Universal Press Syndicate

Spend any time at a veterinary emergency hospital and you'll see that some people who bring their pets in didn't need to -- the condition was minor and could have waited until morning.

But then you worry about the people you don't see: those who don't recognize a truly life-threatening illness in their pets. Will those pets make it until morning? And how much suffering will they endure until then?

A really sick pet may be pretty obvious, as with an animal who has been in a bloody fight or has broken bones after being hit by a car. But not all medical emergencies are as obvious, so how can you tell the difference?

First and foremost: Call your veterinarian (or an emergency veterinary clinic if it's after hours). It's better to make a call, or even a trip, you needn't have made than to put your pet's life at risk. Normal findings and peace of mind are, as they say, "priceless."

Otherwise, taking your "ain't doing right" pet's temperature is a good place to start figuring out if more help is needed. Normal is between 100 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit for dogs and cats. Anything below 99 or above 103 is worth checking with a veterinarian, day or night.

Some other "see the vet now" indicators include seizure, fainting or collapse, as well as any suspected poisoning (including antifreeze, rodent poison, snail bait or human medication). Snake or spider bites, too, demand immediate attention. Cats in particular can be fatally sensitive to insecticides (such as flea-control medications that are safe for dogs), petroleum-based products or medications such as Tylenol.

Sometimes situations that might not seem urgent really are, such as eye injuries or allergic reactions -- swelling around the face or hives. A single incident of vomiting or diarrhea is probably nothing, but anything more than two or three times within an hour or so could indicate a serious problem. Other signs of possibly serious conditions are breathing problems, chronic coughing or difficulties urinating or defecating, the latter especially in cats.

Animals can sometimes seem fine after accidents, even after being hit by a car, exposed to extreme heat or cold, or being cut or bitten. Even if your pet looks OK, you need to take him to a veterinarian right away to check for internal injuries that can kill if left untreated.

There are also situations that may not be life-threatening but are certainly painful enough to warrant immediate veterinary attention. Some of the signs of an animal in pain include panting, labored breathing, lethargy or restlessness, loss of appetite, aggression, hiding or crying out.

While it may be possible to wait until your regular veterinarian is available when the problem is "only" pain, put yourself in your pet's place. Would you want to hurt all night if you could get relief sooner?

Of course not, so we're back to the first point: When in doubt, call the vet.

SIDEBAR

Have first-aid supplies ready

Preparing for an emergency is always good advice.

The first step: Program your veterinarian's phone number into your cell phone under VetE (for veterinarian emergency).

Next: Assemble a first-aid kit.

Basic supplies include: adhesive tape, antihistamines (such as Benadryl), antiseptic (such as Betadine), cotton (balls, swabs and rolls), corn starch or styptic powder (such as Kwik Stop), Karo syrup, tweezers, hydrogen peroxide, scissors, sterile gauze (pads and rolls), pet thermometer, antibiotic ointment, anti-diarrheal (such as Pepto-Bismol), clear plastic cling wrap (such as Saran Wrap), activated charcoal and a water-based lubricating jelly (such as K-Y). Add a soft fabric muzzle (for dogs) or a restraint bag (for cats), since an animal in pain may lash out.

You can buy a ready-made kit from a pet retailer. Hunting-dog outfitters, such as Gun Dog Supply (www.gundogsupply.com), have extensive selections of kits in durable containers -- no surprise, since an injury to a working dog may happen far away from a veterinarian.

Finally, remember the Boy Scout motto: "Be prepared." Check locally for pet first-aid and CPR classes to take before you need them. And read up. Amy Shojai's "The First-Aid Companion for Dogs and Cats" (Rodale Books, $20) is one of the best books on pet first aid around.--– Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori

Q&A

Is acupuncture legit for pets?

Q: Our veterinarian hired a new associate, and she's really pushing "alternative" care, especially acupuncture. It seems a bit woo-woo to us. Is there anything wrong with sticking to good old-fashioned medicine? -- I.R., via e-mail

A: If you're talking old-fashioned, there's no doubt acupuncture would qualify. It has been practiced for centuries.

"Alternative" or "integrative" care is hot in human medicine and, not surprisingly, in veterinary medicine as well. Lumped under the term "alternative" is a wide range of treatment options, from acupuncture to chiropractic to homeopathy to herbal medicine.

The whole patient is generally the focus, rather than the specific disease. "Western" medicine does better with acute illness, such as a bacterial infection, or with trauma, such as a broken leg. Alternative medicine's strength is often in dealing with more chronic conditions, such as arthritis.

Some veterinarians originally trained in Western medicine have furthered their study and now practice alternative care exclusively. Many others accept elements of alternative care as a complement to Western medicine. For my own pets, especially the seniors, I have had good results over the last few years with this "integrative" approach -- mixing the best of Western practice with alternative care, primarily acupuncture.

As I mentioned, some alternative treatments have been practiced for centuries, with good results. But I also see advertisements for "miracle herbs" that seem to be little more than snake oil, taking advantage of a pet lover's emotions. As always, work with your veterinarian (Western or alternative), ask what the benefits and risks are to any treatment, and do your own independent research to help you make sound decisions on your pet's care. -- 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

Save a yard: Let dog dig

-- Digging pits are a good idea, says Cheryl Smith, dog trainer and author of "Dog Friendly Gardens, Garden Friendly Dogs" (Dogwise, $20). She says that many dogs, such as terriers, love to dig, so feed the need. Make the pit twice as long as your dog and at least as wide as your dog is long. Fill it with at least a foot of loose sand and dirt, and hide some tasty treats to get the digging started. Praise for a job "well dug." Smith also suggests making a dog tunnel. Cover a good-sized pipe with dirt, creating a mound but leaving the ends open. Your dog will either run through the tunnel playing chase or will take cover in the tunnel on a hot day.

-- Louisiana's recent ban on cockfighting makes this cruel practice illegal in all 50 states.

-- More than half of current asthma cases in the United States are the result of allergies, especially to cats, according to a National Institutes of Health study. Cat allergens were found to account for 29.3 percent of asthma cases, followed by fungus and white oaks.

-- Which animal has the greatest sex drive? Esquire magazine says generally the more social the species, the more likely it is to have sex for reasons other than just reproduction. Mother Nature's high achievers, sexually speaking, include pygmy chimpanzees and dolphins.

-- Car tires patterned after the toe pads of tree frogs are in production, reports Science magazine. -- Dr. Marty Becker

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Cats need more variety

Cats may become fixated on certain food shapes and textures, not accepting anything unfamiliar as food. When cats will eat only certain textures and tastes of food, they suffer if put on special diets or if a favorite brand becomes unavailable. And good luck trying to trick the food-fixated cat by hiding pills!

Avoid the problem by feeding kittens and cats a variety of foods. Introduce new foods by hand when the kitten or cat is very hungry. Mix a small amount of new food in with favorites to encourage acceptance.

Feed kittens and cats a wide selection of foods in various flavors, sizes, textures and shapes. Vary treats and flavors to keep your feline flexible in the food department.

(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 BUY

Every pet needs a safe way to travel

Few things are more important to your pet's comfort and safety than having a sturdy travel carrier. This is especially true for cats and smaller pets such as parrots, ferrets and rabbits. But it's also true for large dogs, who may seem just fine on a leash.

The reason? In a disaster, the pet who travels with his own "hotel room" is easier to deal with than one hanging out at the end of a leash.

I have always had all kinds of carriers, both in my van and in my home, where I can grab one in an emergency. When I travel with a smaller pet (such as my cat) on an airplane, I prefer to use a soft-sided carrier, such as the Sturdi (www.sturdiproducts.com). The flexible ribbing makes it possible to put the carrier under the plane's seat while still leaving as much room as possible for a pet.

For most all other uses, though, I prefer rigid carriers made of wire (from Precision, www.precisionpet.com, or Midwest, www.midwesthomesforpets.com) or hard plastic. Petmate (www.petmate.com) has long been the industry standard in hard-plastic carriers, and its large product line has something for every pet. With my big dogs, I use both wire crates and hard plastic ones, from all three companies.

For my cat, though, I prefer the Double Door Deluxe (small size is $30) from Petmate, which offers two ways to get pets into and out of the carrier. The Double Door carrier is also handy for when either my rabbit or parrot needs to see the vet. And for these animals, having their choice of doors makes what can be a stressful time for all just a little bit easier. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

There's nothing some dogs won't chew

If you've ever been embarrassed by your underwear-munching dog, take heart: You're not alone. The Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. surveyed its claims and came up with a list of the top items that had to be surgically removed from pets. Underwear was No. 2. Here's the list of the top 10:

1. Socks

2. Underwear

3. Pantyhose

4. Rocks

5. Balls

6. Chew Toys

7. Corncobs

8. Bones

9. Hair Ties/Ribbons

10. Sticks

Source: www.petinsurance.com

THE SCOOP

Proper handling keeps parrots tame

Altitude has a lot to do with attitude, at least when it comes to parrots. Pet parrots who see themselves as dominant to their owners can often be retrained just by getting their height adjusted.

The rule is known among behaviorists as "your head, my heart" and requires you to keep your bird's head no higher than your heart. That means canceling shoulder rides in favor of letting your bird perch on your waist-level arm or hand. It also means removing cage-top play gyms and lowering the height of the cage itself by removing the stand on which most models rest.

When your bird no longer looks down on you physically, he won't be as likely to look down on you socially. You'll then be in a better position to train him in the basics of well-mannered behavior. -- 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

It's the question every pet lover dreads, the one for which there's often no easy answer: "When is the right time to say goodbye?"

Choosing to end a pet's life is the hardest decision we make when it comes to our pets, and we can tell you from decades of experience that it's a decision that never gets any easier. Your veterinarian will offer you advice and support, and friends and family can offer you sympathy, but no one can make the decision for you. When you live with an elderly or terminally ill pet, you look in your pet's eyes every morning and wonder if you're doing what's best.

Everyone makes the decision a little differently. Some pet lovers do not wait until their pet's discomfort becomes chronic, untreatable pain, and they choose euthanasia much sooner than others would. Some owners use an animal's appetite as the guide -- when an old or ill animal cannot be tempted into eating, they reason, he has lost most interest in life. And some owners wait until there's no doubt the time is at hand -- and later wonder if they delayed a bit too long.

There's no absolute rule, and every method for deciding is right for some pets and some owners at some times. You do the best you can, and then you try to put the decision behind you and deal with the grief.

The incredible advances in veterinary medicine in the past couple of decades have made the decisions even more difficult for many people. Not too long ago, the best you could do for a seriously ill pet was to make her comfortable until that wasn't possible anymore. Nowadays, nearly every advantage of human medicine -- from chemotherapy to pacemakers to advanced pain relief -- is available to our pets.

But the addition of high-level care shouldn't change much when it comes to easing suffering: If you can have a realistic expectation that a course of treatment will improve your pet's life -- rather than simply prolong it -- then those options should be considered. But you must also ask yourself: Am I doing right by my pet, or am I just holding on because I can't bear to say goodbye?

If it's the latter, you know what decision you have to make.

Many people are surprised at the powerful emotions that erupt after a pet's death, and they can be embarrassed by their grief. Often, we don't realize we're grieving not only for the pet we loved, but also for the special time the animal represented and the ties to other people in our lives. The death of a cat who was a gift as a kitten from a friend who has died, for example, may trigger bittersweet memories of another love lost.

Taking care of yourself is important when dealing with pet loss. Some people -- the "It's just a pet" crowd -- won't understand the loss and may shrug off grief over a pet's death as foolish. I find that the company of other animal lovers is very important. Seek them out to share your feelings, and don't be shy about getting professional help to get you through a difficult time.

Choosing to end a pet's suffering is a final act of love and nothing less. Knowing that your decisions are guided by that love is what helps us all through the sad and lonely time of losing a cherished animal companion.

SIDEBAR

Finding help when you need it

You're not alone in losing a pet, and many resources are out there to help you cope with your emotions during a difficult time. Here are places to go for help:

-- Pet-loss hot lines. Most veterinary schools offer pet-loss support lines staffed by volunteer veterinary students. The University of California-Davis had the first, and it is still taking calls from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Pacific Time, Monday through Friday at 800-565-1526. A list of other pet-loss hot lines can be found on the American Veterinary Medical Association's Web site at www.avma.org/careforanimals/animatedjourneys/goodbyefriend/plhotlines.asp.

-- Pet-loss chats: The Web site PetHobbyist.com offers a pet-loss chat every night of the year, which is staffed with volunteer moderators and attended by other pet lovers. Petloss.com is another online resource for information and help.

Q&A

Halter problems? Try a harness

Q: I've heard that head halters can cause serious injuries if used incorrectly. A too-abrupt tug could jerk a dog's head, causing neck or spinal injuries, couldn't it? -- S.T., via e-mail

A: Anything's possible, which is why I don't recommend using a head halter with one of those long, reel-type leashes. The force of a running dog hitting the end of a 30-foot line does have the potential to cause injury.

In truth, just about every piece of canine equipment has the potential for problems if used incorrectly. Slip-chain collars can choke a dog or injure his neck. Breakaway collars, designed to release a dog who's caught on something, can result in a dog being off-leash when it's least safe, such as next to a busy street. And head halters can jerk a dog's head around.

Dogs who don't know how to walk nicely on leash end up not being walked at all -- and that can contribute to obesity and behavior problems. The same people who came up with the head halter have more recently come up with a product I like much, much better: the front-clip harness, which is called the Easy Walk. There are a few different ones on the market now, and they all work on the same theory: When the leash is clipped to the front of the harness (as opposed to the top center of the back), a dog's own forward momentum is used to keep him from pulling.

I've been recommending this product for a couple of years now, because it really works. It's especially wonderful for people who run with their dogs and for making it possible for supervised children to walk even a big dog.

Mind you, it doesn't train your dog not to pull on the leash. If you switch back to a collar, your dog will pull again. It's a management tool, and a great one.

I have never liked head halters. They make even nice dogs look as if they're wearing muzzles to keep from biting someone. And some dogs don't like them, especially at first. But everyone I've recommended a front-clip harness to has come back raving about it. Again: It really works.

The Easy Walk is available from pet retailers or from Premier (www.premier.com).

If you don't know what's right for your dog or how to use it, find a trainer who can help you choose the appropriate equipment and show you how it works. Every piece of training equipment is right for some dogs, but no single item is right for all. And no piece of training equipment is safe or effective unless it's fitted and used properly. -- 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

Chip cancer scare unwarranted

-- Veterinary experts say there is no evidence that cancer is a problem in microchipped pets. More than 14 million-plus microchips have been implanted with only four cases in question.

-- The ASPCA is rolling out a forensics first: the nation's only animal crime scene van. USA Today reports that the $250,000 mobile forensic unit -- equipped with X-ray machines, computers, examination tables, cameras and video equipment for documenting evidence -- will travel when requested by local officials to wherever there are multiple cases of abuse or cruelty. Those most often will be dog-fighting operations, puppy mills or animal-hoarding situations.

-- Elephants are the largest land animals, yet these goliaths move quickly when they hear the buzz of a bee swarm, reports LiveScience.com. Their fear could be used to protect them from deadly conflicts between man and beast by strategically placing beehives (or even recordings of them) as an invisible fence of sorts.

-- Aging cats can develop a feline form of Alzheimer's disease, a new study reveals. Some 28 percent of pet cats aged 11 to 14 years develop at least one age-related behavior problem, and this increases to more than 50 percent for cats over the age of 15. Experts suggest that good diet, mental stimulation and companionship can reduce the risk of dementia in both humans and cats.

-- Mister Ed, the talking horse of the 1960s television show, is buried under a wild cherry tree near Tulsa, Okla. The palomino lived to the ripe old age of 33. -- Dr. Marty Becker

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Praise for proper placement

If you are house-training your puppy, recognize the behaviors that come right before your puppy eliminates. When you see your puppy begin to circle and sniff, or see his tail up in a certain way, quickly interrupt the moment with a loud and sharp-sounding, "Ah, Ah, Ah!"

When your puppy looks up, clap your hands and say in a friendly, excited tone, "Good puppy -- let's go," as you lead him outdoors to the place you have chosen as the puppy potty. Then look at the sky and be still like a tree. Your puppy needs to go, so it's only a matter of time.

When the deed is done, crouch down with open arms, praise your puppy, and invite him to a big heap of loving.

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

PET TIP

Easy cleanups for messy birds

Cleaning isn't just about neatness -- it's also about health. Clean, fresh food and water are essential to pet birds, and so is keeping their environment as free as possible of bacteria, fungus and molds, all of which can lead to disease.

You can keep things relatively neat with a few supplies kept close to the cage and used on a constant basis. Among them:

-- Newspapers. Bird lovers go through a lot of newspapers. Put all the glossy inserts in the recycling bin, and stack the rest for use in the cage tray and under play areas.

-- Cloth towels. Worn bath towels are great for protecting clothing from bird poop -- just drape a towel over your shoulders.

-- Spray bottle with cleaning solution. Keep this near the cage, along with towels. Since birds are sensitive to fumes, skip the ammonia, bleach, pine solutions or any other strong cleaners. Simple soap and water are fine for everyday touchups, or you can try Poop-Off, a product developed just for bird cleanup.

-- Handheld vacuum. Great for snarfing up food pellets and feathers.

-- Mats for underneath the cage. The heavy, clear plastic mats intended for underneath desk chairs and sold at office-supply stores keep most of the gunk off the floor. Newspapers catch the rest.

-- Trash bin. Again, right by the cage. Every time you change the cage liner, put the old newspapers in the trash.

A few minutes spent cleaning a couple of times a day keeps things in good order and makes the weekly cage scrubbing easier to accomplish. Clean cage papers daily, at a minimum, and clean everything else as soon as the mess hits. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Veterinary specialists abound

The United States has almost 85,000 veterinarians, the majority of whom (56,000) are in private practice. Among those veterinarians (those not in the chart treat a variety of other kinds of animals, such as exotics, so numbers won't total 100):

Treat companion animals 76 percent

Treat horses 6 percent

Treat food animals 9 percent

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association

PETS ON THE WEB

No need for war with wildlife

As we've grown out from the cities and developed more and more land for housing, it's no surprise that conflicts between humans and native wildlife are a big problem.

Conflicts can be kept to a minimum by blocking off attics, chimneys and crawl spaces to prevent wildlife from setting up housekeeping, and by keeping garbage cans and other food sources securely sealed.

The Humane Society of the United States has an excellent collection of articles on the group's Web site (www.hsus.org/wildlife/urban_wildlife_our_wild_neighbors) that offers more suggestions on living peacefully with urban wildlife. From coyotes to skunks to deer, the site provides information that will minimize the potential for nuisance. The site offers advice on products that can help discourage animals, along with case studies of nonlethal methods of dealing with conflicts. -- 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

and Christie Keith

Universal Press Syndicate

Just as with human medicine, advancements in the way we think of and treat pain for animals is improving the quality of life for pets, with veterinarians now being able to choose from a wide array of products and strategies to ease the hurt.

"Animals can feel all the same aches and pains that we can because they share the same physiologic structures," says Dr. Robin Downing, owner of Colorado's The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management.

Treating pain doesn't just make the hurting stop: It also promotes healthy healing. Untreated pain slows healing time, interferes with sleep and depresses the immune system. The treatment of pain improves respiration, shortens post-surgical hospitalization times, improves mobility, and can even decrease the spread of cancer after surgery.

Most veterinarians prescribe pain medication when needed, but some still believe a pet will move around less during recovery from surgery or injury if in pain -- a belief no longer supported by studies. If an animal needs to be restrained, it's better to use a leash or a crate.

Still, many owners don't give pets pain medications -- even if they are prescribed -- because of concerns about side effects. All drugs can cause unwanted effects, but those risks need to be balanced against the problems caused by untreated pain. Side effects can also be minimized by using drugs appropriately.

The family of drugs known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can cause ulcers and damage the kidneys in pets, just as they can in humans. But in the same way that people continue to use these drugs for everything from headaches to back injuries, NSAIDs have a valuable role to play in the management of animal pain.

When NSAIDs are needed, it's essential to follow label recommendations for veterinary testing and monitoring of liver and kidney function. Pet owners should review all potential side effects with the veterinarian and stop giving the drug immediately if vomiting or lethargy is observed, or if the pet stops showing interest in eating.

Pain-management experts also suggest asking the veterinarian about the human drugs misoprostol and sulcrafate, which can help protect the stomach lining and prevent ulcers. For dogs, the prescription of Tramadol has been on the increase, and many dogs unable to tolerate NSAIDs have benefited. Tramadol can also be used with NSAIDs and can be taken with steroids, which NSAIDs cannot.

Complementary and alternative medicine also has much to offer dogs and cats suffering from chronic pain. Acupuncture, physical therapy and supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can relieve arthritis pain. The veterinary drug Adequan Canine, an injectable relative of glucosamine, can target inflamed joints and help rebuild cartilage.

Some dogs and cats, such as those with certain kinds of cancer, need the powerful pain relief that only opiates can provide. Owners often dislike these drugs because they make pets groggy. Fortunately, if long-term use is necessary, the sedation effect usually lessens after a few days.

Opiates can also cause nausea and lack of appetite. A bit of catnip often takes care of this for feline patients, while peppermint or ginger -- even in the form of a gingersnap -- can make a dog feel better. There are also prescription medications that can help control nausea.

Downing is one of just a handful of veterinarians worldwide credentialed in human medicine's American Academy of Pain Management, as well as being a certified veterinary acupuncturist and physiotherapist. Her approach to pain takes into account the pet's lifestyle and family issues as well as the actual source of the pain.

"I certainly leverage all the tools I can for fighting pain," Downing says. "But my long-term strategy is always maximum comfort and mobility with minimum negative impact on the body. We rely on physical medicine techniques, adapted from human medicine, to complement what we accomplish with medication as well as nutrition."

Pain control is never a "one size fits all" prescription, and there are dozens of drugs that can be used alone and with other medications to relieve all but the most extreme pain in animals.

When a veterinarian isn't sure how to get to the bottom of a pet's pain, it's always worth asking for a consultation with a specialist to design a safe, individualized pain-management program. Veterinary specialists in oncology, surgery and anesthesia are usually most familiar with the wide variety of drugs available today and their safe use.

SIDEBAR

Pamphlet offers advice you need

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is now offering a brochure for veterinarians to give to their clients who are prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for their dogs. Approved NSAIDs in the United States include:

-- EtoGesic (etodolac)

-- Rimadyl (carprofen)

-- Metacam (meloxicam)

-- Deramaxx (deracoxib)

-- Previcox (firocoxib)

-- Zubrin (tepoxalin)

-- Novox (carprofen)

And though aspirin is available without a prescription, it's important to note that it is also in this class of drugs.

The brochure stresses both the benefits of these drugs and the risks, and is available for free on the FDA's Web site at www.fda.gov/cvm/Documents/NSAIDBrochure.pdf. If you don't have access to a computer, you may be able to get the brochure printed out at your local library -- or ask your veterinarian's office to print it out for you. -- Gina Spadafori

Q&A

Which is better: rabbit or guinea pig?

Q: My 7-year-old son is dying for a dog. That's out, because I'm not really a dog person. I've also ruled out lizards and snakes. My husband is allergic to cats, so that's out, too. We're down to either a rabbit or a guinea pig. Pros and cons? -- P.R., via e-mail

A: I tend to prefer recommending guinea pigs for younger children, because rabbits can be surprisingly fragile. If a rabbit is held insecurely and kicks out in fear, he can break his back -- a sad ending for both the child and the animal.

Guinea pigs are better designed to be a child's pet. They're smaller than most rabbits, rounder, have shorter legs and are easier to hold than even dwarf rabbits. If your son is gentle enough to learn to handle a pet carefully, though, either pet will do. You might volunteer to provide vacation care for a rabbit or guinea pig owned by one of your son's friends first, just to be sure the animal isn't an allergy trigger for your husband.

Both rabbits and guinea pigs are a lot more interesting than most people realize. Throw them in a tiny cage or hutch with nothing to do, and they'll just shut down. But set them up with a little room to roam inside the house (canine exercise pens made of plastic or metal make great enclosures), with toys for playing and chewing, and they'll come alive.

Many guinea pigs and rabbits will readily adapt to using a potty box filled with an inch or so of pressed paper or wood pellets that's been topped with fresh grass hay. These pets can serve as efficient and enthusiastic recyclers of vegetable scraps from your kitchen, and they will turn them into waste products that will supercharge your compost pile. (You don't scoop the box -- you just replace the contents regularly, as everything in the box is compostable.)

I prefer to not feed my rabbits a pelleted food. Instead, I offer them all the fresh grass hay they want along with twice-daily offerings of fresh greens -- collard, mustard and so on -- plus broccoli and other vegetables and treats of apple slices. Guinea pigs are not able to produce their own vitamin C, however, and so must have a commercial pellet formulated just for them as a base for their diet.

VeterinaryPartner.com has excellent articles on caring for all small pets, written by Dr. Susan Brown, who's known for her work with these animals.

A final bit of advice: Although longhaired rabbits and guinea pigs are gorgeous, the amount of maintenance those coats require make them highly impractical as a child's pet. -- 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

Joint disease often untreated in cats

-- An article in Veterinary Practice News compared the written medical records of 100 cats older than 12 years to X-rays of the cats taken at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. The study found that while only four records contained mention of degenerative joint disease (DJD) by veterinarian or owner, X-rays found DJD in 90 percent of the cats. The study concluded that DJD occurs in most geriatric cats and is overlooked and undertreated.

-- Dogs bit 4.7 million people in 2006. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers tips on preventing bites on its Web site at www.avma.org.

-- Pigeon flocks cannot be eliminated through methods such as trapping or poisoning. Los Angeles is one of the pioneers in using new methods of controlling these messy urban nuisances. The Animal Radio Network reports that a product called OvoControl is administered to birds in treats from rooftop dispensers. OvoControl, which has also been used successfully to control populations of Canadian geese, causes changes in the egg so that it cannot develop or hatch. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PET BUY

No draft from the pet door

The first thing I did when moving from one house to another a few years ago was to have a contractor put a pet door through an exterior wall, and then build a long, gently sloped covered ramp so my dogs would always have access to "the bathroom."

My door-and-ramp setup is perfect for our needs, but the initial cost -- a tick over a grand for the entire project -- makes it an expensive way to keep drafts out of the house.

PetSafe's new Extreme Weather PetDoor (starting at $60 retail for the small size) has a three-flap design that the manufacturer says will dramatically reduce the loss of heat. It fits into most standard doors and is available through pet-retail outlets. More information is at www.petsafe.net. -- Gina Spadafori

DOGCARS

Scion xB: A better breed of boxy

When Toyota announced plans to redesign its Scion xB for 2008, the devoted owners of the brave little toaster-shaped vehicle didn't know what to expect.

What they got was a larger, rounder version of the iconic and endlessly customizable cult classic -- a new version of a vehicle that's solidly built, relatively inexpensive and lots of fun to drive.

So how is it for the dog-car crowd? Pretty darn excellent, even if the xB still isn't going to knock the Honda Element off for the title of Best Dog Car Ever. (Could it be that Toyota considered the non-dog-owning populace when designing the new xB? Say it isn't so!)

The difference always comes down to the cargo area -- space and versatility. And while the xB's seats fold down flat with ease, the Element's seats flip up and sideways, opening up the latter vehicle right down to the floor and turning it into a smallish panel van.

The xB's approach -- 60/40 fold-down seats -- is more traditional and probably more comfortable, if you have human passengers at least as often as canine ones. Still, with the seats folded flat, the new Scion doesn't lack for cargo space -- it's quite roomy, especially when compared to the older xB.

Base-priced at a competitive $16,500 for the manual transmission and a grand more for the automatic (my fully loaded manual tester came out around $20,000), the xB won't have you spending at the fuel pump, either (22 mpg city/28 mpg highway) -- nudging out the Element on both price and fuel-sipping.

Gina Spadafori is the lead vehicle reviewer for the Pet Connection's DogCars.com Web site.

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Veterinary specialists abound

The level of care available to pets has never been higher, in part because of the number of veterinarians who continue their education to become board-certified specialists. Their ranks include:

-- Internists (including cardiologists, neurologists and oncologists): 1,675

-- Surgeons: 1,131

-- Ophthalmologists: 271

-- Nutritionists: 51

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association

PET TIP

Pets need more 'yes' than 'no'

What is it about people that makes so many of us inclined to open our mouths when we see something wrong while thinking silence is golden when we see something right?

This tendency makes it much harder for pets to learn exactly what it is we are trying to teach them. Ideally, your pet should hear "yes" 10 times to every "no."

When your puppy is not pulling on leash -- praise! When your kitten is not jumping on the counter -- praise! Your pets will seek negative attention over no attention, and the behavior that gets your attention will be repeated. Every time you see your pet doing something you want -- such as sitting, looking at you, waiting quietly -- praise, praise, praise!

(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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