TAKE A MID-SUMMER BREAK WITH SOME PET-RELATED TRIVIA

Books don't always sell in direct relationship to how much their authors love them. Sometimes that's for reasons outside of our control (such as the pet care book that came out just before Sept. 11, 2001), but there's often no reason for it at all.

Two of our books, "bowWOW!: Curiously Compelling Facts, True Tales, and Trivia Even Your Dog Won't Know" and its feline companion, "meowWOW!" (HCI, 2007), remain our little, almost-forgotten favorites: bright, fun and interesting, with illustrations by Molly Pearce so wonderful that we have them framed in our offices. We loved researching and writing these two books. Some fun facts we found:

-- Dogs have been taxed for centuries, but the idea of a tag to signify that a dog was "licensed" seems to date to the late 19th century, when Cincinnati started issuing tags on an annual basis, and other cities and states soon followed suit. Although wooden tags for soldiers were used in the U.S. Civil War to help identify the injured and the dead, it wasn't until World War I that American soldiers got metal tags as standard issue. The resemblance between the tags of soldiers and of dogs (along with a good dollop of droll military humor) soon had the men calling them "dog tags" -- a term that sticks to this day.

-- The cat has one up on the lion: Cats purr, but lions cannot. (On the flip side: Lions roar, which cats can't.) 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.

-- All dogs have pink tongues, with two notable exceptions: the Chow Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei, both breeds with tongues variously described as "purple," "black" or "blue-black." Black spots on tongues are common in many dogs, and are not necessarily an indication that there's a Chow Chow or Shar-Pei in the gene pool, however.

-- Most cats have five toes on their front paws, but only four of them hit the ground. The fifth toe is found on the inside of the front paw. This "dewclaw" is the feline equivalent of our thumb, and it's used for grasping prey and climbing trees. Any number of toes over the norm (usually an extra one or two, but occasionally as many as three or four) makes a cat polydactyl, which means "many fingers." Polydactylism is a dominant genetic trait, which means just one polydactyl parent is enough to make a litter of polydactyl kittens.

-- Helen Keller, the blind and deaf woman whose triumph over her disabilities made her an international sensation, was the first American to own an Akita.

-- Cats can hear nearly three times more frequencies than humans can. For you technical types, a cat's hearing stops at 80 kilohertz, a dog's at 45 kHz, and a human's at a pathetic 20 kHz. Because cats can rotate their ears and focus each ear independently, they also can hear well from all directions. A cat can rotate its outer ear to locate a sound -- such as the sound of a mouse's footsteps trying to sneak by -- 10 times faster than a dog.

-- The phrase "Beware of dog" is so old that its Latin equivalent -- cave canem -- has been found on signs in Roman ruins. The word "watchdog" isn't quite as old, but it has been around a long, long time. The first mention of it? By Shakespeare, in "The Tempest."

-- Cats' heads come in three basic shapes: round, such as on the fluffy Persians; triangular, such as on the sleek, show-bred Siamese and other so-called "Oriental" breeds; and rectangular, such as on the burly Maine Coon. Most random-bred cats tend more toward the triangular head, albeit a less-extreme version than on the show-quality Siamese.

-- One final one, just for summer: The "dog days" of summer have nothing to do with dogs and everything to do with the brightest star in the night sky: Sirius, the constellation also known as the "dog star" that's highly visible during some of the hottest weeks of the year.

Q&A

Not all fruits and

veggies good for pets

Q: We feed our dog raw carrots. She loves them, but are they good for her? -- via Facebook

A: Raw vegetables and fruits are a wonderful treat. I often recommend carrots and apple slices as a substitute for commercial treats, especially for dogs who are pudgy. (Another easy weight-loss trick involving vegetables: Substitute thawed frozen green beans for part of your dog's daily food ration. They'll make your pet feel full without adding much in the way of calories.)

Not all fruits and vegetables are good for your pet, though, and some may even be toxic. The absolute no-nos include raisins and grapes, onions and many nuts. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian or visit the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center online (ASPCA.com/APPC). -- Dr. Marty Becker

Q: Can I give my dog garlic to control fleas? I don't want to put dangerous chemicals on him. -- via Facebook

A: There's no scientific evidence that garlic (or brewer's yeast, which I'm also often asked about) will control fleas. And since garlic in its natural form can be toxic, don't give it to your dog.

The best advice I can offer is to ask your veterinarian for one of the topical products that controls fleas. These products are considered safe when used as directed on healthy pets. And when you consider the problems caused by an out-of-control parasite problem for both pets AND people, the risk-benefit factor becomes even greater on the side of modern preventives.

There are some "natural strategies" that can help, and you should try them whether you use topical veterinary-recommended products or not. Wash your pet's bedding and vacuum pet areas frequently to remove eggs and developing fleas. This will interrupt the life cycle of these parasites and drop the number of adult pests you'll have to deal with. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Helping shelter cats

survive ringworm

-- Ringworm is often fatal to cats in shelters -- not because the fungal disease is deadly, but because many shelters kill pets with even mild diseases to prevent the spread of infectious conditions. Veterinary dermatologist Dr. Karen Moriello, clinical professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, is working to change that. She has established a protocol to detect and treat ringworm in cats that is being used in shelters across the country, saving countless feline lives.

-- Equine veterinarian Dr. Kent Allen of Middleburg, Va., filled in TheHorse.com on his role as technical delegate to the London Olympics. His job includes following 90 pages of veterinary guidelines for competitors in Olympic equestrian events, working with a team of veterinarians to keep the horses healthy (and pulling them from competition if they're not) and making sure everyone is playing fair, with no unapproved performance-enhancing substances. "It's not a slap on the hand and a fine anymore," said Dr. Allen of the strict anti-doping policy. "It's getting to be more like [the anti-doping policies for] the athletes in other sports."

-- The nonprofit Rural Area Veterinary Services provides veterinary care to pet owners who don't have access, either due to their rural location or financial situation. Sometimes working in MASH-like conditions, volunteer veterinarians, veterinary technicians and others provide help to nearly 9,000 animals a year. The care ranges from routine preventive medicine, such as spay-neuter, vaccines and parasite control, to treatment for serious injuries and disease. Donations are always needed to fund operations: ruralareavet.org. -- Gina Spadafori

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 affiliated with Vetstreet.com and 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.

DOGS STILL GO CRAZY FOR A TOY NEVER MEANT FOR THEM

If there's anything more versatile than a tennis ball, I can't imagine it. One afternoon, I just sat down with a pad and started jotting down all the things you can do with a dog and a tennis ball. Here's what I came up with:

1. Fetch. Toss, return, repeat. You know the drill. This is the game by which all dog activities are measured, and sometimes there's just nothing better than the classic.

2. Find. Hide the tennis ball, then let your dog find it. For dogs who are already retrievers, this game is remarkably easy to learn. Hide the ball in plain sight a couple times so she'll know what you want her to do, then watch how easily she can find it anywhere.

3. Herd. Fetching uses one ball, but if you've got a herding dog, try tossing out a few and giving your dog a place to gather them all together. Since this game works with your dog's natural instincts, most pick it up very quickly for a treat reward.

4. Get wet. Water dogs love nothing more than the chance to go after a favorite ball and get wet. What more could a pup want?

5. Monkey in the middle. Got kids? Got a dog? Amuse everyone with the classic schoolyard game with the dog playing the monkey. Pass the ball by tossing, rolling, kicking -- whatever works, and give Rover a small treat each time he intercepts it and gives it back.

6. Flyball. This one is a real sport, and one that tennis-ball loving dogs live for once they learn to play. Add a series of jumps to a tennis ball, and you've got a fast-paced, wildly entertaining game for both people and pets, participants and spectators.

Tennis balls are even better because you can often get them for free. If you have friends who are tennis players, ask them to save their old balls for you. A tennis ball that hasn't the "oomph" for a good game of tennis is still perfect for playing fetch with your dog.

One important thing to know, though: Tennis balls are not chew toys. Put them away when you're done with your game of fetch. Dogs have been known to compress tennis balls in their mouths, and then die when the ball springs back to full size in the back of the mouth, cutting off the air supply. And even if that never happens, the materials in a tennis ball are designed for ... tennis! They're not made to be chewed on or swallowed by dogs.

So have your fun, and lots of it. But don't leave the ball with your dog when you're done. And now, if you'll excuse me, I have to throw a tennis ball for our family's dogs!

Q&A

Basic precautions

for biking with dog

Q: Is it safe to run a dog with a bike? My dog loves it, but we got a lecture about it from a neighbor who thinks it's dangerous. What do you think? -- via Facebook

A: Letting your dog run alongside a bike is a great way to help him burn off a day's pent-up energy without wearing yourself completely out in the process.

But running with bikes is not for every dog -- in fact, it's not for most dogs. But for those with serious exercise requirements, it can be a perfect fit.

If you choose to bike with your dog, make sure your dog is in good health (check in with your veterinarian), and start slowly (both in terms of speed and distance) to make sure this activity suits him. Don't even try it if he's a puller or doesn't respond to basic commands, including "sit," "leave it" and "heel." Stay on trails if you can and off busy streets if streets are your only choice.

Keep your dog at a trot, not a run, and watch for signs of overheating. Never go out in the hottest part of the day, carry water to offer frequently and walk your bike and your dog for a cool-down before calling it a day.

Finally, invest in a bicycle attachment that holds your dog's leash -- carrying the leash in your hand while biking is a recipe for a wreck, even if you have a well-behaved pup. After all, a darting squirrel or rabbit is more temptation than even most good dogs can take. -- Gina Spadafori

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

THE BUZZ

Seniors want pets

to move with them

-- The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Sun-Sentinel reports that companies offering housing for seniors are increasingly accepting pets because of business pressures. Some 40 percent of people researching a nursing home or assisted-living situation ask about pet policies at first contact. Science supporting the value of pets staying with their owners no doubt also is having an influence; seniors with pets are typically more active and more social.

-- The American Veterinary Medical Association has produced a free publication offering basic information on cancer in cats and dogs, including a list of symptoms that should signal an alarm and a trip to the veterinarian. Half of all pets over 10 years of age die of cancer, notes the trade group, which adds that many kinds of cancer are treatable, especially if caught early. Animals under care of veterinary oncologists can maintain an excellent, pain-free quality of life. The brochure is available through veterinarians, or a single copy can be downloaded for free from ebusiness.avma.org (click on Brochures, Client Information).

-- Wal-Mart and Sam's Club have joined Target in aggressively pursuing the market for animal medication. The latest salvo comes with the introduction of generic heartworm preventives. Heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, is present in all states, and once established in a dog is difficult to eradicate safely. Preventive medicine has long been considered the better option, and preventive medications have until relatively recently been available through veterinarians only. -- Gina Spadafori

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 affiliated with Vetstreet.com and 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.

MEDICATIONS, SPECIAL SHIRTS MAY CALM ANXIOUS PETS WHEN FIREWORKS START

If there's one holiday that's not popular at U.S. shelters and veterinary emergency hospitals, it's probably the Fourth of July. That's because the fireworks and other celebrations of this midsummer bash trigger pet care tragedies -- a flow of lost pets, sick pets and injured pets.

Loud noises startle and distress many pets, with their supersensitive hearing. Scared pets have been known to jump out of apartment windows, leap over or dig under fences, or chew their skin until it's raw. They may also bolt out an open door to become lost and never found, or hit by a car. Even the ones who just tremble in terror may be safe, but they're miserable. Even calm pets may seize the opportunity offered by a holiday buffet to eat something they should not.

While most of the danger is on the actual holiday, the noise and parties can continue for days, especially when the Fourth falls midweek, as it does this year.

The best defense against Fourth of July problems is a good offense started weeks or months before summer. Professional trainers and behaviorists start socializing dogs and making every potentially negative experience -- such as fireworks and thunderstorms -- into something rewarding. If a negative experience comes with tasty treats, then your pet is going to at least tolerate it, if not welcome it. This works best when started as a puppy, but don't give up hope if your dog is already an adult: New behaviors (BEGIN ITAL)can(END ITAL) be learned.

One way to help your pet is to expose him or her to commercial recordings of thunderstorms or fireworks and play them at increasing volume. Play the recordings at low volume -- recognizing how acute a pet's hearing is -- and give praise and treats. It's a party! As the volume and duration are increased during subsequent sessions, give him really tasty treats so he has the expectation of a repeat treat. Initially, play the recording for five minutes, eventually leaving it on during daily activities as "normal" background noise.

That's fine for next year, but what about this year's holiday?

Provide pets with safe hiding spaces inside your home during the holiday fireworks or a storm. Dogs and cats who are comfortable in crates can find them a good place to ride out the noise, especially if the crate is put in a quiet, darkened part of the house.

Some pets are so unhinged by noise that veterinary-prescribed medications are needed to keep them calm. Valium and Xanax (and their generic versions) are well-tolerated by most pets, and many veterinarians are happy to provide you with a pre-holiday prescription. Remember to give the medications as recommended -- they usually work best before the rockets' red glare begins. And talk to your veterinarian about other calming techniques. Some alternative-care veterinarians may recommend the herbal product Rescue Remedy, while others can show you acupressure and massage techniques to keep pets calmer.

Pet-supply retailers offer additional ways to calm your pet, such as with pressure shirts for animals, which work off the same principles that calm autistic children. The Thundershirt and The Anxiety Wrap are two such products for dogs and cats. The Calming Cap, which reduces sensory input, is another product meant to ease anxious pets. Finally, for dogs there's the "Through a Dog's Ear" series of music CDs that are clinically proven not to cover noise, but to use sound to calm canines.

Make sure your pet isn't a casualty of Independence Day. If nothing else, keep your pet inside until the celebrations are over, and call your veterinarian for medication that can help ease the fear.

Q&A

Resistant 'bugs'

trouble pets, too

Q: My dog keeps getting hot spots. Do dogs get MRSA? -- via email

A: Dogs almost never have symptoms from MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus), but they have their own resistant form of staph: MRSI (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus intermedius), also known as MRSP (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus pseudintermedius). And unfortunately, it can cause as many problems for them as MRSA does for us.

Your first step is to have your veterinarian culture the hot spots and determine if there are resistant organisms present. If so, you should ask for a referral to a veterinary dermatologist if possible; resistant skin infections are very tough to treat, and veterinary dermatologists are the ones with the most experience in treating them. Your veterinarian may also be able to treat your dog in consultation with the specialist.

While oral antibiotics are usually given, some research suggests that topical treatment might be more effective. Ask the dermatologist about bathing the dog every day with 4 percent chlorhexidine shampoo or other topical therapies to use with, or instead of, oral medication. If your dog has other conditions that cause skin problems, such as allergies or hypothyroidism, these should also be addressed by your veterinarian. -- Dr. Marty Becker with Christie Keith

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

THE BUZZ

Jerky treat reports

concern veterinarians

-- Reports of pet illness from Chinese-made chicken jerky continue to surface, and many veterinarians are telling clients to avoid the treats, which remain on store shelves. The Veterinary Information Network News Service (news.vin.com) reports that despite six years of complaints and concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been unable to identify a contaminant. The agency has received more than 1,300 complaints. An online petition to ban jerky from China has drawn 14,000 names, but the companies insist the products are safe and have not recalled them.

-- California is getting closer to denying property owners the right to insist that cats be declawed or dogs be debarked as a condition of rental for pet-friendly housing. The state's veterinary and property-owner trade groups support the measure, as do most animal-welfare groups. A similar proposal was vetoed in 2010 by the previous governor.

-- More than 800 shelter and rescue organizations participated in Just One Day on June 11. They pledged to not kill any adoptable animals on that day and instead participated in enhanced adoption efforts. Part of the growing no-kill movement, the national program raised awareness while getting pets into new homes. More information about future events is at JustOneDay.ws, as well as a list of participating organizations. -- Gina Spadafori

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 affiliated with Vetstreet.com and 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.