Universal Press Syndicate

While 2008 was a bad year for many (and good riddance to it), we don't want to turn the page on the year without mentioning a few books that belong on the shelves of every pet lover.

First up, Marion Nestle's "Pet Food Politics: The Chihuahua in the Coal Mine"(University of California Press, $19). The Pet Connection team realized early during the 2007 pet-food recall that the numbers of sick and dead pets were in the thousands and that the problem of tainted Chinese ingredients went far beyond pet-food safety. And in fact, the pet-food deaths were the first of many problems with Chinese products -- toys, milk products, toothpaste and more.

Dr. Nestle was also among the first to see a large problem, and she turned her attention to the "canary in the coal mine" aspect of the pet-food industry. Her "Pet Food Politics," written for an academic press, is a little dry at times, but the information and its implications are eye-opening. It's a call to action that we can all hope the new Obama administration hears before there's a repeat of the tragedy, perhaps next time with American children as the victims.

Sticking with the academic, Dr. Irene Pepperberg has long been known within the community of bird lovers, but her work became a national sensation only when her research partner, an African grey parrot named Alex, passed away at the age of 31 in 2007.

Pepperberg, a comparative psychologist, had dealt with the dismissal of her colleagues for three decades regarding the parrot's ability to communicate, not just mimic or respond to cues. Although there certainly remain skeptics, Alex and Pepperberg convinced many that "bird brain" was not a pejorative.

"Alex & Me" (Collins, $24) deftly blends the personal and the professional, the setbacks and the triumphs, the fight for recognition, and the bond between two souls that could be broken only by death. Alex told Pepperberg he loved her the night before he died. Anyone reading this book will love him, too.

Another lovefest has developed around Dewey Readmore Books, the library cat of Spencer, Iowa, who died of old age late in 2006. I've been a fan of Dewey's since Gary Roma's "Library Cats" documentary came out a few years back, and I'm certainly not alone. Dewey (named for the Dewey Decimal System in a contest by the small town) became a tourist attraction. Like all good animal stories, "Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World" (Grand Central, $20) is really about people, especially librarian Vicki Myron, who wrote the book along with Bret Witter.

Dewey was dumped in the book-return as a kitten in the middle of winter. The throwaway kitten never wanted for anything again and gave much in return. I'm a sucker for libraries and orange kitties, but I defy anyone not to love the story of Dewey. Especially since he's one of a dying breed -- between liability issues, allergies and people who just don't like cats, few libraries will ever see the likes of Dewey. And that's a shame.

Public buildings may be increasingly intolerant of resident pets, but workplaces have never been more pet-friendly. While people who own their own businesses have long had shop cats and taken their dogs to work with them, pet-friendly offices are a relatively new phenomenon. They seem to be most common in areas known for young workers and innovative work environments, notably those of the Silicon Valley, home to the nation's computer industry.

But even in those rule-averse offices, problems come up. Unruly dogs, accidents and other challenges can push a pet-friendly office to banning all animals. That's why I was so glad to see "Dogs at Work: A Practical Guide To Creating Dog-Friendly Workplaces" (Humane Society Press, $22), written by experienced dog-trainer and author Liz Palika, and one of the bright young stars of the Humane Society of the United States, their chief economist Jennifer Fearing.

Together, the two have produced a can't-miss guide to creating a pet-friendly workplace that even those who don't like animals can tolerate.

Other books worth noting for 2008 include "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle," a novel by David Wroblewski (Ecco, $26), and "Saved: Rescued Animals and the Lives They Transform" by Karin Winegar with photographs by Judy Olausen (Da Capo Press, $26).

SIDEBAR

Read an interview with Marion Nestle

Dr. Marion Nestle's extensive background in human nutrition and food policy served her well when she decided to take on the issues with pet food.

As the Paulette Goddard professor in the Department of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health at New York University, she was already familiar with the regulations, the marketing and the companies involved in products for feeding both people and pets. She soon discovered even more parallels, with trends from the fatuous to the potentially dangerous in both markets.

When the pet-food recall of 2007 became the first wave of product-safety issues with Chinese imports, Nestle dug in to the story.

On our Web site, PetConnection.com, Christie Keith interviews Nestle about the 2007 pet-food recall, the production of food and what it means for us all, two-legged and four-legged both.

Q&A

Matted cat may need a shave

Q: Our cat has a long, silky coat, and she is always getting mats, even though we try to stay on top of the grooming. I'm afraid they're out of hand now, with clumps in her "armpits," behind her ears and on the tops of her hind legs. I'm a little nervous about trying to cut them out. What can I do? I'm sure she's uncomfortable. -- O.F., via e-mail

A: I hear you on the grooming front. I have two longhaired cats, Clara and Ilario. Ilario has a rougher coat texture that resists matting, but Clara has a silky coat that is always matting. I'm always looking for and grooming out those mats.

If your cat is really matted, the kindest thing is to have a groomer clip her short, into a "lion trim." Assuming she's an indoor cat, she'll be fine. If she's allowed out into the cold, you may need to work on the worst mats and leave the big trim until later.

Start with a relaxed cat, preferably after her big meal. Work a little cornstarch into the first mat, and then gently and carefully slide the bottom blade of a sharp set of scissors under the tangle, with the cutting edge facing out, and slice through the mat vertically. (Do not do this if your cat is anything other than relaxed!) Work in a direction away from the skin rather than cutting across the mat parallel to the skin. Repeat a couple of times. Then, holding the mat at the base to minimize pulling, pick apart the fur with a wide-toothed metal comb. When the mat is gone, follow with a narrower comb and brush to remove the debris that you find at the heart of the mess.

Be sure to praise and treat your pet for her patience as you go. Work in short periods, and stop before your cat has had enough. Watch her tail. If she starts flicking it in an agitated way, she's reaching the limits of her tolerance. You may spend a week or more in short sessions working out the mats, but so be it.

Once you get all the mats out, your next session can be a bath with a cat-friendly shampoo and cream rinse. With your cat clean and de-matted, you should be able to keep mats from re-forming with regular attention.

But if the mats really are more than you can control, consider the services of a good groomer on a regular basis. While a severely matted longhaired cat will likely need the fresh start of a shave-down, a cat with a coat in good condition can be maintained in longhaired glory by a cat-experienced groomer. -- Gina Spadafori

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

PET BUZZ

AVMA calls for end to cropping

-- Will the United States follow other countries in making cosmetic surgery for dogs a thing of the past? The American Veterinary Medical Association is now on the record as opposing ear-cropping and tail-docking when performed for cosmetic reasons. The AVMA has gone further, calling on breed clubs to remove mention of the procedures from its standards for show dogs. Veterinarians say the procedures have no medical benefit for the animals.

-- Fireflies are rapidly diminishing in many parts of the world because of light pollution. Male fireflies flash to attract females, and when a female winks back, the two meet and mate. The New York Times reports that light from buildings or other urban development, or even reflected light off low-lying clouds on a dark night, can blind or distract them, preventing mating.

-- The legendary game guru behind Nintendo's products finds inspiration in his life -- including his dogs. The Wall Street Journal reports that the popular Nintendogs game started with Shigeru Miyamoto's love of dogs, especially his Shetland sheepdog, Pick. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

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

Washable covers key to fighting smells, fur

Winter is the time when you really notice pet smells, since the house is shut up tight and you and the pets are inside. While a certain amount of tolerance is called for when you live with pets, there are a few tried and true tips for keeping messes and smell to a minimum:

-- Stop mud at the door, with thirsty mats both inside and outside the threshold. Keep a towel at hand, and train pets to wait on the indoor mat for a quick paw-wipe.

-- Get on pet stains right away, with as much gusto as you can. A stain delayed is a stain set for good. Use an enzyme-based cleaner, such as Nature's Miracle or Anti-Icky-Poo. Steam cleaners are great for neutralizing smell as well.

-- Choose flooring that's easy to keep clean. Carpets are not that surface. Think easy-clean surfaces -- tile, hardwoods or laminate or even linoleum. Cover with washable throw rugs or indoor-outdoor area rugs that can be cleaned easily.

-- When buying or re-upholstering furniture, consider high-quality leather, which wipes clean and stands up well to pets. If leather isn't in your plans, find attractive washable covers or throws to protect your furniture. These will catch the fur and smell, and frequent washing will remove both.

-- For fur you can't catch on a throw or washable cover, choose a powerful vacuum with attachments designed to lift pet hair. Several companies now market such appliances directly to pet lovers. For quick fur pickup, use masking tape wrapped sticky-side-out around your palm, or run a clean, slightly damp sponge across the fur-marked surface. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

We're so square

Although new materials such as acrylic make all kinds of aquarium shapes possible, most fish-keepers still choose the traditional rectangular shape. Aquarium shapes chosen (multiple answers allowed):

Rectangular 76 percent

Bubble/round 15 percent

Hexagonal 9 percent

Bow-front 4 percent

Coffee table 2 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

PET TIP

Walking the cat? Some people do

Many indoor cats can learn to enjoy an outdoor outing on leash. Choose a light leash and a harness designed for cats, not for dogs, since a cat will easily give a dog harness the slip.

Walking a cat isn't about heading out as with a dog, but rather consists of encouraging your pet to explore, with you following. Treats and praise can make a kitty more tolerant of the restrictions of harness and leash.

Never leave your cat tethered and unattended. This leaves him vulnerable to attack or to a terrifying time of hanging suspended from his harness should he try to get over a fence.

If your cat doesn't like the outings after you've given him time to warm up to the harness and leash, don't force him out. Instead, use toys and cat furniture to enrich his indoor environment. -- 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.

and Keith Turner

Universal Press Syndicate

Last year we went quirky, choosing the love-it-or-hate-it Honda Element as our first-ever DogCars.com canine hauler of the year.

This year, we went traditional, choosing the quintessential minivan, the redesigned Dodge Grand Caravan, as our "Best in Show." Chrysler may be struggling for survival, but its minivans still offer plenty to the dog lover looking for a comfortable ride for a canine companion.

DogCars.com is the Pet Connection's Web site for reviews of pet-friendly vehicles and pet-related travel gear. Our reviewers test new minivans, hatchbacks, SUVs, wagons and crossovers looking for pet-friendly features, including:

-- Seats that fold flat or are easily removable.

-- Plenty of usable cargo space relative to the size of the vehicle.

-- Wide, square backs and easy-lift rear hatches, with as little rear slope as possible to make the most of the cargo area.

-- All-wheel or four-wheel drive and high ground clearance for those who are into canine competitions.

The Dodge Grand Caravan also scored on economy, with a starting price under $29,000 and fuel economy of 17 mpg (city), 24 mpg (highway), both competitive in its class. The Caravan shares the honors with its cousins, the Chrysler Town and Country and the new Volkswagen Routan.

In addition to the Best in Show award, we also chose our favorites in the eight categories. Looking ahead, we're watching the Toyota Venza -- designed with pet-friendly features from the first -- as a potential Best in Show contender for next year.

-- Best Overall/Best Minivan: The Dodge Grand Caravan. The newest redesign of Chrysler's trademark product offers a larger cargo area and squared-off back, lots of storage compartments, and plenty of tie-downs for gear.

-- Best Compact: Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix. The newly redesigned Toyota Matrix and its littermate, the Pontiac Vibe, offer economy and versatility. Sharing many of the same mechanics as the Toyota Corolla, the Vibe and Matrix come in three versions: a base-level front-wheel drive, small four-cylinder model; an all-wheel drive with a larger engine; and a sporty version.

-- Best Green Vehicle: Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid was redesigned to add room, comfort and efficiency, giving the classic SUV a green twist. The Highlander's onboard computers automatically shift power usage from gas to electric to a combination of both, for an average fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

-- Best Small SUV: Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner/Mazda Tribute and Mitsubishi Outlander (tie). Ford's terrific triplets -- the Escape, Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute -- offer on- and off-road versatility, with moderate fuel mileage and fold-flat seats. While they may look different on the outside, their heritage is the same. They tied with a repeat winner in this category, the Mitsubishi Outlander, which offers good value, capacious cargo room and a flip-down rear gate that makes dog-loading easier.

-- Best Midsize SUV: Honda Pilot, Suzuki XL7, Hyundai Santa Fe (tie). The Honda Pilot has been redesigned and gets even better, with a squared-off rear to better handle large dog crates. Suzuki's XL7 is a rugged rig that features fold-flat second- and third-row seats for flexibility when securing crates and carrying cargo. And finally, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers pet-friendly features and great value, with a starting price of around $21,000.

-- Best Wagon: Subaru Forester and Volvo XC70 (tie). Volvo and Subaru have long been favorite brands among dog lovers, and the two companies are among the few that actively seem to push for the pet-lover trade. The Volvo XC70 and Subaru Forester -- both recently redesigned -- will continue to be the versatile workhorses for many dog lovers.

-- Best Luxury SUV: BMW X5 and Acura MDX (tie). Yeah, we know: In this economy, who's thinking luxury? But if you're looking to put down top dollar for a dog hauler, you can't do better than these. Your dog won't be impressed with all the nice features, but they'll make your drive to the dog park a pleasure.

-- Other tail-waggers: Ford Flex and Mini Cooper Clubman. This year, we liked two in the "other" category. With a design that seems to mimic the boxy look of the Honda Element, the Flex has a wide-open interior and seats that fold either flat or flip forward to reveal a hard, carpeted surface providing plenty of room. As for the Clubman, what can you say except "adorable"? The stretch Mini has a lot of space for a vehicle its size, and it turns heads wherever it goes.

You can find full reviews and pet-travel tips at DogCars.com.

Q&A

Keeping plants safe from nibbling cats

Q: How can we get our cats to leave our houseplants alone? -- E.W., via e-mail

A: If your cats love to nibble on houseplants, start by making sure poisonous plants are not on the menu. Many common houseplants can make your cats ill, and a few can be deadly. Among the most dangerous are dieffenbachia, lily of the valley and philodendron. Various ivies and yews can be troublesome, too, and the bulbs of plants popular for "forcing" into early indoor bloom -- such as amaryllis, daffodils and tulips -- can cause problems for the cat who likes to dig and chew.

The Animal Poison Control Center (www.aspca.org/apcc) maintains a list of problem plants, and you should also be able to find such lists in most basic cat-care books. Check your household inventory against the "bad plant" list, and replace any dangerous plants with safer ones.

You don't have to give up all your plants to your cats, however. Instead, keep some plants for nibbling, and put other safe plants off-limits to maintain a lush indoor environment that you and your cats can both enjoy.

Indulge your pets by keeping planters of sprouting grasses growing in an accessible place for nibbling. Special blends of seeds for cats are available in pet stores and specialty shops, or you can purchase rye grass seeds at the nursery. Catnip, too, is something that's always better when fresh, as is valerian. While not all cats react to the pleasures of these plants, those who do will appreciate your keeping it in-house and using fresh cuttings to recharge cat posts and toys.

When your cats have their own plants, you can work on keeping them away from yours. Plants on the ground or on low tables are the easiest targets, so make your houseplants less accessible to the bored and wandering cat. Put plants up high, or better yet: Hang them.

For the plants you can't move out of harm's way, make them less appealing by coating them with something your cats find disagreeable. Cat-discouragers include Bitter Apple, a nasty-tasting substance available at any pet-supply store, or Tabasco sauce from any grocery store. Whenever you find what your cat doesn't like, keep reapplying it to reinforce the point.

Pot your plants in heavy, wide-bottomed containers, and cover the soil of the problem plants with rough, decorative rock to end digging. Foil, waxed paper and double-sided tape are also effective digging deterrents. But I don't like to recommend them as much, because you're going to get tired of looking at these materials. Attractive, rough-edged rocks can stay in place forever. -- Gina Spadafori

(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

Feline taste test tips to tap water

-- Cats are notorious for not drinking enough water, and their near-chronic state of dehydration contributes to kidney and bladder problems. Getting cats to drink more can be a key to better health, but you may not need to offer purified water (as is sometimes suggested) to do so. As reported by Dr. Eric Barchas in his veterinary blog on the Dogster.com Web site, a recent clinician's brief put out by the North American Veterinary Conference suggests that cats like tap water just fine, in fact choosing it over purified water in a small study. No matter what kind of water your cat prefers, chances are he'll drink more of it if it's kept recirculating, so consider one of several pet drinking fountains on the market.

-- "Bad" dogs are box office catnip. "Marley & Me," the movie based on John Grogan's best-seller about his lovable, behavior-challenged Labrador retriever, was the No. 1 seller of tickets on Christmas Day. The comedy received less than sterling reviews from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (avsabonline.org) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (apdt.com), each of which offers suggestions for those trying to cope with their own "Marleys."

-- Cats with piercings? Don't try this at home, unless you're itching to have humane officers come down on you like a load of bricks. A woman in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., had three kittens seized after trying to sell what she described as "Gothic Kittens" on eBay (which doesn't allow sales of live animals in any case). The Associated Press reported the kittens had ear, neck and tail piercings. "It's unbelievable anybody would do this to kittens," said the humane officer on the case. We agree! -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

PET TIP

A crate is key to easier house-training

If you're house-training a new puppy, you'll find it goes more quickly if you use a crate.

Crate-training limits a puppy's options to three: He's either empty and playing in the house, or he's in the crate and "holding it" because he doesn't want to sit in his own waste, or he's at the place you've chosen for him to relieve himself.

Puppies need to relieve themselves after they wake up, after they eat or drink, or after a period of play. Set up a schedule to accommodate his needs -- young puppies, especially small breeds or mixes, can't go very long without eating, drinking, sleeping or relieving themselves -- as you work to mold behavior. A good rule of thumb: Puppies can hold it as long as their age in months. A 2-month-old pup can "hold it" in a crate for about two hours, for example.

Don't punish your pet for mistakes. If you catch your dog in the act, a stern "no" will suffice, followed by an immediate trip to the yard and praise when he finishes up where he's supposed to. Clean up the inside mess thoroughly, and treat the area with an enzymatic solution to neutralize the smell.

If your puppy doesn't seem to be "getting it," ask your veterinarian for a referral to a behaviorist who can help get you both on track.

Remember, the goal is for your puppy to roam free in your house, not to stay in a crate for life. But the lessons of crate-training remain important: A dog who is used to being comfortably confined will be less stressed at the veterinarian hospital and also will have more options for housing in time of emergency. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Treats and more treats

Too much food and not enough exercise add up to overweight dogs and cats. Perhaps not surprisingly, the number of people who give treats to their pets is increasing in tandem with reports of obese pets by veterinarians:

Dogs given treats

2000: 79 percent

2002: 81 percent

2004: 88 percent

Cats given treats

2000: 54 percent

2002: 56 percent

2004: 65 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

PET TIP

Variety better for bird health

An all-seed diet contributes both directly (through malnutrition) and indirectly (by weakening the bird, making it easier for infectious diseases to take hold) to a serious reduction in the lifespan of any pet bird -- by half or more in many situations.

Variety is the name of the game when it comes to feeding your pet bird. This means that in addition to offering high-quality pelleted food, you should be offering a wide array of healthy "people food" -- fresh vegetables, fruits, pasta, bread, scrambled eggs. Whatever has good nutrition for you is also good for your parrot.

If your bird is a "seed junkie," talk to an avian veterinarian about a strategy for converting your pet to healthier diet. Seeds are best used as for rewards for good behavior and for teaching tricks. -- 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.

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.