and Keith Turner

Universal Press Syndicate

Somebody forgot to tell our pets that we're in a recession.

While the ongoing U.S. economic downturn has forced many industries to cut jobs, close plants or curtail products, U.S. pet industry experts announced at last month's massive trade show that positive growth continued throughout 2008 -- and more is expected for 2009.

At its annual Global Pet Expo, held over Valentine's Day weekend in Orlando, Fla., the American Pet Products Association reported that Americans remain sweet on their pets. Last year the pet products and services industry saw an overall growth of 4.9 percent over the year before -- even though some sectors, such as veterinary medicine, are reporting slowdowns. In all, pet-loving consumers spent more than $43 billion on food, supplies, medicine and veterinary care in 2008, continuing an upward trend that places the pet industry as the eighth-largest industry in the United States, ahead of such stalwarts as toys, candy, jewelry and hardware.

"What we are seeing is that people are more willing to sacrifice on themselves before trimming back on their four-legged friends," said Bob Vetere, president of APPA. "The pet industry continues to grow at a record pace and has proven to remain strong during times of change, stress and economic setbacks."

For 2009, the APPA predicts continued growth, with overall sales expected to rise a moderate 3.9 percent to $45.4 billion. That's more than the gross domestic product of most countries in the world and almost double the amount spent on pets just a decade ago. That number could potentially increase to 7 or 8 percent, Vetere said, as the economy gets back on its feet.

For proof of the enormous popularity of pet products, one needs to look no further than the show itself, which saw a 10 percent increase in buyer attendance. As they made their way through the maze of pet products, store owners and wholesale buyers from all over the world tested, sampled and played with a record 16,000 products offered by nearly a thousand vendors.

Three clear themes were present in the new products being introduced at this year's show.

-- Clean and green. Natural, organic and biodegradable ingredients were prominent among this year's new products, signaling the industry's desire to offer pets the same quality of food their owners eat and to ensure that the materials used in pet products are more environmentally friendly.

-- Made in America. Vendors across all categories were quick to point out when their products were made domestically, a trend likely driven by recalls of imported products and the desire to support the U.S. economy.

-- Quality of life. Enrichment-activity products dominated, including food puzzles for dogs and cats, foraging challenges for birds and even a kit for teaching fish to do tricks.

"People may be changing their purchases and the way they are doing things," said Vetere, "but they are still making sure (their pets) are being well taken care of."

SIDEBAR

The 'Becker Best in Show' awards

This year, for the first time ever, the Global Pet Expo gave out an award to the product that Pet Connection's Dr. Marty Becker chose as his Best in Show.

Five finalists were named, and the top award went to the Bolt Frolicat Laser Light ($20, www.frolicat.com), a battery-operated laser toy that keeps a cat entertained without the owner having to keep the game going. You can't just set it up and leave, though, since the manufacturer recommends supervising the cat's play.

The other finalists:

-- Drinkwell 360 cat bowl ($50, www.vetventures.com). Unlike other models that are more like waterfalls, the 360 allows the pet access to fresh-flowing, filtered water from any angle. Keep your cat hydrated and healthy with this fun fountain that offers multiple streams of fresh, filtered water.

-- Contech Pet Compass ($100, www.contech-inc.com). A transmitter that attaches to a collar and allows tracking within a half-mile with a handheld base unit.

-- High Viz dog toys ($8 to $9, www.furpetssake.com). Toys designed to appeal to the colors dogs can see best.

-- Bissell ShedAway Pet Grooming Vacuum Attachment ($30, www.bissell.com). A vacuum attachment that works on the dog, not the furniture. Fits most models.

Q&A

Reptiles not for preschool kids

Q: My son is dying to have a snake or lizard. He just turned 9, and I have no doubt he'll be able to care for a pet. I won't have a snake in my house, but I could see a lizard. My concern is with our pre-school daughter. I know there have been concerns with turtles in the past. Can we have a lizard safely? -- W.D., via e-mail

A: Because most, if not all, reptiles carry salmonella in their digestive tracks, these pets are generally not recommended for homes with children under 5 or with family members whose immune systems are compromised.

Talk to your pediatrician about your concerns regarding salmonella and your young daughter. It may be a good idea to wait a year or more before indulging your son with his desire for a pet reptile.

Once your pediatrician gives the go-ahead, the risks of owning a reptile (or any pet) can be greatly reduced with proper handling and care. The Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians suggests these basic safety precautions for reptile owners of any age:

-- Wash hands with soap and hot water after handling reptiles or after cleaning reptile enclosures.

-- Limit the part of your home that your reptile is allowed to be in, and wash your hands after being in that area.

-- Never allow reptiles in areas of the home where food is prepared. Don't share food or drink with reptiles, and don't eat, drink or smoke while handling them. Don't kiss these pets, no matter how cute you think they are.

-- Do not put reptiles into bathtubs or sinks. Buy a separate tub for bathing these pets. Pour the water down the toilet, and do not use sinks or bathtubs to clean the reptile bathing tub -- or any reptile housing or gear.

-- Supervise older children to be sure they don't touch the pets and then put their fingers in their mouths. Make sure thorough hand-washing follows each exposure to these pets.

The ARAV stresses that the precautions do not mean reptiles shouldn't be kept as pets, but rather that by following basic common sense in handling them, the potential for human health problems can be kept to a minimum. -- 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

Careful with that stick!

-- Playing fetch with a stick can be hazardous. Experts at the U.K.'s Royal Veterinary College say that canine injuries from sticks are as numerous as those acquired on Britain's roads. Not only can sticks rip holes in the mouths and throat of dogs, but a dirty stick can also raise the risk of infection.

-- The Nashville Zoo allows visitors to experience animals, even if they can't see them. The zoo recently developed an exhibit for the visually impaired, complete with explanatory Braille signs and life-size skulls for hands-on exploration. The zoo is the first of its kind with such a large-scale model for providing better access to more people, and it hopes to expand the effort in the years to come.

-- Stressed and lonely college students may do well with a pet. Participants in a recent study said the benefits of keeping a pet are companionship, staying active and having help through hard times. Researchers at The Ohio State University noted that pets can help during the difficult time before college students have developed new coping skills, including social networks.

-- Rats are rarely, if ever, infected with rabies and have not been known to cause a single case among humans in the United States. And according the book "Why Do Men Have Nipples," rats are still taking the rap for bubonic plague -- even though fleas were the real culprit. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

DOGCARS

Littlest Honda a Fit for the times

When Honda launched the Fit into the North American market in 2006, the world was a different place. Gas prices hadn't gone crazy, the economy wasn't on the skids, and most everyone's idea of the perfect car for transporting dogs was an SUV, midsized or better.

Even with all that, the Fit made a splash: We chose it as the best small car for dogs in our first DogCars.com Best in Show awards (the overall winner that year was another Honda, the Element).

Gas has gone up and back down since, and the economy ... well, we know where that's gone. That makes the all-new 2009 edition of Honda's little hatchback even better than before.

In fact, it's about as perfect a little car as can be imagined, especially for dog owners. The space inside is so large compared to the tiny size of the vehicle that you start to wonder if the Fit is really a circus car, the kind that an endless number of clowns can fit into and come out of. You wouldn't want to cram that many dogs inside, but you could manage a couple of big ones with comfort and ease, especially since the Fit's seats fold flat and low to the floorboards.

The car sits low on the ground as well, making it easy to get dogs in and out. It's sporty to drive, especially with a stick shift, easy to park, and as fuel-efficient as it gets for a non-hybrid: 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, with a nifty real-time mpg monitor to help you get even more from a gallon of gas. With a starting price under $15,000, it's hard to imagine a better Fit for the times. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Leash 'em up!

According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, 93 percent of dog owners have purchased a leash for their pet. New leashes are purchased on average every three years. The breakdown by leash type (multiple responses allowed):

Nylon 75 percent

Chain 13 percent

Leather 11 percent

Rope 5 percent

Reflective 1 percent

All others 2 percent

PET TIP

Give your bird a regular bath

Many of the birds we keep as pets are of species most comfortable in places that we would find intolerable: the steamy, hot rain forests of Central and South America. The dry air of human homes is thought to be a contributing factor to feather-picking, a frustrating syndrome that can drive birds to pluck themselves bald.

You don't have to turn your house into a sauna to add some moisture to your pet's life. Many birds enjoy being dampened by water from a spray bottle or being offered the chance to take a bath in a shallow dish of clean water. Some parrot lovers even take their birds right into the shower with them.

How often should birds get a drenching? There are no firm guidelines, but daily would be fine with many birds. -- 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

If told to imagine a "typical" cat, you're doing well if you think "tiger-striped." That's because the tabby pattern, with its familiar stripes, is the most common in all of catdom. It's so dominant that even some apparently solid-colored cats can be discovered, on close inspection, to have faint stripes, especially on their heads, legs and tails.

"Tabby" is a general term for striped cats, and tabbies come in many colors and patterns -- more than 40 varieties in all. Red tabbies seem to have a special following and mythology, perhaps because in male cats the red-orange gene is almost always connected with tabby markings, while in females, red-orange cats can be tabbies, tortoiseshells or calicoes. (About one calico in 3,000 is male, but he's not your usual male, in that he carries an extra "X" chromosome, an abnormality that not only makes him extremely rare but also likely sterile.) Red tabby males are often called "ginger toms" with great affection.

Tabbies can be further distinguished by differences in the pattern of their stripes. For example, a spotted tabby has gaps in the striping pattern, making the dark color appear as spots. The most recognizable is probably the "mackerel" tabby, with parallel lines placed like the ribs of a fish -- hence the name. All tabby cats carry a special mark in common, an "M" on the top of their heads.

The word "Tabby," by the way, is thought to come from the "Atabi," the name of a ancient silk with a striped pattern.

Here are more fun feline facts from our book "MeowWow: Curiously Compelling Facts, True Tales and Trivia Even Your Cat Won't Know" (HCI, $15):

-- While a male cat -- especially an unneutered one -- is today called a "tom," that wasn't always the case. Up until the late 1700s, male cats were known as "rams" (like sheep) or "boars" (like pigs). A book about cats with a character named Tom became popular in the latter part of that century; after that, male cats started being called tomcats.

-- Among cat breeds, the size variation ranges from 5 to around 20 pounds. (In dogs, it ranges from less than 5 to more than 200 pounds.) From the smallest cat to the biggest, some cats are bulkier than others, but they're still basically shaped like cats. (In dogs, consider the difference between the greyhound and the dachshund, or the whippet and the English bulldog. About the only variation in feline body shape is the higher rumps of tailless breeds like the Manx.

--- While the idea of dogs and cats at war with each other is a comedic staple, in fact almost half of people who share their homes with a cat also have a dog. These pets get along to varying degrees, from out-and-out loathing to familiar affection. If properly (as in slowly, at the animals' own speed) introduced, dogs and cats usually at least tolerate each other well.

Q&A

The house rules for small dogs

Q: We're happy with our little dog. She's a Maltese mix, according to the shelter, and she needed a new home after her first owner died. She's such a good little dog, but she's not housebroken. We don't think she ever was, because she comes inside after we take her outside and does her business on the carpet. She has plenty of chances while outside, but I don't think she gets it. Maybe it's the new home, or maybe her old owner just couldn't cope.

We want to make this work, so we obviously need to fix this. She's little bitty thing, but even a little mess can be annoying every day. -- W.D., via e-mail

A: Small dogs can indeed be difficult to house-train, for a couple of different reasons. One of the major problems is inconsistency on the part of the owner. A Great Dane who isn't house-trained is a much bigger problem than a Yorkie with the same bad behavior. A lot of people with small dogs decide it's just as easy to clean up a little mess now and then instead of working on a big training problem.

But little dogs can be house-trained. Toy breed expert Darlene Arden says you have to start by looking at things from a little dog's point of view.

For example, you have to make sure your dog feels safe in the outdoor spot you've chosen for him. A dog's guard is down during the act of elimination. And when a dog weighs 10 pounds or less, it's important for him to feel he's not going to be attacked. "They feel vulnerable," says Arden. "You need to find that one very safe spot for them." And keep the grass short so the dog doesn't feel as if he's hacking through a jungle, she adds.

Despite the special challenges the small dog presents, Arden says house-training is possible. Once your dog has that safe spot outside, you can teach him to use it with the aid of a schedule, praise and a dedication to consistency.

"Feed on a schedule," says Arden. "You must take your dog out after he eats, after play, after any kind of stimulation. Take a special treat and your happiest voice to the special spot. The moment the puppy's feet hit the ground, get excited." When the deed is done, says Arden, praise to the heavens and deliver the treat.

Limiting a dog's range in the house helps, too. "I'm a firm believer in crate-training -- as a tool, not a punishment," says Arden. "A crate keeps a dog out of trouble when you can't watch him."

Mistakes are part of the learning process and should never be punished. "If you see the dog starting to go in the house, pick him up and run him to that special spot," says Arden, and praise him when he finishes up outside.

The fact that your dog comes in to relieve herself suggests she hasn't a clue about what you expect from her. Start from the beginning. Clean up past mistakes with an enzymatic cleaner, restrict her range in the house, take her outside and praise her for getting it right. If problems continue, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a behaviorist who can observe your interactions and set up a program just for you and your dog.

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

PET BUZZ

Exotic pets get their own vets

-- By the end of 2009, around 30 veterinarians will pursue certification in a new specialty -- Exotic Companion Mammal Practice. The Veterinary Information Network News Service (news.vin.com) reports that this specialty, the first new specialty to earn the American Board of Veterinary Practitioner's provisional recognition in at least 15 years, focuses on ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents and other small pet mammals.

-- Two-thirds of pet owners believe they can understand their animals' language, including their barks, chirps and purrs, according to an informal poll on Petside.com. Men are twice as likely as women to say they have no idea what a pet is saying. Only three out of 10 dog owners say they don't "speak dog," while half of cat owners say they can't understand their more mysterious pets.

-- Living in a zoo drastically shortens the lives of Asian and African elephants, possibly because of the effects of stress and obesity. According to a report in The New York Times, researchers who studied data from European zoos are not recommending that zoos abandon elephants but are suggesting that imports of elephants should be limited to zoos that can identify and treat problems. The report draws on data from 1960-2005 and found that the median life span of zoo-born African elephants was 16.9 years, compared with 56 years for animals in national parks in Kenya. The median life span for Asian elephants in zoos was 18.9 years, compared with 41.7 years for elephants used for logging in Myanmar. -- 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.

PET RX

Learn how to check your dog's vital signs

A dog's heart normally beats between 70 to 180 times per minute, with little dogs having a faster heart rate. A puppy will also have a faster pulse -- up to 220 beats per minute. You can take your dog's pulse at home, by the way, but not by putting your fingertips on your dog's wrist, as you would with a person. Instead, check the heart rate in one of two places.

Choice 1: Put your hand over your dog's left side, behind the front leg. You'll feel the heart pulsing beneath your fingers (if you can't, you might talk to your veterinarian about getting some of the fat off your dog).

Choice 2: Put your fingertips on the femoral artery, on the inside of the leg just where it meets the body, right in the middle. (It's a pretty big blood vessel, so you shouldn't have any problem finding it.)

Either way, count the beats while 15 seconds click off your watch. Multiply by four to get the BPM, or beats per minute. Do it when your dog is healthy and relaxed, so you'll know what's normal.

Normal canine body temperature is between 101.5 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit, give or take a degree either way. You can use a traditional thermometer, or a newer one that takes an electronic reading from the ear canal. (If you use the traditional kind, be sure to take an indelible-ink marker and clearly write "dog" on the one you plan to use for your dog, so there's no confusion. You don't want something in your mouth that has been in your dog's fanny!) -- Dr. Marty Becker

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Go ahead: Feed a cat

Cat lore dictates that if you feed a stray cat, you've adopted a stray cat. That seems to be largely true, based on a survey showing where people get their cats (multiple answers allowed):

Pet store adoption program 3%

Shelter 15%

Breeder 3%

Friend/relative 43%

Kitten of own cat 15%

Classified ad 8%

Pet store purchase 4%

Stray 34%

Rescue group 3%

Veterinarian 2%

Other 5%

Source: American Pet Products Association

PET TIP

Secure pets for safer car rides

Securing a pet in a vehicle makes sense all around. A loose animal in the car can cause an accident by distracting the driver. In an accident, or even if the driver has to stop suddenly, a pet can hurt himself or other passengers. Fortunately, you can easily secure your pet with new products designed for comfort and safety.

For cats and dogs, crates -- secured to the floor or to a safety belt for small pets -- are perfect for travel. They keep pets in place and allow for transport straight into the veterinary office for scaredy-cats or nervous dogs.

For dogs, a wide variety of safety harnesses has become available in recent years. Many of these snap right into existing seat-belt buckles, and some double as harnesses for walking the dog once you get where you're going. -- 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

In recent months the worsening economy has had us all tightening our budgets. Pet lovers are no exception, and although our animals provide us with comfort and companionship during difficult times, there's no doubt that many people are looking to make sure they're getting the most "bang for their buck" when it comes to caring for their pets.

The most important advice we can offer you is to focus on prevention. Keeping pets in good health is the best way we know of to prevent illnesses that can make your pet miserable and cost you a lot at the veterinarian's. Likewise, working to prevent accidents, such as keeping your cat inside and your dog on-leash in high-traffic areas, will spare you the most expensive pet-related spending of all: the late-night visit to the emergency veterinarian.

Some more tips for keeping costs down include:

-- Take the weight off your pet. Extra pounds increase the likelihood of serious health problems, such as arthritis, diabetes and cancer in pets just as they do in people. And yet few people recognize when their pet is overweight -- or even grossly obese!

If your pet is normal weight -- you should be able to feel ribs -- measuring food, keeping treats to a minimum and working in a daily exercise session will keep him that way. If your pet is overweight, get your veterinarian's help to reduce weight slowly to avoid the health risks of sudden weight loss, especially in cats.

-- Change your buying habits. You can save money buying the largest bags of food or litter, or get case discounts on canned goods. Split your dry food purchases with family or a friend, and store your portion in an airtight container. (Do keep product info from the bag, though, in case there are questions or problems.)

Other purchases should be considered carefully. Replace such things as collars when wear first shows -- you don't want a collar to break and your dog to get loose in a dangerous situation. Buy quality, not silliness: One good collar is a better value than a lot of shoddy but cute ones.

Be careful when cutting down on toys, though: Good chew toys have saved many an expensive pair of shoes.

-- Get the do-it-yourself bug. Most people can learn to handle basic pet grooming at home, from bathing to nail trims. If nothing else, you can probably stretch out time between professional grooming for high-maintenance pets with some at-home care. Check your library for grooming guides and home in on breed-specific tips with an Internet search.

And don't forget the value of bartering: Ask about trading goods and services for your pet's needs.

-- Poison-proof your home. Go through your home with an eye toward possible hazards. From food hazards such as raisins, Xylitol-sweetened goodies and chocolate to houseplants such as lilies, many poisoning risks can be prevented just by removing them. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are also a danger, and these are best dealt with by putting them behind cupboard doors. (The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center offers information on all toxic risks to your pet at ASPCA.org/APCC.)

-- Don't neglect preventive pet care. Vaccinations are no longer recommended annually for most dogs and cats, but that's not a good reason to skip your pet's yearly vet check -- twice a year is recommended for senior pets. These "well-pet" examinations can spot little problems before they become expensive ones.

Don't be shy about asking your veterinarian to work with you on keeping costs down. For example, ask your veterinarian to give you prescriptions for medications to be filled elsewhere or to match prices. Comparison shopping for medications may offer considerable savings, especially if there's a generic equivalent available.

We also recommend looking into pet health insurance, because no pet lover wants to say no to a pet who can be saved because the money isn't there for the care. Because plans differ, do your research before buying to make sure the most likely health problems of your pet are covered.

(Share your best tips for saving money on pet care! Drop us an e-mail at petconnection@gmail.com. We'll use the best tips in a future column and feature them on our Web site, PetConnection.com.)

Q&A

Redirect chewing for better puppy

Q: Is there anything I can do with a puppy who chews on everything she sees? I'm at my wit's end. -- B.C., via e-mail

A: With time and guided effort, you can help your puppy learn to chew on the right things and to leave your stuff alone.

Some puppies chew to alleviate the discomfort of teething. Try offering your pup a bowl of ice cubes or a washcloth that's been soaked in water and then frozen. Take the washcloth away as soon as it thaws. There are also commercial dog products made for freezing, with one part rubber chew and one part reservoir for filling with water or broth.

Most puppies chew to explore, or to blow off steam when they are not getting enough daily mental and physical exercise. Before feeding your puppy, play easy games of "toss the kibble" so your puppy gets used to finding food. Put your puppy's kibble into a food puzzle, instead of using food bowls, to add even more activity. Confine your puppy to a small laundry room or puppy-proofed area when you are gone to prevent chewing mistakes, and rotate chew toys to provide variety.

When you are home, put your puppy near you on a mat with a long-lasting rawhide chew. Prevent your puppy from wandering off by attaching a leash to a heavy desk or table or the chair you are sitting on. Ignore any tantrums by not making eye contact. Wait until your puppy settles down. Then praise her in a soothing voice or give a loving back rub in exchange for resting quietly and for chewing on that rawhide. Focus your efforts on praising your puppy for chewing on what's right and prevent your puppy from chewing on what's wrong.

Teach your pup to "get your chew" by praising her for taking it from you and for picking it up from the floor when you say, "Get your chew." When your pup learns what that means, she'll also learn that getting the chew is the ticket for your attention.

You cannot expect a young, untrained puppy just to hang out. Help her learn good behavior by providing daily walks to satisfy natural canine instincts to explore and exercise. If you meet your pup's basic needs and provide gentle, proven behavior training, you will have less destructive chewing and overall better behavior.

Most people do not know instinctively how to teach puppies to meet basic canine needs within a human household. Early, off-leash puppy socialization classes are the best place to learn from professionals.

If you continue to feel frustrated, do yourself and your puppy a big favor by asking your veterinarian for a referral to a trainer or behaviorist for some individual help with raising her. It's a good investment in a lifetime of good behavior. -- Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp, AnimalBehavior.net.

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

PET BUZZ

Yawn at your dog and get yawn back

-- Yawning is contagious among people, and now researchers from Birkbeck's School of Psychology at the University of London have shown for the first time what pet lovers have known all along -- that dogs can also catch our yawns. Researchers said the presence of contagious yawning in dogs suggests that dogs possess the capacity for a rudimentary form of empathy.

-- The American Veterinary Medical Association has found that veterinarian salaries increased from 2005-2007, although most surveyed said they don't expect the income growth will continue from 2007-2009. The survey also showed that male veterinarians are still paid more than female ones.

-- The state with the highest ranking for the occurrence of animal abuse is Kentucky, followed by Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi and North Dakota, according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund. The top five states for protecting animals are Illinois, Maine, California, Michigan and Oregon.

-- Japan's pet population has exploded, but pet owners are now facing a pricey tax on their furry friends. The proposed tax on the purchase of animals will be put toward microchipping, ID tags, funding for animal shelters and an awareness campaign of animal welfare. The number of pet dogs has doubled in the last decade, reaching 13 million and surpassing the number of children under 12 in Japan. -- 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

Grooming helps with cat's health, happiness

Considering how much time your cat spends grooming, do you really even need to be involved in the process? Yes! Taking care of your cat's coat keeps her healthier, makes her easier to live with and strengthens the bond between you.

Although many cats -- typically longhaired, older or obese -- must have some help with their grooming, any cat can benefit from human intervention. Even if your cat isn't a high-maintenance type with silky, long hair, helping with grooming offers some benefits to you, as well:

-- Shedding. The fur you catch on a comb or brush doesn't end up on your sofa cushions, sweater or the cream cheese on your bagel in the morning.

-- Hairballs. Regular grooming by you keeps the volume of fur swallowed by your cat to the utmost minimum, and that means fewer hairballs on your rugs.

-- Bonding. Although your cat may not like you getting involved in grooming at first, if you're persistent, especially with the praise, your cat eventually comes to enjoy the time you spend together at this important task.

-- Money. Paying attention to your pet's body not only helps avoid some health problems, but it also helps you detect signs of illness early, which is better for both your wallet and your pet.

-- Allergies. Studies have shown that good grooming, including regular baths, can help allergy sufferers cope with their pets. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

A single bird will do

Birds of a feather don't flock together, at least not in the homes of bird lovers. Trends in pet ownership suggest that most people who want a bird will have just one at a time. Number of birds kept:

One 52 percent

Two 25 percent

Three or more 23 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON THE WEB

Delta celebrates animal-human bond

The Delta Society (deltasociety.org) is an organization dedicated to making the most out of the natural bond between people and animals.

The group provides information and resources on a variety of topics, including dogs who serve people with disabilities and animal-assisted therapy programs, such as those that take animals into nursing homes or provide therapeutic horseback riding for disabled children and adults.

Delta also offers a variety of publications and recognizes groups and individuals with a variety of annual awards. If you're looking to get started in volunteering, the site shows you how to get started.

The site is clean, well-designed and easy to navigate, and offers lots to learn on this extraordinary group. A scrolling news feed on the home page tracks stories about the value of animals in our lives. -- 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.