LIZARDS, TURTLES AND SNAKES CAN BE GREAT COMPANIONS -- IF YOU'RE PREPARED TO GIVE THEM APPROPRIATE CARE

By Kim Campbell Thornton

They aren't at the level of cats and dogs yet, but reptiles are scaling upward in popularity. More than 5.6 million homes in the United States keep at least one of these cold-blooded creatures as pets, and their total numbers top 11.5 million, according to a 2013 survey by the American Pet Products Association.

Reptiles have a number of advantages as pets. They're quiet, can have long life spans, require little to no exercise, usually don't need to be fed daily, and their waste is easy to remove. They even have personalities, believe it or not, and form bonds with their people. Many are active and curious, making them interesting to watch as they explore their habitat. Depending on the species, reptiles can be good choices for both children and adults.

What should you think about if you're considering a reptile companion? They need more space than you might realize. Plan to provide a reptile with plenty of room to move around. Some are arboreal, meaning they like to be up high. Species that will grow to be six feet or more, such as iguanas and some snakes, need floor-to-ceiling enclosures. Others need aquatic habitats. For instance, an adult red-eared slider turtle may need an aquarium that holds 55 to 120 gallons or more. All species need a place to hide and a heat source to keep them warm.

Other reptile-care basics include spot-cleaning cages to remove waste and uneaten food. The cage must also be disinfected regularly so your reptile doesn't develop bacterial infections of the skin or digestive tract. Some reptiles carry salmonella bacteria. It's important to always wash your hands -- and make sure your children do, too -- after handling them.

Reptile diet varies by species. Your reptile may eat daily fresh greens, crickets, mealworms or frozen mice that have been thawed. If you're tenderhearted, the good news is that you don't have to feed live prey. In fact, it's best not to because your reptile could be injured by a live mouse or rat defending itself. A reptile may also need vitamin supplements.

Good "beginner" reptiles for children and adults include ball pythons, bearded dragons, corn snakes, and small box turtles or tortoises. Whatever you choose, do your homework to make sure you understand and can meet the animal's needs.

Talk to an accredited expert before acquiring a reptile. That can be a veterinarian who specializes in exotics or a person who does reptile education for a rescue group or other organization.

"Every species has its own special requirements," says certified veterinary technician Johanna Hanlon, practice manager and head nurse at Ani-Care Animal Hospital in Dallastown, Pennsylvania. "There is a lot of misinformation on the Internet, so use sources linked to veterinary professionals and herpetological societies."

She also recommends finding a reptile-savvy veterinarian who can provide the specialized care the animal will need, as well as knowing whether the reptile you're considering is regulated by local, state or federal laws.

Also consider as well whether you can care for a reptile for its lifetime, which in some cases can be 30 years or more. Herpetologist Chad Griffin of CCSB Reptile Rescue and Rehab Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, says the most common reasons reptiles are surrendered to rescue groups are that a student is going to college and parents don't want to care for the animal, the reptile became larger than expected, the expense of caring for the animal became too high, or the person is moving to a place that doesn't permit exotic pets.

If you aren't sure if a particular reptile is right for you, talk to a rescue group or shelter about fostering, Hanlon says. They may be able to provide you with the resources you need to care for the animal without a long-term commitment.

Q&A

Be prepared to treat

insect bites, stings

Q: My dog just got stung by a bee. He didn't have an allergic reaction, but is there anything I can do in the future to relieve the pain? -- via email

A: You were fortunate that your dog didn't have an allergic reaction to the bee sting. That can occur when a dog has been stung previously or receives many stings at once.

Bees, ants, wasps, mosquitoes and spiders can all sting or bite, causing small swollen areas that are painful or itchy. Signs of an allergic reaction include hot and swollen areas at the site of the sting. Your dog may also bite or scratch at the area.

If a bee stings your dog again, first look to see if the stinger is still in the skin. It resembles a small black sac. You can brush it off with a finger, scrape it out with a fingernail or grasp it with tweezers and pull it out.

To soothe the painful area, apply a paste made from water and baking soda. A cold compress can also help to reduce swelling and relieve pain.

Take your dog to the veterinarian right away if you see signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or neck, agitation, drooling, vomiting or difficulty breathing. Dogs can die of anaphylactic shock if they don't receive treatment right away.

A bite from a venomous spider such as a black widow or brown recluse can cause severe pain at the bite site, fever, weakness, and muscle and joint pain. That also calls for a veterinary visit -- pronto -- for a shot of antivenin. Left untreated, venomous spider bites can cause seizures, send a dog into shock or even kill him, so don't delay. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Secondhand smoke

threatens pet health

-- Do you smoke around your pet? You could be threatening his health and even his life. Secondhand smoke can cause malignant lymphoma in cats, lung and nasal cancer in dogs, and respiratory problems and allergies in both species, according to studies conducted at Tufts University's School of Veterinary Medicine and other colleges, reports Sue Manning for The Associated Press. A 2006 U.S. Surgeon General's report also warns that animals are at risk from secondhand smoke. Other potential side effects include inflammation and pulmonary cancers. E-cigarettes aren't any safer. Pets can be poisoned if they eat the nicotine cartridges.

-- Dogs are trained to sniff out cancer, explosives, drugs and bedbugs, to name just a few of their scenting skills. Add a new target to the list: hidden memory cards, thumb drives and storage drives that contain child pornography. Rhode Island state police have the assistance of golden Labrador Thoreau to search out the contraband, which may be hidden deep inside metal boxes or in such areas as ceiling tiles or radios. Thoreau underwent 22 weeks of training at the Connecticut State Police Training Academy. He participated in his first search in June, which led to an arrest.

-- Veterinarians will soon be able to transport medications they need to anesthetize, manage pain in, or euthanize animals without fear of arrest. The U.S. Senate passed the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act in January, and the House of Representatives followed suit on July 8. Previously, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency had ruled that the Controlled Substances Act barred veterinarians from carrying the drugs when making farm or house calls. Before it finally becomes law, the act must go to the Oval Office for President Obama's signature before the current congressional session ends on Dec. 12. -- 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: Habitat needs for certain reptiles can be larger and more expensive to meet than new owners expect. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Veterinarians who make house or farm calls will soon be able to transport certain medications without fear of arrest. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 3

16 INTERESTING TIDBITS OF TRIVIA ABOUT DOGS, CATS, RABBITS, HAMSTERS, BIRDS, FISH AND REPTILES

"Did you know?" That's always a great conversation starter, especially when it's about our pet pals. Here's our contribution to your next water-cooler gathering, barbecue or cocktail party:

1. Cats rub on people, other cats and even other animals as a sign of affection. They may do it most insistently when we are about to feed them, but they also do it just to say, "Hey, I like you."

2. In mythology and folklore around the world, dogs are associated with the afterlife. They were believed to act as guides to the underworld and howl as a warning of impending death. The jackal-headed Egyptian god Anubis was a protector of the dead.

3. If you want a long-lived pet, consider a bird or reptile. With good care, leopard geckos can live 20 to 30 years, and cockatoos and Amazon parrots can live an average of 50 years, with some living much longer.

4. Lionfish are popular to keep in aquariums, but if released into the ocean, they can wreak havoc on reefs, eating up other fish that are important to reef health.

5. According to a 2013 survey by the American Pet Products Association, 32 percent of dog owners take their pets with them in the car when they are away for two or more nights.

6. By the numbers, freshwater fish are the most popular American pet, with 145 million found in U.S. homes. If we're talking mammals, cats are most numerous: They number 95.6 million. Dogs are nipping at their heels with 83.3 million.

7. Canine ergonomics is the study of how working dogs learn to traverse rubble and other environmental hazards or barriers, all the while using their nose and then indicating finds to their human teammates.

8. Nearly half of pet owners -- 45 percent -- buy presents for their dogs or cats for Christmas or Hanukkah, but only 20 percent celebrate a pet's birthday with a gift, according to a 2013 survey by the APPA.

9. The color of a goldfish will fade without exposure to sunlight or full-spectrum artificial light.

10. Rabbits love to run and twist in the air, then land facing a different direction, an activity that rabbit lovers call "binking."

11. Hamsters eat grains, greens, vegetables and fruits, plus the occasional insect or other form of protein. A good daily diet might include a tablespoon of commercial food, a few leaves of lettuce, spinach or other greens, a small, thin slice of apple, and a broccoli or cauliflower floret.

12. The word for the sound a cat makes is similar in many languages. In English, cats "mew"; in India, cats say "myaus"; in China, "mio." In some Arabic-speaking countries, the word is "naoua," and in Egypt it's "mau."

13. In no particular order, 10 of the most pet-friendly cities in the United States are Santa Fe, New Mexico; Laguna Beach, California; Portland, Oregon; Seattle; San Francisco; Boston; Colorado Springs, Colorado; San Diego; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Austin, Texas.

14. Letting your dog give you kisses is probably less germy than letting a human lick your face, according to our veterinarian pal Dr. Patty Khuly, who practices in Miami. But skip playing kissy-face with your pooch if your immune system is compromised by illness or recent surgery.

15. The most popular reptiles kept as pets include red-eared slider turtles, ball pythons, iguanas, bearded dragons, corn snakes, Burmese pythons and redtail boas.

16. Kittens start out meowing at their mothers when they want to eat, but it doesn't take long for them to learn to meow at people for food -- or anything else they want!

Q&A

Tapeworms are icky

but treatable

Q: We adopted a stray cat who ended up having kittens. When we had their fecal exams done, the little black one had a tapeworm. How do kittens get tapeworms and how are they treated? -- via email

A: Tapeworms are common intestinal parasites in cats. The long, flat worms can grow to be more than two feet long. The segments of their bodies contain egg packets, which are passed in a cat's feces to begin the life cycle all over again.

Tapeworms are a good example of the importance of flea control, because they are transmitted when cats ingest fleas or rodents that host immature tapeworms in their bodies. The tapeworms take up residence in the cat's gut, latching onto the intestinal wall with hooks and suckers. Yuck!

Cats with tapeworms may vomit or lose weight for no apparent reason. Occasionally, you may see pieces of the worm -- they look like grains of cooked rice -- stuck to the fur around the cat's rear end or wiggling on the feces. That's the ultimate ick factor!

Outdoor cats and those who aren't regularly treated for fleas are most likely to acquire tapeworms. The parasites are easily treated, but cats who don't get treatment can develop complications.

Your veterinarian can diagnose tapeworms through a fecal exam and prescribe an appropriate dewormer. You may see dewormers sold over the counter at pet-supply stores, but tapeworms are one parasite that few over-the-counter dewormers kill. They're also not affected by flea and tick products that kill some other internal parasites. For these reasons, it's best to rid your cat of tapeworms with powerful products prescribed by your veterinarian.

To prevent a recurrence, be sure your cat is on an effective flea-control product. If he's a successful mouser, a twice-yearly fecal exam can help identify any internal freeloaders. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Minnesota enacts new

rules for breeders

-- A new law in Minnesota requires commercial dog and cat breeders to register with the state Board of Animal Health. Starting next year, they must also obtain a license. It is the first time that the state has had specific regulations regarding commercial breeding. According to a report by The Associated Press, the new law establishes specific standards, including clean water and good ventilation, collars that fit comfortably, and a requirement that sick animals be separated from healthy ones.

"The goal is not to punish people," says state Sen. John Marty of Roseville. "It's to make sure animals are treated humanely."

-- Arthur, a 4-year-old flamepoint Siamese cat, needed a kidney transplant, but he was rejected from two transplant programs because his body did not properly absorb Cyclosporine, a drug that reduces the risk that the body will reject the new organ. But at the University of Georgia's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, he became the second beneficiary of a new procedure: an injection of feline adult stem cells derived from his own fat. The stem cells have an anti-inflammatory effect and can lessen immune response, reducing the risk of rejection, says John Peroni, a board-certified large-animal surgeon and associate professor at UGA.

-- Do you worry that your dog dislikes being boarded? A new study published in the journal Physiology and Behavior suggests that staying at a kennel might not be as stressful for dogs as we think. They may even view their "vacation" as exciting -- at least for a while. Factors measured to evaluate stress levels included skin dryness, nose temperature, core body temperature, levels of stress hormones, and behaviors such as lip licking, paw lifting, yawning, shaking and restlessness. The dogs were more excited at the kennel than they were at home, researchers found, but not necessarily because they were stressed. -- 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: The bacteria in a dog's mouth are usually not the type to cause disease in people. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Caption 02: A short stay in a boarding kennel doesn't necessarily lead to higher levels of stress in dogs. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 3

SOCIAL MEDIA, NETWORKING, AND DEDICATED PEOPLE CHANGE RESCUE AND ADOPTIONS FOR THE BETTER

By Kim Campbell Thornton

In January, a sporting dog rescue group asked Lori-Lynn Clayton of San Angelo, Texas, to go look at a dog in her local shelter thought to be an English springer spaniel or Brittany. He was a springer, emaciated and near death.

She struggled to get him released, battling shelter workers and then veterinarians who said it would be better to euthanize him. She got on the phone to Beth Maryan, the north Texas representative for English Springer Rescue America, who agreed to help, and arranged a flight for him with Pilots N Paws volunteer Tyler Chapman to Carrollton, Texas, where he could get the specialized veterinary care he needed. Kim Mrozek stepped up to foster the dog, soon named "Clayton," once he was well enough to leave the hospital.

No one can quite pinpoint why, but people who saw the dog's picture fell in love with him. As specialists fought to reverse the effects of starvation and dehydration and figure out why his body wasn't absorbing nutrients, people across the country and around the world followed his progress on ESRA's website and then on Facebook, where Mrozek set up a dedicated page for him called, simply, Clayton.

Within 18 hours, the Clayton group had 600 members and eventually rose to 1,759. They called themselves the Clayton Nation.

The social media exposure ensured that Clayton's extensive veterinary bills -- $23,000 for three weeks in intensive care -- were covered, and then some. Mrozek estimates that people donated approximately $50,000.

"It seemed like every time I would post about him, people would go to his ESRA site and start donating money," she says. "There were people sending $500 at a time. He had more donations than any special-needs dog ever."

Not every pet can be a Clayton, but Christie Keith, social media manager for the Shelter Pet Project, the Ad Council's public service campaign promoting pet adoption, says social media is an incredibly powerful tool that has revolutionized the pet adoption landscape.

"It enables individuals who don't even work or volunteer for shelters or rescue groups to help spread the stories and photos of pets who need homes or are looking for other kinds of help," she says. "They can do this literally with the click of a mouse or a click on their mobile device, and there is no barrier to them being able to get a pet in front of people who aren't connected to the rescue or shelter world: their friends, their family, their college roommate. You never know when someone is looking for a pet or when a pet's story will inspire someone to adopt."

Although his life hung in the balance for two weeks and he needed a feeding tube for two months, Clayton's story has a happy ending. Tony and Mary Davies of Durand, Illinois, adopted him after following his story from the beginning. They drove to Texas in May to pick him up and on the way back made stops so other Clayton supporters could meet the springer celebrity. He made a smooth transition to life on their 20-acre farm.

"It is a glorious sight to see this dog who was knocking on death's door finally get to live the life he deserves," Mary Davies says.

When he's not playing with the Davies' other dogs or digging holes, though, Clayton keeps busy with important work. He makes appearances at ESRA functions to raise money for other special-needs springers.

"He is giving back, and we are grateful for everyone who has helped him," Davies says.

Q&A

Fear usually triggers

aggression in cats

Q: My cat is sociable at home and even makes therapy visits to nursing homes, but at the veterinary clinic, she turns into a screaming, scratching nightmare, even though they have always handled her gently. Why does she behave this way, and is there anything we can do about it? -- via email

A: Aggression is a common behavior problem in cats, and it is often triggered by fear. The smells in a veterinary clinic -- other cats, dogs, unknown people -- are enough to give any cat the heebie-jeebies. Cats go on the defensive when they're scared, responding with attempts to escape, dilated pupils (to let in more light and improve their peripheral vision for better defense), hissing, growling, biting and clawing.

If you're facing a defensive cat, the first thing to do is back off. That way he doesn't feel trapped, and you don't run the risk of injury. Never punish him for a fearful reaction because that will just make him think he has good reason to be scared.

To help your cat feel more calm at the veterinary clinic, start by helping him to enjoy riding in his carrier. Leave it out at home, and stock it with treats or place meals inside it to encourage him to hang out in it. When you must take him to the veterinarian, spray the carrier beforehand with synthetic feline pheromones that have a calming effect.

At the clinic, let your cat wait in the car until it's time to take him into the exam room. The technicians and veterinarian should speak softly to your cat and hand out plenty of treats before beginning any exam or procedure. Stay calm yourself so your cat is less anxious. You and your veterinarian can find more tips on helping cats feel comfortable during veterinary visits from the Catalyst Council at www.catalystcouncil.org. -- 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

'Rescuing' kittens

isn't always best

-- Do you know what to do if you find a litter of kittens? You might be surprised to learn that Best Friends Animal Society says newborn kittens born outside have the best chance for survival when they are left with their mother. Before you scoop them up and take them to a shelter, wait to see if they have really been abandoned. Their mother may simply be out hunting so she can feed them. If she is caring for them, it's best to leave them alone until they are old enough to be trapped and spayed or neutered, usually when they are 8 weeks old.

-- More babies are born from June through September than during any other part of the year. If you're a dog owner who's expecting, start preparing your dog now for the new arrival. He should have a good command of basic obedience skills, including sit, down, wait and leave it. Get him used to a more unpredictable schedule by randomly changing the times he eats or is walked, or plan how you can keep his schedule the same by using an automatic feeder or hiring a dog walker. Don't hesitate to consult a trainer or behaviorist who's experienced in working with dogs and children.

-- Protect your pet bird from household hazards. The Association of Avian Veterinarians says birds can be at risk from sandpaper-covered perches that irritate or injure the bottoms of their feet; cigarette smoke, insecticides and toxic fumes from overheated nonstick cookware, all of which can cause respiratory problems and even death; easily dismantled toys that can cause toxicity or intestinal problems when they are chewed or swallowed, such as those made with balsa wood, small-link chains, metal clips or skewers, or lead weights; and toxic houseplants, such as bleeding heart, calla lilies, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, philodendron, pothos and ranunculus. -- 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: Social networking, including Facebook and YouTube, helped a desperately ill dog survive and find a new home. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Before the baby comes, accustom your dog to the possible heavy pats and tail grabs he may accidentally experience from a young child. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2