Universal Press Syndicate

Is there anything a dog can't use his nose to figure out? Dogs have long been used to sniff out escaped cons and missing children (think bloodhounds), dinner (think spaniels, retrievers and hounds), and even truffles (think poodles).

But in recent years, trainers have come up with all kinds of new ways to use a dog's extraordinary sense of smell. Here are a few you maybe knew -- and a few more we bet you did not:

-- Drugs. Dogs can be trained to sniff out all kinds of illegal drugs, finding them not only on people but also in massive cargo containers, long-haul trucks and school lockers.

-- Plant matter. Since fresh fruits and vegetables can bring insects and diseases into the country that have the potential to cause great damage to agriculture, dogs are used to detect the foodstuffs in the luggage of people coming through customs. Dogs are also used to sniff out invasive weeds in fields, so the plants can be eradicated before they take hold.

-- Insects. Termites? No problem. Dogs are also being used to detect the resurgence of bedbugs in big cities.

-- Mold. It's not just the mold that bedevils homeowners, but also the mold that puts the vines at wineries at risk from the spread of disease.

-- Explosives. Meetings of high public officials would be hard to imagine without the diligent work of bomb-sniffing dogs. To take it a bit further, dogs are even being taught to sniff out cell phones that could be used to detonate a bomb.

-- Cows in heat. A lot of money depends on being able to artificially inseminate a cow without wasting time guessing when she's ready. While a bull could tell, he's not always available, as his contribution usually arrives on the scene frozen. A dog can tell when the cow is most fertile -- although it's a good bet the dog couldn't care less.

-- Cancer. While cancer-detection is still in the trial stage, it's looking pretty promising that dogs can spot a malignancy. Some day your doctor may order up a "lab test" and mean Labrador!

-- Chemicals. Dogs have been known to look for items as varied as mercury and the components of potentially pirated DVDs.

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.

Because all dogs have keen noses filled with many more scent receptors than we humans have, a dog's future doing nose work relies more on enthusiasm, reliability and trainability than on the canine common ability to tell one scent from another.

SIDEBAR

Wrinkles for a reason

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

Q&A

Stress may be behind licking

Q: My cat has developed a licking problem. Her companion (a male cat) died in January, and her licking started in late March or early April. She has become very territorial, and she fights with any cats who try to enter her yard. I was wondering if her problem has developed because she is now responsible for the yard rather than her male companion. She doesn't want to play and will no longer sit in my lap. Her whole personality has changed. Help! -- S.H., via e-mail

A: Cats are often stressed by changes in their environments. Losing a companion cat is one such change. Her male companion gave her companionship and a "safety in numbers" comfort that is no longer there. The other cat may have also taken the lead in chasing off cat invaders, a job that now rests heavily on her feline shoulders.

Regardless of what has changed for her socially or environmentally, this new licking behavior is likely triggered by stress. She may be experiencing a general underlying anxiety related to change, or she may be reeling from a bad experience with another cat. It's impossible to know for sure because she can't tell us what she's thinking or feeling.

Skin problems flare up with stress in pets and in people -- think about those human skin flare-ups of eczema, hives or acne. In pets, these problems may be best addressed by both an animal behaviorist and veterinary dermatologist.

Before concluding that her licking problem is stress, though, we must consider another explanation. Pet behavior changes are often the first signs of an underlying medical condition. She may have a hidden physical pain or discomfort missed during a typical physical exam. You did not say where she is licking, and that's a clue that may point to a medical issue.

If she has not undergone a complete diagnostic profile that includes a thorough exam, plus blood, urine, stool and imaging tests, please arrange these with your veterinarian.

Once medical conditions are ruled out, getting a behavioral diagnosis is your next step. You start by completing a comprehensive behavioral history to be analyzed by a veterinary behaviorist or veterinarian with a special interest in behavior. It's impossible to narrow down the probable causes of her licking without this comprehensive approach to her behavior.

Based on her behavioral profile, a behavior-modification plan can be developed that's combined, perhaps, with medications to lower her anxiety so that she can relearn calm, relaxed behaviors and stop licking. -- Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp

(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." Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

PET BUZZ

Creative mixes mean big bucks

-- In an Internet poll of more than 2,200 people, sponsored by Eukanuba and Gatsby Publications, 15 breeds of dogs were selected as the most beautiful (out of those currently recognized by the American Kennel Club).

Cuties in small sizes included the Yorkshire terrier, Shetland sheepdog, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Maltese and Pomeranian. In a medium size, it was the Siberian husky, border collie, Australian shepherd, Samoyed and bulldog. Large-breed beauties include the golden retriever, German shepherd, Labrador retriever, Alaskan malamute and boxer.

-- By 2025, the country will be short by about 15,000 veterinarians. That includes not only those health-care professionals who care for our pets, but also those who protect the nation's food supply.

-- All but three U.S. presidents have chosen to have house pets on the White House grounds. The pet-less presidents are James K. Polk (11th president), Franklin Pierce (14th) and Chester A. Arthur (21st). Guess they didn't know the common wisdom perfectly expressed by Harry S Truman (33rd): "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog."

-- It used to be that a golden retriever poodle mix puppy meant the neighbor's golden hopped a fence while Fifi was in heat. But today these canine cocktails, such as the "goldendoodle," are commanding big bucks. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, here are some of the hottest mixes and what they'll set you back:

Peagle (Pekingese plus beagle) $800-$1,100; puggle (pug plus beagle) $600-$1,600; Chiweenie (Chihuahua plus dachshund) $400-$850; Labradoodle (Labrador retriever plus poodle) $1,200-$1,600; cockalier (cocker spaniel plus Cavalier King Charles spaniel) $1,200-$1,400; Faux Frenchbo (Boston terrier plus French bulldog) $750-$1,000.

Or just skip the high prices and wait for these dogs to turn up at your shelter, where along with all the other all-American originals -- aka "mutts" (and purebreds, too) -- you'll pay around $100, including neutering and shots in many cases. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PET BUY

An easy way up for a big dog

Getting a large dog in and out of a tall vehicle like today's popular SUVs can be a challenge, especially as age takes the spring out of a dog's rear legs -- and the strength out of an owner's back.

The Otto Step has been invented to make travel easier for all. The 18-inch-square step slides easily into a standard trailer hitch and offers a halfway point to make loading in a lot easier. Made of sturdy high-impact plastic, the lightweight platform (less than 6 pounds) features a non-skid surface. An optional pickup extension is available.

The product is named after inventor Tim Ridzik's dog, a half St. Bernard, half Newfoundland who weighs 170 pounds. The Otto Step is $80 with free shipping from www.ottostep.com or 1-888-311-OTTO (6886).

BREED TYPE

Parson packs a lot into a little body

The Parson Russell terrier -- more commonly known as the Jack Russell -- is nobody's idea of a layabout. And that's bad news for those thinking they're getting a dog as cute and well-mannered as the TV and movie dogs who helped to drive the breed's popularity.

These hard-driving little dogs are loving, loyal and very smart. But when they're bored and don't get enough exercise, they can be destructive of property or engage in other non-desired behaviors. They dig, they bark, and many of them are extremely intolerant of smaller pets, especially those of the rodent variety.

So why are these dogs so popular? When living with people who understand them, who keep their minds and bodies exercised, who train them and work them constantly, and who set limits and gently but firmly enforce them, the Jack Russell is an outstanding companion. They are always full of energy, and their joyfulness is infectious.

The Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (www.terrier.com) is the older club for the breed in the United States, fiercely independent of the American Kennel Club and its Parson Russell Terrier Club of America (www.prtaa.org).

Both clubs oversee a breed that's supposed to be a working dog, a small terrier (less than 20 pounds), with a smooth or wiry coat, and with any combination of black and tan on a mostly white base coat. The JRTCA has a nifty interactive profiler that rates a prospective buyer's suitability for owning one of these lively dogs.

For people who understand the breed and are willing to work to keep a working terrier happy, there's no better dog in the world. For anyone else, though, if you're looking for a lazy dog, or an easygoing dog for beginners, you're better off without this high-energy breed. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Persians stay popular

The Persian has long been one of the most popular of registered pedigreed cats. In 2006, the Top 10 breeds were:

1. Persian

2. Maine coon

3. Exotic

4. Siamese

5. Rag doll

6. Abyssinian

7. Birman

8. American shorthair

9. Oriental

10. Sphynx

Source: Cat Fanciers' Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

How to choose a good kitten

Keep these tips in mind when choosing a shelter kitten:

-- Beware the kitten who shows signs of illness, such as lethargy, runny nose, pot belly or dull coat. You maybe be taking home heartbreak, or at least a big veterinary bill.

-- Look for a kitten who approaches the front of the kennel and seems to like people. Watch for eye contact, attempts to rub against you or kneading. The best sign of all is when you pick up the kitten and the purr machine starts as the kitten settles in for as long as you want to hold him or her.

-- Although playfulness is cute from a kitten, beware of the kitten who is in constant motion, does not welcome being held and bats at you for fun. This one could become a handful!

(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.

Universal Press Syndicate

As summer approaches, we get a lot of questions about puppies from people who realize that this season is a great time for adding to the family. Long days, no school, warm weather -- what could be better?

A few words of warning, though, if you're one of those people with a new summer pup: Don't let the season pass you by without putting some serious effort into raising the great dog you want your puppy to become.

Puppies need structure, consistency and lots of positive reinforcement. But more than anything, they need your time. Every minute with a puppy spent training, socializing and preventing problems will save you time and aggravation down the road.

Teach your puppy to get things right from the start by removing opportunities for undesirable behavior, such as limiting your pup's access to areas where he can chew things you'd rather he leave alone. Keep him where he can't get into much trouble, and give him a toy to chew on instead. Don't forget to praise him for making the right decision -- even if the right choice was the only one offered.

In training, stick to the positive. Use praise and treats to motivate and reward your puppy as he learns the basic building blocks of good behavior.

You'll need some tools to help you stop unwanted behavior. Here are a few effective ways to turn a situation around without resorting to physical punishment:

-- The ol' switcheroo. Especially useful for the young puppy, this technique stops a behavior you don't want and provides the puppy with one that's acceptable. For example, if your young puppy is chewing on your nice leather shoes, make a noise to startle and distract him -- slap the counter or clap your hands -- and then give him something you do want him to chew on, such as a toy. When he takes it, praise him. (And then put those shoes away.)

-- Ask for another behavior. With older puppies and dogs, you can stop a bad behavior by asking for a better one. Tell the puppy who's jumping up for attention to sit instead and then praise him for planting his rump on the ground.

-- The time-out. Crates, so useful for house-training, give you a break from your puppy and send him a message at the same time. Puppies thrive on your attention, sometimes even if it's negative. The time-out removes this reward and gives a pup a few minutes to think things over. And sometimes, having a place to put your puppy will help keep you from losing your temper.

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

If you're constantly trying to reprimand your puppy, you may be sending him mixed signals: laughing at bratty behavior sometimes, and yelling or hitting your puppy for that same behavior at other times. Discuss the situation with a trainer. You may have some big problems developing if you don't learn how to shape your puppy's behavior in a positive way.

No matter how well you're doing in raising your puppy, a puppy class is time and money well spent. Puppy classes for dogs as young as 12 weeks offer puppies a chance to socialize and give you an opportunity to work with your pup under the expert eye of a trainer.

Q&A

People, pets can get healthier together

Q: My roommate has a little dog who probably weighs one-third more than he should. She shares everything she eats, feeds the dog his regular meals and gives him treats, too. The dog will bark if his begging doesn't get him more. She gives in every time.

How can I tell my roommate she's killing this dog with "love"? -- A.D., via e-mail

A: The experience of being able to move freely and without pain is joyous to all beings. Denying pets the pleasures of such movement by letting them become grossly obese is no act of love.

It's difficult to say "no" to the big brown eyes of a pet who has been taught to beg constantly. But doing so is truly an act of caring -- stuffing an overweight dog is not.

You didn't say if your roommate could stand to be more fit as well. But if that's the case, it may be that both she and her dog can start a healthier lifestyle together, with more exercise and a different diet with fewer calories. Both your roommate and her dog should start with the trip to their respective doctors for a checkup and advice on how best to proceed.

Moving more and getting fewer calories are key. For some of those treats, veggies can make a dog -- and a person! -- feel as if he's getting something good without adding a lot of calories. Baby carrots are especially helpful. Serving reduced-calorie food (talk to your veterinarian for recommendations) or simply adding green beans to a regular diet as filler can also help. It doesn't take much to get a small dog plenty of exercise, but it does start with putting him on his own four feet -- no carrying!

My book "Fitness Unleashed! A Dog and Owner's Guide to Losing Weight and Gaining Health Together" ($14, Three Rivers Press) was written with human physician Robert Kushner, M.D., as a guide to getting both man and beast on the road to feeling better. Maybe your friend could use a copy! -- Dr. Marty Becker

(Do you have a question on pets? Send it to PetConnection@gmail.com.)

PET BUZZ

Plants can be deadly to pets

-- The top 10 plants responsible for poisoning dogs and cats, according to a 2008 analysis of claims to the Veterinary Pet Insurance Co., were: raisins and grapes, mushrooms, marijuana, lily, walnuts, onion, sago palm, macadamia nuts, azalea and hydrangea. For more information, visit petinsurance.com or the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA.org/APCC).

-- The problems caused by a shortage of veterinarians in federal government agencies caught the ear of the U.S. Senate. Earlier this year the nation's top veterinary professionals met with senators after a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed that the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Food Safety Inspection Office has an on-the-job vacancy rate of up to 35 percent, and the agency's Agriculture Research Service has a 12 percent shortage of critical veterinarians. More than a quarter of veterinarians employed by the federal government are eligible to retire in the next three years. The GAO estimated that federal agencies' ability to respond to an emergency in the animal population could be hampered by a lack of veterinarians. The American Veterinary Medical Association is working with Congress to bring more veterinarians into government work by making federal veterinary salaries more competitive and by putting in place loan repayment programs to help veterinary graduates deal with their student loans.

-- Homeless horses have become a crisis in America. Of the estimated 9 million horses in the United States, an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 lose their homes every year, according to the International Animal Welfare Training Institute, which recently held a meeting in California to explore options to help these horses. -- 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

Collar your cat, even if he stays indoors

More than a few cat owners won't collar their pets, fearing that the material will become caught while the animal's roaming. That seems especially true of people with indoor cats, who are certain their cats will never slip out.

If your cat isn't collared, consider this: Less than 2 percent of all lost cats are ever found, according to the National Council of Pet Population Study and Policy. While free-roaming cats are obviously more likely to be lost, even indoor pets can get out. These cats are truly fish out of water outside, since they don't know the neighborhood and will have a hard time finding their way home if they wander very far.

One solution to providing pets with safer collars is to use breakaway collars with a slide-on tag. Breakaway collars offer an elastic panel or quick-release clasp meant to allow a cat to escape the collar if snagged. Slip-on tags such as those made by Boomerang (Boomerangtags.com) will put some ID on the collar without leaving anything dangling and in danger of catching on something.

No matter if your cat has access to the outdoors or not, the best insurance you can buy to increase your pet's safety is a tag and a collar to put it on. For more protection, have your veterinarian give your cat a microchip ID -- and be sure to register your information. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

A place to put a paw

More than two-thirds of pet owners say their pets travel with them routinely, according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA.net). The organization says those surveyed report patronizing a variety of places that accept pets when traveling, with popularity as noted (multiple answers allowed):

With friends/family 65 percent

Hotel/motel 43 percent

Campground 22 percent

Rental house/condo 13 percent

Other 7 percent

PET TIP

Don't make dogs 'hold it' too long

Puppies need to be fed more often than adult dogs, and they need to be taken outside more frequently as well.

For feeding, aim for three to four times a day until your puppy is 3 months old. Then drop one meal, then two, until you're on an adult schedule of twice a day.

How long can puppies "hold it"? A good guideline is an hour for every month in age. That means three hours for a 3-month-old puppy, five hours for a 5-month-old.

Ideally, the most any dog should routinely be confined without a chance for relief is about six hours. If you can't provide your dog relief during a longer stretch, look into an indoor dog litter box, potty pads, a dog door or a midday pet sitter's call. -- 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

The Jekyll-Hyde turn some cats make when being petted has their owners convinced they're crazy. But that's not the case: Some cats need to be taught to accept the loving attention of their owners.

The conversion takes time and patience, but it's worth it for all.

Both genetics and social factors contribute to how likely a cat is to bite or claw while being petted. Some cats are born with short fuses; others are made that way (or made worse) through a lack of early socialization or proper training in their kittenhoods. That's why it's important to never let a kitten come to believe fingers are for chewing on, even in play. Redirect your kitten's playful energy to toys instead. And never hit a kitten or cat for biting, since you'll make it more likely, not less, that your pet will strike faster in fear and self-defense the next time.

Natural activity levels also play a part in how much petting a cat will tolerate. Cats from large-breed backgrounds (think Maine coon) are generally mellow in temperament, willing to sit quietly while being petted. So-called Oriental breeds or mixes (think Siamese or Burmese) are usually more interested in being on the go.

But no matter how hair-trigger the setting on your cat's attack mode, you can work to increase your pet's tolerance for petting by paying close attention to his body language as you slowly increase the amount of time during which he'll calmly accept your attention.

You should also be aware that some areas on a cat are more sensitive than others. For a highly reactive cat, restrict your caresses at first to behind the ears, under the chin or the base of the tail. A long stroke down the back is too much for some kitties, and you're really taking chances when you decide to tickle your cat's tummy. The cats who enjoy it are outnumbered by the cats who'll seek to stop it with teeth and claws.

Work to build up your cat's tolerance to touch over time. When you pick up your cat for a petting session, don't surprise him. Come up on him slowly and pick him up gently, making sure his whole body is supported with a hand under his chest and one beneath his legs.

Pet him in less-reactive areas on his body, watching for the first sign of a tail twitch. When you get that early warning sign, stop petting and let your cat leave if he wants to. The idea is to work up to just short of the point where your pet becomes uncomfortable and then stop, so you can gradually increase his tolerance for petting. For some cats, the addition of treats during petting can also help the reconditioning process.

If you miss the signs and end up in your cat's non-affectionate embrace, just freeze. Providing no resistance will help calm your cat so he'll just let go, usually in a few seconds. If you fight back or physically punish your cat, you are more likely to get bitten or scratched in the short run and damage your relationship with your pet in the long run.

Be patient, and be satisfied with small improvements as you go. As any cat lover will tell you, teaching your cat to tolerate petting is well worth the effort -- for both of you.

Q&A

Check the vitals on your pet cat

Q: We used to have dogs, but now that we're retired we don't anymore. We sadly lost our last German shepherd five years ago, and that's it for us. But we were adopted by a stray cat, and he's a joy.

Since we had dogs for decades, we knew a lot about their care and how to know when they were ill. Can you offer advice on how to know if our cat is "off"? -- C.P., via e-mail

A: With a little practice, you can easily learn to take your cat's vital signs.

A cat's heart normally beats between 140 and 220 times per minute, with a relaxed cat on the lower end of the scale. It's not unusual for their heartbeat to be high at the veterinarian's, since cats don't like being away from home, and they certainly don't like being poked and prodded by strangers.

To take your cat's pulse at home, you need a watch that clicks off the seconds. Put your hand over your cat's left side, behind the front leg. You'll feel the heartbeat pulsing beneath your fingers (if you can't, you might talk to your veterinarian about getting some of the fat off your cat). Count the beats while 15 seconds clicks off your watch. Multiply by four to get the BPM, or beats per minute.

While you're at it, check out your cat's respiration rate. Step back and watch your cat when he's relaxed and standing. Count the number of times the abdomen and chest wall moves in 60 seconds. A normal cat takes 15 to 25 breaths per minute.

Normal feline body temperature is between 100 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, read from a thermometer inserted where the sun doesn't shine. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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.

PET BUZZ

Study tracks trends on which dogs bite

-- About 15.8 people per 1,000 are bitten by a dog every year, with about 3.1 of the same people needing medical attention. In a study for the journal "Injury Prevention," researchers conducted telephone surveys and compared the results from a decade ago. People were most likely to be bitten in their own homes by known dogs. As the number of dogs rose above one in the household, the bite occurrence also increased. The study found that dog bites in children had decreased in number, while older adults showed an increased number of bites. The increase in older victims may be linked to the popularity of smaller dogs, more likely to be owned by seniors and statistically more likely to bite.

-- Horses and donkeys burned in Australia's wildfires are getting help from across the globe. The University of Melbourne has been treating the animals, but has been getting much-needed help from the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. UCD has sent medications and has paired up the Melbourne team with Dr. John Madigan, a professor of veterinary medicine and head of UCD's Veterinary Emergency Response Team.

-- The smallest dog on record was a Yorkshire terrier, who was 2.5 inches tall at the shoulder, 3.75 inches long from the tip of his nose to the base of the tail, and weighed 4 ounces. According to "The Book of General Ignorance," the dog died in 1945. For the smallest dogs living today, the current world record is shared by a Yorkshire terrier (shortest in height) and a Chihuahua (shortest in length). Whitney, the Yorkie, lives in England and is 3 inches tall at the shoulder. The Chihuahua, called Danka Kordak Slovakia, is 7.4 inches long and lives in Slovakia. Extremely tiny dogs are known for their frail health, so we hope others won't be trying for this dubious record. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

PET Rx

Cats, dogs need blood donors just as people do

Every day, sick or injured pets require blood transfusions as part of their treatment. That blood comes from feline and canine blood donors.

The use of blood products for treating sick and injured pets has increased so dramatically that there is a growing shortage of canine and feline blood. Several commercial blood banks have opened in response to this need, and many veterinary practices, schools and colleges have developed their own blood banks.

The donated blood is used in the same way that blood is used in human medical facilities: as whole blood, plasma and packed red cells. The blood is collected in sterile plastic bags and is handled and stored in the same way as human blood.

Cats and dogs don't get to volunteer for duty, but the ones who do give are generally pretty mellow about it. To be considered, they must be healthy adults, current on vaccinations, with no health problems and no medications. They may be given a mild sedative for the blood draw, and they can donate usually every three months.

Many serve as in-house donors for a while and are then placed into loving homes. -- Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

Big dogs have the edge

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

Own small dogs 43 percent

Own medium dogs 34 percent

Own large dogs 44 percent

THE SCOOP

For felines, up is faster than down

The structure of a cat's paw and claws is one reason these animals have such an easy time going up a tree but such a difficult time coming back down.

A cat's paws have claws curved for fast forward motion, which makes rapid ascent easy for the average cat -- grab higher with the front claws, kick higher with the back, and repeat.

Not so easy coming back down, which at best is an ungraceful maneuver of (hopefully) short falls, with a safe but embarrassed landing at the end.

Most cats do find their way back down in time, which is a good thing these days. With municipal budgets being what they are, few fire departments are allowed to respond to "cat stuck in tree" calls anymore. -- 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.