Study after study shows that people are not only crazy about pets, but they also love to spend money on them -- even when money is tight.

We're certainly not arguing against buying that perfect dog collar or cat toy, but we do want you to know that you don't have to buy a lot of things for your pets to care for them well.

In fact, some of the best gifts you can give your pet don't cost any money at all and require only your attention. In this week's Valentine's Day spirit of giving the best to those we love, we offer a few suggestions that will make you and your pet happier and healthier -- and may even save you money in the long run.

The gift of health. Preventive veterinary care can spare your pet from suffering and may also catch little problems before they become life-threatening (and expensive). Develop a healthy relationship with your pet's veterinarian, starting with regular "well-pet" examinations. These visits are no longer about "shots" -- most vaccinations are no longer recommended on an annual basis -- but rather about catching and correcting problems as they develop. A dental examination is part of that well-pet visit, and follow-up preventive care may require a dental cleaning under anesthesia. A healthy mouth not only keeps your pet free of pain -- imagine eating with rotting teeth and infected gums -- but also spares your pet's internal organs from struggling to combat the shower of bacteria from an infected mouth.

The gift of fitness. By now we've all read the news that pets have their own obesity crisis. The reasons are similar to ours -- too much food and not enough exercise. But pets can't open the refrigerator on their own or hit the drive-through: They need our help to get fat. Cut back on the treats, and get your pet moving. You can use your dog's enthusiasm for a daily walk to help get yourself in shape, too, which is the message of "Fitness Unleashed: A Dog and Owner's Guide to Losing Weight and Gaining Health Together" (Three Rivers Press), Dr. Becker's book with human physician Dr. Robert Kushner.

The gift of time. Many pets spend most of their lives alone, while our busy lives keep us from home. While much of this alone time is unavoidable -- someone has to work for food and shelter, right? -- some simple changes will give you more time with your pet. Skip some of your TV or computer time, and play fetch with your dog or get out the laser pointer for your cat. Look for opportunities to include your dog on family outings.

The gift of training. A well-trained pet has a better, closer relationship with his owner because they speak a common language and spend more time together. If your pet has behavior problems -- from house-training to aggression, from leash-pulling to furniture-destruction -- ask your veterinarian for a referral to a local trainer or behaviorist.

The gift of safety. Be sure your home offers a safe, secure environment for your pet. Inside the house, garage and basement, keep cleaning supplies and other troublesome household chemicals out of reach, and clean up spills promptly. Cats are drawn to warm spots, so make sure to keep the door on your clothes dryer shut. Choose plants inside and out that aren't toxic. Finally, because your pet can become lost even with the most careful prevention, be sure your pet has a collar with current ID, and a microchip as a backup.

Got all the basics covered? Good for you! You can now celebrate by going out and buying your pet something special, just because.

Q&A

Don't loom over

your little dog

(This week, I'm sharing some of the questions and answers from my recent guest appearance on the Allan Handelman radio show (ifitrocks.com) -- Dr. Marty Becker.)

Q: I have a Yorkie/Pomeranian mix I rescued a year ago. When she wants to get in the chair or bed with me and I go to reach for her she steps back several steps so I end up getting up and picking her up. It seems like a trust issue. Any suggestions?

A: I'm not sure it is a trust issue -- you're probably looming over her, and it's intimidating to her. It might be better to get a ramp and pat the spot (your lap, the bed) where you want her to go, and let her get there herself.

Q: I have a golden retriever mix who takes a mouthful of food out of her dish and carries it to a different part of the house to eat. Why is she doing this?

A: It's not that uncommon. She might feel a need to "hide" or "store" a bit of food based on past experiences, she might be physically uncomfortable eating out of her bowl (for instance, some dogs with neck injuries or arthritis are more comfortable putting the food at a different height than it's offered), or it might not be something we'll ever be able to explain. To rule out that it is a health problem, though, please have your veterinarian check her out.

Q: We have two miniature schnauzers, both male. One loves to bite and chew his skin and has terribly smelly skin. Should we bathe him once per week?

A: Very likely, but I think a comprehensive physical exam by his veterinarian needs to be part of the plan, and soon. He may have an underlying condition, such as hypothyroidism, which would need to be diagnosed and treated.

A visit to a veterinary dermatologist isn't out of line, either, since there could be secondary yeast or bacterial infections, or a skin barrier defect, all of which need to be addressed.

In the PetConnection for Jan. 31, a word was left out in the question and answer section. The corrected sentence should read: "Reputable, responsible breeders rarely breed a female more than twice before spaying her."

THE BUZZ

Pet-on-pet predation

always a concern

-- Accidents can happen even to the cautious. One disaster that's all too common in a multipet household is a biting incident between a predatory animal (cat or dog) and a prey one (bird, hamster, rabbit). A bite is a genuine medical emergency, even if the pet who has been bitten seems fine afterward. Dogs and cats have bacteria in their mouths that can develop into a deadly infection in a bird or other prey animal. For many of these, a prompt trip to a veterinarian and a course of antibiotics will mean the difference between life and death. Nights, weekends -- no matter when it happens -- a bitten bird or rabbit needs help, fast. Never assume your dog or cat won't bite your rabbit or bird. The prey-predator wiring can be very difficult to short-circuit. Keep these pets safely apart at all times.

-- Veterinarians and horse-rescue organizations have teamed up for a statewide effort to geld horses in California. At a time of economic difficulty, the overpopulation of horses is a problem that low-cost clinics are hoping to address. The goal is to castrate 100 or more horses in 2011, and if the program proves successful, to expand it on a national level. Veterinarians are volunteering their time for this important work.

-- Wildlife researchers are using dogs to improve wildlife surveys. Dogs are seen as a non-invasive alternative to wildlife surveys because they are able to search out scat of animals, which can be used to identify various species, and even individuals within the species. A female Labrador was trained to detect mountain lion, bobcat and domestic cat scat, and a pit bull was trained to detect red fox, gray fox and kit fox scat.

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

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has long served as an unofficial national championship for the nation's dog-show competitors. The two-day show is always held in New York's Madison Square Garden, kicking off this year on Monday, Feb. 14.

Westminster is a special show where only champions can compete. At all other dog shows, most competitors are trying to earn their dogs' championships. And that's when following the action can get confusing.

Dog shows are supposed to be about evaluating breeding stock, with the goal of preserving and improving the dog breeds involved. But over the years, the sport has become a high-stakes and high-cost endeavor that's perhaps the most difficult of all canine competitions for beginners to break into successfully.

Even if you have a "show quality" dog with no disqualifying or major problems in appearance, winning is tough. Getting a dog to look his best in the ring is a subtle art that's difficult to master. In many breeds, the work of getting a dog groomed for the show ring takes years to learn.

A dog must match up favorably to the ideal of his breed, called "the standard." Judges mentally compare each dog to the standard, choosing the one who most closely conforms to their vision of a "perfect" dog. Even with a near-perfect physical appearance, a dog needs a skilled handler. Winning isn't easy in a sport where amateurs must compete against expert professional handlers.

At every show, one male dog and one female dog will end up with "points" toward their championship in each breed, with the number of points determined by the popularity of each breed in a given region. A dog must get two "major" wins of three points or more and 15 total points to become a champion -- a process that can often span months or even years.

Showing dogs isn't cheap, by the way, and thousands of dollars can be spent trying to earn a dog's championship. The dogs who make the cut to compete for Best in Show at Westminster often represent a small fortune invested, with little payoff for the owners except to their pride.

All of which goes a long way to explain why most dog owners will watch Westminster from their couches, with their own family champions by their sides.

(The group and Best-in-Show finals will be aired on the USA Network and CNBC on Feb. 14 and 15, starting at 8 p.m. ET with a time delay on the West Coast. For more information or for breed-ring results and videos throughout the show, visit WestminsterKennelClub.org.)

Q&A

Dog-chewed toy may

pass without problem

Q: I think our dog swallowed the head from one of my daughter's Barbies, since the doll is now headless and we can't find the missing piece anywhere. The vet said unless there are symptoms, not to worry. Really? -- via e-mail

A: If your dog is eating, drinking and eliminating normally, there's probably nothing to worry about. The piece may have been chewed to bits before the bits were swallowed, or never swallowed at all. And if swallowed, you may have already missed the head's re-emergence, because, well, how many people want to examine a dog's feces all that closely in a search for missing objects? So be alert for symptoms, but your dog doesn't need to see the veterinarian unless you notice problems.

Labradors are well-known in veterinary offices for their eagerness to consume just about anything that's not nailed down -- and even some things that are. Socks, underwear, rocks, keys, toys, cell phones -- if it can fit in the mouth, there's a Labrador who will swallow it. The best cure for this is preventive, especially with young dogs. Keep anything that can be swallowed picked up and put out of reach of your dog. (Labradors are also well-known for their appetites, which earn them the veterinary nickname of "Flabradors.")

While many swallowed objects will pass through without causing problems, others can be deadly. If a pet vomits, loses interest in eating or drinking, or otherwise seems "off" after ingesting a foreign body, you'll need your veterinarian's help. -- Dr. Marty Becker

THE BUZZ

Stress from change

may sicken cats

-- Cats under stress from change can become physically ill, according to a study conducted by veterinarians at Ohio State University. Researchers found that healthy cats were just as likely as sick cats to refuse food, vomit frequently and miss their litter boxes in response to environmental changes. The findings highlighted the need for environmental enrichment for cats, as well as the importance of routine when it comes to feline care.

-- Dogs have developed larger brains than cats over millions of years because they are more social. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Science Academy analyzed brain and body size in more than 500 mammals, finding that animals living in stable social groups have relatively bigger brains than less-social animals. The study suggests cooperation and coordination needed for group living may cause the brain to grow to cope with the increased demand for problem-solving.

-- Only one-fifth of law enforcement officials have received formal training on recognizing animal cruelty. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recognized three major obstacles law enforcement officers face when responding to animal abuse cases: 1. Cases are considered low priority by leadership; 2. Law enforcement lacks staff with special knowledge in animal cruelty; and 3. No facilities exist for long-term impoundment of animals kept as evidence. The majority of officers polled (78 percent) believe dog and cat abusers are more likely to be involved in interpersonal violence or other violent crimes. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel 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 many best-selling pet-care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.

Even as public health experts report with alarm that human weight averages are increasing, veterinarians have long been worried about the same trend in our pets.

Dogs and cats are getting larger for the same reasons that people are: too much food and not enough exercise.

And obesity in pets causes a lot of the same problems it does in people. An overweight pet is prone to a host of related issues, including diabetes, joint, ligament and tendon difficulties, and breathing and heart challenges. Overweight cats can even develop skin problems from not being able to groom themselves properly. The overall impact on comfort and longevity can be dire.

But the truth is that it's not as difficult to trim down pets as it might be to fight your own battles with the bulge. What pets eat depends on what we give them. And although we might groan at the thought of exercise, our pets are always up for a brisk walk, a game of fetch or some play with a toy on a string. They love to move, especially if we're moving with them.

Simply put: There's no excuse for an overweight pet. Especially not today, with veterinarians well-armed not only with advice but with special foods that can help you trim the excess from your pet. These products were well-represented at the North American Veterinary Conference, which recently wrapped up its 25th annual convention for veterinarians in Orlando, Fla.

Healthy pets have some padding on them, but a little padding is plenty. Rub your hands over the ribs of your dog or cat. The skin should move easily back and forth, and you should be able to feel the ribs. Your pet should have a definable "waist" at the bottom of the rib cage. Take a look from the side: If your pet looks pregnant, he's fat.

Crash diets aren't good for pets, especially not for fat cats, who can develop a fatal liver problem if forced to reduce too quickly. A pet doesn't get fat overnight, and he shouldn't be forced to change course any more rapidly. What you'll need to do is change your pet's eating and exercise habits gradually. Your veterinarian is your partner and resource in this lifestyle change, so enlist her aid early.

Carve out some time out in your schedule to walk your dog or play with your cat -- three times a week, at least, daily if possible. Exercise has an added bonus: In addition to keeping your pet healthy, regular activity helps to correct many behavior problems caused by boredom.

Whatever regimen you and your veterinarian decide on, be determined to stick to it. Get out of the habit of expressing love for your pets by constantly offering treats, and use lower-fat treats such as carrots when you do hand over the goodies. And remember that exercise is good for you both.

Yes, it'll be hard in the beginning, what with those begging eyes and all. But don't give in. Your pet's life will be happier and longer if he's kept fit. And yours will be, too.

Q&A

Ask questions before

breeding your pet

Q: I bought a poodle, and I would like to get into breeding. Can she be bred on her first heat, and how many times in a row can I breed her? She's a great pet and I know her puppies will be popular. -- via e-mail

A: Before I answer your questions, I have some questions for you to think about:

Has this dog been certified clear of genetic defects? Does she have a stellar temperament -- friendly, calm and trainable? Is she a good example of her breed in terms of her appearance? Can you say the same of the stud dog?

Do you have money set aside for routine prenatal veterinary care and puppy care, and even more money at the ready if something goes wrong with the dog or the puppies? Are you prepared for the dog's death as a result of pregnancy or the rigors of giving birth? What about the risk of cancer or deadly infection common in unspayed dogs -- are you willing to lose her to these diseases?

Will you have a waiting list of responsible, prescreened homes for her puppies before they're born? Are you prepared to spend countless hours caring for and socializing the puppies in the first seven weeks of their lives? Will you be willing to take back any puppy you sell no matter what, no matter when?

If you cannot answer "yes" to each of these questions, then your dog should not be bred at all. Reputable, responsible breeders rarely breed a female more than twice before spaying her, and many of the promising dogs they have are not bred at all because they are not of breeding quality in terms of health, temperament and (in some breeds) working ability. These breeders also take lifetime responsibility for any dog that they bring into the world.

I realize those are not the simple answers you wanted, but the responsible breeding of dogs is about more than mechanics of reproduction. -- Gina Spadafori

THE BUZZ

Tabby cats come

in many colors

-- "Tabby" is a general term for striped cats, and tabbies come in many colors and patterns -- more than 40 varieties in all. Red tabbies seem to have a special following and mythology, perhaps because in male cats, the red-orange gene is almost always connected with tabby markings, while among females, red-orange cats can be tabbies, tortoiseshells or calicoes. (About one calico in 3,000 is male, but he's not your usual male, in that he carries an extra "X" chromosome.)

Tabbies can be further distinguished by differences in the patterns of their stripes. For example, a spotted tabby has gaps in the striping pattern, making the dark color appear as spots. The most recognizable is probably the "mackerel" tabby, with parallel lines placed like the ribs of a fish -- hence the name. All tabby cats carry a special mark in common, an "M" on the top of their heads.

-- A dog's heart normally beats between 70 to 180 times per minute, with little dogs having a faster heart rate. A puppy will also have a faster pulse -- up to 220 beats per minute. You can take your dog's pulse at home, by the way, but not by putting your fingertips on your dog's wrist, as you would with a person. Instead, check the heart rate in one of two places:

Choice 1: Put your hand over your dog's left side, behind the front leg. You'll feel the heart pulsing beneath your fingers (if you can't, you might talk to your veterinarian about getting some of the fat off your dog).

Choice 2: Put your fingertips on the femoral artery, on the inside of the leg just where it meets the body, right in the middle. (It's a pretty big blood vessel, so you shouldn't have any problem finding it.)

Either way, count the beats while 15 seconds click off your watch. Multiply by four to get the BPM, or beats per minute. Do it when your dog is healthy and relaxed, so you'll know what's normal. --Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel 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 many best-selling pet-care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.