Universal Press Syndicate

Puppies are overrated. I say that after spending the last six months working on raising one who's still a work in progress. Faith is a darling, bright retriever who is as good a puppy as anyone could ever hope for. I love her! But after piddle puddles, chewed headphones and all the normal silliness and mess that go along with raising a puppy, I'm reminded why most of the dogs who've ended up as part of my family have come into my home as adults.

October is Adopt-a-Dog month, and that also reminds me why, when people with a lot on their plates ask me about getting a puppy, I encourage them to consider a grown dog instead. Chosen carefully, an adult dog will be well past puppy foolishness and may have had some basic obedience training. Unlike puppies, who need constant monitoring, an adult dog should be able to be left alone while a family is at work or school after a much shorter period of training and re-adjustment.

For today's time-crunched households, there's no better deal than a good adult dog. But getting the right one is a little more difficult than going down to the shelter and picking out the cutest one.

While expecting to work on some minor behavior issues as your new dog gets used to you is reasonable, you want to avoid those animals who have too many problems, especially if one of them is aggression. Here are some questions that will help you:

-- What do you know of this dog's history? You may be dealing with a shelter, a rescue volunteer, the dog's original owner or breeder, or a nice person who found a stray. The more information you can get, the better. If you find out nothing about him because he was a stray, don't count him out. If he's healthy, friendly and otherwise fits your size, shedding and activity criteria, he's a contender.

-- Why is this dog available for adoption? Dogs become available for lots of reasons. "Losing our home," "divorce" and "death in the family" show no fault on the dog's part, but "bit our daughter" obviously is a problem.

Listen, too, for what isn't said: "He needs more exercise than we can give him" may mean "He needs more exercise than almost anyone could possibly ever give him, and he eats furniture when he doesn't get it." If you live a sedentary life, this isn't the dog for you.

-- What behavior problems does this dog have? Many things are fixable and worth considering if you honestly believe you'll take the time to work with the dog. "Pulls on the leash" is fixable. "He bites people, but only sometimes" is not, at least not by the average pet owner's standard, and not to the extent that you should take a chance on him with so many other dogs available.

Remember, too, that some problems are the owner's fault, not the dog's. "Won't stay in the yard," for example, may be easily cured by a decent fence and neutering.

-- How is he with children? Other dogs? Cats? Even if you don't have children, you're going to run into some from time to time. The same is true with other dogs. You can successfully avoid cats if you don't have them, but make certain your prospective pet at least tolerates them well if you have a cat in your home.

If you're getting an animal from a shelter, the organization should have asked the former owner to fill out a card on such things as problems with children or other animals. If you're adopting from a foster home, ask if the family has other animals and children. If there's no way to determine the dog's attitude toward children and other animals but he seems friendly, he may be OK. If you have doubts, however, hold out for an animal that you're sure fits well with your family.

Above all, take your time. This is a decision that should be for the dog's lifetime, and there are lots of pets to consider. Make the decision with your head as much as your heart. There's plenty of time after adoption to fall in love with your new canine companion.

ADOPTIONS ON THE INTERNET

Petfinder (www.petfinder.com) has become the No. 1 place to look for a pet to adopt, with thousands of listings searchable by species, breed type and geographic area. Shelters and rescue groups of all sizes use Petfinder to bring attention to the animals they're trying to place. Your local shelter will likely have listings of pets for adoption on its own Web site, as well.

While some rescue groups that work with a single breed use Petfinder, many do not. To find these organizations, visit the American Kennel Club's Web site (www.akc.org) and look up the breed you're interested in. The national rescue contact will be listed.

THE SCOOP

Universal registry helps with microchip IDs

Microchips are a modern miracle when it comes to positive identification of pets. Inserted into the skin over the shoulder blades of dogs and cats and into the breast tissue of birds, microchips can be a ticket home for a pet who's lost.

But competing microchips, incompatible scanners and too many registries have always kept the technology from achieving its full promise. While many pets have been reunited with owners because of their microchips, countless others have not.

At least one aspect of the problem is now being addressed by the American Animal Hospital Association, which has created the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool. Created to remove some of the guesswork for veterinary hospitals and shelters, the free, Internet-based resource assists with microchip identification -- helping reunite pets and owners by checking participating pet recovery services' registries to determine which registry should be contacted.

The AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool can be accessed online at Petmicrochiplookup.org.

The association has been working with microchipping and pet recovery industry leaders for the past year on the development of this new tool. The participating companies include AKC CAR, Home Again, Petlink by Datamars and resQ by Bayer.

The AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool works by checking the databases of participating pet recovery services to determine which has registration information available for a microchip. Once a microchip identification number is entered into the tool, within seconds a list of all the registries with microchip registration information available along with the registries' contact information will appear in chronological order. The registry with the most recent update appears first.

If the microchip has not been registered with any participating pet recovery service, the result returned will default to the microchip's manufacturer or distributor. While the tool will not return the pet owner information contained in the registries' databases, it will identify which registries should be contacted when a lost pet is scanned and a microchip is found. -- Pet Connection staff

PET BUZZ

Coughing cat may have asthma

-- Hairballs may be blamed for a cat's chronic coughing, but the problem maybe asthma. Symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, open-mouthed breathing and heaving may indicate a cat with asthma, according to the newsletter of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. These attacks can be brought on by stress and allergens, with common allergens including cigarette smoke, pollen, dust, mold, aerosols, perfume, deodorizers, dusty cat litter and food. Common treatment ranges from allergy medication similar to bronchodilators to oxygen therapy.

-- The famed polydactyl cats from the Hemingway House museum have been allowed to keep their home, thanks to special fencing keeping the cats contained within the museum's grounds. USA Today reports that the fence was built in response to a warning from the U.S. Department of Agriculture stating the museum did not have the proper animal exhibition licensing and threatening the museum with a fine of $200 per day. More than half of the cats at the museum have more than the normal amount of toes, with many of them descending directly from Snowball, a six-toed cat given to Ernest Hemingway in 1935.

-- Animals of military personnel can find a foster home while their owner is away on duty through NetPets.org, which provides volunteer foster parents nationwide.

-- Dogs who swallowed pennies did better before 1982, as pennies were made mostly with copper. In 1982, pennies changed composition to 95 percent zinc with a copper coating -- and that presents a problem for pets. A penny can get stuck in the pet's stomach and dissolve, releasing high levels of zinc into the pet's body and causing red blood cells to rupture, which could result in anemia and multiple organ failure. Symptoms that indicate penny ingestion include vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, pale gums, a small amount of diarrhea, weakness and depression. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a monthly drawing for more than $1,000 in pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

PET RX

Watch for signs of obesity in pet bird

Is your parrot fat? Life with little activity while in a cage with an all-you-can-eat buffet has many birds overweight and struggling with health problems. Poor food choices -- too many seeds, processed or otherwise fatty foods -- also pack the pounds on.

Amazon parrots, large cockatoos, cockatiels and budgies seem more prone to obesity than other species of pet birds. Some of the signs of obesity in birds include:

-- The presence of rolls of fat around the abdomen and hip areas, along with cleavage on the abdomen or breast area.

-- Visible fat under the skin. The skin of most normal pet birds is typically very thin and quite transparent. When the skin is wet with rubbing alcohol, you should be able to see dark pink or red muscle underneath. In overweight birds, you see yellowish fat instead.

-- Breathing difficulty, such as labored breathing, especially after physical exertion.

-- Heat intolerance, shown by excessive wing drooping or open-mouthed breathing in a hot environment.

-- Overgrown upper beaks. Some birds will grow their upper beaks excessively long if they have obesity and fatty liver disease problems. This is particularly true in Amazon parrots and budgies.

If you suspect your bird is fat -- and especially if you already know your bird is fat -- see your veterinarian right away for nutritional counseling and other ways to attack the problem. Long-term obesity and a poor diet is a major cause of joint problems and heart disease in birds in middle age. -- Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

Why puppies, dogs end up homeless

Although the housing crisis and the rough economy are forcing people to give up pets, long-standing trends point to a list of reasons why dogs end up homeless:

1. Moving

2. Landlord issues

3. Cost of pet maintenance

4. No time for pet

5. Inadequate facilities

6. Too many pets in home

7. Pet illness

8. Personal problems

9. Biting

10. No homes for littermates

Source: National Council on Pet Population Study & Policy

PET TIP

Loose dog? Don't punish him!

Punishing a dog for running from you is one surefire way to make sure he's even harder to catch the next time. Wouldn't you keep running if you knew you'd get punished when caught?

If your dog takes off on you, kneel down and open your arms when calling to make yourself more inviting. If that doesn't work, try to use a command he knows well, like "sit" instead of "come." Many dogs know "sit" so well that they'll plant their rumps, and once they're sitting, you might be able to walk up and take their collars. Another possibility is to catch your dog's attention and run in the other direction, enticing him to follow you. The chase instinct is very strong in dogs, and it may well work.

Remember, a loose dog situation is not about dog training, but about dog saving. When you have your dog safely back on leash, praise him, be grateful and make a vow that you'll take the time to teach him this most important of commands. Because next time he's out, you may not be so lucky to get him back in one piece. -- 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

No purchase is more important when you get a parrot than the cage.

The cage is where your parrot will spend time when you're not home, when the family is sleeping, or when you can't pay attention to your pet.

The first rule of caging: Buy the biggest cage you can afford. Forget the generic categorizations you'll find in pet stores. Those descriptions represent the minimum size to consider -- a better bet is at least one size bigger. For a cockatiel, get a cage for a small parrot. The bigger, the better, always, as long as the bar spacing isn't so big that your pet could escape.

Dimensions are important, too. Tall and narrow cages may look nice, but they force birds to fly more like a helicopter than in the style that comes naturally for them. Parrots like to fly horizontally as well as climb up and down in their cages, so a cage should be wide enough to accommodate both activities.

Metal is generally the best material for a cage. Wood is too hard to clean and usually won't stand up to the abuse parrots can give out, and some manufacturers are experimenting with acrylics. But while these components can make attractive housing for your pet, they may not offer enough social interaction to keep a bird happy.

With so many cages available, how can you be sure you're buying one of high quality? Here are a few points to consider.

-- Design. You want a cage to be attractive, but even more important, it should be workable for you and your bird. Look for features such as a birdproof latch; dishes that are easy to move, remove and clean; and a droppings tray that takes standard-sized newspapers. Make sure you can easily reach in and make contact with your bird, wherever your pet may be within the cage.

Mess-catchers can be helpful, too. They look like an inverted metal skirt around the base of the cage. The best position for the slide-out droppings tray at the bottom of the cage is under a grid so your bird can't get to it. High-impact, durable plastic or metal is a good choice for a droppings tray. No matter what the material, the tray ought to slide out smoothly and be easy to clean.

-- Sturdiness. You're going to have your bird and the cage for a very long time, so you need to make sure the construction is solid. Check seams, welds and places where wires and corners meet. Is everything smooth and sturdy, with nothing for a bird to chip off and chew? Beware chipping or flaking paint, or welds that can be broken off and swallowed.

Used cages can be a real value, if well-made to begin with. Look for wear and rust. And before introducing your bird to any cage that another bird has used, scrub thoroughly, disinfect with a bleach/water solution, rinse completely, and allow to air-dry.

-- Convenience. A cage stand is great, especially with cages designed for smaller parrots. You and your bird are likely to appreciate having the cage off the ground -- in your case, for ease of access; for your bird's, visual perspective. Some stands come with shelves, which are handy for storing newspapers, food and other supplies. Casters are a blessing, too, because you can easily move the cage and stand out from the wall to clean behind it.

Take your time and shop carefully. Many parrot species live for decades, so you'll want the best cage you can manage since you and your bird will be enjoying it for a very long time indeed. -- G.S.

SIDEBAR

Don't forget gear to go

No matter what cage you end up with, you'll also need a carrier for safe transport of your pet parrot. Choose one made of high-impact plastic with vents on the side and a grid door on the front or top. These are marketed for cats and small dogs, but they're just as helpful for transporting birds.

Sturdy carriers are important for reasons beyond trips to the veterinarian. In times of disaster, a carrier allows you to evacuate with your pet safely and keep him contained until conditions improve. -- G.S.

Q&A

Dalmatian gets a 'hyper' rap

Q: I've always liked the looks of Dalmatians, but the ones I meet seem so hyper! Are they good family pets? -- W.D., via e-mail

A: For an active family with time to train and exercise an active breed, a well-bred Dalmatian can be an excellent companion. If the breed's a bad fit for your family -- or if you get a dog from a source that doesn't breed for good health and temperament -- you're in for trouble.

Remember that every breed is perfect for someone, and no breed is perfect for everyone. Even a well-bred Dalmatian is going to be too high-energy for many homes. These dogs were developed to run with carriages for hours, so it's no surprise they're going to be very unhappy without exercise. (On the plus side: They're great companions for runners.) Unhappy high-energy dogs dig, bark, chew and generally drive their owners crazy.

Dalmatians also have a high potential for deafness and other health problems if the pup comes from a source looking to capitalize on the breed's popularity, which rises every time the Dalmatian gets another burst of movie-related publicity. The Dalmatian is indeed a breed to investigate thoroughly before adopting -- but honestly, aren't they all?

For more information, visit the Web site of the Dalmatian Club of America (www.thedca.org).

Hush, birdy

Q: My sister-in-law has an extremely loud pet bird. I don't know what kind he is, but he has a bright yellow-orange body with green wings. She is going to move in with us while she finishes grad school. Ours is a quiet home, and I'm dreading this horrid bird being in the house.

Any ideas? Don't say get rid of the bird. My wife won't do it, and she says it's only for a year. She and her sister are very close, and she's determined to help her. I'm the odd man out. -- P.R., via e-mail.

A: From your description, I'm guessing your sister-in-law has a sun conure. They're beautiful, affectionate and playful, but it's true that they're among the noisiest of all parrot species commonly kept as pets. If they weren't so overwhelmingly beautiful, chances are they wouldn't be popular at all -- that's how loud they can be.

To a certain extent, you're just going to have to live with the din and tell yourself it's just a year. Covering the cage or turning out the lights at night will keep the bird quiet while you're trying to sleep. Your sister-in-law should also be careful that she doesn't reward the noise with either positive (picking up the bird or giving it a treat) or negative (punishing the bird) reinforcement. -- G.S.

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

THE SCOOP

Sleeping dogs likely dreaming

When your dog is whining and running in his sleep, is he dreaming? Chances are good that he is.

Dogs definitely remember things, so it makes sense to believe they have the ability to dream, just as people do. After all, dreaming is a normal part of organizing and reorganizing memories.

Like humans, dogs have two kinds of sleep. The deeper kind is characterized by rapid eye movements, so it's known as REM sleep. We know humans dream during REM sleep. We also know the whining, heavy breathing, twitching and leg movements we've all seen in our dogs occurs during canine REM sleep. So it's not far-fetched to believe dogs are dreaming, too.

We may never know for sure exactly what they're dreaming of, but any guess that involves food is a good one. -- G.S.

PETS ON THE WEB

Crazy cat images flood the Internet

It's amazing how popular the seemingly endless variations of cat-picture Web sites are. There's Stuffonmycat.com, where people post images of ... well, stuff on their cats, everything from magazines to empty beer cans to fruit salad. Why? Why not?

Once you get bored with that, you can cruise over to Catsinsinks.com, where you can click on countless pictures matching the theme. The site notes that basins are OK, too, just as long as a cat is in it.

My favorite of these sites is Kittenwar.com, a sort of "hot or not" competition for the feline set. Visit the site, and you'll see two cats. Pick the one you think's the cutest, and you'll immediately be told how many people agreed with you and be offered another pair from which to choose. Top winners of all time are listed as well.

None of these sites will do much for your productivity, but they're entertaining and surprisingly addictive ways to kill a little time. -- G.S.

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a monthly drawing for more than $1,000 in pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

PET Rx

Fat cat? Ask your vet for guidance

Too much food and too little exercise is doing to our pets exactly what it's doing to us -- making them fat. And with cats, just as with as humans, obesity all too often leads to diabetes, joint diseases, heart problems, increased risk of cancer, and other serious health and behavioral issues.

Weight loss is important, but a crash diet for a cat can be deadly. If overweight cats lose weight too quickly, they can develop a serious liver disorder that can be challenging to treat and is occasionally fatal. It's called hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease.

Hepatic lipidosis isn't just a problem with dieting cats, either. It's also a problem with sick cats who cannot or will not eat. And it can rear its fatty head when people switch cat foods and think, "If the cat gets hungry enough, she'll eat." A cat can and will starve herself into this potentially fatal condition.

To be safe, cats should lose weight gradually, no more than 1 percent of their body weight per week. The goal is to drop the excess over a period of five or six months.

The best approach to weight loss in cats is a combination of moderate calorie restriction -- ask your veterinarian for dietary guidance -- and increased exercise. Try throwing a mouse-shaped toy or playing with a fishing pole-type toy -- anything to get your cat up and moving. -- G.S.

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Dog-care gear popular

Keeping a dog well-groomed is as much about health as appearance. Fortunately, most dog lovers purchase the basic equipment for the care and grooming needs of their pets. What they own (multiple answers allowed):

Brush 92 percent

Nail clipper 69 percent

Comb 44 percent

Toothbrush 28 percent

Electric clippers 19 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

PET TIP

Figuring out a cat's age

Here's a rough way to figure a cat's age in human terms: Count the first year of a cat's life as being comparable to the time a human reaches the early stages of adulthood -- the age of 15 or so. The second year of a cat's life picks up some of that maturity and takes a cat to the first stages of full adulthood in humans -- a 2-year-old cat is roughly equivalent to a person in his mid-20s.

From there, a "5 equals 1" rule works pretty well. A cat of 3 is still young, comparable to a person of 29. A 6-year-old cat, similar to a 41-year-old person, is middle-aged. And a 12-year-old cat, similar to a 65-year-old person, has earned the right to slow down a little. A cat who lives to be 20 is the feline equivalent of nearly 100 in terms of human lifespan. -- G.S.

Pet Connection is produced by a team of team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper, by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

And Gina Spadafori

Universal Press Syndicate

Every year at this time we seem to get a little extra bounce in our step, and our pets do, too. But even as we're enjoying the brisk beauty of fall, we need to remember it means winter is around the corner, and with it, an awareness of seasonal challenges for our pets.

That's why we're focusing here on how to enjoy the season, but also how to prepare pets for what's to come next -- winter.

The weather -- heat in the summer, cold in the winter -- is certainly important to outdoor pets. We don't agree with the practice of keeping dogs and cats outdoors all their lives -- these pets are often lonely and bored, and are more likely to be suffering from physical neglect.

That said, we realize some people won't bring animals in the house, no matter what. If you're one of those people, you must provide adequate outdoor shelter. And the time to review your pet's shelter is now.

Animals must be able to get out of the elements. A pet must have a well-insulated structure just large enough so that he can curl up inside to maintain body heat. The structure should also have a wind-block to protect it from wintry blasts. In the coldest parts of the country, it should also have some sort of outdoor-rated pet-heating pad or other device. And be sure that there's always a supply of fresh, unfrozen water by using a heated bowl.

Animals who spend any significant amount of time outside will need more calories during cold weather. Food is fuel, and they'll need to burn it to stay warm.

Final outdoor caution: Remember to thump on your car's hood on cold mornings. Your neighbor's cat may be nestled against the engine for warmth, and thumping your car's hood will get the animal to skedaddle to safety.

Indoor pets don't face the challenges outdoor pets do, but winter can be uncomfortable for them as well. For pets with arthritis, cold weather can be more painful, so ask your veterinarian about supplements or prescription medications that may help your pet feel better. A soft, heated bed may be much appreciated, too, especially by older pets. And remember that one of the best things you can do for a pet with joint problems is to keep the extra weight off: A pet who's more sedentary in winter needs to eat less.

What about sweaters and coats for dogs? Some animals can really use the extra insulation of a well-fitted sweater: older pets, and dogs who are tiny (such as Chihuahuas), or who are shorthaired and naturally lean (such as greyhounds or whippets). Overcoats can save you time drying your dog if you walk in inclement weather, especially if your pet's longhaired. And don't forget to wipe your pets' feet, legs and belly after they've been outside to keep the animal from ingesting any de-icing solutions.

Because home heating systems can dry out the air, you and your pets may be more comfortable if you introduce some humidity. Birds, especially those species originating in tropical climates, will enjoy extra opportunities for bathing or being misted.

Cold-weather pet care is a matter of compassion and common sense. Use both in equal measure, and your pet will get through the worst of the season in fine shape.

Q&A

Feline intros take time to resolve

Q: I have a docile, 4-year-old spayed cat, and I recently adopted a young, neutered male cat with a sunny and cheerful disposition. The problem is that he is very bossy to the female. He will jump on her back until she hisses or cries -- or I break it up. How do I discourage this? She has become very cautious and edgy when he's running around the house to play, and I have become the cat police. -- T.I., via e-mail

A: Begin by taking him in for a thorough veterinary exam to make sure he is completely healthy and comfortable, and to lay the groundwork for getting further advice or referrals as you need them.

Your veterinarian should also check to make sure your new cat was properly neutered, since what you describe could also be mating behavior, such as if he grasps her neck and is doing any humping. Keep in mind a small percentage of neutered males will continue mating behaviors -- albeit without the ability to make another cat pregnant.

It's more likely that your young cat just needs to learn how to respect his elders. Young cats are normally energetic and rambunctious. You will need to pick up his social education where his mom left off, and you must protect your female cat while he's learning.

Once the newbie's health has been established, put environmental management in place, separating the cats when you are not there. Stock her area with everything she needs to be comfortable: bedding, scratching post, toys, fresh food and water, and clean litter box. You will need to provide the same items for your male cat in a separate room or area. Invest in floor-to-ceiling cat trees with a high platform in the common area so she can have some privacy and he will have a place to climb and expend some feline ya-yas.

Next, teach your young male new ways to have fun. Start a daily routine of playing using interactive toys -- wands, laser pointers, etc. -- keeping him busy until he is panting, which may take 15 to 20 minutes. Keep the interactive toys out of sight until game time. Change the game every few minutes to keep his interest. Praise him when he catches the toy prey, and toss in occasional treats to make the hunt seem more real. During play sessions, let your female cat watch. If she wants to join in, double up on the toys so each has his or her own game going.

Finally, feed them together when you are there to praise these moments of peaceful companionship. Give your female cat "elder support" by giving her first dibs on your lap if you all want to hang out once he's tired enough to relax. Give both cats treats for hanging out together without incident.

Do not allow him the opportunity to jump her, so you can get him into new behavior patterns around her that are more fun and rewarding. Use a water pistol or a loud noise to interrupt the behavior -- making sure you're not seen as the source of the squirt. You can also use a breakaway collar and have him drag a leash if you need another way to interrupt him.

Give him a few weeks, better yet months, to learn these new behaviors before you relax on the separation when you're not around. To be on the safe side, when they are back living together, keep a bell on his collar to warn her that he has entered the room. -- Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp, AnimalBehavior.net

(The Pet Connection recommends starting a discussion of any behavior problem with your veterinarian, who can refer you to resources in your area. Send your questions on pet health or behavior to petconnection@gmail.com.)

PET BUZZ

Truck rides deadly for many canines

-- At least 100,000 dogs are estimated to die each year by falling or jumping from the back of pickup truck beds. If a dog survives a fall, broken bones, joint injuries and severe abrasions are the most common injuries, according to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. To protect pets, WSU veterinarians recommend putting a shell on the pickup, or having your dog ride inside a crate strapped down securely. Tethering a dog isn't considered much of an improvement from allowing him to ride loose -- there's just too much risk to the pet.

-- It's good news/bad news for new veterinarians, according to www.dvm360.com. Starting salaries are remaining steady -- up less than 1 percent over the previous year. But job offers are fewer, down 11.5 percent over the same period, although 80 percent of new graduates still have jobs lined up after school. Harder times see more newly minted veterinarians staying in school to continue their education, a 9 percent increase. They're going to have to pay the piper eventually, though, since the average new graduate owes $129,976 in student loans, an annual increase of 8.5 percent.

-- Pets aren't welcome in grocery stores, and Oregon wants pet owners to know it. After numerous complaints from retailers and customers in the dog-crazy Pearl District of Portland, the state is distributing pamphlets and posters to about 4,500 retail stores. Oregon reported more than 600 complaints about people taking pets into places where food is sold or served, according to The New York Times.

-- The economy isn't slowing down spending on veterinary care, with 80 percent of small-animal veterinary practices continuing to grow at a rate of about 3 to 5 percent. The strong growth is thought to be another example of the esteem in which Americans hold their pets. A survey by the American Pet Products Association found the 80 to 85 percent of pet owners have no inclination of cutting back on spending for their pets, with 5 percent expecting to spend more than in the previous year. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a monthly drawing for more than $1,000 in pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

PET TIP

Get the brushes out for the big fall shed

Fall shedding is perfectly normal.

Dogs typically lose their winter coats in the spring, when it is replaced by a shorter, lighter one for summer. In the fall, this cycle is reversed, as the summer coat is shed to make room for heavy protective fur for winter. The change is most obvious in "double-coated" breeds such as collies, shelties and keeshonden. Those breeds carry not only a harsh, protective long overcoat, but also a soft, insulating undercoat -- and they lose masses of fur from both in spring and fall.

The amount of shedding varies widely from breed to breed. German shepherds, for example, are prolific year-round shedders, while poodles seem to lose little fur at all. Shorthaired breeds may shed as much as the longhairs, but since the hair they shed is easily overlooked, it may seem as if they are shedding less.

All shedders -- even the heaviest -- can be tamed by a regular and frequent schedule of combing and brushing. After all, the fur you catch on a comb won't end up on a rug. Work against the grain and close to the skin to catch as much of the ready-to-fall fur as possible.

No matter what the breed, shedding -- and heavy seasonal shedding -- is normal, but some heavy shedding can be a sign of health problems. Skin allergies and skin parasites may trigger shedding, and poor nutrition can also be a cause of coat problems.

Become familiar with your pet's normal pattern of shedding, and ask your veterinarian for advice if coat condition seems to dull or excessive hair loss or patches of baldness are noticed. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Why kittens, cats end up homeless

Although the housing crisis and the rough economy are forcing people to give up pets, long-standing trends point to a list of reasons why cats end up homeless:

1. Too many in house

2. Allergies

3. Moving

4. Cost of pet maintenance

5. Landlord issues

6. No homes for littermates

7. House soiling

8. Personal problems

9. Inadequate facilities

10. Doesn't get along with other pets

Source: National Council on Pet Population Study & Policy

PET Rx

Pet's paralysis needs prompt veterinary care

The inability to walk can develop suddenly, even without a history of injury. Such paralysis may be the result of a ruptured spinal disc, especially in low-slung dog breeds such as the dachshund. When paralysis is associated with trauma, fractures or instability of the spine may be the cause.

Paralysis should be considered a life-threatening emergency, and you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Prepare to transport your pet, using an ironing board or piece of plywood as a stretcher, keeping the animal as immobile as possible. Covering the pet with a blanket may help to keep him calm.

Don't encourage or allow your pet to move around, and do not provide any medication unless specifically instructed to by the veterinarian. Stay calm, and get your pet some veterinary assistance immediately, either at your regular veterinary hospital or an emergency clinic. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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.