Universal Press Syndicate

This Fourth of July, as always, Americans will be enjoying the sights and sounds of fireworks. While we love the pyrotechnics, we need to remember our midsummer spectacular is no holiday for many of our pets.

While we humans are oohing and aahing, too often our pets are frightened out of their wits. They'll spend the holiday under the bed (or in the basement) cowering, shaking, drooling and seeking safety and comfort. And it's not just on the Fourth of July: Both cats and dogs can panic at loud noises such as thunder and gunfire as well.

Our golden retriever, Shakira, wouldn't flinch if a keg of gunpowder exploded next to him. Shop vacs, lawn mowers, grass trimmers, motorcycles, thunderstorms and fireworks elicit but a yawn. On the other hand, Quixote, our Yorkie/Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix, treats loud sounds as if the grim reaper were calling -- and there's no way she's going to answer. When it comes to loud sounds, this dog is a scaredy-cat.

But loud noises such as fireworks can startle and distress many pets, with their supersensitive hearing. Scared pets have been known to jump out of apartment windows, leap over or dig under fences, or chew their skin until it's raw. They may also bolt out an open door to become lost but never found.

Comforting scared pets seems the right thing to do, but it's not. Don't reward the fear. If you remain calm and don't baby them, they'll be closer to learning how to handle loud noises.

The best defense against Fourth of July problems is a good offense. Professional trainers and behaviorists start socializing dogs and making every potentially negative experience -- such as fireworks and thunderstorms -- into something rewarding. If a negative experience comes with tasty treats, then your pet is going to at least tolerate it, if not welcome it. This works best when started as a puppy, but don't give up hope if your dog is already an adult: New behaviors can be learned.

One way to help your pet is to expose him or her to commercial recordings of thunderstorms or fireworks and play them at increasing volume. Play the recordings at low volume -- recognizing how acute a pet's hearing is -- and give praise and treats. It's a party! As the volume and duration are increased during subsequent sessions, give them really tasty treats so they have the expectation of a repeat treat. Initially, play the recording for five minutes, eventually leaving it on during daily activities as "normal" background noise.

Also, provide pets with safe hiding spaces inside your home during the holiday fireworks or a storm. Dogs and cats who are comfortable in crates can find them a good place to ride out the noise, especially if the crate is put in a quiet, darkened part of the house.

Of course, some pets are so unhinged by noise that veterinary-prescribed tranquilizers are needed to keep them calm. Remember to call well in advance of the holiday, and give the medications as recommended -- they usually work best before the rockets' red glare begins. And talk to your veterinarian about other calming techniques. Some alternative-care veterinarians may recommend the herbal product Rescue Remedy, while others can show you acupressure and massage techniques to keep pets more calm.

This Independence Day, while we enjoy our parades, picnics and fireworks, don't forget your pet: He's counting on you!

SIDEBAR

The fear-fighters

For pets who continue to become upset at loud noises, there are some products that may help.

Head halters such as the Gentle Leader head collar mimic how mother dogs control and comfort their young by putting pressure on the bridge of the nose or behind the ear. You can also try the Calming Cap, a product that fits over a pet's head and eyes. The Gentle Leader head halter and Calming Cap are available through Premier products (www.premier.com, 888-640-8840).

The Anxiety Wrap (www.anxietywrap.com, 877-652-1266) applies gentle pressure to a dog's body to focus his attention away from what's scaring him. Advocates compare its use and effect to how whole-body pressure is used to calm overstimulated autistic children. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Q&A

Why should pets sleep in the bed?

Q: Is there any reason why a pet has to sleep in the house, much less in the bed? I want my fiancee's dog and her two cats tossed out before I move into her house. I had pets growing up, and they stayed outside. That's where animals belong. -- H.A., via e-mail

A: A long, long time ago, dogs slept in doghouses and cats, well, they catted around at night, maybe taking a catnap in the barn or an alley. Things sure have changed!

My wife and I live on a mile-high mountain in far Northern Idaho. It gets cold at night, so we sleep, year-round, with a comforter on our king-sized bed. Snuggled in with room to spare, Teresa and I start every night with the expectation of a restful night's sleep. In theory, this is how it should work, but it doesn't, thanks to Quixote, the little dog who shares our bed. (Or, should I say, Quixote allows us to share her bed.)

If I snore, Teresa elbows me in the ribs. If Quixote snores, she ignores it. If she pulls the comforter off me, I retaliate unconsciously and instantly, without concern for anything other than my own comfort, but I somehow make sure Quixote stays warm and toasty.

If I cross onto Teresa's side of the bed and make her uncomfortable, she waits but a nanosecond to push or shove me back onto my side of the bed or even onto the floor. But if Quixote decides she wants to sleep next to Teresa or on Teresa's pillow, or is wrapped around Teresa's head (trapping her in a semi-paralytic state for most of the night), my beautiful wife will not move a muscle or twitch an eyelash, because she doesn't want to interrupt the fur-queen's beauty sleep.

Despite the fact that Quixote has slept 18 of the last 24 hours, she gets another great night's sleep, while Teresa and I battle over the shut-eye scraps.

In our house, though, our pets are family. Your girlfriend clearly thinks the same of her pets, and you'd better straighten out this issue now or there'll be problems ahead. I'm guessing you won't succeed in getting the pets kicked out of the house. But having pets in the bed? That may be an area for compromise, especially if you have allergies or problems sleeping.

You might even learn to enjoy having pets as family. And there is an upside to sharing a bed with pets: You don't need an alarm clock. Your pets will get you up early in time for breakfast -- theirs, that is! -- Dr. Marty Becker

(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.

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Catching a runaway dog

If your dog is loose and you're trying to get him to come to you, call him if you think he'll head back your way. Timing is everything: Call him when he's still thinking about running away.

If you know he won't come when called (or if you see that he isn't going to come), don't chase after him. Instead, whoop happily and run away from your dog so he'll be interested enough to follow you. You'll be making the most of your dog's chase instinct.

Once he is running after you, turn toward him, squat, open your arms wide and call him in an enthusiastic, happy voice.

If he runs into your arms, hug and praise him, and give treats if you have them. While you should never let a dog off-leash who isn't trained to come when called, knowing what to do in an emergency can save your pet's life, especially if he starts to run into traffic, for example.

(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.)

THE SCOOP

Anatomy lesson: How many bones in cat?

There's no set answer when it comes to the question: How many bones does a cat have? The reason? Tails and toes.

A long-tailed cat will have more vertebrae than a Manx with no tail or a Manx mix with just part of a tail. And cats with extra toes -- they're called "polydactyls" -- will also have more bones than cats with normal paws.

The range is usually between 230 and 250 bones, with the average cat counting about 244 bones (if cats could or cared to count).

The average cat has about 30 more bones than we do. But we have something cats don't: collarbones. Not that a cat would consider that a disadvantage. Without a collarbone, a cat who's not overweight can fit his body through an opening the size of his head.

Two cats with identical tails and paws will still have a different bone count if one of the pair is male and the other female. That's because the male has a tiny bone called the "os penis." -- Dr. Marty Becker

PETS BY THE BOOK

Canine behavior books aims to help, entertain

Darlene Arden's "Rover, Get Off Her Leg" (HCI, $15) is a short and sassy book of canine training advice that aims right at the heart of the most common dog behavior issues.

Arden acknowledges her own "warped sense of humor" as being one of the driving forces behind the book, and she illustrates her training tips liberally with all the little moments that make life with dogs particularly embarrassing. Mixed in with the laughter, however, is enough good information that should help dog lovers find solutions, or to know when they're in over their heads and need to seek advice from a trainer or behaviorist.

This isn't a book for anyone hoping to train a dog for competitive obedience trials. But if you need to know how to get your 6-year-old Chihuahua to stop urinating on your dining-room carpet or biting your husband every time he kisses you, this is the book for you. And given that far more dogs are turned in to shelters for house-training issues and aggressive behavior, this book will save more than carpet and relationships -- it will save the lives of dogs.

In the same vein, Arden Moore's "The Dog Behavior Answer Book" (Storey Publishing, $15) offers snappy, short answers to common canine questions. Whether it's philosophical ponderings on the nature of dogs or the age-old question of what to do when your dog hates your boyfriend, Moore puts it all together in a fun package full of interesting facts and good advice. And it's the perfect gift for a dog lover, too. -- Christie Keith

BY THE NUMBERS

Rabbits rule

When it comes to small mammals as pets, rabbits are the most popular, followed by hamsters and guinea pigs. All small mammals are common children's pets, but most have considerable followings among adults as well. Among those households with small mammals as pets, here's how the animals' popularity ranked in 2004 (more than one answer allowed):

Rabbit 43 percent

Hamster 36 percent

Guinea pig 20 percent

Mouse/rat 8 percent

Ferret 7 percent

Gerbil 5 percent

Chinchilla 4 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PETS ON THE WEB

Pushing for pets in condominiums

Retiree-haven Florida may have the greatest number of people living in condominium developments, but the problems with the kind of self-rule practiced by these communities are by no means restricted to that state.

One of the biggest areas of conflict is over rules regarding pets. Size, breed and noise restrictions can sometimes seem arbitrary and even vengeful, forcing people to choose between their homes and their animal companions.

The Florida nonprofit "Citizens for Pets in Condos" (www.petsincondos.org) has a Web site with good information on how pet lovers can fight to keep their companion animals. The group is also pushing for legislative action to give condo owners the right to keep pets.

With an aging population and the proven benefits of having pets, especially to seniors, it is time to help people keep their pets no matter where they live. -- 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 Christie Keith

Universal Press Syndicate

When Dr. Helen Hamilton of Fremont, Calif., noticed an upswing in very sick puppies coming into her veterinary practice, she started asking her clients where they got their pets.

What she found surprised her: They were coming from the Internet.

Consumers can buy anything from a book to a car online, so it might seem perfectly logical to buy a new family pet the same way. But when Hamilton and her staff went to the source of some Internet puppies, what she discovered horrified her.

"There were dogs with no eyes, dogs missing ears, dogs with old, untended bite wounds and cage wire injuries," she said. "We saw, over two days, two different females in labor go on the auction block."

Hamilton was part of a team of veterinarians and veterinary technicians who brought back 49 dogs from the dispersal auction of a breeding operation. The dogs were not only in poor physical condition, but most of them were also fearful and shy of people. That's because they'd spent their lives isolated from loving human contact while producing puppies for the pet trade.

One such dog was Sunshine, a golden retriever so afraid of people that she had to be lifted out of the van, shaking so hard her teeth chattered -- a hard thing to see, given the usual happy, tail-wagging, people-crazy nature of the breed. Another was Savannah, a miniature dachshund who huddled in her crate, crusted with diarrhea and weighing only 6 1/2 pounds -- around half her healthy body weight.

"She was suffering from malnutrition from being loaded with hookworm and whipworm," Hamilton said. "She was emaciated. And she must have been starved, because I can find no other medical problems to account for her condition."

All the dogs brought back on their most recent trip to a dog auction site in Oklahoma were suffering from health problems, many of them genetic. There were dogs missing an eye or an ear or part of a tail, dogs with inguinal hernias from having too many litters, dogs with evidence of do-it-yourself C-sections.

All of these dogs were cleaned up, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, wormed and treated for other medical conditions. All are now being placed in loving homes. But while everyone involved knows that they're making a difference for these particular dogs, they acknowledge they're not even making a dent in the overall problem.

"There are thousands of dogs that run through the auction. You can only buy a few," Hamilton said. "But that's not the point. Of course we want to get the dogs out and get them in loving homes. But the real point of doing this is to draw attention to the lives these dogs live.

"We want someone who feels the impulse to get a puppy on the Web to stop and think -- not about that cute puppy, but about his mother and father back at the puppy mill," she said. "Those dogs are spending their entire lives in tiny cages and cramped, filthy runs. And once they realize that, they'll think again and walk away."

Hamilton is working to place the dogs she brought back into new homes. But she stresses that the only real way to help the Sunshines and Savannahs still in the well-documented filth of puppy mills is simple: Stop buying those kinds of puppies.

"It's a money-driven industry, and the only way to stop it is when people become educated not to buy puppies from these sources," she said.

SIDEBAR

What is a 'puppy mill'?

The appeal of puppies as a retail item goes back at least as far as the old song "(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window?" But cruelty in the high-volume breeding operations that feed the pet trade has been documented for decades.

While there are operations that practice husbandry at least as humane as that offered to livestock, other breeding businesses care little for their animals. And even the "good" commercial breeders do not offer what behaviorists argue is essential for a temperamentally sound family pet: constant in-house exposure to normal family life and gentle socialization by all manner of people.

"Commercial kennels" become "puppy mills" when animals are housed in inhumane and filthy conditions, offered little in the way of proper medical care and disposed of when they're no longer productive as breeding stock.

There's really no way to determine what misery may exist behind the puppy you're buying unless you investigate. At the very minimum, buy only from people who are happy to show you their kennels in person. Even better is when the puppies aren't kenneled at all, but raised and socialized in the house.

While investigating a puppy's background isn't as easy as ordering with a few online clicks, you'll likely get a healthier, happier pet -- and you'll know you won't be supporting a puppy mill. -- Gina Spadafori

Q&A

'Speed eating' the sport of the Labrador

Q: One of our dogs (our yellow Lab) doesn't eat his dinner -- he inhales it! It can't be very healthy, and we'd like to slow him down. He has been with us since he was a puppy, so it's not as if he doesn't know where his next meal is coming from. Suggestions? -- L.L., via e-mail

A: Dogs only have about 1,500 taste buds, vs. 10,000 for people, so in their minds, haste beats taste. Eating is often a mechanical act designed to fulfill a nutrient need as opposed to a gourmet experience. Although few household pets have to worry about starving -- in fact about half of all dogs are overweight -- dogs never stray far from their prehistoric roots. When your dog's ancestors were sharing an elk they'd pulled down, they each wanted to make sure they got their own share. They don't call it "wolfing down" food for no reason, after all.

You can slow down your dog some, though. Dogs tend to eat more quickly when other dogs are around. So since you have more than one dog, feed them at different times or out of sight of each other. Also, give them more time to eat before you pick up their bowl, or leave their empty bowls on the floor for a half-hour after they finish eating. Other experts suggest putting a large object in the bowl along with the food. The dog has to eat around the object, thus slowing him down. A plastic ball or Kong toy works well -- a big size for big dogs and a smaller size for the little guys.

Don't be too disappointed, though, if nothing slows down your Labrador. Retrievers in general seem to be about the most enthusiastic eaters around, with Labs at the top of the list for fast eating and putting on weight easily. (Roly-poly Labs are more common than not and seem, along with beagles and pugs, to lead in the ability to pack on the pounds.) Labs love eating so much that most pet food companies have banned them from the testing rooms as they won't slow down enough to discriminate one flavor from the next.

You can try to slow down your dog, but as long as he's healthy and not overweight, don't worry too much about the wolfing. -- Dr. Marty Becker

(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 Rx

New vaccine is promising

"Man's best friend" took on a new meaning and a step forward recently at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine's national convention in Seattle.

After 6 1/2 years of research and testing at Animal Medical Center and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, a vaccine aimed at treating canine skin cancer (melanoma) patients was introduced by the drug company Merial, after receiving conditional approval March 26 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Dr. Philip Bergman, director of AMC's Donaldson-Atwood Cancer Clinic and Flaherty Comparative Oncology Laboratory, who partnered the research lead with Dr. Jedd Wolchok, an oncologist on the Clinical Immunology Service at Sloan-Kettering, called the breakthrough a landmark in veterinary medicine.

Not only is this the first veterinary cancer vaccine on the market, but it also offers hope for human patients with melanoma. The conditional licensure is for surgically removed oral melanoma, but Bergman sees many oncologists using it off-label for other melanomas.

"The vaccine," Bergman said, "tricks the body into recognizing cancer as a foreign entry. Then the body acts to eliminate it. The same strategy we have used in dogs is now working in people." The aggressive diseases are very similar and metastasize in the same places (namely the mouth, toenail bed and foot pad), and are chemotherapy-resistant.

While the vaccine is still on a USDA conditional status, it nevertheless offers canine melanoma patients' owners considerable hope. Prior to testing in 2000, dogs diagnosed with the disease and treated with conventional means (surgery, radiation and chemotherapy) survived only weeks or months. Patients from that initial study enjoyed a median survival of 389 days, but some lived between three and five years, succumbing to a cause other than melanoma.

The vaccine will be available only through veterinary oncologists, since it is still considered a test product, which allows Merial stronger data control. Four vials (one is injected every two weeks into the inner thigh) begin the treatment, followed by boosters at six-month intervals for the remainder of the animal's life. The four-vial packet is priced at $1,000 to practitioners, who will then determine the markup price. Dosage is the same for a 150-pound Great Dane and 10-pound Chihuahua. -- Ranny Green

THE SCOOP

Catnip a perfectly safe 'trip' for cats

Not all cats like catnip. The ability to appreciate the herb is genetic, with slightly more cats in the fan club than not. These hardwired preferences aren't immediately apparent, though, since kittens under the age of 3 months don't react to catnip at all.

Among those cats who do like catnip, you'll find two basic kinds of reactions: Your cat may seem to become a lazy drunk or a wired-up crazy. Credit a substance called "nepetalactone," which is found in the leaves and stems and causes the mood-altering behavior.

Is catnip safe? While some cat experts recommend that you buy only organically raised products, the consensus is that you can treat your cat as often as you (and your cat) wish. Catnip is considered to be nonaddictive and harmless.

It's also relatively easy to grow. Get seeds or seedlings from any garden-supply center, and put the pots in a place where your cat can't get to them. That's because some enthusiastic cats will pull the plants out by the roots!

When you have your catnip plant well-established, snip off fresh sprigs and rub them on scratching posts and cat trees, or stuff them into toys. Your cat will love the fresh stuff even more.

Another plant that provides pleasure to cats is valerian, so grow some of that, too. And don't forget that still other plants are just good eating, especially grasses. Keep tender shoots of grasses growing in low, long planters, and your cat will love nibbling them. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Getting help with the cat

Hiring a pet sitter is by far the most common service hired by cat lovers, and it's becoming even more popular. In 2002, 50 percent reported using a cat sitter in the last six months; in 2004, 62 percent had. Popular cat services, in 2004:

Pet-sitting at home 62 percent

Other service 16 percent

Boarding 15 percent

Pet transport 7 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Follow 'bad stuff' with a good treat

Do you remember when you were a child and you got to dig through that treasure chest in the dentist's office or got that lollipop after a doctor's visit or haircut? You can apply the same principle to increasing good behavior from your pet.

Just as with children, dogs will learn to anticipate a treat after predictable events such as getting brushed, bathed or given pills. If you give them a treat every time, you will help get your dog's mind on the treat instead of the somewhat unpleasant activity.

Always praise cooperative, good behavior during trying activities with a treat, and praise them as a final reward and a signal that you are done with the bad stuff.

(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

Every year as spring approaches, shelters and rescue groups face a daunting challenge: Find homes for the cats before the kittens arrive.

That's because once kitten season starts, even the sweetest, handsomest and most well-mannered cats may run out of time before anyone recognizes them for the wonderful companions they are and adopt them.

The sole reason: Cats just aren't as cute and playful as kittens. Being overlooked at the shelter is bad news for the cats, of course, but it's also unfortunate for many people who don't realize that an adult cat may, in many cases, be a better choice than a kitten. Sure, kittens are cute, but they also can be a bit of a trial as they grow up. They need extra time, extra training and extra tolerance for all those crazy things that kittens do.

An adult cat can slide quickly into your life. You know pretty well what you're getting with a grown cat -- activity level, sociability, health, etc. Given time in a loving environment, a grown cat forms just as tight a bond with his new people as any kitten can.

With an adult cat, knowing a little of the animal's background is important, especially if your family has other pets or children. (A cat who has never experienced them may have a more difficult time adjusting to a new family that includes either or both.) You can ask questions directly about the cat's background if you're adopting from the original owner. And most shelters or rescue groups also try to provide some basic background information, which they ask of the people giving up their pets.

What if the information isn't flattering to the cat? For example, what if he became available for adoption because of his failure to use a litter box? Give the cat the benefit of the doubt, if you have the time and patience to work on solving the problem. And remember, too, that you don't know the contributing factors. Maybe the litter box was never cleaned or was left in a spot that was convenient for the owner but disconcerting for the cat.

If at all possible, take each adult cat you're considering away from the caging area of the adoption center. Sit down with the animal in your lap, alone in a quiet place, and try to get a feel for the cat as an individual. Shelters are stressful places, so the cat may need a few quiet minutes to collect herself. A calm, confident and outgoing cat will respond pretty readily to your attention, relaxing in your lap, pushing for strokes and purring.

No matter how promising the initial meeting, remember that cats don't react well to change, so be prepared to give your new pet time to adjust to new surroundings once you take her home. Experts advise starting out your cat in a small, enclosed area -- a spare bathroom or small bedroom equipped with food and water, litter box, toys and a scratching post. A few days of quiet seclusion with frequent visits from you will relax your new pet and re-establish good litter-box habits.

If you're considering bringing a pet into your life, please don't wait for kitten season -- take the plunge now. This is the time of year when adult cats in shelters get to shine a little extra, and there are enough of them around to give you a chance to bring home a pet you'll adore for years to come.

SIDEBAR

Adult rabbits beg for homes, too

Adult cats aren't the only shelter pets facing some spring deadlines -- adult rabbits are under pressure, too. That's because spring means Easter, a time when baby rabbits show up in pet stores, advertised as the perfect holiday gift for children. By summer, many of these darling babies will end up in the shelter when their novelty wanes, adding to the overcrowding.

Rabbits are underappreciated as pets, relegated to the "kids' pet" category, often spending their lives ignored in outdoor hutches. But rabbits can be playful, affectionate and lively indoor companions for adults and older children. Most of these pets can even use a litter box with a good degree of reliability. -- Gina Spadafori

Q&A

No strings attached -- to cats

Q: Something was wrong with our cat, but we couldn't figure out what. She wasn't herself -- she was listless and uninterested in eating. We took her to the vet. Long story short, she had swallowed a piece of ribbon, and it messed up her intestines. She had to have surgery, but she's fine now.

We had no idea this could happen. Would you tell others that cats who like to play with ribbon, yarn and string need to be watched carefully? -- B.W., via e-mail

A: What would you call a kitten with a ball of yarn? A perfect time to reach for your camera? How about an accident waiting to happen? For too many cats, it's an accident -- and maybe a surgery -- waiting to happen, as you've found out. And you're right that people just aren't aware of the danger.

Kittens and cats love playing with yarn, as well as string, ribbon and anything that twists and dances. They like to stalk, to pounce, to flip their slender prey in the air, and to start stalking again. That's all good clean fun, but there's always a chance that your cat won't stop with play and will decide to eat his plaything. And that's where the fun stops, because any sort of yarn, ribbon, Christmas tinsel or string can cause havoc in your cat's intestines, causing a problem that may need to be surgically treated.

If you knit or sew, put your supplies securely away after you're done with them, and if you're opening or wrapping packages, clean up after you're done. Packing material such as foam peanuts can be a health hazard for your pet, too.

Chewing on electrical cords is more of a risk for inquisitive kittens, but protecting your grown-up cat against them wouldn't hurt either. Tuck all cords out of the way. And if you notice some you can't hide and that are attracting kitty teeth, coat them in something nasty, such as Bitter Apple (available at pet-supply stores), to convince your cat or kitten to chomp elsewhere.

Even if your pet's not really the playful type, she may find one kind of string irresistible: juice-soaked string from a roast or turkey. Dispose of these tempting dangers carefully, putting them in a container your cat can't get into.

For the cat who loves to chase things, get a "cat fishing pole" and play with your cat. It's good bonding for you both, and good exercise for your cat. When you're done playing, though, put the toy where your cat can't get it. -- Dr. Marty Becker

(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 Rx

Check with vet before pilling pet

Here's an easy rule to remember: Never give your pet any over-the-counter medication without clearing it with your veterinarian first.

That's a good rule to remember in general, but in particular, it applies to painkillers. Although you can safely give aspirin to arthritic dogs, the smaller size and different metabolism of cats make aspirin a dangerous proposition for them. Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, can kill your cat, as can some of the newer, longer-lasting painkillers available in nonprescription form for human use.

If your pet is in pain, call your veterinarian immediately. Cats in particular are very stoic, and if you're noticing your pet's discomfort, he's really suffering and needs immediate care. As for chronic pain, your veterinarian can prescribe something that's effective and pet-safe. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PET BUY

Tuffie's toys take a lickin'

Manufacturers send me all kinds of pet toys, and not many of them stand up to the animals in my household. The kitten shows no interest in some "interactive" cat toys, and the dogs quickly dispatch the most "indestructible" of dog toys. Dog toys that can be used for tug-of-war games seem particularly short-lived, since my two youngest retrievers love to pull toys apart between them.

We've had a couple of different Tuffie's pet toys -- rings and a sea creature -- in the home since February. The dogs love carrying them around, chewing on them and trying to pull them apart. So far, the toys have passed all the tests. A couple of them are just a little frayed around the edges, but the integrity of the toy itself is not at all in question.

The manufacturer says Tuffie's toys are constructed with multiple layers of hefty and durable luggage-grade material and seven rows of stitching. They're fine for retrieving in water and will also stand up to the washing machine (but should be air-dried). What's more: The company says it tested these toys with a tiger (and you thought your dog was tough on toys!).

Tuffie's are available from most pet-supply retailers and catalogs. Prices vary by size, starting at suggested retail of $8 for small-dog toys and $15 for the toughest big-dog toys. For more information, visit www.MyDogToy.com. -- Gina Spadafori

THE SCOOP

Beware the little weed that can kill

One of the biggest health threats to dogs in the Western states is a common weed known as the foxtail.

Its seed heads, or awns, are sharp at one end and covered in tiny barbs that can move easily in one direction but not the other. The pointy awns get tangled in dogs' coats and then work their way into the skin -- but can't work their way out. They also lodge in the ears, between the nail and the toe, in the eyes, in the nasal passages or in any bodily opening.

Once lodged in the body, they cause infections that can be life-threatening, especially if they enter the lungs or the brain. Most commonly, they cause areas of swelling in the foot or leg. Dogs who go into fields, vacant lots or pastures are at greatest risk.

While many states have weeds that go by the name "foxtail," the one responsible for most of the problems is found only in arid Western states. The foxtail originated in Europe and is also known as "wild barley" (Hordeum murinum). It thrives in areas where the native groundcover has been disturbed, and tends not to do well in cultivated landscapes such as irrigated lawns.

The foxtail is soft and mostly harmless in the winter and early spring. After that, however, it dries and becomes dangerous, and remains dangerous until the autumn.

No matter where you live, if your dog is pawing at his face, sneezing constantly, licking his paw, or has an unexplained lump or swelling anywhere on his body, seek immediate veterinary care. Foxtails can lodge in any bodily opening and can migrate anywhere in the body. So if your dog goes into grassy areas, particularly if you live in the West, be sure to ask your vet if a health problem might be caused by this plant. -- Christie Keith

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Reasons for seeing the vet

According to the Veterinary Pet Insurance Co., the top 10 reasons why cats go to the veterinarian (based on insurance claims) are:

1. Urinary tract infections

2. Stomach upsets

3. Kidney failure

4. Skin allergies

5. Diabetes

6. Respiratory infections

7. Ear infections

8. Tooth extractions

9. Colitis

10. Hyperthyroidism

Source: www.petinsurance.com

PETS ON THE WEB

Cats can learn to love leashes

Leashes, collars and harnesses make fashion statements. And while your kitten is looking good, collars and harnesses provide safety, identification, exercise and control.

Introduce pet fashionables when your kitten is little and still young enough to be curious. Put the collar on when the kitten is eating or relaxed on your lap. Then take it off. When the kitten accepts the collar, leave it on longer. Try attaching a leash and letting the kitten drag it around the kitchen after a meal. Do the same with the harness. Keep each experience short and sweet. Choose bribery over force. Many cats learn to accept harnesses with leashes. Those lucky kittens get to walk outdoors and travel with their owners.

(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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