Besides my work informing people about pet care through this column and my "Good Morning America" segments (among other media appearances), I'm a practicing veterinarian with more than 30 years of experience. Of course, I'm also a lifetime animal lover who is always looking for new, breakthrough products to help pets and the people who love them.

I read the veterinary journals, check out the convention floor at the veterinary conventions and see which lectures are crowded, and tap into a trusted network of many of the top veterinarians in North America. Every year I ask more than a 100 of these experts to help me come up with a list of the best new products launched over the last year.

What follows are some of the veterinary products that rose like cream to the top. (Next week: non-veterinary products.) We have a complete list on our PetConnection.com Web site, and I'll be talking about these products on "Good Morning America" this week (if you miss the segment, check ABCnews.go.com/GMA to watch it).

-- Making medication easier: There are few things more frustrating to a veterinarian than sending a sick pet home with medication you know the owner won't give because he finds administering it too difficult. That's why many veterinarians are enthusiastic about the introduction of Convenia, an injectable antibiotic that lasts for up to two weeks. For a more low-tech approach, how about Greenies Pill Pockets -- treats you can put pills into? Talk about putting the "treat" into treatment!

-- Testing for heart disease: The same test you might receive in an emergency room is now available for cats and dogs. The Cardiopet proBNP is a simple, minimally invasive blood test that detects heart disease even when clinical signs are absent or nondescript. This development is particularly important because the American Veterinary Medical Association says that approximately 3.2 million dogs have some form of acquired heart disease -- and unlike people, dogs don't have physical signs like heart attacks. Heart disease in cats can be even more difficult to diagnose and may not be known until the heart fails. And for those pets diagnosed with congestive heart failure, Vetmedin is now a choice for veterinarians working to manage the disease and improve the quality of life for these pets.

-- Treating skin disease: ZoonOx is a topical oxygen emulsion that carries a full atmosphere of oxygen, releasing it gradually over time. The benefits of treating patients with difficult skin injuries in hyperbaric oxygen chambers have been understood for years, and ZoonOx offers a similar treatment approach for animals without the cost and difficulty of getting the animal into such a facility. When applied to complex wounds, ZoonOx supplies additional oxygen to the collagen formation process, one of the first steps in the healing and reformation of the skin structure.

In the next column, I'll share the non-medical breakthroughs: Those products that make caring for a pet easier and more fun.

SIDEBAR

Get our free e-mail newsletter -- and win!

The Pet Connection monthly e-mail newsletter offers more of the news and information pet lovers need, and it's absolutely free. Just go to PetConnection.com to sign up. While you're there, you can also search thousands of articles on pet care in our free library.

Every month, we have a prize drawing for at least $1,000 in prizes, with the winners selected from our Pet Connection e-mail subscriber list. We'll be starting 2009 with an Exo Terra Desert and Rainforest Glass Terrarium Kit from Hagen, with a retail value of $1,170. In addition to the grand prize drawing on Feb. 1, we'll also be drawing from newsletter subscribers throughout the month of January to give away free copies of "The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health."

Check it all out at PetConnection.com.

Q&A

Do shelter volunteers put own pets at risk?

Q: I plan to volunteer at the local animal shelter. I have five indoor-only cats at home, and I am very protective of their health. Their veterinarian and I have opted not to vaccinate them for feline leukemia, balancing vaccine risks and their protected indoor lifestyle.

Is there anything I need to do protect my cats from any viruses or other dangers that I could possibly bring home to them from the shelter? -- W.S., via e-mail

A: What an excellent question! These days, pet vaccinations are not a one-size-fits-all annual event. Different pets, their lifestyle, their age and their health determine which vaccines need to be given and at what intervals.

While you can and should take some general precautions, there should be no need to change what you and your veterinarian are doing to protect your own cats, according to Dr. Lila Miller of the ASPCA.

"No one needs to fear volunteering at a shelter. And with simple precautions, anyone whose heart leads them to help shelter cats needn't worry about putting their house cats at risk," she said, adding that prospective volunteers need to make sure their own pets are in good health, up to date on all preventive-care measures and free of infectious disease.

"Consult with the shelter veterinarian to find out if there are any specific disease concerns at the shelter that might affect any animals at home," she says. This information should be provided to your veterinarian to determine if any additional vaccinations or precautions may be recommended, or whether volunteer activities should be suspended temporarily until the shelter problem is resolved.

Because feline leukemia is generally spread through prolonged close contact between animals, because older animals are considered to be resistant to acquiring the infection and because the virus is not long-lived in the environment, Dr. Miller says that your veterinarian may determine that feline leukemia vaccination is still not warranted for your own cats.

General precautions to keep animals at home safe from disease transmission include: washing hands after handling shelter animals or contaminated objects, wearing separate clothing and shoes when visiting the shelter, and using separate equipment on shelter and home animals such as brushes, toys, collars, combs, etc.

Finally, if an animal at home does show any signs of disease, make certain your veterinarian is aware of your volunteer activities and any shelter issues to take into consideration when making a diagnosis.

During these tough economic times, many people cannot make the financial donations they might like to shelters and rescue groups. Donating time is an excellent way to help, and we want to encourage it! -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

(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.

THE BUZZ

Fossils date dogs back 31,000 years

-- The dog's oldest relative, the Paleolithic dog, lived 31,000 years ago and resembled a large Siberian husky. The animals dined on large meals of reindeer, horse and musk ox. As noted in a paper accepted for publication by the Journal of Archaeological Science, scientists behind the find say the fossil evidence -- found in a cave in Belgium -- pushes the date of the earliest-known ancestor of the modern dog back nearly 18,000 years further than previously thought.

-- About half of pet deaths are caused by cancer, and it is the top leading cause for natural death in geriatric cats and dogs. The Morris Animal Foundation, which funds pet health research, offers advice to pet lovers on how to spot cancer early on its Web site (www.morrisanimalfoundation.org).

-- One calico cat has been deemed station master at a train station in Kishikawa, Japan, and is responsible for bringing in $10 million in revenue to the station. The 9-year-old kitty, Tama, who began visiting the station regularly, became a sensation when she was given a conductor's hat to wear and became the train company's mascot. The train station, which was once in jeopardy of bankruptcy, now draws in flocks of people riding the train to snap a picture of the famous cat and purchase Tama merchandise. And a train has been painted in the cat's honor.

-- Sperm whales prefer to sing duets. Recordings of whales show they match their sound to that of their partner. Songs may be sung to build stronger bonds between whales. Humpback whales have been heard singing love songs to their mates, and killer whales enjoy whistling to bond with their social group. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

THE SCOOP

Cold-blooded pets to warm a child's heart

President-elect Barack Obama's daughters yearn for a puppy, but not every child dreams of a furry pet. Some kids want something scaly.

But which of these pets is best for a beginner? Iguanas are popular but are not suitable for any but the most dedicated of pet lovers -- if for no other reason than they grow to be 6 feet or more in length.

If you have a child who wants something more wild, consider one of these relatively easy-to-care-for reptiles.

-- Bearded dragon: Babies can be highly reactive, but if handled gently, these tough-looking lizards will settle down to be a calm and friendly pet that can grow to a reasonable foot or so in length.

-- Leopard gecko: A popular ad campaign for an insurance company has drawn attention to these lizards. Fortunately, they're good pets and can tolerate gentle handling well. They're smaller than beardies by about half and are fun to watch.

-- Corn snake: Captive breeding has produced wonderful colors and color variations of this generally calm little snake that will rarely try to bite.

-- Ball python: Another easygoing snake, albeit one that will grow to around 4 feet in length and wrap itself around your neck if given the chance. (Lesson No. 1: Undo a snake by starting at the tail and gently unwinding.)

As with all pets (even ones that don't wrap around necks), parental research, oversight and supervision are absolute requirements for safe and appropriate pet-child interactions. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Recession-proof pets?

Spending on pets has increased more than $20 billion annually in a decade. While certainly the most discretionary kinds of spending on pets will likely be among the sectors to take a hit in the weak economy, there's no sign that the love Americans have for their pets is fading. The 2008 spending on pets was predicted at $43.4 billion, breaking down accordingly:

Food $16.9 billion

Veterinary care $10.9 billion

Supplies/OTC medicine $10.3 billion

Live animal purchases $2.1 billion

Non-veterinary services $3.2 billion

Source: American Pet Products Association

PET TIP

New Year's check of collars, tags

Just as you should check the batteries in your smoke detector when the clocks change twice a year, you should make the New Year's neck check part of your pet-care routine. It's easy and will take only a couple of minutes.

First, make sure collars fit properly and aren't worn to the point of irritation or breaking. Take an especially close look at snaps or buckles. ID tags should have current information, including a current cell phone number if you travel with your pet.

Instead of putting your pet's name and your address on the tag, put "Reward!" along with as many different phone numbers as will fit.

If your pet isn't microchipped, make that a New Year's resolution. It's a permanent form of ID that can be a lost pet's ticket home if a collar slips off or is removed by pet thieves. -- 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.

As adorable as puppies can be, anyone who's raising one will tell you they can drive you crazy. To get through those sometimes trying months and come out with the dog you want, always remember two things in dealing with puppies: Be patient and be positive.

Every puppy needs to be guided on the road to good behavior, and along the way many a puppy strays off the path into trouble. The best way to avoid problems is to set up your home and your handling of the puppy so his only choice is to do what's right and get praised for it.

But what if your puppy makes a mistake? A verbal correction, properly timed and correctly delivered, is usually all you need. Speak low and sharply, but don't yell at your puppy. Really, all you need to do is to provide a distraction to stop and then redirect the errant behavior.

Here are two more ways to send a clear message of disapproval:

-- Distract and redirect. Especially useful for the young puppy, this technique stops a behavior you don't want and guides the puppy to one that's acceptable. For example, if your young puppy is chewing on your nice leather shoes, make a noise to startle and distract him -- slap the counter or clap your hands -- and then give him something you do want him to chew on, such as a toy. When he takes it, praise him for redirecting those sharp puppy teeth.

With older puppies, you can often stop a bad behavior by asking for a better one, and praising him. Ask the puppy who's jumping up to "sit," and praise him or give him a treat for doing so. Tell him once, and if he doesn't mind you (to be fair, be sure he understands what you want), gently guide him into a sit, and then some praise and a treat.

-- The time-out. Puppies thrive on your attention, even if it's negative. The time-out removes this reward. This technique is especially good for a puppy who doesn't want to keep his mouth to himself, a bad habit for any dog to get into where people are concerned. When the puppy starts nipping, tell him "no," and then clam up, pick him up and put him in a crate or other small, safe area for a few minutes. Ignore the cries and whimpers. After a few minutes of quiet, let him out without fanfare and let him hang out with you gently for a while. The message: When the teeth touch skin, it's "game over."

If your puppy has been running around for a long time and just seems bratty, he may be tired. If that's the case, put him down for a nap in a crate or small area, along with a chew toy. Again, ignore his fussing. Chances are, he'll be asleep in a few minutes.

Corrections have their place in puppy-raising, but in general, a positive approach is preferred by today's dog-training experts. Positive dog-training isn't about letting your puppy or dog be boss, but rather about setting limits without yelling or hitting. If you find yourself resorting to any of these techniques constantly, you could probably do with some help from a trainer to spot what you're doing wrong with your puppy and to make some constructive suggestions.

Don't let your puppy grow up to be a monster. Be patient and positive, and be fair with corrections. And don't forget: Get help at the first sign of trouble, and you'll save yourself a lot of trouble down the road.

SIDEBAR

Get that puppy into class!

One of the best things you can do to get your puppy off to a good start is to get him into a puppy class. These classes are more about socialization and teaching puppies to pay attention than they are about overtaxing a puppy's short attention span. And that's perfect for a youngster who's just learning about the world around him.

Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation, or check out local pet-supply shops or park and recreation districts. You'll often find puppy classes running nearly year-round, to help catch little problems before they become big ones.

Q&A

Compromise on cat situation

Q: My boyfriend is moving into my home. My cat has been a point of conflict because he doesn't like cats, says the litter box stinks and is mildly allergic to them. The cat is the only problem we have, and he wants me to make Miles an outdoor cat. Miles has been with me longer than the boyfriend has. What do you suggest? -- H.C., via e-mail

A: Compromise. And if compromise isn't an option, I'd really think twice about having this man move in. I think you'll be having more problems down the line living with someone who won't compromise on an issue as important to you as a beloved pet.

Let's take this one complaint at a time. He doesn't like cats, but maybe you don't like something he does or has. I'm not a relationship counselor, but I do know that in a relationship, everyone has to tolerate what a partner cares about. He doesn't have to like your cat, but he will have to tolerate the animal. The ball's in his court on that one.

Stinky litter box? If you're removing the clumps a couple of times a day and cleaning the entire litter box regularly, this shouldn't be a problem. You might try switching to a different litter with odor-fighting properties, but beware: If your cat doesn't like the new litter, you'll have deposits all over the house instead of in the box. You might also try moving the box to a more out-of-the-way location. But again, you're tempting fate with this one if the new locale doesn't meet with your cat's approval.

Diligent vacuuming, weekly bathing of the cat in clear water and an air purifier may make your cat less likely to trigger allergies, as will having your boyfriend take allergy medications. If your boyfriend pets the cat, he needs to get in the habit of washing his hands before touching his eyes and triggering an allergic reaction. Making certain parts of the house permanently off-limits to the cat -- especially the bedroom -- is another option.

Work out all the issues before anyone moves anywhere. If you toss your cat outside, you're increasing the likelihood that his life will be shorter and denying yourself the pleasure of his company.

(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.

THE SCOOP

All pet iguanas need to bathe

In the wild, reports Melissa Kaplan in her marvelous book "Iguanas for Dummies" (Wiley, $20), iguanas keep themselves sort of clean by rubbing against rough bark or dousing themselves in swimming holes. In captivity, rough bark and swimming holes are rare, which is why Kaplan recommends frequent -- as often as daily -- bathing for these pets.

Fill the bathtub chest-deep to the iguana and let the pet enjoy the warm water -- no soap, please! -- to his heart's content. Blot the animal dry with a towel and return him to his enclosure before thoroughly disinfecting the tub.

An important note of caution: If there are children or immune-compromised individuals in the home, use a completely separate bathtub for the iguana. Even with careful disinfecting, the consequences of bacterial infection for immune-compromised folks are too dire to take any chances. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS ON THE WEB

Funding research into pet health

The Morris Animal Foundation (www.morrisanimalfoundation.org) funds research at veterinary schools and colleges that seek to cure some of the diseases that claim the lives of companion animals.

Founded in 1948 by veterinarian Mark Morris (who founded the company now known as Hill's Pet Nutrition), the foundation gives more than $4 million annually in grants for animal-health studies. The foundation's Web site offers detailed information on studies in progress and on upcoming events. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PET TIP

Turn your love of pets into profit

Would you like to make money writing about or taking pictures of animals? These days it's as easy as starting your own Web log or picking up a digital camera. The Internet offers opportunity for breaking into writing, and I know several people who've been asked to contribute magazine articles, develop book proposals or sell images just by doing what they love -- writing about animals.

A great place to start is with a class in freelance writing or photography, which you can often find at a community college. These courses teach you the basics of marketing your ideas, contacting editors and more.

A great way to advance is by writing for the newsletters, magazines or Web sites of nonprofit groups such as animal shelters, breed or training clubs, or pet-therapy groups. While they generally don't pay you, these publications will provide you with the experience and clips you'll need to show to editors at national publications. To sell images, try uploading your best work to a stock photography Web site, which will pay you a small amount every time your image is purchased.

Read the publications you want to write for to get a feel for the subject matter they're interested in. You wouldn't want to pitch an anti-hunting piece to a hunting-dog magazine, for example, or a pro-hunting piece to an animal-rights magazine. You also need to know what has been covered lately, so you don't waste your time or the editor's by pitching an idea that's already been done.

Finally, consider joining the Dog Writers Association of America (www.dwaa.org) or the Cat Writers' Association (www.catwriters.org). These groups support and encourage beginners who write about animals through an annual conference (co-sponsored by both groups) and competitions (held by each). Sorry, there are no groups (at least not yet) for those who write about reptiles, birds or rodent pets. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Training gear

Almost half (49 percent) of all dog owners responding to a 2004 survey said they didn't use any training devices or service at all. Of the remainder, here are the most popular responses (multiple responses allowed):

Treats 37 percent

All other 12 percent

Books 11 percent

Hired professional 9 percent

Whistle 5 percent

No-bark collar 4 percent

Videos 4 percent

Electric fence 3 percent

Clicker 3 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON BEHAVIOR

Causes of, cures for aggression

When a pet bites, the first step is to get a veterinary exam with diagnostic tests to rule out any health problems. The next step is to work with a behaviorist.

Beware of simple answers. Any combination of factors may be triggering aggression, including fence-fighting, displaced aggression, dominance, drug side-effects, other pets, pain triggers, predation, possessiveness, fear, hormonal changes, protection of young, pack response, play, protection of home or family, neurological abnormalities, improper socialization, and intentionally and accidentally trained behaviors.

Once a pet has bitten someone, it's more likely the behavior will be repeated. If the bite broke the skin or there were repeated bites, the prognosis is even grimmer. Getting professional help right away is essential.

(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.

And Gina Spadafori

Universal Press Syndicate

People flip over puppies, but to us, a well-loved older dog is one of the most beautiful creatures on earth. An older dog has a nobleness, a look in the eyes that speaks of years of the special love that only a pet can give -- trusting, nonjudgmental and unwaveringly true.

Your dog's health in later years is not entirely in your control, but you can have a real impact on a pet's attitude. Your dog doesn't know he's getting older. His gray hairs concern him not, nor does he worry about the other visible effects of time -- the thickening of his body, the thinning of his limbs. He doesn't count the number of times he can fetch a ball before tiring and compare that to his performance when he was a young dog in his prime.

A dog lives in the now. Just as he doesn't reflect on his past, he can't imagine his future. Your dog takes his cues from you. When you're upbeat, encouraging and loving, he'll be at his best no matter his age.

This time can be a special one for both of you, and it's up to you to make the most of it.

As your dog ages, increase the frequency and diminish the intensity of his exercise. Instead of taking your dog to the park once a week to chase tennis balls until he's exhausted, take him for a long walk daily. If your dog is having problems with physical activity, talk to your veterinarian. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may help, as may supplements such as glucosamine or alternative treatments such as acupuncture.

Your dog has no real sense of shame or embarrassment, so he suffers no loss of face if you come up with some ideas to make his life a little easier. Truly, the number of ways you can give your oldster a break is limited only by your imagination. Here are a few tips to get you thinking:

-- Beds. Think soft. Think cushioned. Think low. Think heated. Your dog will thank you for all of these thoughts, especially in cold weather.

-- Clothes. Older dogs, like older people, have a more difficult time maintaining their body temperature. This problem is even more pronounced in slender, short-coated breeds like the greyhound or whippet. So check out the sweater selection at your local pet-supply store, repurpose thrift-store children's clothes, or make your own if you're crafty.

-- Ramps and steps. If your dog is allowed on the couch and the bed, get steps to help him if he can no longer make it in one jump. You wouldn't want to watch TV without your dog at your side, would you? A permanent ramp going down the back-porch step or a slide-out ramp to help your dog get into the car will also be appreciated.

While you're making household adjustments, don't forget to make an appointment for a senior dog checkup. Your veterinarian may recommend some diagnostic tests in addition to a physical examination -- typically, bloodwork and an X-ray -- to spot problems early or to establish a baseline of what's normal for your dog. You should also consider having your dog's teeth attended to, because gum infections and mouth pain will severely affect the comfort and health of your dog. Most veterinarians recommend twice-annual exams for senior dogs, by the way.

The senior dog checkup is also a good time to determine if your dog's slowing down means his diet will need to change to take excess weight off his joints.

Helping to keep your older dog healthy and fit will mean his senior years will be happier and more comfortable as time goes by. And that will be good news for you both.

Q&A

Making vet trip easier for cat

Q: When it's time to go to the veterinarian's office, my gentle cat becomes a monster. Our veterinarian says she's used to cats like ours, but I wonder if there's a way to make things easier for all of us. -- G.W., via e-mail

A: Work with your veterinarian to come up with a strategy to make the visit easier for you all, and realize that the staff will have to handle your pet firmly to prevent injuries to your cat and the people around her. Be sure you're using a hard-sided carrier for these trips -- never try to hold an angry cat in your arms or transport her in something that lends very little protection to you or her, such as a pillowcase.

You might also consider using a mobile veterinarian. Although your cat won't be any more pleased to see a veterinarian who makes house calls, at least she'll be spared the trauma of travel.

The temptation when you have a cat who hates the veterinarian is to avoid routine preventive veterinary care entirely. It's not uncommon for cats like these to never see a veterinarian after that first visit has gone so horribly wrong.

If you go this route -- and we're not recommending it, just acknowledging it as a choice many cat lovers make -- the responsibility for spotting illness falls squarely on your shoulders. Be aware of changes in your cat's body, attitude or behavior, all of which can indicate illness and necessitate a trip to the veterinarian's, whether your cat likes it or not. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori

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

[Put ABOUT 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

Better eye meds may be on the way

-- Dogs with eye problems may no longer have to rely on daily eye drops from their owners. An Iowa State University researcher has developed a way to treat a dog's eyes by producing a biodegradable medicine that can be placed in the tissue surrounding his eyes and will have lasting effects for up to a year. A small incision is made in the tissue around the dog's eyes, and medicine is inserted before stitching the eye back up, all taking only a few minutes. Six dogs have undergone treatment so far with positive results, but further testing will be done before the treatment will be available to the public.

-- Zoo animal manure may be turned into electricity at the Toronto Zoo. There's a plan to build a $13 million facility to use methane gas from the manure to produce power.

-- Veterinarians have a high level of job satisfaction, according to a survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association and compared with national surveys. The survey put veterinary satisfaction just below clergy, teachers and psychologists, and well above the satisfaction of lawyers and physicians. There are more than 88,000 veterinarians in the United States, according to the trade group.

-- Another reason to deem the Tyrannosaurus rex as the king of all beasts is an impeccable sense of smell. In a study by the University of Calgary, the T. rex was found to have the best sniffer of all carnivorous dinosaurs. Researchers speculate the sense of smell was probably used to help the predator hunt at night. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

THE SCOOP

Proper diet key to rabbit health

Diet has a huge impact on the health and well-being of any creature, and the rabbit is no exception. Common health problems in the rabbit directly relate to diet, and include obesity, gastrointestinal diseases and dental disease.

All pet rabbits need a high level of indigestible fiber, which, along with adequate water, is vital for the normal and healthy functioning of their gastrointestinal systems. Rabbits need to have their levels of carbohydrates and protein controlled to avoid obesity and kidney disease.

Properly fed rabbits do not need supplements added to their diets. Rabbits produce a good portion of their own vitamins, amino acids and other nutrients through the production and re-eating of special feces called cecotropes.

A basic healthy daily diet for a domestic rabbit should include unlimited grass hay and a minimum of 1 cup of fresh leafy greens for every 2 pounds of body weight. Use as many varieties of greens as possible, and offer other vegetables and fruits as well, in more limited amounts. Rabbits also need an ongoing supply of fresh, clean water.

Pet rabbits do not need commercial food pellets. If used at all, the pellets should be of a high-fiber, low-protein variety, given in very small amounts. Pellets should never be the only food for a pet rabbit. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

What's up, doc?

A veterinarian's advice is still the most sought after when it comes to pet care -- although the Internet is gaining steadily. Here are the top sources for information on caring for dogs, as reported in 2004 (multiple responses allowed):

Veterinarian: 66 percent

Past experience: 54 percent

Books/library: 26 percent

Friends/relatives: 25 percent

Magazines: 19 percent

Internet: 19 percent

Pet store: 13 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Overcoming dog's fear of strangers

Using yummy treats as a training aid may help to lessen your dog's fear of strangers or other dogs when out on walks.

Walk your dog before meals so he's 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 be happy.

As your dog begins to show anxiety or fear, stop giving the treats freely. Ask your dog for a calmer, more controlled behavior such as a "sit," and reward him with treats.

Over time, repeat these techniques as you decrease the distance between you and the stranger in tiny stages.

(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.