Do your homework before plunking down big bucks for a pet

By Kim Campbell Thornton

We can stream movies at any time of day or night, order books or small kitchen appliances for next-day delivery, or send off for a dozen pairs of shoes for in-home try-on, free returns guaranteed. The Internet allows us to acquire all kinds of goods at a speed undreamed of less than a decade ago.

So why not pets? Americans spent more than $2 billion last year purchasing dogs, cats and other companion animals, according to a 2013 survey by the American Pet Products Association. Anyone in search of a puppy has run across websites such as NextDayPets.com, PuppyFind.com, PuppyDogWeb.com or PuppyAvenue.com, not to mention advertisements on Craigslist or eBayclassifieds.com. It's no longer "How much is that puppy in the window?" but "How much is that puppy on your website?"

It's easy to fall in love with a pet in a picture, but not so easy to evaluate that potential pet's temperament, health and living conditions. Last November, a new USDA rule brought large-scale online pet sellers under federal oversight, but it's important to know that neither the USDA nor dog registries such as the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club guarantee puppies or require breeders to test dogs for heritable problems, to socialize puppies or even to be knowledgeable about the breed or dogs in general. Registration papers certify only that both parents were of the same breed. It's up to you to research the breed and breeder to make an informed decision.

You might think that a dog destined to be "just a pet" doesn't need all the bells and whistles of champion, health-tested parents, health guarantees, an in-person visit to examine the breeder's home and kennel, and all the rest that comes along with buying a dog from a reputable breeder. But pets are family members, and it just makes good financial and emotional sense to choose one carefully, not only to ensure that the dog is a good fit for your family, but also to reduce the risk of high veterinary bills from congenital or genetic diseases.

It's best if you can see the puppy in person before you buy so you can evaluate his temperament and the conditions in which he was raised. If that's impossible, ask for references that include the breeder's veterinarian and previous puppy buyers -- and call them. Try to find a trusted friend or relative in the area who can examine the puppy and interview the breeder on your behalf.

To get the most for your money, expect the seller to provide up-to-date health certifications for both of a pup's parents on file with health registries, such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and the Canine Health Information Center. Check CHIC to see which health tests are recommended for the breed you're interested in.

The seller should offer a health guarantee against heritable problems for the first two years of the pup's life and lifetime support when you have questions about the dog's health or behavior. He or she should provide a sales contract that includes a clause stating that the breeder will take the dog back at any time in his life if you can't keep him.

If you are buying a "designer dog," a crossbreed such as a Maltipoo, Yorkipoo, puggle or Labradoodle, ask for the same health certifications and warranties that you would if you were buying a purebred. All of this advice applies even if all you plan to do with your dog is walk him around the block every day and sit on the sofa with him and watch TV.

Q&A

3 ways to help

sound-sensitive pets

Q: My dog is really fearful of loud noises, especially thunderstorms and fireworks. Can I do anything to help him be less afraid? -- via Facebook

A: With Independence Day coming up, that's a concern that's on the minds of many pet owners. Extreme sensitivity to sound is a common problem. Up to 20 percent of dogs of all ages and breeds suffer from severe noise phobias. They can become so panicked that they jump through windows and glass doors, tear carpet away from doorways, or dig out of the yard and run away.

Shelters know to expect an influx of lost dogs on July 5 every year. (Cats can develop noise phobias, too, but they are more likely to just hide under the bed until the scary sounds subside.)

Thunder and fireworks are the most common causes of noise phobias, but dogs can also fear gunshots or any unusual sound. Dogs who are prone to anxiety are most likely to develop noise phobias. The following techniques may help your dog learn to remain calm when he hears scary sounds.

-- Expose him to the sounds of thunder or fireworks on CDs. Gradually increase the volume and duration. This can help to reduce the dog's overall level of fear by desensitizing and counterconditioning him to the sounds.

-- Some dogs respond well to dog-appeasing pheromones, which come in collars, sprays and diffusers, and snug-fitting wraps such as Storm Defender Capes and Thundershirts.

-- If your dog has a severe noise phobia, ask your veterinarian about medication to help him remain calm during a storm or a fireworks show in the distance. Medication is a temporary remedy that can be withdrawn once the dog's fear becomes more manageable.

-- Never take your dog to a fireworks show to try to acclimate him to the sound. It's a good way to lose him. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

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

THE BUZZ

Dogs sporting yellow

may not be mellow

-- Tie a yellow ribbon. Not 'round the old oak tree, but to the leash or collar of your dog if he's aggressive toward other dogs or people, or has special needs, such as being overly excitable or a health problem that makes it uncomfortable for him to be touched. The yellow ribbon shouts caution to others, warning them to give your dog some space and not to approach him unless you give the OK. A yellow leash, bandana or bow serves the same purpose. Whether or not a dog is wearing a yellow ribbon, it's always polite to ask before petting.

-- The ears have it -- cat ears, that is. A cat's hearing is better than that of dogs and people. One of the reasons is because cats can rotate their ears and focus each ear independently, allowing them to hear well from all directions. If your cat stalks out of the room while you're watching TV, it might be a signal that you have the volume up just a little too high for his comfort.

-- People, domestic animals, wildlife and the environment are all served when doctors, veterinarians and scientists work together, a concept known as One Health. To move the initiative forward, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's One Health Committee is focusing on a number of areas, including control of rabies and other zoonoses (diseases that can be passed between people and animals); research into diseases that affect people, cats and dogs; and the human-animal bond and its significance to health.

In a related effort, the WSAVA Foundation is working to improve the care of companion animals in sub-Saharan Africa, including monitoring infectious and parasitic diseases that affect them, and supporting the education and work of the veterinarians who care for them. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

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.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: A picture might be worth a thousand words, but it's only the starting point when purchasing a dog. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Hear, hear! When it comes to sound, cats can hear four times more frequencies than humans and nearly twice as many as dogs. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2

8 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CARING FOR THESE PRICKLY PETS

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Hedgehogs are crazy cute. That's probably the main reason people get them as pets. And they are unique. It's not everyone who can say that his roommate is an African pygmy hedgehog.

"They're just cool," says veterinarian Scott Weldy of Serrano Animal and Bird Hospital in Lake Forest, California, who keeps two hedgehogs. He says it's fun to watch and interact with them, especially when they roll over to show their cute bellies and tiny feet.

Not surprisingly, though, these bristly little critters have some special needs. Read on to see if a hedgehog is a good match for you.

-- Hedgehogs are not always legal pets. In California, for instance, only people with permits can keep them. Other states and some cities have similar laws. Check before you buy. That said, even if you own one illegally, don't hesitate to take him to the veterinarian for care. In all likelihood, your veterinarian is not required to turn you in or to confiscate your pet.

-- Hedgehogs are insectivores. Dr. Weldy recommends feeding a commercial insectivore diet rather than trying to come up with a homemade diet of mealworms.

-- Hedgehogs like warmth. It's important not to let them get cold, so keep your hedgehog indoors.

-- Hedgehogs need socialization. Handle your hedgehog frequently so you don't find yourself caring for a living pincushion. A hedgehog doesn't have good eyesight, so let him sniff you before you pick him up so he knows who you are.

Another reason for handling a hedgehog on a regular basis is to make it easy for your veterinarian to examine him. If he curls up in a ball every time he's touched, your veterinarian will have to administer gas anesthesia to get him to relax enough for an exam, which increases the cost of the exam.

-- Hedgehogs are nocturnal. That makes them good pets for people who work during the day or school-age kids. They are usually less cranky than hamsters if awakened during the day, however.

"If you gently wake them up and give them a few minutes, they'll start moving around," Dr. Weldy says. "They're very food-oriented, so if you show them food, kids coming home from school can play with them until they go to bed."

-- Hedgehogs are notorious for developing tumors.

"When people come in with a sick hedgehog, that's the first thing on the list," Dr. Weldy says, "and usually the people are bringing them in on the downhill side of the disease. The spines make them look big all the time, so if you don't touch them, weigh them or get them to relax so you can palpate them, you would never know. You have to be really vigilant."

The best way to monitor your hedgehog's condition is to weigh him weekly on a kitchen scale and mark his weight on the calendar. That makes it easy to see any patterns of weight gain or loss that might indicate a health problem. You should also take your hedgehog to the veterinarian right away if he's eating or pooping less than normal.

-- Hedgehogs may also have dental problems. They can develop bone infections from infected teeth and soft-tissue tumors in their mouths. You can't really brush their teeth, but your veterinarian can perform dental cleanings just as she would on a dog, cat or ferret, as well as remove rotten teeth.

-- When buying a hedgehog, pick him up and hold him to make sure he's friendly. Go to see the hedgehog in the evening when he'll be active to get the best idea of his personality. Ask to watch him eat. Buy from someone who keeps the animals in a clean environment.

Q&A

Stiff kitty may

have arthritis

Q: My cat seems to move more slowly these days and it looks like he's having some trouble getting in and out of his litter box. Could he have arthritis? -- via email

A: We do tend to think of cats as being the ultimate yoga masters, but they have joints, and those joints can become inflamed with age. Studies have shown that 90 percent of cats 10 years of age and older are likely to show signs of arthritis on radiographs (X-rays).

Because cats are so good at hiding physical problems from us, the signs of arthritis can be subtle. For instance, some cats start peeing or pooping outside the litter box because it's not so easy to climb in and out of it, as you noticed. That's often misidentified as a behavior problem instead of a pain-management issue.

Your cat may not jump as high or may prefer to stay on the floor instead of sleeping on the bed with you. He may be unable to groom himself as well as he used to, or you may notice that he shies away from being petted.

Here are some things you and your veterinarian can try to help him feel more comfortable: Nutraceuticals such as glucosamine and chondroitin (Cosequin) may offer some relief. An injectable medication called Adequan seems to help as well. If your cat is overweight, talk to your veterinarian about implementing a diet and weight loss plan. Taking off some pounds will relieve pressure on his joints. Acupuncture may also be beneficial.

Environmental changes you can make include providing steps so the cat can more easily get on the sofa or bed, cutting an opening into the litter box so he can walk in and out, and providing a heated bed to soothe achy joints.

Be patient. Cats often respond better to pain therapy than dogs, but it can take four to six weeks before you start to see results. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Canine genome study

benefits people, too

-- At the 2014 meeting of veterinary specialists in Nashville, Elaine Ostrander addressed how data analysis is making it easier for researchers to find disease genes. Ostrander, head of the Comparative Genetics Unit at the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health, used skull shapes as an example, noting the differences between a pug's flat face and a collie's narrow, elongated face.

"It turns out that a modest number of genes are important in controlling those differences, and the same ones likely play a role in mammalian craniofacial development," she says. The findings can be especially important for children born with craniofacial deformities.

-- A cat's eyes adjust to different lighting conditions. Having eyes that reduce the pupils to slits rather than tiny circles gives the cat greater and more accurate control in different types of lighting; this ability is particularly important in bright sunlight. This adaptation sets domestic cats apart from their relatives the lions, which hunt by day instead of night. A lion's pupils -- like ours -- contract to tiny circles, not vertical slits.

-- Are you dog-tired? A Mayo Clinic study presented earlier this month at the 29th annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies suggests that the fault may lie not in ourselves, but in our pets. Ten percent of study respondents reported that their dogs, cats and birds sometimes disturbed their sleep by snoring, whimpering, squawking, wandering, needing to go out to eliminate or needing care for medical problems. (No mention of pets who take up too much of the bed.)

"The study determined that while the majority of patients did not view their pets intolerably disturbing their sleep, a higher percentage of patients experienced irritation," says Lois Krahn, M.D., Mayo Clinic psychiatrist and author of the study. -- Dr. Marty Becker and 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.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Handle hedgehogs often to accustom them to touch and to check for development of tumors, a common health problem. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: "Let sleeping dogs lie" is all well and good, but it doesn't always make for a restful night. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 3

11 tips to help your dog get in the swim this summer

By Kim Campbell Thornton

It's summertime, and that means it's time to get in the water. And what water-loving dog owner doesn't throw tennis balls for Jake to fetch from the pool, take him to the beach or have him as first mate while power-boating, sailing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding?

Those are all great ways to spend time with your dog, but it's important to ensure that he's "waterproof." People often assume that dogs know instinctively how to swim, but that's not the case. Teaching your dog to swim is an important part of his education, especially if you have a pool, hot tub or pond on your property or spend lots of time at the shore.

-- Summer is the best time to introduce your dog to the joys of playing in water. Even dogs such as Labs or Chesapeake Bay retrievers may balk if their first experience in the wet stuff is a cold one.

-- If possible, take your dog to an area where he can get his paws wet gradually, such as a lake or an ocean beach that doesn't have big surf.

-- Never throw your dog in the water. That's a good way to teach him to hate swimming.

-- If you're introducing a puppy to water, it helps if you have an older dog who can show him the ropes. Pups will usually follow older dogs and copy what they do.

-- As your dog gets more used to being in the water, up the fun level by throwing a bumper or floating ball into shallow water for him to fetch.

-- As your dog goes deeper, support his body until he starts swimming on his own. Encourage him to swim to you.

-- No easy access to a lake or ocean? A child's wading pool is an equally good start. Let your dog splash around in it to get the idea that playing in water is fun. When he encounters the real thing, he'll love it.

-- Even the most water-loving dog can tire or panic for some reason. Always be sure your dog knows how to get out of the pool. Take him into the pool and show him how to find the stairs and climb out. Let him get in the pool and see if he can get out on his own. Practice this frequently until you're sure he's prepared.

-- If you have a boat, the same rules apply. Put your dog in the water and then help him get back into the boat. Some dogs learn to use the boat ladder to scramble back on board. More important, keep a safety harness or canine life vest on him anytime he's on board, whether you're in a canoe or on a yacht. Choose one with a loop on the top so you can grasp it by hand or with a boat hook to haul him back in. It should fit snugly without restricting your dog's movement. The best choice is one with adjustable straps and quick-release buckles.

-- Consider purchasing a product such as a Skamper-Ramp, which can be used in pools and on boats. The ramp is easily visible because it's white and it angles down, breaking the surface of the water and placing it at pet's-eye level.

-- Use a pool fence or other barrier to keep old or blind pets away from water. If they fall in the pool, they won't be able to get out. Other dogs that risk drowning if they fall in the water are those with big heads or short legs, such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, dachshunds and basset hounds.

Now, get out there and enjoy the dog days of summer.

Q&A

Teach runaway that

it's more fun to stay

Q: I have a 4-year-old maltipoo who is the love of my life, but I can't allow him off leash. If given the opportunity, he will run off down the street. He always comes back, but only on his terms. Why does he do this? The cockapoo we had before Teddy always stayed with me when off leash. -- via email

A: Typically, companion dogs such as yours are more likely to stay close to their owners, but your maltipoo apparently inherited the genes of an adventurous ancestor. The fact is, running away is rewarding for dogs. They get to run through the grass, feel the breeze in their fur, freely greet other dogs and people, and chase birds and squirrels. Every time your dog got away with it, that success reinforced his desire to run away again.

You need to make staying with you more fun than running away. Start by practicing inside your home or a fenced yard. Standing a few feet away, call your dog to come. Praise and reward him with a treat every time he responds. Use a really great treat that he doesn't get at any other time.

Gradually extend the distance from which you call him. Practice in different areas of the house and yard. If you don't have a fenced area where you can practice, use a long line, such as 30 feet of clothesline, to make sure he can't run away. Walk around with your dog on the line, letting him sniff or play. Every once in a while, call him and reward him when he comes.

The goal is to teach him to always come when you call, no matter what the distractions. It may help to take him to training class or enlist the services of a certified trainer or behaviorist who can work with you privately. -- Mikkel Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Adoption blitz finds

new homes for pets

-- Far exceeding the goal of 10,000 adoptions, more than 15,000 pets found new homes over a two-day period as 200 rescue groups and shelters in more than 500 cities and towns across the United States participated in the fifth-annual Maddie's Fund Adoption Days held May 31 and June 1. Maddie's Fund awarded participating shelters $500 for every healthy young dog or cat adopted, $1,000 for every senior dog or cat or animal with a health issue, and $2,000 for every senior dog or cat who also had a health issue. The donations totaled more than $10 million.

-- You may have seen the story recently about the lion, tiger and bear who are best friends. Or the Siamese mix in Florida who brought up two orphaned Chihuahua puppies with her own litter of kittens. What's behind these unusual friendships? Under the right circumstances, animals of different species can form close and lasting relationships. They are most likely to bond when they meet at an early age, in an environment that provides warmth and softness, such as nursing or sleeping together. Animals are more adaptable when young, and most animals are nurturing toward the young of any species.

-- Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton signed the "Beagle Freedom" law on May 21, making the state the first to mandate that dogs and cats used in laboratory testing be put up for adoption once the research is complete. Sponsored by Los Angeles-based Beagle Freedom Project and authored by State Sen. Scott Dibble and State Rep. John Lesch, the legislation links animal rescue groups with taxpayer-funded laboratories and educational institutions that use dogs and cats for research. Beagles are popular research dogs because of their small size and friendly temperament, characteristics that also make them great companions. Similar legislation has been introduced in California. -- 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.

CAPTIONS AND CREDIT

Caption 01: Always be sure your dog has a way to get out of the pool and knows how to use it. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Waived adoption fees help animal lovers bring a new pet home and put the money toward food and other necessities. Position: Pet Buzz