a high-jumper of Olympic caliber, he'll stay put while he adjusts.

Not so with free-roaming cats. The cases of cats returning to their previous homes are common for people who move short distances, and the instances of cats disappearing forever are just as common for families moving a great distance.

Confinement is essential when moving cats: It keeps them safe while they become used to their new territory and make it their own. Bring your cat inside, if he's not already an indoor cat, before the movers arrive. Set him up in a "safe room" -- a spare bathroom or bedroom is ideal -- and leave him be. Provide him with food and water, his bed, a scratching post, litter box and a couple of favorite toys while the packing and moving is under way.

The cat's ride to the new home is best undertaken in a carrier, especially for the cat who rarely sees the inside of a car.

At the new home, work the "leaving home" procedure in reverse: Put the cat into a "safe room" for a few days -- until the movers are gone, the furniture arranged and most of the dust settled -- and then allow him to explore inside the house on his own terms after things calm down a bit.

Quickly re-establish a routine. Pick a time and a place for feeding, and stick to it for all pets.

If you've been thinking about converting your free-roaming cat to a house dweller for his health and safety, moving to a new home is the perfect time to accomplish this. In your old home, you'd be constantly listening to your cat demanding to be let out into the rest of his territory. In a new home, he hasn't established any territory of his own yet, and you can make the new home his only turf by keeping him inside from day one.

If you don't want to convert him, keep him inside for a couple of weeks, until he seems relaxed. You can introduce your cat to the new yard by accompanying him on short tours with a harness and a leash. But in the end, you'll have to take your chances, open the door and hope for the best.

Moving is stressful for all, but taking a little extra care when it comes to your pets will help to move them safely and with a minimum of stress and mess at the new home.

SIDEBAR

Don't forget ID

Image: dog with old tag

Caption: Get new ID tags on your pets before you disconnect your old phone number.

During a move, your pet is at a high risk for becoming lost. That's why it's essential to get new ID tags on your pets before you disconnect that old phone number, or to update the ID tags with your permanent cell phone number. If you use a tracking service or microchip ID, be sure they know where to reach you as well by updating your records with the registry.

If you're going to need to change veterinarians, let the staff at the old hospital know and provide a working phone number in case anyone calls the hospital because of a rabies tag on a found pet. (Rabies tags usually have the vet's phone number on them.) And finally, check with the animal control department in your new community to get new licenses and find out what regulations cover your pets. -- G.S.

Q&A

Don't play vet at home

Q: At the pet store where I go, they have antibiotics for sale. Would it be a good idea to keep some on hand in case our pets get sick? -- D.F., via e-mail

A: Antibiotics are one of the outstanding contributions of modern medicine and have saved countless lives of both the human and animal variety. But we have become so comfortable with these medicines and their frequent usage that we sometimes forget they are powerful drugs that should be used with care.

And yet, some pet lovers respond to any sign of illness by dosing -- and often overdosing -- their pets with antibiotics commonly available at pet-supply stores (and often labeled for fish). This sort of treatment for your sick pet is a bad idea for several reasons.

First, if your pet has a viral or fungal infection, an antibiotic will not help.

Second, not all antibiotics are the same. They all have their own target bacteria, and they may have little effect on any bacteria they're not designed to combat as well as bacteria that are resistant to them.

Third, regular use of antibiotics may hurt your pet's immune system and may lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that will be hard to stamp out even with the "right" medication.

When your pet is sick, see your veterinarian. Getting the right diagnosis and the right medication promptly may well save your pet's life. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Vomiting parrot

Q: When I get home and go to let my sun conure out of his cage, he'll start bobbing his head and then vomit food. How can I get him to stop it? -- B.F., via e-mail

A: Strange as it may seem to those of us who don't have wings, what your little guy is doing is showing you his affection.

He's "regurgitating," and isn't that a much nicer word than "vomiting"? Like many animals, birds feed their young by bringing up food. Bonded breeding pairs do this to each other as a sign of closeness. When your bird brings up food for you, it's because he's showing you that he considers you a mate or companion, and he wants you to eat well.

Birds bob their heads to bring the food up, and when the behavior is performed between birds, the food is put directly into the other's mouth.

You can't stop this natural behavior, so just accept it. The behavior, that is, not the regurgitated food. -- Gina Spadafori

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

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Reward pet's good manners

Animals learn from the immediate consequences of their actions. Reward-based training is based on positive reinforcement -- giving an animal an immediate reward for "getting it right."

A reward can be anything a pet desires, such as food, praise, touch, toys, playtime, and indoor or outdoor access. Reward-based training teaches an animal that you are the provider and controller of everything good. It also builds trust and keeps the animal student eager to learn more.

When teaching your pet what you want him to do, offer what he likes the best as the reward. After the new behavior is learned, continue with intermittent rewards. Once the pet knows a behavior, you can withhold the reward when your pet gets it wrong. For example, the dog who knows how to sit but won't sit for his dinner dish can have his grub withheld for a few minutes. Then try again! Chances are he'll sit, and he'll sit even more quickly the next time.

(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.

PET Rx

Broken teeth common in dogs

Birds gotta fly, fish gotta swim and dogs gotta chew. But sometimes, that chewing can prompt a painful problem.

Broken teeth are a common problem with dogs. Aggressive chewing on hard objects such as rocks or fencing, or on hard treats such as cow hooves, bones or hard nylon toys, are the primary cause. (Veterinarian's rule of thumb: Don't give your pet any chew toy that's hard enough that you wouldn't want it to hit you in the knee.)

To prevent broken teeth, dental experts recommend regular exercise of your pet to help prevent destructive chewing and having several veterinarian-recommended toys to chew so as to distract them from the bad ones. For extremely aggressive chewers, get a large toy the pet can't get his mouth around, or offer softer chews.

A broken tooth exposes the delicate pulp and nerve endings, making life extremely painful for the pet. Food and other debris can get impacted in the fracture and attract bacteria, leading to infection, the loss of a tooth or worse.

The most common signs of dental problems are: excessive drooling (especially in a pet who doesn't normally salivate much), not eating, or favoring one side of the mouth.

Just as the human family gets regular dental examinations and cleanings, you should take your pet to the veterinarian at least yearly for a comprehensive physical examination that will include a look at your pet's entire mouth. If your pet is having problems sooner, don't wait for the well-pet exam -- dental problems really hurt!

Dental cleanings under anesthesia are a regular part of a preventive-care regimen for many dogs, as is at-home care such as brushing. Ask your veterinarian what's best for your pet's teeth and gums, both to prevent problems and to fix them. -- Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

Up and down dogs

The popularity of small dogs (under 20 pounds) has steadily risen over the past decade. Some of the biggest increases in registration are among these breeds:

Cavalier King Charles spaniels: 735 percent increase

French bulldogs: 305 percent increase

Brussels griffon: 231 percent increase

Of the breeds that have seen the highest decrease in registrations during the past decade, larger dogs are affected the most:

Dalmatians: 97 percent decrease

Chows: 91 percent decrease

Rottweilers: 83 percent decrease

Source: American Kennel Club

PETS ON THE WEB

Better care for hamsters

Hamsters are popular pets for children, who often manage to convince their parents to snap up the pets before anyone has thought carefully about how to care for them.

If that's the case, no worries. The Web has hamster sites that can be of great help.

The Hamster Hideout (hamsterhideout.com) is based in Singapore, so some of the information is too regional to be of much help. But beyond that, the Hideout offers sound advice on proper care and encourages sharing of hamster stories and pictures with a reader forum. The links page provides a generous selection of other sites, from those focusing on care to others dedicated to pictures, stories and online games.

Be sure to click on the "All About" link and then on the special sections just for those with a new hamster. A very useful, kid-friendly 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.

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