Dr. Marty Becker

and David S. Greene

As anyone who has ever tried to sleep in the same room with an itchy dog can tell you, canine allergies can be miserable for both pets and people.

People get runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing or wheezing when allergies flair. For dogs, the problems are mostly skin-related: They scratch, chew their skin, rub against stationary objects or shake their heads in frustration from itchy ears.

Allergies typically show up within the first three years of a pet's life, worsen with age and can't be cured, only controlled. Knowing what causes allergies is an important first step toward treating them, and that means getting your veterinarian's help. Flea bites are a top cause of these allergies, but food and environmental issues are a problem for many dogs. Dust, pollen and spores in the home and yard gather in the pet's fur, and the allergens then trigger reactions.

Your veterinarian will have suggestions specific to your dog, your region and your season, but in general, you can help your pet a great deal with an allergy-prevention regimen in the home. Dedicated parasite control is the first step, and that will mean veterinary-recommended flea-control products along with frequent vacuuming of pet areas and washing of pet bedding.

Concurrently, you can limit the amount of dust and other irritants pets sweep up by keeping floors, furniture and other surfaces where dogs and dust connect clean, as well as by using air filtration systems. In addition, if you smoke, quit. Secondhand smoke bothers pets, too.

And while you may have heard that frequent shampooing strips the skin of essential oils, veterinary dermatologists now recommend bathing pets at least every week (up to every day for extremely at-risk, allergic pets) during the spring and summer to help wash allergens off the coat and skin before they can trigger an allergic reaction.

While regular flea-control, a clean house and frequent bathing may dramatically decrease your pet's allergic response, more powerful treatments are often needed to help a pet ditch the itch. Fortunately, veterinarians have new treatment options that may make a world of difference.

You probably know someone who takes shots to manage their own allergy symptoms. Known as immunotherapy, or hyposensitization, these small injections of allergens under the skin can also be effective for most dogs with atopic dermatitis, which is the medical term for what pet owners would call "constantly itchy skin." Pet owners can administer the injections at home with guidance from their veterinarians, and many dogs respond well to this treatment.

To fight the skin reactions to allergens that trigger scratching and chewing, Atopica is another option. This medication calms the cells that trigger an allergic response, rather than treating the symptoms after a reaction -- and without the side effects of steroid shots. Ask your veterinarian if this treatment is right for your pet.

But it's not just about airborne allergens or parasites: Pets suffer from food allergies as well. Allergy reactions to pet food are usually caused by proteins and can include beef, egg, milk or cheese products, soy, or even fish. If food allergies are suspected, your veterinarian will guide you through food-elimination trials to find the culprit, and then recommend a diet that won't trigger an allergic response.

With modern veterinary options and a world of new products to help, the allergies of dogs can be managed better than ever before. And that means you and your pet will both sleep better, since neither of you will have to be bothered by your dog's noisy scratching.

Q&A

Management key

to a bad habit

Q: I am ready to get rid of the dog because no matter what I do, he insists on eating from the litter box. I have spanked him, yelled at him, and all it did is make him sneaky. If I can't keep him out of the litter box, he's going to a home without a cat. Fix this! -- P.T.

A: Eating things people find objectionable -- to say the least -- is a common problem in dogs. It's generally more effective to change what you're doing instead of what your dog's doing to stop this behavior. (Especially since, as you've learned, punishment isn't doing the job.)

Changing the situation means figuring out how to keep the box where your cat can get to it and your dog can't. How you do that will depend on the size of your dog, the layout of your home and your cat's preferences for what he will and will not tolerate about changes to his box.

Here are a few ideas:

-- Purchase a covered litter box. Some cats don't like them, cats with asthma shouldn't use them, and some dogs find the cover a fun challenge. But this is an easy solution if it works. A box that scoops automatically may also work, again, unless the dog is determined to crack open the container.

-- Change the litter box's location. You must be careful not to upset your cat, since cats often react to change by avoiding the box. But experimenting with ploys such as gradually moving the litter box to a location above the dog's reach can do the job.

-- Provide barriers. One way is to rig the door to the room containing the litter box so that it stays open wide enough for the cat but not for the dog. Another possibility is to put a cat-sized door through the door to the litter box room if your dog is medium-sized or larger. For small dogs, try a baby gate -- the cat can jump it, but the dog can't.

It's a good bet some combination of these strategies will resolve the problem so that you can focus on changing the angry feelings you have for your dog. -- 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

The kitten's nose

knows where mom is

A kitten's nose may be tiny, but it works well. Kittens are born blind and deaf, but they use their sense of smell to find the nutrition their mothers offer them. The first milk that kittens ingest is very important. Called colostrum, it contains antibodies from the mother and other important substances that give the kittens initial protection against diseases at a time when their own immune systems are not yet functioning well. These antibodies diminish over time, but until they do, they not only protect the kitten against disease, but they also may block the usefulness of any vaccine. That's why kittens (and puppies) need a series of vaccines for protection -- to keep up when the maternal immunity drops.

-- Blood banks for pets have grown in popularity in recent years. Veterinarians used to draw blood from pets of their own or of staff, or keep animals as pampered hospital pets for this reason. While practice pets -- especially cats -- remain popular and are no less pampered, the growth of blood banks means they're not as often made to donate for their keep. As with human blood banks, volunteers are essential to these livesaving efforts. Owners bring their health-screened pets in to donate in exchange for credit toward future care. Ask your veterinarian if your pet is suited to donating to save the lives of others.

-- The noises humans bring to the oceans are bothering the world's fish, some 21,000 species of which rely on their hearing to navigate their underwater world. The fish environment is full of natural noises, but humans have added 10 decibels of ambient commotion to the water during the last half-century. Construction of oil platforms, wind turbines and bridges can interfere both with the normal behavior of fish and with their ability to reproduce. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

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