Universal Press Syndicate

The number of people who travel with their dogs is growing, and so too are the options for pets on the road. From "ruffing it" at campgrounds to enjoying fabulous four-star hotels, the time has never been better to pack your pet and go.

Still, traveling with a dog is no picnic sometimes. Finding lodgings can be difficult, luxurious inside dining is largely sacrificed in favor of eating takeout in the car or a park, and spending hours tripping through quaint shops becomes a thing of the past when a dog is waiting. Traveling with dogs offers some challenges, but nearly all are surmountable with common sense and creativity.

The travel industry wants to help, that's for sure. Countless books cover traveling with dogs, and some travel agents have carved out a niche booking canine-centered vacations. People in the travel industry have learned that many people with dogs are exceptionally grateful for pleasant accommodations, and so return to the places that treat them well year after year. As a result, some entrepreneurs have gone to great lengths to attract dog lovers: You can even find canine camps where people do nothing but share a slice of "dog heaven" with their pet for a week or more at a time.

Is your pup ready to hit the road? As with all other training, ending up with a good car-rider starts with molding correct behavior when your dog is a puppy. No matter how cute or how small, do not allow your pup to ride in your lap, and don't make a fuss over him while you're driving.

Traveling with your dog in a crate is often easier and definitely safer. Depending on the size of your dog and the size and shape of your car, a crate may not be feasible. It should always be considered, though, especially for those dogs who are so active that they distract the driver. Collapsible crates are available for easy storage in the trunk when not in use.

Another safety tool is a doggy seat belt. Some models attach to the seat belt and then to a harness you provide, while others come complete with harness. Also good for keeping a pet in place -- if you have a station wagon, van or SUV -- are widely available metal barriers that fit between the passenger and cargo areas. These barriers aren't considered as safe in the event of a crash as a crate or a safety belt, but they do solve the problem of a dog whose behavior can distract the driver.

If your dog's only exposure to travel is an occasional trip to the veterinarian's, don't be surprised if he comes to hate car trips. Try to build up his enthusiasm by increasing his time in the car and praising him for his good behavior. The first short trips should be to pleasant locations, such as parks.

Because most of the car-sickness problems come from fear, not motion sickness, building up your pet's tolerance for riding in a car is a better long-term cure than anything you could give him. Ask your veterinarian's advice for any medication to help in the short term.

On the road, remember to stop at regular intervals, about as often as you need to for yourself, for your dog to relieve himself and get a drink of fresh water. Always keep your dog on a leash for his own safety. And don't forget that your dog's ID tags are never as important as when you're on the road.

With a few short practice trips and some training, you'll be on the road in no time.

SIDEBAR

Travel resources

As often as I turn to the Internet for information, it's a bit of a surprise to me that my most valued resource when it comes to traveling with my dogs is still a book: "Traveling With Your Pet: The AAA Petbook." I've traveled though likely two-thirds of the states and part of Canada with nothing more than this book as my guide to places that accept pets. Even now, you can find a copy stuffed under the seat of my minivan. Now in its seventh edition ($18 from AAA or most booksellers), the book lists almost 13,000 hotels and hundreds of campgrounds where pets are welcome.

More limited in scope but more detailed in the descriptions of individual lodging and pet-friendly attractions, the "Dog Lover's Companion Series" of guides tells you not only where dogs are allowed, but also where they're truly welcome. Avalon Travel Publishing is behind these guides, versions of which cover major urban areas (New York, Boston, Chicago, Seattle, Baltimore/Washington, D.C., and the San Francisco Bay Area), and all of California and Florida.

Popular Internet guides to pet-friendly travel include PetsWelcome.com, petfriendlytravel.com, dogfriendly.com and petswelcome.com.

Q&A

Angry cat may lash out at owner

Q: Whenever my cat looks through the window and sees another cat outside in the yard, she starts this awful-sounding meow and freaks out, running back and forth to different windows and meowing. If you get near her, she jumps up and scratches you. I try to bang on another window so the cat in the backyard will go away.

The last time it happened, my cat followed me upstairs. I was trying to swat her head to get her away from me. She showed her teeth and hissed like she was going to attack me. I was firmly calling her by name and telling her "no," but she had me cornered. I was genuinely afraid.

Finally she went out of the room and downstairs, and a few minutes later she was back to normal. It's so weird because she is so docile and sweet most of the time.

I figure this behavior is probably because she was born in the wild, but I want to see if there is anything I can do. My friend thought there might be some kind of medication I could give her. I hate to get rid of her because we are really attached to her. People who have been around her comment on how gentle and loving she is. -- J.C., e-mail

A: Your cat's behavior likely has nothing to do with being born feral. You have a classic case of what behaviorists call "redirected aggression," and it's not uncommon.

Cats are territorial animals, and the sight of another cat (even through a window) can trigger an aggressive response. The cat who feels "invaded" will work into a state of trancelike anger. The animal becomes frustrated that he cannot get to the invader and typically will lash out at any person or other pet unlucky enough to be in proximity. Sometimes they'll take things further, as your cat did.

The usual advice in such cases is to work to remove the triggers for such behaviors. If possible, figure out a way to keep other cats out of your yard, and block your cat's view to the area where the cats show up. When your cat's in an aggressive state, do not pick her up or touch her, but try to "shoo" her into a darkened room to chill out. Throwing a blanket over her will also end the confrontation in a pinch.

Most cases of redirected aggression aren't as dramatic as your cat's. They can usually be dealt with just by giving the cat a wide berth until it's apparent (from the cat's relaxed body language) that the aggressive state is over. Given the high level of arousal your cat displayed and your fear of a repeat incident, I'd recommend asking your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist who can set up a program of medication and modification that will help defuse the feline time bomb in your home.

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

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

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.

THE BUZZ

New rabies shot to last longer

Cutline: Researchers are studying a rabies vaccine that would last for five years and cut the potential for vaccine reactions.

-- Researchers are evaluating a new, yet-to-be-licensed rabies vaccine that will allow more time between shots. The minimum duration of immunity (DOI) for this product is five to seven years, significantly longer than the one- to three-year DOI for rabies vaccines currently available. The American Animal Hospital Association says the increased DOI will reduce the number of animals that develop adverse reactions following immunizations, which is currently estimated to be 1 to 3 percent of the population.

-- Veterinarians' suicide rate is proportionally four times that of the general population and twice that of other health professionals, studies in the United Kingdom show. Job stress, access to lethal drugs and euthanasia acceptance are among the potential driving forces behind veterinarians' heightened risk, according to the study, "Veterinary Surgeons and Suicide: Influences, Opportunities and Research Directions," published in the UK's Veterinary Record.

-- In a study of 200,000 ostriches over a period of 80 years, no one reported a single case where an ostrich buried its head in the sand.

-- Ever wonder how many beats an animal's ticker makes per minute? According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, elephants bring up the bottom at 25 to 40 beats per minute (bpm), with horses close behind at 28 to 40 bpm. Dog hearts clock in at 70 to 120 bpm, with cats' cardiac speedometer hitting 120 to 140 bpm. But that's nothing compared to rabbits, chickens, hamsters and mice, whose hearts are like race cars, clicking along at 180 to 350, 250 to 300, 300 to 600 and 450 to 750 bpm, respectively. For comparison, the human heart averages about 72 bpm.

-- For most folks, a nice hug and some sympathy can help a bit after we get pushed around. Turns out that chimpanzees use hugs and kisses the same way, according to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The Associated Press report of the study noted that stress was reduced in chimps who were victims of aggression when a third chimp stepped in to offer consolation. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

PET TIP

Feline fur length a matter of personal preference

Let's get one thing straight up front: Almost all cats shed. The "almost" is there to apply to those very few cats who haven't any fur -- such as those of the Sphynx breed, who still manage to carry a little down that can rub off on your clothes. Once you accept the shedding, though, you'll find there's a lot of variety when it comes to cat fur.

If you count out the more exotic coats of some purebred cats, though, you're mostly looking at the difference between choosing shorthaired and longhaired cats.

Some people like the sleek look and feel of a shorthaired cat, while others adore the flowing softness of the longhairs. Do you prefer to rub your hand down a sleek pelt or to bury your fingers in a longhaired one?

What about shedding? The difference in shedding levels between short- and longhaired cats can be dramatic, especially in cats that are prized for the volume of coat, such as with Persians. Are you prepared to live with a lint roller in your bathroom, your glove box and your desk drawer at work? Would you be appalled to have a friend pick one of those glorious 4-inch pieces of fur off the back of your sweater? If you're on the low end of fur tolerance, you'd better stick with shorthaired cats.

You also need to consider the extra care that goes into all but the sleekest of coats. If your longhaired cat's mats get out of control, you'll need to seek out a professional groomer, and that costs money. You'll spend even more money if you elect, as some cat owners do, to have your longhaired cat professionally groomed on a regular basis.

THE SCOOP

Canaries come in countless varieties

Well-known for vocal talents and vibrant color, the canary is one of the most popular pet birds in the world. Canaries hail originally from the Canary Islands, which were named not for their most famous residents, but for the dogs the Romans found there ("canis" being Latin for "dog").

Canaries are actually finches, and wild canaries come in green and yellow, not just the bright yellow most people associate with these pets.

But even domesticated canaries come in many colors and varieties, thanks to centuries of selective breeding. Canaries can be sleek or plump in body type, and smooth or puffy when it comes to feathers, with colors from yellow to bright orange to greens and browns. If you want a singer, though, make sure your new bird is a male. Female canaries don't sing.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

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.

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