DECIDING WHEN TO SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR DOG DEPENDS ON A VARIETY OF FACTORS, NOT JUST AGE

If you got a puppy during the holidays, you're probably starting to wonder when you should have your young pal spayed (removal of ovaries and uterus) or neutered (removal of testes). The answer to that used to be straightforward: Most veterinarians recommended that the surgery take place when the pet was 6 to 9 months old.

Spaying and neutering has benefits for pets, owners and society. In general, altered pets live healthier, longer lives. They are less likely to roam because they don't have hormones urging them to seek out a mate, and females don't need to be confined during twice-yearly heat cycles. And widespread spay/neuter efforts have greatly reduced the numbers of homeless animals in shelters.

All of those benefits are important, but we've discovered that they must be balanced with the needs of individual dogs, and that can be a challenge. The issue of when to spay or neuter a pet is complicated, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. New research tells us that for some dogs, at least, waiting until they reach physical maturity is a better option than pre- or early adolescent spay/neuter surgery.

Depending on the age at which it's performed, several studies have shown that spay/neuter surgery is linked to increases in the incidence of certain diseases or conditions in dogs, including osteosarcoma (bone cancer), hemangiosarcoma (heart tumor), hypothyroidism and canine cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, as well as prostate cancer in male dogs and urinary incontinence in females.

For instance, giant breeds are more at risk for osteosarcoma. Breeds at higher risk for CCL tears include Akitas, German shepherds, golden and Labrador retrievers, Newfoundlands, poodles and Saint Bernards. The science tells us that in certain breeds it's beneficial to let bones mature before spaying and neutering.

Don't get us wrong. We believe spaying and neutering is the right thing to do for family pets. The benefits more than outweigh the risks. The decision you need to make, in conjunction with your veterinarian, is when to schedule it for your particular pet. Here are some factors to consider:

-- Ask your veterinarian about the health risks faced by your breed and whether any of these issues are affected by the age at which a dog is spayed or neutered. Several recent studies have addressed these topics.

-- Typically, the bigger the dog, the greater the risk of orthopedic problems with early spay/neuter. Letting the dog mature before spaying or neutering may improve bone health over the long run. Talk to your veterinarian about the best age for your dog based on breed and the latest science.

-- Consider alternative methods of altering your dog, such as ovariectomy (removal of only the ovaries) or injectable neutering with Zeuterin. An ovariectomy is less invasive, and the Zeuterin procedure allows dogs to retain some of their testosterone, which can offer certain protective health benefits, according to some studies.

-- Make your decision based on the most current research and your dog's breed and lifestyle. For instance, if your dog will be a canine athlete, later neutering may improve his muscle tone and decrease the risk of CCL ruptures.

-- Put risk into perspective. Altering at a young age may have only a slight effect on the incidence of disease, and the increase in incidence will be breed-related. If the risk increases from 1 in 20,000 to 2 in 20,000, you are still better off spaying or neutering your dog.

Cat owners, your decision is easy. Spaying or neutering before 5 or 6 months of age is still best, no matter what the breed or mix.

Q&A

Shipping pet by air?

Take precautions

Q: We are moving cross-country, and I am wondering about the best way to transport our pets. Is it safe to ship them by air? -- via email

A: Air cargo is the fastest way to move your pets, but it definitely has drawbacks. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals actually recommends against shipping pets by air because of concerns about stress, temperature extremes, possible mishandling during transport and the potential for loss of the pet.

If you have an option, I think it's safer for your pet to travel with you by car or to travel beneath your seat on board the plane. If that's not possible, take the following steps to reduce a pet's in-air risk:

-- Ship pets only if they are healthy and past young puppyhood or kittenhood. Animals who are very young, very old, sick, frail, in season or pregnant should not travel in air cargo because their immune systems aren't operating at their best. That goes double for animals with flat faces, such as bulldogs, Boston terriers, pugs or Persian cats. Those animals are less tolerant of temperature extremes and are more likely to die in flight.

-- Check an airline's pet-shipping safety record. Reports of incidents involving loss, injury or death of a pet are available on the U.S. Department of Transportation's website at www.dot.gov/airconsumer/air-travel-consumer-reports.

-- Choose a nonstop flight. If you are traveling in summer, book your pet on a night flight to reduce the risk of heatstroke. It's even better if you can travel on the same flight. Let a flight attendant know that you have an animal in cargo.

-- Don't give your pet a tranquilizer beforehand. It can depress his breathing ability and make him less able to brace himself during turbulence.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has more tips on safe air for pets at https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Traveling-with-Your-Pet-FAQs.aspx. -- Dr. Marty Becker

THE BUZZ

Labs log 23 years

as top dog breed

-- Labrador retrievers have fetched the title of the nation's most popular dog breed for the 23rd year in a row, according to American Kennel Club registration statistics. That makes them the longest-running holder of the top spot since the AKC's founding in 1884. Labs are popular for their classic canine good looks, friendliness, energy and versatility. When they aren't retrieving a bird, stick or ball, they may be found working as guide dogs, assistance dogs, detection dogs or search-and-rescue dogs. They come in three colors -- black, yellow and chocolate -- and weigh 55 to 80 pounds.

-- Researcher and cat expert Leslie Lyons at the University of Missouri is working to sequence the genomes of 99 cats from around the world, with the goal of improving knowledge of feline genetics, including causes of diseases that affect both cats and humans. The 99 Lives Cat Whole Genome Sequencing Initiative is seeking genetic samples from pedigreed and mixed-breed cats. The knowledge gained could help both cats and people suffering from such illnesses as polycystic kidney disease, retinitis pigmentosa and spinal muscular atrophy.

-- Pet-loving parents know that caring for a pet helps kids develop a confident and caring nature, but developmental psychologist Megan K. Mueller, a professor at the Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine, has authored a study, published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Science, that links human-animal interactions to positive emotional and cognitive development in young adults. Using data collected from more than 500 adults aged 18 to 26, Mueller found that those who had strong relationships with pets were more likely to help friends and family and contribute to their communities. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is 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 at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

DOGS ARE HAPPIEST WHEN RULES ARE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT'S ALLOWED AND WHAT'S NOT

By Kim Campbell Thornton

A few months ago, I wrote about our foster cavalier, Kibo. Since then, Kibo -- now Keeper -- has become a permanent part of our family, and I'm happy to say that he's adjusting nicely. Other than occasionally climbing onto the dining room table to check for food when someone forgets to push in a chair after eating, he hasn't really broken any rules or caused any damage. He's a nice dog in general, but I think it helped that we provided him with clear expectations and a structured environment from day one.

It's all too easy to start off by spoiling a foster dog or one adopted from a shelter or rescue group. Who wouldn't want to give him a little special treatment after the upset of losing his family?

Think again. Free run of the house, lots of treats and no demands are a good recipe for trouble and can make it difficult for him to fit in as a new family member. The following tips will help you set up your new dog for success:

-- Housetraining. Even dogs who are already housetrained may be anxious and forget their manners in a new place. I was concerned about Keeper lifting his leg in the house. Treating him as if he were a puppy ensured that he had only one incident of urinating where he shouldn't. Here's what to do:

1. Take him outside to potty on leash on a regular schedule and praise him when he performs.

2. When you can't pay close attention to him, confine him to a crate, exercise pen or room with an easily cleanable floor.

3. If you take him outside to potty and he doesn't do anything, put him into his crate and then take him back out later.

-- Set rules. Keeper was very comfortable jumping onto the sofa and chairs. Fortunately for him, that's OK in our house, but a couple of chairs are off-limits to dogs. When he jumped on them, I gave an immediate "Off" command and directed him to the sofa.

If your house rules call for dogs to keep four on the floor, establish that from the beginning. No "just this once" or "just while he's getting settled in." Dogs don't get the concept of "sometimes." If you find him on the furniture, say "Off" and indicate what you want with a pointed finger or sweeping motion of your arm. If necessary, lure him with a treat to an alternate spot, such as a dog bed or blanket on the floor. Praise and reward him when he's on it. Repeat as needed, always using a neutral and matter-of-fact tone. There's no need to sound angry.

-- Ban begging. Keeper's worst habit is begging at the table or hanging out in the kitchen waiting for something to drop onto the floor. A couple of techniques can help to deter this habit, or at least make it less annoying:

Feed your dog before the family eats so he has no reason to beg. At mealtime, send the dog to his crate or dog bed using a neutral, matter-of-fact voice. Repeat as needed, making sure the kids and your spouse aren't slipping him their Brussels sprouts when you're not looking.

Use the same technique in the kitchen when you are preparing meals. There's nothing wrong with the dog being in the kitchen while you cook, but he should be in a corner, out of the way.

To recap: Be firm and consistent, show him what you want instead of scolding him for what you don't want, and offer praise and rewards when he does things you like. As you come to know him and he becomes familiar with the house routine, you can gradually give him more freedom to make himself at home.

Q&A

Compulsive behaviors can

affect cat's well-being

Q: My cat deliberately pulls out big chunks of her fur. She'll be grooming herself, and then she just starts licking faster and faster until the next thing I know, she's pulling out fur. It's something she has done since she was a kitten. Why does she do this, and how can I get her to stop? -- via email

A: Assuming you have taken your cat to a veterinarian to rule out any medical problems, such as allergies or parasites for her behavior, it's likely that the fur-pulling is an example of compulsive disorder.

Similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder in humans, repetitive behaviors -- which in cats often manifest as wool-sucking or excessive grooming -- are an abnormal response to normal environmental stimulation. Your cat's habit of pulling out fur isn't just unsightly, it can also cause skin lesions. And some cats who groom obsessively can even start doing it to other pets.

Cats like this are generally suffering from anxiety. They may be having a conflict with another cat or are stressed by some change in the household, whether it's a new baby, a new spouse or an air freshener with a different scent. Sometimes it's impossible to know what has triggered the behavior. Cats who were taken from their mothers at a very early age may exhibit this type of behavior.

It's not easy to diagnose or treat compulsive disorder. Once you rule out medical causes, seek the help of a veterinary behaviorist who can assess the environment, family/pet relationships, and factors such as activity level and diet. Then she can recommend ways to reduce the cat's stress and behavior modification techniques to help the cat deal with the circumstances that trigger the compulsive behavior.

In severe cases, medication may help with the anxiety, but it can work only in conjunction with behavior modification and environmental changes. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

THE BUZZ

Pit bull pup gets

new paw, new home

-- A pit bull puppy found near Miami with her front paw severed got off on the right foot after some kind children found her and took her home. Their mother brought her to 1 Lucky Dog Rescue, and with the help of some media attention, the gray-and-white dog, named Little Debbie, now has a new home and a prosthetic paw donated by ABC Prosthetics and Orthotics in Orlando, Fla. The plastic and carbon-fiber limb is Debbie's fourth since she was found. Replacements are made as dogs grow or gain weight and for normal wear and tear -- including chewing.

-- Boas and pythons are prone to a virus that causes highly infectious inclusion body disease, but University of Florida researchers have developed a screening test to identify the usually fatal condition. Snakes with IBD may show such signs as head-tilting or chronic regurgitation. Others appear healthy even though they are infected. Elliott Jacobson, DVM, Ph.D., professor emeritus of zoological medicine at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, says, "This simple blood test will help determine whether or not an animal has the disease and potentially will help clean up colonies of snakes that will ultimately be disease-free."

-- Cats appear to view us as larger and clumsier felines rather than as a different species, says behaviorist John Bradshaw in an interview with National Geographic. The author of "Cat Sense" says that unlike dogs, who perceive humans as being different than themselves and change their behavior in consequence, cats don't change their social behavior much when they interact with us. "Putting their tails up in the air, rubbing around our legs, and sitting beside us and grooming us are exactly what cats do to each other." -- Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is 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 at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

WESTMINSTER ENTRANTS LEAD VARIED AND ACTIVE LIVES

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Have you ever wondered what show dogs do in their down time? Well, they're not lolling around on the sofa and eating doggie bonbons. They're out there making therapy visits, helping kids learn to read, keeping an eye on their owners' health, and doing brain research. For real. Take a look at how some of this year's Westminster competitors spend their off days.

Trooper, whose registered name is Grand Champion Loral's Trooper, is a therapy dog who lives in Bolivia, N.C., with owners Lorretta and Allen Pyeatt. He makes regular visits to area nursing homes, where he spreads his own special brand of rottweiler cheer. He's also involved in the Bark for Reading program at a local elementary school. Reading to dogs such as Trooper helps children improve their vocabularies, comprehension and confidence.

Scientists at Emory University in Atlanta are using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore what dogs are thinking. The new and harmless methodology scans the brains of alert dogs to see how they respond to hand signals given by their people. One of their test subjects is Eli (Grand Champion Aislinn's RR Elite Edition), a vizsla owned by dog trainer Lindsay Fetters of Decatur, Ga. Eli's job is to lie perfectly still in the MRI machine while researchers measure his neural activity. When he's not contributing to science, Eli trains for agility and field work and auditions for acting roles with Atlanta Dogworks.

When children are victims of or witnesses to crimes, having a dog to snuggle with can help them deal with the trauma. That's where border terrier Ticket (Champion Otley's No Parking) comes in. The victim/crime witness dog, owned by attorney D'Arcy Downs-Vollbracht of Golden Valley, Ariz., logs many hours at crime scenes and in court, serving as a steadying influence for children who have been caught up in crimes or must testify. Ticket's work carries over to local junior high schools, where she participates in an annual domestic-violence education program. She also makes therapy visits to hospitals, hospice wards and schools.

Kenzie doesn't have an M.D., but her keen senses allow her to sense when owner Alicia Moore of Chesapeake Beach, Md., has low blood sugar. The rough collie, formally known as Moore's Alainn Aoife, will be competing in Westminster's first agility trial, but her most important job is serving as Moore's diabetic-alert dog. "I have to be certain that my blood sugar is not low or going low, or she won't run with me," Moore says.

"Crime" does pay -- at least for Debra Lazaro of Jackson, N.J., who owns and handles Westminster agility competitor OnTargets Prison Break. The striking mixed breed with the humorous personality has landed many show-biz roles, including appearances with Jennifer Aniston and Tim Robbins in the 2013 flick "Life of Crime" and with Willem Dafoe and Keanu Reeves in 2014's "John Wick." Crime also participates in herding events -- fleecing the competition, no doubt.

Grant (Grand Champion Starfield's Army Strong V Bulkley), a German shorthaired pointer owned by Steve Herman of Baltimore, Md., likes to take a long jump off a short bridge. His dock-diving record is 21 feet, 11 inches. Not content with making a splash in canine aquatics, Grant also holds Junior Hunter and Novice Retrieving Dog titles. You can't say that dog don't hunt.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is televised live Monday, Feb. 10, on CNBC, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time. On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the telecast will be on USA Network from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET. For the first time, Tuesday's telecast will also be seen live in the Pacific time zone from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Q&A

Ask questions when seeking

complementary care

Q: My cat has cancer, and I'd like to find a holistic veterinarian who offers acupuncture and herbal treatments. I've heard that these therapies might help with her poor appetite and maybe improve her quality of life. What should I look for? -- via email

A: Veterinarians who describe themselves as "holistic" usually mean that they look at everything in an animal's life that might affect his health, such as diet, home environment and social situation. Most of us would say that we do that, but what you are looking for is a veterinarian who practices complementary, or alternative, medicine.

My friend and colleague Dr. Robin Downing, whose veterinary practice in Windsor, Colo., treats patients with both conventional and complementary medicine, believes that complementary therapies can help influence a patient's recovery time and quality of life. To make sure your cat gets the best care, ask the following questions:

-- How can alternative therapies complement the treatment my cat is already receiving?

-- Do these therapies have any potential risks?

-- Where did you receive your training in acupuncture and herbal medicine?

Dr. Downing notes that the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Fort Collins is the only program that teaches medical acupuncture grounded in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. She also warns that little is known about the safety of herbal treatments for cats, so be doubly cautious.

Watch for red flags, too. Be concerned if the veterinarian pooh-poohs conventional treatment, claims that his or her approach is the only valid one, or suggests that you stop seeing your cat's primary-care veterinarian. I think I can safely say that when it comes to veterinary medicine, one size definitely does not fit all.

To find a veterinarian in your area who offers complementary care, search the website of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (www.ahvma.org). -- Dr. Marty Becker

THE BUZZ

Cat's loud meow rescues

owner after stroke

-- When 75-year-old Erna Pratt suffered a stroke in her kitchen, she was unable to move or call for help. Luckily, her 13-year-old cat, Trigger, witnessed Pratt falling. The elderly cat usually spends her time in front of the living room window lying in a patch of sunlight, but when Pratt was in trouble, she hurried down the hall, meowing loudly enough to wake Pratt's daughter and get her attention. Thanks to Trigger's quick action, Pratt was treated in time and was able to return home after a two-week hospital stay. She credits Trigger with saving her life.

-- Researchers at Britain's Cambridge University have traced the existence of a rare sexually transmitted canine cancer back more than 11,000 years. Each case of canine transmissible venereal tumor retains genetic signatures of the first host, giving researchers a better understanding of early canine biology as well as insight into the evolution of a cancer over a long period of time. The cancer is found primarily among feral dog populations in tropical climates. The genes indicate that the dog in which the cancer originated probably had short, dark fur and resembled an Alaskan malamute.

-- A study of how dogs swim floats the discovery that rather than making a trotting motion underwater, their movement is more akin to running, using a complex stroke that is consistent from breed to breed. Researcher Frank Fish of West Chester University in Pennsylvania donned scuba gear to study just how dogs paddle in water. His subjects included a German shepherd, a Labrador retriever, a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, a Yorkshire terrier and two other breeds. Underwater video showed that dogs extend their legs to propel themselves, sweeping down and back. As the leg comes forward again, dogs tuck it close to the body, reducing drag. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet care books. Joining them is 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 at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

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.