Universal Press Syndicate

With thousands of companies spread out in booths across two levels of the San Diego Convention Center, it's not easy to spot just 10 products that will grab the attention of pet lovers. But at the recent Global Pet Expo trade show, the Pet Connection team split up to stroll the 15 football fields' worth of floor space looking for new products with pet "wow" power.

We came up with seven products in common on each list of our top 10 -- some of the products also were named best by industry peers at the show's end -- and then we haggled over the remaining three slots. In no particular order, here are the Pet Connection's top picks among new pet products that will soon be in retailers:

-- Fling-ama-string cat toy (Moody Pet, $25). Put in three AA batteries, hang the brightly colored toy on a door knob, and watch your cat's transformation from couch potato to hunter. The Fling-ama-string was so enticing, we wanted to pounce on it, too (moodypet.com).

-- Microwavable Canine Cake (Claudia's Canine Cuisine, $5 to $6). The kit contains a microwavable mixing bowl, cake mix and frosting. Add water, microwave, and decorate for a fun project for the kids. The ingredients are all pet-friendly, of course (claudiascaninecuisine.com).

-- DogTread Motorized Exercise Treadmill (PetZen products, $500). Treadmills for dogs (and people) have been around for quite a while, but the DogTread is designed specifically to keep small dogs (under 30 pounds) in shape. The unit folds for storage and has treat bowls to keep the dog's attention forward (petzenproducts.com).

-- Celltei Pak-o-Bird ($109 to $579, depending on size of bird). Birds need a change of scenery, too. The Pak-o-Bird is made from soft luggage material in a variety of colors and is designed to be carried like a backpack (the company also offers a foldable cart for $125). Inside the carrier are comfortable perches and food/water cups (www.celltei.com).

-- Bionaire Odor Grabber Litter Box (Jarden Consumer Solutions, $100). The Odor Grabber catches waste smell as well as airborne pet dander and fur. The manufacturer says its quiet filter motor will not scare cats or annoy cat owners (www.jardencs.com).

-- Toto Too Center Mounted Pet Seat for Dogs (Wigali, $200). The plush Toto Too fits between front seats and provides a safe, secure and elevated ride for little dogs. The seat removes easily and comes with a shoulder strap (tototoo.net).

-- Comfy Cone soft Elizabethan pet collar (Imagine That Designs/All Four Paws, $15). No more cone-heads! The Comfy Cone is an alternative to the hard plastic cone traditionally sent home with pets from the veterinary hospital. It keeps animals from damaging incisions and prevents the stress of hard plastic banging into everything and everyone (allfourpaws.com).

-- Dogzilla Deep Freeze (PetMate/Aspen, $9 to $14). Take the Dogzilla Deep Freeze, some tiny treats and some meat broth, and soon you have a chilly, iced treat for your dog in the shape of a bone. Perfect for teething puppies. The rubber part of the treat is infused with a smell to attract pets to chew it (aspenpet.com).

-- Purrsuasions Catnectors Switch-n-snap cat toys (Sergeant's, $4 to $8). Purrsuasions comes with a set of toys than can be snapped on and off the play glove for variety to keep cats engaged in play and owners entertained (sergeants.com).

-- Pipi Dolly's Toilet for dogs (Rush Direct, $50). Indoor potty spots for little dogs are not new, but the Pipi Dolly adds some practical twists to the design. The unit comes with two trays and two grids, as well as absorbent paper that can be placed in between so paws do not become wet and smelly. The Pipi Dolly also features a vertical "fire hydrant" for male dogs (no company Web site).

Please note that since these are all new products, they might not yet be featured on company Web sites yet, and prices may change before they get to retailers.

(The Pet Connection's Morgan Ong contributed to this article.)

SIDEBAR

Dr. Becker on 'Good Morning America'

Dr. Marty Becker will show off the best new products for pets -- some of the ones listed here and more -- on his regular "Good Morning America" segment, scheduled for Wednesday, March 19.

The top pet product picks are also featured on the PetConnection.com Web site, along with more information, images, retail prices and links to the manufacturers' Web sites.

Q&A

Help finding Mr. Right Vet

Q: What would be the best place to meet veterinarians? I'm not kidding: I want to marry a vet. I'm 32, with a great job and my own house. I broke up with my last boyfriend in part over my two cats (not the biggest issue, but we fought over them). Between guys who hate cats and the cost of veterinary care, it seems marrying a veterinarian is the right idea. In any case, the cats are staying! -- K.R., via e-mail

A: I see a couple of problems with your plan. First, I assume you're looking for another boyfriend. Since women have been in the majority at veterinary schools and colleges for some time now, finding a male veterinarian presents an increasingly difficult challenge.

Second, there's the competency issue. Half of all veterinarians theoretically graduated in the bottom 50 percent of their class. What if you're looking for a superbly competent veterinarian, but you happen to fall in love with one who suits your needs for romance yet isn't the best at caring for pets? Can you imagine how it will go over when you tell your husband, "You know I love you, honey, but I wouldn't let you near my cat for all the money in the world." I'm guessing that wouldn't play well at all, especially if Dr. Hubby believes himself to be a modern Dr. James Herriot.

Believe me, you're not the first single animal lover to think that marrying a veterinarian is a perfect solution to two problems. Go to any animal-related event, and you'll immediately bump into unattached people who would love to find another person who doesn't flinch at the idea of stray pet hair on the butter from time to time. Not to mention: a veterinarian would never be squeamish over a hairball!

You could (as a friend of mine once joked she'd try) start hanging out at veterinary conferences in a vampy red dress. But honestly, you'd be much better off marrying another animal lover -- or even becoming content sharing your bed with your cats alone. At least then you'd know you were choosing veterinary services based on what's best for your pet.

A final bit of advice (very tongue-in-cheek): Get into veterinary school yourself. If nothing else, you'd seemingly have a wide selection of datable pet lovers to choose from when you graduate. You could go into large-animal medicine: There's a shortage of large-animal veterinarians (according to the American Veterinary Medical Association) and a lot of lonely cowboys (according to any number of country songs or cowboy poets). -- 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

Your vac can kill all fleas

-- Vacuuming really sucks for fleas, reports Veterinary Practice News. Researchers at The Ohio State University found that vacuuming fleas kills the parasites in all stages of their lives. Passing through the vacuum cleaner kills 96 percent of adult fleas and 100 percent of younger fleas. A vacuum's brushes likely damage the waxy outer layer of the pests, and without this armor, fleas become dehydrated and die.

-- Did last year's waves of food recalls and pet deaths make the road bumpier for Chinese car imports? At least one consultant believes so. Chinese manufacturers have "inadvertently touched on the first two things you don't hurt: children and pets," said Rebecca Lindblad of Global Insight, a consulting firm. Citing safety scandals involving toys and pet food, she said Americans are wary of Chinese-made products.

-- Dogs who bite children often have no priors, according to Veterinary Economics magazine, which reported on research from the journal Injury Prevention. In a study of 100 dog bites from 103 dogs presented at a behavior clinic over a four-year period, 20 percent of the dogs had never bitten anyone, and of those who had, 33 percent had never bitten a child before. Researchers think anxiety or pain may play a part in uncharacteristic aggression. Three-quarters of the biters exhibited anxiety when separated from their owners or when exposed to loud noises such as thunderstorms or fireworks. Half of the biting dogs had medical conditions such as skin or bone growths, eye or liver problems, kidney disease, hormonal conditions or infections. -- Dr. Marty Becker

THE SCOOP

Tips for finding foster cat a home

Adult cats can be difficult to find new homes for. But if you're patient and persistent with the cat you're fostering, you can find people with open hearts to match their open homes. Here are some tips:

-- Do everything you can to make the animal more adoptable. The pet has a better chance for adoption if her vaccinations are current, she uses her litter box reliably, and she's altered.

-- Don't lie about the pet's problems or why she's being placed. Although finding a new home for a pet with problems takes longer, you can usually still do so. But the person who gets such a pet without warning is likely to bring her back, take her to a shelter or give her away -- maybe to a horrible situation.

-- Spread the news. Distribute fliers and place ads in newspapers and on Internet sites. Ask rescue groups to spread the word on your foster pet as well. Talk to everyone about the pet you're placing.

-- Ask prospective adopters whether they've had pets before and what happened to them. The person who has had a lot of pets that have disappeared, died young or were given away is probably not your best choice. Ask for a veterinary reference, too.

Above all, don't give up! It may take weeks to find the right home for a pet, but it's always worth the time it may take to get it right. The goal here is not to "get rid of" an animal, but to find a loving, caring and, most of all, permanent home for a pet who needs one. They are out there. And if you keep looking, you'll likely find the home that's just right for the cat you're trying to help. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Cats lag in veterinary visits

Cats may be the No. 1 pet in the United States in terms of popularity, but dogs rule at the veterinary office. The average number of veterinary visits per year, by species:

Dogs 2.6

Cats 1.7

Horses 2.2

Birds .3

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association

GOOD BEHAVIOR

Your dog is watching you

Since your dog is always watching and learning, be careful what you show your pet. One observation may be worth a thousand tries as far as your dog is concerned.

For example, if your dog sees you step over a low fence, the seeds for escape may be planted. When your dog is bored enough or is ready to show that neighbor cat just who's in charge, he may realize he can get out as you did, by going over the fence.

Dogs, like people, learn by imitation. When we take a dog into our family, our actions can sometimes speak louder than words. Watch your step!

(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 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.

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