By Christie Keith

Universal Press Syndicate

For more than a quarter-century, pet owners have turned to the "Home Veterinary Handbook" series when faced with questions about pet illnesses and injuries.

While the questions are mostly the same today as when the series debuted, the world of veterinary medicine has changed dramatically. New technologies, advanced diagnostic techniques, newly emerging diseases, and recent research on drugs, vaccines and surgeries have made having current information a necessity.

Fortunately, newly updated and revised editions of both of these classic reference books were released in the last few months, authored by a team of four veterinarians led by Dr. Debra Eldredge.

"The goal was to update the books with the wealth of new veterinary information we have had in recent years," she said. And the authors succeeded: From cutting-edge diagnostics to alternative therapies, the handbooks cover it all.

The "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" and "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" (Howell Book House, $35 each) are organized by body system, with a comprehensive index in the back and a handy mini-index inside the front covers. Pet owners can read about the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of common as well as unusual animal health problems, from allergies to cancer. Sections are also included on first aid and medication, as well as instructions on how to monitor a pet's vital signs.

There's more than just practical advice on how to cope with health problems, too.

"The books are meant to make pet owners better health advocates for their pets, more informed and better able to communicate with their veterinarians," said Dr. Eldredge.

That's because the authors managed the tricky task of offering pet health information that's genuinely useful but doesn't confuse pet owners into skipping veterinary care when it's needed. Easily followed guidelines tell owners when it's appropriate or even necessary to give immediate aid to a dog or cat, when symptoms require an immediate trip to the emergency clinic, and when the pet can wait until regular office hours to be seen.

Also on the cutting edge are two new books on pet first aid from the American Red Cross. While there's nothing new about pet health emergencies, some recent hurricanes, floods and fires have underscored the need for resources to cope with them. And these two spiral-bound books -- one for dogs and one for cats -- are great resources. Each book comes with a companion DVD that gives step-by-step instructions on how to give first aid to pets. The sections on animal poisoning are particularly impressive, as is the information on what to do in an emergency until veterinary care can be obtained. They cost $17 each and are available online at www.redcross.org (click on "Store" and then "Reference Guides"), or by calling 1-866-782-3347.

One more book to round out the pet owner's health library is Eldredge's "Pills For Pets: The A to Z Guide to Drugs and Medications for Your Animal Companion" (Citadel, $15). It lists drugs by brand and generic names, covers issues including online pharmacies and compounded medications, and gives tips on how to get medicine into the pets -- yes, even those uncooperative cats.

SIDEBAR

Massive Merck manual has experts aplenty

Most pet health books are lucky to have one veterinarian listed as an author. "The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health" (Merck, $23) offers more than 100 veterinarians, most with advanced degrees and certification, as contributors.

Within each section of this hefty paperback is an encyclopedic listing of disorders and body systems, as well as an overview on routine care and preventive medicine. If it's about animal health, it's almost certainly in this book, often in surprising detail. -- Christie Keith

Q&A

Treatment options for a blind dog

Q: I have an 11-year-old cocker spaniel who, for the last several years, has been showing signs of increased blindness. Our veterinarian says she has cataracts.

I am leery about surgery and all the complications that might arise. I am wondering if laser surgery is performed on dogs for this condition? Do you have any suggestions on how to improve her eyesight or at least make her senior years more comfortable? -- S.W., via e-mail

A: There are many potential causes of vision loss in an 11-year-old cocker spaniel, with cataracts being only one of them, says Dr. William Miller, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and owner of Advanced Animal Eye Care in Memphis, Tenn.

Some causes of vision loss are medically treated, while others require surgery. And sadly, some causes of vision loss have no treatments. Dr. Miller recommends you have a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist examine your dog. Your veterinarian is no doubt providing excellent primary care. But with vision loss, often a specialist is required to provide you with the information you need to make a good decision for your pet. You can locate a veterinary ophthalmologist in your area by going to the Web site of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (acvo.org).

If cataract surgery is indicated, your ophthalmologist can provide you with treatment options. Most cataracts in human and veterinary ophthalmology are removed by small-incision surgery. The opaque lens is liquefied by ultrasonic energy, and the lens material is flushed from the eye. Following removal of the opaque lens, an artificial lens is generally placed in the eye to further improve vision.

An 11-year-old dog is certainly not too old for surgery, providing the blood work is normal and the patient is in good physical shape. If the cataracts are operable, you can expect vision to be improved in 90 percent to 95 percent of patients.

Even in human ophthalmology, cataracts are not removed by lasers. Lasers are used in human ophthalmology to remove scars from the intraocular lens, if that complication occurs.

If your dog's vision cannot be improved, you can still provide her with a comfortable life. Blind dogs can function quite happily in familiar surroundings -- don't move the furniture around a lot! -- and can even enjoy outings when kept safely on leash.

The Web sites www.BlindDogs.net and BlindDogs.com are places where owners share tips on keeping these dogs happy. The motto of BlindDogs.net says it all: "Blind dogs see with their hearts." -- Dr. Marty Becker

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a weekly drawing for pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or visiting PetConnection.com.

PET BUZZ

DNA busts biting dogs

-- Police officers in Melbourne, Australia, investigating dog attacks on people or other pets now use DNA kits to identify the culprits. They gather fur, saliva or excrement with swabs and place it in evidence bags for possible prosecution.

-- Just as my dad loved his recliner, our barn cats went crazy for the Scratch Lounge. The manufacturer claims cats will spend 100 times longer on it than on conventional scratchers. Sounds like hyperbole to me, but I do know our cats loved it. It's $25 from Scratchlounge.com or (213) 683-1963.

-- A recent survey in Women's Health magazine put men in the doghouse. It showed that 99 percent of women talk to their pets, and 45 pets of women think their pets are cuter than their partners. Meeee-ow!

-- The Humane Society of the Unites States offers "Providing for Your Pet's Future Needs Without You," a free estate-planning kit for pet owners at hsus.org/petsinwills. -- Dr. Marty Becker

GOOD BEHAVIOR

Your dog can enjoy baths

If you want your dog to enjoy getting a bath, make bathing an enjoyable experience.

Start by feeding your dog in the tub. And when that's no big deal, give him treats when turning the faucet on and off. As you progress to bathing, make sure your dog is hungry, and give him treats and praise for good behavior.

Make sure the water temperature is fit for a baby, and use a tearless shampoo for pets. A tiny bit of cotton pressed gently and not too far into the ears will keep water out, and use a washcloth on your pet's face to work around the eyes and mouth. Massage and praise your pet during lathering and rinsing. Finally, give him a special chewy treat after every bath to further associate good things with the bathing experience.

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

THE SCOOP

Allergies and pets: Tips for the suffering

When you're allergic to pets but can't imagine life without them, breathing easier starts with finding an allergist who doesn't greet you with, "First, get rid of your pets."

In some severe cases, that may have to be the ultimate resolution to getting the problem under healthy control. But it shouldn't be the starting point for treatment.

Here are other tips for living with animals and allergies, recommend by allergists who understand that pets aren't disposable:

-- Don't go it alone. Find an allergist who will help you, pets and all.

-- Establish your bedroom as a pet-free, low-allergy zone. Close off your bedroom and reduce dust-collecting surfaces by removing carpets and rugs, wall hangings, stuffed animals and collectibles from the room. Invest in an air cleaner, and keep air ducts and ceiling fans clean. Banish feather pillows and down comforters. Use zippered, dustproof covers on the mattress and pillows. Combat dust mites by washing bedding frequently in hot water.

-- Try to limit exposure to other allergens. Avoid cleaning solutions, cigarette smoke and strong perfumes. Consider using a mask when doing yard work and housework, especially at the height of the pollen season. Better yet: Let someone else mow the lawn and do the vacuuming.

-- Keep your pets clean and well-groomed. The best situation is for a non-allergic member of the family to take over these pet-care chores. Weekly bathing is a must -- for cats as well as dogs. For cats, you don't even need to use soap. A rinse with clear water has been shown to be just as effective in keeping down allergen levels. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Spending on pets keeps climbing

Year Billion

2008 $43.4*

2007 $41.2

2006 $38.5

2005 $36.3

2004 $34.4

1994 $17

(*estimated)

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PET TIP

Secure tags with rings

The "S" hooks given out with some pet ID tags are hard to fasten correctly, even when using pliers, and they always seem to be falling off the collar, giving up the tag or catching on something. A better choice for fastening tags is the split-ring.

Many tag makers offer you a choice of fasteners. But if that's not the case, ditch the "S" hooks and head to the hardware store. Split-rings are available cheaply there, in the key section. You don't have to break your nails to get tags on these rings. Use a staple remover to pull them wide enough to slide on the tags. -- 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

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.

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