IF A DOG OR CAT IS GOING TO MESS, YOU'LL FIND IT -- WITH A BARE FOOT

When I was in high school, I signed up for physics and calculus. I knew that to become a veterinarian I would have to develop a far greater grasp of science and math than the one I seemed to have been born with.

My physics teacher gave me a "C" out of mercy. My calculus teacher wasn't nearly as generous, and I spent the rest of my academic career -- high school and college -- sticking as close to the English department as I could. I abandoned all hope of veterinary medicine and settled (more or less) happily into a career as a writer specializing in pet care and veterinary medicine.

But that doesn't mean I'm incapable of making a brilliant scientific discovery.

Oh sure, maybe mine doesn't have anything to do with mass or energy. And OK, so maybe the people who hand out the Nobel Prizes won't be calling. But that doesn't mean my discovery has no significance to the lives of millions of people. Consider this: How often do you recognize the importance of, say, Einstein's work in your daily life?

Everyone who has spent more than a month with a cat or dog has stepped squarely into my discovery. In fact, stepping in it is just the way I happened upon it.

Call it Gina's Law of the Well-Placed Pet Mess. No matter how large the floor, pet-related organic matter will always be placed where a human being is most likely to plant a bare foot. Poop, pee, barf or hairball -- it doesn't matter. If it lands on the floor, chances are you'll step in it.

Keep the cleaning supplies handy, and accept it as one of the absolute laws of nature. You have no other choice.

Of course, one can't rest on one's laurels. I'd been working until recently on proving my theory that the affection level of pets is directly related to the level of contrast between the color of their fur and that of the shirt you're wearing. I thought I had it nailed when I discovered that my black sweater was irresistible to white cats. But then I noticed that my friend's golden retriever was just as eager to snuggle no matter what I was wearing, shedding her long, silky fur without regard to my reputation as a scientist.

I've now shelved the Gina's Law of Shedding in favor of a field of study that shows more promise: the apparent ability of pets to do whatever is most embarrassing to you in front of the person you'd be most mortified to have see it. Call it Gina's Law of That's Not My Pet: I Think He Belongs to the Neighbors.

When one of my dogs brought my dirty underwear out to meet a person I'd just starting seeing (in what I hoped would become a romantic way), I knew I was on to something. And then a friend called with the exciting news that her dog had managed on a recent occasion to upchuck what was clearly a feminine hygiene product in front of a visiting minister.

With news like that, can you fault me for believing that my best scientific discoveries are still in front of me? All that's left is to name the phenomenon and wait for the media to call.

Q&A

Smaller dogs need

more dental care

Q: Are you aware of any genetic problems with small dogs that cause them to have excessive plaque buildup? If so, are there any remedies? -- via email

A: As a general rule, the smaller the dog, the faster the plaque buildup. For most dogs and cats, regular dental cleanings (as often as twice a year in some cases) are as important to pets' long-term health as they are to ours. Keeping teeth in good health prevents bad breath, preserves teeth into old age, and protects their organs from the constant shower of bacteria caused by rotting teeth and gums. Over the course of a lifetime, good dental health will add significantly to your pet's quality of life and perhaps even extend his lifetime.

You should not attempt to clean your dog's teeth with a dental pick because you likely will cause more problems than you'll prevent -- damaging the surface of the tooth enamel and, in so doing, giving bacteria a nice little niche to call home. Nor should you patronize a "no-anesthesia" groomer to clean your pet's teeth, since all that does is make bad teeth look better cosmetically.

Start your pet's dental health regimen with a trip to your veterinarian, who should check your pet's mouth, teeth and gums. Then he or she can make recommendations based on what is found. For many pets, that'll mean a complete dentistry under anesthesia, and possibly some periodontal work and even the removal of broken or rotting teeth.

After the problems are treated, at-home care can keep things in good shape. Here are the basics:

-- Brush or wipe the teeth regularly. Use a toothpaste designed for dogs and cats a couple of times a week at least, although daily is better. A children's soft toothbrush works well, as does one made especially for pets. You can also use a brush that fits over your fingertip, or plain gauze wrapped around your finger. Some vets suggest that gauze may be more readily accepted by cats, especially if dipped in tuna or clam juice first.

-- Offer teeth-cleaning foods and toys. Diets designed to scrape teeth may help, but these must be used in combination with regular brushing and with toys that help wipe the teeth. Soft chewies or a rope toy are best. Avoid chews that are rock-hard or are prone to breaking into sharp pieces, as these can break teeth or slice gums. Your veterinarian can also suggest rinses that help keep the teeth and mouth healthier.

With proper home care, you'll slow the buildup of plaque and increase the time between cleanings by your veterinarian. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Chinese-made treats

still killing pets

-- Chicken jerky treats made in China and sold by several companies have been implicated in pet deaths, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has been unable to identify the source of the problem, and veterinary experts have cautioned people to read labels and avoid the treats. More recently, concerns have spread as complaints about sick pets have come in to the FDA about other Chinese-made treats. More than a thousand pets have been killed by the treats, according to the FDA. Some companies have so far refused to recall the products, which remain for sale through many retailers.

-- Veterinary Pet Insurance dug through its database to come up with a list of the most unusual names for cats: Pico Del Gato, Dingleberry, Dumpster Kitty, Schnickelfritz, Koobenfarben, Sassy Pants Huska, Vincent Van, Kitty Gaga, Beefra and Mister Biggl.

-- According to LiveScience.com, dogs who are trained to help people with epilepsy are able to alert to a seizure almost an hour before it happens. These dogs join the wide-ranging ranks of dogs whose special skills help people cope with illness, including those who alert to falling blood sugar levels for diabetics. -- 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.

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN HOW TO ACT IF A DOG SEEMS DANGEROUS

Every fall as kids go back to school, we like to remind everyone of the importance of teaching youngsters how to be safe around dogs. And while children are 10 times more likely to be hurt in organized sports than be bitten by a dog, the risks of the latter can and should be minimized.

The experts say the signs are usually there long before a dog attacks. The dog is typically young, male and unneutered. He is usually unsocialized -- a backyard dog with little to no interaction with the family. He is often inadvertently conditioned to be vicious by being kept full-time on a chain or in a small kennel run. While people are wary -- unfairly so, in many cases -- of breeds with bad reputations, it's important to remember that all breeds and mixes can and do bite.

That's why you have to make sure your children know how to behave around dogs to protect themselves. Here's what everyone should know, and what parents need to teach their children:

-- Never approach a loose dog, even if he seems friendly. Dogs who are confined in yards, and especially those dogs 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 him and then begin by offering him the back of a hand for a sniff. Further, they should pat the dog on the neck or chest. The dog may interpret a pat on the head as a challenging gesture. 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 out of 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. You don't need to scare your children, but you do need to make sure they're ready, just in case. And going over the "what-ifs" isn't a bad idea for you as well, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities such as jogging or biking.

What if the dog you're worried about is in your own home? Ask your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist sooner rather than later. Aggression doesn't go away on its own: Someone will get hurt, and your dog will likely end up euthanized as a result. Don't take a chance: Get help before someone gets hurt.

Q&A

To stop begging,

stop giving in

Q: How can I get my dog to stop begging? -- via Facebook

A: If you never want your dog to stick her nose in your plate, put her head on your knee or paw at your arm, then don't ever reward her with food when she does.

What if it's too late for that? With patience and consistency, you can change your dog's behavior by never rewarding the begging again. When your dog finally becomes convinced that she will never again see another piece of food delivered from off your plate, she'll stop asking. You can also have her practice a behavior that's incompatible with having her nose on your knee -- a down-stay on the other side of the room while you're eating.

But be warned: If you're inconsistent, you'll actually make the problem worse. Occasionally rewarding a behavior is called random reinforcement, and it's a powerful motivator. In fact, it's what keeps the gambling industry afloat. Even though gamblers know the house always wins, they keep pulling the handle on those slot machines because they get a little back now and then, and because sometimes they hit the jackpot. Dog trainers use these principles to instill good behaviors in dogs, but many pet lovers inadvertently use them to teach a dog bad habits -- like begging.

Preventing a problem is always easier than fixing one. When you get a dog, think about the house rules you want, and insist on them from day one. If you have a beggar on your hands, realize the fault is yours -- and be determined to be consistent in turning the situation around. -- Gina Spadafori

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

THE BUZZ

Talking animals

are YouTube hit

-- The creator of "The Ultimate Dog Tease," the second most-popular video on YouTube last year, has produced a new spot of talking animals for the American Pet Products Assoc.'s Pets Add Life Project. Andrew Grantham's spot is the latest in the popular series, meant to promote and celebrate pets. The Pets Add Life videos are at youtube.com/petsaddlife.

-- With its Ol' Roy long the dominant player in the low-end segment of the pet-food market, Wal-Mart is upping the ante with the introduction of a premium food called Pure Balance. Industry analysts told DVM360.com that the move puts the big-box retailer in a position to challenge PetSmart and Petco for an even bigger share of the $21 billion spent annually on pet food in the United States. Wal-Mart previously moved to draw pet lovers in with the launch of PetArmor, a generic version of the blockbuster flea-and-tick product Frontline.

-- Citing slow donations because of the economy, the American Animal Hospital Association has shut down its Helping Pets fund. The group provided grants to help people struggling to pay veterinary bills for sick or injured pets. The VIN News Service reports that the fund paid $1 million to help more than 4,000 pets over the seven years since its founding.

-- 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.

KEEP YOUR INDOOR CAT HEALTHY, HAPPY WITH TOYS AND GAMES

When we think of pets who need exercise and playtime, cats do not automatically spring to mind, but they should.

Our domestic cats don't need to hunt for a living, but they still have those natural instincts to chase, climb and hide. Toys, games and other forms of entertainment enrich your cat's life and burn calories, keeping him happy and healthy. And kitty playtime takes only two or three minutes several times each day. Here are some of our favorite ways to keep cats active, both physically and mentally.

-- Get a move on! Cats are attracted by motion. Even the laziest of cats gets excited by the bouncing beam of a flashlight or laser pointer. Following the fast, erratic motion enhances a cat's ability to think and move quickly. To give your cat a real workout, direct the light beam up and down stairs or walls, encouraging the cat to run and jump. Be careful not to shine a laser pointer in your cat's eyes. Chasing a pingpong ball down the hall will also get your cat moving. Some cats will even bring it back to you.

-- Gone fishin'. Other toys that arouse a cat's desire to chase are fishing-pole toys, which have flexible handles attached to lines with furry or feathery lures at the end. Dangle it over your cat's head or drag it in front of him and watch him become a silent stalker: ears forward, rear twitching, then pouncing on his prey, rolling and kicking to "kill" it. His amazing flips and spins in pursuit of the lure will keep your kitten -- and you -- entertained for hours, or at least until your cat is ready for another nap. Just remember to put it away when you're not around to supervise: You don't want your cat swallowing the string and developing a dangerous intestinal obstruction.

-- Live-action entertainment. A peaceful way to give your cat a taste of the hunt is to set a bird feeder just outside the window. The birds stay safely outdoors and get a meal out of the deal, while your cat's life is made more interesting on his side of the window. This is a great way to encourage your cat to do a little jumping -- onto the windowsill -- and to appeal to his birder nature.

-- Kitty brain candy. The rapid movements of birds, meerkats, aquarium fish and other prey animals are like crack for cats. Feed your cat's hunger for prey in a nonviolent way by turning on a nature show or popping in a DVD made especially for cats. Make sure your TV is securely placed so it won't fall over if your cat decides to leap at the screen in a vain attempt to score a meal.

-- Will play for food. The pet stores have a variety of food puzzles -- toys you put food into for your cat to work out. If you can't find a food puzzle your cat likes, try a homemade version. Put dry food inside an empty paper towel roll, and let your cat figure out how to get at it. Or get a Wiffle ball and insert pieces of kibble. They'll fall out when your cat bats the ball around.

-- Hide and seek. Put an empty paper sack or a cardboard box with a little packing paper inside it on the floor and let your cat explore. He'll love the dark interiors and crinkly noises. Boxes are extra fun when you have two cats, providing the perfect way to play hide-and-seek.

Use your imagination to keep your cat busy. So many cats these days are indoors, which is good for them, the neighbors and the wildlife. But when you close the door on your cat, you need to make the indoors more interesting. Fortunately, doing so strengthens the bond between you and your pet.

Q&A

Rabbit perfect pet

for condo living

Q: Our condo association allows small dogs, cats and birds, but no rabbits, guinea pigs or "exotic" pets. I'm renting a place, and I would like to buy. Right now, I have my pet rabbit "in secret," but I'm not going to buy a place if I can't have the pet of my choice and stay compliant. How can I get this rule changed? -- via email

A: Your condo association is probably still thinking of rabbits as "livestock," not as pets. In fact, I can think of few animals better suited for condo or apartment living than a neutered house rabbit. They're about the quietest pet I could think of owning, for one thing, and they're unlikely to cause any conflict with neighbors.

They're small. Even the biggest rabbits aren't much larger than a cat, and dwarf rabbits are considerably smaller. They're also neat. A daily brushing will catch loose hair, and a vacuum will pick up scattered hay, food pellets or the occasional stray feces (it's pea-sized, dry and round) that don't make it into the litter box. Yes, a litter box: Many rabbits can be reliably trained to use a box filled with a little cat litter with fresh grass hay on top, changed daily.

The one downside I can think of is that rabbits will engage in destructive chewing if left to choose their own recreation. Even this problem is easily solved by "rabbit-proofing" the living area -- blocking off attractive chewing areas, putting power cords into protective covers -- and offering safe chewing alternatives.

I'd make the case to the association to expand its pet rules to include rabbits. If it won't, you should have no problem finding another complex that will welcome a responsible homeowner with such a quiet pet. -- Gina Spadafori

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

THE BUZZ

Economy takes bite

out of pet ownership

-- The economy appears to have finally dropped the rate of pet ownership, which has been on a seemingly recession-proof upward climb for years. According to figures released by the American Veterinary Medical Association and based on a survey of 50,000 households, 56 percent of all U.S. households reported owning a pet at the end of 2011, down 2.4 percent from the trade group's last survey, in 2006. The U.S. population of dogs was around 70 million (a drop of 2 million), while cat ownership took a steeper decline, down 7.6 million to 74.1 million. Birds were down 20.6 percent over five years, while exotics (ferrets, rabbits, reptiles and rodents) fell 16.5 percent over the same period.

-- Dogs and cats are primary carriers of allergens (their dander, urine and saliva trigger allergy responses) as well as secondary carriers. Their coats are like a dust mop filled with whatever pollen is in the air or on the ground. Weekly baths with a hypoallergenic shampoo have been shown to help.

-- Cats tend to be chronically dehydrated and they are finicky about their drinking water, so keeping a clean, fresh supply on hand all the time is important to their good health. A continuous-flow drinking fountain is a great way to fulfill your cat's desire to drink running water without having a dripping faucet all the time. These fountains, which are available at pet-supply stores or through pet-supply websites and catalogs, make a steady supply of running water available to your cat, recycling and filtering it so it stays fresh.

-- Dr. Marty Becker and 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.