Universal Press Syndicate

Here's a rule to remember when it comes to dealing with feline aggression: Never, ever hit your cat.

While it may make you feel better -- at least in the short run -- a smack won't help you change a cat who appears to delight in sinking teeth and claws into you at seemingly unpredictable moments.

Fear and pain can cause a cat to lash out. The best way to deal with a scared cat is to let him be, while a sick cat needs a veterinarian. But most times what we see as "meanness" in a cat is just part of being a cat. You can change this behavior, but only if you understand what's behind it and react properly. Here's what makes cats go crazy and how to correct the problems:

-- Overstimulation. You're petting your cat, and suddenly he grabs you with his claws and teeth. Not a full-powered attack, but you still have those sharp tips around your hand. What to do? In the short run, freeze. 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.

That's the solution if you've gotten to the attack stage. The better option is to be 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.

-- Play aggression. Sure, it hurts all the same, but the cat who pounces on your feet and then careens off the wall isn't trying to hurt you -- he's playing. Instead of punishing your cat, redirect his energy. Increase your play sessions with your cat with an appropriate toy, such as a cat fishing pole or toy on a string, to help your cat burn off his excess energy before you try for a quiet petting session.

No matter what, never let your cat view you as a plaything, not even when he's an adorable kitten. Wrestling bare-handed with your cat or kitten is a no-no, because you're setting up a bad precedent. A stuffed sock is a great substitute for a human hand when it comes to playthings -- let your cat bite, claw and bunny-kick to his heart's content.

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.

-- Redirected aggression. Your cat sees another cat, an intruder, outside your living-room window. He becomes enraged. You walk by, and he nails you. What gives? You were just the victim of redirected aggression.

This one's tough to fix. Try to discourage strange cats in your yard. Thump on the window, turn on the sprinklers, or put an air horn out the door and give them a blast. If you can't keep the intruders out, block your cat's access to the window through which he sees the other cats. And again, be aware of your cat's body language. A cat who's looking for trouble is one who's best avoided.

With all feline aggression, the trick is to eliminate the triggers and work on your cat's tolerance levels. If you're patient and consistent, your cat will improve over time.

SIDEBAR

Get a free sampler of new books

Each book has animal-care information from top experts in every field, true stories of the power of animals in our lives chosen from thousands of submissions, and gorgeous full-color photography.

Readers can download a free sampler of each book -- two stories, two chapters of "must-know" information and two full-color pictures -- at PetConnection.com.

Q&A

Specialists can make difference

Q: My dog has had an ongoing problem with digesting his food. Working with my veterinarian, we tried a few different things, but now he wants me to take the dog to a specialist. I didn't even know there were specialist vets. Are they really needed? -- O.R., via e-mail

A: If you think about it, it's pretty difficult for a single person to handle primary care, anesthesiology, dentistry, surgery and more for all kinds of pets.

So yes, veterinary specialists do exist, and their expertise can make a difference.

The relationship between your regular veterinarian and a specialist is pretty formalized. You are being sent for the specialist's help, and then you, your veterinarian and the specialist will work together to resolve the issue. Typically, a specialist does not continue care after the health crisis is over, but rather sends the client back to the referring veterinarian.

For ongoing issues, however, it's not uncommon for a pet to see two veterinarians over a long period. For example, my 12-year-old retriever sees both our regular veterinarian for traditional care and a veterinary acupuncturist who helps Heather with her arthritis pain. Both veterinarians are aware of the situation and consult each other to be sure Heather has the best quality of life as she ages.

This is the third aging dog I've used both Western and Eastern veterinary medicine with, and the integrated approach has worked well in easing the decline.

Veterinary specialists fall into two general categories: those who specialize in a kind of medicine, such as surgery, and those who specialize in a particular species or related group of species, such as birds.

Among those in the first category are certified specialists in behavior, cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, emergency and critical care, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology and surgery. You can also find veterinarians who specialize in alternative care, such as acupuncture.

Species-specific certified specialists include those certified in avian, feline, and combination feline and canine care.

Most specialties require additional years of study and the passing of extremely difficult tests, or boards, hence the origin of the terms "boarded" or "board-certified" in describing a specialist.

Information on all traditional veterinary specialists can be found on the American Veterinary Medical Association Web site (www.avma.org) by clicking on the link to "Veterinary Specialty Organizations." For alternative veterinary specialists, visit the site of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (ahvma.org). -- Gina Spadafori

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 BUZZ

Early introductions ease dog-cat rivalry

-- Dogs and cats can get along very well indeed if introduced early enough in life, notes a study in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science and reported on Discovery.com. If introduced while still young, the two species can learn each other's body language. For example, dogs normally sniff each other's rears to get information. In the case of successful multipet households, the dog may sniff the cat's nose instead -- the "Eskimo kiss" common among cats.

-- It's a zoo out there when it comes to online dating. Databases called "studbooks" are a crucial tool when it comes to breeding captive wild animals. The databases contain information on sex, age and weight -- not so much about favorite foods, hobbies or walks on the beach -- and are used by 200 zoos in the United States alone. Zookeepers use many tricks to ignite an animal's breeding instinct, including showing pandas movies of other pandas mating (panda porn, as it's been called), or simulating a rainstorm for frogs, replete with rain and the sound of thunder.

-- Nearly 20 percent of all plant species on Earth are in Brazil, reports National Geographic Traveler.

-- In his farewell address as president of the American Medical Association, Dr. Ronald M. Davis stressed the importance of physicians and veterinarians working together for public health. Speaking of the AMA's new relationship with the American Veterinary Medical Association, Davis stressed that of the roughly 1,500 diseases now recognized in humans, about 60 percent move across species. During the past three decades, he said, three-quarters of newly emerging human infectious diseases have been animal diseases transmitted to humans. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

PET BOOKS

A medical book that's really about love

The phone rings in the middle of the night, and veterinary surgical specialist Dr. Nick Trout races to Angell Animal Medical Center. Sage, an old German shepherd, the deathbed gift of her owner's late wife, is fighting for her life.

When Trout arrives, he finds the dog panting in agony, her stomach twisted and bloated. He kneels to examine her and, as their eyes meet, her tail thumps in greeting.

"This selfless creature placed more importance on the simplicity of a human connection than on the unrelenting pain she was more than prepared to endure," he writes in "Tell Me Where It Hurts" (Broadway Books, $23). "If ever a dog deserved a chance, this dog did."

In this slightly fictionalized account of 24 hours in the life of a veterinary surgeon, we watch Dr. Trout struggle to save the life of not only Sage but also of a dozen other animals. We meet their owners, the friendly and the rude, the wealthy and the poor, the corporate executive and the struggling single mom. We get to know the dog-loving, secretly wealthy shopping bag lady, and the woman who breaks down when her dog is diagnosed with the same disease that took the life of her 4-year-old daughter.

Armchair veterinarians and "ER" addicts will love it, but "Tell Me Where It Hurts" is only superficially a medical drama. It's really a story about the bond between humans and animals, and one veterinarian's awe at being a part of it. -- Christie Keith

BY THE NUMBERS

How fat is your cat?

According to a survey of pet owners, cat lovers agree that neutered is neater. But when it comes to figuring out a cat's proper weight, their reports don't jibe with the higher obesity rates that veterinarians claim -- up to half. The percentage of cats whose owners say are (multiple answers allowed):

Spayed or neutered 86 percent

Overweight 14 percent

Put on diet 10 percent

Taken to groomer 4 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

PET Rx

Cats need shots for rabies, too

The risk of contracting rabies from your cat -- or any cat -- is very small, but rabies is so deadly that if your cat were to contract it, he would need to be euthanized, and you might need to have a series of inoculations to save your life.

The seriousness of rabies is why vaccinations are recommended -- and in many places, legally mandated -- for cats as well as dogs.

If your cat tangles with a wild animal but is current on his rabies vaccination, he'll need to be quarantined. If he's not vaccinated, public-health officials may require that he be killed. That's because the only way to tell for certain whether an animal is rabid is to test the tissues of the brain.

Be sure your pet is vaccinated against this deadly, contagious disease -- for his protection, and for yours. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

Last week we offered some of the best "must know" information from our just-released book "The Ultimate Dog Lover." This week, the cats have their turn, with tips from "The Ultimate Cat Lover."

Each "must know" piece in the book has been developed with the help of one of the top experts in each area of expertise, and these experts are noted at the end of each tip.

-- Litter-box avoidance: Cats don't urinate outside the litter box to spite their owners. Some cats who don't go to the bathroom where we'd like them to have a medical or metabolic problem. Others are terrified of bully cats. And some don't like to do their business in a box that smells like a standing-line-only carnival porta-potty on a hot summer day. Many homes have too few litter boxes, located in the wrong places, or filled with litter that cats don't really like. -- Dr. Gary Landsberg, veterinarian and behaviorist, noted speaker and instructor on pet behavior issues

-- Pain management: It's particularly challenging for veterinarians and cat owners to recognize when a cat is in pain. Cats are descended from small predators who instinctively know that if they show signs of illness, the hunter becomes the hunted. Subtle changes in a cat's interactions with the family may be a clue that pain is present. Be on the lookout for unexpected hiding, irritability, lack of appetite or just plain weird(er) behavior. While you should never give human pain meds (even the over-the-counter variety) to your cat (they can be lethal), your veterinarian can help you to ease your pet's pain with traditional and alternative medicine and with strategies to help manage the cat's environment to ease the hurt. -- Dr. Robin Downing, veterinarian and internationally recognized expert on pain management in companion animals

-- Keeping indoor cats busy: Today's cats are born retired -- they've gone from mouser to moocher. Bored cats may develop medical problems and may suffer both physically and emotionally from the stress of living entirely in a man-made world. The key to stress reduction is to identify activities that make us feel better and then to do them. The easiest way to learn what an individual cat prefers (whether with treats, toys or litter box type, filler or location) is to offer alternatives and watch what she chooses. -- Dr. Tony Buffington, professor of veterinary clinical sciences at The Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital, which runs the Indoor Cat Initiative (IndoorCat.org)

-- Speaking "felinese": You don't have to go through a language immersion course to learn what your cat is trying to tell you. The language of cats has a lot to do with non-verbal cues -- body language, in other words. A cat's tail is one of the most reliable ways to tell his emotional state. A friendly cat will carry his tail upright, with the tip tilted slightly forward. Tail-wagging is a danger sign in cats, and you'd better back off when you see it. -- Dusty Rainbolt, author of award-winning books on cat care, most recently "Cat Wrangling Made Easy: Maintaining Peace and Sanity in Your Multicat Home." She has fostered and placed more than 300 hard-luck cats and has bottle-raised countless orphaned kittens.

-- Feline introductions: Cats are the least forgiving of interlopers trespassing on their turf. Don't toss the new kitty into your existing clowder to "work it out on their own," or you'll end up with the makings of a slasher film. Respect your resident cat's proper claim to territory. Confine the new cat in a single room by herself, to make both cats more comfortable during the transition period. -- Amy Shojai, a certified animal behavior consultant, pet-care columnist and author of 22 per-care books, including "PEToQuette: Solving Behavior Problems in Your Multipet Home"

That's just the tiniest of tastes of all the information that we've put into these new "Ultimate" pet books. The cat book also contains information on safer anesthesia, reducing both shedding and allergies to cats, and how to take great pictures of your cats.

SIDEBAR

Ultimate series starts with animal lovers' set

Combined, they have authored or co-authored more than 20 books, including the 2007 New York Times best-seller, "Why Do Dogs Drink Out of the Toilet?"

The "Ultimate" books are the first in a new series from HCI, publisher of the best-selling "Chicken Soup" series. The "Ultimate" pet books combine original stories from top writers, must-know information from experts in every specialty and lush, full-color photography.

Q&A

Sympathy notes fine when a pet has died

Q: I have always been a pet lover. My cats and dogs have always been important to me, but especially since my children all moved away and got married, and I am now a widow.

Knowing how important pets are to others as well, I wonder if you think it's acceptable these days to send a sympathy note to a friend when a pet dies. I have done so, but I don't want the gesture to be poorly received or misunderstood. -- I.C., via e-mail

A: How can any caring, thoughtful gesture ever be inappropriate? You are letting a friend know that you are thinking about her during a difficult time, and that's always appreciated.

You may not be aware that sympathy cards for pet lovers have been available for many years now. There are also longstanding programs that accept donations in the memory of a beloved pet. Your local shelter or college of veterinary medicine will welcome such a gift and will send your friend a card of acknowledgment. Pet-health research organizations such as the Winn Feline Foundation, Morris Animal Foundation or AKC Canine Health Foundation also make good use of donations.

Many people are helped by the idea of the "Rainbow Bridge," a place where our animals wait for us, and then we are together, forever. The idea has become so popular that it's accepted practice among pet lovers to refer to a deceased pet as being "at the bridge."

If you are writing a sympathy note to a friend who has lost a dog, you might make note of the first use of "man's best friend," in a courtroom speech by George Graham Vest, who later became a U.S. senator:

"The one absolute, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world -- the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous -- is his dog," said Vest in 1870.

Playwright Eugene O'Neill's lovely 1940 tribute to his Dalmatian Blemie, "The Last Will and Testament of Silverdene Emblem O'Neill," is also perfect for sharing.

For cat lovers, I like to share quotations from the French writer Colette, a cat lover for the ages.

But no matter what you write or whether you make a donation in memory of a special pet, I will guarantee you that any kind note to a friend who has lost a pet would be very much appreciated. -- Gina Spadafori

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 BUZZ

Pet worming tip for human health

-- Three of the top five diseases transmissible from pets to people (what the experts call "zoonotic") are easily prevented through the use of wormers, according to Banfield, The Pet Hospital. Banfield lists that the top five zoonotic risks from dogs are: roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm, giardiasis and ringworm. For cats: tapeworm, roundworm, ringworm, hookworm and toxoplasmosis.

-- You're never too old to be a dad ... well, at least according to Henry, a 111-year-old reptilian tuatara at the New Zealand Southland Museum. The expectant parents, Henry and his partner, Mildred (younger by 40 years), have 12 eggs that caretakers hope will hatch in five months. Tuataras have been on the endangered species list since 1895, threatened from a non-native Polynesian rat as well as loss of habitat.

-- Heart disease affects about a quarter of all dogs over 7 years of age, but a new drug is showing great promise for dogs with congestive heart failure. Vetmedin (pimobendan), made by Boehringer Ingelheim, has been shown to double the survival time, compared with current treatments, according to British newspaper The Telegraph.

-- The seven states with the fewest veterinarians for every 1,000 pets are Wyoming, North Dakota, New Mexico, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky and West Virginia. The four states with the most vets per pets are Colorado, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut. So reports Veterinary Economics magazine. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

THE SCOOP

Pet parrots need rules to live by

To achieve the full potential of a pet parrot, you need to practice consistent handling and gentle training. It's not hard if you follow some basic guidelines:

-- Learn when to leave your bird alone. Birds can be very moody, and there are times when it's best just to let them be. As you come to know your bird better, you'll be able to identify clearly the times when he wants to be with you and when he wants to be left alone. Give him space when he needs it.

-- Control your bird's comings and goings. Instead of opening the cage door to let your pet out, ask your bird to step up onto your hand and then bring him out. Likewise, give the "step up" command when it's time to put your bird back in his cage. This routine may seem like no big deal to you, but you're sending a message of leadership to your bird.

-- Keep training sessions short and upbeat. Parrots are highly intelligent, but they don't have the longest attention spans. While trick-training is great for keeping them engaged, they get bored easily. Several short sessions a day -- just a couple of minutes at a time -- are better than one or two long ones. Always end on a positive note!

-- Don't let your bird ignore a command. If you say, "Step up," persist until your bird complies, or you'll set yourself up for trouble down the road. Birds are very smart, and if they figure a way around you, they'll take it.

Your bird will love you for setting clear guidelines -- and you'll get more out of the relationship as well. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Fish better than TV?

Why keep fish? While some people enjoy the challenge of keeping complex tanks running well, most people cite watching an aquarium as the thing they like best about having fish. Top reasons (multiple answers allowed):

Fun to watch: 84 percent

Appearance: 78 percent

Relaxation: 69 percent

Quiet: 57 percent

Easy to maintain: 47 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Keeping dogs from rushing the door

Dogs can learn to respect barriers, even if they are invisible. Teach your dog to stop before going out your front door by always insisting your dog wait for your cue such as "outside" or "OK" before stepping through.

Use repetition and small steps to teach this concept. Begin with one person indoors holding your dog's leash as you walk out the door, and tell your pet to wait.

As your dog learns to wait, raise the bar: Run out the door, or ask a neighbor to come to the door. In other words, help your dog to learn to wait regardless of the situation. No training is 100 percent, but you can put the brakes on door-dashing with consistency and practice.

(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

This week and next, we're pulling out some of the best "must know" information from our just-released books, "The Ultimate Dog Lover" and "The Ultimate Cat Lover."

Each "must know" piece in the book has been developed with the help of one of the top experts in each area of expertise, and these experts are noted at the end of each tip.

(This week, dogs. Next week, cats will get their due.)

-- Socializing: Once you have picked up your puppy at 8 weeks, you still have five weeks left of the critical socialization period. Your puppy needs to meet another 100 people in this period. If the puppy sees only family for the first months of life, he or she often will develop a fear of strangers. -- Dr. Ian Dunbar, veterinarian and behaviorist, founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com)

-- Dog parks: Not all dogs learn to play nice, and some perfectly good dogs just aren't well-suited for the communal experience. Some will unintentionally provoke fights or fearfulness from other dogs with overly aggressive or unrelenting play. These are likely dogs who never learned to read the language of another dog's "leave me alone" cues and will keep pushing until there's a fight. Hormones can also play a role, and that's why it's usually best for dog-park play to be among spayed and neutered animals. -- Dr. Melissa Bain, veterinarian and behaviorist, head of Clinical Animal Behavior Service at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine

-- Low-shed pets: If you're looking specifically for a dog who won't shed much, get a small, longhaired dog and keep the coat trimmed short. Why? Because the hair of longhaired dogs falls out less frequently, and a smaller dog has less hair to shed than a larger one. If you keep the hair clipped short, the hair that does fall out will result in less volume to deal with. -- Dr. Craig Griffin, veterinary dermatologist, lecturer and instructor on skin problems in animals, and founder and co-owner of the Animal Dermatology Clinic

-- Canine cancer: The best treatment for cancer is prevention. Restrict your dog's daily intake of food to maintain a fit body weight, and feed him a balanced, delicious high-quality diet with limited amounts of carbohydrates (sugars), moderate amounts of good-quality proteins and higher levels of n-3 fatty acids such as DHA. Consider supplementing omega-3 fatty acids to potentially reduce the risk of developing cancer. Add regular exercise. -- Dr. Gregory Ogilvie, veterinarian and oncologist, former head of research at the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University, and director of the Angel Care Cancer Center

-- Trick training: All dogs can learn tricks. Which kind of trick depends on the dog -- his physical abilities and how quickly he thinks. Some breeds have a physical advantage: Basset hounds will never be as quick as border collies, for example. Even old dogs can learn new tricks, despite the saying to the contrary. In fact, old dogs love new tricks, because they enjoy the attention and fun of trick training. -- Liz Palika, certified dog-trainer for more than 25 years, award-winning author of more than 50 books, including "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Dog Tricks" (Alpha, $15)

That's just the tiniest of tastes of all the information that we've put into these new "Ultimate" pet books. Enjoy, and we'll be back with cat tips next week!

SIDEBAR

Pet Connection's Dr. Becker on 'Good Morning America'

The Pet Connection's Dr. Marty Becker is starting his 11th year as the veterinary correspondent on "Good Morning America" with an appearance Oct. 8 to debut the latest books he and Gina Spadafori have co-authored.

"The Ultimate Cat Lover" and "The Ultimate Dog Lover ($15 each from HCI) are the sixth and seventh books the two have written together. Their eighth, "The Ultimate Horse Lover," will be out next month.

The "Ultimate" books are the first in a new series from HCI, publisher of the best-selling "Chicken Soup" series. The "Ultimate" pet books combine original stories from top writers, must-know information from experts in every specialty and lush, full-color photography.

Q&A

Front-clip harness makes walks easy

Q: Our 2-year-old golden pulls on the leash. There's no way the kids can walk her, and she's supposed to be their dog. My husband is the only member of our family strong enough to control her, and she's a trial for him, too.

Our veterinarian recommended we try a head halter. I've seen them a couple of times, but I thought they were muzzles. Do you second the endorsement? -- I.C., via e-mail

A: A lot of dogs pitch a fit when they're learning to accept a head halter, and these tools do seem a tad complicated for many people to put on correctly. That's why I prefer to recommend a front-clip harness, such as the Easy Walk from Premier. Here's the rundown on both pull-stoppers:

-- Head halter: These work on the idea that where the head goes, the body will follow -- a premise that has helped control horses for centuries. As noted, there can be a steep learning curve and lots of frustration on both sides of the leash. Plus, let's be honest: Head halters are ugly, and they do look like muzzles.

-- Front-clip harness: The front-clip harness uses a dog's own momentum to stop the pulling. When the dog pulls, pressure on the front of the harness impedes her forward motion. The dog quickly learns to stop pulling while the harness is on.

It's important to remember, however, that a front-clip harness prevents pulling behavior, but it doesn't change it. Put the leash on your dog's collar, and you have a puller again.

Because I'm guessing your exuberant young dog has other behavioral issues in addition to poor leash manners, I'd recommend finding a good trainer.

A couple of private sessions will help you get both the right equipment on your dog and a plan for turning her into a well-behaved member of the family. -- Gina Spadafori

Q: My brother almost never cleans his dog's dish. He says the dog eats every crumb of kibble and so cleans the bowl himself. This seems gross to me. Is it dangerous? -- E.U., via e-mail

A: Well, it's not good, that's for sure. Ask your brother if he would put dishes back in the cupboard after licking them clean. (And if he says "yes," make a note to meet him in restaurants from now on.)

Food dishes should be washed in hot water and soap after every meal, and water dishes should get the same treatment daily. They can also be run through the dishwasher, which has always been my preference since my model has a sanitizing cycle. -- Gina Spadafori

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 BUZZ

Spay-neuter: not all good

-- Increased pet lameness may be the result of spaying and neutering. Pet sterilization is rightfully heralded for its effectiveness in decreasing the number of potentially homeless pets and for some health benefits to altered animals. However, a large retrospective study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association makes the case that the picture isn't all positive, with an increased incidence of knee and hip disorders in altered animals.

-- Trail food is now available for dogs. The company Peakwaggers offers food said to be perfect for hiking at $6 to $10 retail per package, and with flavors such as Wild Alaskan Salmon Jerky.

-- Elephants' legendary memories may aid survival by helping them beat droughts, according to USA Today. A herd's older females can remember from previous water shortages where to find distant resources. As many older elephants were poached in the 1980s, scientists say protecting experienced herd leaders could be key in helping elephants adapt to a warming climate.

-- Where does the drinking expression "hair of the dog" come from? The saying originated from an even longer saying, "the hair of the dog that bit me," referring to an old idea that a few hairs taken from the same dog who had bitten you could be used to prevent rabies. Nowadays the expression is generally used in reference to drinking too much alcohol, suggesting that a hangover can be cured by drinking more alcohol. (Not true, by the way.) -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

PET BOOK

Lizards, snakes and frogs: best pet picks

Are you -- or your child -- wishing for a pet that's a little different from a dog or a cat? A reptile might be the answer. Consider these top pet picks:

-- Bearded dragon: They look tough, but they're really calm and gentle as adults, if handled with respect and care during their flighty young stages. And they never get too big to handle (18 to 20 inches, tops), unlike the green iguana, which can be measured in feet as an adult.

-- Leopard gecko: A popular ad campaign for an insurance company has drawn attention to these lizards. Fortunately, they're good pets, and tolerate gentle handling well. Their big-eyed faces are pretty cute, and they remain small in size, about 6 inches long.

-- Corn snake: Captive breeding has produced wonderful color variations in the corn snake. These calm snakes rarely ever try to bite, and if they do, the bites are a warning that you have done something wrong. These are good pets for busy people, as they require minimal care.

-- Ball python: These pythons mature at about 4 feet in length. They are constrictors, though, and they love going up around your neck. You'll need to know the way to unwind a snake: Start at the tail and gently unwind.

-- Pac-Man frogs and White's tree frogs: Two of the larger species of frogs available in the pet trade, both the Pac-Man and White's tree frogs have plenty of fans. They're attractive, easy keepers that never get too big -- 6 or 7 inches is about the max.

Deal with a reputable source for reptiles, and buy a captive-bred pet only. And be sure you've done your research into housing, care and feeding before you buy, to make sure you're prepared and willing to provide what your pet needs to thrive. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Helping the wild ones

When the weather gets colder, wild birds can use a little help, and many people are happy to oblige. (Interesting note: Households with pet birds are more likely to feed wild birds than those without pet birds.) According to a 2006 survey (multiple responses allowed):

-- 52 percent of all households feed wild birds

-- 44 percent provide wild birdseed

-- 19 percent offer bread crumbs

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Teach pet that vet isn't bad

Why wouldn't a pet be afraid of her veterinarian? After all, many pets see the veterinarian mostly for scary and painful events, and often when they're not feeling well already.

Think about your pet, in this respect, like a child. Many doctors and dentists give goodies to children when they come in, helping to turn a bad experience into a good one. You can do that for your pet, too.

Make sure your pet is hungry when it's time to go to the vet, and bring along his favorite treats. Give your pet treats in the car, in the parking lot, in the lobby and in the exam room.

Over time, your pet will come to associate the sights, sounds and smells of a veterinary practice with good things, not bad.

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

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

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