ADULT DOGS CAN BE PERFECT MATCHES FOR MANY FAMILIES

In recent years we've seen a shift in attitude when it comes to adopting an adult dog. "Recycled rovers" used to be a "hard sell," not only because puppies have the "cute factor" advantage, but also because many people believed adult dogs were less likely than puppies to bond with a new family.

Rescue groups, shelters, veterinarians and trainers alike have long argued that's not the case, and the message has gotten through: Adult dogs are now widely considered a wonderful adoption option, especially for people who aren't in a good position to raise a puppy.

When choosing an adult dog, however, you need to ask questions and then think about the answers. While expecting to work on some things as your new dog gets used to you is reasonable, you want to make sure that you know what you're getting into when it comes to such things as health, behavior and even shedding. There are no wrong answers, but here are some questions to ask about any dog you're considering adopting:

-- What do you know of this dog's history? You may be dealing with a shelter, a rescue volunteer, the dog's original owner or breeder, or a nice person who found a stray. While it's certainly possible for a dog found as a stray to be a perfect candidate for "rehoming," knowing a dog's history is usually helpful when it comes to predicting his potential future in your home.

-- Why is this dog available for adoption? Dogs become available for lots of reasons. "Losing our home," "divorce" and "death" don't reflect badly on the dog; "bit our daughter" should give you pause, at the very least. Listen, too, for what isn't said: "He needs more exercise than we can give him" may mean a dog with exercise requirements only a marathoner could meet, or it could mean the previous owners really wanted a dog with the exercise requirements of a stuffed animal. When in doubt, ask more questions.

-- What behavior problems does this dog have? What health problems? Many things are fixable and worth considering if you honestly believe you'll take the time to work with the dog. Remember, too, that some problems don't need anything more than a dose of common sense to fix. "Won't stay in the yard," for example, may be easily cured by a decent fence and neutering. As for health, some dogs (like some people) need daily medication for chronic conditions, which might be a problem in some families.

-- How is he with children? Other dogs? Cats? Even if you don't have children, you're going to run into some from time to time. The same is true with other dogs. You can successfully avoid cats if you don't have them, but make certain your prospective pet at least tolerates them well if you do share your home with a cat or two. As for dogs with aggression issues, in many cases these can be worked out, but you may need the help of good trainer or behaviorist, plus a dedication of time and money.

Love is not enough for a good match. While almost any dog can be successfully rehomed with experienced, patient new owners, dogs with severe problems are usually not good projects for beginners. You'll be happier and better able to offer your dog a great new home if you take your time to make sure the fit is a good one. Follow your head as well as listen to your heart, and you'll be off to a great start on a new life with the adopted dog you finally choose.

In recent years we've both taken adult dogs into our homes, including ones with health or behavior problems. Because we knew what we were getting and knew what we could deal with, everything worked out just fine. And it can for you, too.

Q&A

Puppies need mom

past weaning age

Q: What is the right age to take home a puppy? We are looking at a litter the breeder says will be weaned and ready to go at four weeks, which seems young to us. -- via Facebook

A: Behaviorists have known for decades that puppies pick up some very important lessons from their mom and their littermates well after the time when they are weaned. They not only learn the complex social language that will help them get along with people and other dogs, but they also learn skills that set the stage for teaching them the manners all dogs need.

The earliest these experts say puppies should leave their siblings and mom is seven weeks, but many good breeders hold them even longer, up to 12 weeks, while providing them with individual attention, house-training lessons and even the beginnings of reward-based obedience training.

If you cannot convince the seller to keep the puppies together longer, my suggestion is to find another breeder, one well-versed in the developmental stages of dogs and the breeder's important role in raising puppies properly. Or go to a good shelter, where young puppies are placed with others of their age and socialized by savvy volunteers.

Choosing the right source for your pup is just as important as choosing the right breed or mix. A seller who isn't patient enough or doesn't know enough to provide puppies with the proper foundation for a lifetime of good habits is one best avoided. -- Gina Spadafori

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

THE BUZZ

Texas court affirms:

Pets are 'property'

-- In a ruling watched around the nation, the Texas Supreme Court denied the ability to sue for emotional damages in the death of a pet. In overturning a lower court's ruling, the state's high court confirmed the status of an animal as property by law, saying compensation for a death "is limited to loss of value, not loss of relationship." The case concerned a lost dog who'd been mistakenly killed at an animal shelter despite a "hold for owner" tag on the cage. Efforts are underway to get the law changed to recognize the value of animal companions beyond property, including in Florida, where Tampa veterinarian Dr. Kenneth Newman is trying to find legislative support for his proposed Gracie's Law. Dr. Newman is at odds with veterinary trade associations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, which argued against a change in status in the Texas case.

-- The University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine is testing a drug that may treat bone cancer in dogs -- and subsequently, in humans. The treatment uses modified listeria bacteria to teach the immune system to attack cancer cells. The study is part of a growing trend to develop trials in hopes of developing effective treatments for people and pets simultaneously.

-- The increased acceptance of marijuana use, and the formulation of the drug's active ingredient in so-called "edibles" such as candies and baked goods, has perhaps not surprisingly led to reports of increases in the numbers of dogs ending up stoned at the veterinarian's. One emergency practice in Oregon told the Portland Oregonian that marijuana cases have doubled to about one-fifth of all canine toxicity visits. Clinical signs of marijuana ingestion in dogs include a "drunken" stagger and dribbling urine. Most pets recover after treatment with no after-affects. -- 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.

FOUNTAINS, WET FOOD HELP PREVENT FELINE URINARY PROBLEMS

For a healthier cat, add water. No, not to the outside -- your cat will happily bathe himself -- but to the inside. Encouraging increased fluid intake is one of the best things you can do to keep your cat healthy, along with keeping him at the proper weight.

Combined, these two preventive-care strategies cost little and can save lots, by helping to prevent a common malady that can be a serious problem for cats and their owners -- feline lower urinary tract disease, or FLUTD.

FLUTD often causes cats to urinate outside the litter box, a classic warning sign of illness that you can see -- and smell. Other symptoms include straining to urinate, crying out in the box or going more frequently.

While FLUTD may strike any age or gender of cats, it is more frequently seen in middle-aged and overweight cats. Factors that increase the risk include lack of exercise, stress and chronic dehydration.

Tips for avoiding FLUTD include:

-- Hydration. Some cats will drink more if the water seems fresh, such as with fountains that keep the water filtered and circulating. You can find these at any good pet-supply store, or search for "cat drinking fountain" online.

-- Chill your cat out. Decrease stress in the environment by providing your cat with scratching posts, window perches or kitty condos, and by playing active games with him. Pheromones such as Feliway also help keep cats calm.

-- Keep home sweet home. Be more aware of changes in your cat when there are changes in your life such as new pets, a home remodel or a move. Provide your cat with a quiet room with all the amenities during a transition.

-- Switch to "wet food." Canned diets have higher water content than dry ones, and their palatability ensures that cats will take in more water with their meals. If you can't completely switch, cut back on kibble and offer canned as a complement.

-- Breaking up meals. Feed your cat several small meals during the day instead of one or two larger meals. Even better: Help keep your cat active by hiding food, either placing the bowls around the house or tucking food into special toys called "food puzzles."

-- Feed for health. Ask your veterinarian if therapeutic diets for urinary tract health are appropriate for your cat. These foods contain clinically proven antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and controlled levels of minerals and vitamins to maintain a precise urine pH, and work to help treat or prevent FLUTD.

Above all, make sure your cat stays at a healthy weight. Fat cats are a good thing only if they're cartoon cats. For real-life ones, obesity leads to FLUTD and other serious health problems, such as diabetes. If you're not sure if your cat is at proper weight, ask your veterinarian at your cat's wellness exam.

Once you know the weight your cat should be, you can then weigh him weekly by holding him, weighing the both of you, then weighing yourself without him.

Keep a simple log of your pet's weight and any changes so you stay ahead of any potential problems. And keep that fountain clean, so your cat will keep drinking!

Q&A

Put string away

if cats at play

Q: Our cat had to have surgery after she ate a ribbon after a birthday party. I had no idea! Would you please tell people to be careful? She could have died. -- via Facebook

A: One thing I love about pet lovers is their willingness to help others keep their pets safe. So, thank you for helping!

Kittens and cats love playing with yarn, as well as string, ribbon and anything that twists and dances. They like to stalk, to pounce, to flip their slender prey in the air, and to start stalking again. That's all good clean fun, but there's always a chance that your cat won't stop with play and will decide to eat his plaything. And that's where the fun stops, because any sort of yarn, ribbon, Christmas tinsel or string can cause havoc in your cat's intestines, causing a problem that may need to be surgically treated.

If you knit or sew, put your supplies securely away when you're done with them, and if you're opening or wrapping packages, clean up after you're finished. Packing material such as foam peanuts also can be a health hazard for your pet.

Chewing on electrical cords is more of a risk for inquisitive kittens, but protecting your grown-up cat against them wouldn't hurt, either. Tuck all cords out of the way. And if you notice some that you can't hide are attracting kitty teeth, coat them in something nasty, such as Bitter Apple (available at pet-supply stores), to convince your cat or kitten to chomp elsewhere.

Even if your pet's not really the playful type, she may find one kind of string irresistible: juice-soaked string from a roast or turkey. Dispose of these tempting dangers carefully, putting them in a container that your cat can't get into.

For the cat who loves to chase things, get a "cat fishing pole" and play with her. It's good bonding for you both, and good exercise for your cat. When you're done playing, though, put the toy where she can't get it. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Bunnies hop to it

in latest pet sport

-- The sport of dog agility began 25 years ago as an exhibition at Crufts, the English dog show that is the world's largest. Based on the equine sport of show jumping, canine agility has grown to be extremely popular worldwide, and has itself inspired some spin-off sports. One of the newest is aimed at pet rabbits, who are trained to hop a series of jumps while on leash. The first championship event was held in Switzerland in 2011, with more than 50 rabbits competing. The sport has since started attracting participants in the United Kingdom and the United States.

-- Banfield Pet Hospital, best known for operating within Petsmart stores, is experimenting with stand-alone practices, opening a handful of them in the Portland, Ore., area with plans for more. VIN News reports that the move isn't any indication that the alliance is changing between the two powerful pet-industry players. Banfield told VIN News that it is placing hospitals where it thinks they will do well, but where there aren't currently Petsmart locations.

-- According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, people struggling to quit smoking can find extra motivation from their pets. The AVMA says owners who smoke are more likely to have dogs with lung and nasal sinus cancer, and cats who have lymphoma. When smokers are told that secondhand smoke can hurt their pets, almost a quarter say that they would think about quitting for the good of their pets. -- 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.

ILLNESS, CHANGES CAN TRIGGER LITTER BOX ISSUES

When I adopted a second adult cat a few months ago, I knew I was at risk for having one cat or the other -- or both -- avoiding the litter box. And indeed, it wasn't long before I found that one of the cats was skipping the box.

While I was able work out the problem pretty quickly through trial and error, for a couple of weeks I knew I was in good company. That's because failure to use a litter box is the top behavior complaint of cat lovers, sending countless cats to shelters every year. But that doesn't have to be the sad outcome, if you're willing to work on the problem.

The first step in getting a cat to use the box is to make sure there's not a medical condition driving the behavior -- and that means a trip to your veterinarian for a complete workup. Urinary tract infections and diseases such as diabetes make consistent litter box use impossible for even the most well-intentioned cat. You cannot hope to get your cat to use the box again until any health issues have been resolved.

If your cat checks out fine, you need to start working to make sure that everything about the box is to your cat's liking. The second rule of solving a litter box problem: If the cat isn't happy, no one will be happy. Here's what to look for.

-- Cleanliness. Cats are fastidious animals, and if the litter box is dirty, they look elsewhere for a place to go. Clean the box frequently -- twice a day is ideal -- and make sure it's completely scrubbed clean and aired out on a weekly basis. Having an additional litter box may help, too. In my case, the problem was a matter of two cats who didn't want to share (and really, who can blame them?). I followed the rule of thumb: One box per cat, plus one more. I'd always intended to ramp up to three boxes at the time I introduced the second cat, and if I had, I probably would never have had any issues.

-- Box type and filler. Many choices people make to suit their own tastes conflict with the cat's sense of what's agreeable. A covered box may seem more pleasing to you, but your cat may think it's pretty rank inside, or scary. Likewise, scented litters may make you think the box smells fine, but your cat may disagree -- not only is the box dirty, he reasons, but it also has this extra "clean" odor he can't abide. Start with the basics: a very large box with unscented clumping-style litter. You don't have to buy an "official" litter box, by the way; large, shallow storage containers and sweater boxes (lids off, of course) make great litter boxes.

-- Location. Your cat's box should be away from his food and water, in a place he can get to easily and feel safe. Consider a location from a cat's point of view: Choose a quiet spot where he can see what's coming at him. A cat doesn't want any surprises while he's in the box. With multiple cats, try to spread out the boxes so no cat feels his territory is overrun by the other cat.

Make the area where your cat has had mistakes less attractive by cleaning it thoroughly with a pet-odor neutralizer (available from pet-supply retailers). Discourage reuse by covering the area with foil, plastic sheeting or plastic carpet runners with the points up.

If you just can't seem to get the problem resolved, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist. These veterinarians are skilled in behavioral problem-solving and are able to prescribe medications that may make the difference during the retraining period.

Q&A

Tennis ball risks

can be minimized

Q: I wish you would warn people about tennis balls. Yes, dogs love them, but they're not meant for dogs. I don't think they're safe, and I won't let my dogs have them. Can you spread the word? -- via Facebook

A: A world without tennis balls? Perish the thought! It's a good possibility that more tennis balls are used to exercise dogs than to play tennis. While most dogs "make do" with used balls that have lost their ideal tennis court bounce, other pets enjoy any number of tennis balls made especially for dogs, including balls of different sizes and colors, and even some with flavorings (mint seems to be a favorite -- with people, if not with dogs).

But yes, tennis balls do present a hazard that requires they be used only in supervised conditions. The problem is that dogs have strong jaws capable of compressing a tennis ball. If that compressed ball pops open in the back of the throat, it can cut off a dog's air supply. Over the years, I've gotten letters from countless readers who've lost dogs this way.

You don't have to throw away all your tennis balls, but you do need to use them in a way that reduces the risk of choking. Tennis balls should always be put out of reach after a game of fetch, and no dog should ever be allowed to use them as chew toys.

In supervised play, insist that dogs fetch, return and immediately release the ball -- no games of keep-away while the dog works the ball in her mouth. And keep only one ball in play at a time to minimize the risk of having your dog pick up more than one and getting the first ball lodged in the back in the throat.

Keep the game of fetch fast and lively to keep the focus on the chase and the next throw. A product I couldn't live without (with my weak throwing arm and strong retrievers) is the ChuckIt!, a tool that flings the ball much farther than most of us can throw. (Added bonus: The ChuckIt! also keeps dog slobber off your hands!)

Nothing in life is without risk, sadly, but there's no need to deny your dogs the joy and needed exercise that a tennis ball can provide. Just be sure to follow a few simple guidelines to keep playing safely. -- Gina Spadafori

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

THE BUZZ

Tell your dog to keep

his tongue to himself

-- The idea that a dog's saliva has healing powers has been around at least since the ancient Greeks and Romans, whose physicians believed it to be an antidote for poisoning. Later, St. Roch was often pictured with a dog licking a sore, reflecting the belief that the patron saint of plague victims knew something about a cure and that his dog's saliva made him healthy. Modern medicine, no surprise, doesn't look kindly on such theories. Soap and water, a dab of topical antiseptic and a Band-Aid are much better treatments for any cut. Because no matter what you've heard, a dog's mouth really isn't cleaner than a human's.

-- When it comes to stretching before any activity, no personal trainer or coach will ever be as committed to the idea as the average cat. When a cat wakes up, she carefully stretches every muscle to make sure her strong, supple body is ready for action. Typically, the stretching routine starts with a good arching of the back and a very, very big yawn. Next is a full-body stretch, right down to the tip of the tail.

-- The Great Dane is the No. 1 breed at risk for a sudden and potentially deadly health problem commonly called "bloat" (known to veterinarians as gastric dilatation-volvulus, or GDV), according to a Purdue University study. Other large, deep-chested dogs are also at higher risk, although any breed or mix can bloat. When a dog bloats, his stomach expands and eventually twists, requiring surgical intervention. Male dogs are also twice as likely to bloat, and most dogs who bloat are between 7 and 12 years of age. When combined with other complications of bloat, it is a leading cause of death in dogs, second only to cancer. Knowing the signs of bloat -- frequent, unsuccessful attempts to vomit, general discomfort, anxiety and restlessness, "hunched up" appearance, enlarged, tight abdomen -- combined with early veterinary surgical intervention, is often a dog's only shot at surviving. -- 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.