Universal Press Syndicate

The relationship we've had with our pets has changed dramatically in recent decades. They've gone from the barnyard to the backyard to the bedroom, where they now are as likely as not to sleep on the bed with us.

Our pets have gone from utilitarian workmates -- cats as vermin hunters, dogs in many different jobs -- to a single role, that of cherished companion. But the goods needed to care for them and live with them are only now making the change from utilitarian to attractive, a trend very much in evidence at Global Pet Expo, the pet industry's massive annual trade show, which just wrapped up a three-day run at the convention center in San Diego.

While there were still plenty of plain-Jane bowls and no-frills scratching posts, it was clear the flat-out homeliness of so many wonderfully functional pet products is changing. Retailers large and small are beginning to show pet gear that's as handsome as it is functional.

From the major players like Petmate (with its sleek line of waterers in a half-dozen color choices) and Hagen (with its Ikea-inspired stands for bird cages and aquariums) to any number of small entrepreneurs, the shift toward pet gear that's attractive enough to fit into even the loveliest home was remarkable.

Two of those small entrepreneurs were Linda McCallum and her husband, Fred Lomax, who together were showing off a line of pet doors with facades that could be changed to match the look of a home's interior or exterior, or even the whim of the pet owner. Lomax, a furniture maker, came up with the idea after designing a custom pet door for the actress Linda Evans.

Evans' home is filled with custom furnishings made by Lomax that combine centuries-old design with modern functionality. She called him to ask for a door to match for her cat, Zen.

"She said, 'If I'd known it was going to look this beautiful, I'd have put it in the front door,'" said Lomax. McCallum, a 30-year friend of Evans' with a background in marketing and motivational speaking, knew they were on to something.

"We were looking for a new business," she said, adding that they soon realized that the basic pieces of the pet door hadn't changed much in three decades and also had some room for improvement.

Lomax is also an engineer, and together they came up with a design that sealed tightly and had a stainless steel panel that slipped into place and locked for security. The prototypes were done in Lomax's shop, and in the end they had taken a utilitarian mainstay and made it not only functional, but also beautiful. (The doors start at $70. Online at classycustom.com or call 866-615-6228.)

Many others were thinking along the same lines, including Brad White, a former executive with The Sharper Image, whose Midnight Pass company (Midnightpass.com, 877-844-4438) has brought several made-over pet-industry staples into his product line, most notably a Murphy bed for pets and a pet gate that looks like a piece of art.

With such choices coming from companies of all sizes, pet gear has now followed the trail worn by pets themselves, and consumers can now begin to choose merchandise that won't make them cringe to look at. With the popularity of home-design magazines and entire TV networks, it's a trend that's sure to grow.

Q&A

Better collar choice than 'choke' chains

Q: Why are so many "experts" trash-talking choke chains? I have a very strong dog -- a pit-Lab mix -- and a choke chain is a must to keep him in line. We used a head halter after a "trainer" insisted, but it didn't do the job. We'll never take off his choke chain again. -– C.S., via e-mail

A: I hope you're taking that slip collar (aka "choke" chain) off when you're not walking your dog. They are not safe as an everyday collar. Use a snap-together or buckled collar instead, or you may find your dog killed when the loop of the slip collar catches on something and he cannot get free.

The bigger problem with slip collars is that they are cruel and ineffective if used improperly -- and I almost never see them used the right way. They're put on upside down (with the moving end coming under the neck instead of over it), or are just kept constantly tight as the dog drags the owner down the street. Slip collars require not only knowledge of how they should be used -- if they're choking the dog, they're not being used properly -- but also a sense of timing that few people can manage.

That's why many trainers and behaviorists take the pragmatic approach and recommend head halters or front-clip harnesses, or even pinch or prong collars. All of these training tools are considerably less reliant on the skills of the dog's owner to use them properly, which means in the real world they manage leash-pulling more effectively.

Not all head halters and front-clip harnesses are created equal, though, and some designs are better than others. Work with a good trainer to ensure the correct piece of equipment and fit for the dog. A trainer can also help you teach your dog to accept a head halter more easily, if that's your choice, and can help you both learn the skills you need to walk safely and calmly with the proper equipment, which for many people is not a slip or "choke" collar. -- 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

Westminster show longtime TV staple

-- When the beagle known popularly as Uno (but officially as Ch. K-Run's Park Me In First) was named Best in Show to a standing ovation at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, he was also being cheered in dog-loving homes across the country. His win may have made news for a beagle, but the televised celebration was old hat: The first telecast of Westminster was back in 1948, three years before "I Love Lucy" premiered. Westminster is the second-oldest continuously held sporting event in the United States, second only to the Kentucky Derby.

-- A cat's claws are designed to move a cat forward, anchoring her as she propels herself. If that forward direction is up a tree, it's difficult to head back down. Instead, the gracefully powerful movement of a cat heading up a tree is counterbalanced by the crashing and (if she's lucky) controlled free fall she'll use to get down.

-- When Global Pet Expo, the massive annual pet industry trade show, wrapped up its three-day run recently in San Diego, more than $150,000 worth of new pet supplies from the booths were donated to the San Diego Humane Society. The show's sponsor, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, says that donating the new merchandise is more cost-efficient for pet-supply companies than hauling everything home and is certainly more beneficial to the shelter animals. -- Dr. Marty Becker

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Choosing litter? Let your cat decide

If you want your cat to use her litter box, don't just offer whatever's on sale. Instead, show some courtesy and ask her opinion first.

Let your cat choose from a litter buffet. Buy at least four different types of litter. Choose at least one that is the clumping kind -- the No. 1 choice of most cats. Fill each box with at least 2 inches of litter, and watch her exercise her opinion. When it comes to litter choices, you'll be happier when your cat is happiest.

Donate the rejected brands to a local shelter, but save the boxes. Keep your cat happy by washing the litter box monthly with soap and water. As an insurance policy against one of the biggest cat behavior complaints -- house-soiling -- replace the litter box with a new one every six to 12 months. Don't risk having your feline choose an undesignated area as her new fresh-scent toilet.

You can bleach plastic as long as your cat is through with it. (Cats often reject bleached toilets.) You can go green by using the old, disinfected boxes for other uses. Plant marigolds or place garden tools in them, among other options.

But do give your cat the choice. Just as some people are picky about one-ply toilet paper versus two or fragrance vs. none, some cats are sensitive to the smell and feel of their litter.

(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.)

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

What dogs (and cats) get into

Banfield The Pet Hospital's medical database, DataSavant, reported the top 10 dogs most susceptible to eating something that requires medical attention to remove:

1. Dachshund

2. Beagle

3. Labrador retriever

4. Golden retriever

5. Boxer

6. Rottweiler

7. Pit bull

8. Yorkshire terrier

9. Pomeranian

10. Chihuahua

For cats, at the top of the list is the inquisitive Siamese.

THE SCOOP

Veggie goodies great for pets

March is when we all start thinking of gardening. If you're putting in some new plants or a new vegetable garden, don't forget to include a few that your pets will enjoy.

Carrots are favored by many dogs and make a great substitute for commercial treats, especially for overweight pups. Catnip is a natural for cats, but also consider valerian, another herb that makes kitties dance with joy. Cats and dogs both love nibbling new greens -- not only grass shoots, but also mustard, kale and more.

Rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and other rodents will enjoy any leafy vegetable you plant. And as for parrots, what's good for you is great for your bird. The fresher the better! -- 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

We love the mystery of cats. Every cat keeps a part of his nature a secret, and for us cat lovers, the mystery is part of the charm.

But it's also part of the problem when trying to figure out if a cat is sick. Too often, the signs of illness in cats are so easy to miss that we don't notice our pets are ill until they're very ill indeed.

To catch illness early, a cat lover must become a keen observer not only of the physical cat, but also the emotional one.

Make observing your cat a part of your everyday routine. You don't have to make a big production out of it. Just be aware of any changes in your cat's condition in a session that begins with petting and ends with your cat's favorite game -- or more petting, if that's what your cat prefers. After all, anything that you and your pet find enjoyable, you'll continue to do on a regular basis, and routine health observances need to be regular to be useful.

You must be aware not only of your cat's body, but also of his personality. Many times, behavioral changes noticed by cat owners are later confirmed as illnesses through the use of such diagnostic tools as blood or urine tests. Again, your instincts are sometimes better than you know!

Always be aware of the subtle changes in your pet's behavior, especially regarding the following areas:

-- Changes in eating habits, especially loss of appetite. Be aware of how much your cat eats, and make a mental note of any changes. More than a day without eating is reason for concern. In a multicat household of free feeders, you may have a hard time figuring who's eating what. Make a conscious effort to see each of your cats at the food dish daily. Better yet, feed them measured portions daily.

-- Changes in litter-box habits. Many times, a "behavior" problem is really a health problem, such as a cat who is either avoiding the litter box or is using it more often than normal. A cat with an undiagnosed urinary-tract infection or diabetes, for example, may break his normal patterns of litter-box use. He's not "bad" -- he's sick!

-- Changes in drinking habits. Cats drink more in the summer than in the winter, but even taking that into consideration, you should be aware of changes in your cat's drinking habits, whether it's too much or too little.

-- Changes in grooming. If you notice your cat looking ill-kempt, he likely has a problem, especially if he's normally fastidious. Grooming is one of the most important parts of a cat's routine, and the cat who isn't taking care of his coat isn't well.

-- Changes in voice. You know what's normal for your cat -- how often he pipes up and how he sounds when he does. If your cat is noisier than usual or more quiet, or if the sounds he makes are different, something is going on.

Don't be shy about taking a cat to the veterinarian on a hunch. Veterinarians see such cats so often, they have shorthand for it: "ADR," for "ain't doing right." Many times your veterinarian's examination, coupled with a diagnostic test or two, will turn up a problem. With a proper diagnosis, your cat can be back on the road to good health quickly.

SIDEBAR

Prize drawings on PetConnection.com

Starting in March, everyone who signs up for the Pet Connection's twice-monthly e-mail newsletter will be automatically entered in a monthly drawing for pet-care gear and donations to pet-related local charities.

In March, Premier Pet is offering a gift basket worth $500 to the e-mail newsletter subscriber whose name is drawn on April 1. In addition, Premier will make a $500 cash donation to the nonprofit local shelter or rescue group of the winner's choosing.

The prizes change every month. Check out PetConnection.com for rules and details -- and to sign up for the e-mail newsletter.

Q&A

Pudgy bun needs lifestyle change

Q: Our bunny is fat. He doesn't get much exercise, and he seems very unhappy when we cut down on his kibble. Do you have a suggestion? He is having a hard time getting into his litter box, and that means more cleanup. -- G.O., via e-mail

A: Ditch the pellets, and increase his ability to move.

Diet has a huge impact on the health and well-being of any creature, and the rabbit is no exception. Common health problems in the rabbit directly relate to diet, and those include obesity, gastrointestinal diseases and dental disease.

All pet rabbits need a high level of indigestible fiber, which, along with adequate water, is vital for the normal and healthy functioning of their gastrointestinal system. Rabbits need to have their levels of carbohydrates and protein controlled to avoid obesity and kidney disease.

Properly fed rabbits do not need to have supplements added to their diets. Rabbits produce a good portion of their own vitamins, amino acids and other nutrients through the production and re-eating of special feces called cecotropes.

A basic healthy daily diet for a domestic rabbit should include unlimited grass hay and a minimum of 1 cup of fresh leafy greens for every 2 pounds of body weight. Use as many varieties of greens as possible, and offer other vegetables and fruits as well, in more limited amounts. Rabbits also need an ongoing supply of fresh, clean water.

Pet rabbits do not need commercial food pellets. If used at all, the pellets should be of a high-fiber, low-protein variety given in very small amounts. Pellets should never be the only food for a pet rabbit.

Add toys to his environment, everything from hay-filled boxes for chewing to balls for rolling. If you can, add an exercise space –- a dog's exercise pen or portable toddler yard is ideal -- or give him a bunny-proofed part of a room to play in. A playmate isn't a bad idea either. Shelters and rescue groups have plenty of adult rabbits in desperate need of homes, and you should be able to bond with an adult rabbit with proper introductions.

If you do add an extra bunny, be sure both are neutered. They make better pets when de-sexed, and it prevents the addition of more unwanted rabbits. Don't delay, because rabbits breed like ... well, you know! -- 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

Rare Singapura the smallest cat

-- "The smallest feline is a masterpiece," said Leonardo da Vinci. If that's the case, the Singapura must truly be an amazing work of art. The former Singapore street kitty is among the smallest breeds of cat, with females weighing as little as 5 pounds. The largest breeds? Look to the Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest, Ragdoll and Siberian. The males in these breeds often approach or even exceed 20 pounds.

-- The American Veterinary Medical Association and Hill's Pet Nutrition have joined together to help veterinarians and veterinary staff educate clients about the health implications of obesity in cats and dogs. The alliance is offering the 2008 Obesity Awareness and Prevention Kit to veterinary clinics, and is launching the 2008 PetFit Challenge and PetFit Tour. The kit contains materials to assist in starting the conversation with clients regarding the optimal weight of their cats and dogs. The program guide provides tips for initiating the weight discussion, promoting pet fitness and improving compliance. The kit also contains cat and dog owners' guides to healthy weight management, a tool for body-condition scoring, cards to remind owners when pets are due for a checkup, feeding cups and more. Veterinarians have in recent years become concerned with the increased number of obese pets and the health problems the extra weight causes.

-- Why don't dogs need to wear shoes? The thickness of their paw pads helps enable them to go "barefoot" on varying types of terrain, from hot sidewalks to snow-covered trails. It also helps that a dog's four feet (rather than our two) can redistribute his weight as needed, which offers a distinct advantage on rough ground. And a dog's claws are particularly beneficial for traction, assuming he can get some penetration of the surface. -- Dr. Marty Becker

BREED TYPE

Bulldog vaults into canine popularity

Despite his origins as a guard dog and bullfighter, there is no better-natured breed than the bulldog. His charm has earned him countless devoted fans, and last year it propelled him onto the American Kennel Club's list of the 10 most popular breeds.

The bulldog may be the dog world's undisputed Miss Congeniality, but his looks are definitely a matter of taste. Big-headed and full of wrinkles, he weighs around 50 pounds and stands just a little over a foot high. His compact size and modest exercise requirements make him perfect for apartment and city living.

But life with a bulldog isn't without its drawbacks. Even their biggest admirers admit they can be destructive chewers, often still behaving like puppies until the age of 3. Those endearing puppy ways make it hard for some owners to train them, with dire consequences for things such as shoes and table legs -- making bulldogs somewhat less than ideal for first-time dog owners.

Health is also an area of concern with the breed. Bulldogs frequently have serious difficulty breathing because of the structure of their neck and head, and they can't tolerate strenuous exercise. A hot bulldog can be a dead bulldog, so air conditioning is not optional in any but the coolest climates. Their coat needs little care, but their numerous folds and wrinkles need daily cleaning, especially around the eyes and tail.

As the bulldog's popularity grows, so does his appeal to those seeking to profit from it. Be sure to obtain your bulldog from a reputable rescue group -- check out www.rescuebulldogs.org -- or from a reputable breeder who is a member of the Bulldog Club of America (www.thebca.org). -- Christie Keith

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

The bond grows closer

According to the results of a survey by the American Animal Hospital Association, it seems we're getting even closer to our pets:

-- 82 percent of pet owners think of their pet more than once while they are away from the animal during the day.

-- 50 percent would pick a dog or cat rather than a human as a companion if stranded on a deserted island.

-- 93 percent are likely to risk their own life for their pet, while 64 percent of owners would expect their pet to come to their rescue if they were in distress.

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Vet meds can help cats cope

If your cat is unhinged, your veterinarian may prescribe Prozac to help calm the situation while your feline companion is learning better coping skills.

Giving your pet the medication as prescribed is important to the work of behavior modification. But what if your skitty kitty would rather rip you to bits than allow you to pill her?

No longer do you need to shove pills down your kitty's throat. Your veterinarian can prescribe a transdermal mix that you apply to the skin inside your feline's ear flap, or you can have the medication compounded into a tasty treat. Compound pharmacies will mail these medications to your home. Yes, these customized medications cost more, but isn't protecting your relationship with your kitty -- not to mention your safety -- priceless?

(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 now and then we hear from someone who wants us to write about how awful it is to have dogs or cats on the bed.

Maybe it's a grandmother who wants us to convince a son or daughter that having a pet on the bed is unhealthy for children, or new sweethearts who want us to solve an argument about where a pet should sleep.

If you're thinking we're going to suggest that all pets be forbidden a spot on the bed, you're barking up the wrong tree. In our homes, as in so many others, our pets share the bed. They're like heating pads that you don't have to plug in or recharge -- and they'll readjust automatically every time you move. Pets will also never steal the covers or complain that the sounds of late-night TV are keeping them from their rest.

That said, there are good reasons to keep your pets off the bed and maybe even out of the bedroom. Among them are behavioral problems (theirs), as well as insomnia and allergies (yours).

For dogs who are ill-mannered or prone to aggression, allowing access to the bed isn't recommended. It gives the animal the idea that he or she has a status that's equal to or better than the human family members. For these dogs, sleeping elsewhere (such as in a crate in the bedroom) will likely be a part of a retraining program to modify the animal's exalted opinion of his own value. (It's important to work with a veterinary behaviorist or trainer with experience in aggression to modify the behavior of dominant pets, so don't just revoke such an animal's bed privileges.)

For people with allergies, turning the bedroom into a pet-free zone is common medical advice that ought to be followed. Maintaining a pet-free bedroom is part of an overall strategy to minimize the impact of pet dander. For those with allergies, keeping pets out of the bedroom gives them enough "breathing room" to make it possible to keep both their pets and their overall good health.

More recently, letting pets sleep in the bed has been suggested as one of many reasons why people have problems getting a good night's sleep. If you have insomnia, you might also consider getting your pet his own comfy bed and keeping yours for yourself.

And what about those couples who don't have pet-behavior problems, insomnia or allergies, but still argue over letting their pets on the bed? That's the sort of thing you have to work out on your own, since we have enough work giving pet advice without venturing into relationship counseling.

Chances are, though, you'll be able to find a bed big enough for everyone to be happy in, if both sides will compromise on the issue.

SIDEBAR

Accessories for the bed-sharing pet

In many homes, the "pets on the bed" debate is long over -- and the pets won. Proof can be found in the marketplace, where accessories abound to help pets get onto the bed -- and keep the bedding cleaner.

I've always kept an eye out for sales on relatively inexpensive, washable cotton quilts to throw over the top of the bedding. I also use rubber-backed fuzzy bath mats on top of the quilts when older pets get leaky. The catalog retailer Orvis took this idea one step further, with its waterproof Three Dog Night comforters. (Downside: They need to be dry-cleaned.)

Speaking of steps, any number of manufacturers makes pet-sized sets to help aging or small animals get onto the bed or couch. Pet retailers have a wide selection to match your budget and decor. -- Gina Spadafori

Q&A

Cat resists move to his new home

Q: We've moved to a new duplex a couple of miles from our old apartment. We can't get Beezy, our 4-year-old neutered male cat, to recognize the new place as home. We've had to go back to the old place to get him twice now. We're afraid he's going to get hit crossing the streets on the way. Any suggestions? -- L.W., via e-mail

A: Cats are highly territorial, and they don't much like it when their territory changes. That's why some cat lovers find that their free-roaming pets keep showing up at their old home after a move, especially if the new home, like yours, isn't very far from the old one.

My best suggestion for you is to convert your cat to an indoor pet, because crossing streets to head back to the old home considerably ups his risk factor for getting hit.

If keeping him in permanently is not possible, bring Beezy inside for a couple of weeks at least. Dedicate extra time to playing with him, especially interactive games such as with a toy on a string. This play helps to relieve him of some of his stress or excess anxiety, and it also aids him in forming attachments to his new home and to the idea of you in it.

You may find that he settles in so well, he can be kept inside, even if he resisted that in his old home. (For ideas on how to make a cat's life indoors a good one, check out the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine's Indoor Cat Initiative at http://vet.osu.edu/indoorcat.htm.)

But if you must let him out, do so for short periods with you, and take him back in when you go inside again. You should be able to get a feel for when he's starting to recognize the new digs as his home, and you can increase his freedom accordingly. You're still taking a big risk with his life, but at least he'll know where home is.

Make sure the new people at your old apartment complex aren't encouraging your cat to stay. Ask them not to feed or pet him, and have them use a squirt bottle or a noisemaker to deter him from staying if they see him around. -- 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

Genetics tracing feline family ties

-- Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have discovered that the ancestors of all pet cats came from what is now the Middle East. They arrived at that conclusion after taking cheek cell samples from more than 11,000 cats around the world to compare the genetic code.

The resulting study was the cover article in the January issue of the journal Genomics. Researchers further found the cats were genetically clustered in four groups that corresponded with the regions of Europe, the Mediterranean basin, east Africa and Asia. Among the surprising results: The Persian cat is genetically linked not with the felines from the Near East, but with those from Western Europe.

Noting that more than 200 genetic disorders are found in modern pet cats, many in purebreds, UCD's Dr. Leslie Lyons said she hopes the research can be used to help breeders avoid introducing genetically linked health problems into their cats.

-- Pet lovers aren't getting the message when it comes to dental health, according to an analysis of claims by Veterinary Pet Insurance. VPI reports that dental problems linked to excessive tooth decay and plaque are costing pet owners millions of dollars each year -- $3.8 million in claims for tooth abscesses, root canals and advanced periodontal disease in 2007. Despite this, the percentage of policyholders who have their pets' teeth regularly cleaned by their veterinarians is 6.8 percent.

-- Every healthy dog has a reflex reaction to any passing skin irritation, whether it's an insect crawling between the hairs or a fingernail giving a scratch. If nerve endings detect something that's annoying the skin, the dog's leg will automatically come up to scratch off the pest -- even if there's no pest there. The response is most pronounced if you scratch a dog on the rump near the base of the tail, along the upper part of the flanks or on the belly -- not coincidentally, places where fleas like to congregate. The "scratch reflex" is so predictable that veterinarians will use it to help with their neurological exam when spinal damage is suspected. -- Dr. Marty Becker

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Getting a pup to enjoy rides

Dogs get carsick for many reasons, including anxiety, full bellies and lack of experience. But most puppies can outgrow car sickness if taken out regularly in the car.

If you want your dog to enjoy car rides, then take him to dog parks and other fun destinations. Otherwise, if all trips seem to end at the veterinary hospital, he may never think car rides are fun.

A dog who rides in the car only when it's time for vaccinations or boarding may benefit from taking anti-anxiety medications and from having an empty stomach, to prevent having to clean up a mess. Talk to your veterinarian about medications (over-the-counter or prescription) that can help if your puppy doesn't outgrow carsickness. And make sure when your pet is on the road that he's safely secured in a crate or with a harness.

(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 Rx

Healthy rats can be entertaining pets

The negative reaction many people have to the sight of a rat -- even a healthy pet one -- is unfortunate, because they can be entertaining, affectionate and clever pets. Healthy rats from reputable sources can be great pets for school-aged children and even for open-minded adults.

Some of the advantages:

-- Rats are friendly. Many small pets don't like being handled, but rats get used to careful socialization easily, and come to enjoy riding in pockets and on shoulders.

-- Rats are smart. Rats respond quickly to food-based training and seem to love learning and performing tricks.

-- Rats are agile and sturdy. Try to get a guinea pig to run a maze or climb a ladder, and you'll appreciate the fleet-footedness of a rat. Unlike mice, rats can stand up to the handling -- and occasionally, the unintentional mishandling -- of well-meaning children.

-- Rats are cute. Pet rats come in many colors and coat patterns. Think colors like silver mink, platinum, blue and chocolate, and markings like hooded (the head a different color than the body) or masked or patched.

-- Rats are easy to keep. All you need is a good-sized cage with bedding, a place for the animal to hide and sleep, a food dish, a water bottle, and some toys. Your rat will happily eat commercial food and will love to share your healthy food, too.

The downside of rats? They don't live all that long -- two to three years -- and they're prone to tumors. As with all small pets, cage changes must be frequent. Otherwise, the smell will become unpleasant, to you and your pets. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Keeping it clean

According to a survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, the top complaints of people with fish have mostly to do with the time and effort spent keeping the tanks and water clean. The top drawbacks (multiple answers allowed):

Cleaning 66 percent

Keeping water clear 42 percent

Algae 39 percent

Fish fighting 22 percent

Equipment cost 22 percent

ON THE WEB

Ferret fans share care information

Ferrets are nothing if not lively to live with, and people who fancy them can't imagine life without these domesticated members of the weasel family. Ferrets are rarely dull to watch, always playing and investigating, and often getting into trouble, especially if not watched.

While they're not legally kept everywhere -- California is the biggest holdout against ferret legalization -- ferrets are a perennially popular pet, for good reasons. (That's true even in California, where countless thousands of ferrets live "underground.")

A Web site with good basic information is Ferret Central (www.ferretcentral.org). VeterinaryPartner.com also offers care guides, with a special emphasis on ferret health issues. As for those still hoping for ferret legalization in California, Ferrets Anonymous (ferretsanonymous.com) keeps track of the fight. -- Gina Spadafori

Pet Connection is produced by a team of team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper, by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

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