Universal Press Syndicate

Look, we get the shelter volunteer thing: The work can be depressing, and it's truly not for everyone. People who want to "take them all home" are not really candidates for this sort of volunteering, nor are people who cannot enjoy the small victories of a perfect pet placement or a sick pet saved when other pets aren't as lucky.

But just because you aren't cut out for shelter volunteering doesn't mean you can't help animals in your community. And in these current economic situations, your help has never been more needed.

The fact is that every little bit helps. After all, if every one of us animal lovers did one small thing a couple of times a year, the total effort would be grand indeed.

Here are a few suggestions for helping animals:

-- Help others take better care of their pets. If you have a friend, neighbor or relative who is having difficulty caring for a pet because of advanced age or illness, offer to help out. Pets are extremely important to those who are cut off from social activities. Helping people keep their pets is a kindness to both pet and pet owner.

What can you do? Pick up food or litter, or offer to take the pet to the veterinarian when needed. Many times, people who rely on others for assistance are reluctant to ask for more help on account of a pet. So ask if you can help. After all, if you're already going to the pet-supply store or veterinarian, is it really that much trouble to pick up some extra supplies or stay for an additional appointment?

-- Make a call for animals. Animal cruelty should not be tolerated, not only for the animals, but also because of the proven link between animal cruelty and crimes against people. Too often, though, animal cruelty is shrugged off by the judicial system as a lesser crime.

Don't accept a "boys will be boys" attitude when it comes to animal cruelty. Call, e-mail and write to prosecutors and judges in animal cruelty cases. Demand that children get the help they need to break the cycle of cruelty and that adult offenders are punished to the fullest extent of the law. Public opinion counts in these cases! 

When animal-related legislation is introduced, study it and then let your elected representatives know your stand. Not all animal-related legislation is good, so do your homework.

-- Pay to spay. Don't place an animal in a new home unless you've made sure the pet won't reproduce. You may think you're doing a good deed in a finding home for a pet you cannot keep, or for a litter of kittens born in your garage to a semi-wild mother cat. But if you don't pay to spay, you really aren't helping.

Instead of placing a pet for free, spay or neuter the animal and then charge an adoption fee to cover the cost of the procedure. You'll save the adopter time and will ensure that the pet you place won't add to the overpopulation problem. 

-- Help a shelter or rescue group. Volunteers are always needed to help with the animals in the shelter or to foster pets who need a home environment. But if you don't want to contribute on a regular basis, then see if you can help on a short-term project. Can you check people in at a spay-neuter clinic? Work a pet-behavior hot line now and then? Follow up on adoptions?

Many groups have fundraisers throughout the year. They need volunteers to help with ticket sales, setup, concessions and cleanup.

You can also help by finding out what your local shelter or rescue groups need in the way of services or supplies and then calling to ask for donations. Shelters are in constant need not only of pet food, litter, old newspapers and towels, but also office and janitorial supplies and building materials. Get a wish list from your shelter and get to work!

Those are just a few ideas. If you have others, let us know and we'll share them on our Web site, at PetConnection.com.

(Mikkel Becker Shannon contributed to this article.)

Q&A

Don't assume dry skin is from home's dry air

Q: Our house is on the dry side, even though we run a humidifier. My cat's skin has been extremely dry. Is there something I can do to eliminate this massive white dander he is scratching out? -- P.T., via e-mail

A: I wouldn't be so certain the low humidity in your house is causing the problem. After all, cats are descended from desert-dwelling creatures, and low humidity alone shouldn't cause a massive amount of flakiness.

See your veterinarian to determine what's causing your pet's skin to be so flaky.

By the way, other pets do have a problem with the dry air of the modern home, most notably birds. Many species of pet parrots originally came from hot, humid environments. For these, dry air presents a problem and may contribute to feather-picking. That's why parrots need to be offered frequent opportunities to get damp, such as by being misted or being allowed to bathe. -- Dr. Marty Becker

No head halters

Q: I've heard that head halters can cause serious injuries if used wrongly. A too-abrupt tug could jerk a dog's head, causing neck or spinal injuries, couldn't it? The pet store recommended one of these, and I bought it, but my dog hates it. Are they really safe? -- A.K., via e-mail

A: Anything's possible, which is why I don't recommend using a head halter with one of those long, reel-type leashes. The force of a running dog hitting the end of a 30-foot line does have the potential to cause injury.

In truth, just about every piece of canine equipment has the potential for problems if used incorrectly. Slip-chain collars can choke a dog or injure his neck. Breakaway collars, designed to release a dog who's caught on something, can result in a dog being off-leash when it's least safe, such as next to a busy street if not clipped on properly. And head halters can jerk a dog's head around.

A lot of dogs hate head halters, at least at first. Training a dog to walk calmly on a loose leash with a buckled or snap collar can be accomplished -- get help in a training class or a couple of private sessions with a trainer. In the meantime, instead of using a head halter, use one of the newer front-clip harnesses, which work great to control pulling.

If you don't know what's right for your dog or how to use it, find a trainer who can help you choose the appropriate equipment and show you how it works. Every piece of training equipment is right for some dogs, but no single item is right for all. And no piece of training equipment is safe or effective unless it's fitted and used properly. -- 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." Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

PET BUZZ

Rats can locate killer land mines

-- Land mines can be sniffed out -- or should we say, ratted out. Some 60 million land mines are scattered in 69 countries. Dogs are often deployed to sniff them out, but HeroRATS has found out that rats are easier to train and are light, so they don't detonate the mines they find. According to National Geographic, HeroRATS uses the African giant pouched rat, with its very sensitive nose. Rats are trained with rewards to scratch the ground when they smell explosives.

-- A new genetic test for heart disease is a breakthrough for boxers -- and people, too. The gene responsible for causing arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy disease in boxers has been discovered at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and a genetic test for the mutation is now available. The test costs about $70 and is done with a simple cheek swab. This achievement not only helps breeders of these dogs avoid this disease when planning their litters, but also provides an extraordinary advancement to the study of human heart diseases resulting from electrical conduction defects and the resulting heart muscle changes that occur.

-- It seems even tough-as-nails police dogs can flee the scene if thunder is involved. A Chicago police dog named Bear is a scaredy-cat when it comes to thunder: The German shepherd scaled a fence and disappeared after a roaring thunderstorm frightened him. After a few days of looking, Officer Ann Jaros was delighted when a safe but dirty Bear recognized her squad car and jumped right in. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

PET Rx

Take care of yourself after loss of a pet

Choosing to end a pet's life is the hardest decision we make when it comes to our pets. Your veterinarian can offer you advice, and friends and family can offer you support, but no one can make the decision for you. When you live with an elderly or terminally ill pet, you look in your pet's eyes every morning and wonder if you're doing what's best.

Everyone makes the decision a little differently. Some pet lovers do not wait until their pet's discomfort becomes chronic, untreatable pain, and they choose euthanasia much sooner than others would. Some owners use an animal's appetite as the guide -- when an old or ill animal cannot be tempted into eating, they reason, he has lost most interest in life. And some owners wait until there's no doubt the time is at hand -- and later wonder if they delayed a bit too long. There's no absolute rule, and every method for deciding is right for some pets and some owners at some times.

The bottom line remains: What is in the best interest of the animal? Choosing to end a pet's suffering is a final act of love and nothing less. Knowing that decisions are guided by that love is what carries pet lovers through the sad and lonely time of losing a cherished animal companion.

Taking care of yourself is important when dealing with pet loss. Some people -- the "it's just a pet" crowd -- won't understand the loss and may shrug off grief over a pet's death as foolish. The company of other animal lovers is very important. Seek them out to share your feelings, and don't be shy about getting professional help to get you through a difficult time.

Many veterinary schools and colleges offer pet-loss counseling by phone -- and the services are free. -- Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

Popular Birds

Cockatiels and budgerigars (commonly but incorrectly known as "parakeets") are the most popular pet birds. Here are the top birds among people keeping one avian pet:

Cockatiel 34 percent

Budgie 29 percent

Conure 7 percent

Lovebird 5 percent

Amazon 5 percent

Macaw 4 percent

Other small parrot 4 percent

Canary 3 percent

Cockatoo 2 percent

Other large parrot 2 percent

African grey 2 percent

Other 3 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Kitten-proof home before new arrival

Proper preparation of your home before you get a kitten can get your pet off to a great start.

Start with a litter box that is not too big for a kitten to get into. Make sure window screens are secure and that household cleaning products, houseplants, strings and other potentially dangerous objects are out of your kitten's reach.

Select the tallest scratching post you can find, preferably with a climbing and resting area on top, so your cat can stretch, groom his claws and perch himself off the ground. Keep all these items and your kitten in one room for a couple of weeks to lower kitten stress, control safety and prevent behaviors you don't want in an adult cat.

(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

Swimming is great exercise for dogs, as long as you remember to look out for your pet's safety at all times.

The swimming motion comes naturally to most dogs, but not all dogs are designed to be Michael Phelps. For example, bulldogs generally can't swim without sinking because of their shape, and none of them can ever be trusted around a pool safely. For these dogs and others with physical limitations, some supervised splashing in a shallow kiddie pool is all that should be allowed.

Other dogs are naturals in the water, but even those who love to swim and are good at it can get themselves into trouble. That's where you come in, to keep the experience safe for all.

No dog should be given unsupervised access to a backyard pool or a neighborhood swimming spot. Swimming pools are best fenced off for the safety of all and should be equipped with a monitor that sounds when a pet (or child) falls in, and with ramps (such as the Skamper Ramp, www.skamper-ramp.com) to allow animals an escape route. Teach your dog where the pool stairs are so he can find them and get out when tired.

Obedience training is important when it comes to your dog and natural bodies of water. Your dog should come when called, even when swimming, so you can call him back before he heads into deeper water or stronger currents. Always carry extra retrieving toys. A dog who's heading out into a dangerous area after a ball or stick can often be lured back into shore with a second item thrown closer in. If your dog isn't trained, stick to the shallows so you can walk to him if he needs help, and swim with him on a long line so he can't get too far away.

If your dog isn't much of a swimmer, or once loved to swim but is older or debilitated now, add a personal floatation device to that long line. Canine lifejackets are especially great for family boating trips because most have sturdy handles for rescue if a pet goes overboard.

At dog-friendly public swimming areas, don't assume that because your dog is allowed there that the water is always safe. Rivers and oceans can change frequently, and an area that was safe for swimming one visit can be treacherous the next. Consider currents, tides, underwater hazards and even the condition of the water. In the late summer, algae scum on the top of standing water (such as small ponds) can be toxic, producing substances that can kill a pet who swallows the tainted water. When in doubt, no swimming. Better safe than sorry.

Be aware of your dog's condition as he swims, watching for signs of exhaustion. When your dog is tiring, be sure to call him in for some rest, or just call it a day. A tired dog is a good dog, but an exhausted dog is in danger of drowning.

Don't push your dog beyond his capabilities: It's better to enjoy cool water at belly-depth on a leash for the remainder of the outing than to drown or be swept away out of an owner's reach. Besides, trying to save a dog in trouble puts you both at risk, so keep your dog where you can safely deal with any trouble.

Be particularly careful of young and old dogs. Both can get themselves into more trouble than a healthy adult dog with lots of swimming experience. Young dogs can panic in the water, and old dogs may not realize they aren't as strong as they used to be. Keep them close to shore, and keep swimming sessions short.

Dogs can and do get hot, so bring fresh water and offer it constantly. This is, of course, especially true at the ocean, because saltwater isn't meant for drinking.

Finally, one of the best things you can do is to take courses in first aid and CPR for your pets. Many local Red Cross chapters offer these classes, and some veterinarians may also teach them in your community. A dog who's pulled out near death from drowning may be saved by your prompt actions -- if you know what to do.

Q&A

Summer storms can terrify some pets

Q: I love a good summer storm -- the lightning, the thunder and the rain. My dog thinks he's being tortured, and it has become worse in the four years we've had him. I don't like the idea of drugging him, but it has gotten to the point now that he starts panting and pacing as soon as a storm's heading in. Do you have any suggestions? I hate to see him in such a terrified state. -- L.T., via e-mail

A: Some breeds and types of dogs seem to be more high-strung and sensitive to noise, but the truth is that any dog can become terrified of storms. After all, a storm is more than just thunder: The atmospheric pressure changes, the sky lights up, static electricity builds, and rain pounds on the roof. The smells in the air are so different that even we scent-challenged humans say, "Smells like rain." Imagine what an incoming storm smells like to our dogs!

For some dogs, fear of thunderstorms increases because their people mishandle the early signs of fear -- either by soothing the dog or by punishing him. Soothing a dog ("Poor baby! Don't be afraid. Come here and get a hug.") rewards the behavior, while punishing a dog makes a scary event even more frightening.

Sensitivity to thunder is easier to prevent than to cure, unfortunately. When puppies and young dogs show concern, one strategy is to distract them. Give them something positive to do, such as starting a training session with lots of treats, or playing a favorite game. In other words, ignore the storm, distract the dog, and set the tone by acting unconcerned. With a new dog, the first time there is a storm, pretend it is an invitation to a "storm party." With every crack of thunder, respond: "Whoopee! That was a fun one. Here's your storm cookie!" Couple this with happy requests for simple obedience commands.

Once a dog has developed a full-blown storm phobia, though, the fear of storms is quite dramatic and can be dangerous. Some dogs may tremble, others may destroy their surroundings, and still others may bite out of fear.

A wipe down with a dryer sheet will remove some of the static electricity on your dog's coat, and that may be helpful for some dogs. You might also experiment with tools meant to "hug" a dog to calmness, such as the Anxiety Wrap (anxietywrap.com), or to reduce sensatory input, such as the Calming Cap (www.premier.com).

For fearful dogs who live in areas that get a lot of thunderstorms, your best bet is asking your veterinarian for a referral to a behaviorist. A veterinary behaviorist will work with you on a treatment plan that may include medications, counterconditioning, pheromones and other tools to help your dog not freak out when the storms roll in.

While there's rarely an "instant" cure, working with a veterinary behaviorist can help your dog better tolerate the inevitable smells, sights and sounds of summer thunderstorms. With a behaviorist's help, you may one day be able to not rely so much -- or not at all -- on tranquilizers for your pet. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

PET BUZZ

Picture this: Dogs can choose images

-- Dogs can categorize complex pictures in the same manner as humans do, demonstrating that dogs can form abstract concepts. In a study at the University of Vienna in Austria, dogs were shown landscape and dog pictures on a computer screen and were asked to make a choice between the two. Making the choice of the dog picture resulted in a treat. The study used four dogs who reliably picked the dog picture, despite changes in the picture and the background.

-- A dinosaur flying over Brazil 115 million years ago had a wingspan the size of a family car. The wingspan of Lacusovagus is estimated at 16.4 feet, with the reptile standing 39 inches at the shoulder, with a very wide skull, indicating it may have hunted large prey. The discovery of the new creature in Brazilian territory, far away from its closest relatives in China, perplexes scientists, who hope to learn more of its evolutionary history.

-- Apes have the ability to plan ahead, demonstrated in the case of Santino, a 30-year-old chimp from Furuvik Zoo in Sweden. Santino makes items to throw at zoo visitors in a calm state of mind, which differs greatly from the more charged state he uses when he launches the debris. His process involves collecting debris, both from pieces on the bottom of the concrete moat and from chipping away at artificial rock in the enclosure, which he sets in piles near where the zoo visitors will later come. No visitors have been hurt in Santino's rock-launching, as chimps have poor aim and throw underhand. -- 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.

PET Rx

Get veterinarian's help with feather-picking

Feather-picking is a symptom of something else that's wrong with your bird. The only hope you have of fixing this self-destructive and unsightly behavior is in treating the root problems. Feather-picking relates to a staggering variety of problems, and any one (or any combination) can be at the bottom of your bird's plucking.

Medical conditions behind feather-picking include allergies, parasitic infections, bacterial infections, abnormal growths (cysts) in the feather follicle, internal health problems, vitamin deficiencies and hormone-associated problems. And that's the short list.

Environmental factors weigh in as well. Many bird species originally come from extremely hot and humid environments, and our houses can't hope to duplicate the conditions of a rain forest (we'd be miserable). The dry, cool air of most houses can be a factor in feather-picking and can also set the stage for some secondary medical problems.

For some birds, boredom's the problem. Birds are active and intelligent, and they don't handle the strain of being forced to sit around in a cage all day long very well. Without having things to play with and stuff to destroy, and without being able to get out of the cage and exercise, birds may direct all their energy toward self-mutilation. Wings that are kept too short can also make a bird unhappy enough to feather-pick, as can obsessive-compulsive disorders, which also trigger feather-picking.

Some birds are actually taught to feather-pick, learning quickly that the behavior attracts the attention of their owners.

What can be done with the feather-picker? First, forget the over-the-counter and home-remedy "cures." They don't work, and some might even put your bird at risk. The best change for solving the problem is to engage the help of a veterinarian who works with birds -- the sooner the better, since feather-picking, once well-established, is very difficult to overcome. -- Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

Spending on pets stays strong

While many industries are slowing down in the current economic climate, spending on pets remains strong, according to a trade group. In 2008, $43.2 billion was spent on our pets in the United States, more than on candy and video games combined. The breakdown:

Food $16.8 billion

Supplies/OTC Medicine $10 billion

Veterinary care $11.1 billion

Live animal purchases $2.1 billion

Pet services $3.2 billion

Source: American Pet Products Association

PET TIP

Rewards work better than punishment

Animals learn from the immediate consequences of their actions. Reward-based training is based on positive reinforcement -- giving an animal an immediate reward for "getting it right."

A reward can be anything a pet desires, such as food, praise, touch, toys, playtime, and indoor or outdoor access. Reward-based training teaches an animal that you are the provider and controller of everything good. It also builds trust and keeps the animal student eager to learn more.

When teaching your pet what you want him to do, offer what he likes the best as the reward. After the new behavior is learned, continue with intermittent rewards. Once the pet knows a behavior, you can withhold the reward when your pet gets it wrong. For example, the dog who knows how to sit but won't sit for his dinner dish can have his grub withheld for a few minutes. Then try again! Chances are he'll sit, and he'll sit even more quickly the next time.

(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

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.