NOW'S THE TIME TO GIVE YOUR DOG A COAT-CARE MAKEOVER

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Beauty is more than skin-deep when it comes to your dog. Keeping your pet well-groomed not only gives you a clean-smelling companion, it also helps to keep your dog more comfortable and allows you to spot health problems before they become serious, even life-threatening.

How important is grooming to your pet's comfort? Consider a simple mat, so easy to overlook. Have you ever had your hair in a ponytail that was just a little too tight? A mat can feel the same way to your dog, a constant pull on the skin. Try to imagine those all over your body, and you have a good idea how uncomfortable an ungroomed coat can be.

Your dog need never know what a mat feels like if you keep him brushed and combed -- but that's the start of the health benefits. Regular grooming allows you to look for lumps, bumps and injuries, while clearing such things as mats and ticks from his coat. Follow up with your veterinarian on any questionable masses you find, and you may detect cancer early enough to save your pet's life.

For shorthaired breeds, keeping skin and coat in good shape is easy. Run your hands over him daily, a brush over him weekly, and that's it.

For other breeds, grooming is a little more involved. Breeds such as collies, chows, Keeshonden and Alaskan malamutes are "double-coated," which means they have a downy undercoat underneath harsher long hair. The down can mat like a layer of felt against the skin if left untended. To prevent this, divide the coat into small sections and brush against the grain from the skin outward, working from head to tail, section by section. In the spring and fall -- the big shedding times -- you'll end up with enough of that fluffy undercoat to make a whole new dog. Keep brushing and think of the benefits: The fur you pull out with a brush won't end up on the furniture, and removing the old stuff keeps your pet cooler in the summer and lets new insulation come in for the winter.

Silky-coated dogs such as Afghan hounds, cockers and Maltese also need constant brushing to keep tangles from forming. As with the double-coated dogs, work with small sections at a time, brushing from the skin outward, and then comb back into place with the grain for a glossy, finished look. Coats of this type require so much attention that having a groomer keep the dogs trimmed to a medium length is often more practical.

Curly and wiry coats, such as those on poodles and terriers, need to be brushed weekly, working against the grain and then with it. Curly coats need to be clipped every six weeks; wiry ones, two or three times a year (but clipping every six weeks will keep your terrier looking sharper).

Good grooming is about more than keeping your pet looking beautiful and clean-smelling, although that's certainly one of the pleasant payoffs. Regular grooming relaxes the dog who's used to it, and it becomes a special time shared between you both. A coat free of mats, burrs and tangles and skin free of fleas and ticks are as comfortable to your dog as clean clothes fresh from the wash are to you. It just makes you feel good, and the effect is the same for your pet.

Some added benefit for you: Giving your dog a tummy rub after every session is sure to relax you (and your dog, of course) and ease the stress of your day. And for allergy sufferers, keeping a dog clean may make having a dog possible.

SIDEBAR

Dirty dog? Call a groomer!

As I get older, busier and arguably lazier, I rely on a professional groomer to keep my longhaired Sheltie in top form.

Fortunately, I live right across the street from one of the best groomers in town, a neighborhood amenity I happily discovered after I moved into the house. I keep up the regular brushing, and Judy picks up Drew for a bath, trim and de-shedding at monthly intervals. My shorter-coated retrievers I groom myself.

Going to a pro can get a home-grooming program back on track for any dog. If your dog's coat is overgrown and matted, start fresh by having a groomer take it down. Once the mess is removed, you'll have an easier time keeping your pet's coat in good shape. -- Gina Spadafori

Q&A

Unspayed dogs cause problems

Q: Too many people have unspayed female dogs, and they walk them where other dogs walk, never dreaming that anything is wrong with what they're doing. Every time a dog in heat urinates, the smell drives male dogs crazy, even the fixed ones. They stop and sniff much harder than usual, making you yell and tug at them to get them to move. Then they look at you with that withering "you spoiled my fun" look.

Please explain that when an unspayed female is in season, the scent is broadcast to all the male dogs within a mile radius. Their lives (and ours) would be so much easier without fertile females being "saved" to have one litter of puppies -- just to know what motherhood feels like! -- D.F., via e-mail

A: Of course, it's always a good idea to spay and neuter pets. In addition to helping to fight pet overpopulation, spaying and neutering have significant advantages to any pet and pet owner. In males, neutering reduces aggression, roaming and marking. In females, spaying protects them from serious cancer and infections. (Spaying before the first heat cycle virtually eliminates the risk of mammary cancer.) Spayed and neutered animals are easier to live with and less expensive, too, without veterinary costs for roaming- or aggression-related injuries and reproductive-related cancers and infections.

That said, I have a better cure for the problem you're experiencing: training. There's no reason why even an unneutered dog cannot be trained to mind, to walk without pulling on the leash and to come when called. The world is full of temptations, and one way to control them is through training.

One of my four dogs is a young, unneutered male retriever. I'd much rather have all my pets neutered, but since this fellow is a show dog, that's out for the foreseeable future. I don't have any behavior problems with him, however, not even if the beguiling scent of a female in heat wafts through the neighborhood. My fences are secure, my dog is not allowed to roam, and when on leash, he knows not to pull me.

Instead of complaining about what you cannot control, get control of what you can -- your own dog. Any trainer will be happy to help. -- Gina Spadafori

Q&A

Jump on agility

Q: I have a 17-month-old springer spaniel mix who is driven to please. He will climb and jump and do everything I ask him to. I wanted to put him in a canine agility class, but I can't find any in my area. Also, I know it's called the AKC agility competition. Does he have to be purebred to compete? -- R.D., via e-mail

A: Agility is a wonderful sport, as its growing popularity testifies. At the top levels, dogs compete over obstacle courses to see who can go fastest and run cleanest -- not going off course or knocking down jumps.

While the elite teams at the top of the sport -- which mostly include border collies -- can give the impression that the sport is only for the fittest and fastest, any dog is welcome to train and compete. Agility can build confidence in dogs, strengthen the bond between owner and dog, and provide a good source of exercise for all.

The American Kennel Club's agility competitions are just for purebreds, but there are also places for you and your dog. The U.S. Dog Agility Association welcomes all dogs. The group lists agility clubs and events on its website (www.usdaa.com) to help interested dog lovers connect. -- Gina Spadafori

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

PET BUY

Giving old pet a helping hand

When big dogs age, they often find it difficult to get up on their feet and manage everyday challenges such as stairs. Even young dogs can have temporary problems with mobility, such as after recovering from surgery. While a large bath towel slipped under a dog's middle can help in a pinch, well-fitting aids with handles for easy use are a good investment when it comes to giving an old dog a lift on a regular basis.

The Pet Zone Lift-n-Aid harness is one of several products on the market designed to help old dogs get around easier. The washable nylon device has adjustable straps and a sturdy handle, and is easy to put on and take off after a practice run or two.

The medium aid is designed for dogs 55 to 80 pounds, and the large is for pets up to 125 pounds. Both have a suggested retail of under $20 and are available through pet-supply outlets. -- Gina Spadafori

THE SCOOP

Why do cats go for cat haters?

Why, in a room full of people, will a cat invariably make a beeline for the one person in the room who hates or is allergic to cats?

Cats don't like eye contact from strangers -- they find it intimidating. When a friendly cat wanders into a room, he'll notice that all the people who like cats are looking at him. So he heads for the one who he thinks is being polite -- the person who isn't looking at him. The cat doesn't realize that the person isn't looking because he doesn't want the cat near him. It's just a little bit of cross-species miscommunication.

That's one theory, anyway. Or maybe putting cat fur on the slacks of a cat hater really is the ultimate in feline fun. -- Gina Spadafori

PETS ON THE WEB

Common-sense pet care prevents disease

If you think about all the diseases one can contract from animals -- from rabies to worms and more -- it's almost enough to make you want to go pet-free and wrap yourself up in plastic.

In fact, it's pretty mind-boggling how many diseases and parasites can be passed from pets to humans. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control helpfully supplies a pretty scary list of them. The CDC's Healthy Pets, Healthy People website (www.cdc.gov/healthypets) offers an in-depth examination of these so-called "zoonotic" health risks, and it includes special advice for people at higher risk, including those with immune-system weaknesses and those whose jobs involve working with animals.

At the top of the list of concerns would likely be rabies, a deadly disease more common in wildlife than in pets, thanks to decades of aggressive vaccination laws. Other worries are bacterial, with pets capable of transmitting salmonella, leptospirosis and campylobacteriosis, to name a nasty trio. Diseases caused by parasites include tapeworm, hookworm, roundworm, Lyme disease and giardia. And there's even ringworm, which is really a fungus. Toxoplasmosis is a special concern for people sharing their lives with cats.

Pets are not the only source for many of these diseases -- in many cases, improper food handling is a bigger risk. You can reduce the chance of your animal or bird companion making you sick by keeping your pet free of disease and by making sure all family members wash hands frequently when around animals. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Kids and pets

Some pets just seem to be a natural fit with children. A recent study asked people with small pets what kind of pets they kept, and if the household included children (multiple answers allowed):

Home with children Home without children

Rabbit 40 percent 48 percent

Hamster 25 percent 41 percent

Guinea pig 22 percent 13 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

PETS Rx

Quarantine, exam for new pet bird

Thinking of adding another bird to your flock? For the safety of the pet bird you already have, skip any introductions until your new bird has been examined by a veterinarian with experience in avian care.

Even a seemingly healthy bird needs to be quarantined for about six weeks before meeting any other feathered family members. As heartbreaking as it would be to lose a new pet to an infectious disease, having that illness passed on to established pets would be even worse.

After you get the OK from your veterinarian, maintain the birds in their own cages in the same room. Some may mingle eventually, but size and temperament differences may require separate cages for life for others. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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.

It's not a mystery that caressing a purring cat is a pleasurable experience -- it'll even lower your blood pressure. But what is a mystery, strangely enough, is the mechanics of purring itself.

In short: No one really, truly knows exactly how a cat purrs -- or even all the reasons why.

The most common explanation of the source is that a purr originates in the voice box, with what are called the "vestibular folds," or false vocal cords. The passing of air across these structures is thought to get the engine running.

Cats purr when they're happy, but cats also purr if they're injured, while giving birth -- even when dying. British zoologist Desmond Morris has observed in his masterwork, "Catworld: A Feline Encyclopedia" (Penguin Reference), that purring is "a sign of friendship -- either when (the cat) is contented with a friend or when it is in need of friendship -- as with a cat in trouble." If you think about it, a purr is kind of like a smile: Sometimes you smile from happiness, sometimes from nervousness.

As with a smile, there's no such thing as a purr that isn't welcome. Cats know this themselves. Kittens start purring even before they open their eyes, rumbling while nursing, with what must be a reassuring sound to their mother -- who's likely purring herself.

We even like that purring is something our cats do that the big cats can't. Your cat, in other words, can do something even the biggest, most handsome and imposing King of the Jungle can't: Cats purr, but lions can't.

On the flip side: Lions roar, which cats can't do. Still, it's pretty special that no big cat can get his motor running the way our household kitties can, purring constantly as effortlessly as breathing, both in and out. Tigers can rumble a tiger-sized purr-like sound, but on the exhale only -- and really, would you like a tiger sleeping on your bed?

A couple more cool cat facts to ponder:

Squeezing in. Cats are able to squeeze through spaces that seem narrower than they are because cats don't have a rigid collarbone to block their way through nooks and crannies. Once they can get their head and shoulders through, their sleek bodies present no further obstacle.

That's if those bodies are sleek, that is. The world is full of fat cats, after all, and for them, fitting through tiny holes is not a given. For one thing, they may think they're capable of fitting even if their paunch says otherwise. That's because a cat's whiskers -- super-sensitive specialized hairs -- spread roughly as wide as a cat does. But they don't grow longer as a cat gets wider, which can lead some corpulent cats into sticky situations.

No sweet tooth on a cat. People crave sweets -- cakes, candies, cookies and sodas galore. But cats couldn't care less. That's because the taste buds of a cat are incapable of detecting, appreciating or triggering a craving for foods that we recognize as "sweet."

As "obligate carnivores" -- meaning they need meat protein to survive -- cats don't need to have much to do with sweets. It's unclear whether the ancestors of cats had the ability to detect sweetness and lost it, or whether cats never developed a "sweet tooth," since they didn't need it.

People eat a much more varied diet, and our taste buds reflect that -- we have nearly 10,000 on our tongues. No such variety for cats, who'd be happy to stick with small prey animals and need fewer than 500 taste buds to figure what's good on the menu.

No doubt their limited abilities in this regard factor in the well-known finickiness of cats.

What's not a mystery about cats? How much we love them. They are the most popular pet in the United States, and they show no sign of giving up that No. 1 status.

Q&A

Perfect rabbit diet

is easy, economical

Q: I just got a rabbit from a friend, and I was wondering what fresh foods are OK to give him. -- J.S., via e-mail

A: A rabbit's diet should consist of a nonstop supply of grass hays (timothy, alfalfa or oat hay, brome or orchard grass), plus daily servings of fresh, dark-green leafy vegetables. Your rabbit also needs at-will access to clean, fresh water. Fruits such as bananas, apples or raisins can be used as treats.

Like many longtime bunny fans, I don't feed commercial rabbit pellets at all. I feed "greens" -- collard, mustard, chard, kale, dandelion, etc. -- along with parsley, broccoli and the leafy tops of root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips or beets. If you have room for a vegetable garden, greens are ridiculously easy to grow. I also give my rabbits the parings from all the vegetables I prepare for myself.

I buy hay at the feed mill (even most urban areas have them). If you have a dry, cool spot to store hay, it's most economical to buy by the bale. If not, buy a "flake" or two at a time, and you'll still save money over the tiny packages sold in pet stores. If you keep it covered and dry, a hay bale will last for months. (And if you check around, you may be able to split a bale with other rabbit owners.)

Final note: "Wild" greens are fine to feed rabbits -- as long as you're sure the area where you're picking them is free of herbicides and pesticides. -- Gina Spadafori

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

THE BUZZ

Dog can help child

avoid weight gain

-- With childhood obesity a continued concern, one study suggests that having a dog in the family can help to motivate kids to get moving. Among children 5 to 6 years of age, a family dog reduces the likelihood of obesity by half. Not only are children with dogs more likely to walk, but they're also more likely to spend more time with the pet and less on the couch watching TV or playing video games.

-- The continued popularity of tiny dogs is driving the smuggling of puppies across the border from Mexico. On the California border, a task force of 18 regional law enforcement agencies is working to fight the smuggling of puppies across the borders in ways that are not only illegal, but cruel. Puppies have been found stuffed in car speakers, side door panels and under seats -- and they're often bound to prevent movement or noise. The puppies are also dying from contagious diseases and parasites, as well as poor breeding practices. Those puppies who live long enough are sold out of the trunks of cars in parking lots for cash -- and many die after the sales from disease or poor care.

-- While pets do cost money to care for, their ability to lower stress is helping to get many people through economic hard times. According to dvm360.com, a survey of 400 pet owners reported that three-quarters of them were worried about finances, but 89 percent said their pets help them deal with the stresses of life. Most notably, the pet owners appreciated the steady and supportive presence of the animals in their lives. -- 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

Supervision, praise key to house-training

Successful house-training requires setting up a potty schedule, limiting a puppy's roaming options to areas you can supervise, showing your pup the area you want him to use, and praising him for going there.

Even with a positive approach, people make mistakes. Here are a few things to remember:

-- Limit your puppy's wanderings. Use pens and baby gates to keep your pup where you can keep an eye on him. That way, if you see him start to make a mistake, you can whisk him outside and praise him for finishing the job where you want him to. When you can't supervise, your puppy should be in a crate.

-- Understand your puppy's physical limitations. Little puppies have limited storage capability and need to be taken out frequently. A general guideline: A puppy can hold it as long as his age in months: A 4-month-old puppy is good for up to four hours, at the outside limit.

-- Remember how puppies work. Puppies need to relieve themselves after they wake up, after they eat or drink, and after playing. Make sure to take your puppy out at these times. Offer food and water at scheduled intervals to help predict when your pup will need a trip outside.

-- Clean up mistakes thoroughly. What you can't see, a puppy can still smell -- and smells invite repeat business. Keep commercial products on hand that use enzyme action to break down the smell. White vinegar also does a great job of neutralizing the odor of urine. Don't use an ammonia-based product, though: Ammonia smells like one of the components in urine to a pet.

-- Be patient and consistent. While some puppies seem to house-train themselves, others are slower to learn. If you don't seem to be making progress, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a trainer or behaviorist who can help. -- Gina Spadafori

PET Rx

Hairball fix? Try

canned pumpkin

Hairballs are normal for cats, as is watching where you walk to avoid the disgusting "gifts" that always seem to be left on the most expensive rugs in the house. If the problem is severe, your veterinarian may suggest the use of a mild laxative to help the hairballs pass through your cat's system.

You should also try combing your cat more frequently to remove excess hair. And you might increase the fiber in your cat's diet -- adding a little canned pumpkin daily is a great way that many cats enjoy.

Don't let your cat become a laxative junkie, as daily use decreases the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Commercial hairball remedies should not be used more than twice weekly except on the advice of your veterinarian. -- 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.

Does a renewed interest in "green" products mean the economy's improving? We're not sure, but we're still delighted to see retailers and pet owners again trying to reduce the "carbon pawprint" of pets.

Recently, the national chain Petco put on an event at its more than 1,000 stores to promote products that are more eco-friendly -- an event in which the PetConnection team was involved. But, of course, it's possible to do a lot with what you have by making a few good decisions.

Here are a few tips:

-- Go for green products. When looking to buy pet-care items, look for items made from recycled materials (such as toys made from recycled water bottles or cat litter made from recycled newspaper) or from renewable materials (such as collars made from hemp or litter made from wheat, corn or even green tea leaves). Also consider switching to a pet food that's made locally from sustainable or organic ingredients, a move that cuts down on the "food miles" (fuel used to move merchandise) and the waste issued from concentrated animal feeding operations.

-- Meat protein is a must for carnivores -- especially cats -- but if you'd like a pet who can go completely green when it comes to food, adopt a bunny. They thrive on veggies, and will love your kitchen trimmings. (Not to mention, rabbit waste is great for supercharging the compost pile!)

-- A few of the pet-product companies that have made an effort to "go green" include West Paw, Planet Dog, Castor and Pollux, and Earthbath -- and the number is growing every day.

-- Pay attention to packaging. Pet food, pet toys, pet supplies, pet cleaning and grooming aids, pet medications -- pretty much all of these have one serious environmental problem: packaging. Look for alternatives, such as bulk buying that reduces throwaway containers, and use products that come in recycled and recyclable packaging.

-- Toss with caution. Always dispose of drugs, pesticides, shampoos, chemicals and the containers they come in safely. Flea-control products, as well as many pet shampoos and dips, need to be disposed of carefully as well, according to federal, state and local guidelines. (As for those flea-and-tick products, don't overdo it, and follow directions carefully.)

-- Handle the "do" responsibly. Biodegradable poop bags are a must, otherwise the poop you pick up will still be in the landfill decades from now. As for scooping the yard, consider a "pet septic system" like the widely available Doggie Dooley or the new Doggie Doo Drain ($45; DoggieDooDrain.com). The latter fits onto your sewer clean-out and sends the mess to the treatment plant. Keeping cats from roaming keeps their waste in a litter box, where you can dispose of it properly. Usually, that will mean bagging and putting it in the trash. (Check with your local municipal authority for guidance.)

-- Take a hike, or a bike. If you've gotten in the habit of driving to the dog park, consider that six legs in motion -- yours and your dog's -- is good for you both. Put your walking shoes on, snap the leash to your dog's collar and get your exercise in your own neighborhood. Walking (or jogging) is great, and if you want to add two wheels to the mix, look for accessories that allow you to safely take your dog biking with you. Be careful though: Exercise in the cool morning only, and don't let your dog overheat.

-- Don't litter -- and do adopt. Remember to consider adoption when it comes to choosing a pet. Great pets can be found at any shelter, and don't forget to check out rescue groups as well -- Petfinder.org can be a great resource for looking. And do make sure your own pet isn't accidentally "littering." Fences, leashes and neutering can all prevent "oops" litters.

These tips should give you a start on a greener life for you and your pet.

Q&A

Missing the box, finding the bathroom

Q: I have an older cat who was a young feral when I adopted her. This past year, she has begun to miss the litter box. I have taken her to the veterinarian, which is an extremely hard thing to do because I am the only one whose handling she tolerates. She doesn't have an infection.

After some research, I thought I would try isolating her in the bathroom to see if she will start using the litter box. Is this a good idea?-- A.B., via e-mail

A: Assuming your veterinarian did assure you of your cat's complete good health, then yes, retraining is definitely worth trying.

The idea behind putting a cat in a small area such as a bathroom, with the rugs removed, is that potty options are pretty much limited to the box. Because some cats develop negative associations with their boxes, this technique may help them to get back on track. A scrupulously clean box is essential, and any outside-the-box mistakes must also be cleaned promptly and thoroughly.

Before you do that, though, do check in with the veterinarian. Medical issues that cause older cats to miss the box reach beyond urinary-tract infections, and may include arthritis or diabetes. All these problems must be ruled out or treated for retraining to work.

If your cat still will not use the box, go back to your veterinarian and ask for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist, who can develop a program for you to follow in retraining your cat and can prescribe medications that will ease your cat through the transition back to good behavior. -- Dr. Marty Becker.

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

THE BUZZ

Older pet lovers

neuter more often

-- Older pet owners tend to be more likely to alter their pets, according to a study commissioned by PetSmart Charities. The study revealed that 38 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds who have acquired a dog or cat in the last year haven't sterilized their pets, as compared to 24 percent of pet owners over 55 who have yet to spay-neuter.

-- Do as I say, not as I do? Maybe! While veterinarians advise brushing pets' teeth to prevent dental problems, slightly more than half of veterinarians polled admitted (probably sheepishly) that they don't brush their own pets' teeth. Only 8 percent brush their pets' teeth regularly -- still probably a higher figure than the general pet-owning population, but with lots of room for improvement.

-- The main culprit for spreading West Nile virus across the U.S. is mosquitoes, not birds. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health report that the rapid movement of the disease does not match common bird migratory patterns.

-- Although parrot beaks are constantly growing at a rate of 1 to 3 inches per year, depending on the species, the beak of a healthy pet bird will remain at a healthy length with normal chewing activities -- no trimming required. In fact, an overgrown beak is frequently a sign of illness, such as liver disease or malnutrition. -- 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

Exercise helps get sleeping pets to settle

For many people, a good night's sleep is hard to come by, for reasons as varied as stress, caffeinated beverages, snoring spouses and one that recently took researchers at the Mayo Sleep Clinic by surprise: pets.

More than half of the people coming to the famous Rochester, Minn., medical center for help sleeping reported sharing their bedrooms -- and often their beds -- with their pets. The physicians started recommending tossing the pets out, but pet lovers don't usually like doing so.

Top veterinarians say there are other options. Their advice can be summed up succinctly: Keep your pets clean, keep them lean and get them on your sleep cycle. With help from your pets' veterinarian, chances are you'll be soon be enjoying sleep instead of counting sheep.

Getting pets on the same sleep cycle can actually be fun, says Dr. Gary Landsberg, a veterinary behaviorist in Thornhill, Ontario. When a pet sleeps all day, it's no surprise that the animal may want to play all night. Dr. Landsberg says exercising pets, both physically and mentally, will help them to settle down when you do.

Dr. Landsberg says pet owners can enjoy keeping their pets active. That means shared physical activity -- play, in other words -- but it also should include keeping cats and dogs busy when you're not home.

"That can be as simple as giving pets their meals out of feeding toys," he says. "You want something that will give them food rewards as they chew on it, or roll a ball and food falls out. These can keep their brains and bodies quite occupied."

And when they nudge you in the night? Dr. Landsberg says if their medical, physical and mental needs have been addressed, you should ignore them, so pets don't get the idea that you'll play with them whenever they want. -- Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

Advice that's fishy

When it comes to getting information on setting up, stocking and maintaining saltwater fish tanks, specialty stores remain popular. Fish keepers with saltwater tanks reported getting advice from multiple sources, including:

Fish/aquarium store 71%

General pet store 53%

Internet 39%

Books 34%

Friend/relative 31%

Magazines 28%

Aquarium club 8%

Source: American Pet Products Association

PET Rx

Paralysis always a pet emergency

The inability to walk can develop suddenly, even without a history of injury. 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 veterinary assistance immediately, either at your regular veterinary hospital or an emergency clinic.

Never trust a frightened, injured animal not to bite. A soft muzzle should be kept on hand for emergencies, or one can be fashioned out of gauze or even pantyhose in a pinch. -- 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.