WANT YOUR DOGS TO BE WELCOME WHEN YOU TRAVEL? PLAN AHEAD AND BE CONSIDERATE

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Many of us travel during the holidays to visit family or to experience the beauty of a celebration in a favorite place. We did both over the Christmas holiday, packing up the dogs for a road trip to Santa Fe, N.M., for the Yule festivities, followed by a visit with family in Magdalena.

Dogs are part of my family, but bringing them along requires a good bit of packing and preparation, not to mention higher than normal levels of supervision. Our 6-year-old cavalier, Harper, is an experienced traveler who took her first plane ride when she was just 6 months old, but senior dog Gemma and foster dog Kibo were unknown quantities as far as staying in hotels or other people's homes.

I'm happy to say that they acquitted themselves respectably during their stays in three different hotels, four different rooms, and visits to two different homes, including one with other dogs. There was a close call in a hotel hallway and in one of the homes, but a sharp eye and quick responses ensured that we didn't have any potty accidents to clean up along the way. From 20 years of traveling with dogs, here are my best tips on having a successful trip at any time of year.

-- Reserve a room early at a pet-friendly hotel, especially if you are visiting a tourist destination such as Santa Fe. The streets were crowded with visitors, and we weren't the only ones with dogs. Confirm that the room is pet-friendly a few weeks beforehand.

-- If you're driving to your destination, fill a gallon jug with water from home and mix it with the tap water at the places you visit. Even though the water is treated, different areas have different "bugs" in the system, and your dog will be less likely to have stomach upset from the change.

-- Some dogs suffer motion sickness. If yours is one of them, ask your veterinarian about Cerenia to prevent nausea and vomiting. Give it with a small amount of food half an hour to an hour before you hit the road.

-- Make feeding time easy, especially if you feed an unusual brand or a raw diet. Before you leave, contact pet-supply stores at your destination to make sure they carry your dog's food in case you run out. We pack dehydrated food and just add warm water.

-- Even the best-trained dog can have an accident in a strange place or get sick and vomit or suffer diarrhea. Bring along a bottle of odor and stain remover and towels for cleanup -- don't use the hotel's towels or the ones in your sister-in-law's bathroom!

-- A hard and fast rule for us is that all dogs must empty their bladders before setting paw in hotel or home. That's especially important if you're visiting a home (or hotel) where there are other dogs.

-- When visiting family, let the dogs meet outdoors before they all go inside. Gemma grouses in the presence of strange dogs, but once she has a few minutes to adjust -- and realize she's in their territory -- she settles down and becomes polite.

-- Take into account unusual conditions or places. Santa Fe's chilly winter climate was a shock to tiny Gemma, used to warmer California weather, but she stayed warm and cozy in a red fleece coat. At a crowded event, she rode in a tote bag, but otherwise she explored "The City Different" on her own four legs.

The best part of our trip? Being told that our dogs would be welcome back any time.

Q&A

Dialysis helps cats

recover kidney function

Q: I noticed that my cat was vomiting occasionally, and he was a little wobbly when he walked. Most worrisome, he turned up his nose at tuna. When I took him to the vet, they ran blood tests, which showed that his kidney function was abnormal because of an infection. Will dialysis help? -- via email

A: The kidneys are the body's waste removal system. They eliminate toxins from the body via the urine. When the kidneys aren't working, toxins build up, causing illness. As you discovered, an infection can prevent the kidneys from doing their job, but if they haven't been too severely damaged, dialysis can give the small, bean-shaped organs time to recuperate.

Dialysis performs the kidneys' job of waste removal until the kidneys can get back on the job. Cats who are very ill usually must be hospitalized for treatment and will receive either intermittent hemodialysis or continuous renal replacement therapy, both of which require machines with filters to remove and cleanse the blood.

Once the cat becomes more stable, the veterinarian may place what's called a peritoneal dialysis catheter, which allows the cat to stay at home between treatments. For peritoneal dialysis, expect to take your cat in for treatment three days a week. You may also need to give your cat oral antibiotics and administer fluids subcutaneously (beneath the skin) while the kidney infection is treated. It can take one to four weeks for the kidneys to heal completely.

According to the Animal Medical Center in New York City, damage caused by infections can be successfully treated 50 to 75 percent of the time. A kidney infection like the one your cat developed is a good example of how having pet health insurance can pay off.

Dialysis is expensive, especially if it requires hospitalization, but in the case of an infection, it gives the cat a chance to recover and lead a normal life. -- Dr. Marty Becker

THE BUZZ

Good food delivered

for people and pets

-- Seniors who receive food deliveries from Meals on Wheels have been known to share the meals with their beloved pets when nothing else is available, so the organization created WALOP (We All Love Our Pets), a national initiative to deliver pet food to clients who need help feeding their animals.

Since 2006, WALOP has focused on serving the relationship between people and pets, building a financial and nutritional safety net for them through donations, volunteers and help from shelters, other pet groups and organizations such as Banfield Charitable Trust, which provides grants to member programs.

-- Who doesn't love to look at pictures of dogs? When Elias Weiss Friedman realized that his photos of dogs were getting more attention than anything else he posted to Instagram, he created The Dogist, a blog dedicated to documenting the beauty of dogs. Now he pads the streets of New York City daily, looking for subjects. Friedman told The Huffington Post that his mission statement was "All the dogs," saying, "Every dog deserves recognition, and sometimes a compelling photograph can get a dog out of a shelter or inspire people to appreciate their dogs more."

-- According to a survey by website Rover.com, the most popular dog names of 2013 were Bella, Lucy, Bailey, Daisy, Lily, Molly, Lola, Maggie, Sadie and Chloe for females, and Max, Charlie, Buddy, Jack, Cooper, Rocky, Riley, Toby, Bear and Harley for males. The names frequently overlap with those given to children, cementing dogs' role as beloved family members.

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 Kim Campbell Thornton. They are joined by professional dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

PROPOSED FDA REGULATIONS WOULD ADDRESS PET FOOD SAFETY

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Nothing is certain in life except death and taxes and, increasingly, pet food and treat recalls. There were 33 in 2013. On average, that's one every 11 days. And between 2008 and 2012, the Food and Drug Administration received more than 2,500 complaints from consumers regarding pet food and livestock feed. The complaints ranged from an animal refusing to eat a food to illness and death associated with eating a particular food.

Food safety issues include microbial hazards -- primarily salmonella bacteria; physical hazards, such as glass, metal or plastic found in food; and nutrient imbalances, such as inadequate levels of thiamine in cat food. Toxic levels of animal drugs have also been found in non-medicated animal food, according to the FDA.

People can disagree about the nutritional merits of commercial pet foods, but the fact remains that if you buy pet food, you should be able to rely on its safety. The FDA, after years of prodding, has for the first time proposed regulations that, if passed, would oversee the manufacture of pet food and set standards to help prevent contamination. The focus is on preventing rather than responding to safety issues.

The proposal benefits people, too. They can acquire foodborne illnesses from handling contaminated pet food or touching pets who have eaten contaminated food.

Among the suggested changes: Manufacturers would be required to set out a written food safety plan, put in place controls for likely hazards, maintain certain standards of cleanliness, implement record-keeping provisions, and have a written plan for responding to outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. Inspectors will have more power to act before contaminated products reach store shelves and to restrict imports from suppliers who don't meet the new standards.

If the proposal passes, manufacturers will have one year from the date of publication of the final rule to meet the new requirements. Smaller businesses will have two to three years to comply.

Those are advances -- if they go into effect -- but because nothing is ever completely safe, pets can still be vulnerable to contaminated food. Here are steps you can take to reduce your dog's or cat's risk.

-- Mix it up. Don't feed the same brand or flavor all the time. If you rotate food frequently, your pet will be less likely to encounter a bad batch.

-- Call the manufacturer. Use the toll-free number on the bag or can to ask about ingredient quality, safety protocols and sourcing of ingredients. Often, ingredients are imported from other countries, including China or Egypt. Ask what measures the manufacturer takes to ensure that ingredients aren't contaminated. Does the manufacturer test finished products for pathogens before shipping them (known as "test and hold")?

-- Choose undamaged containers. The Centers for Disease Control recommends avoiding bags with visible signs of damage to the packaging, such as tears or discoloration, and cans with dents.

-- Photograph package codes and expiration dates so you have a record if there's a problem.

-- Scoop food out of the container using a clean measuring scoop, spoon or cup, not your pet's food bowl.

-- Wash pet food dishes in hot, soapy water after every meal or run them through the dishwasher. It will kill bacteria -- and besides, your pet doesn't want to eat out of a dirty dish any more than you do.

-- Report any adverse reactions to foods or treats to the FDA's Safety Reporting Portal at safetyreporting.hhs.gov.

Q&A

Rabbit dietary needs:

hay, yes; carrots, no

Q: We have a bunny in the classroom, and I want to make sure he is getting a proper diet. The kids love to give him carrots; is that all right? -- via Facebook

A: Peter Rabbit notwithstanding, carrots are not a good treat for rabbits, let alone a regular meal. They are high in sugar and can quickly upset a bunny tummy. Rabbits have interesting digestive tracts. They're not able to vomit, so if they eat something that's not good for them, it can really cause problems. It's not difficult to feed rabbits, but they do have distinct dietary needs.

Rabbits are herbivores, and they need to eat grasses such as hay or timothy every day. Other good additions to their diet include a cup per day of leafy greens, such as cilantro, dandelion greens, kale and red leaf lettuce.

Pelleted diets are available for rabbits, but they should be a supplement to the hay and greens, not the sole diet. Choose plain pellets, not those that resemble Lucky Charms cereal, and don't give more than one-quarter cup per day. It's easy to overfeed rabbits, but it's not good for them.

What about treats? It's very easy to give a rabbit too much sugar, which causes painful and messy diarrhea, so sweet foods such as fruit and carrots are best avoided. If you want to give some fruit, offer a small piece of organic apple peel or the top of a strawberry. Skip carrots, bananas, yogurt treats or other dairy foods, and anything that contains honey or seeds.

Remember that rabbits are much smaller than humans. When you give a treat, the portion size should be no larger than the joint end of your pinky finger. It's best to let one child each day offer the bunny a treat, instead of running the risk of overfeeding him and causing stomach upset. -- Kim Campbell Thornton and Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker

THE BUZZ

Service dog aids doctors

during medical procedure

-- J.J. doesn't have an M.D. or even an R.N. after his name, but he was an essential part of the medical team recently at Duke University Medical Center when his charge, 7-year-old Kaelyn Krawczyk, underwent an anesthetic procedure. Kaelyn has a condition that can cause her to have mild to severe allergic reactions in response to even normal stimuli, such as heat or cold. J.J. is a service dog trained to detect the reactions before they occur. He alerted doctors twice during the recent procedure, allowing them to monitor Kaelyn more closely and take precautions to prevent a reaction.

-- Scientists at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service have developed a new way to make cat litter that's almost fully biodegradable -- using waste grains from corn ethanol production. Some cat litters are made with corn or other grains, but this is the first-known use of treated, spent grains, used primarily as an ingredient in cattle feed. The environmentally friendly litter made from dried distiller's grains was absorbent, formed strong clumps and provided good odor control.

-- What's the penalty for animal cruelty? In Kentucky, Iowa, South Dakota, New Mexico and Wyoming, the answer is, "Not much." Those states have the nation's weakest animal protection laws, according to a December 2013 report by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, which has tracked animal protection laws for eight years. The laws reflect inadequate standards of basic care, give limited authority to humane officers, and don't require mandatory reporting when veterinarians suspect animal cruelty. South Dakota is the only state with no felony penalty for acts of cruelty. The best states for animals? Laws in Illinois, Oregon, Michigan, Maine and California demonstrate a strong commitment to combating animal cruelty. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

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 Kim Campbell Thornton. They are joined by professional dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

FIVE WAYS TO RING IN A NEW YEAR FOR YOUR PET

By Kim Campbell Thornton and Dr. Marty Becker

Got your New Year's resolutions ready yet? Yeah, we don't either. A good place to start, though, is with your pet. Helping your cat or dog change his life for the better has benefits for both of you. A healthier, happier pet not only puts less pressure on your wallet, but also brings more smiles to your face multiple times a day. Here are some ideas to get you started.

-- Brush those teeth. Keeping your pet's pearly whites clean isn't just about improving his breath, although that is definitely a bonus. Brushing your pet's teeth several times a week (yes, cats, too) prevents the buildup of plaque and tartar, which trap bacteria and eventually cause periodontal disease. Brushing reduces the number of bacteria circulating through your pet's system and helps ensure that he keeps more of his teeth into old age. Dentures aren't an option for him, after all.

-- Watch his weight. Does your dog or cat look like a plump cocktail wiener on toothpicks? That's not normal or healthy. Use your eyes and hands to determine if Roxy or Snowball could stand to lose a few pounds.

Dr. Tony Buffington, a veterinarian, nutrition specialist and professor in the department of veterinary clinical sciences at Ohio State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbus says that when you look at a pet from the side, you should see an abdomen that's tucked up, not hanging low. As you look down at him, you should see an hourglass figure, with the waist curving inward just before the hind legs. When you pet your dog or cat on the side or back, you should be able to feel the ribs or spinal bumps, but not see them.

-- Measure your pet's food. This is one of the easiest ways to help a dog or cat slim down. Instead of leaving food out all the time, give a set amount once or twice a day. Use the recommendation on the bag or can as a starting point, but recognize that individual animals have different metabolisms and may need more or less than the suggested amount. Ask your veterinarian's advice about how much your pet should be eating, and don't be afraid to experiment.

-- Start an exercise plan. Getting off the couch and on the move is good for both of you. Take a brisk walk or play a rousing game of fetch. For cats, dangle or pull a fishing-pole toy for them to chase. Wriggle the pole a little so the object on the end of the string resembles a bug or other critter scurrying along the ground. Your dog may enjoy this kind of play, too, as long as you don't let him know he's chasing a cat toy.

Better yet, have your dog or cat "work" for his meals by hiding small amounts of food around the house (this works only if you have a single pet), placing food up high -- on a washer or dryer, for instance -- so cats have to make an effort to get to it, or placing kibble in puzzle toys that pets must manipulate to make the food come out. These are all good ways to exercise your furry predator's body and brain and make his day more interesting, especially if you're off at work and he has nothing else to do.

-- Make time for him. When your pet nudges your hand or bumps you with his head, don't just automatically hand him a treat. Instead, reward him with a scratch between the ears or a few minutes of play. You'll both be better for it.

Q&A

Newspaper habit

frustrates owner

Q: I recently adopted a stray cat. For the most part, she is adjusting well to life in our home, but she has one problem that's driving me crazy. She urinates inside the litter box, but she defecates on the newspapers I've placed beneath it. I've tried adding two more boxes, but she's not getting the message. Do you have any suggestions? -- B.G., via email

A: Cats can definitely be quirky when it comes to using the litter box. You are doing all the right things, but let's see if we can dig a little deeper for a solution.

What type of litter are you using? You might try offering different types of litter in the other boxes. Your cat might be fine with peeing on clay litter, but prefer to defecate in a box filled with sandy clumping litter.

You might also try presenting her with one of the litters made from recycled paper. For whatever reason, she may simply like its texture and smell. It's made to produce little dust and it's nontoxic. Be sure you don't fill the box with too much of it. Keep the level at 2 to 3 inches, or it may be difficult to find your cat's deposits. You can even try lining the litter box with sheets of newspaper, lifting them out and tossing them as they're used.

Finally, try scooping the box as soon as you know it has been used. Your cat may not like defecating in the box if it already has urine in it. If that's not possible, consider investing in a box that automatically scoops the litter after every use. You both might be happier. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

THE BUZZ

Friends with benefits?

Cats, dogs have your back

-- Pets are just as good as people when it comes to providing the social support we need for psychological and physical well being. A Miami University (Ohio) department of psychology study published in the December 2011 Journal of Personality and Social Psychology showed that pet owners had more self-esteem and got more exercise than non-pet owners and were more conscientious and less fearful. The study also found that having a pet helped ward off negative feelings caused by social rejection. Who's the better friend -- a cat or a dog? It doesn't matter; living with either one will make you happier and healthier.

-- Love to travel, but miss your pet while you're gone? If you're in Maui, you can lessen your loneliness with a visit to the Maui Humane Society. Its Helping Paws Visitor Program allows tourists to walk dogs, bathe puppies, groom cats or socialize puppies and kittens by playing with them. Visitors can participate on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. after attending a brief orientation. You'll get a warm, fuzzy feeling from helping out, as well as a Pampered Paws certificate from Spa Grande at Grand Wailea, entitling you to 15 percent off any regularly priced spa treatment.

-- Miley the cat has a special job: He's mascot and chief calming agent at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center's Community Living Center. A beloved fixture at the CLC's hospice unit, he arrived by way of the San Francisco SPCA, which found him living rough at a housing project. The cat takes his name from Fort Miley in San Francisco, where the center is located. The 7-year-old tabby, who has been on the job for three years, welcomes new patients, naps with residents, greets visitors at the elevator and escorts them to rooms, and goes on rounds to check in on his "purrsonnel." -- Kim Campbell Thornton and Dr. Marty Becker

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 Kim Campbell Thornton. They are joined by professional dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.