and Christie Keith

Just as with human medicine, advancements in the way we think of and treat pain for animals is improving the quality of life for pets, with veterinarians now being able to choose from a wide array of products and strategies to ease the hurt.

"Animals can feel all the same aches and pains that we can because they share the same physiologic structures," says Dr. Robin Downing, owner of Colorado's The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management.

Treating pain doesn't just make the hurting stop: It also promotes healthy healing. Untreated pain slows healing time, interferes with sleep and depresses the immune system. The treatment of pain improves respiration, shortens post-surgical hospitalization times, improves mobility, and can even decrease the spread of cancer after surgery.

Most veterinarians prescribe pain medication when needed, but some still believe a pet will move around less during recovery from surgery or injury if in pain -- a belief no longer supported by studies. If an animal needs to be restrained, it's better to use a leash or a crate.

Still, many owners don't give pets pain medications -- even if they are prescribed -- because of concerns about side effects. All drugs can cause unwanted effects, but those risks need to be balanced against the problems caused by untreated pain. Side effects can also be minimized by using drugs appropriately.

The family of drugs known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can cause ulcers and damage the kidneys in pets, just as they can in humans. But in the same way that people continue to use these drugs for everything from headaches to back injuries, NSAIDs have a valuable role to play in the management of animal pain.

When NSAIDs are needed, it's essential to follow label recommendations for veterinary testing and monitoring of liver and kidney function. Pet owners should review all potential side effects with the veterinarian and stop giving the drug immediately if vomiting or lethargy is observed, or if the pet stops showing interest in eating.

Pain-management experts also suggest asking the veterinarian about the human drugs misoprostol and sulcrafate, which can help protect the stomach lining and prevent ulcers. For dogs, the prescription of Tramadol has been on the increase, and many dogs unable to tolerate NSAIDs have benefited. Tramadol can also be used with NSAIDs and can be taken with steroids, which NSAIDs cannot.

Complementary and alternative medicine also has much to offer dogs and cats suffering from chronic pain. Acupuncture, physical therapy and supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can relieve arthritis pain. The veterinary drug Adequan Canine, an injectable relative of glucosamine, can target inflamed joints and help rebuild cartilage.

Some dogs and cats, such as those with certain kinds of cancer, need the powerful pain relief that only opiates can provide. Owners often dislike these drugs because they make pets groggy. Fortunately, if long-term use is necessary, the sedation effect usually lessens after a few days.

Opiates can also cause nausea and lack of appetite. A bit of catnip often takes care of this for feline patients, while peppermint or ginger -- even in the form of a gingersnap -- can make a dog feel better. There are also prescription medications that can help control nausea.

Downing is one of just a handful of veterinarians worldwide credentialed in human medicine's American Academy of Pain Management, as well as being a certified veterinary acupuncturist and physiotherapist. Her approach to pain takes into account the pet's lifestyle and family issues as well as the actual source of the pain.

"I certainly leverage all the tools I can for fighting pain," Downing says. "But my long-term strategy is always maximum comfort and mobility with minimum negative impact on the body. We rely on physical medicine techniques, adapted from human medicine, to complement what we accomplish with medication as well as nutrition."

Pain control is never a "one size fits all" prescription, and there are dozens of drugs that can be used alone and with other medications to relieve all but the most extreme pain in animals.

When a veterinarian isn't sure how to get to the bottom of a pet's pain, it's always worth asking for a consultation with a specialist to design a safe, individualized pain-management program. Veterinary specialists in oncology, surgery and anesthesia are usually most familiar with the wide variety of drugs available today and their safe use.

SIDEBAR

Pamphlet offers advice you need

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is now offering a brochure for veterinarians to give to their clients who are prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for their dogs. Approved NSAIDs in the United States include:

-- EtoGesic (etodolac)

-- Rimadyl (carprofen)

-- Metacam (meloxicam)

-- Deramaxx (deracoxib)

-- Previcox (firocoxib)

-- Zubrin (tepoxalin)

-- Novox (carprofen)

And though aspirin is available without a prescription, it's important to note that it is also in this class of drugs.

The brochure stresses both the benefits of these drugs and the risks, and is available for free on the FDA's Web site at http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/UCM054572.pdf. If you don't have access to a computer, you may be able to get the brochure printed out at your local library -- or ask your veterinarian's office to print it out for you. -- Gina Spadafori

Q&A

Which is better: rabbit or guinea pig?

Q: My 7-year-old son is dying for a dog. That's out, because I'm not really a dog person. I've also ruled out lizards and snakes. My husband is allergic to cats, so that's out, too. We're down to either a rabbit or a guinea pig. Pros and cons? -- P.R., via e-mail

A: I tend to prefer recommending guinea pigs for younger children, because rabbits can be surprisingly fragile. If a rabbit is held insecurely and kicks out in fear, he can break his back -- a sad ending for both the child and the animal.

Guinea pigs are better designed to be a child's pet. They're smaller than most rabbits, rounder, have shorter legs and are easier to hold than even dwarf rabbits. If your son is gentle enough to learn to handle a pet carefully, though, either pet will do. You might volunteer to provide vacation care for a rabbit or guinea pig owned by one of your son's friends first, just to be sure the animal isn't an allergy trigger for your husband.

Both rabbits and guinea pigs are a lot more interesting than most people realize. Throw them in a tiny cage or hutch with nothing to do, and they'll just shut down. But set them up with a little room to roam inside the house (canine exercise pens made of plastic or metal make great enclosures), with toys for playing and chewing, and they'll come alive.

Many guinea pigs and rabbits will readily adapt to using a potty box filled with an inch or so of pressed paper or wood pellets that's been topped with fresh grass hay. These pets can serve as efficient and enthusiastic recyclers of vegetable scraps from your kitchen, and they will turn them into waste products that will supercharge your compost pile. (You don't scoop the box -- you just replace the contents regularly, as everything in the box is compostable.)

I prefer not to feed my rabbits a pelleted food. Instead, I offer them all the fresh grass hay they want along with twice-daily offerings of fresh greens -- collard, mustard and so on -- plus broccoli and other vegetables and treats of apple slices. Guinea pigs are not able to produce their own vitamin C, however, and so must have a commercial pellet formulated just for them as a base for their diet.

VeterinaryPartner.com has excellent articles on caring for all small pets, written by Dr. Susan Brown, who's known for her work with these animals.

A final bit of advice: Although longhaired rabbits and guinea pigs are gorgeous, the amount of maintenance those coats require make them highly impractical as a child's pet. -- Gina Spadafori

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

PET BUZZ

Joint disease often untreated in cats

-- An article in Veterinary Practice News compared the written medical records of 100 cats older than 12 years to X-rays of the cats taken at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. The study found that while only four records contained mention of degenerative joint disease (DJD) by veterinarian or owner, X-rays found DJD in 90 percent of the cats. The study concluded that DJD occurs in most geriatric cats and is overlooked and undertreated.

-- Dogs bite about 5 million Americans a year. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers tips on preventing bites on its Web site at www.avma.org.

-- Pigeon flocks cannot be eliminated through methods such as trapping or poisoning. Los Angeles is one of the pioneers in using new methods of controlling these messy urban nuisances. The Animal Radio Network reports that a product called OvoControl is administered to birds in treats from rooftop dispensers. OvoControl, which has also been used successfully to control populations of Canadian geese, causes changes in the egg so that it cannot develop or hatch. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

DOGCARS

Picks of the litter for dog-loving car buyers

Every year the reviewers on the PetConnection's DogCars.com site name a Best in Show DogCar of the Year, marking the vehicle that best addresses the needs of those who don't like to leave four-legged family members behind.

For 2010, the award went to not one but two cars, the Honda Element EX Dog Friendly edition and the Toyota Venza. The reason: Both vehicles come with dog-friendly equipment packages designed to keep pets safe and comfortable on the road. Such a direct appeal to this specific demographic is new in the automotive industry.

The Toyota Venza, which was first introduced as a 2009 model, is a midsized sport utility vehicle (SUV) with a design similar to a sport wagon, but with more interior room than a traditional wagon. The low-to-ground clearance offers small or less-agile dogs easier access to the Venza through the tailgate or the side passenger doors. Venza buyers can order accessories made by pet-product companies Kurgo and Solvit and designed to fit the vehicle.

The Dog Friendly Honda Element EX offers a package that includes a raised platform and cushioned bed with a soft-sided crate facing out the rear of the vehicles, and an extendable ramp for easy in-and-out suitable for dogs of sizes. Other dog-friendly features include a rear fan for improved airflow, a spill-resistant water bowl, bone-patterned rubber floor mats, and a tote bag with leash, collar, ID tag and bag dispenser. Special badges on the side and rear of the Element proclaim its dog friendly status.

Vehicles honored as "ones to watch for 2010" include the Ford Transit Connect, Honda Accord Crosstour, Volvo XC60 and Kia Soul. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Veterinary specialists abound

The level of care available to pets has never been higher, in part because of the number of veterinarians who continue their education to become board-certified specialists. Their ranks include:

-- Internists (including cardiologists, neurologists and oncologists): 1,675

-- Surgeons: 1,131

-- Ophthalmologists: 271

-- Nutritionists: 51

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association

PET TIP

Pets need more 'yes' than 'no'

What is it about people that makes so many of us inclined to open our mouths when we see something wrong while thinking silence is golden when we see something right?

This tendency makes it much harder for pets to learn exactly what it is we are trying to teach them. Ideally, your pet should hear "yes" 10 times to every "no."

When your puppy is not pulling on leash -- praise! When your kitten is not jumping on the counter -- praise! Your pets will seek negative attention over no attention, and the behavior that gets your attention will be repeated. Every time you see your pet doing something you want -- such as sitting, looking at you, waiting quietly -- praise, praise, praise!

(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.

We're not sure that cats miss the litter box more in the winter, but we do seem to hear about the problems more at this time of year.

While diseases such as diabetes (which increases urine production) often factor into litter box problems, when the weather is cold, it's a cat's arthritis that may be worsened. Veterinarians know that arthritis is underdiagnosed in cats, largely because owners write off the symptoms as "just old age." And on the human side, we suspect that when the weather turns colder and houses close up for warmth, every little thing starts to annoy us -- like the smell of the litter box, or (worse) the smell of a cat who's not using the litter box at all.

No matter what, though: Don't blame the cat for the problem. Put your detective hat on and get to problem-solving, with the help of your veterinarian. And don't delay: The failure to use a litter box is the top behavior complaint of cat lovers, sending countless cats to shelters every year.

The first step in solving such a problem is to make sure it's not a medical condition -- and that means a trip to your veterinarian for a complete workup. You cannot hope to get your cat using the box again until any health issues have been resolved. Even old-age stiffness can be treated or accommodated, with your veterinarian's help.

If your cat checks out fine, you need to start working to make sure that everything about the box is to your cat's liking. The second rule of solving a litter box problem: If the cat isn't happy, no one will be happy. Here's what to look for.

-- Cleanliness. Cats are fastidious animals, and if the litter box is dirty, they'll look elsewhere for a place to go. Clean the box frequently -- twice a day at least -- and make sure it's completely scrubbed clean and aired out on a weekly basis. Having an additional litter box may help, too. (Multiple litter boxes are recommended for multicat households, since many cats simply will not share.)

-- Box type and filler. Many choices people make to suit their own tastes conflict with the cat's sense of what's agreeable. A covered box may seem more pleasing to you, but your cat may think it's pretty rank inside or scary. Likewise, scented litters may make you think the box smells fine, but your cat may disagree -- not only is the box dirty, he reasons, but it also has this extra "clean" odor he can't abide. Start with the basics: a large box with unscented, clumping-style litter.

-- Location. Your cat's box should be away from his food and water, in a place he can get to easily and feel safe in. Consider a location from a cat's point of view: Choose a quiet spot where he can see what's coming at him. A cat doesn't want any surprises while he's in the box.

Make the area where your cat has had mistakes less attractive by cleaning it thoroughly with a pet-odor neutralizer (available from pet-supply retailers). Discourage reuse by covering the area with foil, plastic sheeting or plastic carpet runners with the points up.

If changing things around doesn't clear up the problem in a healthy cat, you may need to retrain him by keeping your pet in a small area such as a guest bathroom for a couple of weeks.

Make sure the area you choose has no good options besides the litter box -- no carpet, no pile of dirty laundry. Block off the bathtub or keep an inch of water in it to discourage its use as a place to go. After your cat is reliably using the litter box, let him slowly expand his territory again. As long as you keep up your end of the bargain and keep the litter box clean and safe, you have a good chance the good behavior will become permanent.

If you just can't seem to get the problem resolved, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist. These veterinarians are skilled in behavioral problem-solving and are able to prescribe medications that may make the difference during the retraining period.

SIDEBAR

New from the Pet Connection team

"The Ultimate Bird Lover" continues the tradition of its predecessors, combining true stories and stunning full-color photography from gifted contributors with "Must Know" information from the top experts in bird care and birding. Unlike the previous books, "Bird Lover" isn't just about pets: People who appreciate wild birds will love it, too.

You can download a free sampler of any of the "Ultimate" pet books at PetConnection.com.

Q&A

First-aid classes highly recommended

Q: I saw Dr. Becker on "The Dr. Oz Show" demonstrating CPR for dogs and cats. Is that something pet lovers need to know? I mean, really, I don't think I want to put my mouth over my dog's nose. But I guess I would if I had to. Are there classes in this? -- F.P., via e-mail

A: Yes, there are classes you can take in CPR and first aid. The American Red Cross offers them, and some veterinarians also provide basic first-aid training as part of their practices.

As for the rest of your questions, I reached out to our Pet Connection ER guru, Dr. Tony Johnson of the Purdue University School of Veterinarian Medicine.

"I have had many pet owners tell me that they have performed 'mouth to snout' resuscitation on their pets while en route to the hospital. Whether they have really saved their pet's life or just caused their pet to think, 'Dude, what are you doing?' is still open for debate," he writes. "The anatomical differences between people and pets makes actual CPR difficult -- it is almost impossible to form a tight seal over their mouth and nose; air blown in the nose usually just comes out the mouth rather than going down into the lungs.

"Also, many pet owners' expectation of survival after CPR has been unrealistically set too high by TV -- everyone seems to be OK after CPR when a happy ending is called for in the script," continues Dr. Johnson. "That's rarely the case in true life, and even less so with pets."

So does that mean you shouldn't bother to learn more about emergency care? That's not Dr. Johnson's opinion at all. Your pet will have a better chance at survival in an emergency the more you know about what to do, after all. (And the "what to do" should include knowing the location, directions to and phone number of your nearest emergency-care veterinary clinic.)

"Knowing CPR is fine," says Dr. Johnson, "but more general first-aid information is even better to know. I encourage pet owners to take a basic first-aid course, or brush up on pet first aid once they know it through available books and good Web sites. Knowing how to stop bleeding, treat choking, prevent hypothermia and safely transport a pet to the hospital are essential to know -- and may make a life or death difference for your pet one day."

So there you have it! -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Exercise is for the dogs

-- Dogs are the key to exercise motivation. A survey from the United Kingdom found that 3,000 dog owners spent an average of eight hours and 11 minutes weekly exercising their pets. The survey also looked at 2,000 pet-less people and found their average weekly exercise at only one hour and 20 minutes. Even more, 86 percent of pet owners said they enjoyed walking their dogs. Dog owners were also less likely to come up with excuses not to exercise than those who don't own dogs. Only 16 percent of people said they enjoyed working out in the gym.

-- The world record for the most tennis balls held in the mouth of a dog is five, a record held by Augie, a golden retriever from Dallas who successfully gathered and held five regulation-sized tennis balls.

-- A horse's whinny not only provides information on sex, height and weight, but also plays an important social role. According to a study in the journal Animal Cognition, the whinny is more important than visual cues to horses. Whinnies vary in frequency according to sex, with stallions having lower-pitched frequencies, and mares and geldings having a higher frequency. Horses were also able to identify the social status of the horse neighing, whether or not the study horse knew the neighing horse. Horses recognize their equine friends as long as they are within hearing distance.

-- Egyptians revered cats for their relation to their cat goddess, Bastet. Whenever a cat would die, ancient Egyptians were said to shave their eyebrows in mourning. -- 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" and "The Dr. Oz Show" 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 more. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

THE SCOOP

Little dogs can have big problems

While no one can say how many small dogs there are, any casual observer will notice shoe-button eyes peering out from more shoulder bags these days.

Small breeds such as Yorkshire terriers have boomed in popularity, according to purebred dog registries. But that doesn't take into account popular mixes such as Yorkipoos (Yorkie-poodle crosses) and Maltipoos (Maltese-poodle crosses). And Chihuahuas have become so overly popular that the best place to adopt one is at a shelter!

But small dogs require special care. The list of things that can go wrong with tiny dogs is a long one, and veterinarians see it all: Defective knees, hips and shoulders. Heart and liver problems. Collapsing cartilage in the neck. Troublesome teeth. Overall fragility, including easily broken bones.

Some problems can be prevented through ethical breeding practices such as screening for genetic defects or with more careful handling to prevent injury. But many medical issues just come with being little.

The most vulnerable of these dogs are the smallest ones. Health problems don't stop the unscrupulous from breeding, but they should stop dog owners from buying. Pet lovers will do best by avoiding those who sell the tiniest of the tiny, or sell any small dog too young. Reputable breeders usually won't let small-breed puppies go until they're 12 weeks old, since younger puppies can die if not fed every four hours.

Tiny dogs can also be hard to house-train, since they have small bladders and need to go outside more often.

That doesn't mean they're not wonderful pets -- they are! -- but it does mean that owning a small dog means learning about their special needs so they can stay healthy and happy. -- Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

People first, but not by much

If you had to choose only one companion if stranded on a deserted island, what would it be? According to a survey of pet lovers, the highest number would choose a person over a particular kind of pet -- but if you tally all pets together, people lose. The results:

Human 47 percent

Dog 40 percent

Cat 10 percent

Other 2 percent

None 1 percent

Source: American Animal Hospital Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Cats need more variety

Cats may become fixated on certain food shapes and textures, not accepting anything unfamiliar as food. When cats eat only certain textures and tastes of food, they'll suffer if put on special diets or if a favorite brand becomes unavailable. And good luck trying to trick the food-fixated cat by hiding pills!

Avoid the problem by feeding kittens and cats a variety of foods. Introduce new foods by hand when the kitten or cat is very hungry. Mix a small amount of new food in with favorites to encourage acceptance.

Feed kittens and cats a wide selection of foods in various flavors, sizes, textures and shapes. Vary treats and flavors to keep your feline flexible in the food department.

(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.

Cabin fever can be the bane of an indoor cat's existence, but it doesn't have to be that way.

You don't have to open the door to the great outdoors to provide your cat with a more interesting life. In fact, by just looking at your home from a cat's point of view and adding a few environmental enrichments, your cat can be both safe and happy indoors. Here are five easy ways to get going:

-- Think vertical. Cats love to climb, so give them the opportunity. Cat trees mounted floor-to-ceiling, wrapped with sisal rope and studded with platforms for perching, will give your cat the opportunity to look down on the rest of the world. This is especially satisfying if there are dogs in the household, because what cat wouldn't like to look down on the dog?

-- Add toys. The cat with the most toys wins. Every indoor cat should have toys for batting around, toys for chasing, toys for hiding in and toys for interactive play. And don't forget that some of those toys ought to have catnip in them. While not all cats can enjoy the fragrant herb, those who do find it blissful in the extreme. If your cat is a catnip junkie, indulge him frequently. Rub fresh catnip onto cat trees or scratching posts, or stuff it into toys. It's perfectly safe for your cat to enjoy the buzz.

Some of the most enjoyable toys for both people and cats are the interactive ones. Every cat lover should have a "kitty tease" toy, typically a flexible rod with a line that ends in something furry or feathery to engage a cat's prey drive. Other interactive toys include gloves with goodies dangling from the fingertips, or laser pointers that offer cats a spot of light to chase. (Just be careful not to aim the beam in your cat's eyes.)

-- Provide rooms with views. No matter how big your house, your indoor cat will know every one of its sights and sounds within just a few days. Provide a little visual stimulation by putting a bird feeder outside a window fitted with a cat-sized ledge for comfortable viewing.

Be aware, though, that a view of the world isn't always going to work for your cat. If your yard is attracting other cats from the neighborhood, your own cat may become frustrated by seeing them, and he can even turn that frustration into attacks on people in the house. Blocking visiting cats from your yard or discouraging them with sprinklers may solve the problem. Otherwise, you may have to make certain windows off-limits to your own cat.

If a window view isn't going to work, try a TV. A few companies offer DVDs for cats. Pop one of these in, and your cat can be entertained with a lively mix of feline-friendly images and sounds, including those of birds and rodents.

-- Go green. Cats love nibbling on plants. Any decent feline reference book will provide a list of which plants should not be in a pet-friendly house, or visit the Animal Poison Control Center (www.aspca.org/apcc) for information on dangerous plants.

After you get the unsafe plants out of the way, protect your decorative houseplants by hanging them up or otherwise putting them out of reach. Keep cats from digging in your decorative pots by putting a layer of small, rough stones over the dirt. You can then add a collection of accessible plants for your cat to nibble on, such as grass shoots, or to enjoy rubbing, such as catnip, valerian or rosemary.

-- Give face time. Of course, one of the best things you can do for your indoor cat is to spend time with him. Playing, grooming, petting or just plain hanging out -- it's all good. Your cat loves you and loves spending time with you.

Keeping a cat inside is one of the best ways to ensure a long and healthy life, but it won't be that happy an existence unless you're going to add some interest to the surroundings. It doesn't take much in the way of time or effort, so get going. Your cat will thank you!

Q&A

Tips for getting fussy cat to eat

Q: I have a finicky cat. I know, I know: Cats are supposed to be finicky, but I'm so tired of trying to get this cat to eat and throwing away food afterward. The vet says he's fine. Suggestions? -- G.W., via e-mail

A: Although some cats have never met a dish of food they didn't love, others are very picky about what they eat. Feeding cats a wide variety of flavors and brands can help keep them from fixating on one particular food. Warming canned food to just about room temperature can also tempt a finicky feline.

Be aware, however, that your cat may not be as finicky as you think. If you leave dry food down all the time, he may be nibbling constantly throughout the day and thus never eating very much in any one observed sitting. The amount of food any one cat in a multicat household eats can be especially difficult to determine if food is always available. Cats with access to the outdoors may additionally be mooching off the neighbors or supplementing the rations you give him by hunting.

Finickiness in a healthy cat is not a reason for concern as long as your pet's not losing weight. A half-pound or even a pound gradually up or down is no big deal, but more than that and you need to call your veterinarian. Weight loss is often one of the first indications that something is wrong with your cat. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Q: Our house is on the dry side even though we run a humidifier in winter. 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: Don'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 actually 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

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

THE BUZZ

Mixed-breed cats are most popular

-- Most cat lovers have never been that interested in pedigrees: Plain ol' domestic cats of all backgrounds, markings and coat lengths are by far the most popular. Among cats with papers, the most popular breed is the Persian, followed by the Maine coon, the exotic (a shorthaired Persian), Siamese and Abyssinian. In the United Kingdom, what Americans call DSH (domestic shorthair) and DLH (domestic longhair) cats go by the much more endearing name of "Moggy."

-- Reports of a flood of Chihuahuas in shelters has prompted the relocation of many of these dogs to parts of the country where they remain in demand. Newspaper reports show that Chihuahuas and Chi mixes are the top dog in Los Angeles shelters and make up one-third of the dogs for adoption in San Francisco shelters. Why the little dogs are so popular is a matter for speculation, but some blame the influence of celebrities such as Paris Hilton and movies such as "Legally Blonde" and "Beverly Hills Chihuahua."

-- The New York Racing Association will levy harsh penalties on owners and trainers who either directly or indirectly sell a horse for slaughter, revoking the right to book stall space at the association's tracks -- Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga. In the meantime, Reuters reports that horsemeat is falling off the menu in France, a trend that may finally force North America to find more humane solutions to the problem of unwanted horses.

-- Dog breeds at animal shelters are misidentified about 75 percent of the time, according to a study by Canada's College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University. The findings bring into question the ability of animal control officials to ID -- and mark for killing -- shelter "pit bulls" in jurisdictions where they are banned. -- 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" and "The Dr. Oz Show" 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 more. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

THE SCOOP

Muddy paws can be tamed, even in winter

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

-- Use mats. Put washable mats both inside and outside the door. A small door mat can be jumped over, so go for something larger, at least during the rainy season. The wider the area of matting, the more chance you have of every paw hitting the mat at least once. Try a 3-foot-by-5-foot black industrial mat on either side of the door: It catches lots of mud and hoses off easily outside.

-- Teach dogs to wait for wiping. It's not difficult to teach a dog to wait on the mat for a paw cleaning. If you're patient and positive, you'll be able to teach your pet to offer each paw in turn and stand patiently while you towel it off.

-- Save your old towels. When towels get too ratty for guests to see, save them for use with your pets. Old towels may be ugly, but they are great for wiping paws, drying fur and even swiping a muddy paw print off the floor. You can also find super-absorbent towels and mitts made specifically for wiping paws. If you do need to buy paw wipes, then check prices on shop towels.

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

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Canine information boom online

The quality and accuracy of online information on dog care and training is very uneven -- and some of it is dangerous -- but that hasn't slowed the growth of the Internet as a reference source for dog owners. The percent of those who use it:

1998 5 percent

2000 15 percent

2002 14 percent

2004 19 percent

2006 23 percent

2008 27 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

PET TIP

Bigger pet cages are always better

If you had to spend your life in a cage, you'd want it to be as big as possible, wouldn't you? Then why settle for a tiny cage for your bird, reptile or small mammal?

Forget the pet store's labels or recommendations. For them, cage size recommendations are based on what they believe a customer will pop for -- in other words, the cheapest option available.

Think bigger! Go one size larger than the pet-store recommendations. For a budgie, for example, get a cage sized for a cockatiel, while cockatiels should be in cages sized for small parrots.

While you're introducing that larger cage to your pet, don't forget to enrich the environment with a variety of toys (and perches, for birds). Life in a cage isn't natural for any animal, so the least you can do is make that life more interesting. -- 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.