How to find the facts when you encounter Internet rumors

If you're online, you've seen them: the social media rumors, emails or blog posts claiming that particular products are hazardous to a pet's health. Whether we're talking foods, treats, cleaning products or pharmaceuticals, there are likely stories floating around that one or another of them causes illness or death.

They sound alarming. But are they true? The Internet is wonderful, but not everything you read on it is fair or even factual. Heck, I read things about myself on the Internet all the time that aren't true.

How can you know if what you're reading is accurate? We have some advice and sources that will help you separate fact from fiction. So forget the panic: Here are five ways to avoid the spin and get the real skinny.

-- Go to the source. By law, drug manufacturers must report all potential adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA defines an adverse drug experience as any unfavorable or unintended reaction after a drug is administered, whether or not that reaction is believed to be related to the product and whether or not the drug was given as instructed on the label. You can find adverse drug experience reports for veterinary drugs online at www.fda.gov.

"Each pharmaceutical company is required to conduct a thorough investigation of all adverse events," says my colleague Michael Dryden, professor of veterinary parasitology at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. "In these investigations, all relevant information is obtained, such as the medical history of the animal, clinical pathology reports, toxicological data for the product, necropsy reports and any other available information. This information is used to help determine the likelihood that a product is linked to the reported event in the patient."

-- Contact the company directly. Most manufacturers provide a toll-free number on their packaging. In fact, food manufacturers are required to provide contact information on the label. Ask what is being done to investigate the situation.

-- Go to neutral fact-checking sites. Neutral sites aren't associated with or supported by manufacturers, and their only goal is to seek the truth. You might say that they don't have a dog in this hunt. These independent sites present evidence and facts to verify or debunk all kinds of rumors. They look for confirmation from authoritative sources and list their references. Reputable sites that often address pet-related e-rumors include snopes.com and truthorfiction.com.

-- Don't confuse correlation with causation. In other words, coincidence happens. Here's what my colleague Tony Johnson, DVM, an emergency medicine and critical-care specialist, has to say about that:

"If a dog or cat is diagnosed with an infection or cancer or organ failure, and the owner had used a certain product in the preceding days or weeks, it's human nature to want to associate something new with the outcome. It looks bad, but there's not necessarily any correlation."

For more about how to distinguish between correlation and causation, especially in the context of science and health, take a look at George Mason University's website stats.org, which addresses the subject in a way that's easy to understand.

-- Talk to your veterinarian. Your pets' veterinarian is trained in looking at data and has experience with many different pets and the products made for them. There's no doubt that adverse drug events can occur, especially in pets with underlying health conditions or other unknown causes of sensitivity, and that foods or other products can become contaminated. When you have concerns, your veterinarian is the best person to help you sort out reality from rumor and science from spin.

Q&A

Senior cats prone to

high blood pressure

Q: My cat is 9 years old. At her recent annual exam, her veterinarian suggested checking her blood pressure. I didn't know cats could get high blood pressure. Is it a common problem? -- via Facebook

A: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the most important cardiovascular disease seen in senior cats, says Clarke E. Atkins, DVM, professor of medicine and cardiology at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He presented a lecture on the topic at the 2014 World Small Animal Veterinary Association conference in Cape Town, South Africa.

The condition is most often seen in cats 7 years and older. Dr. Atkins has seen hypertension only once in a cat younger than 7 years.

Among the causes of hypertension in cats are chronic renal (kidney) disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism. Cats with hypertension may show signs such as seizures or circling, heart enlargement or murmurs, and eye problems. The eye is one of the more fragile organs that can be affected by hypertension. If the condition goes untreated, cats can develop retinopathy, or blindness.

A cat's blood pressure can be measured at the front leg, the back leg or the tail. Dr. Atkins likes using the tail because the cat can bury his head in the owner's arms during the procedure, allowing him to feel more comfortable. The front leg is his second choice.

If they are treated, the prognosis is good for cats diagnosed with hypertension. Medication is available to help reduce blood pressure to a normal level and control the heart rate. Your veterinarian may also suggest ways to correct conditions that may be causing hypertension, or recommend a switch to a renal or senior diet to reduce sodium intake.

It's also important to ensure that the cat always has plenty of fresh water and, if necessary, reduce the cat's weight if he is obese. No data suggest that fat cats are more prone to hypertension, but being overweight most likely isn't good for them. -- 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

What's the beef?

It may be something else

-- What's listed on the label isn't necessarily what's in your pet's food. According to a study published in August in the journal Food Control, researchers using DNA testing to identify the type of meat present in 52 pet food products found some inconsistencies between what the label said and what was actually in the food. Of the tested foods, 16 contained meat that was not listed on the label. Researchers looked for beef, chicken, goat, goose, horse, lamb, pork and turkey. Pork was the most common type of meat not listed on labels. Chicken was the most commonly included type of meat, and goose was the least common. None of the samples contained horsemeat.

-- A group of rescuers in India spent four hours rubbing vegetable oil onto the body of a young dog who was found stuck in a pool of hot tar that had spilled at a construction site in the city of Udaipur. The oil helped them free the pup from his sticky situation, reports CNN. It took another few days to completely remove the tar, but the dog has since recovered and is being cared for by Animal Aid Unlimited, the animal welfare group that came to his rescue.

-- Health care reform spreads to Max and Muffin as California becomes the first state to regulate pet insurance. The bill, signed into law by dog-loving Gov. Jerry Brown, establishes disclosure rules and other measures to protect consumers. The bill, which goes into effect next July, requires carriers to sufficiently explain all plans and address annual coverage limits and policies regarding pre-existing conditions. The measure also allows for a 30-day trial period during which people can return the insurance and receive a complete refund. Companies that violate the law can be fined up to $10,000. -- 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: Before becoming alarmed by what you read online, get a reality check to make sure the information isn't misleading, or just plain wrong. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Pet food mislabeling can be a concern for owners of animals who are allergic to certain proteins. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1

(NOTE TO EDITORS: This column originally appeared on Oct. 17, 2011.)

Our culture has become very pet-friendly, but as much as I love this shift in attitude, I am also aware that some people don't approve of the change, especially when other people start planning to bring dogs home for the holidays.

Now I'm a veterinarian, not a family counselor. But I do have some suggestions for minimizing the friction between those who always want their dogs with them and those who believe pets should never be imposed on people who don't like them.

When bringing together people and pets, everyone should be honest about potential problems, as well as likes and dislikes. And you need to be honest with yourself about your dog. Is your pet well-socialized, well-mannered, and well-groomed? If not, your dog's not ready to tag along on a family visit. Your pet should also be up to date on preventive health measures, especially those involving parasites.

If your dog is a party-ready animal, ask your host if it's OK to bring your dog along. Never just show up at someone's house with a pet in tow.

My "ground rules" suggestion is that the person who has the ground sets the rules, and the decision to bend or break them is hers alone. If you want to take your pet to a family gathering but your son-in-law says absolutely not in his house, respect that. If your host has pets who don't get along with or would be stressed by a canine visitor, respect that, too.

If you're dealing with someone who will become ill if exposed to a pet, the discussion is over. Leave your pet out of the mix. This extends to people who are afraid of animals or when there will be other guests who might be at high risk of injury around a pet, such as your great-great-aunt who has already broken her hip twice.

If you've been invited to bring your dog along, here's what you will need:

-- A considerate attitude

Taking your dog to someone else's place is a privilege. Ask where your dog is and isn't allowed to be and where you'll be taking him to potty.

-- Potty bags

You will need to pick up after your pet. And ask where those little bags should go after you pick up.

-- Leash

Your dog might be awesome at home, but in a new environment you never can tell. Good manners dictate you keep your pup under control.

-- Crate

Taking a crate when you visit someone allows you to give your dog a room of his own wherever you are and provides your host with options to accommodate other guests.

-- Food dishes

Don't expect to borrow bowls from your host's kitchen. Take your own and ask where you should clean them after meals. Don't be offended if it's a utility sink in the garage.

-- Linens

It's a good idea to take a sheet to throw over your bed if you're allowed to have your dog in your bedroom when you stay over at someone's house. Pack towels as well, since your host may not want you to use the good towels to dry your dog.

If you're a considerate guest, chances are even those who don't like dogs won't have complaints -- and you and your dog will be welcome back. That's the goal, isn't it?

Q&A

Gagging cat may

have feline asthma

Q: My cat is gagging all the time, but he doesn't bring up hairballs and sometimes seems to wheeze as well. What can I give him that will help? -- via email

A: Hairballs often take the blame for a cat's chronic coughing, but the problem could be deeper than that.

Symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, open-mouthed breathing and heaving may indicate a cat with asthma. These attacks can be brought on by stress and allergens, with common allergens including cigarette smoke, pollen, dust, mold, aerosols, perfume, deodorizers, dusty cat litter and food. Common treatment ranges from allergy medication similar to bronchodilators to oxygen therapy.

There's nothing over-the-counter that will help your cat with the problem. You'll need to see your veterinarian for a correct diagnosis that will lead to the right treatment for a potentially dangerous health issue. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Fat cats can get stuck

Q: My cat seems to get herself stuck a lot. Shouldn't she know how to figure out where she should fit? -- via email

A: Cats are able to squeeze through spaces that seem narrower than they are because cats don't have a rigid collarbone to block their way through nooks and crannies. Once they can get their head and shoulders through, their sleek bodies present no further obstacle. That's if those bodies are sleek, of course.

The world is full of fat cats, after all, and for these chubby felines, fitting through tiny holes is not a sure bet. Cats may find themselves in a tight spot because they don't realize they can't fit through. That's because a cat's whiskers -- super-sensitive specialized hairs -- spread roughly as wide as a cat does, normally allowing the cat to gauge where she can slide through. But they don't grow longer as a cat gets wider, which often leads corpulent cats into sticky situations. -- Pet Connection

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

THE BUZZ

Cats don't dig

the sweet stuff

-- People crave sweets -- cakes, candies, cookies and sodas galore -- but cats are generally unimpressed. A cat's taste buds are incapable of detecting, appreciating or triggering a craving for foods that we recognize as "sweet." As "obligate carnivores" (animals who need meat protein to survive), cats simply don't need sweets. It's unclear whether the ancestors of cats had the ability to detect sweetness and lost it, or whether cats never developed a "sweet tooth," since they didn't need it. People (and dogs, for that matter) eat a much more varied diet, and human taste buds reflect that -- we have nearly 10,000 on our tongues. No such variety for cats: They're happy to stick with small prey animals and need fewer than 500 taste buds to figure what's on the menu and what isn't.

-- Dogs may be able to blame their tail-chasing habit on high cholesterol levels, according to a study published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice and reported in Veterinary Economics. Turkish researchers found that dogs who didn't chase their tails had lower levels of cholesterol than the tail-chasers did. Dogs may chase their tails because the high cholesterol levels have blocked the flow of brain hormones controlling mood and behavior. The study suggests that an increase in exercise could help lower the tail-chasing. There may be other medical reasons for tail-chasing as well, so if your dog is chasing his rump, let your veterinarian know.

-- The trade publication Veterinary Economics named the best 10 U.S. cities for a dog-friendly vacation. In order, they are: Portland, Ore.; Chicago; San Diego; Seattle; Philadelphia; Minneapolis; Austin, Texas; Alexandria, Va./Washington D.C.; New York City; and Indianapolis, Ind. -- Dr. Marty Becker 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: Before taking a dog to visit family, the health and safety of everyone -- pets and people, alike -- must be considered. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Dogs who chase their tails may have a nutritional imbalance. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2

(NOTE TO EDITORS: This column originally appeared on Oct. 3, 2011.)

Pets seem to enjoy fall as much, if not more, than we do. They all seem to perk up as the evenings get cooler. With their incredible eyesight, cats find interest in the early darkness, and dogs love being able to go for walks without enduring the heat.  

We need to remember, though, that fall means winter is coming, and we must remind ourselves of what that means when it comes to caring for our pets.

When I was growing up, pets spent most if not all their lives outside. In my lifetime, they've gone from the barnyard to the backyard to the back porch to the bedroom. That old saying about "being in the dog house"? In our family, "the dog house" is the same one we enjoy, and that's true of most people these days.

But some people still do have outside pets, and for them more than any others, the shift to colder weather means they need you to look out for them and make sure they're ready for the change.

All animals must be able to get out of the elements. A pet must have a well-insulated structure just large enough so that he can curl up inside to maintain body heat. The structure should also have a wind-block to protect it from wintry blasts. In the coldest parts of the country, it should also have some sort of outdoor-rated pet-heating pad or other device. And be sure that there's always a supply of fresh, unfrozen water by using a heated bowl.

Animals who spend any significant amount of time outside will need more calories during cold weather. Food is fuel, and they'll need to burn it to stay warm.

I'd prefer you make your pets part of the family by bringing them inside. But if you can't, you certainly must pay attention to their changing needs regardless.

Indoor pets don't face the weather challenges outdoor pets do, but winter can be uncomfortable for them as well.

For pets with arthritis, cold weather can be more painful, so ask your veterinarian about supplements or prescription medications that may help your pet feel better. A soft, heated bed may be much appreciated, too, especially by older pets. And remember that one of the best things you can do for a pet with joint problems is to keep the extra weight off: A pet who's more sedentary in winter needs to eat less.

What about sweaters and coats for dogs? Some animals really can use the extra insulation of a well-fitted sweater: older pets, and dogs who are tiny (such as Chihuahuas), or who are shorthaired and naturally lean (such as greyhounds or whippets). Overcoats can save you time drying your dog after a walk in inclement weather, especially if your pet's longhaired. And don't forget to wipe your pets' feet, legs and belly after they've been outside to keep the animal from ingesting any de-icing solutions. If you live in an urban area where de-icing solutions are a constant, boots for your pet can make protecting him easier.

Because home heating systems can dry out the air, you and your pets may be more comfortable if you introduce some humidity. Pet birds, especially those species originating in tropical climates, will enjoy extra opportunities for bathing or being misted. Dry air also may be a factor in feather-picking, in which birds strip their own feathers off and become an unsightly mess.

Final cold-weather cautions: Remember to thump on your car's hood on cold mornings. Your neighbor's cat may be nestled against the engine for warmth, and thumping your car's hood will get the animal to skeedaddle to safety. Inside, check your dryer before you add clothes and turn it on, in case your cat is snuggled inside.

Cold-weather pet care is a matter of compassion and common sense. Use both in equal measure, and your pet will get through the worst of the season in fine shape.

Q&A

Moving cats means

keeping close tabs

Q: I am moving with my pets to an apartment. The last time we moved, the dog was fine, but the cat went missing. We found her in our old neighborhood, but there's a freeway between the new place and the old this time. How can we keep her safe? -- via email

A: The best way to move with your cat is to confine him before and after moving day in a "safe room."

Choose a room where your cat isn't going to be disturbed, and outfit it with food and water, a litter box, a scratching post, a bed and toys.

Confining your cat not only reduces his stress, but also prevents him from slipping out, which is a danger at both the old home and the new. As you've experienced, your cat could easily become scared, take off and get lost, even in his familiar neighborhood, if he gets disoriented.

Your cat should be confined in his safe room the day before packing begins, moved to his new home in a carrier, and then confined again in his new safe room until the moving is over, the furniture arranged and most of the dust settled.

Trying to force a scared and stressed-out cat to do anything he doesn't want to do is hazardous to your health. After you arrive at your new home, don't pull your cat out of his carrier. Instead, put the carrier in his safe room, open the carrier door, and let him come out into the room when he wants to. After he's a little calmer, you can coax him out with some fresh food or treats if you want. But don't rush him and don't drag him out -- or you may be bitten or scratched.

When you have the rest of the house settled, open the door to the safe room and let your cat explore his new home -- on his terms. If your cat has been an indoor-outdoor pet, moving is the best time to convert him to indoor-only, because he won't fret about territory he never had. -- Pet Connection

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

THE BUZZ

Dental issues

plague our pets

-- Dental disease affects an estimated 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats by the time they are 2 years old, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dental problems are about more than bad breath and ugly teeth: Dental disease puts pets at risk for other complications, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and other life-threatening conditions. By the way: Dogs have 42 teeth, humans have 32 and cats have 30.

-- Veterinary students are more likely to struggle with depression than are medical students. Kansas State University found that during the first year of veterinary school, 32 percent of veterinary students showed symptoms of depression compared to 23 percent of medical students. The majority of veterinary students are female, which could play a part in higher depression rates, since national studies show women are two to three times more likely to suffer from depression than are men.

-- In 2011, Guinness World Records 2012 Edition has named the dog with the longest ears. Harbor, an 8-year-old coonhound, has a left ear measuring 12.25 inches long and a right ear measuring 13.75 inches long. The previous winner was a bloodhound named Tigger with a 13.5-inch left ear and a 13.75-inch right ear. -- Dr. Marty Becker 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: Some pets are better equipped for cold weather than others, but most pets need help to get through the winter. Postion: Main Story

Caption 02: The mjority of dogs and cats show signs of dental disease as young adults. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1