GOT A PET WITH THE BLUES? IT MIGHT BE RELATED TO YOUR CHILD'S RETURN TO SCHOOL

By Kim Campbell Thornton

If you're a parent who got a new puppy or dog for the family this summer, your kids and the dog have probably spent their days playing fetch, running through the sprinklers and sharing snacks when they've finally worn each other out. But now that school is starting, your pup must learn to adjust to a new schedule.

Pets, including some cats, can get down in the mouth when their playmates disappear for the day -- or even weeks or months at a time in the case of college students -- kids at camp, or sons or daughters off to basic training. That's especially true if the pet has a close bond with the absent person. You may also see a case of the down-dog blues if your work schedule changes or you are traveling more often for work.

Dogs and cats like a predictable environment. Part of a pet's emotional attachment to us is based on the expectation of doing something together on a regular basis, says John C. Wright, Ph.D., a certified applied animal behaviorist and professor of psychology at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.

When that routine changes, the result can be emotional and behavioral depression. Your dog may mope around or wait at the door for his pal's return, and your cat may express her displeasure by yowling incessantly or sleeping more than usual. Some pets swing the opposite way and become more active than normal.

For dogs, the best medicine is plenty of exercise. Step in as the dog's walking buddy, hire a dog walker to take him for a run and practice obedience lessons or tricks with him daily. Get some puzzle toys to help him stay occupied during the day.

"The more you can increase things that are both familiar but stimulating to the dog, and the more physical exercise, the more endorphin release you can provide, and that's all good," says animal behaviorist Mary Lee Nitschke, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Linfield College in Portland, Oregon.

Your pet can also take comfort from the scent of his pal. Give him a T-shirt or other inexpensive piece of clothing that's been worn by your child or a spouse who's traveling. The familiar smell will help him to chill out.

Cats can benefit from similar efforts. As much as possible, try to keep their routine the same. Maybe your child can make time to feed the cat or give her a couple of minutes of play with a favorite toy before leaving for school.

Most important, your pets, especially dogs, should be comfortable spending time alone. If you have a student who will be off to college in the next year or two, now is the time to start preparing your pets for his absence.

-- Get the animal used to walks or playtimes from other family members.

-- For a new or young dog, practice leaving him alone for brief periods, using a crate to confine him if he's not housetrained. Gradually extend the length of time before you return. He'll get the message that you always come back.

-- Keep departures and greetings matter-of-fact so that your absence doesn't seem like a big deal.

-- Have the pet perform a command, such as sit (cats can do this, too), and give a treat before you leave. They might even start to look forward to your departure!

The good news is that with time, your dog or cat will adjust to the new schedule and look forward to the new after-school playtime.

Q&A

Are avocados toxic

to pets? It depends

Q: I keep hearing that avocados are bad for dogs, but my boyfriend has avocado trees, and his dog eats them off the ground all the time with no ill-effects. (His coat looks great, though.) What's the scoop? -- via Facebook

A: We've heard that, too, and as we started investigating the topic, we discovered that Christine Gowen, Pet HealthZone editor for Veterinary Pet Insurance, was curious about this topic as well. She looked into it because her yellow Labrador retriever, Shelby, likes to nab fallen avocados from her neighbor's tree. Gowen discovered that the seed (the pit), bark and leaves of an avocado plant contain an oil-soluble toxin called persin. Gowen spoke to Dr. Justine Lee, a board-certified veterinary specialist in emergency critical care and toxicology and the CEO and founder of VetGirl. Dr. Lee says that persin is not toxic to dogs and probably not to cats.

While avocados might not be toxic to dogs and cats, that big pit could cause an obstruction in the esophagus, stomach or intestinal tract if a pet tries to down it. You don't want to have to deal with the bill for that emergency surgery. And any food that pets eat in large amounts could cause an upset stomach or diarrhea, especially if it's something they're not used to.

So a little bit of plain avocado probably isn't going to poison your pet -- with some important exceptions. Pet birds such as canaries, cockatiels, parakeets and large parrots are highly sensitive to persin, as are horses and cattle, and it can be deadly to them, Dr. Lee says. Never give your bird access to avocados in any form. Eating them can cause breathing difficulty, congestion and liver and kidney failure. Some birds may be saved with rapid treatment, but for many, it's their final meal. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

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

PET BUZZ

Pet theft draws higher

penalty in New York

-- The penalty for stealing a pet just got a lot higher in New York. Effective immediately, the maximum fine is now $1,000 (and/or six months imprisonment), up from $200, a rate set in 1970. Describing pet theft as a particularly heartless offense, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said, "Increasing the penalties for stealing or harming dogs, cats and other animals is an important way that we can crack down on this crime." The penalty applies to anyone who removes a collar or identification; entices, seizes or harasses a pet being held or led; or transports an animal with the intent of killing or selling him.

-- It's a classic image: a kitten lapping at a saucer of milk. But is milk really good for cats? In most cases, no. While a mother cat's milk contains essential nutrients for kittens, many cats can't tolerate cow's milk and may develop a nasty bout of explosive diarrhea from drinking it. If your cat does tolerate cow's milk, there's no harm in letting him lap up the last of the milk from your cereal, but if you never give it to him, he's not missing out on anything.

-- Tucker, a black Labrador retriever, has an unusual job: He travels the world with wildlife biologist Elizabeth Seely, sniffing out the scat (feces) of exotic species. Tucker works for Conservation Canines at the University of Washington, which "hired" him by rescuing him from a shelter. His work involves scouting for caribou, moose and wolf droppings; seeking out the droppings of an invasive species of iguana on the Caribbean island nation of St. Lucia; and taking to a boat to detect smears of orca scat on the water. Analyzing scat helps scientists identify individual animals, track their health and determine the number of animals in a particular area. -- 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: Don't let your dog mope around while the kids are at school. Exercise will help improve his mood. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Cats don't need cow's milk, and some are lactose-intolerant. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2

DO YOU KNOW THE STORY BEHIND THIS INTERESTING EXPRESSION? HERE'S HOW IT CAME INTO BEING

By Audrey Pavia

The dog days of summer. We've all heard this expression used to describe the hottest time of the year. But what most people don't know when they use this term to complain about the heat is that the phrase is as old as Western culture itself.

"The dog days of summer" was first uttered way back in ancient Rome. In Latin, the expression reads "caniculares dies," or "days of the dogs." The Romans dubbed this the time period that spanned from the first week of July to the second week of August.

In order to understand why the Romans associated summer heat with canines, you have to know a bit about astronomy. Romans, like their Greek cousins, were masters of the night sky and knew a lot about the heavens.

The brightest star visible in the Western hemisphere is Sirius, also known as the Dog Star. Sirius is a star in the constellation Canis Major, one of the hunting dogs of the constellation Orion, the Hunter. In the winter sky, Orion and Canis Major shine brightly, poised for the hunt. But in the summertime, Sirius is not visible. Ancient astronomers knew that stars that weren't visible at night didn't disappear completely. They were instead present in the daytime sky, even though they couldn't be seen. So even though the glow of Sirius was overwhelmed by the sun, the Romans knew it was there. They believed the Dog Star was contributing heat to the summer days by shining brightly alongside the sun.

In reality, Sirius is 8.6 light-years from us and way too far away to contribute heat to the Earth. But the Romans were so convinced of Sirius' ability to throw heat that they persisted in using the expression long enough for it to become part of the vernacular of Western civilization.

Even though Sirius doesn't actually contribute to the heat of summer, this part of the season is the hottest and, consequently, the most dangerous for your dog. To keep your dog safe on days when the temperature is high, keep him indoors in the air conditioning, and always make sure he has shade available when he's outside. Hydration is important too, so ensuring your dog always has access to clean, fresh water is essential.

Of course, never leave your dog in the car during the summertime, even with the windows rolled down. The temperature inside a car can rise rapidly to dangerous heights, and result in heatstroke and death.

When your dog is playing or hiking in the summertime, keep an eye on him to make sure he's not suffering from the heat. Signs of heatstroke in dogs include restlessness, heavy panting, a brightly colored tongue and mucous membranes, thick saliva, vomiting and diarrhea.

Should your dog show signs of heatstroke, get him indoors into an air-conditioned building. Take his temperature using a rectal thermometer, and if it's higher than 104 F, submerge him in a bathtub of cool water. Take his temperature every 10 minutes until it gets down to 100 F to 102 F, which is the normal temperature range for a dog. Take him to a veterinarian as soon as you can for an examination to make sure the heat did not cause damage to his internal organs.

Even though you need to take precautions to keep your dog happy and healthy in the summertime, don't forget to have fun. Good outdoor activities for canines during the dog days of summer include swimming in a pool, in a lake or at the beach; playing in the spray of a garden hose or hiking in high elevations where the air is cool and clean.

Guest columnist Audrey Pavia is a freelance writer specializing in animal subjects. A member of the Dog Writers Association of America, she is the author of seven dog books, including "The Labrador Retriever Handbook" (Barron's). She shares her home in Norco, California, with two dogs, Annabelle and Olivia.

Q&A

Declawing cats should

be a last resort

Q: When I was growing up, we always had our cats declawed and I didn't think anything about it. I took our new kitten in to the vet to have her declawed, and he didn't want to do it. Why would he hesitate? I thought it was a normal procedure for cats. -- via email

A: Surgical declawing, or onychectomy, used to be common, but we now know so much more about cat behavior and needs that we've come to have a different view of it. Scratching is a normal behavior for cats. It's one of the ways they mark territory and stretch, and it conditions their claws by removing the husks. Declawing isn't medically necessary, and it takes away the cat's ability to perform these normal and necessary actions.

Declawing surgery isn't a minor procedure. It involves amputating all or part of the end bones of the cat's toes. Potential risks and complications include hemorrhage, infection and pain.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Cat Fanciers Association and the Humane Society of the United States are just a few of the organizations that recommend against declawing, and it is illegal in many European countries. The American Veterinary Medical Association's position is that declawing should be considered only after attempts have been made to prevent the cat from using claws destructively or when clawing presents an above-normal health risk to the owner.

Better options are to provide your kitten with plenty of options for exercising his need to scratch. A tall scratching post (at least three feet high), cardboard door hangers or boxes, or even a real log can all provide your cat with opportunities to scratch without harming your furniture or carpet. Be sure that scratching posts or other scratching implements are firmly anchored so they stay in place and offer good resistance as the cat scratches away at them. You should also trim the claws every week or two. If you start when he is young, trim when he's relaxed and reward him with treats and praise, your cat won't mind having his nails trimmed at all. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PET BUZZ

Parasite in raw

salmon can kill dogs

-- If you take your dog salmon fishing with you, don't let him eat any of your catch unless it's cooked. Salmon and related types of fish can be infected with a parasite that is toxic to dogs, but not to cats, raccoons or bears. Salmon poisoning is most common west of the Cascade Mountain range, says veterinary parasitologist Bill Foreyt at Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Symptoms include vomiting, lack of appetite, fever, diarrhea, weakness, swollen lymph nodes and dehydration. Dogs can die within two weeks of eating the fish if they go untreated with antibiotics and a dewormer.

-- Vending machines in Istanbul, Turkey, encourage recycling and help to save pets. Feed plastic bottles into them and they dispense food for local stray dogs and cats, which are said to number more than 150,000 in the city. Turkish company Pugedon makes the smart recycling boxes available at no cost to the city, and the recycled bottles cover the cost of the food.

-- Tara, the cat who chased away a dog after he attacked her family's son, was honored on Aug. 2 at a fundraiser for the Mayor's Alliance for New York's Animals. The event, held at the famous Algonquin Hotel, was sponsored by Cat Fancy magazine. Also making appearances were feline Broadway star and former shelter cat Vito Vincent, Matilda, the Algonquin Hotel's resident cat, and cats available for adoption who hoped to find their own starring roles as people's pets. Cat Fancy editor Susan Logan said, "Money raised at events such as this makes a difference in getting us closer to a day when every pet has a loving home and kill-shelters are a thing of the past." -- 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: Playing in the sprinklers is a fun way for dogs to keep cool in summer heat. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Hero cat Tara rests after her adoring fans visited her, a few at a time, in the Algonquin Hotel. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 3

CHOOSING A PET AT THE SHELTER DOESN'T HAVE TO BE OVERWHELMING. HERE ARE 8 TIPS TO HELP YOU MAKE THE DECISION

We are big fans of adopting from animal shelters. We each currently have two dogs acquired from shelters or rescue groups. They are all the absolute best -- not that we're biased or anything. But we know that the idea of going to a shelter to pick out a pet can seem like an intimidating prospect. Won't you want to take them all home? And how do you pick the right one?

To give you some top tips, we drew on our own experiences and spoke to experts on the subject: Elizabeth A. Berliner, DVM, a shelter medicine specialist at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, and Aimee Gilbreath, executive director of Michelson Found Animals, a nonprofit organization that's dedicated to helping shelter pets find homes.

-- The first thing to think about, Gilbreath says, is energy level -- yours and the dog's. Your pet's energy level should complement your lifestyle. If you love spending time outdoors every day hiking, running or riding your bike, an active "teenage" or adult dog has reached physical maturity and is ready to be your workout buddy. Be realistic about your activity level and your willingness to exercise a dog.

"If your ideal weekend is curling up on the couch having a movie marathon, a low-energy cuddle buddy will be a better fit for you," Gilbreath says. Or even a cat.

-- Speaking of cats and lifestyle, it's true that in some respects, cats are less of a commitment than dogs: they don't need walks, for instance, and you don't have to take them to obedience class (they train you instead). But they do need and enjoy more attention and interaction than you might think. If you work crazy 12-hour days, your cat will be OK with that as long as she gets your attention when you're home.

-- If you think you'd like to have two cats so they can keep each other company, the best choice is a pair of kittens from the same litter or an already-bonded adult pair. Ask shelter employees for their recommendations.

-- Some shelters use the ASPCA's "Meet Your Match" program or their own systems to identify different pet personalities to help potential adopters make the best choice for them. When it comes right down to it, though, many of us go by looks.

"As in dating, this can be more or less effective," Dr. Berliner says. "However, there may be some surprises once you get home. Many shelters provide ongoing support to help nurture your new relationship if there are elements that are challenging at first."

-- Got kids? Keeping them safe is your No. 1 priority. If you're getting a shelter dog, how do you know which one is good with kids?

"When adopting from a rescue or smaller pet-adoption center, many of the available dogs will have spent time with a foster family, many in homes with children," Gilbreath says. "Talk to the adoption counselor about your concerns. They will be able to tell you which dogs play well with children. It's also a good idea to bring your children along to meet your potential new pet."

-- Tell the adoption counselor as well if you have other pets. She can suggest dogs or cats who are known to get along with other animals.

-- Take advantage of social media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to keep tabs on available pets. Many shelters have Facebook and Twitter accounts where they announce adoption events and post videos and photos of adoptable pets.

-- Be clear about what you are looking for in a pet. It can help to make a list of attributes such as weight, coat type and age before you go to the shelter so that it's easier to narrow your choices.

Q&A

How to choose the

right puppy food

Q: I see so many different puppy foods and claims about feeding puppies. How can I choose the best food for my new puppy? -- via email

A: We don't doubt that it can be confusing to know what and how to feed a puppy. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, though, because their needs vary. Factors that affect what a particular pup needs from a food include activity level, age, breed, gender and size at maturity.

A puppy's growth rate should be not too fast and not too slow. Puppies who grow too quickly and become overweight may develop bone and joint problems as they mature. Puppies who grow too slowly may not be getting enough nutrients. Growing at that "just right" pace ensures that they get the nutrition they need, but don't experience painful growth spurts or get too heavy at an age when their skeleton isn't developed enough to support their weight.

So what you feed depends a lot on your puppy's breed or mix. Toy-breed puppies, with their high metabolism, need a food that gives them a steady stream of energy. Really tiny puppies often need smaller, more frequent meals to make sure they don't develop low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Large-breed dogs grow more slowly than toy and small breeds. It can take two to three years for them to reach physical maturity. They need foods that provide less energy and calcium so they grow at a slow, steady rate. You can give a food that's specially formulated for large and giant breeds or provide the same effect by feeding smaller amounts of a regular puppy food.

To know if your puppy is in good shape, use your eyes and hands. He should have an hourglass figure when you look down at him, and when you put your hands on him, you should be able to feel the ribs beneath a light padding of fat. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

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

PET BUZZ

The Internet knows

where your cat lives

-- A data experiment launched by Owen Mundy at Florida State University -- "I Know Where Your Cat Lives" -- maps the whereabouts of a million cats worldwide, all from photos posted on the Internet. The cats' locations are based on their photos' latitude and longitude coordinates embedded in their metadata, information about an image such as its size and when and where it was created. On his blog, Mundy writes, "This project explores two uses of the Internet: the sociable and humorous appreciation of domesticated felines and the status quo of personal data usage." You might want to check your camera phone's privacy settings.

-- Charlie, a 2-year-old female Labrador, recently earned the title "Most Unusual Claim of the Month" from Veterinary Pet Insurance after she slipped beneath a piece of farm equipment. The injury didn't seem severe at first, but the next day she wasn't able to stand up. Her veterinarian recommended that her owner, Jessica Parsons of Indianapolis, Indiana, transfer her to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. There it was discovered that she had a spinal fracture and internal bleeding, requiring spinal surgery and removal of a damaged kidney. Charlie is recovering well with crate rest and limited activity.

-- A national homebuilder has gone to the dogs -- in a good way, reports AP's Sue Manning. In 27 developments across the country, Standard Pacific Homes is offering buyers the option of a 60- to 170-square-foot pet suite with such amenities as a step-in wash station, commercial-size pet dryer, water station and automated feeders, cabinets for toys, treats and food, a stackable washer and dryer, and a French door that opens to a dog run. Don't want to buy a new house? Ask a contractor about installing pet-friendly features such as a built-in bed, special shelves for pet bowls or a raised bathing area. -- 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: If you're looking for a new pet, see if your local shelter has any adoption events planned. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Caption: Charlie received two life-saving surgeries at one of the nation's top veterinary teaching hospitals, thanks to her pet insurance coverage. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2