About once a month, I'll get a frantic e-mail from someone who's frustrated to the point of desperation. "Help!" the e-mail will scream. "I have a Jack Russell, and he digs, barks and chews when we're gone. He's too hyper! We can't take it anymore!"

Sometimes, it's all I can do not to write in return: "High energy? Digging? Barking? Chewing? Congratulations! You have an authentic Jack Russell terrier! What did you expect?"

What they expected, of course, was an adorable, low-key and well-mannered small dog, like Eddie on the TV show "Frasier," or Wishbone on the PBS children's series of the same name. What they don't know is that Moose, the dog who played Eddie, had a full-time trainer, or that the role of Wishbone was played by not one but a handful of well-trained dogs.

And what about their cute little hellion? Perfectly normal for any Jack Russell who isn't given the structure and the physical and mental exercise these hard-driving dogs need.

"I get those phone calls every day," says Margie Kauffman, past president of the Northern California breed club who has been active in rehoming unwanted Jacks. "They're mostly from folks who haven't done their homework and don't know of the breed's natural tendencies. The Jack Russell is a working terrier, with lots of energy and tenacity.

"These dogs are loving, loyal and very smart. But when they're bored, people say they're destructive," she says. "In my own pack, they're not bored. They get lots of exercise, and they're engaged all the time."

Lyndy Pickens got her first Jack (which the American Kennel Club calls Parson Russells, by the way) at the age of 3 and vows to have one as long as she lives.

"They're thugs in clown's clothing," she says. "This is not a dog bred to ask permission."

Indeed, knowing what the Jack Russell was bred for is essential to understanding how to keep both a terrier and your sanity, says Kauffman, who has seen thousands of Jack Russells over the years. ("My daughter calls me the patron saint of Jack Russells," she says, laughing.)

"If you look at any dog breed, they were bred for a specific purpose," she says. "Jack Russells weren't bred to be pets. They were bred to work: 150 years ago, the dog would have been everyone's household vacuum. Bugs, mice, rats -- people didn't want pests in the house, the barn or the chicken coop. The dogs had to work for their keep, killing the pests. They're not like a cat, who will eat and then not hunt again. The Jack Russell will keep killing.

"Jack Russells today are hardworking, tenacious little dogs as a result."

And not, please note, one of the better breeds to keep if you have rodents as pets.

So why are these dogs so popular? When living with people who understand them, who keep their minds and bodies exercised, who train them and work them constantly, who set limits and gently but firmly enforce them, the Jack Russell is an outstanding companion.

"I love how joyous they are," says Pickens.

"It's interesting to live with them," says Kaufman. "They're bright."

For people who understand the breed and are willing to work to keep a working terrier happy, there's no better dog in the world. For anyone else, though, if you're looking for a lazy dog or an easygoing dog for beginners, you're better off without this high-energy breed.

In other words: If you don't know Jack, you'd better not get one until you do. And even then: Are you up the challenge? Be sure beforehand, so your Jack Russell won't be another one looking for a new home.

(Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori have the week off. This article originally ran in November 2004.)

Q&A

Rabbits perfect for condo life

Q: We live in a condo and have a bunny. Our association rules do not allow bunnies, however. Do you have information I can use to help change the rules? -- B.A., Honolulu

A: Your condo association is probably still thinking of rabbits as "livestock," not pets. In fact, I can think of few animals better suited for condo or apartment living than a neutered house rabbit.

So why should rabbits be allowed?

They're quiet. Does your association allow birds? I'll guarantee you a rabbit is mute compared to the noisiness of many parrots.

They're neat. A daily brushing will catch loose hair, and a vacuum will pick up scattered hay, food pellets or the occasional stray feces (it's pea-sized, dry and round) that don't make it into the litter box.

They're small. Even the biggest rabbits aren't much larger than a cat, and dwarf rabbits are considerably smaller.

The one downside I can think of is that rabbits will engage in destructive chewing if left to choose their own recreation. Even this problem is easily solved by "rabbit-proofing" the living area -- blocking off attractive chewing areas, putting cords into protective covers -- and offering safe chewing alternatives. -- Gina Spadafori

Paper litter for rabbits

Q: I buy clumping litter for our bunnies, and it hasn't seemed to affect either of them, one of whom we've had for more than four years. You suggest not only paper litter, but also covering the litter with hay. Our bunnies eat every morsel of hay that goes into their hutch, and I have a vision of them eating everything in the litter box, which sort of nullifies the point of having a box. Should we still switch to paper and hay? -- F.G., Dayton, Ohio

A: Yes, switch to paper and hay. Clumping litter puts your rabbits at risk of impaction. As for the hay, your rabbits know what's edible and what's not, and will eat the hay, not the litter. Putting a layer of high-quality hay -- not straw -- on top of the pelleted paper litter encourages rabbits to use the box, since they tend to pass feces while eating. (I think of eating hay while "on the john" as the rabbit equivalent of reading while in the bathroom.)

Like many animals, rabbits naturally want to keep their area clean and will use a litter box if it's attractive and accessible. Make sure the box is large enough to be comfortable and the sides are low enough for easy entry. Keep it filled with clean pellets and fresh hay, supplemented by a special food treat like an apple slice, and your rabbits will use it likely as not. Dropping feces while away from the box is normal for some rabbits, but fortunately cleanup is easy with a hand vac. Remember, too, that if your rabbits are not neutered, they will be very difficult to house-train. -- Gina Spadafori

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

[Put ABOUT HERE, under QANDA]

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

How one dog helped win an election

-- Credit a dog with helping President Franklin Roosevelt win his final election. On a trip to the Aleutian Islands in Alaska, Roosevelt left his Scottish terrier, Fala, on the island and sent a Navy ship to fetch the dog, sparking an outrage from those who considered the incident a waste of taxpayer funds. But in a 1944 speech, Roosevelt quipped, "I don't resent attacks, and my family doesn't resent attacks, but Fala does resent them. ... His Scotch soul was furious." Eleanor Roosevelt later noted in her memoirs that the remarks were a turning point in getting FDR re-elected.

-- Forget citronella candles and mosquito zappers. One little brown bat can eat between 600 to 1,000 insects an hour.

-- Indonesia is the second-richest country in the world in terms of terrestrial biodiversity, after Brazil, and first in terms of marine biodiversity. Though covering a little more than 1 percent of the Earth's surface, Indonesia's forests represent 10 percent of the world's tropical forests and provide a home to 20 percent of the world's species of flora and fauna, 17 percent of the world's bird species, and more than 25 percent of the world's fish species. Less than 25 acres in the Indonesian island of Borneo contains more variety of species than are found in all of North America, according to Sky magazine.

-- Everyone needs a vacation, even Britain's royal horses, who are given a three-week vacation every year. They go to the beach, where they get to gallop freely on the sandy shores and swim in the ocean. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

THE SCOOP

Carrier an investment in feline safety

Every cat needs his own carrier. A sturdy carrier makes going to the veterinarian's, traveling or moving safer and easier for your pet and offers you some options for housing your cat in an emergency, such as during a natural disaster.

Ditch the cardboard carrier your cat came home from the shelter in, since it's not really designed for long-term use. (Not to mention, if the cardboard gets wet, you'll have a loose cat on your hands.) Look for a carrier that provides your cat with a feeling of security and the ability to look at the world outside of his cozy carrier.

The carriers I like to recommend are made of two pieces of high-impact plastic with vents along the top (the top and bottom held together by bolts) and with a grid door of stainless steel. Some models have a door on the top of the carrier as well as the front side, making getting a cat in and out even easier.

While a plastic carrier is probably your best bet for trips to the veterinarian, if you plan to take your cat into the cabin of a plane, you're better off with a soft-sided carrier. It's easier to fit under the seat and more comfortable to carry, since you can sling the bag over your shoulder.

Don't choose a carrier that's made entirely of wire, since the open design will make your cat feel more vulnerable, especially in a veterinary waiting room full of dogs.

A high-quality cat carrier is an inexpensive investment in your cat's safety. Don't put off buying this essential piece of cat gear. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

What reptiles need

According to a survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, the top pet supplies purchased by owners of pet reptiles in 2004, by percent of those who reported purchasing the items:

Glass habitat 64 percent

Habitat furnishings 58 percent

Books on care 54 percent

Incandescent bulbs 39 percent

Fluorescent bulbs 38 percent

Bedding 30 percent

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Treats can help a shy dog cope

Use treats to help lessen your dog's fear of strange people or other dogs when out on walks.

Walk your dog before meals so your dog is hungry. At the first sight of a stranger, act jolly and relaxed, and give your dog a treat. Your goal is to help the dog see a stranger as your reason to pull out the treats and act happy.

If your dog begins to show fear, stop giving the treats for free. Ask your dog to sit -- which is calmer, more controlled behavior -- for the treat. Over time, decrease the distance between you and the stranger in baby steps to help your dog learn to cope successfully.

(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.)

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

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

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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