Dr. Marty Becker

Many dogs enjoy swimming as much as people do, and cool times in the local swimming spot or backyard pool are one of the best parts of summer. But you have to look out for your pet around water, since even the strongest, most enthusiastic swimmers can get into trouble.

The keys to water safety for dogs: prevention, preparedness and awareness.

Prevention: No dog should be given unsupervised access to a backyard pool or to a neighborhood pond or creek. Swimming pools are best fenced off for safety. And if that's not possible, they should be equipped with alarms that sound when the surface of the water is broken by a child or pet falling in and a ramp to help them find their way out.

Prevention also includes teaching your pet what to do when he's in the pool. Dogs don't get the idea that the steps are on one side only, and they may tire and drown trying to crawl out the side. If your pet likes to swim, work with him in the pool to help him learn where the steps are so he can get out easily.

Finally, obedience training is extremely important. Your dog should come when called, even when swimming, so you can call him back before he heads into deeper water or stronger currents. Emergency shortcut: Always carry extra retrieving toys. A dog who's heading out into a dangerous area after a ball or stick can often be lured back into shore with a second item thrown closer in. It's no substitute for training, but it could save your dog's life.

Preparedness: Before letting your dog swim in any natural surroundings, survey the area for safety. Rivers and oceans can change frequently, and an area that was safe for swimming one visit can be treacherous the next. Consider currents, tides, underwater hazards and even the condition of the water. In the late summer, algae scum on the top of standing water can be toxic, producing substances that can kill a pet who swallows the tainted water. When in doubt, no swimming. Better safe than sorry.

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

If your dog isn't much of a swimmer, or is older or debilitated, get him a personal floatation device. These are especially great for family boating trips because most have sturdy handles for rescue when a pet goes overboard.

Awareness: Be aware of your dog's condition as he plays. Remember that even swimming dogs can get hot, so bring fresh water and offer it constantly. When your dog is tiring, be sure to call it a day. A tired dog is a good dog, but an exhausted dog is in danger of drowning. Be particularly careful of young and old dogs. Both can get themselves into more trouble than a healthy adult dog with lots of swimming experience. Young dogs can panic in the water, and old dogs may not realize they aren't as strong as they used to be. Keep them close to shore, and keep swimming sessions short.

Swimming is great exercise and great fun for all, and with these few simple precautions you can keep the cool times coming, with safety in mind.

Q&A

Look for outgoing

in kitten choice

Q: We're committed to the idea of a kitten this summer, keeping a promise to our daughter for good grades. Other than just picking "the cute one," how do we know we will be getting a friendly pet? -- F.G.

A: In an ideal world, getting to meet both the mother and the father of a kitten would be very helpful in determining what sort of companion that adorable fuzz-ball will become. But since most feline fathers are of the love-'em-and-leave-'em variety, it's likely you'll be lucky to meet the mom alone.

If you get to meet only mom, that's OK. Although there are orphaned kittens who turn out to be great companions, it's more difficult for a human-raised baby cat to learn life's lessons as well as one raised by a feline mother. Cats are generally caring and attentive mothers, and they're responsible for a kitten's early learning and socialization.

Kittens learn their earliest, most basic manners from watching their mothers and from interacting with mom and siblings. For example, if a kitten pounces on her mother's tail in play, mom will quickly and in no uncertain terms teach her baby that the behavior is unacceptable. Kittens who don't have the benefit of a feline family may not learn that biting and clawing hurts and will be more likely to scratch or bite, even in play.

In a shelter situation, though, you may not be able to meet dad, mom or siblings. You don't want to choose on looks alone -- and besides, is there any such thing as a less-than-adorable kitten? -- so take a little time to personality-test the kittens you're considering.

Assuming all the kittens appear healthy (bright eyes, glossy coat, no crusting around the nose or tail, no pot belly, clean ears and no breathing issues or lethargy), you're looking for a youngster who is outgoing and adaptive.

A kitten should be curious and playful, and recover quickly from a scare if in safe surroundings. Don't expect a rambunctious baby to snuggle for long, but no kitten should be afraid of being held.

Congratulations to your future new addition! -- Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp, AnimalBehavior.net

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 many best-selling pet-care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Animal crackers

an American hit

-- Animal-shaped cookies originated in 1890s England, but the American manufacturer National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) displayed marketing genius in 1902 when the company put the now-familiar crackers in a small rectangular box made to resemble a circus cage and added a string to encourage parents to hang boxes as gifts to decorate Christmas trees. According to the book, "Panati's Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things," parents were soon writing to Nabisco about how children ate the cookies. The most popular order of dismemberment: back legs, forelegs, head and lastly the body.

-- Only 15 percent of dogs and 2 percent of cats lost without an ID tag or a microchip are reunited with their owners, according to DVM360.com.

-- Mammary tumors are three times more likely in dogs than breast cancer in women and are the leading tumor disease in female dogs. A spayed dog is less likely to get mammary tumors, and the age of the dog affects the survival period. A study at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences found that the two most common genes that cause breast cancer in women also increase the risk of springer spaniels getting mammary tumors. The study also found the presence of a gene tied to the immune system protected the dogs who carried it by lowering their risk of mammary tumors. Owners of female dogs should regularly check their females for lumps in their mammary glands, similar to women monitoring for breast cancer. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

Gina Spadafori

The number of people who travel with their dogs is growing, and so too are the options for pets on the road. From "ruffing it" at campgrounds to enjoying fabulous four-star hotels, the time has never been better to pack up your pet and go.

Still, traveling with a dog is no picnic sometimes. Finding lodgings can be difficult, luxurious inside dining is largely sacrificed in favor of eating takeout in the car or a park, and spending hours tripping through quaint shops becomes a thing of the past when a dog is waiting. Traveling with dogs offers some challenges, but nearly all are surmountable with common sense and creativity.

The travel industry wants to help, that's for sure. Countless books cover traveling with dogs, and some travel agents have carved out a niche booking canine-centered vacations. People in the travel industry have learned that many people with dogs are exceptionally grateful for pleasant accommodations, and so return to the places that treat them well year after year. As a result, some entrepreneurs have gone to great lengths to attract dog lovers. You can even find canine camps, where people do nothing but share a slice of "dog heaven" with their pet for a week or more at a time.

Is your pup ready to hit the road? As with all other training, ending up with a good car-rider starts with molding correct behavior when your dog is a puppy. No matter how cute or how small, do not allow your pup to ride in your lap, and don't make a fuss over him while you're driving.

Traveling with your dog in a crate is often easier and definitely safer. Depending on the size of your dog and the size and shape of your car, a crate may not be feasible. It should always be considered, though, especially for those dogs who are so active that they distract the driver. Collapsible crates are available for easy storage in the trunk when not in use.

Another safety tool is a doggy seat belt. Some models attach to the vehicle's seat belt and then to a harness you provide, while others come complete with harness. Also good for keeping a pet in place -- if you have a station wagon, van or SUV -- are widely available metal barriers that fit between the passenger and cargo areas. These barriers aren't considered as safe in the event of a crash as a crate or a safety belt, but they do solve the problem of a dog whose behavior can distract the driver.

If your dog's only exposure to travel is an occasional trip to the veterinarian's, don't be surprised if he hates car rides. Try to build up his enthusiasm by increasing his time in the car and praising him for his good behavior. The first short trips should be to pleasant locations, such as parks.

Because most of the car-sickness problems come from fear, not motion sickness, building up your pet's tolerance for riding in a car is a better long-term cure than anything you could give him. Ask your veterinarian's advice for any medication to help in the short term.

On the road, remember to stop at regular intervals, about as often as you need to for yourself, for your dog to relieve himself and get a drink of fresh water. Always keep your dog on a leash for his own safety. And don't forget that your dog's ID tags are never as important as when you're on the road.

With a few short practice trips and some training, you'll be on the road in no time.

Q&A

'Invaders' cause cat

to lash out at owner

Q: Whenever my cat looks through the window and sees another cat outside in the yard, she freaks. The last time it happened, I was trying to swat her head to get her away from me. She showed her teeth and hissed like she was going to attack me.

Later, she was back to normal. It's so weird because she is so docile and sweet most of the time. I hate to get rid of her for attacking me, but I am afraid of being bitten when she "goes off" like this. -- D.T.

A: You have a classic case of what behaviorists call "redirected aggression," and it's not in the least uncommon.

Cats are territorial animals, and the sight of another cat (even through a window) can trigger an aggressive response. The cat who feels "invaded" will work into a state of trancelike anger. The animal becomes frustrated that she cannot get to the invader, and typically will lash out at any person or other pet unlucky enough to be in proximity.

The usual advice in such cases is to work to remove the triggers for such behaviors. If possible, figure out a way to keep other cats out of your yard, and block your cat's view to the area where they show up. When your cat's in an aggressive state, do not pick her up or touch her, but try to "shoo" her into a darkened room to chill out. Throwing a blanket over her will also end the confrontation in a pinch.

Most cases of redirected aggression aren't as dramatic as your cat's. They can usually be dealt with just by giving the cat a wide berth until it's apparent (from the cat's relaxed body language) that the aggressive state is over.

Given the high level of arousal your cat displayed and your fear of more incidents including a bite, I'd recommend asking your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist who can set up a program of medication and modification that will help defuse the feline time bomb in your home. -- 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 many best-selling pet-care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Calico cats are

truly distinctive

-- Calico and tortoiseshell (or tortie) refer to a pattern of markings, not to a breed. The link between them is red fur, which can run from a very pale tan to a bright, rich rust. The two marking patterns are genetically similar, but differ in the way they are expressed on the cat. On calico cats, the red, black and white colors are distinct patches; on tortoiseshells, the colors are swirled together. Almost all such cats are female, but males do turn up rarely. Male calicoes are unusual for more than their coloring: Although they appear male, they're carrying not only a Y chromosome, but two X ones (one extra), which is what makes the calico patterning possible.

-- Human health trends almost always end up echoing in the pet-care industry as well. General Nutrition Center and PetSmart are reported to be in talks to have GNC create a product line -- to be sold exclusively at PetSmart -- of vitamins and supplements aimed at each stage of a pet's life. The companies are counting on people being as interested in fitness, weight loss and healthy living for their pets as they are for themselves.

-- A healthy cat's heart normally beats between 140 and 220 times per minute, with a relaxed cat on the lower end of the scale. It's not unusual for the heartbeat to be high at the veterinarian's, since cats don't like being away from home, and they certainly don't like being poked and prodded by strangers. Put your hand over your cat's left side, behind the front leg. You'll feel the heart pulsing beneath your fingers. Count the beats for 15 seconds; multiply by four to get the BPM, or beats per minute.-- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

When we see a news story about a dog attacking a child, we quickly look for the reason behind the tragedy. It's usually there, if you know what you're looking for. And no, what we're talking about isn't a reference to the dog's being identified -- or just as often, misidentified -- as a "pit bull."

What we're looking for -- and usually find -- are the indicators that the situation was already well on the way to being dangerous when the attack happened. Typically, the dog was young, male and unneutered. He was also unsocialized, usually a backyard dog with little to no interaction with the family. Even more likely, the dog was in effect trained to defend his turf by being kept full-time on a chain or in a small kennel run.

"He never gave us any problem before!" says the owner of the dog, who really didn't know the animal because he was little more than a lawn ornament or the living equivalent of a burglar alarm sign. Or maybe the owners will grudgingly admit to a bite now and then -- but "nothing serious." Again, more warning signs ignored.

Is there a dog like this in your neighborhood -- or in your own yard? If it's the latter, call your veterinarian and arrange for your pet to be neutered, and then ask for a referral to a trainer or behaviorist with experience in aggressive dogs who can help you with any problems that have driven you to ban your pet from your family (like house-training issues). You can then work on manners and socialization that will turn your pet into a true member of the family -- safe around both family members and visitors alike.

Of course, you can't control what other people do with their animals. That's why you have to make sure your children know how to behave around dogs to protect them from attack.

Here's what every child should know:

Never approach a loose dog, even if he seems friendly. Dogs who are confined in yards, and especially those on chains, should also be avoided. Many are very serious about protecting their turf. If the dog is with his owner, children should always ask permission before petting, and then begin by offering the back of the hand for a sniff. Further, they should pat the dog on the neck or chest. The dog may interpret a pat from above as a gesture of dominance. Teach your children to avoid fast or jerky movements around dogs, since these may trigger predatory behavior.

Be a tree when a dog approaches, standing straight with feet together, fists under the neck and elbows into the chest. Teach your children to make no eye contact, since some dogs view eye contact as a challenge. Running is a normal response to danger, but it's the worst possible thing to do around a dog, because it triggers the animal's instinct to chase and bite. Many dogs will just sniff and leave. Teach your children to stay still until the animal walks away, and then back away slowly from the area.

"Feed" the dog a jacket or backpack if attacked, or use a bike to block the dog. These strategies may keep an attacking dog's teeth from connecting with flesh.

Act like a log if knocked down: face down, legs together, curled into a ball with fists covering the back of the neck and forearms over the ears. This position protects vital areas and can keep an attack from turning fatal. Role-play these lessons with your child until they are ingrained. They may save your child's life.

Discuss safe behavior with your children and role-play how to approach dogs, when not to approach, and what to do if confronted or attacked.

To be fair, dogs aren't the biggest risk that children face growing up. Organized sports, for example, are 10 times more likely to result in a child's trip to the emergency room than are dogs.

But why take a chance? With summer here and children out and about more than the rest of the year, you need to make sure they know the risks and what to do. You can help protect your child from a dog bite, and it's always worth the time to do so. And sometimes the place to start is in your own family, with a dog who needs your attention now.

Q&A

Have cats checked on

when you take a trip

Q: How long can my cat stay home alone if I leave plenty of food and water? I don't have anyone to care for him while I am gone, up to four days at a time for business. -- S.W., via e-mail

A: How would you like to be left with food that's getting older by the minute, water that's developing a skin of slime and a bathroom where the toilet's backed up? That's pretty much what you're dealing with if you leave your cat unattended for more than a day.

Even worse, what if the water is spilled, or your cat eats all the food on Day One? And what if he gets seriously sick or injured and no one's around to help?

Or what if your home is broken into or a window left open and your cat escapes? In some areas, if your cat ends up in the local animal-control shelter, he could be killed as a stray before you even knew he was missing. (This is why collar and ID tags -- and a microchip -- are a must even for indoor-only cats.)

Although there are some time-release food dispensers that can keep a cat covered for a weekend in a pinch, your pet really should have someone check in at least once a day.

If you don't have friends, relatives or neighbors who can help, hire a pet sitter to come to your home. PetSitUSA.com, Petsitters.org and Petsit.com all offer searchable listings, or ask friends and co-workers for recommendations. (And check references!)

There are some really great pet sitters out there, and once you find the right one, you'll find that your trips will be easier with the peace of mind that comes from skipping the added worry of wondering about the pet you left behind. -- 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 many best-selling pet-care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Canine cancer cure?

Prevention is best

-- The best treatment for canine cancer is prevention. Restrict your dog's daily intake of food to maintain a fit body weight, and feed him a balanced, delicious high-quality diet with limited amounts of carbohydrates (sugars), moderate amounts of good-quality proteins and higher levels of n-3 fatty acids such as DHA. Consider supplementing omega-3 fatty acids to potentially reduce the risk of developing cancer. Add regular exercise to complete the list of preventive recommendations, and see your veterinarian if you suspect a problem, since early detection improves survival rates.

-- More than a third of lizard species in the world will be extinct by 2080, according to journal Science. The reason behind mass extinction is that the climate is changing too quickly for many species, especially the lizards who give live birth. These species have lower body temperatures that leave them more vulnerable to kill-offs. Almost 4 percent of lizard species are already extinct.

-- For the first time in modern England, a horse is being used to provide ambulance service. Chase, a 7-year-old horse, and his owner are replacing the traditional ambulance as the first responder at the Cannock Chase Country Park in Staffordshire. The team can get anywhere in the 3,000 acres of parkland within 15 minutes and are able to maneuver easier and more quickly than a vehicle can, officials say. In addition to his human partner, Chase carries many of the materials found on a regular ambulance, including a defibrillator, oxygen, blanket, splints and bandages, according to TheHorse.com -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon