Universal Press Syndicate

Over the years, I've put many a pet on an airplane, most times unaccompanied. Some have been rescues going to new homes, some my own pets traveling for competition or training, and a couple of times my pets and I have just gone away for vacation together.

Every time I've put a pet in the air, I've chewed my nails down with worry until they reached their destination. And every time, there hasn't been a hitch or anything worse than a delayed flight.

While no one can guarantee a trouble-free trip, the vast majority of pets get where they're going in fine shape. But to make the odds of that happening even better, you need to be an advocate for your pets when they fly.

Animals move through the airline system as unaccompanied cargo or as travelers' baggage. Unaccompanied pets and most animals traveling as baggage travel in pressurized cargo holds, while some small pets are allowed into the cabin as a carry-on. Before your pet flies:

-- Talk to the airline. The airlines that take pets -- not all do -- have limits on the number of animals on a flight, both in the cargo hold and (for small pets) in the passenger compartment. You also need to know where and when your pet has to be presented, and what papers -- health certificate and so on -- you'll need to bring.

Also be aware that some airlines won't ship pets in the warmer months at all (except as carry-on). Other weather-related restrictions apply as well.

Don't forget to ask about costs, so you won't be surprised. Struggling airlines have dramatically raised fees on many services, including shipping animals. Even pets who travel as carry-ons are subject to fees.

-- Be sure your pet is in good health. Air travel isn't recommended for elderly or sick animals, and is likewise ill-advised for the short-nosed breeds of dogs and cats. These animals find breathing a little difficult under the best of circumstances, and the stress of airline travel may be more than they can handle.

For pets who'll be traveling in the cargo hold, use a hard-sided carrier designed for air travel, and make sure it's in good condition (no cracks in the plastic, no rust on the grating). The crate should be just big enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in. Check and double-check that all the bolts securing the halves of the carrier are in place and tightened.

Pets that are small enough to ride in the passenger cabin will be more comfortable in a soft-sided carrier.

Carry-on pets should have a collar and ID tag, but that's not safe for pets traveling below. Instead, put an ID tag on a piece of elastic around the pet's neck, and make sure contact information is written large and indelibly on the outside of the crate. Food and water dishes should be attached to the inside of the door grate and a supply of kibble duct-taped to the top of the carrier so airline personnel can offer it without opening the door.

-- Consider travel conditions. Don't ship your pet when the air traffic is heaviest. Avoid peak travel days and times. Red-eye flights are often a good choice.

-- Choose a direct flight. If that's not possible, choose a route with a single connection and a short layover. Most animal fatalities occur on the ground, when pets are left in their crates on the hot tarmac or in stifling cargo holds. Better yet: Choose a direct flight with an airline that has special handling available for pets, keeping them off the tarmac until just before flight time and transporting them to and from the plane in a climate-controlled van.

Ask about your pet en route, persistently but politely. Make your presence known! Confirm that your pet has been loaded and has made any connections en route. Get the direct line to cargo operations at any connecting airport and ask for visual confirmation from an airline staffer that your pet is OK. (Most of these people are very nice if you are!)

Contrary to popular belief, an untranquilized pet is safer. Still, your pet may be an exception. Talk to your veterinarian when you get your pet's health certificate.

The Air Transport Association, the trade group for the nation's airlines, offers information on its "Air Travel for Your Pet" section (www.airlines.org/customerservice/passengers). The ATA details the preparation of a pet for air travel, how to set up the carrier and how to check on your pet en route.

Q&A

Young dog serves as alarm clock

Q: We got a Labrador puppy for Christmas. We've gone through puppy classes, and he's doing pretty well with most things. Now we're trying to be patient with things that are mostly "just puppy stuff."

One thing that's rough on us, though: He took the time change as an excuse to drive us out of bed not one but two hours early -- or try to. Four a.m. isn't working for us. Help! -- W.L., via e-mail

A: Your bright young dog has figured out that he gets fed as soon as he gets you out of bed.

Take away his reward for waking you. Do not make feeding him the first thing on his morning agenda -- or yours. Instead, pick the paper off the porch, make yourself breakfast, take a shower, etc., and then, when your needs are met, address his. You need to break the connection in his head between your waking up and his getting fed.

Try not to react to his alarm-clock act. Don't get up, and don't yell. Just ignore him. You'll have a difficult time doing this at first, but he will finally come to understand which behaviors alter your actions and which don't. The ones that don't work, he'll drop.

Even though I haven't a clue as to how much exercise your dog gets currently, there's no such thing as enough activity for a dog, especially a young retriever. An evening aerobic session -- fetch is ideal -- will help him sleep more soundly. Tired dogs are good dogs.

Above all, be patient. Labs are often a big pain in the fanny until they grow up, which eventually happens between the age of 2 and 4. He's a big puppy now, but you'll start noticing a serious trend toward mellow after he gets through his adolescence. -- Gina Spadafori

Q: I have three cats, but only one of them shows any reaction to catnip. That one cat gets so crazy I worry. Is he normal to be a catnip freak? Or are the ones who ignore catnip normal? Should I just make the one go "cold turkey" since the others don't care? Can catnip be dangerous? -- P.E., via e-mail

A: Since our cats don't need to stay alert on the job, pay the bills, get the kids to school or operate heavy machinery, they can afford to be blissed-out on a regular basis. So if your cat likes catnip, indulge him to his little heart's content. For the good of the plants, though, put the pot where he can't get to them and offer him fresh clippings as often as you like. It won't hurt him.

As for your other cats not getting a buzz from the herb, that's perfectly normal, too. Not all cats like catnip: The ability to appreciate the herb is genetically programmed into some cats but not others. Kittens under the age of 3 months are also unaffected by the charm of catnip. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

PET BUZZ

Keeping veterinarians down on the farm

-- The boom in pet ownership is having ill effects down on the farm, as veterinarians are increasingly drawn to practices that care for dogs and cats. Only 10 percent of students entering U.S. veterinary schools pursue large-animal practice, says the American Veterinary Medical Association. Treating pets generally means better working conditions, shorter commutes and fewer on-call nights. Fewer large-animal veterinarians is seen as a concern not only for the animals who need care, but also for issues of public health, since veterinarians help to keep the food supply safer.

-- As the temperature across the United States has gotten incrementally warmer because of climate change, more than half of 305 bird species in North America -- a hodgepodge that includes robins, gulls, chickadees and owls --- are spending the winter about 35 miles farther north than they did 40 years ago, an Audubon study finds.

-- What animal are the Canary Islands named after? Surprisingly enough, it's the dog. Canaries, as in the singing bird, are named after the islands (where they are indigenous), not the other way around. The archipelago gets its name from the Latin for the largest of the islands, which the Romans named (BEGIN ITALS)Insula Canaria(END ITALS) (Isle of Dogs) after the large number of wild and domesticated dogs once found there. -- 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." Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

THE SCOOP

Be wary of warming weather when exercising dog

While exercise is important for all dogs, it's important to plan activities during the cooler part of the day to prevent overheating.

Dogs who are overweight, out-of-condition, elderly or pug-nosed are especially at risk. For these dogs, heat stress can quickly turn lethal.

Don't take a chance with your dog's life. Keep exercise sessions short and plan them for early or late in the day. Stop at the first sign of overheating, such as heavy panting.

Always have cool water available both for drinking and for wetting down dogs on warm days. For the latter, concentrate on a constant flow of cool water -- not ice cold and no ice packs -- to the belly. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Dogs loved in all sizes

Although small dogs seem all the rage these days, canine popularity isn't much influenced by size. According to the American Pet Products Association, dog lovers like their pets no matter what size (multiple answers allowed):

Own small dogs 43 percent

Own medium dogs 34 percent

Own large dogs 44 percent

PET TIP

Snail bait can be a pet hazard

With gardening season at hand, it's important to come up with a safe strategy for eliminating snails. Many brands of snail bait are not just deadly to snails and slugs, but also to dogs, cats and birds.

Instead of laying out bait, look for snails at night with a flashlight, picking up pests and putting them in a bag that then goes in the garbage bin.

If you suspect your pet has gotten into snail bait -- symptoms include frothing at the mouth, vomiting and convulsions -- see your veterinarian immediately. Your pet's life depends on your prompt action.

The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (www.aspca.org/apcc) offers more information on hazards outside and inside the home. Prevention is key! – 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

March is when winter finally lets go, although usually not without a final blast or two. The start of spring means many things -- the first early blooms, longer, warmer days and a time to clean the house -- but for dog lovers, there's one thing spring brings most of all.

Mud, mud and more mud. The soupy remains of winter on the paws of our pets is the constant nemesis of all dog lovers, and it's never so bad as in the spring.

The best way to keep floors clean is to never let them get dirty. And that means catching those muddy paws before they come inside. Here are some tips:

-- Use mats. Put washable mats both inside and outside the door. A small doormat can be jumped over, so go for something larger, at least during the rainy season. The wider the area of matting, the more chance you have of every paw hitting the mat at least once. Outside the door to my backyard (currently known as The Swamp), I have a 3-foot-by-5-foot black industrial mat I bought at a warehouse store. It catches lots of mud, and it hoses off easily. The more attractive and traditional decorative doormat sits right on top of it, with another decorative mat on the inside of the threshold. Outside the dog door, the entrance ramp is covered with indoor-outdoor carpeting. Just inside is another mat.

-- Teach dogs to wait for wiping. It's not difficult to teach a dog to wait on the mat for a paw cleaning. If you're patient and positive, you'll be able to teach your pet to offer each paw in turn and stand patiently while you towel it off. One of my dogs used to be so good about this that he'd lift each paw by name: "Front. Now the other. Back. Other."

-- Save your old towels. When towels get too ratty for guests to see, save them for use with your pets. Old towels are great for wiping paws, drying fur and even swiping a muddy paw print off the floor. My old towels have endured years of hot water and bleach. They're ugly, but they still do the job. You can also find super-absorbent towels and mitts made specifically for wiping paws, but I've always found old towels to be more than up to the task. If you do need to buy paw wipes, check prices on shop towels. Another option: Shammies, which soak up lots of water, can be thrown in the washing machine and air-dried in a jiffy.

-- Never let a mess settle in. If a muddy paw gets past you, don't delay your cleanup. While this isn't such a hard-and-fast rule for such easy-clean surfaces as tile and hardwoods, it's an absolute commandment when it comes to carpets. Keep cleaning supplies well-stocked and at hand, and be sure to jump on a muddy paw print -- or any pet mess -- before it can set.

With 16 canine paws in my household, keeping on top of mud is a must. What the mats don't catch, I do, and the house stays cleaner for my diligence, even in the muddiest season of the year.

Q&A

Follow vet advice on anesthesia

Q: Years ago, our family dog was hit by a car. But it wasn't the car that killed him -- it was the surgery to fix his leg. He went under and never woke up. That's why now, I don't feel comfortable when my veterinarian tells me that my dog needs to have his teeth cleaned -- while asleep. It just doesn't seem worth the risk, even though my vet insists anesthesia is safer now. What do you think? -- G.R., via e-mail

A: You could be shortening your pet's life -- and keeping him in misery -- by not addressing the problems caused by a mouthful of rotting teeth and gums.

And your veterinarian's correct: Anesthesia is a lot safer than it was a couple of decades ago. No anesthetic procedure is without risk, but in the hands of a good veterinarian and his staff, anesthesia has become a routine and very safe procedure.

The risks can be greatly minimized by a veterinary examination and a few basic tests beforehand, including a laboratory evaluation of blood and urine, and possibly a chest X-ray. These tests enable your vet to fully understand and address the health status of your pet before anesthetizing him. During the procedure, placement of an IV catheter and administration of fluids further adds to the safety of the procedure.

No discussion of anesthetic danger can be complete without a few words on your responsibilities where anesthesia is concerned:

-- Follow your veterinarian's instructions on preparing your pet for surgery. If no food is specified, make sure that you deliver your pet with an empty stomach. Following this one piece of advice is one of the easiest and most basic ways to reduce risk. During anesthesia, the contents of a full stomach can be regurgitated with the unfortunate potential complication of being inhaled into the lungs. In general, you should completely withhold food the night before, but continue to allow free access to water until the morning of the procedure.

-- Be prepared to provide special home care for your pet after surgery. If your pet is released before the sedation wears off fully, he must be kept safe from hot or cold environments because his reflexes are reduced. If you do not feel comfortable caring for a sedated pet, arrange for your veterinarian to extend the care. If your veterinarian does not run a 24-hour hospital, be sure to have the number of your local emergency clinic handy in case there are any complications following your pet's anesthesia.

-- Don't hesitate to ask questions. Make sure that you understand what the procedures are and what to expect. Pets commonly have a cough after anesthesia, for example, because the tube used to deliver the gas may cause some irritation. If the cough does not clear in a couple of days, call your veterinarian.

No matter what the age of the pet, the chances are very high that the anesthetic presents no problem if both you and your veterinarian work to minimize the risk. And the payoffs, especially those involving dental care, can be significant. Ask as many questions as you can and make sure you are comfortable with the answers. Work with your veterinarian in the interests of the best health for your pet. -- Dr. Marty Becker.

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

PET BUZZ

Developing babies can take some time

-- How long does it take to make an ass of yourself? If you're a donkey, it takes a year, as 365 days is the average gestation period. Sperm whales are pregnant for 480-500 days, deer for 201 days, dogs and cats both go 58-65 days, kangaroos 42 days, rabbits 30-35 and mice 19-21.

-- Camels don't store water in the hump, but fat, which is used as an energy reserve. Water is stored throughout their bodies, particularly in their bloodstream, which makes them very good at avoiding dehydration. According to "The Book of General Ignorance," camels can lose 40 percent of their body weight before they are affected by it and can go up to seven days without drinking. When they do drink, they do so with gusto, consuming up to 50 gallons at a time.

-- A bill has been introduced in Washington state that would allow cat and dog remains to be buried with humans in cemeteries meant for people. State Sen. Ken Jacobsen, the bill's sponsor, got the idea after his beloved cat, Sam, died and he learned that co-mingling animal and human remains wasn't allowed. -- 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

Longer noses mean a better sense of small

While most of us tend to think scent work is the near-exclusive province of a handful of breeds -- bloodhounds, German shepherds and maybe a Labrador retriever here and there -- in fact, a wide range of breeds and mixes is trained to detect various scents. Because of their fine noses and friendly dispositions, beagles are used to work airports by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and any manner of mixed breeds -- lucky dogs pulled from shelters -- have been used for other kinds of detection work.

Humans have about 5 million scent receptors in their noses; dogs have about 200 million. Dogs can detect tiny levels of odors, even a few parts per billion. Their noses are also uniquely designed to draw air samples through -- for the most part.

You're not going to see a dog with a pushed-in muzzle, like a pug, tracking someone on "America's Most Wanted." That's because when breeding for a short nose -- and a face more like ours -- we've reduced the real estate available for scent receptors in these breeds.

On the other end of the scale, a dog developed for tracking, such as the bloodhound, has a sense of smell so keen, the results of his work are admissible in a court of law. In addition to a long, deep muzzle, the bloodhound has ears to sweep scent from the ground and skin folds to hold scents around the face. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

The lure of the wild

More than 60 percent of people with pet birds also feed wild birds. Here's what they offer those wild birds (multiple responses allowed):

Food sold for wild birds 86 percent

Bread 39 percent

Food sold for pet birds 22 percent

Other 11 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

PET TIP

White cats may need protection

Although every imaginable feline coat length, type and color has a fan somewhere, you do need to watch out for one thing that's related to coat color: White cats with blue eyes have a high probability for deafness.

Some of these cats have eyes of different colors and are deaf only on the side with the blue eye. (You can check for deafness by snapping your fingers or clapping your hands behind a cat's or kitten's head.)

Though a deaf cat can still be a good pet -- indoors only, for her own protection -- you'll still want to know what you're getting into before you adopt.

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.

(NOTE: This is a vacation column. It ran previously the week of Jan. 22, 2007.)

Universal Press Syndicate

Most dog owners come into the veterinary office with their canine companions devotedly following them. Tails wagging, the dogs look up at their people with adoring eyes.

Most cat owners, on the other hand, wrestle a cardboard box into the exam room, reach in like a magician and pull out not a rabbit, but an angry cat. For their efforts they get covered with furry shrapnel and sometimes raked with claws until their face and arms look like so many tic-tac-toe games.

As a lifetime pet lover and a veterinarian of 27 years, I've noticed cat lovers are a special breed. And for those of us who love the cat's fierce independence, tempered by the ability to adopt us as family -- and I am one of these, owned by five cats -- here are some behavior tips for cats:

-- Strategically place your hairball. If you have to hack up a hairball, toss it like a trophy onto something visible and valuable like the new leather couch. If you can't reach that in time, an Oriental rug is an appropriate substitute.

-- Know the enemy and embrace him. If mom is entertaining, determine quickly who hates or is allergic to cats, race immediately to that person and leap into his or her lap. Mom's watching, so he won't dare push you off and will even fake affection by stroking you and repeating, "Nice kitty. Niiiice kitty."

-- Wear fur proudly. You must always select clothing in sharp contrast to your own fur color on which to rub, leap or audition for the president of the Hair Club for Cats. Again, dare to share.

-- Johnnie on-the-spot. As a courtesy, always accompany guests to the toilet. Your job is to sit and stare like you're a peeping-tom cat. If you get some really good shots, post them on the Internet and make a lot of bucks.

-- Cat scratch fever. If someone claims to love cats and that all cats love him or her in return, lull that person into thinking you're a Stepford Cat. When his or her guard is dropped and the perfect cat lover begins to bask in a snapshot moment, show utter disdain, lay claw tracks across the expensive hosiery or silk tie, or turn unexpectedly and give a quick nip deep enough to test someone's blood type.

-- Behind door No. 3. Never allow closed doors in any room except when you need to trap the dog. To crack open a closed one, stand on your hind legs and jackhammer it with your forepaws, scratch it like you're headed for China, or put your paws underneath it and keep pulling. Or just throw yourself against it repeatedly. Once the genie appears and opens the door for you, change your mind and walk away.

-- Paper weight. If you come across somebody doing homework, paying bills or reading the newspaper, settle down on the page being worked on. This may entitle you to flying lessons, but when you get back on the page, and you will, make sure that you take everything with you -- pens, pencils, other papers -- on your next scheduled flight.

-- Knit wits. If mom's into crocheting or knitting, curl up quietly in her lap and pretend to catnap. Then spring into action by grabbing the yarn and causing her knitting needles or crochet hook to plunge sharply like a trophy catfish has just hit the bait. She'll try to distract you and pick up the slipped stitch. Ignore her efforts to calm you, close your eyes again, and prepare for strike two.

-- Early to bed, early to rise. Get plenty of sleep both during the day and in the evening, when your people want you to play. That way, you'll be fully rested and ready to rumble with Sleeping Beauty anytime between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.

And always remember the No. 1 rule for being a cat: When in doubt, blame the dog.

If you have more tips for feline etiquette, share them! E-mail 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.

Q&A

Cataracts may not be the problem

Q: My 10-year-old cocker spaniel has been bumping into walls and generally not seeing as well when it gets dark. I took her to the veterinarian and was told my dog has the beginning stages of cataracts. Surgery was recommended, but it costs a great deal of money. Are there other options? -- C.W., via e-mail

A: It is not clear, no pun intended, that your dog even has cataracts. Dr. Samuel Vainisi, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and owner of Animal Eye Clinic in Denmark, Wis., suspects your cocker spaniel more likely has a retinal problem than cataracts, because not seeing well in the dark is more likely due to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).

PRA is a common condition in cockers, and one of the first problems owners will notice is problems with night vision. Vainisi notes that your dog could also have the beginning stages of cataracts. To determine if your cocker spaniel's vision problem is from PRA, cataracts or both, you should request a referral from your veterinarian to a veterinary ophthalmologist.

The lens of the eye is living ocular tissue that, when healthy, is transparent. The lens helps focus light on the retina. A cataract is any alteration in the lens that causes a loss of transparency and the scattering of light. The loss of transparency can range from hardly noticeable to completely opaque. A few common causes include genetics (such eye problems are very common in 2- to 5-year-old cocker spaniels), diabetes, age, accident and inflammation of the eye.

Cataracts are seen equally among males and females but are seen more frequently in the following breeds: cocker spaniels, bichon frises, poodles, Boston terriers, miniature schnauzers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, wirehaired fox terriers, Labrador and golden retrievers, and Siberian huskies. Because cataracts most commonly develop between 2 and 5 years of age in dogs, it's not a disease of old age, as it is in people.

Several products claim to dissolve cataracts, but none have been successful in providing significant vision improvement, says Dr. Dan Lorimer, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and partner at Michigan Veterinary Specialists. As with people, treatment for animals usually involves surgical removal of the cataract. While costs vary by region -- procedures are typically more expensive on both coasts -- uncomplicated cataract surgery (both eyes) generally runs between $2,000 and $3,000.

Both Vainisi and Lorimer point out that while surgery is the best option, dogs with cataracts can function quite well in their home environment. They must be kept safe with leashes and outside fences, and must be kept away from stairways, decks and other hazards. Their sense of smell, hearing and memory normally allow them to do well at home. Resources include the Owners of Blind Dogs Web site (www.blinddogs.com) and "Living With Blind Dogs: A Resource Book and Training Guide for the Owners of Blind and Low-Vision Dogs" by Caroline D. Levin (Lantern, $30). -- Dr. Marty Becker

Use the cell phone

Q: We live in a resort area and often find wandering dogs. Recently, we were able to reunite one such dog and his owner because the owner had put his cell phone number on the tag rather than his home phone number.

Those who have cell phones should put that number on their dog's ID tag or collar and list it with the company that has microchipped the dog as well. -- M.W., via e-mail

A: Before the time when everyone had a cell phone, I used to recommend that people use temporary ID tags when traveling. Now, it's easy: Make sure your pet's permanent ID tag has a cell phone number on it. And make sure that cell phone number is also in the microchip database, veterinary records and license registration. Thanks for giving me the chance to remind people. -- Gina Spadafori

PET BUY

Something fishy in the bathroom

We see a lot of new pet products, most of which are variations of older ones -- endless new versions of bowls, beds, collars and more. But in all our years of writing about pets and their gear, we have to say we've never seen anything like the Fish 'n Flush.

The clear, two-piece tank replaces a standard toilet tank and contains a complete aquarium setup inside that's capable of handling a fresh or saltwater system. It also holds 2.5 gallons of water apart from the aquarium, so flushing can proceed as normal. The display is removed from the tank for cleaning, and the toilet will work even when the display area is not in place.

The manufacturer notes the tank can also be left dry for other sorts of displays.

The Fish 'n Flush comes with gravel, two plastic 9-inch plants, a dual-filter system, LED lighting, a built-in feeder, fill valve, overflow tube, flapper, suction pump and two screws. The product retails for $299 and is available at www.fishnflush.com. -- Gina Spadafori

PET Rx

Settling fights between cats

A trip to the veterinarian can send a cat into a full-blown snit that can last for hours after the return home. The smells of a veterinary office can even set off other feline family members, who may become aggressive toward the returnee.

Let your cat pick the speed at which he settles back into the household after a trip to the veterinarian. When you get home, put the carrier down in a quiet place, open the carrier door and leave him alone. Your cat may stay in the carrier for a while, may head for the nearest bed to hide under, or may step out and be just fine.

To help "de-vet" the scent of the returnee so other family cats will settle down, try running a towel over the cat who stayed behind and then swiping it over the returning cat. -- Gina Spadafori

THE SCOOP

Know dog-park rules before you unleash

Dog parks are run by peer pressure, and it's generally a good system. But what about the problems that are more about common sense and common civility? These things pop up now and then, thanks to people who may lack both.

The biggest lapse in common sense: leaving a choke collar on your dog after you take off the leash. The moving ring can be easily caught on something -- on the tooth of another dog in play, for example -- and once that happens, the natural tendency of an animal to pull away from danger puts into play the natural tendency of the collar to choke when tightened. This situation is dangerous, both for the dog and for anyone who tries to free him, who may be bitten by the panicking pet.

Problems with civility come from people who allow their dogs to annoy other pets or people. Sometimes a dog will just get it in his head that he's going to pick out one person or pet to pester. If your dog is ruining the enjoyment of the park for another user, get out your leash and call it a day, or at least engage your pet in a game of fetch on the other side of the park.

Then there are the people who seem to have neither common sense nor common civility: the ones bringing dogs that get into fights. Dogs who are flat-out aggressive have no business being uncontrolled anywhere, including a dog park. The solution for these dogs is easy: Keep them muzzled in the dog park or keep them away.

But because some people seem to ignore the danger their dogs present, the final call on dog park safety is up to you. If the situation doesn't feel safe, get your dog and go home. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Go fish!

While stunningly beautiful fish tanks are what catch attention, many people are still content to have a small setup with just a goldfish or two. People who have fish reported the kinds they kept (multiple answers allowed):

Tropical 43 percent

Goldfish 38 percent

Other 20 percent

Cichlids 7 percent

Pond-kept 7 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Variety prevents finicky felines

The feline nose guides blind, deaf newborn kittens to their first meal. They return to the same nipple each time by scent memory. At 4 to 5 weeks, kittens can begin solid food.

Cats recognize four basic tastes: sour, bitter, salty and sweet, with the latter the weakest of the four. Food temperature is important to cats. They are hunters, not scavengers, so a warm meal is more natural for a cat than a cold one. Warming a meal to roughly body temperature increases a cat's interest in the food.

Kittens develop taste and shape preferences to food early. Introducing a variety of food shapes and tastes before 6 months of age can help prevent a finicky eater.

(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.

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