FINNY PETS ARE JUST THE TICKET FOR HOMES AND OFFICES

Dr. Marty Becker

If you're looking for a way to lower your stress, improve your health and get your children off the couch, part of the answer may be fish -- not eating them, but keeping them.

Whether you choose a small tank with a few freshwater fish or a stunning saltwater setup that makes you feel like a deep-sea diver without getting wet, you'll be getting some of the proven benefits of keeping fish. Studies showing the stress-relieving nature of fish-gazing have led to the proliferation of tanks in clinical settings such as dental offices and nursing homes. Tanks have helped calm troubled children and stimulate appetites in adults with diminished brain function.

The benefits of fish extend to the home as well.

"I do think people need contact with nature," said Dr. Alan Beck, director of the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University. "The technology has made it so much easier to keep fish now. Fish can be very low-maintenance, and they are so attractive. Fish are remarkably well-designed, and it's easy to appreciate that."

While fish themselves haven't changed much, how we keep them has evolved. Many of us may remember a simple fish bowl, or a small tank with some colored gravel and a deep-sea diver or castle at the bottom. While glass tanks are still by far the most common, high-tech plastics have released a wave of new designs, making possible seamless tanks that look as if the fish are swimming in air. New technology has also created filtration systems that have made tank maintenance easier.

And, of course, it's water that really counts when it comes to keeping fish alive, says Dr. Roy Yanong, a veterinarian with a lifelong love of fish-keeping that he turned into a career with the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory at the University of Florida, which helps to support the state's fish-breeding industry.

"Keeping fish doesn't have to be difficult," said Dr. Yanong. "Depending on the species, you can start with a 10-gallon tank. But you always have to think about the water. Fish make ammonia, which is excreted through their gills. You need the right number of fish, and a bio-filter with the right set of bacteria. If you don't have that, the water will turn toxic, and that's when fish die."

But just as you don't need to be an ichthyologist -- a fish expert -- to keep healthy fish, you don't have to be a chemist either, says Dr. Yanong. All you need to make sure the water is right for your fish is to test it yourself with easy-to-find kits, or have it tested at a specialty aquarium store.

"Help with fish-keeping is pretty easy to get," he said. "You can talk to someone who's keeping fish successfully. You can also find sites online that can help."

Dr. Yanong has been working with fish since 1992, which is also when the popularity of keeping aquatic pets started to grow. While the more complicated and expensive saltwater setups have remained the interest of only a tiny percentage of dedicated hobbyists, freshwater fish-keeping has risen steadily for the last two decades.

"Aquaria is where a lot of kids first got their interest in nature," said Dr. Yanong. "I know I did. And while any pet can be an entry into the world of nature, the fascinating thing about fish is that you're not just keeping pets, you're running an ecosystem."

At a time when it's hard to get kids to put down the video games and get off the couch, experts say looking into a fish tank may be key to getting youngsters out the door -- perhaps to a career in science. And it can all start with a small tank and a couple of guppies.

Q&A

DOG PARKS REQUIRE CARE, COMMON SENSE

Q: We took a puppy class, and the trainer told us that she couldn't recommend any of the local dog parks -- or, in fact, the idea of dog parks at all. She said that no puppy should ever go to a dog park, and that she wouldn't take her own dogs to them either, because they are "dangerous." I don't have a yard to speak of, really just a patio, and I wanted to take my dog to the park when he's older. It's the only place it's legal for him to be off-leash. What do you think? -- T. R.

A: One of the reasons having a large living space isn't so critical in keeping a dog anymore is that many communities have become much more dog-friendly.

Cities large and small have responded to dog owners' desire for off-leash play areas, and have even allowed businesses to let dogs dine on patios in the style long enjoyed in many parts of Europe.

Dog parks, though, tend to be only as good as the people using them, and as a dog owner you need to look out for the safety of your dog, as well as make sure he's not causing problems for other dogs. Yes, there are dog-park bullies!

The best way to check out a dog park is to go during off-peak hours. You want to see clean grounds and clear rules for pickup and good behavior, a double-gated entry, so dogs don't walk in on leash (a known fight trigger), and, in the best parks, a separate area for smaller dogs, so they're not trampled or looked at as prey by larger ones.

Whether or not children are allowed is a matter of controversy, but dog experts generally agree that it's safer for all involved if they are not. And, of course, all dogs should be current on their vaccines (that means no puppies), well-socialized and non-aggressive. People should be paying attention to keeping their own dogs out of trouble, not answering their e-mail or texting.

When they work, dog parks are great for getting pets the exercise they need. When they don't work, they put people and pets at risk of injuries, perhaps even deadly ones. So go forth and unleash, but do so with common sense and caution. And if you find yourself feeling uneasy about the users -- human or canine -- at any given time, take your dog out and go home. You can always play another day. -- Gina Spadafori

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

THE BUZZ

OLD-FASHIONED REMEDY STILL WORTH USING

-- Writing in her PetMd.com blog, "Fully Vetted," Dr. Patty Khuly of Miami sings the praises of the humble Epsom salts, starting with the comfort one cup dissolved in a couple quarts of hot water can offer to the sore, tired feet of a hard-working veterinarian. But that's not all. She notes that this product is "the ultimate do-no-harm remedy for many simple wounds and swellings," and says she'll often recommend it as complement to or even a replacement for more modern remedies, especially those medications with occasionally problematic side effects. Use as a soak or apply as a poultice, holding a clean, soaked washcloth to the affected areas. Five to 10 minutes, two or three times a day, should help, she writes.

-- Osaka, Japan, has a population of nearly 9 million, many living in apartments that do not allow pets. So how do they get their fix of quality kitty time? Enter the rent-a-cat cafe. Time magazine reports the places are very popular with the purr-deprived.

-- Purring is more than a sound of contentment. 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" 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."-- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

Dr. Marty Becker

Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires and even man-made disasters have brought home to us all in recent years that a crisis can happen at any time, in any community.

Just as you can't leave preparing for your human family members to chance, you need a plan to ensure the safety of your pets. Here are some steps to get you started:

Make a plan. Prepare for all possibilities, including that you may be away from home when disaster strikes. Get to know your neighbors, and be prepared to help each other out. Find out from local emergency operation agencies, shelters, veterinary organizations and your own veterinarian what the local emergency response plans are and what help they can provide for you and your pet.

Keep ID on your pets. Most animals survive a disaster, but too many never see their families again. That's because many pets aren't equipped with a way to determine which pet belongs to which family. Pets should always wear a collar and identification tags. Better still is a permanent identification that can't slip off, such as an imbedded microchip. Make sure one of the numbers on your pet's ID and chip records is your cell phone, as well as a friend or relative living out of the area. That way, if you can't get to your home phone, you can still be reached and reunited with your pet.

Put your pet's records in one easy-to-grab spot. Make a simple file with updated records of your pet's vaccinations and other health records, as well as his license and microchip information, and details on his pet-health insurance provider. Include some good pictures of your pet with simple, uncluttered backgrounds, so if you need to make "lost pet" posters, you can. Put this material with the rest of your important papers in a place safe from fire or flood.

Have carriers and restraints at hand. You're not going to get advance warning of some disasters, such as earthquakes. But if you know a storm is on the way or a wildfire may turn your way, make sure you get your pet inside. Sturdy crates and carriers belong on the list of "must-haves," along with restraints, including comfortable box muzzles for dogs and soft face-shield muzzles and restraint bags for cats. While you may trust your pet to remain calm, it's better to be prepared: An injured or scared pet may lash out in self-defense.

Include your pet's needs in your emergency kit. Always keep ample supplies on hand of your pet's food, medications, litter and enough water to cover your pet as well as your human family members. (And rotate all supplies regularly.) A first-aid kit should cover your pet's needs as well as your own -- and should include a compact first-aid guide geared to pets. If your pet eats canned food, don't forget to throw in a spare can opener and a spoon. Disposable dishes and litter boxes can be useful as well.

One of the best investments you can make when it comes to preparation is to know basic first aid for pets and people alike. For a directory of instructors in your area, check PetTech.net or ask your veterinarian for information.

THE SCOOP

New baby? Your cat

doesn't have to go

You don't need to find a new home for your cat if you are expecting a baby, no matter what well-meaning relatives and friends may say to the contrary.

When pregnant, have someone else handle the litter-box chores, and if you garden, wear gloves just in case a neighbor's cat has left deposits in your flower beds.

After your baby comes home, common sense dictates that no animal be left unattended with a small child. While cats do not maliciously smother or suck the breath out of babies -- as the myths hold -- it's just safer to take no chances. (I have to admit: Seeing proud parents post pictures online of babies propped up on cats and dogs makes my stomach flip. Don't take stupid risks for a "cute" picture.)

After your child is older, you still want to remain on the lookout for problems. Toddlers don't understand that pets need gentle handling, and although most cats catch on very quickly to the notion that small children are best avoided, a possibility always exists that your pet, if cornered, could scratch or bite your child or even be hurt himself.

Cats are wonderful family pets, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Keeping your cat in good health with the help of your family's veterinarian will help make your pet a perfect companion -- a little more flexible and self-sufficient than a dog but still affectionate and nonjudgmental.

If you're always aware that small children and cats have the potential to hurt each other, you'll be ahead of the curve when it comes to keeping everyone safe. -- 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

Some cats don't

mix well with milk

-- Most cats like milk, but milk doesn't agree with all cats. After the age of 12 weeks or so, some cats (like some people) lose the ability to digest the lactose in the milk. For those cats, milk isn't recommended -- it can give them diarrhea. For cats who aren't lactose intolerant, milk can be a nice occasional treat.

-- The average bat eats 3,000 mosquitoes per night.

-- Some birds make more than a thousand trips finding enough material to build their nests. Doves may spend only a matter of two to four days on nest building with twigs, while hawks will take months using sticks to build a nest. Hummingbirds use dandelion down, hair, feathers, spider silk, fine strips of bark and lint to make their nests. Martins and swallows build their nests out of mud, creating nest cups that cling under bridges and eaves. Orioles create a hanging nest by weaving together materials such as grass. Woodpeckers will create nests by excavating them, often using fresh wood-chip bedding.

-- Among the many notable things said or written about cats is this quote from Ernest Hemingway: "A cat has emotional honesty: Human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but the cat does not."

-- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

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