Gina Spadafori

Universal Press Syndicate

When the weather is nice and the days are long, I'm more able to find time for long walks with the dogs. We love our walks along a stretch of the local river parkway, but we always seem to bring home a nasty bonus: ticks.

I hate ticks. The morning after a recent walk, I felt something move along my neck, just above the hairline. Ugh! A tick!

After I disposed of the tick on me, I checked the dogs for ticks again, threw my clothes and bed linens in the washer and myself in the shower. It felt good, even though I know ticks can survive a cycle in the washing machine. After a thorough check, we were still tick-free ... but only until our next walk.

But ticks are more than a disgusting nuisance -- they present a serious health risk for people and pets. Tick-borne diseases can be difficult to diagnose and treat, and harder still to live with. That's why when it comes to ticks and pets, prevention and quick removal are the best strategies by far.

Tick prevention in pets means topical treatments, typically spot-ons available by prescription from your veterinarian (or from retailers with a prescription from your veterinarian). Talk to your pet's health-care provider about which product suits your animal best. In some areas, ticks may respond better to one product than another. In areas with heavy tick infestations, additional protection may entail the use of a tick collar; again, talk to your vet.

Whenever you've had your dog out in an area with ticks -- and that could even be a green city park -- you need to go over your dog carefully to hand-pick any pests that hopped a ride anyway. Don't wait for the preventives to kill them. Feel for tiny lumps and part the fur to get a good look at the skin.

When you've located a tick, don't use methods you may have heard of such as applying alcohol, petroleum jelly or the tip of a hot match to remove them. They don't work. Instead, choose a direct method: Either use a tool to pull them off or protect your fingers with a thin glove.

For tools, a curved-tip jeweler's forceps ($25 to $50) is probably the best, and well worth searching out and keeping on hand if you live in an area with lots of ticks, especially small ticks. Various tools with slots that fit under the parasite -- such as the Ticked Off spoon ($5.50 from retailers) -- also work well.

Start your tick hunt with a little bowl of isopropyl alcohol at hand. No matter if you're using a tool or your gloved fingers, get hold of the tick as close to where the mouth is attached to your pet and apply steady, even pressure to remove the pest -- no twisting required. Once out, flick the tick into the alcohol to kill it and then dispose of the dead ticks at once.

Use a mild disinfectant on the de-ticked areas, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water when you're done clearing all the pests from your pet. Keep an eye on where the ticks had been embedded for any sign of infection, and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

You can find out more information about ticks and other pet parasites on the Web site of the nonprofit Companion Animal Parasite Council, www.petsandparasites.org.

SIDEBAR

Want to win $1,000 in pet-care supplies?

The portion-control LeBistro electronic feeder is part of the prize package to be given away Aug. 1.

Every month the Pet Connection sends out a free e-mail newsletter, offering the news and information you need to know to keep your pet healthier and happier. All you have to do to have it delivered to your e-mail inbox is visit PetConnection.com and sign up. We don't sell or share your information, so all you'll be getting is the free e-mail newsletter.

Even better, on the first of every month we draw a name from our e-mail newsletter subscribers and give that person a collection of pet-care supplies with a retail value of $1,000. Past collections have come from Premier Pet, Oster and Kurgo.

The Aug. 1 drawing is for top-quality pet-care supplies from Petmate, including pet beds, crates, automatic feeders, water fountains and more.

For more information or to sign up, visit PetConnection.com.

Q&A

Think before putting your pet on a plane

Q: Do you think it's still safe to ship a pet by air? -- S.P., via e-mail

A: I have put pets on airlines for trips across the country and halfway around the world, and have never had a bad experience. That said, I'm not really keen on the idea of putting one of my pets on a plane right now, with the airline industry in such a mess. After all, the fact that the overwhelming number of pets arrive safely isn't of much comfort if your pet has a problem.

The pet owners who probably will still be happy with air travel are those with pets small enough to fit in a carry-on pet bag. If the carry-on option isn't available, your pet will have to fly in the baggage compartment, which means his safety is in someone else's hands.

If you decide to fly with your pet, here are some things to do to help minimize the risk:

-- Talk to the airline well in advance. Some carriers, especially the no-frills companies, don't take animals at all. Even those that do may have limits on the number of animals on a flight. You also need to know where and when your pet has to be presented, and what papers -- health certificate and so on -- you need to bring.

-- Be sure your pet is in good health. Air travel isn't recommended for elderly or ill animals, and is likewise ill-advised for short-nosed dogs or cats. These animals find breathing a little difficult under the best of circumstances, and the stress of airline travel may be more than they can handle.

-- Choose a pet carrier designed for air travel. If your pet will travel in the baggage compartment, the crate should be just big enough for him to stand up and turn around in. Check and double-check that all the bolts securing the halves of the carrier are in place and tightened. Bring zip-ties to the airport to secure the door after your pet is in, with the help of airline personnel.

-- While your pet cannot wear a collar in his crate -- it's not safe because it can get hung up -- put an ID tag on a piece of elastic around his neck. Be sure the crate has contact phone numbers for both ends of the journey prominently displayed.

-- Consider travel conditions. Don't ship your pet when air traffic is heaviest, such as around any holidays. Choose flights that are on the ground when the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold, not only at the departing airport, but also at the connecting and arriving airports. If you're flying into or out of traditionally hot locales during the summer, you may not be able to ship pets at all because airlines often put embargoes on pet travel.

-- Choose a direct flight, preferably a red-eye. If that's not possible, try for a route with a short layover. If you can get a direct flight out of another airport, choose that flight, even if the airport isn't the most convenient to you. Most animal fatalities occur on the ground.

Contrary to popular belief, it's generally better that your pet not be tranquilized before flying. The combination of high altitude and limited oxygen is a challenge that your pet's body is better prepared to meet if he's not sedated. Still, your pet may be an exception. Talk to your veterinarian about this issue.

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

PET BUZZ

Disney's 'Old Yeller' was a cur

-- If you remember the classic 1957 Disney movie "Old Yeller," you may be interested to know the dog who played Old Yeller was a Black Mouth Cur, a rugged hunting breed that originated in the South. According to American Profile magazine, Yeller was trained and coached by renowned Hollywood animal trainers Frank and Rudd Weatherwax, who also trained Lassie.

-- The term "kitten" is most commonly used to refer to a pre-adolescent cat, but can also be used to describe a young rabbit, rat, hedgehog or squirrel.

-- After our recent story on how to protect yourself from diseases passed on by animals, we found one of the best sites around on the subject. The Worms & Germs Web log (www.wormsandgermsblog.com) is a joint venture of the Ontario Veterinary College's Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses and the City of Hamilton Public Health Department. Drs. Scott Weese and Maureen Anderson do most of the writing, with the assistance of veterinarians, physicians, public health personnel and researchers. Check it out! -- Dr. Marty Becker

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 monthly drawing for more than $1,000 in pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

PET BUY

Keeping pets safe around the pool

While many dogs enjoy swimming, some are either not capable of it (such as bulldogs, who tend to sink) or not interested. And even dogs who love the water can drown if trapped in a swimming pool or allowed to swim beyond the measures of their physical capabilities.

It's up to pet owners to keep at-risk pets away from swimming pools and to protect others from getting in over their heads. Fortunately, there are a couple of products available to make this task easier.

While all pools should ideally be surrounded by a secure fence -- that's required by law in many areas -- you can add another layer of protection with the Safety Turtle. The product attaches to a pet's collar and triggers an alarm in the house if the pet falls in the pool. The Safety Turtle has a suggested retail price of $267 and is available through retail stores and catalogs, or from the manufacturer at www.safetyturtle.com or 1-800-368-8121.

The Skamper-Ramp provides a way out for any animal who falls into the pool -- even frogs! The company has added a larger ramp in addition to the original, and notes that the product also can be used to help pets out of the water and into boats or onto docks. Skamper-Ramps retail for $40 to $100. For more information visit www.skamper-ramp.com or call 1-877-POOLPET.

You just can't play too safe when it comes to protecting your pet around the pool. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Good dog, safe dog

We are statistically more likely to be bitten by dogs we know. Experts say the number of serious or deadly dog bites can be dramatically reduced by neutering and by raising animals to be well-socialized, well-trained family members -- as opposed to neglected outdoor "protection" dogs, especially ones on chains.

Some dog-bite statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control:

-- 80 percent of dog-bite incidents involving children are inflicted by a family dog (30 percent) or a neighbor's dog (50 percent).

-- 75 percent of fatal dog bites were inflicted on family members or guests on the family's property.

-- 8 percent of dog bites involving adults were work-related (inflicted on such workers as meter readers, repairmen, etc.).

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Strict schedule may not be best

Is it better to stick to a schedule, or to deliver meals, playtime and walks at random?

Some pets seem more comfortable and relaxed with a consistent routine. On the other hand, pets who learn to accept things as they come are less likely to rattle bowls or paw at owners who are tardy with a routine activity. A pet will repeat behaviors that work, which means if you respond to your pet's nagging by doing what your pet wants, you'll be rewarding something you may ultimately find annoying.

Most pets are more relaxed if they have developed a tolerance for waiting or for being a little hungry. A pet who has every need met when and how he expects it may become too demanding.

(Animal behavior experts Susan and Dr. Roland 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

A Texas family is now suing a retail pet chain, saying a disease carried home with a cockatiel the company sold them killed a family member in 2006. While the courts will have to settle the matter, the news likely has many bird lovers looking over at the cage and saying: "What? My cockatiel can kill me?"

Technically, yes. Realistically, not very likely.

In fact, psittacosis, the infectious disease the family says the pet they purchased brought home, is so rare that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports fewer than 50 confirmed cases since 1996. That's cases, not fatalities.

Diseases that pass from animals to people are called "zoonoses." And while things like mad cow disease and avian influenza can and should prompt widespread international concern, pets actually post a very small level of risk of passing on an illness. You are more likely to catch something from another person than from your pet.

While it's shocking to hear of anyone sickened or killed from an infectious disease caught from a pet, it's always essential to keep risk in context and be aware that a handful of commonsense measures will reduce most of the risk of contracting anything from your pet.

When it comes to pet birds, the risk is very low, and these preventive measures will reduce it even further:

-- Get pets from reputable sources. For birds, you can ask a veterinarian who specializes in avian care to recommend a rescue group, reputable bird shop or breeder. Failing that, look for a bird from a source that follows the Model Aviculture Program (www.modelaviculture.org), a national voluntary program for the certification of aviculturists through inspection by avian veterinarians.

-- Keep your pet's area clean. Psittacosis can remain viable in dried bird droppings, but regular cleaning and sanitation will kill the bacteria. Change cage papers daily, at least, along with food and water dishes. Wipe down any fouled areas with a damp cloth and sanitizing solution (ask your bird's veterinarian for a product recommendation that's safe for your pet). Wash pet dishes in hot soapy water, rinse and allow to air-dry, and scrape and wash perches regularly as well. Soap and water are your friends! Replace toys on a regular basis as a matter of routine, sooner if they become covered with poop and cannot be cleaned.

-- Wash your hands after handling your pet or cleaning his cage or the area around it. When it comes to staying healthy overall, you just can't wash your hands enough. Don't forget to sing "Happy Birthday" to yourself twice while you soap up to make sure you keep the suds on your skin long enough.

-- Make sure your pet is healthy and stays healthy by working with your veterinarian to be sure all preventive-care measures are taken as recommended. Because they're prey animals, birds will do everything they can to hide illness. (A sick prey animal is supper, since unusual behavior in the wild attracts the attention of predators.) When a bird shows signs of illness, the pet is often very, very sick indeed. Early signs of illness may need the expertise of avian vet and diagnostic tests to spot. Your veterinarian should also review your care routines to make sure they're adequate for you and your bird both.

The bottom line: Get rid of the risk and keep the pet. You'll not have to worry, and you'll both be healthier.

SIDEBAR

Where to find more information

Because outbreaks of zoonotic disease passed from wild or livestock populations do form a real threat to human health worldwide, many agencies and groups offer excellent information on the risks and prevention.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has an entire section dedicated to the subject: "Healthy People Healthy Pets" (www.cdc.gov/healthypets). This outstanding resource allows you to search by type of pet or name of disease for information.

The World Health Organization (www.who.int/topics/zoonoses/en) offers a tidy page that lays out the basics and is a good jumping-off point for more research. It's a general site, not a pet-specific one.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has a section dedicated to public health (www.avma.org/public_health/default.asp) that covers health threats from wildlife, livestock and pets. Although they are thought of as "animal doctors," veterinarians are in fact an important resource for human health when it comes to zoonotic disease. -- Dr. Marty Becker

DOGCARS

Hybrid VUE delivers space and economy

A monster SUV with four-wheel drive is a great DogCar. Problem is, with gas over $4 a gallon and no relief in sight, it's a DogCar that few people can afford to operate and that fewer still want to use for the daily commute.

So what do you do if you need room for your dogs, their gear and yours, but want to go easy both on the environment and your gas-guzzling? The new hybrid SUVs and crossovers may be the answer for more and more people.

Fresh out of the box and worthy of consideration: the Saturn VUE Hybrid. It's a versatile SUV, with enviable numbers of 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, and a base price starting at a tick over $25,000 (and that includes a year of GM's OnStar service and the first three months of XM satellite radio).

As a DogCar, it's a winner. The seats fold nearly flat, offering more than 56 square feet of cargo space for dogs, crates and gear. The one-piece tailgate is well-balanced for easy flip-up, and although the back deck is higher than those of us with older dogs would like, it's no problem for a young dog to jump in.

On the road, the Vue isn't exactly a muscle car, and it's wimpish on any kind of incline. It's fine on flat roads, although the hybrid drive seems to have a difficult time sometimes deciding which of its systems to engage.

But these technologies are still developing, and even now you can't beat the bottom line -- a week of hauling dogs, supplies and gear with no problem and little gas used.

(The Pet Connection's Gina Spadafori reviews pet-friendly vehicles for the DogCars.com Web site.)

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

Can a cat prevent child's asthma?

-- Having a cat may have a protective effect against the development of asthma symptoms in young children at age 5, according to MedicalNewsToday.com. It seems a study released by researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health concurs with others suggesting that a petless environment may be "too clean" for the development of a healthy immune system in children.

-- Let there be light! For pain, that is. According to veterinary researchers, "photonic therapy" offers promise for noninvasive pain management in pets. Visible light in the red range produces a number of biochemical effects and works similarly to acupuncture, researchers say. Besides treating pain, photonic therapy is increasingly being used to improve wound healing.

-- Ever see a horse fly? Lexington, Ky.-based H.E. "Tex" Sutton Forwarding Co. helps equines get airborne in style, reports Sky magazine. The carrier averages five flights a week, with as many as 21 horses on its equine-equipped Boeing 727. Flights have taken off with 12 breeding stallions worth a total of $400 million. Stalls on the plane can also be configured to allow for foals to nurse and lie down just as they would in the field.

-- From a list of approximately 40,000 threatened species, one in four mammals now faces extinction, as well as one-third of amphibians and one in eight birds. What to do? Species survival plans are at the heart of a strategy to maintain and breed endangered species in captivity throughout the United States in hopes of staving off extinction. -- Dr. Marty Becker

THE SCOOP

Reforming the cat who lashes out

There's nothing like a purring lap cat, but some cats just seem unable to take the attention. Here's what makes your cat go crazy, and how to change the situation:

-- Overstimulation. You're petting your cat, and suddenly he grabs you with his claws and teeth. Don't struggle or fight back, or you may trigger a real bite. Sometimes smacking your other hand hard against a hard surface -- a tabletop, for example -- may startle your cat into breaking off the attack. If you stay still, however, he will usually calm down and release you.

Become familiar with your cat and his body language, and stop petting him before he becomes overstimulated. Cat lovers often think such attacks come without warning, but they've missed the warning signs of a cat who has simply had enough. The tail is the key. If your cat starts twitching his tail in a jerky fashion, it's time to stop petting. Do this with regularity, and your cat will learn to tolerate petting for longer periods.

-- Play aggression. The cat who pounces on your feet and then careens off the wall isn't trying to hurt you -- he's playing. Redirect his energy with play sessions to help your cat burn off his excess energy before you try for a quiet petting session. Use toys as the object of his prey-playing behavior. Wrestling bare-handed with your cat or kitten is a no-no, because you're setting up a bad precedent.

What if he persists in seeing you as a plaything? As with an overstimulated cat, stop the behavior by freezing. Don't give him a reason to continue the attack. You can also inform him that attacks on you are not permitted by letting him have it with a shot of water from a spray bottle as he's heading for your ankles. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Rabbits prove popular

When it comes to small mammals as pets, rabbits are the most popular, followed by hamsters and guinea pigs. All small mammals are common children's pets, but most have considerable followings among adults as well. Among those households with small mammals as pets, here's how the animals ranked in popularity (more than one answer allowed):

Rabbit 43 percent

Hamster 36 percent

Guinea pig 20 percent

Mouse/rat 8 percent

Ferret 7 percent

Gerbil 5 percent

Chinchilla 4 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Whisper to your pet instead of yelling

Pets are not hearing-challenged. Shake the treat jar or say "cookie," and your pets will come running. But if you love talking to your pet nonstop, she may learn to tune you out.

Yelling to get your pet's attention only creates tension, since pets respond to tone. A happy tone engages pets; an angry tone repels them. Clap or make another sudden noise to get your pet's attention. As soon as your pet looks up, praise, then whisper an instruction.

Train your pet using a whisper voice, and your pet will listen more intently. When your pet learns a few words that always mean a good time, it will be easy to get your pet's attention with a whisper.

(Animal behavior experts Susan and Dr. Roland 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

Gina Spadafori

Universal Press Syndicate

As I write this in Northern California, it's daylight, but the sun is obscured by the smoke from hundreds of wildfires. Countless families have evacuated their homes or stand ready to, along with their animals.

As I write this, the floodwaters are receding from a friend's farm in Iowa, but she and her family are safe, along with their animals.

As I write this, a photographer friend is back in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans, following the progress -- or lack thereof -- of a great city working to get back on its feet, along with its animals.

As I write this, I wonder again: Am I ready for a levee break, living as I do near the confluence of two great rivers? Am I ready for an earthquake?

Maybe. Mostly. Now that I think about it, I'd better check.

Disaster preparedness is so easy to let slide. We get all worked up after a major disaster is in the news, and certainly after we're lucky enough to be reminded of the potential -- a thick layer of smoke, in my case, with the nearest fire two counties away.

We read up, we stock up, we move on. And then, we forget. In a pinch, we take the can opener out of the emergency kit and don't replace it. We rotate the food and water into our kitchen cupboards, but we don't buy anything new to rotate into the supplies in the garage.

It's human nature, of course, to react to immediate threats and to put off preparing for something that might never happen.

If you're one of those people who not only have a disaster plan but have also included your animals in it, now is the time to review those plans.

If you've never done any disaster planning, for you or your pets, this is as good a time as any to start. But no matter where you live, there could be a crisis heading your way, and your pets are counting on you.

Start your preparations with something you've probably already taken care of, by making sure your pets have ID.

Most animals will survive a disaster, but many never see their families again because there's no way to determine which pet belongs to which family if the animals go missing, a common occurrence even under normal circumstances. That's why dogs and cats should always wear a collar and identification tags. Add a microchip, too.

Once your pet has up-to-date ID, it's time to collect some equipment to help you cope in case of an emergency. A big storage bin with a lid and handles is an ideal place to keep everything you need together and on hand.

Keep several days' worth of drinking water and pet food, as well as any necessary medicines, rotating the stock regularly. For canned goods, don't forget to pack a can opener and a spoon. Lay in a supply of empty plastic bags, along with paper towels, both for cleaning up messes and for sealing them away until they can be safely tossed.

For cats, pack a bag of litter and some disposable litter trays.

Even normally docile pets can behave in uncharacteristic ways when stressed by an emergency, which makes restraints essential for the safety of pets and people alike. For dogs, leashes should always be available.

Shipping crates are probably the least-thought-of pieces of emergency equipment for pets but are among the most important. Sturdy crates keep pets of all kinds safe while increasing their housing options. Crated pets may be allowed in hotel rooms that are normally off-limits to pets, or can be left in a pinch with veterinarians or shelters that are already full, since the animals come with rooms of their own.

The final item of restraint for dogs and cats: a soft muzzle, because frightened or injured pets are more likely to bite. And don't forget to put first-aid supplies in your disaster kit, along with a book on how to treat pet injuries.

You may never have to pull out your disaster kit, but it's always good to be prepared.

For more information or a free emergency preparedness brochure for pet lovers, visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY.

Q&A

Antibiotics: Let your veterinarian decide

Q: My friend says she almost never goes to the veterinarian with her pets. She's from a farming family, and she says they always kept antibiotics around and treated their animals themselves. She says it's pretty easy to get antibiotics -- the fish kind are fine and lots cheaper, too. And, of course, she isn't paying for a vet visit.

Our budget is stretched pretty thin these days, like a lot of people. I'm open to the idea of doing more vet care at home. But is it really OK to give fish drugs to dogs? -- S.I., via e-mail

A: Antibiotics have saved countless lives of both the human and animal variety. But we have become so comfortable with these medicines and their frequent use, we sometimes forget they are powerful drugs that should be used with care.

As you've noted, some pet owners respond to any sign of illness by dosing -- and often, overdosing -- their pets with antibiotics commonly available at pet-supply stores (and often labeled for fish). "Prescribing" antibiotics on your own for your pet is a bad idea, for a couple of reasons.

First, if your pet has a viral or fungal infection, antibiotics will not help -- and they may even worsen your pet's condition.

Second, not all antibiotics are the same. They each have their target bacteria and may little affect bacteria that they're not designed to combat as well as bacteria that are resistant to their effects. To choose the right antibiotic for a particular health problem requires not only expertise, but it may also require a diagnostic test.

Third, regular use of antibiotics may affect both your pet's immune system and the bacteria trying to beat it, leading to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that will be hard to stamp out, even with the "right" medication. This last point has ramifications beyond the health of your pet: Experts say the wide use, misuse and overuse of antibiotics is behind the rise of drug-resistant bacteria.

When you buy an antibiotic at a pet-supply store, you are often wasting your money, and you're certainly losing time -- time that should be spent taking your pet to your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

There are many ways to trim the costs of pet care, but guessing at what's ailing your pet and then guessing at a course of treatment wouldn't be at the top of my list.

After all, guessing wrongly may end up costing you more than money -- it may end up costing your pet his life. -- 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

Canine 'startup' costs not cheap

-- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has released its annual estimate of pet-care costs and found a large dog's first year of care -- including food, veterinary care and spaying or neutering -- will cost about $1,843. Want a less expensive pet? The ASPCA puts the "startup" cost for a small bird at $270, and at $235 for a fish setup.

-- Tail-wagging is a form of communication (dogs don't usually wag their tails when they're alone). But a wagging tail doesn't necessarily mean a friendly dog, since even a dog with a tail on the move can and will bite. The book "Why Do Men Have Nipples" says the wag can convey good spirits, fear, aggression, dominance, submission or a state of conflict, the latter the simultaneous need to advance and retreat. Wagging also spreads pheromones by causing the muscles around the tail to contract and press on glands that release a scent that communicates information about sex, age and social status.

-- Alligator blood may hold the key to fighting deadly infections in humans, reports The Miami Herald. Preliminary data shows antibodies in gator blood killed about two dozen strains of bacteria, including E. coli, strep and salmonella, as well as a deadly form of staph infection. Researchers believe alligators developed strong immune systems to deal with injuries sustained in the swamp. -- Dr. Marty Becker

THE SCOOP

Dock diving: A big jump and a cool finish

Dock diving is one of the newest sports for dogs, and in the hot months of summer, it's easy to see why it's so popular.

The sport is easy to understand -- jumps off an elevated dock into a portable pool are measured for distance or height -- and fun for handlers, dogs, spectators and TV viewers. And although the top teams are now getting sponsorships and are training for even longer jumps, in dock-diving, even new competitors can do well.

If your dog loves the water, all you need to do is sign up, show up and have a great time.

Water dogs -- retrievers, primarily -- have a natural advantage in this sport, of course. A dog who doesn't fancy landing into a pool may lack the motivation to compete, no matter their ability to leap a great distance. Still, dogs of all sizes, breeds and mixes have competed, and many have posted more than respectable results.

Dock-diving is welcoming of newcomers, so if you think your dog has what it takes to get "big air," check out these organizations for more information:

-- Dock Dogs (www.dockdogs.com). Dock Dogs offers more events and a series of televised regionals leading to a championship. Most events are on the East Coast and in the Midwest.

-- Splash Dogs (www.splashdogs.com). Splash Dogs competitions are big in California and throughout the Western states, with a national championship in Arizona. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Ticks mean health problems for dogs

Tick-related diseases are a major source of illness in dogs. According to an analysis of claims submitted in 2007 to the Veterinary Pet Insurance Co., Lyme disease is the top infectious disease in dogs for the third year in a row. Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis, other tick-borne conditions, came in at No. 3. Together, these three conditions accounted for 47 percent of canine claims for infectious diseases last year. The top infectious diseases:

1. Lyme disease

2. Papillomatosis

3. Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis

4. Valley fever

Source: Petinsurance.com

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Be conscious of what you're rewarding

When your pet is trying to get your attention, ask yourself this question, "Do I want this particular behavior to increase or decrease?"

For example, if you want your pet's vocalization and pawing at doors to decrease, then ignore those behaviors. As tempting as it is, do not even look at your pet. Eye contact alone is enough attention to encourage your pet to continue a behavior.

Instead, encourage behaviors you do want. Ignore your pet's unwanted behaviors until they stop. Then, give your pet an instruction or wait until your pet sits quietly before rewarding him with eye contact, praise or a treat.

Your pet will learn to offer those good behaviors you want instead of behaviors that no longer work to get what he wants.

(Animal behavior experts Susan and Dr. Roland 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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