By Dr. Narda Robinson

If your cat's stressed out, there's a pretty good likelihood that you soon will be, too. That's because stress is a key factor in the development of health problems that lead to litter-box misses.

While that's not the only thing feline stress can cause or make worse, one can argue that what veterinarians call "inappropriate elimination" can be deadly. That's because many a frustrated cat-owner will give up on a cat who cannot be relied upon to hit the box. These cats often end up at the shelter, where their past puts a pall on their future.

Because behavioral problems are often really medical problems, such a cat needs the attention of a veterinarian. But reducing stress will help, even if there is a medical problem to be treated -- and especially if there isn't. Here are some possible stresses and solutions for cats:

-- Too many cats, too few boxes, not a clean restroom for miles. Tension and aggression can be a big factor in multiple animal households. It's important to ask if one cat is hogging the litter box, and ambushing the others. The litter boxes also must be clean, must be in private, quiet places and should be filled with an unscented product, which is what most cats prefer. Litter boxes need to be accessible, especially to older cats who may not move very well, or to cats who may be put off by lidded boxes, too little litter or litter that isn't to a cat's liking in any way. Back to multiples: at least one box per cat to avoid problems potentially caused by sharing.

-- Filling the dishes with more than good intentions. Cats don't like change, which is why abrupt changes in food, dish location or even feeding schedules can be stressful. Problems with food, such as allergies, can also cause stress, as can a diet with too little water in it. And here, too, privacy is an issue: As solitary hunters, cats prefer to eat more frequent, smaller meals in privacy. Even bowls can cause problems for some cats who won't drink water from a bowl used by other cats, one that's not full of clean, very fresh water or even one that's made of plastic, which may not smell right to some pets.

Talk to your veterinarian about the right food for your cat, and consider getting a pet water fountain for a constant supply of recirculated, filtered water.

-- Bored cats are stressed cats. Environmental enrichment is very important considering that many cats these days live completely indoors. Since cats love to be outside, consider adding a screened porch or cat-fencing to keep them in your yard safely. Your home can also be made more interesting with increased vertical space to explore, using cat towers. Cats also need places to be by themselves -- hiding spots to give them some space where they cannot be bothered by other members of the family, either pets or people. And don't forget toys and play time. Also offer greens: both grass shoots for eating, and catnip or dried valerian for rolling in and relaxing with after play.

-- Noisy homes aren't feline-friendly. Take a "sonic inventory" and reduce the noise levels. Loud TVs, video games or noisy family members can be too much for many cats. Plan some quiet time or give cats the ability to get away from the racket.

-- Massage is good for you both. Petting a cat lowers your stress levels as well as your cat's. Increase the two-way pleasure by indulging in massage and gentle brushing of your cat's lovely coat. For cats with pain, acupuncture and laser therapy may additionally help ease stress caused by discomfort.

-- For any kind of stress, see if the product Feliway will help. Feliway offers the comfort of feline facial pheromones, a smell cats naturally find reassuring and relaxing.

Your cat doesn't have to be sick or "misbehaving" to benefit from stress reduction, either. Consider it an investment in a higher quality of life for you both.

(Guest columnist Dr. Narda Robinson is director of the Center for Comparative and Integrative Pain Medicine at Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a member of the PetConnection.com advisory team.)

Q&A

Cat, dog intro needs to be slow

Q: My Maltese-poodle mix has spent the last year with my ex while I've worked to find housing that accepts a dog. My daughter wanted a kitten, which my apartment did accept, so we got one. Now the dog is going to go back and forth with my daughter, but she's worried the kitten will freak. What's the best way to handle this? -- Q.K.

A: You didn't mention if your dog has lived with a cat before and gotten along. If that's the case, the transition will likely be a smooth one. The kitten is still young enough to adapt without much fuss, and if the dog pays her no mind, you're home free. The back-and-forth will take some getting used to, but if it's a regular deal, everyone should be able to adjust.

Before the dog arrives, prepare the kitten by giving her a "dog-free" zone for her dishes and litter box. One good way to do this is by choosing a spare bedroom or bathroom and putting a baby gate across the doorway. The kitten will be able to come and go without any effort, but the dog won't be able to get past the barrier.

Make sure the kitten is comfortable with the new arrangement before springing the dog on her. The stress of a new dog and a new location for litter box and dishes could well be enough to push her into choosing her own potty sites.

Introduce the dog on a leash and watch the reactions. Don't force the issue -- let the kitten be hissy and retreat if she wishes. Curiosity is normal from the dog, but don't allow him to chase the cat, even in play. Redirect away from the kitten and give praise and treats for leaving the other animal alone. You may need to leave the leash on for a few days until everyone gets the "leave the cat alone" rule.

The situation should settle down in a couple of weeks, but if it doesn't, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a trainer or behaviorist. Get help sooner if the dog seems intent on hurting the cat. Considering that both animals are not that different in size, that could end up with both being hurt pretty badly, which will mean a trip to the veterinarian's and a set-back in blending the family. -- 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" 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 BUZZ

Killing is no answer to feral cat problem

-- There's evidence that controlling populations of feral cats through non-lethal means is not only more effective, but also less expensive to taxpayers. The Best Friends Animal Society and PetSmart Charities released a study noting that maintaining cat colonies through volunteer-managed trap-neuter-release programs costs municipalities $9 billion annually, compared to a $16 billion annual cost to exterminate free-roaming cats, the latter a program that hasn't been proven to be effective when it comes to reducing numbers, since it doesn't stop cats from reproducing. Trap-neuter-release programs place adoptable cats and kittens in new homes and maintain the untamable cats as placeholders to prevent recolonization. The study notes that there are an estimated 87 million ownerless cats in the United States.

-- A British proposal to force all dog owners to carry insurance to cover the possibility that the animals might cause harm was dropped. Dog lovers said the plan presented an unnecessary and unfair cost considering that the vast majority of pets present little to no risk of harming anyone.

-- Cats and small dogs are particularly vulnerable to illness or death attributed to the use and misuse of flea-and-tick-control products, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in releasing a report of consumer complaints about the products. The agency is developing stronger standards for testing of the products and may push for reformulation of some. Also in the works is a reconsideration of product labels to help prevent consumers from misapplying the insecticides -- using dog products on cats, for example. In 2008, the EPA received 44,263 reports of harmful reactions from topical products.

-- The major streets of Santa Cruz, Calif., have been off-limits to even leashed dogs since 1976, but that may be changing soon. The city's downtown merchants association voted overwhelmingly to recommend the ban be repealed, hoping to attract more tourists traveling with well-mannered pets. California dog-lovers looking for a weekend coastal getaway have long preferred nearby Carmel and Monterey, both of which are known for their dog-friendly amenities and attitudes. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

PET Rx

A blimpy bird needs vet help

Obesity is a problem in parrots, too. These birds need a veterinary check to rule out health problems and for advice to ease the weight off gradually.

Some of the signs of obesity in pet 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 wetted 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. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Reptile owners: Smarter, richer?

A survey on pets, pet lovers and the pet-supply industry suggests that people who choose reptiles and amphibians as pets tend to be urban, affluent and better-educated, compared to the general population. The most popular pets among reptile owners (multiple answers allowed):

Turtle/tortoise 50 percent

Frog/toad 23 percent

Lizard 19 percent

Snake 18 percent

Iguana 12 percent

Other reptile 5 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

Tip

Keep cats safe from falling

If you live anywhere above the ground floor, your cat could be injured falling out of a window. They're just not able to understand the risk, and sometimes jump after something interesting, such as a bird.

It's possible to give a cat fresh air safely, no matter what kind of housing you have. If you're in multifamily housing, you can't alter a fire escape because of safety issues, but you may be allowed to screen in a balcony to give your cat access to fresh air and a good view. If you're in a detached home, you can put in a more permanent structure, such as a screened-in multilevel cat playground.

While screens aren't completely safe and can pop out under pressure from a determined cat, they will keep most cats out of trouble most of the time. -- 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.

By Dr. Narda Robinson

Our bodies are built to heal, and given the right opportunities, they usually do.

We are constantly confronting a dizzying array of pathogens. If we are healthy, we have a good chance of fending off these disease-causing agents. Our normal defense mechanisms keep our body's systems humming happily. This is as true in pets as it is in people.

Even though the length of a pet's life depends on numerous variables -- and many fall outside of our control -- we do have opportunities to improve quality of life if we tune into health and tune out stress.

Stress, whether physical, mental or emotional, upsets both the mind and body. Individuals may resort to self-destructive behaviors to cope. As a result of stress, pain increases, blood pressure goes up, and circulation to and from our organs diminishes, further compromising their ability to normalize function after illness. Physical problems become harder to treat and often turn chronic in the face of unrelenting stress.

These days, drug companies are more than ready, willing and able to sell us medications for stress, but why not find ways to stop the problem at its source?

Here's how stress affects our canine companions and what we can do about it. Next week, I'll talk about how stress affects cats.

-- Eyes: Television (flashing lights), boredom (lack of visual stimulation), cigarette or other sources of smoke and pollution, as well as blindness, are stressful.

Some natural ways to relieve eye stress: Shut off the TV, provide walks in nature and safe toys in a healthful and stimulating environment. Stop smoking and provide fresh air. For blind dogs, keep furniture in the same place so dogs learn the layout and cope better if medical treatment is not an option.

-- Ears: Stressors include the TV (again), loud music, other dogs barking, humans arguing, loud children, video games, car alarms, home construction, slamming doors and thunderstorms.

As the canine music therapy folks at "Through a Dog's Ear" (www.throughadogsear.com) advise, take a "sonic inventory" to pinpoint noise pollution. Once you realize how much and how often your dog's ultra-sensitive ears endure the cacophony of human existence, you can work to eliminate this form of stress. Replace noxious noise with quiet or slow, specifically formulated music. You'll be surprised by how rapidly the change alters the psychological atmosphere for the better.

For dogs who are afraid of thunderstorms, try an anti-static cape such as the Storm Defender (www.stormdefender.com). Although the reduction of static was thought to help, research instead suggests that the benefit of snug-fitting canine capes and related apparel involves the comfort of tactile pressure.

-- Nose: Strong odors are the problem, including perfumes, excessive or irritating essential oils, hair spray, air fresheners, and cigarette and other types of smoke.

Instead of masking odors with air fresheners, eliminate their source. What's bad for your dog to inhale is also bad for you, after all. For anxiety and fear, some owners believe their dogs are calmer with a product called D.A.P., for dog-appeasing pheromone. Lavender aromatherapy has shown value in reducing restlessness in dogs in shelter environments, as well.

-- Mouth and digestive system: Poor diet and bad teeth and gums are a source of stress, as is the lack of fresh water. Having to compete with other dogs for food and fear of being attacked while eating is also stressful.

Natural ways to relieve mouth-related and digestive system stress include regular dental examinations and cleanings as needed. All dogs need fresh, clean water and well-balanced nutrition, as well as peace and safety while eating.

-- Whole-system stress: Acute and chronic illness is uncomfortable and stressful. Temperature stress and climatic factors such as wind and exposure to rain, snow and ice produce different types of stress. Untreated or undertreated pain takes a long-term toll on health. Excessive exercise ("weekend warrior syndrome") or imprudent rehabilitation practices can worsen spinal disease and joint pain and cause fear, stress and more pain.

Relieve stress with a comfortable living area and a supportive bed, with a temperature-controlled setting safe from the elements outdoors, regular moderate exercise, medical and home massage and other body-benefiting treatments. Some dogs enjoy heating pads or the application of cold on painful areas.

A final point: It's important not to dismiss an illness by attributing it to "just stress." If your pet's not right, see your veterinarian.

(Guest columnist Dr. Narda Robinson is director of the Center for Comparative and Integrative Pain Medicine at Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a member of the PetConnection.com advisory team.)

Q&A

Seed junkie bird not really addicted

Q: My double-yellow Amazon, Gomez, is crazy for sunflower seeds. I feed him a pellet food sold by our veterinarian, plus lots of fruits and veggies. But he'd kill for sunflower seeds! I've read that they have an addictive substance. Is that true? It isn't hard to believe, knowing how nuts my bird is for them. -- G.K., via e-mail

A: The rumor that sunflower seeds are addictive to parrots has been floating around forever. I guess the answer depends on how you define "addictive." If you mean is there a substance in the seeds that alters the body's chemistry (like nicotine or morphine), then the answer is no. There's just no evidence that sunflower seeds can exert that kind of hold on a bird.

But if you mean addiction in the more casual sense -- like my "addiction" to chocolate -- then you're probably on to something. Many birds find sunflower seeds to be the yummiest of treats, but not all do. My late Senegal parrot, Patrick, wasn't at all interested in sunflower seeds -- but you'd better get out of his way when almonds or safflower seeds are available!

Seeds are fine as a treat, by the way, but should never be the sole diet for a parrot. You've got the right idea: a base diet of high-quality commercial food complemented by a wide array of fruits, vegetables, and healthy "people food" such as pasta, breads, cooked eggs and so on. Use seeds as treats in training, since they're "high value" to a working bird. -- 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" 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 BUZZ

Human medication can threaten pets

-- Medication meant for people, both prescribed and over-the-counter, had the dubious honor of being the top-ranked pet poison for 2009, according to calls to the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (www.ASPCA.org/APCC). Last year nearly 46,000 calls involved medications meant for people. At No. 2 on the list was insecticides, with 29,000 calls. The most common poisoning problem with these products was the misuse of flea and tick medications, typically a cat made ill by the use of a product meant for dogs. Food items ranked third, with 17,000 calls about common food toxins, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocado and products with the sweetener Xylitol, a common ingredient in gum. Rounding out the list were plants, including lilies, which are extremely poisonous to cats, and the improper use of veterinary prescriptions.

-- North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine requires all veterinary students to complete training in disaster response. According to DVM360.com, the students are taught to work with both people and animals in disasters and learn skills such as setting up mobile animal shelters located near emergency shelters for displaced people. They also learn how to respond to an epidemic in animals and stop the spread of disease that may jump to people.

-- Rabbits rejoice! The first eight veterinarians to earn a new specialty certification in rabbits and other small mammals have completed their training. The new "exotic" specialists have extra training in treating the maladies of common small pets, not only rabbits but also hamsters, rats and other "pocket pets."

-- A gene in dogs has been linked to compulsive disorder. A 10-year study at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine found that Dobermans with compulsive tendencies had a higher frequency of a risk-associated genetic marker compared with normal members of the breed. The research may allow for earlier intervention for obsessive compulsive behavior, as well as treatment or prevention of compulsive disorders in both dogs and humans. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

Pet Rx

Hot dog: Watch for heat stress in spring

Winter can turn to spring with an abruptness that catches many by surprise. And that means it's always important to beware of your dog possibly overheating when you're still not thinking it's that hot yet.

While most people know not to leave a dog in a car on a summer day, fewer realize how hot a car can get on a day that's merely warm, even with the car windows cracked for ventilation. For your pet's safety, leave him at home rather than leave him in the car.

Exercise is always good for dogs, not only for their health but to help avoid behavior problems. But dogs don't function as efficiently as we do in the heat, so remember that exercise is best left to cool mornings and evenings in the warmer months.

If your dog isn't in shape, work up to long sessions gradually, either early in the morning or late at night, and watch carefully for any sign that your dog is in trouble. Carry water, and offer it often.

If your dog does get overheated -- heavy panting and a glassy-eyed look are the signs -- put lots of cool -- but not cold -- water on him and find a veterinarian quickly.

Overheating is a true medical emergency, and your dog's life is on the line. Don't wait to see if he gets better. Get help right away. -- Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

Who buys for pets?

If you've noticed that ads for pet-care products seem aimed at women, you'll probably not be surprised to know that's because most pet-care products are purchased by women. The primary shopper for pet-care products is a woman 78 percent of the time, and the average age of that purchaser is 47. The percentage of women primary shoppers by type of pet:

Small animal 85 percent

Cat 81 percent

Bird 80 percent

Dog 78 percent

Reptile 82 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

PETS ON THE WEB

Got a hamster? Check this site

In Britain, the National Hamster Council (www.hamsters-uk.org) claims to be the oldest hamster club in the world. I'm not sure who keeps those kinds of records, so I guess we'll just have to believe them.

Hamsters have long been a popular pet, especially for children. But even in the days of the Internet, good basic care information on these little cuties can be hard to ferret out.

But not here! This site offers lots of solid information on hamsters, their care and feeding, plus more than anyone really needs to know on showing them. If you live in the United Kingdom, you can put your hamster up against others at more than two dozen officially sanctioned hamster shows a year. Who knew?-- 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.

Call them the Finger Crossers, if you will -- those folks who know if their dogs get loose they'll get them back only when conditions are absolutely right: if there isn't another dog to play with, a squirrel to chase or a scent to follow. Or if they're fast or lucky enough to corner them.

If you're one of these dog owners, you may well be in the majority. While "come" is one of the most basic of dog commands, it's probably the one dogs obey the least. While it's true some dogs are naturally more inclined to come when called than others, obedience is not an impossibility for any dog.

Figuring out why your pet won't mind is the first step toward fixing the problem.

Maybe your dog is afraid to come to you. If you're one of those people who have to chase your dog, you may also be someone who isn't very happy when you've finally caught up with him. Screaming at your dog for running away or punishing your pet when you collar him at last is a good way of making sure the next time he gets loose he'll run farther, faster. Wouldn't you?

Being reunited with you should be a positive experience. Never, ever punish a dog for coming to you or for failing to come.

If you're not punishing him, perhaps your dog really doesn't understand what you want. Few people practice the "come" command enough -- or at all. You probably use "sit" a half-dozen times a day, just around the house, but you probably don't use "come" in the house when you want your dog near you. Maybe all you have to do is open the refrigerator. If that's the case, your dog doesn't understand the relationship between the command and the action of coming to you. He just knows if he's sitting in the right place at the right time, you might drop some food.

Or maybe your dog doesn't see why he should listen to you. You may have a dog who believes that what you want is only one of the factors that go into his deciding what he's going to do. A dog who knows what's expected of him and respects you is going to mind you. A dog who thinks you're a dope who couldn't catch a bus is going to treat you like the fool he thinks you are.

If the problems are training and respect, you can fix them both together. Train your dog, work with your dog, and the respect will follow. Teach your dog the "come" command in increments, on a standard 6-foot leash, on progressively longer and lighter lines, and with lots of praise and treats. Practice, not just in formal sessions but in everyday life. And sharpen up all your dog's manners, because they all help reinforce your role as leader. Elicit the help of a trainer if you just don't seem to be getting anywhere.

Should your untrained dog get loose, there are a couple of tricks you can use to catch him. Try to sweet-talk him in with a kneeling, open-arms stance, or run away from him, enticing him to follow -- the chase instinct is very strong in most dogs. Another strategy is to use a command he knows well, like "sit." Once he's planted, you can take him by the collar. (Don't forget to praise for the sit!)

Remember, though, a loose-dog situation is not about obedience -- it's about keeping your dog from becoming road-pizza. If you're one of those Finger Crossers, keep him on leash for his own safety and start training now.

Q&A

Regular brushing key to catching fur

Q: My calico sheds more than any cat I've ever known. Her hair is everywhere, especially white hair. What can I do to stop this? -- T.A., via e-mail

A: Assuming the fur coat looks healthy -- sleek, shiny and full with no bare patches -- your cat is probably shedding a normal amount, which is to say, constantly.

All pets shed. It's a myth that longhaired pets shed more than shorthaired ones. The former just appear to shed more because the hair they lose is more visible. Your cat's shedding may seem more prolific because much of the fur is white and thus shows easily on any dark-colored piece of clothing.

You can't stop a cat from shedding, nor should you try to. It's a normal process for a healthy cat, in which old fur is replaced by new. You can reduce the impact of shedding by grooming your cat daily. After all, the fur you catch on a brush won't show up on your clothes or furniture. Gentle brushing is also an experience that will strengthen the bond with your pet.

For your shorthaired cat, try a grooming glove. These have nubs to catch the fur while you're petting your cat. A couple of minutes a day will collect a large amount of the loose fur that's ready to be shed. -- Gina Spadafori

Pimply cat

Q: Our cat had a problem with pimples on her chin. Our veterinarian asked if we had a plastic dish. When we switched to a ceramic dish, the problem disappeared. Would you please tell others about this? We didn't know. -- L.W., via e-mail

A: Although some feline acne can be triggered by an allergy to plastic, other cats may need other remedies to fix this not uncommon but not serious problem.

Although most classic acne cases occur in cats who are simply not good chin groomers, there are other possibilities, including mites, ringworm and various allergies. As you've done, checking in with the veterinarian will help get to the bottom of the problem. If switching the bowl doesn't work, washing the area frequently may, or medications may be needed to clear things up. -- Dr. Marty Becker

(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" 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 BUZZ

Bites not likely triggered by breed

-- Circumstances are a more likely indicator of a dog's potential to bite someone than the animal's breed or mix, according to an analysis of bite statistics by the Coalition for Living Safely with Dogs and the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association. Loose dogs, territory-protecting dogs, frightened dogs and dogs involved in fights with another animal were most likely to be involved in biting a person. Most bites in the home were triggered by a dog guarding food or a toy, or biting a visiting friend or relative in a display of territory- or object-guarding. The number of bite incidents roughly correlated with a breed's popularity -- more of a certain kind of dog meant more bites from that kind of dog. Age and gender also played a role, with adolescent male dogs more likely to bite -- and bite more severely -- than older dogs or female dogs. Children were bitten more often than adults.

-- The top two thoroughbred racehorses in North America last year were both female -- Rachel Alexandra, winner of the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes, and Zenyatta, the undefeated winner of every race she has run, including the $5 million Breeders Club Classic. Both horses showed their heels to male competitors easily and often, but the racing industry gave the top award to Rachel Alexandra, naming her Horse of the Year. The two mares are expected to compete against each other for the first time ever in April, in a special edition of the Apple Blossom Stakes at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark.

-- Birds most likely did not play any part in spreading the H1N1 or the 1918 flu virus, according to research published in the Journal of General Virology. The viruses were injected into chickens, which by the end of 18 days after injection showed neither tissue damage nor signs of the flu. Ducks also showed no response to either strain. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

THE SCOOP

Patience key to getting good pet pics

Taking lots of pictures is one of the keys to successful pet photography. Keeping your camera ready to use is another. Great pet pictures, like great kid pictures, pop up when you don't expect them.

For more formal photo sessions, here are a few tips:

-- Use the right attention-getter. Dogs will react to jingled or thrown keys, or squeaky toys or tennis balls. But try the same thing with a cat, and the only thing you'll get a picture of is the tip of a tail as your pet departs in disgust. Talk sweetly to your cat for a better response, or tease him with a favorite toy. Food is another winner, and it works with both dogs and cats.

-- Use natural light. Available light avoids the dreaded red-eye shot, where the flash makes your beautiful pet come out as a monster. Taking pictures outside also gives your pet a more natural, healthy look. If you must take pictures inside, avoid the reflection by not pointing the flash straight at the animal, or by having the animal look off to the side, at another person (kids are great photo assistants).

-- Come in close. If you want a good picture, you're going to have to go where your pet is. Shoot at just below your pet's eye level and zoom in as closely as you can for good detail.

-- Watch your backgrounds. Think neutral -- a plain wall, not a cluttered cabinet. Think contrast -- light for a dark pet, dark for a light one.

Keep your sessions short -- kids and pets get bored quickly -- and don't forget to keep them fun, with lots of praise all around. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Training with cookies

Almost half of all dog owners responding to a trade group survey said they didn't use any training devices or services at all. Of the remainder, here are the most popular responses:

Treats 37 percent

All other 12 percent

Books 11 percent

Hired professional 9 percent

Whistle 5 percent

No-bark collar 4 percent

Videos 4 percent

Electric fence 3 percent

Clicker 3 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

PET TIP

Get that puppy into class!

One of the best things you can do to get your puppy off to a good start is to get him into a puppy class. These classes are more about socialization and teaching puppies to pay attention than they are about overtaxing a puppy's short attention span. And that's perfect for a youngster who's just learning about the world around him.

Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation, or check out local pet-supply shops or park and recreation districts. You'll often find puppy classes running nearly year-round, to help catch little problems before they become big ones. -- 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.