By GINA SPADAFORI

Universal Press Syndicate

My dogs love spring and summer -- longer days, less inclement weather -- but they always seem a little disappointed when they realize they're not going to be getting as many rides in the car.

That's because in the winter there's little risk to letting a well-mannered dog wait in the car during a quick pop inside the bank, drugstore or any number of local businesses that make up a morning's errand run.

But when the days get warmer, it's no longer acceptable to leave a dog in the car, even for a few minutes. That's because the heat can build up quickly, even on a day that's just pleasantly warm, putting any pet in the car at grave risk for heatstroke.

Car rides and errands aren't the only risks to pets in warmer weather. Take care of your pets by watching out for these fair-weather hazards:

-- Heat risks. Cats have enough sense to nap on warm afternoons, but dogs do not. If you let them, they'll go where you do, even if it's too hot. Dogs are not good at keeping themselves cool, and they rely on us to keep them out of trouble.

Limit exercise to the coolest part of the day, no matter how happy your dog is to participate when it's warm. Even in the coolest part of the day, watch for signs of trouble: Glassy eyes and frantic panting indicate a dog who needs help.

Remember that older, obese or short-nosed dogs are less heat-tolerant and that all dogs need constant access to shade and an endless supply of cool, clean water.

-- Gardening risks. Protect your pets from poisonous plants, troublesome garden materials or yard chemicals. Check with the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (www.aspca.org/apcc) to be sure your plants are pet-safe, and put any ones that aren't on the other side of a fence from your animals.

Finally, be sure to use any pesticides or fertilizers according to label directions, and let lawn chemicals dry before allowing your pet access to the yard. Snail and rodent bait can kill pets, so do not use it in areas where animals have access.

-- Field risks. If you hike through open fields or wooded areas, be sure to check your dog afterward for foxtails and ticks. The spiky seed carrier of dried grasses, a foxtail, will burrow deep into the ears or flesh of an animal, and it will need to be removed by a veterinarian if it gets in a place your pet can't reach or is left to fester.

These spiky nuisances are such a problem in my part of Northern California that I think I've spent more money having my veterinarian treat foxtail-related problems than anything else I can think of overall.

In an upcoming column, Dr. Marty Becker will address the subject of fleas and ticks, another hazard of the season.

SIDEBAR

Heartworms like it hot, too.

Warmer weather means mosquitoes, and that means heartworms.

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, which pick up the microscopic heartworm larvae called microfilaria when they draw blood from an infected animal. They share the parasites when they bite another animal. Once in a new host, the larvae make their way to the heart, where they grow to be 9 to 14 inches long, blocking the flow of blood and causing severe damage and possibly death.

Most infested pets are brought to the veterinarian after their owners notice them coughing at night, coughing after exercise, or experiencing a general decline in their physical condition. By the time the symptoms are noticed, however, a great deal of damage has usually been done, not only to the heart, but also to other organs such as the kidneys, which rely on a steady flow of blood to operate.

Because of the risk and expense of treating a heartworm infestation, preventive care remains an essential part of a pet's well-being. Monthly heartworm prevention has been shown to be safe and effective for most pets. Don't ignore this essential protection: Talk to your veterinarian. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Q&A

Visiting cat has ear mites

Q: We've been sort of adopted by a cat who started sharing meals with our two cats awhile back. He's a friendly guy, so I don't mind feeding him, and I think he has already been neutered. We always seem to get our cats this way. The ones we already have came to us on their own as well.

The problem is that the edges of this new cat's ears are crusty, and inside it's pretty dirty. What's the best way to clean them? He seems pretty tolerant of treatment, but what should I put in there? -- S.P., via e-mail

A: What's in there now is something your veterinarian will have to help you get rid of. Your visiting cat likely has ear mites, nasty little pests that feed off the lining of the ear. Since the mites are highly contagious, there's a good chance that other cats in your home are likewise infested by now.

Your veterinarian can give you medication to eradicate the mites. Be warned, though, that you must continue the medication as recommended even after it seems that the problem is under control. You may also need to take your pet in for a recheck. Ear mites can be very hard to get rid of, and if you stop medicating too soon, they'll stage a comeback.

Before you adopt this cat permanently, do make a good-faith effort to find out if he already has a home. Place "found pet" ads in your local paper and online, and post fliers in the neighborhood. Somebody may be looking for him after all.

If you can't find any owner, then don't just "sort of" adopt him -- take responsibility for your pet. Because you'll be going to the veterinarian anyway for those ear mites, take care of all this cat's preventive care measures, including testing and vaccination as recommended. If he's neutered already, more's the better, and it's one less thing you'll have to have done later on. -- Gina Spadafori

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

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 "dog cars," 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 TIP

Routine keeps cages cleaner

Cleaning up after birds is a constant battle, but getting yourself into a routine makes it easier to cope. The good news is that a few minutes a day is all it takes.

Every morning and evening you should replace soiled cage liners. You can put a few layers at the base of the cage and remove layer by layer throughout the day whenever droppings appear. Mist the bars with nonstick cooking spray -- not when your bird is nearby, though -- to help keep droppings from sticking.

You should also change food and water bowls (or bottles) twice a day. Some birds get food or even droppings in their bowls, and you need to constantly check for bowls that need cleaning. If you use a water bottle with your bird, check every morning to ensure that it's not clogged by pressing the ball with your finger.

Birds usually prefer to eat after dawn and near dusk, so these are great times to introduce fresh fruits and vegetables -- and to remove the leftovers before you go to work or bed. Leftover dry foods should be discarded every morning and replaced with fresh.

Finish off your twice-daily routine by using your cleaning solution and paper towels, and use a handheld vacuum to clean up any other messes in the vicinity. And remember: Your dishwasher is a great tool for cleaning everything from perches to dishes to toys.

While daily attention will keep things pretty clean, you'll need to do a big scrub on a regular basis -- walls, floors, the cage and all its contents.

For the big clean, scrub the cage with soap and water, and then rinse well in plain water. Soak everything you can't fit into the dishwasher -- big perches, droppings tray and so on -- in a solution of a half-cup bleach to a gallon of water. Rinse well. Then leave everything out to air-dry in the sun before setting it in place and putting your bird back in it. -- Gina Spadafori

THE SCOOP

Get help for your pet's behavior problems

Many people are reluctant to seek help if faced with a pet-behavior problem, either because they think the idea of a "pet shrink" is crazy or because they don't think the money would be well-spent.

If you're one of these people, think again. Consulting a behaviorist can save you time, money and aggravation. Time, because someone with experience in animal behavior can quickly determine the root of the problem, without the emotional baggage that a pet owner may bring to the situation. Money, because a consultation or two is a great deal cheaper than a new sofa. And aggravation? We don't need to explain that one if you're living with a problem pet.

More important, getting help can save your pet's life. Behavior problems are among the top reasons why pet owners dump their animal companions. Pets with behavior problems aren't very adoptable, and that means that time runs out for many of them before a suitable home can be found.

Be aware, however, that animal behavior is an unregulated field -- anyone can call himself a behaviorist.

One good option is to choose a veterinarian who's board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. These professionals have gone through years of study in animal health and behavior and have done a residency in the field as well. Your best bet at finding one of these veterinarians is to contact your closest school or college of veterinary medicine's teaching hospital.

People with other academic degrees (such as psychology), general-practice veterinarians and people who've picked up their pet knowledge completely in the field also make themselves available for advice on behavior. You'll find good and not-so-good people in all three areas, which makes getting recommendations and checking references important.

In addition to checking with your closest school or college of veterinary medicine, check with your own veterinarian or local humane society, any of which may be able to refer you to someone who can help. Some humane societies even offer behavior classes or consulting. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Pet-care experience

If it seems as if you've always had a dog or cat, you're probably typical. In these 2004 responses to surveys about how long pet owners have kept pets, those with dogs or cats had more experience in caring for animal companions than did those with other pets:

Dogs: 19 years

Cats: 17 years

Birds: 10 years

Freshwater fish: 8 years

Saltwater fish: 5.5 years

Reptiles: 3 years

Small animals: 1.8 years

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PETS ON THE WEB

Merck site makes health info easy

If there's one Web site every pet lover should have bookmarked, it's the one for the online edition of the Merck Veterinary Manual (www.merckvetmanual.com). The print version of this essential reference has been a mainstay in nearly every veterinary hospital since it was first published in 1955. The online version is one of the most significant animal-health resources ever for any pet lover.

Although no reference -- online or in print -- substitutes for a good relationship with your veterinarian, the Merck Veterinary Manual can help you become a more knowledgeable partner in getting good care for your pet. The site is well-indexed, easy to search, and is updated with the most recent information available.

That such an amazing resource is free -- there are no subscriber fees to gain access to this incredibly deep site -- is a deal too good to be believed. So take advantage of it. -- 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

While no one can guarantee a trouble-free trip, the good news is that the vast majority of pets traveling by air get where they're going in fine shape.

Even better news: Careful planning on your pet's behalf will help make things go even more smoothly.

Animals move through the airline system as unaccompanied cargo or as travelers' baggage. Unaccompanied pets and most animals traveling as baggage travel in pressurized cargo holds, while some small pets are allowed into the cabin as a carry-on. Before your pet flies:

-- Talk to the airline. Some carriers -- especially the no-frills companies -- don't take animals at all. Those that do have limits on the number of animals on a flight, typically two small pets in the passenger cabin, and not much more than that in the cargo hold. You also need to know where and when your pet has to be presented, and what papers -- health certificate, and so on -- you'll need to bring. Airlines charge extra fees even for those pets who fly in a carry-on bag, so ask about it in advance so you won't be surprised.

Also be aware that some airlines won't ship pets in the summer months, with embargoes starting as early as mid-May.

-- Be sure your pet is in good health. Air travel isn't recommended for elderly or ill animals, and is likewise ill-advised for the pug-nosed breeds of dogs and cats. These animals find breathing a little difficult under the best of circumstances, and the stress of airline travel may be more than they can handle.

-- For pets who'll be traveling in the cargo hold, use a hard-sided carrier designed for air travel, and make sure it's in good condition (no cracks in the plastic, no rust on the grating). The crate should be just big enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in. Check and double-check that all the bolts securing the halves of the carrier are in place and tightened. 

Pets that are small enough to ride in the passenger cabin will be more comfortable in a soft-sided carrier.

Carry-on pets should have a collar and ID tag, but that's not safe for pets traveling below. Instead, put an ID tag on a piece of elastic around the pet's neck, and make sure contact information is written large and indelibly on the outside of the crate. A water dish should be attached to the inside of the door grate so airline personnel can add water without opening the door.

-- Consider travel conditions. Don't ship your pet when the weather is extreme or when air traffic is heaviest. Avoid peak travel days, and be sure to choose flights that are on the ground when the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold, not only at the departure airport but also at the connecting and arriving airports. In summer, a night flight is likely better, while the reverse is true in the winter.

-- Choose a direct flight. If that's not possible, try for a route with a single connection and a short layover. Most animal fatalities occur on the ground, when pets are left in their crates on the hot tarmac or in stifling cargo holds. Direct flights eliminate layovers, and short layovers reduce the time on the ground. Better yet: Choose a direct flight with an airline that has special handling available for pets, keeping them off the tarmac until just before flight time and transporting them to and from the plane in a climate-controlled van.

-- Ask about your pet, persistently but politely. Make your presence known! Confirm that your pet has been loaded and has made any connection en route. It would not hurt to do what you can to make your pet stand out as more than mere cargo. One person I know puts a prominent sign on her retriever's kennel when he flies. "I am the beloved pet of a 5-year-old boy," it says.

-- Contrary to popular belief, it's generally safer for your pet not to be tranquilized before flying. The combination of high altitude and limited oxygen is a challenge your pet's body is better prepared to meet if he's not sedated. Still, your pet may be an exception. In the end, you and your veterinarian should decide on this issue.

The Air Transport Association, the trade group for the nation's airlines, offers information on its Air Travel for Your Dog or Cat Web page (www.airlines.org). The ATA details the preparation of a pet for air travel, how to set up the carrier and how to check on your pet en route.

Q&A

Snail control and pet safety

Q: Every year I put out my garden plants, both vegetables and flowers. And some years the snails seem to eat them the first night they're in the ground. I have a dog and two cats who come and go, plus neighbor cats. And I worry about birds, too. What are your recommendations for pet-safe snail control? -- P.D., via e-mail

A: Like most gardeners, "hate" isn't all that strong a word to use when it comes to how I feel about snails. But I never, ever use snail bait, because it's deadly not just to snails and slugs, but also to dogs, cats and birds.

Instead, I conduct "snail safaris" with a flashlight, picking up snails by the shell and putting them in a bag that I then place in the garbage bin. Another alternative to traditional snail bait is iron phosphate, which is marketed under the brand name Sluggo.

Any pet suspected of having gotten into snail bait -- symptoms include frothing at the mouth, vomiting and convulsions -- needs to see a veterinarian immediately. The animal's life depends on prompt action.

All garden pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers need to be used with extreme caution around pets. Use as little as possible and follow directions to the letter.

Better still: Avoid using such products at all around pets if there's an alternative that will get the job done.

My friend Laura, a kind soul to all living creatures with the exception of snails, used to take great delight in conducting those "flashlight raids" on her garden beds at night, scooping up every snail she could find and putting them in a plastic bag. In the morning, she'd throw the marauders against a big sycamore tree in her yard, enjoying the cracking of every snail shell. After her arm got tired, she'd put the rest of the snails in the trash bin.

It's a little extreme perhaps, but a desire for snail death is something any gardener may understand, if not emulate.

The Animal Poison Control Center has information on pet-poison hazards, including those in the garden. Check out the site (www.aspca.org/apcc) for information on pesticides, mulches, fertilizers and plants that need to be kept away from your pets. -- Gina Spadafori

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

PET BUY

Cap may calm an anxious dog

The Calming Cap is a sheer fabric hood that fits over a dog's head. Developed by Trish King, director of animal behavior and training at the Marin Humane Society, this "muted window" covers the dog's eyes and reduces visual stimuli and lowers their reactivity.

It is comparable to a human looking through a screen door at dusk, yet the pet still has enough vision to see shapes and can confidently maneuver in his environment with a little practice. The Calming Cap, which comes in different sizes, attaches with Velcro to the collar, and the soft fabric and elastic provide a comfortable fit for most dogs (the product is not available specifically for cats).

Veterinary behaviorists say the Calming Cap has proven to be a powerful tool in treating:

-- Dogs who get hyper-excited or sick on car trips.

-- Dogs who bark explosively in the car or when looking out of the house.

-- Fearful dogs in the vet's office (or groomer's) for nail trims, ear cleanings or other high-stress procedures, allowing a much more gentle experience for the pet.

-- Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety.

-- Docile dogs who lack confidence.

-- Canines who get nervous in interactions with other dogs or with people.

Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., a certified animal behaviorist in Littleton, Colo., has also used the Calming Cap for more serious behavior problems. "I've used the Calming Cap to successfully lower the arousal level of dogs in the same family that are fighting, which helps facilitate behavior modification. It's also been helpful to reduce arousal during problem introductions between a newly acquired dog and resident cats."

An article in the Society of Animal Behavior Technicians gave the product an A-plus in the veterinary setting. The only reported problems were the few animals who feverishly tried to remove it and the fact that it could snag quite easily with cats.

The Calming Cap is available at veterinary hospitals, pet-retail outlets and online at www.premier.com and www.AnimalBehaviorAssociates.com. The retail price is $20. -- Dr. Marty Becker

THE SCOOP

Wheezy cats need help from the vet

Feline asthma occurs when a cat's airways become inflamed by allergens, constrict and make breathing labored. The condition is seen in dogs but much more frequently in cats. Siamese breeds and overweight cats are most are risk.

While some cats may require prescription treatments (corticosteroids, bronchodilators) for asthma, there are six steps you can take at home to minimize the discomfort and risk your feline friend faces:

-- Shrink your cat. The signs of asthma are exacerbated by obesity, and even the loss of a few pounds can make a big difference. Ask your veterinarian for help in outlining a safe weight-loss plan.

-- Less Sahara, more Amazon. Whether it's the furnace in the winter or the air conditioner in the summer, inside air becomes very dry, and this may trigger asthma attacks. Use a humidifier to pump up the volume of moisture in the air.

-- Stop your cat from smoking. We're talking about secondhand smoke here, and you'll be doing your cat a potentially lifesaving favor by smoking outside.

-- Be a litterbug. Many brands of cat litter have a lot of dust, so use dust-free litter or litter made of a different substrate such as corn or recycled paper.

-- Clear the air. Limit use of perfumes, scented candles and pungent household cleaners in the house, and be a neat freak when it comes to dusting and washing bedding to limit dust mites. Many experts recommend using electrostatic air cleaners and heap filters on houses with central heating and air conditioning.

-- Be a Zen master. Stressful events -- strange pet, trip to the groomer, rearranging furniture -- can trigger asthma attacks. Take steps to decrease stress, like nixing visits from a friend's pet, postponing grooming and using synthetic pheromone diffusers.

A word of extreme caution: Some cats that have heartworms act like they're asthmatic. Your veterinarian may recommend a simple blood test to rule out heartworm disease. -- Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

Birdy buys

Food is reported as the top purchase -- 60 percent -- among bird lovers, which makes one wonder: How are the other 40 percent getting fed? After food, the top purchases made by bird owners annually include (multiple answers allowed):

Treats 46 percent

Toys 36 percent

Gravel 20 percent

Vitamins 16 percent

Dishes 15 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Food treats get attention

Because pets communicate with body language more than verbal language, it makes sense to show, not tell, pets what to do. Food gets their attention and makes learning more of a game than hard work.

For example, before a meal, put a kibble or treat in your hand and let your pet lick or sniff it as you walk backward. Keep the food at mouth level, and your pet will likely follow. Add the word "come" just before releasing the treat, and your pet will eventually learn the word.

You can teach many behaviors this way. To teach "sit," move the treat up and back over the head until it's easier to sit than stand. Just as your pet sits, give the treat and say, "Sit." Add "Goooood!" with a finger tickle to your pet's favorite spot plus some lovey-dovey talk to seal the deal.

(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 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 free pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or visiting PetConnection.com.

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

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.

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