Do you secure your pets when they're riding in the car?

While most cats travel safely in carriers when they travel at all, the question typically draws an uneasy look and an uncomfortable response from even the most conscientious and well-meaning of dog lovers.

The truth is that most dog lovers -- including those who wouldn't think of leaving home without first securing themselves and their children with a seat belt -- don't provide the same protection for their dogs.

The results can be tragic. Unrestrained pets cause more than 30,000 accidents annually, according to the American Automobile Association, injuries and even fatalities that could in many cases have been avoided with the use of a restraint or carrier.

"It's beneficial to both people and pets to have animals properly restrained in a car -- either with a commercial restraint device or in a carrier," said Dr. Tony Johnson, emergency department director at VCA Indiana Veterinary Specialists in Indianapolis. "I have seen several dramatic and heartbreaking cases where dogs jumped out of a vehicle and suffered severe injuries."

Grant Biniaz of the pet health insurance provider VPI agrees.

"Injuries can be sustained during an accident, or even when slamming on the brakes," he said. "We also see many cases where unrestrained dogs have been injured jumping out of an open window if they see something interesting -- like another dog or a squirrel -- outside of the car."

But it's not just about safety for pets. Restraining your dog while you're on the road protects people as well. Secured pets won't be the reason for a driver's distraction. In the case of an accident, a secured pet won't be flying loose in the vehicle, increasing the likelihood and severity of injuries to all.

"In a 30 mph accident, a 60-pound dog can cause an impact of more than 2,700 pounds, slamming into a car seat, windshield or other passengers," said Christina Selter, founder of Bark Buckle Up, an organization dedicated to teaching pet owners about the importance of securing their pets while traveling.

"And if the animal survives and gets loose, it can run into traffic or impede the progress of emergency crews arriving on the scene."

There are many varieties of restraints, including harnesses that hook into the seat-belt systems, carriers and crates that keep pets protected and barriers to keep animals in the back, away from drivers. In fact, one auto manufacturer, Volvo, has made dog safety such a priority that the Swedish automaker has introduced its own line of pet barriers that fit into some of its more dog-friendly models. And several other automakers are reportedly following suit.

No matter what type of restraint you choose, the key is to introduce it to your pet as early as possible, said VPI's Biniaz.

"It is very difficult to train an older dog to wear a restraint in a car," said Biniaz. "Pet owners should acclimate their pets to restraints from a young age." 

The importance of pet car safety is perhaps best summed up by Sgt. Rick Martinez of the Anaheim, Calif., police department, who has seen firsthand the tragic consequences of unrestrained pets in vehicles.

"We all want to spoil our pets," said Martinez. "The best thing you can do for your dog is to buckle them up in your car. In case of an accident, it will save their life and greatly enhance the abilities of first responders to take car of other occupants."

(Keith Turner is editor of the Pet Connection's DogCars.com Web site, which has more information on products for safer and more convenient travel with pets.)

Q&A

No need to breed with kittens galore

Q: I want to breed my cat, and I would like to get papers on her so I can sell the kittens for more. How can I figure out what breed she is? She is black overall, and her stomach, chest, chin and paws are white. She's very pretty! -- C.S., via e-mail

A: The overwhelming majority of cats aren't any "breed" at all. Most cats are what veterinarians call "domestic shorthair" (DSH) or "domestic longhair" (DLH); in earlier times they would have been called "alley cats." These cats are purely random-bred, and any number of coat patterns can be a result, even some that resemble those of purebreds. To make things even more interesting: It's not uncommon for a litter of kittens to have more than one father!

"DSH" and "DLH" sound so dry and "alley cat" so disrespectful of the important position cats hold in our hearts. I would love to see the endearing British name for random-bred cats catch on -– "moggie."

Since you didn't say that your cat was purchased with a pedigree, I'm guessing she is indeed a moggie. The pattern you describe is what most people refer to as a "tuxedo cat," a handsome animal who's always ready for a formal occasion.

"Tuxedo," "calico," "tortoiseshell" and "tabby" are words that describe cat markings, not breeds. The familiar stripes of a tabby are the most common of all cat coat patterns and, like other patterns, it shows up not only in random-bred cats but also in many purebreds.

As for breeding your cat, please don't. She'll be a better pet if you have her spayed, since unspayed cats are pretty much always either pregnant, nursing babies or trying to get pregnant again. Kittens are never in short supply throughout most of the year, and many have a difficult time finding homes. Don't add to the problem. -- Gina Spadafori

Tylenol a killer

Q: I read the excerpt from your new cat book in your recent column. I am surprised and dismayed that you didn't mention that acetaminophen (Tylenol) is fatal to cats in the "pain management" section. Would you please do your readers a favor and mention this in an upcoming column? -- Dr. Paula Loniak, Sebastopol, Calif.

A: Thank you for reminding us. We have mentioned the problems with using human drugs -- including over-the-counter ones such as Tylenol -- for pets in many columns, and the warnings are in the new "The Ultimate Cat-Lover" as well.

But you're right: It's worth mentioning again that no one should medicate a pet without checking with the veterinarian first to be sure the drug is safe and appropriate. -- G.S.

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.

THE BUZZ

Returning soldiers finding puppy love

-- The Pentagon is seeking new ways to treat troops suffering from combat stress or brain damage by trying acupuncture, meditation, yoga and the use of animals as therapy. According to a story in USA Today, researchers have found that holding and petting an animal can help treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

-- In Los Angeles, a new shelter welcomes not only the homeless but also their animal companions. The new shelter, PetCoPlace, primarily paid for by the PetCo Foundation, hopes to inspire more shelters so that the homeless won't be forced to choose between getting help and keeping their pets.

-- Global warming is affecting animal migration, according to a study by the Pew Center on Global Climate Change. The study found that half of all wild animals are affected by climate change and are seeking higher elevations or are moving farther north to keep cool. The climate changes are bringing species into new habitats and changing the timing of breeding, which is now a week earlier than it was 60 years ago.

-- Dogs enjoy worship services just as much as their people do. So says the Rev. Rachel Bickford of Pilgrim Congregational Church in Weymouth, Mass., who started "Woof 'n' Worship" services for churchgoers who want to bring along their dogs. According to The Associated Press, Bickford was inspired to create worship services for dogs when she opened her Bible to a verse that read "letting all living things praise the Lord" and looked down to her own dogs curled up next to her. As with church custom, "all are welcome," but with the condition that all dogs must be leashed. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

PET Rx

Sick birds can be hard to medicate

You can't just wrap a pill in a piece of hot dog when you're trying to medicate your sick bird. Discuss with your veterinarian which method of medicating your bird is best for you and your pet, and then make sure you're comfortable with whatever method you'll be using. Have your veterinarian demonstrate it and allow you to practice with guidance until you're comfortable.

Here's a rundown of the options when it comes to medicating a sick bird:

-- Adding medications to water or food. Easy, but not usually the best. You can't guarantee dosage or even if any of the medication will actually make it into your pet, especially if your sick bird doesn't feel like eating.

-- Using a syringe or eyedropper. You can get the appropriate amount in an eyedropper or a syringe with the needle removed, and then slide the tip into the side of your bird's mouth. But your bird isn't likely to sit still for this procedure, so you'll have to restrain him with a towel. There's also the dribble factor -- you may get more medication on your bird than in him.

-- Giving an injection. High marks for accuracy, and once you're used to injecting your bird, high marks for ease as well. As with oral medications, though, you'll likely need to restrain your bird with a towel to inject his medication.

One final thing to remember about medications: Don't stop giving them because your bird seems to feel better, at least not without clearing it with your veterinarian first. It's always important to give the medications for as long as they've been prescribed. -- Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

Pet names: When 'Fluffy' won't do

The employees of the pet-health insurer VPI looked through lists of the company's 465,000 insured pets to come up with some of the most creative and unusual names for dogs and cats:

Dogs

Rush Limbark

Sirius Lee Handsome

Rafikikadiki

Low Jack

Meatwad

Peanut Wigglebutt

Scuddles Unterfuss

Sophie Touch & Pee

Admiral Toot

Cats

Edward Scissorpaws

Sir Lix-a-lot

Optimus Prrrime

Buddah Pest

Snoop Kitty Kitty

Miss Fuzzbutt

80 Bucks

Sparklemonkey

Rosie Posie Prozac

Toot Uncommon

Source: www.wackypetnames.com

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

House-training errors not about 'spite'

Pets may poop on your bed for a variety of reasons, none of which involve what we humans call "spite."

A sudden change in a pet's behavior is often the first sign of a health problem. If the pet checks out as healthy at the veterinarian's, then consider any possible new source of stress.

Both cats and dogs may use urine and feces to mark territory when they are feeling threatened or stressed by changes in the environment or household routines.

Punishing your pet only adds more stress and continues a vicious cycle. Instead, look for ways to reduce your pet's stress by meeting more of your pet's needs. Establish a predictable daily routine for feeding, exercise and companionship.

(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

and Mikkel Becker Shannon

Universal Press Syndicate

Reptilian pets are intriguing and mysterious to some, intimidating and frightening to others. If there's one reptile perfect for changing the minds of those in the latter group, it's the bearded dragon.

Affectionately called "beardeds" by their fans, these lizards are not only tame around humans, but many also seem to enjoy the contact. Even better, they're relatively easy keepers, suitable for almost any pet lover or family situation.

Bearded dragons enjoy exploring, whether on their owners or around the house. They stick out their tongues to touch new surfaces to determine the temperature and makeup of the area. It just adds to their appeal.

"Beardeds also have a split tongue to give them 'stereo,' or directional, sense of smell, so they can follow a mate or prey item more accurately," says Cindy Steinle, president of Small Scale Reptile Rescue and chat leader of Kingsnake.com.

Beardeds are common in the pet trade and easy to find for sale. They live to be about 10 years old and will mature at 18 to 24 inches in length, including the tail. Hatchling beardeds are only about 3 1/2 inches in length and look more like a gecko than a giant lizard species. Common colorings of the bearded are yellow and tan, though they can be found in more vibrant yellow, orange and albino.

The bearded dragon name comes from the display the pet puts on when trying to act tough. The puffed-beard display is only used defensively to scare away potential threats. Along with puffing out, beardeds also flatten out their bellies to look wider, as well as leave their rather large mouths gaping open to intimidate the potential threat.

One bearded is all you need, since they're quite happy to live as they did in the wild, alone except when in search of mates. If you want more than one, however, there's no downside, since they seem to enjoy the companionship of another of their kind. Female beardeds can usually be housed with another female or male, but males should not be housed together because of territorial aggression.

Beardeds need human help to maintain their temperature in captivity, using heat lamps or warming pads. Beardeds do well with choices, in tanks where some areas are cooler, some warmer, a range of 85 to 105 degrees by day, dipping down into the 70s at night.

You'll also need special lighting, since these reptiles need UVB rays to properly absorb dietary calcium. A full-spectrum light should be provided 12 to 14 hours a day most of the year, and 10 to 12 hours in the winter, according to Dr. David Crum of Stahl Exotic Animal Veterinary Services in Vienna, Va.

Omnivores by nature, beardeds enjoy both plants and meat in their diet. Juveniles enjoy a carnivorous diet, while adults become primarily herbivores, enjoying a diet of dark, leafy vegetables and some fruit. All food given to the bearded should be shredded into easy-to-swallow, bite-size pieces. Insects should be given to adult beardeds two to three times per week (mainly crickets), but also mealworms, wax moth larvae and pinkie mice in limited amounts.

Beardeds hit sexual maturity between 1 and 2 years of age, when females will start laying eggs regardless of whether they've been mated. They need to be watched closely for illness at this time, as they can suffer from egg binding and will need to see the vet.

Veterinary care is minimal for pets who are being properly cared for. After purchase, says Dr. Crum, the new bearded needs to be examined for health and parasites, with treatment for the latter if necessary. After that, annual examinations are recommended, to help your veterinarian understand what's "normal" for your pet, so treatment can be more targeted if there's a problem.

Q&A

Hair migration; canine mystery

Q: I have a 12-year-old border collie mix named Aspen. The hair on top of her head looks like it's thinning in the temple regions just like a man's. Also, she seems to have more hair growing between her toes. Am I imagining this? -- M.A., via e-mail

A: Losing hair on top of the head and finding more hair at lower elevations sounds like a problem most men face. But unlike thinning hair in humans, where there is usually a simple to understand explanation (male pattern baldness), canine alopecia (thinning hair) can have many different causes.

To answer your questions, we talked to Dr. Andrea Cannon, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist based in Modesto, Calif.

She noted that it would be important in this situation to rule out parasites. Mites can cause this kind of thinning, for example, and your veterinarian can scrape a little bit of skin in this area and examine microscopically for their presence. Ringworm, while unlikely, can also cause this kind of thinning. Dr. Cannon advises having your veterinarian perform the appropriate diagnostics, especially a blood panel, to look for hormonal or other dysfunctions. Most notably, thyroid problems can sometimes be a factor in these coat condition issues.

There might also be a more simple solution: Does Aspen rub her head on a couch or other object? You can look at the existing hairs: Are they broken or just gone?

Aspen's other "hairy" issue involves her paws. Dr. Cannon notes that typically, dogs with excessive hair on the paws are generally less active, but it sounds as if Aspen might not fall into this category. Besides hormonal disorders that might be a factor here, some drugs can also cause this particular side effect. But this seems unlikely, as it would also cause hair growth over her entire body, including that thinning spot on her head.

Hair-loss problems require a methodical approach to establish the correct diagnosis. Your veterinarian should be able to perform the tests that can diagnose Aspen's problem, or you may be referred to a board-certified veterinary dermatologist. For more information on these specialists, visit www.acvd.org. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

SIGN UP FOR PET-CARE PRIZES

Every month on PetConnection.com, more than $1,000 in pet products are given to subscribers to the free monthly e-mail newsletter. This month, four gift baskets each worth $250 from Aspen Pet Products will be awarded. In November, two gift baskets each worth $500 from Canine Genius will be given away. For more information or to sign up, visit PetConnection.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 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

Prolotherapy offers help for pet joints

-- Prolotherapy is an emerging alternative treatment for pets. The therapy can be used to treat sprains, ruptured cruciate ligaments, hip dysplasia, arthritis and degenerative disc disease, by using injections (often of dextrose) to strengthen the weld of damaged ligaments and tendons to bone. The procedure reduces pain, makes loose joints more stable and reduces lameness. Prolotherapy may require four to five monthly injections and is usually done under light sedation.

-- Would you rather work out or indulge in heavy petting? According to Prevention magazine, 67 percent of us say having a pet is better for long-term health than having a personal trainer.

-- Magpies recognize themselves in the mirror, just as do children over the age of 2. The black-and-white bird, best known for stealing shiny objects, joins a short list of mammals sharing this trait: humans, chimpanzees, dolphins and elephants, according to the Los Angeles Times.

-- Salaries for veterinarians continue to rank near the low end among careers within the health-care field, but animal doctors and other veterinary workers can take comfort in knowing that their job security and job-growth prospects are among the best of all occupations, based on the latest figures from the U.S. Labor Department. Veterinarians rank ninth in the top 10 fastest-growing occupations through 2016, reports DVM Newsmagazine. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

PET BOOK

Behavior problem? Start with your vet

The first rule of solving any behavioral problem is to make sure it's not a medical problem. The cat who won't use the litter box may be struggling with an infection that makes urination painful. A dog who snaps when his ears are touched may be suffering from chronic infections. Situations such as these need to be accurately diagnosed and completely treated with the help of your veterinarian before any retraining begins.

When your pet is healthy, your veterinarian can still be of use. While few veterinarians have the training or knowledge to help solve behavior problems, the numbers of those who do are growing -- and your vet may be one of them. Even those veterinarians who have no interest in behavior work can refer you to someone who can help. Loosely grouped under the term "behaviorist," these specialists can help fix what ails the relationship you have with your pet.

Consulting a behaviorist can save you time, money and aggravation. Time, since someone with experience in animal behavior can quickly determine the root of the problem, without the emotional baggage that a pet owner may bring to the situation. Money, since a consultation or two is a great deal cheaper than a new sofa. And aggravation? You'll understand that one if you're living with a problem pet. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Straight from the beak

According to a survey of bird owners, workers at pet stores were one of the primary sources of information on care. The top sources (multiple answers allowed):

Retail staff 33 percent

Books 33 percent

Internet 27 percent

Friend/relative 25 percent

Past experience 24 percent

Veterinarian 13 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

PET TIP

Invest in bowls that last forever

Almost 30 years ago I bought a stainless steel bowl for the first dog who was "mine," not my family's. I still use that bowl every day to water the dogs I have now.

Stainless steel bowls offer lifelong quality: They're durable and chew-proof, and they sterilize wonderfully in the dishwasher. "Crock"-style bowls of high-impact plastic are another good choice, with the added benefit of offering the choice of colors.

Both stainless steel and high-impact plastic bowls come in sizes to suit pets from mice and hamsters to parrots and the largest dogs. They last longer and are easier to clean thoroughly than many other bowls on the market. They're a great investment for the life of your pet. -- Gina Spadafori

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

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

Universal Press Syndicate

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