PETS NEED SAFE, COMFORTABLE COLLARS AND CURRENT ID FOR PROTECTION IF LOST

It's a New Year's tradition around my home, one that has outlived three generations of pets but still works to help ensure the safety of the animals I live with now: I call the pets over and check their necks.

I always do my "neck checks" around the first of the year. It's easy, taking a few minutes to check for wear and fit on the collars, and for legibility on the tags.

Consider the collar first. A properly fitted collar is important, but so is the right type. For dogs, a buckled or snap-together collar made of leather or nylon webbing is the best choice, and the proper fit is comfortably close, but not too snug. Make sure your dog's not wearing a "choke" or prong collar for everyday wear. These pose a potentially deadly hazard if left on an unsupervised dog.

Cat collars aren't as widely accepted because some people fear the collars will get caught on branches and trap the cat. Other people argue that their cat stays indoors and so never needs a collar. Neither argument's a good one: Any cat can slip out, and as for cats being caught by their collars, most cat collars are designed to give enough to allow a pet to slip free if caught.

If you don't have a safe collar, you'll find countless choices at your neighborhood pet-supply retailer, and even more online. One online favorite of mine: Beastie Bands for cats -- comfortable, colorful collars that stick tight unless a cat needs to lose them.

What if your pet already seems to have a comfortable, safe, well-fitting collar? Take a look at the holes and the fasteners. The collar is weakest at these spots, so if you see signs of excessive wear or strain, you'll need to replace the collar soon.

Next, look at your pet's ID tags. A license is great, but since many lost pets are picked up by people in the neighborhood, it's a good idea to supplement the license with an ID tag that has a couple of phone numbers -- yours and the number of a friend or relative. Check to make sure the information is current and legible, and if not, order a new tag. I never put the pet's name or my address on the tags. Instead, my pets' tags say "REWARD!" with a collection of phone numbers -- my cellphone number first, followed by the cellphone numbers of two friends in case I can't be reached. I want to get the point across that I want my pets back quickly.

If you're worried about a dangling ID getting caught -- or annoyed by the noise -- get a slide-on tag from an online source such as Boomerangtags.com. Looking for something a little more fun? Check out DogTagArt.com, which offers hundreds of designs, or allows you to upload an image of your own. DogTagArt.com also has a service for an additional charge that will allow anyone who finds your pet to contact you immediately through a web-based service that sends text and phone messages to you and any other contacts you designate.

Problems with collars and tags are easy to fix, but they shouldn't be the extent of your pet's get-home-safe insurance policy. If your pet isn't microchipped already, call your veterinarian and get that done. About the size of a grain a rice, the microchip has reunited pets with families who were sure they'd never see them again, and saved the lives of others whose chip was a ticket home when they landed in a shelter.

Q&A

Pet dishes need

to be kept clean

Q: I love my cat and my dog, but I am pretty determined to keep things clean in my house. I always wash my pets' food dishes after they eat, and wash the water dish daily in soap and warm water before refilling. Over the holidays, I got in a discussion with my sister, who points out that pets drink from puddles and eat nasty stuff given any opportunity. She is a lot less fastidious about her dog's dish as a result. I think she's nuts. What do you think? -- via e-mail

A. I think I'm in no position to opine about anyone's relative sanity, considering my own happily crazy life filled with animal companions. But I do think keeping pet dishes clean is very important, and so does the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which points out that recent pet food recalls for salmonella mean people can get sick from pet food if proper handling isn't practiced.

The FDA suggests preparing pet meals away from human food-prep areas, but given that food sold for human consumption also carries the risk of foodborne illness, I think you'll be fine keeping things as you have been. Safe food-handling practices for all foods, whether for pets or people, are necessary in this day and age.

In other words: You're not being too careful for either yourself or your pets by picking up your pets' food dishes after every meal and cleaning them. The water dish should get the same treatment on a daily basis. Given the recalls on peanut butter, it's not a bad idea to do the same with any hard chew toys that can be stuffed, such as a durable mainstay of generations of canine chewers, the Kong toy.

Better still, run toys and dishes through the hottest cycle of the dishwasher to get them really clean and sterilized. Stainless steel or heavy plastic "crock-style" dishes are best for frequent cleaning: They last forever and stand up well to the abuse a pet can dish out. I myself prefer stainless steel, and the investment has proven a wise one: I have dishes that are more than 20 years old, and still come out of the dishwater looking like new. -- Gina Spadafori

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

THE BUZZ

Catnip a safe 'buzz'

your cat can enjoy

-- Catnip is a harmless pleasure for those cats who enjoy it. After all, it's a rare cat that ever has to operate heavy machinery, drive or take a call from a telemarketer. Don't be alarmed if the 'nip has no effect, though. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) makes some cats very happy -- but doesn't do a thing for others. Kittens under the age of 3 months do not react to catnip, and not all cats are genetically programmed to react to it -- the split is about 50-50. For those felines who do get a buzz, it's a safe high, and easy to grow at home to provide a near-endless supply. Just keep your plants where your cat can't get them, so they don't get ripped out by the roots.

-- Pet food donated in the wake of Hurricane Sandy has ended up in a warehouse begging for takers after the outpouring of generosity overwhelmed the short-term demand. The VIN New Service (news.vin.com) reports that only six of 46 pallets of donated foods were distributed, with the rest taking up space volunteered by ZipJack Custom Umbrellas, a small company in Elmsford, N.Y. The company is working around the pallets while its owner and the local veterinarian who worked together to help their pet-owning neighbors figure out ways to get the food to people who can use it.

-- Should your pet get probiotics? The science has been presented at veterinary conferences for a few years now, and it's pretty convincing. As with many veterinary issues, it tracks closely with developments in human health, where probiotics -- "good" bacteria added to the gut -- are widely accepted as beneficial. While some pet foods are advertised to contain probiotics, there are also supplements from well-respected companies that can be added to a pet's diet. -- 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.

TOYS ARE ESSENTIAL TO KEEPING YOUR CAT ACTIVE AND HAPPY

Inside every cat is a lion. Or a tiger. Or a lynx. Or, really, all of these great hunters. And in your cat's mind, he's a wild predator, too.

In fact, all cats are. They love to lurk and prowl and chase and pounce. An indoor cat doesn't have the opportunity to go after real prey (unless you have mice in your home), but he still has strong hunting instincts. This genetic coding doesn't disappear just because he lives a royal lifestyle in your home and has his meals delivered on the feline equivalent of a silver platter.

When a cat's need to hunt isn't fulfilled with live action, he turns to the next best thing: feet moving beneath the covers, hands dangling at an owner's side, arms, legs, you name it. Instead of letting a kitten believe your body parts are fair game, provide him with toys that will satisfy his urge to hunt as well as save your skin.

It's all too easy to accidentally encourage kittens to bite or scratch in play, but this type of aggressive behavior can turn into a big, painful problem as the kitten gets bigger. Never "arm wrestle" with a young cat, and keep some distance between you through play with toys that don't involve direct contact with the kitten. When kitten teeth or claws touch human skin, screech loudly and immediately walk away. Kittens learn fast that playing rough ends the game, especially when there are other things to play with.

Cats like toys they can stalk, chase, pounce on and bite. Turn your home into an indoor hunting ground with perches for watching the outdoor world go by (such as a window-box bird feeder), scratching posts for paw marking and nail maintenance, cat trees for climbing, resting and observing, and an ever-changing assortment of toys, toys, toys.

Puzzle toys are particularly good for giving your cat an outlet for his hunting instincts and ensuring that he keeps his sleek, sinewy physique. Wands with feathers or other dangly bits and wind-up or battery-operated toys that move on their own excite a cat's chase instinct. Balls inside a track let him paw for "prey," just as if he were exploring a mouse hole. The fast, erratic motion of laser pointers and flashlights increase a cat's ability to think and move quickly. (Direct the beam up and down the stairs to give him a real workout.) And don't forget the classic catnip-filled mice for rolling and rabbit-kicking under the influence.

To keep your cat interested in his toys, change them out every few days. If he sees the same ones over and over again, he'll get bored and look for something new to play with. Cats being who they are, it will probably be something expensive or fragile that you don't want him to treat as a toy.

Those laser pointers, flashlights and wand toys have especially high value to cats because they are just so darn much fun. Bring them out less often than other toys, and limit the amount of time your cat is allowed to play with them. For some cats these toys are addictive, and they will stand in front of the closet where the laser or wand is stored and yowl plaintively until they are brought out.

Remember, if you give in even once, you have just taught your cat exactly how to manipulate you. To help soften your cat's disappointment when these favorite toys go up, reward him with a treat afterward or give him another favorite toy, like a catnip mouse.

The word "toy" just doesn't seem to cover how important these items are to our pets, especially an indoor cat. Indulge your pet with the gift of play, and you'll both be happier for it.

Q&A

Ignore barking dog

to end phone follies

Q: When I get on the phone, my dog starts barking. Why, and how can I get her to stop? -- via Facebook

A: Anyone who has ever worked as a telemarketer can tell you that lots of dogs start barking the minute their owners get on the phone. Why? Because they've been taught to behave that way -- accidentally, of course.

The problem starts when a dog barks at you just once when you're on the phone. Maybe she wants your attention. Maybe she just felt like barking at that moment. If she did it while you were watching TV or paying the bills, you'd probably ignore her. That means no reward for the behavior, which also means it's not likely to be repeated.

But if you're on the phone, you don't want the person on the other end to hear your dog barking, or to hear you yell at your dog to shut up. Chances are that you'll pet your dog or throw her plush toy across the room just to keep her quiet. Before too long, you have a dog who starts yapping every time you pick up the phone, because that behavior has been rewarded.

Sometimes, it even goes a step further. There are plenty of people who give their dog a treat to shut her up while they're on the phone. This is a big payoff for the dog, who is now rewarded for every yip with a cookie. Why would she stop barking? Dogs are not stupid.

The best way to avoid this problem is to prevent it: Don't reward your dog in the short term for behaviors you don't want in the long run. If she barks when you pick up the phone, ignore her. If that doesn't work, or if your dog is already a phone pest, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a dog trainer who can help you re-train her to be quiet on command. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Antifreeze gets

a safety makeover

-- The manufacturers of antifreeze and engine coolant have agreed to add a bittering agent to their products, making them far less likely to poison pets and wildlife. In its original state, these products taste sweet, making them attractive to animals. The active ingredient, ethylene glycol, is highly toxic in small amounts and quickly absorbed, making veterinary response difficult and death common for animals that ingest the product. A number of states have mandated that bittering agents be added before products can be sold, but the voluntary agreement, brokered by the Humane Society Legislative Fund, expands the sale of the new formulation to all 50 states.

-- Like humans, dogs have two kinds of sleep. The deeper kind is characterized by rapid eye movements, so it's known as REM sleep. We know humans dream during REM sleep. We also know that the whining, heavy breathing, twitching and leg movements we've all seen in our dogs occur during canine REM sleep. So it's not a far fetch to believe dogs are dreaming, too. What are they dreaming about? We'll likely never know.

-- In veterinary circles, the popular Labrador retriever has the reputation as a breed that it will "chew 'til they're 2, and shed 'til they're dead." Bred to carry things in their mouths, it's no surprise that these dogs sometimes swallow them, too -- and without chewing first, as in the case of Ryder, a Lab puppy in Wilmington, Del., who swallowed an antler. Ryder's antler was safely removed by his veterinarian, and the dog's mishap was named "The Most Unusual Claim of the Month" by Veterinary Pet Insurance. -- 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.

CRATE-TRAINING THE PREFERRED WAY PREVENTS ACCIDENTS AS YOUR PUPPY GROWS

If you have a new puppy, it's time to learn about crate-training. Every year more people turn to this method, with good reason: It's easier on pups and people alike.

"I find the crate to be very effective when used in house-training for a couple of reasons," says my friend Liz Palika, who has spent more than three decades teaching dog obedience in the San Diego area. She's also the author of thousands of pet care articles and more than 50 books, including a recent one aimed at helping grade-school children train the family dog, "Dog Obedience: Getting Your Pooch Off the Couch and Other Dog Training Tips" (Capstone, $21).

"First, when the dog is confined, he can't sneak off to another room or behind the sofa to relieve himself. Second, when in the crate, he learns and develops bowel and bladder control, because few dogs are willing to soil their bed," she notes.

Palika and I have been friends for many years, and we each recently added puppies to our families. Mine is Ned, a Shetland sheepdog, and hers is Bones, an English shepherd. She and Bones, along with her two other dogs, Bashir and Sisko, recently spent a couple of days visiting with me and my animal family -- which now includes two goats, neither house-trained, by the way.

Of course, we talked dog training. We both like crate-training, and have used it for all our dogs for many years. Crate-training limits a puppy's options to three: 1) He's either empty and playing in the house; 2) he's in the crate and "holding it" because he doesn't want to sit in his own waste; or 3) he's at the place you've chosen for him to relieve himself.

Puppies need to relieve themselves after they wake up, after they eat or drink, and after a period of play. Set up a schedule to accommodate his needs as you work to mold behavior, and remember that young puppies, especially small breeds or mixes, can't go very long without eating, drinking, sleeping or relieving themselves. A good rule of thumb: Puppies can hold it as long as their age in months. A 2-month-old pup can "hold it" in a crate for about two hours, for example.

Let the puppy sleep next to your bed in the crate -- sleeping near you speeds the bonding process -- and lead him to the chosen outside spot as soon as he's awake in the morning. When he goes, praise him thoroughly. Then take him inside for breakfast. Feed him and offer him water, and then take him out for another chance to go. If he goes, more praise and back inside for play. If you're not sure he's completely empty, put him in the crate.

Ignore the whines and whimpers. If left alone, the puppy will soon be fast asleep and will stay that way until it's time for the next round of out, eat/drink, out, play, crate. Remember, too, the goal is for your puppy to roam free in your house, not to stay in a crate for life.

"A crate is not a storage container for a dog," says Palika.

Eventually, your pet will be spending more of his time loose in the house under your supervision, and he will start asking to visit his outdoor spot. Don't forget to confirm his early attempts at proper behavior by rewarding him with praise and treats.

If you spot an in-house accident, a stern "no" will suffice, followed by an immediate trip to the yard, and praise when he finishes up where he's supposed to. Clean up the inside mess thoroughly, and treat the area with an enzymatic solution to neutralize the smell.

With proper crate-training, the number of such incidents will be relatively few, and you'll end up with a dog who is not only reliable in the house, but also confident in his own ability to stay alone when you are gone.

Q&A

Supplements can

ease arthritis

Q: What do you think about giving glucosamine to dogs? I see it recommended everywhere, and it's even in dog foods now. Does it work? Our dog is having a harder time getting up from the floor, especially on these colder days. -- via email

A: Yes, glucosamine is as helpful for joint pain in dogs as it has been shown to be in people, and that's why it's a popular over-the-counter treatment for arthritis in both species. As always, though, I recommend that you work with your dog's veterinarian on the ideal approach or combination of approaches, especially in regard to what are called "nutraceuticals," a word that's a combination of "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical," and refers to products, supplements and dietary ingredients known or believed to have some kind of specific medical benefit.

While not as well-tested or strictly regulated as drugs, nutraceuticals such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, antioxidants and many other supplements and herbs have found their way into the world of veterinary medicine. Conditions that can be helped by these kinds of supplements in addition to arthritis include age-related cognitive dysfunction, side effects from prescribed medications, and many kinds of skin and digestive problems.

But again, check in with your veterinarian. Your older dog will likely benefit from an approach that includes (in addition to supplements) losing weight (most dogs are overweight, which increases pressure on joints), making time for daily non-jarring exercise such as a good walk and having warm, soft bedding to sleep on. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Top 10 beaches

for the dogs

-- If a White Christmas isn't your style, you might consider heading with your dog to the beach. Veterinary Economics magazine recently rated the most dog-friendly (and dog-welcome) beaches. The best? Del Mar Beach, a dog-friendly stretch north of San Diego. On the opposite coast, Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg led the list of Florida beaches. Bring your leashes (not all dog beaches are leash-free zones) and your pick-up bags, plus fresh water for everyone, and have a great time.

-- Tired of pumpkin pie yet? Don't throw out those cans of pumpkin: Save them for your cat. Increasing the fiber in your cat's diet by adding a little canned pumpkin (pure pumpkin, not pie filler) daily to wet food is a proven remedy for reducing hairballs.

-- The emotional and legal view of pets continues to change. Once almost universally regarded as little more than property, the courts and legislative bodies are giving animals more regard. Jumping into the fray, the American Animal Hospital Association recently moved to recognize animals as "feeling, sensing beings capable of sentiency" in a statement that may seem obvious to pet lovers but that is considered controversial even within the veterinary profession, according to the VIN News Service. In Florida, veterinarian Dr. Kenneth Newman also has been pushing for his "Gracie's Law" to allow courts to grant damages for the loss of an animal above its value as property. The law is named in honor of Newman's Labrador, who was killed in an auto accident caused by a negligent driver. —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.