REGULAR GROOMING IS AN EASY WAY TO MAKE PETS HAPPY AND HEALTHY

There are few things that make a veterinarian happier than walking into an exam room to see a pet who's squeaky clean and perfectly groomed. That's because it's a sign of a pet owner who's paying attention to all aspects of preventive pet care and overall comfort.

How important is grooming to your pet's comfort? 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 tangles 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.

For shorthaired breeds, keeping skin and coat in good shape is easy. Run your hands over him daily, a brush over him weekly and that's it.

For other breeds, grooming is a little more involved. Breeds such as collies, chows, keeshonden and Alaskan malamutes are "double-coated," which means they have a downy undercoat underneath harsher long hair. The down can mat like a layer of felt against the skin if left untended. To prevent this, divide the coat into small sections and brush against the grain from the skin outward, working from head to tail, section by section. A tip: Yes, you can keep these long-haired dogs clipped short to keep grooming easier -- and you'll be rewarded with a dog who sheds the least of all, owing to the longer grow-and-shed cycle of long hair.

Silky-coated dogs such as Afghan hounds, cockers and Maltese also need constant brushing to keep tangles from forming. As with the double-coated dogs, work with small sections at a time, brushing from the skin outward, and then comb back into place with the grain for a glossy, finished look. Coats of this type require so much attention that having a groomer keep the dogs trimmed to a medium length is often more practical.

Curly and wiry coats, such as those on poodles and terriers, need to be brushed weekly, working against the grain and then with it. Curly coats need to be clipped every six weeks; wiry ones, two or three times a year. (But clipping every six weeks will keep your terrier looking sharper.) A good professional groomer, along with your veterinarian, can be a dog's best friend.

Good grooming is about more than keeping your pet looking beautiful and clean-smelling, although those are certainly pleasant payoffs. Regular grooming relaxes the dog who's used to it, and it becomes a special time shared between you both. A coat free of mats, burrs and tangles, and skin free of fleas and ticks, are as comfortable to your dog as clean clothes fresh from the wash are to you. It just makes you feel good, and the effect is the same for your pet.

Some added benefit for you: Giving your dog a tummy rub after every session is sure to relax you (and your dog, of course) and ease the stress of your day.

Q&A

Houseplants can make

chewing cats very sick

Q: I'm tired of shredded houseplants! Can you suggest plants that our two cats won't chew on? -- via Facebook

A: We'd rather you satisfy your cats' desire to chew by offering safe plants for their pleasure, while removing all toxic foliage and cat-proofing the plants you want left alone.

Many common houseplants can make your cats ill, and a few can be deadly. Among the most dangerous are dieffenbachia, lily of the valley and philodendron. Various ivies and yews can be troublesome, too, and the bulbs of plants popular for "forcing" into early indoor bloom -- such as amaryllis, daffodils and tulips -- can cause problems for the cat who likes to dig and chew.

The Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA.org/apcc) maintains a list of problem plants, and you should also be able to find such lists in most basic cat-care books. Check your household inventory against the "bad plant" list, and replace any dangerous plants with safer ones.

Indulge your pets by keeping planters of sprouting grasses growing in an accessible place for nibbling. Special blends of seeds for cats are available in pet stores and specialty shops, or you can purchase rye or wheat grass seeds at the nursery. Catnip, too, is something that's always better when fresh, as is valerian. While not all cats react to the pleasures of these plants, those who do will appreciate your keeping it in-house and using fresh cuttings to recharge cat posts, trees and toys.

When your cats have their own plants, you can work on keeping them away from yours. Plants on the ground or on low tables are the easiest targets, so make your houseplants less accessible to the bored and wandering cat. Put plants up high, or better yet: Hang them.

For the plants you can't move out of harm's way, make them less appealing by coating them with something your cats find disagreeable. Cat-discouragers include Bitter Apple, a nasty-tasting substance available at any pet-supply store, or Tabasco sauce from any grocery store. Whenever you find what your cat doesn't like, keep reapplying it to reinforce the point.

Pot your plants in heavy, wide-bottomed containers, and cover the soil of the problem plants with rough, decorative rock to end digging. Foil, waxed paper and double-sided tape are also effective digging deterrents, albeit less attractive ones. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori

THE BUZZ

Powerful beaks give

parrots big leverage

-- The beaks of most parrots are remarkably well-designed for one of their most important tasks: cracking, crushing, prying or otherwise destroying the protective coatings around many of the foods they like to eat. Beaks should not be given routine trims: Overgrowth of the beak is frequently a sign of illness, such as liver disease or malnutrition. Any bird whose beak seems to be too long needs to see a veterinarian expert in avian medicine to determine the cause of the problem and treat it accordingly.

-- Viagra (sildenafil) is used for more than what it's most famous for. In veterinary medicine, the drug may be prescribed for severe pulmonary hypertension -- high blood pressure in the lungs.

-- Dealing with hairballs -- fur ingested as a cat grooms himself, then vomited back up in clumps -- is a normal part of living with a cat. Canned or fresh pureed pumpkin -- not pumpkin pie filling -- is a good way to increase the fiber in your cat's diet to help the hair work its way through your cat's digestive system. Many cats enjoy a teaspoon of pumpkin daily if it's mixed with something yummy, such as canned food or the water from a can of tuna or clams. Daily brushing can help prevent hairballs as well, by reducing the amount of hair a cat swallows. -- 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.

The No. 1 thing that will give your pet a better life while saving you money? Weight loss

Whenever I write about veterinary medicine, no matter if it's basic preventive care tests or cutting-edge specialty or emergency procedures, it's inevitable that I'll hear from readers who'll use the topic as a reason to complain about the cost of care.

Although I understand why people feel that way, I think it's often unfair. Veterinarians perform similar and often identical procedures to those of doctors, but at a fraction of the cost of human medicine. Yet I realize that pointing out that the $3,000 procedure that will save a pet's life would be 10 times that cost in human medicine doesn't help a bit if you don't have one-tenth of that amount available anyway.

I can't fix that situation, and neither can the veterinarians I know. They have to pay all the costs of doing business, and they've struggled to get by right along with everyone else as the economy has staggered along. Pet health insurance can help, as can third-party credit plans -- and I recommend looking into them both before you're faced with hard decisions.

But what frustrates me -- and so many veterinarians I know -- is the way that so many pet lovers overlook, downplay or completely ignore the No. 1 thing that will keep their pets healthier, longer-lived and out of veterinary offices. Even more astonishing, this not-so-secret way to save money on veterinary care can be absolutely free.

What is it?

Take excess weight off your pet.

There's a better than 50 percent chance that if you're reading this and have a pet, this topic concerns you and your pet. That's because more than half of all pets in the United States are overweight -- many of them desperately so. Veterinarians say that we have gotten so used to seeing fat pets that we have come to think it's normal. We're often not even able to recognize that our own pets are overweight.

If you cannot see a tuck in (from above) or up (from the side) behind your pet's rib cage, and cannot see just a hint of rib under a little bit of padding, your pet is fat.

I'm not saying that to make you feel guilty. I'm saying that as a nonjudgmental statement of fact.

I long ago came to terms with the idea that the subject of obesity in people is complicated and charged with emotions -- but in pets, it shouldn't be. Pets cannot feed themselves, and they cannot overeat unless you overfeed them. Even if you and your pets lead sedentary lives, you can adjust your pets' daily portions accordingly. They'll even learn to stop begging if you stop rewarding that behavior.

Slow, steady weight loss is what you're going for, especially for cats. That's because crash diets in fat cats can trigger a deadly condition known as "fatty liver disease." If you're free-feeding, stop, and if you're not measuring, start. You can buy a "diet" food or you can reduce portions and add "empty" bulk to the kibble you already use by adding green beans or pumpkin to smaller amounts. Wet food is another good strategy, since the water content makes pets feel more full. It's an especially good strategy for cats, many of whom are chronically dehydrated.

Your veterinarian can tailor a weight-loss plan, or you can use an app such as my friend Dr. Patty Khuly's "The Fat Dog Diet" (free from thefatdogdiet.com), which shows you how to figure out if your dog is fat, by how much, and advises how much to feed to get results from almost every brand of kibble sold. (Pet food labels are often notoriously generous with their recommended portions.)

Do what you can, but do something, please. I see pets every day whose lives are miserable, and whose owners seem oblivious. If you do nothing else today, take an honest look at your pet, and put your hands underneath that lovely coat. If you find he's more fat than fluff, you need to make changes -- the sooner, the better.

Here's my bottom line: If you have an obese pet, you have no business complaining about the costs of treating conditions caused by or made worse by your pet's weight.

Taking weight off will make everyone feel better: you, your veterinarian and especially your pet. There's so much to lose -- and so much to gain by doing so.

Q&A

Closed doors prevent

feline fight injuries

Q: Our cat got into another fight, and that meant another abscess -- and another vet bill! How can we prevent another round of these? It's getting too expensive. -- via Facebook

A: Nearly every free-roaming cat will one day need to see a veterinarian to have an abscess treated -- surgically opened, flushed of debris, and sometimes temporarily held open by drains to let the wound heal with the help of time and some strong antibiotics.

This common feline health problem is usually the result of a puncture wound, specifically a bite from another cat during a fight over territory or mates.

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 are basically injected by two hypodermic needles (the cat's fang teeth) into a perfect incubator (another cat's 101-degree-plus body). The only possible outcome is infection.

The only surefire prevention strategy that I know is to keep cats indoors. If you can't do that, you'll likely be back at the veterinarian's again after the next fight. Once a bite wound abscesses, there is no DIY solution: Your cat will need to see your veterinarian. -- Dr. Marty Becker

THE BUZZ

Cats put priority on

a full-body stretch

-- 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.

-- In three decades, the number of white-tailed deer has gone from 300,000 to more than 30 million, and with them, the numbers of ticks have likewise exploded. Deer are hosts for ticks, taking the heinous hitchhikers everywhere they go. As the animals take over suburbs and are now pretty common in cities as well, tick-borne diseases are of even greater concern to veterinarians and physicians alike. Protecting pets from ticks also protects people. Talk to your veterinarian about the most effective methods of tick control in your region.

-- 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 glands on their heads to spread their own trademark scent on what -- or who -- they're bumping. 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 feet. When they lick themselves -- or you -- they're putting scent-impregnated saliva all over. -- 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.

A FEW SIMPLE STEPS WILL HELP YOU ADOPT A HEALTHY YOUNG CAT

Kittens can be so cute -- they make us gasp in delight, and every shelter and rescue group has plenty to choose from at this time of year -- colors, coat lengths and markings galore. But how do you know you're picking a healthy baby?

General impressions are important. You should get a sense of good health and vitality from the kitten you're considering adopting. The baby should feel good in your arms: neither too thin nor too fat, well put-together, sleek and solid. If his ribs are showing or if he's potbellied, the kitten may be suffering from malnutrition or worms. Both are fixable, but signs of neglect may indicate deeper problems with socialization or general health.

With soothing words and gentle caresses, go over each kitten you're considering from nose to tail, paying special attention to the following areas:

-- Fur and skin. Skin should be clean and unbroken, covered thickly with a glossy coat of hair. Part the hairs and look for signs of fleas: The parasites themselves may be too small and fast for you to spot, but their droppings remain behind. You shouldn't count a cat out because of a few fleas, but a severe infestation could mean an anemic kitten, which could be a problem if you're not ready to care for a sick youngster right off the bat.

-- Ears. Ears should be clean inside or, perhaps, have a little bit of wax only. Filthy ears and head-shaking are signs of ear mites, which can require a prolonged period of consistent medication to eradicate. Again, it's fixable, but you need to be willing to work at it.

-- Eyes. Eyes should look clear and bright. Runny eyes or other discharge may be a sign of illness. The third eyelid, a semitransparent protective sheath that folds away into the corners of the eyes nearest the nose (also called a "haw"), should not be visible.

-- Nose. As with eyes, there should be no discharge. The nose should be clean and slightly moist. A kitten who has difficulty breathing or is coughing or sneezing may be seriously ill.

-- Mouth. Gums should be rosy pink, not pale, and with no signs of inflammation at the base of the teeth. The teeth should be white and clear of tartar buildup.

-- Tail area. Clean and dry. Dampness or the presence of fecal matter may suggest illness.

Of course, even a healthy kitten will need your veterinarian's help to stay that way. Schedule a new-kitten exam and preventive-care consultation as soon as you get your new family member adopted.

Remember that health is only part of the picture when it comes to raising a kitten. Always keep in mind the cat you want your kitten to be, and create a socialization checklist that gives you homework for shaping your kitten's personality and perspective on life one day and one baby step at a time.

Look for every opportunity to shape your kitten into a relaxed, confident, friendly, affectionate and well-behaved member of your family. Hand-feed your kitten before and in between meals. When your kitten is already relaxed, use special treats to introduce new experiences such as gentle handling, wearing collars, harnesses or getting one nail trimmed. Think of teeny-tiny baby steps and of creating a positive first impression. Provide your kitten's favorite treats and finger-scratch your kitten in favorite places to help offset small amounts of stress. Help your kitten recover and relax by going slowly, without using any force.

Finally, ask your veterinarian for tips on how to raise a kitten who tolerates -- and preferably likes -- going in for wellness care. Too many pet owners say they don't provide this essential care for their cats because their pets hate the carrier, the car and the veterinary exam room. It doesn't have to be that way, so lay a solid foundation now for a lifetime of good care.

Q&A

Donating blood can net

veterinary discounts

Q: Our veterinarian offers a discount on future visits for people who bring their dogs in to donate blood. I give blood regularly, so I lean in favor of my dog helping other dogs as I help other people. And yes, I have to admit the discount is appealing, too. But my question: Is it safe for my dog?

A: Yes, it is. The use of blood products for treating sick and injured pets has increased so dramatically that there is a growing shortage of canine and feline blood.

The donated blood is used in the same way that blood is used in human medical facilities: as whole blood, plasma and packed red cells. The blood is collected in sterile plastic bags and is handled and stored in the same way as human blood.

Although most stored blood comes from "professional" donors -- typically, dogs living in a veterinary hospital or, more recently, retired racing greyhounds kept in colonies as blood donors -- in some areas, canine blood drives are held. The blood is donated (you can't earn money from your dog's donation), but it's certainly for a worthy cause. And some veterinary hospitals also encourage ongoing donations as yours does, by offering a discount for regular blood donors.

In any case, donating blood is no more hazardous to pets than it is for people. Discuss your dog's suitability for the task with your own veterinarian.

Cats can donate blood, too, by the way, but that's usually not a job for pet owners to volunteer their cats for. That's because few cats like going to the veterinarian well enough for their owners to take them more than is absolutely necessary. Serving as a blood donor is typically the job of cats who live at the veterinary hospital for a while and then are placed in new homes after their service to other cats is over. These cats are great adoption prospects, since they're chosen for the work because they're typically friendly and easygoing. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Rhode Island latest state

to outlaw dog-breed bans

-- It's not often you can find near-universal agreement from veterinary, dog-trainer and animal welfare groups, as well as lawyers, on any subject, but there is one topic that seems to fit the bill: These professional organizations have come out against banning dogs based on breed alone. They argue that breeds typically banned out of fear of dog bites -- most notably pit bulls -- are hard to identify with certainty, and present no more danger than any other breed or mix. Instead, they push more effective policies aimed at reducing dog bites that focus on all dogs, not just a few breeds. For a while, it seemed like breed bans were picking up steam, but now the tide seems to be turning: Last month Rhode Island became the third state this year to prohibit municipalities from enacting breed bans, following Nevada and Connecticut. The newest law brings the total number of states outlawing breed-based bans to 16.

-- If your child loves pretending to be a veterinarian, better start saving up for college: Veterinarians say they chose their career early, falling in love with the idea of working to care for animals by the age of 9.

-- How many more ways have yet to be discovered about how remarkable dolphins are? A recent article on the BBC's website shared a study that says dolphins appear to call each other by name. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, notes that a team of researchers from the University of St Andrews in Scotland found that the animals have a unique whistle that serves the same function as a name, and when that whistle is played back to them, they respond. -- 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.