FIVE VETERINARY PRODUCTS TO WATCH IN THE NEW YEAR

Every year, I go to as many veterinary conferences as I can. I have always loved to learn and I need to stay on the cutting edge for my work in the media.

Last year, several veterinary products caught my attention. They'll be worth watching as they roll into veterinary practices this year. In random order:

-- Zeuterin: A few years ago, I made the decision to return to practice. I missed it, so now I see pets and their people at two north Idaho veterinary hospitals whenever I can.

Recently, I was able to participate in the staff training for a product that will revolutionize the way we neuter dogs. Zeuterin is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved non-surgical product injected directly into the testicles. It's fast, it's easy on everyone and it has already proven its value in neutering overpopulations of dogs in third-world countries and in the abandoned area around the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan. (ArkSciences.com)

-- Kerdog by SophiaDog: I first saw this product last summer at the American Veterinary Medical Association's annual conference. It had quite the buzz on the trade-show floor, and with good reason. It's a wheeled cart for dogs that does more than support an animal undergoing rehabilitation. The product has pedals for the rear paws that teach the animal to use his legs while strengthening the muscles. Eventually, the pedals are removed and the dog walks with support from the cart, and then on his own. (SophiaDog.com)

-- OraStrip Quick Check: Your veterinarian can tell in minutes if your dog has periodontal disease with OraStrip Quick Check, a diagnostic strip that tests a pet's saliva and color when active disease is present. Treatment options can then be explored in time to reduce the suffering caused by this painful and harmful condition. (Orastrip.com)

-- IDEXX VetConnect Plus: I love my tablet computer, and I love seeing all the ways we're starting to use these in veterinary medicine. With this system from IDEXX, my patient's laboratory reports show an easy-to-read interactive format and can be viewed on a desktop, laptop or tablet. They're all in one place, and I can use my tablet to go over the Cloud-based results with the pet's owner. The company says more than 3,000 veterinary practices in the United States are already using the system since it was launched last July. (IDEXX.com/vetconnectplus)

-- Royal Canin Veterinary Diets' CALM: With proven links between illness and behavior problems to the increased levels of stress caused by anxiety, there's a need for food to soothe anxious pets. New from Royal Canin Veterinary Diets is CALM, the first product of its kind, available through veterinarians. CALM includes three proven ingredients to relieve stress and anxiety without the use of medication. (Royalcanin.us/calm)

These are the five products that really caught my attention last year, but I easily could have listed a couple dozen more. Changes and innovations are a constant in medicine, which is yet another reason to work with your veterinarian to stay on top of pet care breakthroughs. Your pet will benefit, and so will you.

Q&A

Abscess requires taking

cat to the veterinarian

Q: My cat got into a fight again and now he has an infection. I just can't afford another trip to the vet. What can I do at home? -- via Facebook

A: You need to take your cat to the veterinarian, since cat bites can be very serious indeed. After this issue is resolved, you can save money through prevention -- and that means keeping your cat inside. Why? Because this common feline health problem is often the result of a puncture wound, specifically a bite from another cat during a fight over territory or mates.

Nearly every free-roaming cat needs to see a veterinarian from time to time to have an abscess treated -- and by "treated," I mean surgically opened, flushed clean of debris, and sometimes temporarily held open by drains to let the wound heal with the help of time and some strong antibiotics.

A cat's mouth is a nasty mix of bacteria, and once that bacteria gets punched into another cat's body, the result will probably be an abscess. Think about it -- bacteria being injected with two bacteria-laden hypodermic needles (the cat's fang teeth) into a perfect incubator (another cat's 101-plus-degree body). The only possible outcome is infection.

The bacteria in a cat's mouth is also why even relatively minor cat bites can become serious medical issues for humans, leading to hospitalization in some cases. Anytime you're bitten or scratched by an animal, you should wash the area immediately with soap and water and have the wound checked out by your doctor. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Landmark study looks

at dogs' health for life

-- A landmark study of a popular breed of dog is expected to produce information that will likely help set medical research priority in pets and people. The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study was developed by the Morris Animal Foundation, the Flint Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University and the Golden Retriever Club of America, will track the health status of goldens as they age and the environment in which they live. This includes everything from food and exercise to exposure to pesticides to the water they drink. The study will also collect data on cancers, diabetes, arthritis and epilepsy, among other health issues common in pets and people both. Golden retrievers under the age of 2 are being sought, with more information available at caninelifetimehealth.org.

-- Search-and-rescue dogs don't need to be worrying about their jobs. Researchers at the University of Dortmund in Germany are working to determine reliable scent markers to help find people who are lost or caught in collapsed buildings after a disaster. The study identified 12 chemical compounds that could be identified by a machine for the purpose of finding someone. That's a long way from having a machine that works with the speed, agility and highly developed scenting ability of a dog under difficult and ever-changing conditions in the field.

-- Keeping dogs and cats continues to be very popular, according to the findings of the American Veterinarian Medical Association in its newly released "U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook." The survey of 50,000 households puts the number of cats in the United States at 74.1 million and the number of dogs at 70 million -- both figures down slightly from the last survey five years ago. The most dramatic drop has been in the number of horses, down 2.4 million in the same period to 4.8 million in 2012. -- 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.

LET YOUR VET HELP KEEP YOUR PET HEALTHY, AND YOU'LL SAVE IN THE LONG RUN

If you're trying to save money -- and really, who isn't? -- it's important to understand a couple of key concepts when it comes to budgeting for pet care:

1. It's almost always less expensive to prevent health problems than to treat them.

2. Taking your pet's health care expert -- your veterinarian -- out of the picture is never going to be the best way to save money.

And, yes, they go hand in hand. Veterinarians know money is always an issue, and they're ready to offer wellness plans that will help you keep your pet healthy. A wellness check once or twice a year can catch little problems before they're big ones, and gives you access to cutting-edge care and advice that will help you save at home, too.

Some more tips for keeping costs down include:

-- Take the weight off your pet. Extra pounds increase the likelihood of serious health problems, such as arthritis, diabetes and cancer in pets just as they do in people. And yet few people recognize when their pet is overweight -- or even grossly obese!

If your pet is normal weight (you should be able to feel his ribs), measuring food, keeping treats to a minimum and working in a daily exercise session will keep him that way. If your pet is overweight, get your veterinarian's help to reduce weight slowly to avoid the health risks of sudden weight loss, especially in cats. 

-- Change your buying habits. You can save money buying the largest bags of food or litter, or get case discounts on canned goods. Split your dry food purchases with family or a friend, and store portions in an airtight container. (Do keep product info from the bag, though, in case there are questions or problems.)

Other purchases should be considered carefully. Replace things such as collars when wear first shows -- you don't want a collar to break and your dog to get loose in a dangerous situation. Buy quality, not silliness: One good collar is a better value than a lot of shoddy but cute ones.

Be careful when cutting down on toys, though: Good chew toys have saved many an expensive pair of shoes.

-- Get the do-it-yourself bug. Most people can learn to handle basic pet grooming at home, from bathing to nail trims. If nothing else, you can probably stretch out the time between professional grooming with some at-home care. Check your library for grooming guides and hone in on breed-specific tips with an Internet search.

-- Don't forget the value of bartering. Ask about trading goods and services for your pet's needs.

-- Poison-proof your home. Go through your home with an eye toward possible hazards. From food hazards such as raisins, Xylitol-sweetened goodies and chocolate to houseplants such as lilies, many poisoning risks can be prevented just by removing them. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are also a danger, and these are best dealt with by putting them behind cupboard doors.

Don't be shy about asking your veterinarian to work with you on keeping costs down. For example, ask your veterinarian to give you prescriptions for medications to be filled elsewhere or to match prices. Comparison shopping for medications may offer considerable savings, especially if there are generic equivalents available.

We also recommend looking into pet health insurance, because no pet lover wants to say no to a pet who can be saved because the money isn't there for the care. Because plans differ, do your research before buying to make sure the most likely health problems of your pet are covered.

Talk to your veterinarian, and you'll get even more good advice.

Q&A

More scratching places

can save your furniture

Q: I got the cat a scratching post. But then I read that one isn't enough. How much stuff does a cat really need? He doesn't use the scratching post he has now, ruining my couch instead. -- via Facebook

A: I think you're looking at this wrong. Your cat needs and loves to scratch, and if you provide places that make him happy to do so -- and show him that this is where he should scratch -- your furniture is going to sustain less damage.

That's not the only advantage. Feline obesity is a serious and common problem, leading to chronic diseases such as diabetes. Whatever you can do to keep your cat active will help prevent him from packing on the pounds.

The reason you see advice for more litter boxes, more scratching posts (trees, trays and so on) and more toys is because many cats are living lives completely inside these days. And while that's good for them in many ways, it does require effort on our part to make up for the enriched (and dangerous) environment outside.

If you think about all the places cats can dig their claws into outside, you'll understand why one little scratching post isn't enough. Yes, your cat needs more.

Think variety as well as quantity. Some cats love to scratch horizontally. Some even like to scratch upside down, kicking at the roof of "scratching tunnels" with their hind paws, bunny-style. You'll find many choices that aren't very expensive. Check out "scratching trays" that offer the exposed ends of cardboard packed tightly into a compact unit that will fit almost anywhere in your house. Rub catnip into the places where you want your cat to scratch, if your cat's one who enjoys the herb (about half don't react to it). Place the scratchers in various locations, but you should especially place one near the damaged corner of that couch. Use double-sided tape on the damaged area to discourage your cat from digging claws in, and praise him for using the scratcher. Later, you can slowly move the post, tree or scratching tray to a preferred location, and your cat will happily follow it. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

New tax on equipment

may impact vet costs

-- A little-known provision in the Affordable Care Act has some veterinarians concerned that the costs of providing care will go up. DVM360.com reports that medical equipment used in both human and veterinary medicine is now subject to a sales tax of 2.3 percent -- an expense that industry experts say may end up being passed along to clients. The American Veterinary Medical Assoc. notes that it's "reasonable to believe" the costs will need to be passed along. The ACA does not specifically address veterinary medicine, but it is widely believed that the overlap in medications, supplies and equipment will likely affect the cost of care for animals as well as people.

-- Tethering a dog for a short while is fine, but it should never be a dog's 24/7 existence. Behaviorists say dogs who spend their lives on chains are more likely to become dangerous, biting anyone who comes onto their turf. That's because a dog who spends his life on a chain is isolated and frustrated, and he'll sometimes lash out to protect his limited bit of territory.

-- The Veterinary Information Network, a privately held online information, education and networking source for veterinarians, based in Davis, Calif., is collecting data on pet deaths attributed to jerky treats, some of which have been recalled. VIN says it will be working with veterinary pathologists to rule out unrelated causes of deaths in dogs suspected of being killed by the popular treats in order to focus on solving a mystery that has stumped state and federal public-health officials for years. VIN was also active in collecting verifiable data during the 2007 pet-food recall. Affected pet owners should work with their veterinarians to be considered for the study. -- 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.

SOFT BEDS, RAMPS AND GENTLE EXERCISE WILL KEEP OLD DOGS MORE COMFORTABLE

Regular, gentle exercise is key to health and happiness for senior dogs.

Don't let your older dog sit around: As your dog ages, build him up to regular, moderate exertion and wean him off the intense, leaping games of fetch or the pavement-pounding miles of running you may have enjoyed together in his younger days. Break it up: Instead of taking one long walk a day, take two shorter ones. And look for the opportunity to add low-key "brain games" using food puzzles or nose-work that functions as hide-and-seek for your pet.

Be sure the lowered intensity and duration of activity doesn't turn into weight gain. Extra weight puts more pressure on your dog's joints, and clogs up the efficient engine of his internal systems. If anything, keep your dog on the lean side of normal.

More tips for senior dogs include:

-- Stop slipping and sliding: A common problem among senior dogs is increasing unsteadiness on their feet. There are lots of possible contributing factors, including arthritis, hip dysplasia, nonspecific aches and pains, and the association of one unfortunate slip with more to come. If the problem is one small slippery area, such as a tiled entryway, firmly attach a throw rug with double-sided tape. If a whole room or a hallway is an issue, head to the toy store for interlocking foam play mats. These mats, designed for toddlers, can be configured in any shape or direction you need, and they'll provide a soft, non-slippery surface for your elderly dog's paws. You can rearrange them or take them up at any time.

-- It's all about the bed: Many senior dogs sleep 16 hours a day or more. With all that time spent snoozing, it's not surprising that the most important place to many dogs is the bed. Choose beds that are well-padded and warm. If your dog has arthritis, double up the beds or add egg crate or memory foam padding for extra cushioning. And add more beds: Offering a variety of beds throughout your home will give your dog ways to catch his naps while staying close to you. Finally, mix up the fabrics: You may find your dog's favorite kind of bed covering changes depending on the weather and his mood.

-- Flavorful food: If your senior dog is healthy and trim but seems to be losing his appetite, try a little extra flavoring for his food. A few little jars of strained-meat baby food (look for no- or low-salt varieties, and skip labels with onion and garlic) in the pantry will give you lots of healthy options to "kick it up" for your pup. A small spoonful of baby food will add new flavor and texture to your dog's old food. To really amp it up, try putting the dog food in the microwave for a few seconds. Warming dog food releases its aromas and makes it more pungent. For a dog with sensory loss, the smell of his food warming in the microwave can be just the ticket to increase his appetite and his enjoyment of the meal. You can also make chicken or beef broth without salt, garlic or onions, and add warm to meals.

-- Ramp it up or give him a lift: Many companies make stairs and ramps to help dogs get to their usual, favorite places, including in the car or on the couch. These are often lightweight, well-designed and collapsible, or attractive enough (in the case of stair steps) to leave as a permanent part of the decor. And while it's certainly possible to use old towels as slings to help old dogs up and down stairs, you'll find a wide variety of slings with easy-grip handles that make the lifting easier for you -- since after a dog's lifetime, you may be no spring chicken, either.

It doesn't take much to make your older dog's life more comfortable, and knowing that you have will make you happier as well.

Q&A

Good reasons for

giving cats baths

Q: Is there really any need ever to bathe a cat? Seems they take care of themselves pretty well. -- via Facebook

A: Actually, there are some good reasons to bathe cats, and they're arguably strong enough to make it worth the effort to teach cats to tolerate baths while they're still easier-to-handle kittens.

Among the reasons why it's worth it: You may sometimes need to wash off something your cat got into, which you don't want him to ingest when he licks his coat. If this happens and your cat absolutely will not handle being bathed, talk to your veterinary hospital about having them handle it. Many groomers will also handle cats, and that's certainly an option for the routine grooming of long-haired cats (who may need to be shaved clear of mats), as well as for those cats who need to have sticky or dangerous material removed from their coats.

There's also a benefit to you in bathing your cat: It reduces shedding and allergies. Studies have shown that getting cats wet can reduce the sneezing, wheezing and itchy eyes associated with allergies to cats. It may even make life with a cat possible for people who are mildly or even moderately allergic to them. You don't have to bother with soap for allergies, though: Just rinsing a cat weekly reduces the dander that triggers allergy attacks.

While it's decidedly more difficult to teach an adult cat to tolerate bathing than to start a kitten with baths from the start, it can be done with most of them if you introduce the concept a little bit at a time, with lots of treats and praise. One note of caution: Use a shampoo that's labeled for cats, not dogs. If you use a dog shampoo that contains ingredients for combating fleas, you may put your cat's health at risk. This is true even of natural ingredients meant to repel fleas. In general, you should consult your vet before using any dog product on your cat. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Pet jerky treats

pulled from market

-- Pet jerky treats from Nestle Purina and the Del Monte Corp. have been recalled. The move follows months of intense scrutiny by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which last September put out a blunt warning to avoid buying chicken, duck or sweet potato jerky treats made in China or sourced from Chinese ingredients. The companies say the Milo's Kitchen, Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch treats are safe, but were pulled as a precaution after testing by government agencies revealed residual amounts of antibiotics in the products. The mystery remains why jerky treats are thought to have sickened or killed more than 2,000 pets, according to the FDA.

-- A cancer drug that proved a disappointment in human medicine but promising in fighting lymphoma in dogs may be heading to veterinary offices within the next couple of years. Veterinary Emerging Technologies Development Corp., or VetDC, says it has raised enough capital to market the drug, currently known as VDC-1101.

-- Under pressure from animal activists, the American Veterinary Medical Association is considering a policy that would discourage the practice of "debarking" in all cases except those where it's considered the only chance an animal has of staying in the home. The controversial practice, in which tissue is surgically removed from a dog's vocal cords, is one of a handful of elective procedures that have declined in favor in recent years, including ear cropping in dogs and declawing in cats. Many younger veterinarians refuse to do any of these formerly commonplace procedures. AVMA policy is considered a bellwether for change in the veterinary community, but the move would have no real teeth, since member veterinarians can perform the procedure anywhere they are legal if they so choose. -- 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.