THE MOST INCREDIBLE THING ABOUT YOUR DOG MAY BE HIS NOSE

Is there anything a dog can't use his nose to figure out? Dogs have long been used to sniff out escaped cons and missing children (think bloodhounds), dinner (think spaniels, retrievers and hounds), and even truffles (think poodles).

But in recent years, trainers have come up with all kinds of new ways to use a dog's extraordinary sense of smell. Here are a few you may know -- and a few more we bet you did not:

-- Drugs. Dogs can be trained to sniff out all kinds of illegal drugs, finding them not only on people but also in massive cargo containers, long-haul trucks and school lockers.

-- Plant matter. Since fresh fruits and vegetables can carry insects and diseases that have the potential to cause great damage to agriculture, dogs are used to detect foodstuffs in the luggage of travelers coming through customs. Dogs are also used to sniff out invasive plants in fields, so they can be eradicated before they take hold.

-- Insects. Termites? No problem. Dogs are also being used to detect the resurgence of bedbugs in big cities.

-- Mold. It's not just the mold that bedevils homeowners, but also the mold that puts the vines at wineries at risk from the spread of disease.

-- Explosives. Meetings of important public officials would be hard to imagine without the diligent work of bomb-sniffing dogs. To take it a bit further, dogs are even being taught to sniff out cellphones that could be used to detonate a bomb.

-- Cows in heat. A lot of money depends on being able to artificially inseminate a cow without wasting time guessing when she's ready. While a bull could tell, he's not always available, as his contribution usually arrives on the scene frozen. A dog can tell when the cow is most fertile, although it's a good bet the dog couldn't care less.

-- Cancer. While cancer detection is still in the trial stage, it's looking pretty promising that dogs can spot a malignancy. Someday your doctor may order up a "lab test" and mean Labrador!

-- Chemicals. Dogs have been known to look for items as varied as mercury and the components of potentially pirated DVDs. They've also been used to detect the presence of fire accelerants in cases where arson is suspected.

While most of us tend to think scent work is the near-exclusive province of a handful of breeds -- bloodhounds, German shepherds and maybe a Labrador retriever here and there -- in fact, a wide range of breeds and mixes is trained to detect various scents. Because of their fine noses and friendly dispositions, beagles are used to work airports by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and any manner of mixed breeds -- lucky dogs pulled from shelters -- have been used for other kinds of detection work.

Because all dogs have keen noses filled with many more scent receptors than we humans have, a dog's future doing nose work relies more on enthusiasm, reliability and trainability than on the common canine ability to tell one scent from another.

Q&A

Cat's rubbing about

more than affection

Q: Why are cats so eager to rub up against us? -- via Facebook

A: When a cat rubs against a person, it's a sign of friendliness and affection. But rubbing also performs a very important feline function: scent-marking.

Cats want everything in the world to smell as they do, and they spend their lives trying to accomplish that feat. When cats rub against people or furniture, they're depositing sebum from sebaceous glands on their heads to spread their own trademark scent on what -- or whom -- they're bumping.

That's the most "people approved" form of scent-marking in cats, but there are others. When cats claw, they're not only keeping the tips of their claws razor-sharp, but they're also depositing scent from glands in the paws. When they lick themselves -- or you -- they're putting scent-impregnated saliva all over. Smelling right to a cat is so important that they'll even start grooming themselves after being petted, to cover your scent with their own.

The least popular form of scent-marking -- from a human point of view, anyway -- is urine-spraying. Although many cat lovers believe this to be a litter box avoidance issue, in fact it's a completely separate behavior.

A cat squats when urinating in a box. A cat scent-marking with urine stands, backs up to the object he's intending to mark, twitches his raised tail and lets it fly. Although urine-spraying is commonly a problem of unneutered males, cats of both genders -- neutered or not -- have been known to indulge in this messy, smelly habit. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

No problem telling

the girls from boys

-- In most species of parrots kept as pets, the only way to tell males from females is with a DNA test or surgical sexing. That's not the case with the Eclectus parrot: Males are a vivid Kelly green, while females sport feathers of bright red and royal blue.

-- Scientists at Cornell University have discovered the mutation that turns a benign intestinal virus into a cat-killer. In identifying the mutation that turns feline enteric coronavirus into feline infectious peritonitis, the research team's work may lead to accurate diagnostics and effective treatments for FIP, which is typically fatal. Led by virologist Dr. Gary Whittaker of the university's College of Veterinary Medicine, the discovery may also lead to effective treatments for related diseases that affect people.

-- Cats are able to squeeze through narrow spaces because they don't have a rigid collarbone to block their way. A cat's whiskers -- super-sensitive, specialized hairs -- spread roughly as wide as a cat does, helping the animal to judge which nooks and crannies are worth trying. But whiskers don't grow longer as a cat gets wider, which can lead some corpulent cats into sticky situations. -- 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.

CHOOSING TO END AN ANIMAL'S SUFFERING IS A FINAL ACT OF LOVE

It's the question every pet lover dreads, the one for which there's often no easy answer: "When is the right time to say goodbye?"

Choosing to end a pet's life is the hardest decision we make when it comes to our pets, and we can tell you from decades of experience that it's a decision that never gets any easier. Your veterinarian will offer you advice and support, and friends and family can offer you sympathy, but no one can make the decision for you. When you live with an elderly or terminally ill pet, you look in your pet's eyes every morning and wonder if you're doing what's best.

Everyone makes the decision a little differently. Some pet lovers do not wait until their pet's discomfort becomes chronic, untreatable pain, and they choose euthanasia much sooner than others would. Some owners use an animal's appetite as the guide -- when an old or ill animal cannot be tempted into eating, they reason, he has lost most interest in life. And some owners wait until there's no doubt the time is at hand -- and later wonder if they delayed a bit too long.

There's no absolute rule, and every method for deciding is right for some pets and some owners at some times. You do the best you can, and then you try to put the decision behind you and deal with the grief.

The incredible advances in veterinary medicine in the past couple of decades have made the decisions even more difficult for many people. Not too long ago, the best you could do for a seriously ill pet was to make her comfortable until that wasn't possible anymore. Nowadays, nearly every advantage of human medicine -- from chemotherapy to pacemakers to advanced pain relief -- is available to our pets.

But the addition of high-level care shouldn't change much when it comes to easing suffering: If you can have a realistic expectation that a course of treatment will improve your pet's life -- rather than simply prolong it -- then those options should be considered. But you must also ask yourself: Am I doing right by my pet, or am I just holding on because I can't bear to say goodbye?

If it's the latter, you know what decision you have to make.

Many people are surprised at the powerful emotions that erupt after a pet's death, and they can be embarrassed by their grief. Often, we don't realize we're grieving not only for the pet we loved, but also for the special time the animal represented and the ties to other people in our lives. The death of a cat who was a gift as a kitten from a friend who has died, for example, may trigger bittersweet memories of the other love lost.

Taking care of yourself is important when dealing with pet loss. Some people -- the "It's just a pet" crowd -- won't understand the loss and may shrug off grief over a pet's death as foolish. I find that the company of other animal lovers is very important. Seek them out to share your feelings, and don't be shy about getting professional help to get you through a difficult time.

Choosing to end a pet's suffering is a final act of love and nothing less. Knowing that your decisions are guided by that love is what helps us all through the sad and lonely time of losing a cherished animal companion.

SIDEBAR

Finding help when you need it

You're not alone in losing a pet, and many resources are out there to help you cope with your emotions during a difficult time. Some veterinary schools offer pet-loss support lines staffed by volunteer veterinary students, and the website PetHobbyist.com offers a pet-loss chat every night of the year, which is staffed with volunteer moderators and attended by other pet lovers.

Q&A

Halter problems?

Try a harness

Q: I've heard that head halters can cause serious injuries if used incorrectly. A too-abrupt tug could jerk a dog's head, causing neck or spinal injuries, couldn't it? -- S.T., via email

A: Anything's possible, which is why I don't recommend using a head halter with one of those long, reel-type leashes. The force of a running dog hitting the end of a 30-foot line does have the potential to cause injury. And if you want an eye-opener, do an Internet search for "retractable leash injuries" for some cautions on their use. People and pets have been seriously injured with retractable leashes, which is why I don't recommend them at all.

But in truth, just about every piece of canine equipment has the potential for problems if used incorrectly. Slip-chain collars can choke a dog or injure his neck. Breakaway collars, designed to release a dog who's caught on something, can result in a dog being off-leash when it's least safe, such as next to a busy street. Head halters can jerk a dog's head around, and people have lost fingers to retractable leashes.

One of the more benign pieces of dog gear is the front-clip harness. There are a few different ones on the market now, and they all work on the same theory: When the leash is clipped to the front of the harness (as opposed to the top center of the back), a dog's own forward momentum is used to keep him from pulling. Watch for fit and wear: An improperly fitted harness can rub a dog raw.

It's important to remember that a front-clip harness does not teach your dog to keep the leash slack. If you switch back to a collar, your dog will pull again. The best long-term strategy is to get a trainer's help to instill good leash manners for life. -- Gina Spadafori

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

THE BUZZ

No concerns over

pet microchip ID

-- Veterinary experts say there is no evidence that cancer is a problem in microchipped pets. More than 14 million-plus microchips have been implanted with only four cases in question. That's a fraction of the number of pets who have been returned to their owners because of an identifying microchip.

-- Mister Ed, the talking horse of the 1960s television show, is buried under a wild cherry tree near Tulsa, Okla. The palomino lived to the ripe old age of 33.

-- Aging cats can develop a feline form of Alzheimer's disease. Some 28 percent of pet cats aged 11 to 14 years develop at least one age-related behavior problem, and this increases to more than 50 percent for cats over the age of 15. Experts suggest that a good diet, mental stimulation and companionship can reduce the risk of dementia in both humans and cats. -- 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.

PREPARE NOW FOR THE MOST DANGEROUS HOLIDAY FOR COMPANION ANIMALS

I love the Fourth of July. I love the picnics and parades, and especially the fireworks. But I love my pets, too, so I usually stay home.

My cats live indoors, so I don't worry about them running off in fear, and my backyard is double-fenced, so I don't worry about my dogs bolting when let outside, either. But I know I would spend the evening worrying if I left them alone, and with good reason: Pet-advocacy groups warn that more pets are lost or killed, injured or panicked on this day than on any other.

Even if your pet is not the nervous type, it is a good idea to think twice before heading out the evening of July 4, or at least to take some precautions. Here are some tips:

-- Line up some chemical calm. If you know your pet looks for a place to hide and shiver at the neighborhood's first noise, call your veterinarian in advance to get a medication to keep him calm. While you are at it, ask if your vet is available for after-hours emergencies, and if not, get the location and phone number of the nearest emergency clinic. You never know if you will need it. One usually calm dog I know jumped through a sliding-glass door after firecrackers went off in the yard behind him. Fortunately, his owners knew where to take him, and he got the prompt care he needed to save his life.

-- Set up a safe room. For truly terrified pets, it's not a bad idea to secure them in a quiet room, or a crate if they're used to one. Synthetic pheromone sprays -- Feliway for cats, Adaptil for dogs, both available at pet stores -- mimic the natural substances that calm anxious pets, and help many pets over the rough spots. Clothing that "hugs" your pet, such as Thundershirts, has also been shown to help. And many people have used the homeopathic Rescue Remedy on their pets; a few drops in drinking water may help.

-- Keep your pets secure. Make sure all your pets are safely confined and provided with plenty of fresh, cool water (nervous animals drink lots of water). Bring outside pets inside, at least into the garage. Allow your cat no access to the outside, and be sure keep your dog on leash outside, even in your own yard if you're not sure about your fencing. Frightened dogs have been known to go over -- or even through -- fences that would normally hold them. And cats are often the targets of cruel pranksters, some of whom enjoy terrorizing animals with fireworks.

-- Prepare for the worst. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with ID tags. When animal-control agencies are closed, there's no way for your pet to be traced to you unless you have made sure your phone number is also on that collar. And if you don't have time to get your pet microchipped, get it done before next year's fireworks.

-- Know what to do if you lose your pet. Start looking as soon as you discover your pet is missing. Cover your neighborhood with fliers and check with veterinarians, emergency clinics and shelters. When dealing with shelters, remember that a phone call is not enough. Shelter staff cannot remember every animal in the place, and may not be able to recognize your pet from your description even if they have seen it. It is important to check in person at least every other day.

With so much to worry about, I feel a lot better staying home. Besides, I live close enough to my city's fireworks show that I can get a pretty good view without leaving my pets alone.

Q&A

GROOMING CAN HELP

KEEP PETS HEALTHY

Q: I'm a professional groomer, and I get physically sick to my stomach at how bad some dogs are when they come in. Can you tell people to pick up a brush and comb now and then? -- via Facebook

A: Beauty is more than skin-deep when it comes to your dog. Keeping a pet well-groomed not only produces a clean-smelling companion, but it also helps to keep pets more comfortable and helps owners to spot health problems before they become serious, even life-threatening. I'm happy to spread the word.

Consider a simple mat, so easy to overlook. Have you ever had your hair in a ponytail that was just a little too tight? A mat can feel the same way to your dog -- a constant pull on the skin. Try to imagine those all over your body, and you have a good idea how uncomfortable an ungroomed coat can be.

Your dog need never know what a mat feels like if you keep him brushed and combed -- but that's just the start of the health benefits. Regular grooming allows you to look for lumps, bumps and injuries, while clearing such things as mats and ticks from his coat. Follow up with your veterinarian on any questionable masses you find, and you may detect cancer early enough to save your pet's life.

It's also good for pet owners, since clean pets trigger fewer allergies. Clean, soft fur also makes pets more ... well, pet-able. And if you want a cleaner house, regular grooming will help with that, too. In my home, two of our dogs are furry hand-grenades, truly heavy shedders. We keep their long hair clipped short by our groomer, and that drops the shed rate remarkably.

While every dog needs brushing and combing -- you brush your hair between salon visits, don't you? -- regularly scheduled grooming appointments will help you keep on top of hair care, and will help with the nail trims so many owners hate even more than most dogs do. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Avoiding a cat's gaze

attracts his attention

-- Why, in a room full of people, will a cat invariably make a beeline to the one person in the room who hates or is allergic to cats? Cats don't like eye contact from strangers -- they find it intimidating. When a friendly cat wanders into a room, he'll notice that all the people who like cats are looking at him. So he heads for the one who he thinks is being polite -- the person who isn't looking at him. The cat doesn't realize that the person isn't looking because he doesn't want the cat near him. It's just a little bit of cross-species miscommunication.

-- Natura Pet Products has again recalled products across much of its dry food brand line for salmonella concerns. The products include Innova Dry, EVO, California Natural, Healthwise, Karma and Mother Nature. Recall alerts are available on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's website, which can be accessed at http://tinyurl.com/FDA-PFRecalls.

-- Keeping on top of ticks is more important than ever with the emergence and spread of Lyme disease. The Companion Animal Parasite Council reports that the disease continues to spread beyond its well-established base in the Northeast and eastern Midwest Unites States and is now found in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. Lyme is one of a handful of tick-borne diseases that affect people and pets alike. Talk to your veterinarian about effective parasite control for your pet. A map of Lyme disease in the U.S. can be found at the association's website, petsandparasites.org. -- 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.