Doggy Do Right

by Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

Pet Connection | November 17th, 2008

And Gina Spadafori

Universal Press Syndicate

Adopting an adult dog from a shelter is a wonderful thing to do. But sometimes people are hesitant to try it because they worry their new pet won't be reliable in the house and can't be made so because of the myth that "old dogs can't learn new tricks."

If you're stalling on adoption or are already struggling with an adult dog who doesn't seem to "get it," take heart: You can teach an adult dog to do his business outside.

Before you start training, though, you must be sure that what you have is a behavior problem and not a physical problem. This is especially true with a dog who has been reliable in the past. You won't be able to train your pet if he's struggling with an illness. So check with your veterinarian first for a complete checkup.

If you've ruled out medical problems, house-training an adult dog uses the same principles as house-training a puppy, except you have to be even more diligent because you need to do some "untraining," too. And a lot of cleaning: You must thoroughly clean any soiled area with enzymatic cleaner (available through pet-supply outlets) to eliminate the smell that invites repeat business.

You'll need to teach your dog what's right before you can correct him for what's wrong. To do this, spend a couple of weeks ensuring that he has nothing but successes by never giving him the opportunity to make a mistake.

Here's how:

-- Leash him to you in the house so you can monitor his every move during his training period. If he starts to mess, tell him "no," take him outside, and give him a command for going ("hurry up," "go potty," etc.). Then praise him for doing right, so he starts to understand what you want.

-- Put him in a crate whenever he's not on leash with you. It's not unfair during training to leave him in a crate for four or five hours at a stretch -- assuming, of course, that he's getting his regular daily exercise.

-- Take him outside first thing in the morning, as soon as you get home from work and just before you go to bed (when you put him in his crate for the night). Always remember to give your "go" command, and praise him when he does as you wish. I find that people never seem shy about punishing their dogs, but too often forget to praise them -- they take it for granted that the dog should do the right thing. Never, ever forget the praise!

If you've been consistent, your dog likely will get a good idea of what's expected of him within a couple of weeks, and you can start giving him a little freedom. Don't let him have the run of the house yet. Keep his area small, and let him earn the house, room by room, as he proves his understanding of the house rules.

Accidents happen. If you catch him in the act, tell him "no," take him outside, and give him the chance to set things right. Give your "go" command, and praise him if he does. Clean up the mess inside promptly and thoroughly, so he won't feel inclined to refresh his smell there. Don't punish him for any messes you find.

If you aren't catching him, you're not keeping close enough tabs on him. Go back to the crate and leash, and start over.

If you continue to have problems, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist. One-on-one assistance can pinpoint the problems in your training regimen and get you both on the right track.

Q&A

Slimming a fat cat? Start at the vet

Q: I know you've said there's no reason for a fat pet, but I can't get any weight off our 17-pound cat. I don't think it's possible. Also, I'm not sure it would improve our cat's life to cut back on his food because he's such a happy eater. Any advice? -- S.W., via e-mail

A: Would it improve the quality of your cat's life -- or yours -- if he became diabetic? Because that's one of the risks of chronic obesity in cats. Overweight cats are also prone to joint, ligament and tendon problems, difficulty breathing and even skin problems because they can't groom themselves properly.

Talk to your veterinarian about your cat's overall health and a plan for slowly trimming down your overweight pet. Quick-loss programs can make your cat ill or even kill him, which is why a vet-approved slow-reduction plan is best.

Pay attention to what you're doing to contribute in ways you may not even be fully aware of. For example: Do you share your meals with your cat, handing him the choicest tidbits off your plate? Do you love to give him cat treats several times a day? These things all add up!

Make food harder to get. Our pets are now "born retired," and food takes no effort to find. Break up the daily portions and put them in places that are harder to get to -- on top of a file cabinet or cat tree, for example. Also make use of food puzzles that make animals work both their minds and their bodies to get the yummies.

Most of all, remember that food is not love. Instead of interacting with your cat over food, bond over grooming or play. Your cat will love you just as much for a loving session of gentle brushing and combing, or a playful half-hour spent being teased with a cat "fishing pole" or other toy. Time spent in either pursuit is better for an overweight cat than eating, and the exercise will help take the weight off. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a 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

Another way dogs can save lives

-- Sniffing out ovarian cancer is another talent accredited to a dog's nose. Swedish researchers taught dogs to detect ovarian cancer, even in early stages. Ovarian cancer has a high mortality rate, in large part because the cancer usually is not found until it is in the later stages, making early detection sniffing dogs a potential lifesaver.

-- An elk product can promote healing for arthritic dogs, according to a study in Canadian Veterinary Journal. The study found that velvet antler -- the early stages of antler growth, before the antlers calcify -- in elk can be used to promote healthy joints in dogs. The elements found in velvet antlers can help reduce swelling and pain, making it a natural remedy for treating arthritis pain.

-- No more need to pop pills down your pet for skin infections, thanks to a new one-dose antibiotic shot. Convenia, a veterinarian-provided treatment from Pfizer Animal Health, gives 14 days' worth of antibiotics in a single shot.

-- The long-term prospects for mammalian life don't look good, according to Science magazine. Of the world's 5,487 mammal species, at least one in four land species and one in three marine species face extinction in the near future. Land mammals face their greatest risk of extinction in South and Southeast Asia, where 79 percent of monkey and ape species are threatened. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

THE SCOOP

Experts advise a pass on a Christmas puppy

The Christmas puppy is the gift that never seems to fall in popularity. But there are reasons why shelters, rescue groups and responsible breeders are uniform in their advice to think twice about a Christmas puppy. Here are the reasons why:

-- Holiday stress. Puppies are not toys. They are animals who need a lot of attention. Who has time for a pup during the holidays, that stressful season of socializing and shopping? With a houseful of guests and a holiday dinner to prepare, who will make sure the puppy isn't being mauled by overly enthusiastic children and guests?

-- Bad timing. Try house-training a puppy when it's cold and stormy. And what about the rest of the training? The first few months of a dog's life are crucial: Bad habits are far easier to prevent than they are to break later, and ongoing socialization is critical. Will you really feel like training and socializing your pup when the holidays are over, the days are short and the kids are back in school?

-- Poor selection. Many reputable breeders and shelters will not cooperate with your Christmas puppy desire. That means if you're looking for a puppy, you may be choosing from sellers who don't know or care enough to offer healthy, well-socialized puppies.

Dogs can be great for children, and children can be great with dogs. A better bet would be to wait until late spring or summer to find the perfect pup from a shelter or reputable breeder. When the days are longer and the weather is better, it's easier to train and socialize a pup. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

The bride wore fur

According to a survey by the Veterinary Pet Insurance Co., having a pet at a wedding is no longer unusual, even if it's still not accepted by traditionalists. In a survey asking about the presence of pets at weddings, VPI got the following responses:

42 percent: Involved or planned to involve a pet in their wedding ceremony

11 percent: Weren't planning to take a pet to the wedding party

47 percent: Got married in a pet-free ceremony

Source: Petinsurance.com

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Give your dog a bonus

Everyone likes to get a bonus for great work. Share the wealth with your dog by using a sliding scale of rewards to improve responses.

Think of a low-key "good dog" as worth a dollar, an enthusiastic "good dog!" as worth two dollars. From there, add it up: a back rub, a favorite toy, a game of tug or a great treat is worth more. Watch your dog to see which rewards have the highest value.

Use the reward that best matches your dog's level of performance. If your dog comes slowly when you call, that's worth a "dollar" reward. If he drops everything and comes running, that's worth a lot more.

Over time, your dog will learn to earn the best rewards by giving you the best responses.

(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.

pets

You Don't Know Jack

by Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

Pet Connection | November 10th, 2008

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

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

pets

Ride in Safety

by Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

Pet Connection | November 3rd, 2008

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

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.)

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

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