Universal Press Syndicate

For years those who care about iguanas have been struggling against ignorance and the toll it takes on these reptilian pets.

Iguanas are relatively inexpensive pets to acquire, which makes them popular, especially for children. But caring for them properly is neither cheap nor easy -- a point too often not realized at the time of purchase -- and there the problems start.

The cost of a proper setup can set a new iguana owner back a lot more than the price of the pet itself, but incorrect housing can kill an iguana. So too can an incorrect diet.

The good news is that the fashion in reptilian pets seems to be changing, with more people migrating toward pets that are easier to care for, such as the bearded dragon or other mild-mannered reptiles. (From 2002 to 2006, iguana popularity fell from 17 percent to 12 percent among people who keep reptilian pets, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.)

Those who do keep iguanas -- or are up to the challenge of getting one -- can find plenty of good information around now, thanks in no small part to the work of avid fanciers, including those behind National Iguana Awareness Day, which is set for Sept. 8 this year.

If you want a pet iguana (or have one already), here are some tips to keep your pet in good shape:

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

Chop the vegetables into a size that can be easily handled by the pet, and mix and store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Offer small amounts twice a day and sprinkle the food with a calcium supplement, available from pet-supply stores, catalogs or Web retailers that specialize in reptiles. This diet can be supplemented by high-quality commercial foods.

Water should be available for both bathing and drinking. A ceramic dish in the enclosure is a must. Many iguanas also enjoy being sprayed with mist a couple of times a day.

-- Housing. The bigger the better. Little green babies can grow to be as large as 6 feet in length in as little as three years. Cages or aquariums must be kept scrupulously clean and dry to prevent bacterial or fungal diseases. The iguana's enclosure should be lined with newspapers or, better yet, clean newsprint. (Roll ends of clean newsprint are available from many newspapers.) Other possibilities for good footing include indoor-outdoor carpeting, Astroturf or even paper-towel squares. Avoid sawdust, litter, wood shavings or gravel.

Silk artificial plants can improve the appearance of the enclosure and are easy to keep clean. Provide your pet with a place to hide, such as a cardboard box, and some branches for climbing.

Uneaten food and soiled areas must be promptly removed. For disinfecting, avoid pine oil cleaners and use a solution of 1 part bleach to 30 parts water. Remember that proper sanitation and handling are essential for your protection as well as your pet's, since salmonella is a risk when proper hygiene procedures aren't followed.

-- Heat and light. Instead of a hot rock, use a heating pad or an undercage strip designed for use with reptiles, or a ceramic basking lamp, which emits heat but no light.

Captive reptiles need ultraviolet B light from an artificial source. Pet stores sell lightbulbs that provide the proper light for iguanas. It's best to approximate natural conditions by supplying 10 to 12 hours of light per day.

Those who love and properly care for their iguanas wouldn't have any other pet. But for most people, the work required to keep an iguana (especially a big one) is just too much time and money. It's always better to know what you're in for before you take home that cute little green baby.

SIDEBAR

Check out the best sites for reptile fans

It's not always easy to find good information on unusual pets such as snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs and other reptiles and amphibians. These Web sites can help pet owners connect with other herp fans and find reliable care advice:

-- Kingsnake.com (www.kingsnake.com) is the oldest and largest online reptile community in the world. It offers free chats, newsletters and photo galleries, as well as special guest events with leading herpetologists, breeders, veterinarians and researchers.

-- Herp Vet Connection (www.herpvetconnection.com) lists vets who are familiar with cold-blooded animals. Don't wait until your reptile is sick to find a herp-friendly veterinarian

-- Herp and Green Iguana Information Collection (www.anapsid.org) is an encyclopedic resource and one of the most respected herp sites on the Web, covering captive care requirements for lizards, snakes, invertebrates and amphibians. Its iguana resources in particular are a gold mine for anyone keeping, or considering, iguanas as pets. -- Christie Keith

Q&A

Puppy keeping her baby teeth

Q: Our Aussie puppy is losing her baby teeth, which we know is perfectly normal. We have noticed something that worries us, though. On her lower jaw, in the front, one of the adult teeth didn't push out the baby tooth, but came in behind it, making a double row of teeth at the spot.

The baby tooth seems loose, but it's still there and doesn't seem easy to pull when we try (plus, she gets impatient with our fiddling with it). What should we do? -- T.W., via e-mail

A: Dogs are amazingly well-adapted to their original purpose -- versatile eaters of almost anything -- through the virtue of their teeth.

They have 42 of them (puppies have 28), but that's not the whole story. Adult dogs have four different kinds of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars and molars. And though the collection isn't well-suited to grinding down material, the teeth are good for getting meals fresh -- as in, on a dog's own -- or dealing with whatever he may find in a day of doggie travel. (The puppy collection is missing molars because he doesn't have to grind food, as he's on a liquid diet, courtesy of mom.)

It's those large and significant canines that attract the most attention. In fact, the teeth are so famous that even in other species -- cats and humans, for example -- those "fangs" are called "canines."

Puppies start losing those baby teeth at around 4 months of age. The incisors fall first, then the canines at about 6 months, and finally the molars. The adult teeth push the baby teeth out, and all that puppy chewing helps the process, while also making a puppy feel better about the discomfort associated with teething.

Now and then, though, a baby tooth will be retained, a situation quickly remedied by the veterinarian with a quick yank during a puppy visit if waiting it out or wiggling it loose doesn't do the trick. -- 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 BUZZ

Among Titanic survivors -- two little dogs

-- The Titanic had many dogs on board, and the passengers enjoyed them so much that an informal dog show was scheduled to be held on April 15 (the ship struck the fatal iceberg on April 14). According to an article on www.animalradio.com, all but two of the pets were lost when the ocean liner went down. A Pomeranian and a Pekinese were lucky enough to accompany their respective owners, Margaret Hayes and Henry Sleeper Harper (of Harper publishing fame) on one of the first lifeboats to be lowered.

-- Worldwide, rabies kills 55,000 people per year.

-- The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center hot line handled 116,000 calls in 2006 and recently released a list of the top 10 hazards reported. On the list: human medications, insecticides, veterinary medications, plants, rodenticides, household cleaners, chocolate, chemical hazards (such as antifreeze, drain cleaners and pool chemicals), physical hazards (objects that are knocked over, broken, chewed up and swallowed), and home-improvement products (paints, glues and solvents).

-- More than 350 service agencies with names like Doody Duty, DoodyCalls, Scoopy-Poo and Pooper Trooper have sprung up to pick up where pets have left off, according to Business Week. The pooper-scooper industry is seeing annual growth nearing 50 percent.

-- Yogurt is good for a dog's digestion. Try a canine smoothie: Use 8 ounces of strawberry or raspberry yogurt, 1 cup of raspberries or 6 large strawberries, 1 very ripe banana, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 cup of ice. Blend at high speed until smooth. You can serve this fresh from the blender or put it in small containers and freeze for a frozen treat later.

-- Portland, Ore., ranks No. 1 among U.S. cities for dog parks per capita. The city offers 31 off-leash recreation spots in all. -- Dr. Marty Becker

THE SCOOP

Can't count on feline anatomy

You can't say for sure exactly how many bones any particular cat has, because many cats have some anatomically unusual traits. A cat with a normal tail will have more vertebrae than a Manx with no tail, or a Japanese Bobtail with just part of a tail. No surprise that cats with extra toes sport a few extra bones, too.

The range for all cats runs between 230 and 250 bones, with the "average" cat having 244 bones -- about 30 more than humans do, by the way. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PET Rx

New medication halts the canine queasies

While it may be a dog-eat-dog world, it's also a dog-eat-garbage world. Not surprisingly, the indiscriminate snacking habits of dogs, added to the canine tendency toward motion sickness, makes vomiting one of the most common reasons dogs are taken to a veterinarian. An estimated 3 million dogs have a bout of vomiting each year, and an additional 7 million dogs suffer from vomiting caused by motion sickness.

Luckily for dogs with upset stomachs, the owners who worry about them and the veterinarians who treat them, Pfizer Animal Health now offers Cerenia, the first product developed and approved to treat and prevent vomiting in dogs. The drug comes in both an injectable form that is used primarily to treat vomiting in the veterinary hospital and a tablet form that is used by pet owners to prevent motion sickness or treat vomiting at home. (The drug is given one hour before travel.)

"In the past we gave sedatives for motion sickness, and pet owners always faced the dilemma of when to repeat the drug. With Cerenia there's no sedation, and it has convenient, easy-to-understand dosing," said Dr. Tom Carpenter, the owner of Newport Harbor Animal Hospital in Costa Mesa, Calif., and the president of the American Animal Hospital Association.

Carpenter also likes the fact that while in the past medication to stop vomiting had to be given through continuous intravenous infusion or dosed as many as four times per day, Cerenia can be given just once a day.

"I feel safe giving the drug while waiting for radiographs, blood work or other diagnostic samples to come back. Plus by utilizing Cerenia to treat or prevent vomiting, we're going to save pet owners some money," he said.

While vomiting is common in dogs and often no cause for alarm, you should treat this condition as an emergency if you've seen the dog swallow some poison or a poisonous plant, if the vomit has blood in it, if your dog is lethargic or disoriented, or if he's throwing up with alarming frequency. In these cases, every minute counts in rushing your pet to the veterinarian. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Who brings home the kibble?

The kids and dad may beg for a pet, but mom had better be on board with the addition. That's because chances are she'll be the one doing the shopping. Only when the pets are saltwater fish does the percentage of women doing the shopping fall. According to a 2006 study:

Women as primary shoppers

All pets 79 percent

Dogs 79 percent

Cats 81 percent

Saltwater fish 67 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Little dogs need training, too

In our practice we sometimes joke with each other about specializing in aggressive Chihuahuas.

Surprised? Most people don't worry about small breeds developing aggression. But the truth is it's easier to ignore the signs of bad behavior in small dogs because they seem more like babies than dogs to us.

Dogs and human brains share many features. But dogs interpret human behavior in a purely canine way, and that's different from the way we people see it.

When people provide everything the dog wants when he wants it, the dog begins to respond by increasing demands. Then, one day, the owner sees the dog guarding a toy or food and decides enough is enough. The result? A dog bite.

The relationship too often goes downhill from there. Be forewarned and forearmed with proper training and socialization, even with -- especially with -- tiny dogs.

(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

The very reason our ancestors first decided they wanted cats around is used today in arguing against allowing any cats to roam freely: They hunt, efficiently.

The predatory skill cats brought to eliminating rodents in grain storage is now argued to be a danger to endangered species and prized songbirds. That's another good reason for keeping pet cats inside, but what to do with the ferals -- pets gone wild and their unsocialized offspring?

Advocates of TNR -- trap, neuter and release -- say maintaining healthy, neutered feral cat colonies is the best way to reduce feline numbers and problems. And, they argue, it's both a kinder and more effective way than trapping and killing untamable cats.

There have always been kind-hearted people who feed homeless cats, even if it's just sharing a tuna sandwich from a park bench. There have also always been people who find colonies of feral cats to be annoying: The cats make noise, they mess and spray, and they multiply like, well ... cats.

Cities, colleges and military bases -- and others with large pieces of land to manage -- used to routinely handle feral cat colonies by trapping all the cats and killing those who could not be tamed for adoption.

TNR advocates argue that just feeding feral cats makes the problem worse (because the animals keep breeding), but that trapping and killing the cats doesn't solve the problem in the long run, either.

Instead, TNR volunteers trap the cats, place the ones they can in caring homes, and return the truly untamable to their original territory after they've been neutered and vaccinated. These colonies can then be fed and cared for in a hands-off but humane way, while their numbers dwindle naturally because the reproductive taps have been turned off for good.

Trap, neuter and release programs for feral cats seem counterintuitive to many people. If you don't want cats around, wouldn't it make sense just to remove them permanently?

But when you remove cats, TNR advocates say, other animals take their place. That's because the food source that attracted to the cats will still be there, which means more cats (or rats, coyotes or raccoons) will eventually show up. They point to studies showing that TNR policies really do reduce feral cat populations.

Neutering reduces the fighting, yowling and spraying behaviors, many of which are associated with fighting over mates. The neutered cats defend their territory, too, and prevent other animals from moving in -- including unneutered cats who could breed. The colony caretakers are quick to remove and find homes for any abandoned pets who turn up, as well as any kittens.

While such programs aren't perfect -- and aren't considered appropriate for ecologically sensitive locations or areas where the protection of small-prey species is necessary -- trap, neuter and release is an option that must be considered where feral cats are a problem.

TNR is a strategy that's both humane and sensible, and it should be allowed to become the new "common knowledge" when it comes to feral cats.

SIDEBAR

Alley Cat Allies: A cat's best friend

Feral cats have no better friends than the folks at Alley Cat Allies.

The Maryland-based group has spent years challenging and changing the widely held belief that the only way to deal with feral cats is with extermination.

The group's Web site (www.alleycat.org)is a well-organized tribute to the idea that information is power. There's something for everyone, from a kindhearted person looking to help a single feral to local authorities trying to weigh the options for local feral-cat colonies.

The group is more than a Web site, though. Their volunteers were out in force to rescue cats in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and they are active in feral cat management throughout the nation. -- Gina Spadafori

Q&A

Why can't our pugs fly?

Q: We are the proud owners of two pugs. We're thinking ahead to vacation plans to visit my husband's family on the other side of the country. Of course, we want to take our dogs. In doing a little research, though, we discovered that air travel isn't recommended for dogs like ours. Why not? -- T.W., via e-mail

A: Dogs with extremely short muzzles and rounded heads are called "brachycephalic." And despite their adorable, almost human expressions, they have a host of related health challenges related to the non-standard-issue canine anatomy.

The dogs are notoriously heat-intolerant, and they have such difficulty breathing that air travel is generally not recommended, as you've read.

But that's not all the health challenges for these dogs.

The malformation of the skull often results in crowding of teeth that can cause dental issues. And because there isn't a lot of room for eye sockets, the relatively large, round eyes that give these breeds their endearing appearance have a tendency to pop out in response to rough play or other head trauma. Finally, the folds of facial skin on these dogs can be difficult to maintain.

Veterinarians can correct some of these issues with surgery that may seem cosmetic but can actually improve the quality of life for these pets.

Even with a veterinarian's help, though, air travel may be too high a risk for short-nosed dogs. If you can travel with both of yours in the cabin with you -- check with your airline -- the risk will be reduced. But putting them in cargo generally isn't recommended.

Talk to your veterinarian about what's best for your pugs, including any factors that may increase the degree of danger, such as obesity. In the end, you may well decide that if you cannot drive and cargo is the only option for your pugs, it may be best to leave them home. -- Dr. Marty Becker and 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 BUZZ

Implant an alternative to canine neutering

-- A new contraceptive implant that halts testosterone and sperm production for months at a time may be used as an alternative to neutering in dogs. This product in already licensed in Australia, European approval is imminent, and steps are being taken to offer the implant in North America.

-- The oldest archaeological site with a cat burial is about 9,500 years old and was found in Cyprus.

-- A survey of 450 veterinarians revealed their belief that the most important factors causing obesity in dogs are: too much food, 37 percent; not enough exercise, 27 percent; too many treats, 26 percent; and genetics, 10 percent.

The same survey given to 1,000 dog owners found that only 17 percent classified their dogs as overweight or obese, with veterinarians saying that 47 percent of their canine patients were overweight or obese. Guess it's true: Love is blind.

-- The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that $9.8 billion will be spent by pet owners on veterinary care in 2007.

-- Fleas bite more than 400 times per day -- that's more than 4,000 bites a day if a pet has just 10 fleas. No wonder fleas make pets so miserable.

-- Medicines such as Prozac are given to cats who spray urine, parrots who pull their feathers out when bored, dogs who are destructive when left alone and zoo animals missing their natural habitats. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PETS ON THE WEB

Pet emergency advice for free

Are you ready to evacuate with your family -- pets included -- in case of a disaster? If you're not sure, take some time to visit the Ready.gov Web site's special section on pets (www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html).

The federal government site offers a video overview of what's needed, plus a downloadable brochure that can be printed out at home. Guidance on what to think of and have on hand in advance is laid out in simple, concise terms.

In recent years -- most notably in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina -- we've learned to respect how strong the bond is that people share with their pets. Providing for these animals keeps everyone safer, since many people won't look after themselves until they know their pets are OK, too. -- Gina Spadafori

THE SCOOP

Click with your cat for more fun

Some people point to the dog's ability to learn obedience commands and tricks as proof that dogs are smarter than cats. Others point to the same thing as proof that cats are smarter than dogs -- cats don't have to work for a living.

Cats and dogs are different in how they relate to us. Dogs have an ingrained need to be part of a family structure and to have a job to do within that family. Dogs are that way in large part because wolves are that way -- survival depends on the family, or pack.

The cat came from a different place, descended from solitary hunters who didn't need teamwork to survive.

If you want to put a good spin on it as a cat lover, you could say that dogs need to be with us, while cats choose to.

Because of this distinction, you absolutely cannot get a cat to do something he doesn't want to. Something must be in it for him. When training a cat, that something is usually food.

For example, you can start teaching the "sit" command to a hungry cat using a table, a quiet room and some treats. Get your cat to stand up by touching her on her back in front of her tail.

Then hold the treat a little over her head, saying her name and the command "sit." Slowly move the treat between your cat's ears, but not high enough for her to pick her front paws off the ground and grab the tidbit. Instead, she'll sit. After she does, praise her and give her the treat. Work in short sessions and be patient. Your cat will eventually get the idea!

Build on your successes. From "sit" can come "sit up." Many cats also love active tricks, such as jumping through hoops.

"Clicker" training -- marking a correct behavior with a noise and following with a treat -- works great when training cats.

Clicker-training guru Karen Pryor offers a collection of instructions, streaming video, books, and other tools and tips for clicker-training cats on her Web site at www.clickertraining.com. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Parents rush to get pets

Even though many experts caution that very young children aren't always a good match for pets, many parents can't wait. According to a 2006 study, the age of the oldest or only child when a pet was brought into the home:

Dog Cat

Child under 5 61% 57%

Child 6-9 18% 18%

10 and older 21% 25%

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Cats aren't good at sharing

Cats are territorial, which means they are not crazy about sharing.

They don't like sharing anything a cat uses or enjoys, including food and water bowls, litter boxes, scratching posts, resting and climbing areas, toys, and the attention of the people in the home.

To prevent problems, go overboard in adding feline favorites when you add a new cat to your family.

Don't put everything in one location. Instead, spread resources throughout the house. If needed, give one cat a "sacred" room that is off-limits to the others.

Cats are individuals. The more you can pay attention to body language and daily behaviors, the better you will be at making any helpful adjustments. Ears back, tails tucked or tense muscles mean a cat who's not happy sharing.

(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

After many years of caring for and writing about pets, two things constantly surprise us:

-- How little it takes for some people to break the human-animal bond and dump a pet. For some people, any failure on the pet's part to meet often unrealistic behavior expectations can cause an end to a pet's stay in the home.

-- How much it takes for some people to even admit there's a problem with a pet. For these people, giving up on a pet isn't an option. But they often don't realize they can get help that will make life better for everyone in the family, pet included.

Life doesn't have to be this way for those pet owners at either extreme, or for most people in the middle, who have some mild behavioral challenges with a pet. While some behavior problems aren't fixable -- a dog who has attacked with true intent to harm, for example -- many other issues can be resolved.

To accomplish such change, though, you have to be prepared to put some time into changing the situation. Quick-fix, halfhearted efforts are doomed from the start. And you need help from your veterinarian and a pet-behavior expert.

Why your veterinarian? Because the first rule of solving any behavioral problem is to make sure it's not a medical problem. Health issues that cause or contribute to behavior problems must first be accurately diagnosed and treated with the help of your veterinarian.

Once you know your pet is healthy, a behaviorist can help you work on getting you and your pet on the same page.

This is the stage where many people balk, but they shouldn't. Consulting a behaviorist can save 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 replacing a chewed couch or blitzed landscaping. And aggravation? Anyone who has ever lived with a problem pet -- and that's most of us, at one time or another -- can understand how annoying it can be.

Behaviorists are not "trainers" in the sense of offering group obedience classes to sharpen a pet's manners. Instead, they work one-on-one with you to solve a specific behavior problem. The consulting takes various forms. Some behaviorists consult by phone, others take appointments with or without your pet, and others make house calls. All of these can work, depending on the problem and the pet.

One of the best choices for help is a veterinarian who has received additional certification in solving pet-behavior problems. These professionals have gone through years of study in animal health and behavior and have done a residency in the field as well. One plus with this group: They can prescribe medications to help correct problems as part of an overall behavior-modification program.

People with other academic degrees (such as in psychology) and people who've picked up their knowledge in the field also make themselves available for advising on pet behavior problems. Some in the latter group can be excellent, so don't let a lack of degrees deter you from getting help from someone who has studied in the "school of hard knocks" (or would that be the "school of bites and scratches"?).

If you're in a situation where you're thinking of dumping your pet, are living with a difficult pet behavior problem or just have a couple of issues you'd like resolved, don't put off getting the help you need. With the help of a veterinarian and a good behaviorist, you can have that peaceable kingdom you've always wanted.

SIDEBAR

Where to find pet-behavior help

The best place to start dealing with a pet's behavior problems is by asking your veterinarian for a referral to a local trainer or behaviorist. If you come up with nothing suitable, check out the nearest school or college of veterinary medicine -- most have veterinarians on staff with additional training in animal behavior.

You may also find a veterinarian working with pet behavior problems through one of these organizations:

-- American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (www.dacvb.org)

-- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (www.avsabonline.org)

Other organizations whose members have experience in solving pet-behavior problems include:

-- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (www.iaabc.org)

-- Association of Pet Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com)

-- National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (www.nadoi.org) -- Gina Spadafori

Q&A

Towels keep setter calm

Q: Regarding your article on dogs who react poorly to fireworks and thunderstorms, may we share what works for us? My husband found a way this year to get our dog through the Independence Day fireworks.

We ask our English setter to lie down on the floor. We then put three beach towels over his body. We think that blocking his vision and reducing his hearing did the trick. He was quiet the whole time. Usually he keeps trying to find a place to hide, and he shakes the entire time the fireworks are going off. Yet this dog does not mind the sound of a gun when out hunting. Go figure! -- M.M., via e-mail

A: I would guess your innovative improvisation works like commercial products such as the Calming Cap (www.premier.com or 888-640-8840) and the Anxiety Wrap (www.anxietywrap.com or 877-652-1266). Really, you've provided your dog with a combination of both! Your beach towel cure helps your pet to relax because it cuts off some of the sensory input, and it may even offer the calming sensation of pressure on the body.

As for your dog thinking the gunfire associated with hunting is fine while fireworks is not ... well, part of it is likely because he enjoys doing the work he was bred for, out on a beautiful day with someone he loves. The sound of gunfire means good things to your dog, while the fireworks are just scary noise. Thanks for sharing! -- Dr. Marty Becker

Q: May I add one more tip to your piece on dogs and swimming? Watch for signs that your dog is drinking too much water while swimming.

I have a friend whose Australian shepherd drinks quite a bit of water when she swims. One day she almost died from water intoxication because she drank too much water while she was swimming. -- J.M., via e-mail

A: Thanks for the additional caution. Yes, it's true that some dogs drink too much water, and even clean, fresh water can become a problem in such circumstances. (Brackish water and saltwater can cause their own problems, especially when toxic algae blooms are in season.)

As we wrote in our earlier piece, swimming is great fun and good exercise. But it's always up to us to be sure our dogs are safe in and around the water. That's true if it's your backyard pool or any nearby body of water. Thanks for writing with your additional words of warning. -- 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 BUZZ

Pets two times the allergy 'fun'

-- Dogs and cats are primary carriers of allergens (their own dander, urine and saliva trigger allergy responses) as well as secondary carriers. Their coats are like a dust mop filled with whatever pollen is in the air or on the ground. Weekly baths with a hypoallergenic shampoo have been shown to help.

-- Feline eye implants offer hope for humans. A University of Missouri veterinary ophthalmologist hopes the technology behind microchips to curb retinal blindness in cats may one day help humans.

-- A dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) designed to mimic a scent that mother dogs produce to calm their puppies has been shown to minimize anxiety in response to stressful sounds or experiences including fireworks, thunderstorms and car travel. This product is available in a spray, as an air diffuser or on a collar from Veterinary Product Laboratories (www.vpl.com).

-- Your average opossum has 13 nipples arranged in a circular pattern with one in the middle.

-- According to the Morris Animal Foundation, the dog breeds most likely to get cancer include the Bernese mountain dog, boxer, chow chow, cocker spaniel, collie, English springer spaniel, flat-coated retriever, golden retriever, Labrador retriever, greyhound, pug, shar-pei, Scottish terrier and Rottweiler. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PET BUY

Make a batch of pupsicles

Everybody appreciates cool refreshment on hot days, and that includes our pets. Keep pet water supplies cool by adding ice chips or cubes to the water supply of smaller pets, ice blocks for larger animals. Ice blocks can be made easily by freezing water in used margarine tubs.

If you want to get a little fancier, check out Ice Pups from The Honest Kitchen (www.thehonestkitchen.com or 858-483-5995). The product is dehydrated chicken and turkey, along with other healthy ingredients such as honey and dandelions. It contains no salt, preservatives, sugar or artificial flavoring. Mix the powder in warm water and then freeze either into blocks or cubes. You can also serve it as a cool liquid treat.

Suggested retail is $7.50 for a 4-ounce pouch that makes 16 servings. -- Gina Spadafori

PET BOOK

Good advice on keeping dog parks safe, fun

Dog parks sound like a wonderful idea -- a fenced, dedicated area for dogs to run around off-leash and play with other dogs. What's not to love?

Unfortunately, there can be plenty of problems. Unscooped poop, dog fights, unattended children, unsupervised dogs, rude owners and damaged fences can ruin the dog park experience, not just for dogs and their owners but for entire communities.

"Some dogs just aren't right for dog parks, and others need a little assistance to appreciate the social opportunity," writes Cheryl S. Smith in "Visiting the Dog Park: Having Fun, Staying Safe" (Dogwise, $12). "You will be better able to see that all goes well for your dog if you have some essential knowledge of dog parks before venturing through the gate."

Some tips from the book:

-- Teach your dog to come when called. You'll be able to call her away from potential fights and open gates, and get her to leave when you're ready, not when you can catch her.

-- Make sure you know how your dog reacts with other dogs before that first visit.

-- Use the "personality types" guide to decide if your dog has the right temperament to use a dog park at all, or if she needs some training and socialization first.

-- Check fences and gates for safety before letting your dog loose in a dog park.

-- Obey the rules! Keep gates closed, pick up after your dog, and don't let your dog bother other dogs.

This useful book is just the place to gain that knowledge, from how to prepare your dog for his first visit to the park to how to read canine body language. Along the way it covers evaluating dog parks for safety, safety tips for small dogs, preventing diseases and even how to find -- or start -- a dog park in your community. -- Christie Keith

BY THE NUMBERS

More the merrier

While most people with dogs are happy to have just one, among cat lovers the trend is for multiple ownership. Figures from 2004:

Number of cats owned:

One 49 percent

Two 25 percent

Three or more 26 percent

Average number of cats owned: 2.4

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Teach your pup to do push-ups

Puppies and dogs need lots of mental and physical exercise. Teaching "push-ups" gives dogs of all ages and sizes a great release for excess energy.

Since dogs read body language better than they learn verbal language, teach them hand signals for these behaviors.

With your elbow at your side, lift up your hand for a "sit," and move your hand down to your side for a "down." In the beginning, praise and give a treat for each "sit" and "down." As your dog learns the pattern, phase out treats by rewarding the down only, then every other down. Always praise for each position before going to the next.

Canine push-ups are great way for canines to earn attention, toys or permission to pass through doorways.

(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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