Universal Press Syndicate

Last week I wrote about the promising products that made me take notice as a practicing veterinarian. This week, my focus is on those nonmedical products that caught my attention as a pet lover and that will make taking care of your pet easier or more fun. Just as with the veterinarian breakthroughs, this week's products were gleaned from suggestions from more than 100 experts.

We have the full list of all my "Dr. Becker's Best" products on our Web site, PetConnection.com, so drop in for more information. (Prices can vary widely, so I've listed suggested retail.)

-- Food puzzles. Veterinary behaviorists say it's important to reduce or eliminate the mind-numbing boredom from just eating food out of a bowl. Boredom equals behavioral problems, and behavioral problem may mean a homeless pet. Food puzzles, such as these from Premier (www.premier.com), can help.

The Kibble Nibble appeals to dogs' natural prey and stalking drives. For the kibble or treats to dispense, dogs must roll, push and chase the toy. The Kibble Nibble holds up to 2 cups of kibble or treats. Unscrews for easy loading and quick cleanup. ($20)

The Bristle Bone is a refillable dental toy made with nylon bristles and rubber nubs that gently scrape and clean teeth as dogs chew. ($10-$15)

-- Easier nail-trims. Find the quick for a no-blood, no-pain nail trim with the Quick Finder nail clipper. The product has a light source mounted on it to shine through the nail and colors that tell you when it's safe to cut: red for no, green for go. (www.quickfinderclipper.com, $33)

-- Perfect portions, every time. Petmate's new Electronic Portion Control LeBistro measures meals just as carefully as you do, to ensure that your pet gets the right amount of food, right on time. Program it like an alarm clock, and it dispenses pre-set portions of food up to three times a day. The 5-pound capacity is ideal for those with cats and small dogs. (Petmate.com, $80-$90)

-- Promote prey play. Based on the preying and social behavior of dogs, the Flappy Dog toy simulates the excitement of catching a prey and proudly shaking it. This toy was a major hit with the Becker family dogs. (ourpets.com/products_flappy.html, $13-$17)

-- No more water slops. The DrinkBetter pet bowl encourages dogs to drink at a slower rate and makes less mess while they're doing it. The Drink Better bowl uses a floating obstacle to control the flow of water, encouraging dogs to drink slower and take only as much as they need, without soaking their ears and muzzles or slopping water around the feeding area. (contech-inc.com/products/drinkbetter, $25)

-- Get the pet hair. Eureka Boss 4D Pet Fresh vacuum comes with tools to help pet owners eliminate odors naturally and remove pet hair and dander from stairs, furniture and the floor. We've given this one a good workout, and it works. (Eureka.com, $138)

My Pet Connection co-author, Gina Spadafori, says if you're looking for a handheld, the new Dyson DC-16 kept up with the mess at her home. (Dyson.com, $150)

-- A party for pets. The Puppy Pinata is a plush toy containing treats that stimulate a dog's natural desire to search and investigate. Our dogs smelled the product through the packaging and got as excited about the pinata as a stick-swinging 6-year-old at a birthday party. (www.puppy-pinata.com, $7-$11)

-- Making balconies safer. A great idea, long overdue. Puppy Bumpers fit around the necks of puppies and small dogs to protect them from getting through baby gates and balcony railings. With so many people keeping small dogs in upper-floor apartments, this is one product that really could save a life. (puppybumpers.net, $20)

-- Food and water to go. The collapsible Zuka Bowl has colorful and fun prints and features a carabiner-type clip to attach it to a belt or bag. It'll also fit easily in a purse or in a car. (itzadog.com, $16)

With so many great products to choose from, it's hard to limit myself to just a few. But don't worry: We'll be writing about the best throughout the year.

Q&A

Cat makes a fuss when owner leaves

Q: My cat, Misty, is like a little child. I am a nurse and work nights. When I put on my scrubs, she immediately starts to cry and grabs my ankles with all four paws. She does this only when I put on my scrubs, not when I dress in "street clothes." I keep a special treat to give her, but she still cries. How can I get her to stop? -- E.G., via e-mail

A: Misty has learned that when you put on scrubs, it means you're leaving the house. Many cats become anxious when they see suitcases or other signs that their people are leaving, and this may explain part of her behavior.

She also sees you putting on scrubs and begins to anticipate her treat. Her crying and grabbing your legs may be her way of demanding that treat from you. If you give Misty a special treat when you put on your scrubs and when she grabs your legs and cries, then she has good reason to continue or even increase this behavior. What gets rewarded gets repeated when it comes to pet behaviors. When our pets figure out what behavior works to get what they want or need, then you can be sure those behaviors will continue.

Try feeding Misty in another room when you put on your scrubs to give her something else to do. Your best bet is to completely ignore Misty if she does cry and grab your legs. Begin a daily routine at other times of interactive play with toys, and toss in her special treats at other times.

Be aware that any time a pet behavior that is well-ingrained no longer produces the expected results, that behavior may increase before the pet gives it up and tries a different strategy.

In other words, she may become even more demanding in the short run, but stick with it. No more treats for her leg-grabbing drama. -- Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp, AnimalBehavior.net.

(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 RX

Dogs get help with Cushing's

Dogs with a hormonal disorder known as Cushing's syndrome have a new treatment option with FDA approval of the drug Vetoryl (trilostane), until now available only through a cumbersome importation process.

That's good news for dogs, says Dr. Helen Hamilton, a board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist in Fremont, Calif. "I've been prescribing it for years," she said. "It's my drug of choice for Cushing's."

Cushing's is a disorder of the adrenals, small glands located at the top of the kidneys. They start making too much cortisol, a hormone meant to help the body cope with short-term stress. Excess cortisol causes symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, and increased thirst, hunger and urination. Left untreated, it damages the liver and immune system.

Surgery can cure some cases of canine Cushing's, but most are managed with drugs -- usually the chemotherapy drug Lysodren (mitotane), which erodes the outer layers of the adrenal glands and reduces their ability to produce cortisol. But the process can go too far, and dogs go from producing too much cortisol to producing none. They'll have to take a hormone supplement for the rest of their lives.

Trilostane instead inhibits an enzyme the glands need to produce cortisol. In most cases, excessive suppression of the hormone can be reversed simply by stopping the drug or lowering the dose, although there is still some risk of permanent damage.

"Lysodren is still valuable, and both drugs have their place," Hamilton said. "But trilostane has less risk of side effects and is a gentler drug." -- Christie Keith

PET TIP

Not too late for pet resolutions

With people watching their every penny, make preventing pet problems your focus in the new year. Some ideas:

-- Look before you leap. Choose a pet who fits your family and lifestyle well, and be sure you have time to handle training and behavior issues before you choose your animal companion. Make sure you understand what's necessary for your pet's nutrition, preventive health care and training, so you can set up your pet to start on the right track and stay there. Many pet problems are easier to prevent than to fix.

-- Work to keep your pet healthier and happier. Simple measures such as spaying and neutering and keeping your pet at a normal weight can prevent many serious health problems and improve your pet's quality of life. Ensuring that your pet gets enough exercise can go a long way toward helping with behavior issues and is good for the relationship you have with your animal companion.

-- Prepare for health emergencies. Establish a relationship with a veterinarian who'll answer your questions, present all options and support you in your decisions. Consider getting pet health insurance before you have a pet health crisis, or have another plan at hand in case you need to pay for a pet's accident or unexpected illness.

-- Be a responsible pet owner. Don't let your cats roam or your dogs bark constantly. Train and socialize your dogs so they can be "model citizens" wherever you take them. And pick up after your dog when walking him. All these actions help keep neighborhood relations nicer.

Don't forget that others are struggling now, too. So if you have some extra time or money, please share it for the good of animals and others who love them. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

What we like about our dogs

According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, here are the top reasons why dog lovers enjoy having a canine companion (more than one response allowed):

Source of affection 89 percent

Feel safe in home 83 percent

Beneficial to health 78 percent

Helps me relax 77 percent

THE SCOOP

Puppy teeth may need vet's help

If you have a puppy in your home now, you will be delighted to know that those sharp little baby teeth will be replaced by adult teeth by the age of 4 months -- going from 28 deciduous teeth to 42 permanent ones. But problems can occur with the changeover.

Sometimes baby teeth are retained after the adult ones come in, a situation that can cause many problems, including the misalignment of permanent teeth, incorrect development of the jaw, and infections. Check your puppy's mouth daily while adult teeth are erupting to ensure that the baby teeth aren't being retained -- a double row of teeth, especially in the front, tells you that they are.

Have your veterinarian check any suspicious developments. Baby teeth that refuse to fall out on their own may need to be removed by your veterinarian. -- 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.

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.