7 tips to make your kitten's first exam comfortable for him and informative for you and the veterinarian

By Kim Campbell Thornton

When you bring home a new kitten, the experience is likely his first big adventure in life. How you introduce him to his new family, home and veterinarian can set the tone for the rest of his life. The first veterinary visit can be a high hurdle for him, but we have some tips to help things go smoothly and ensure happy repeat visits.

-- Take your time. Unless your kitten has the sniffles or will be meeting other cats in your home, give him a few days to get comfortable. If you have other cats, your new kitten should have a fecal exam, a negative result for the feline leukemia virus and his first set of vaccinations before he comes in contact with them.

-- Carry on. While he's exploring his new room at home -- you are confining him at first and not giving him the run of the house, right? -- leave his carrier out. Stash treats and a toy inside it so he will enjoy going into it. It's also a good idea to spritz the inside of the carrier with a comforting pheromone spray about an hour before you leave. That will help your kitten relax during the car ride.

-- Scout out the clinic before you go in. Leave your kitten in his carrier in the car while you sign in with the receptionist. If there are dogs in the lobby, ask the receptionist to call or text you when it's time to go into the exam room. Then you can go there straightaway from the car, eliminating any time spent in the lobby with dogs.

-- Comfort first. A towel or soft blanket, also spritzed with pheromone spray, can give your kitten a sense of security. Place it on the exam table so he doesn't have to stand or lie on cold, slick metal.

-- What to bring. Have on hand any veterinary records from the kitten's breeder or the shelter from which you adopted him. These should indicate vaccinations or deworming treatments the kitten may have had already. A fresh fecal sample, less than 24 hours old, will allow your veterinarian to check for internal parasites commonly seen in kittens, such as roundworms. When you collect the sample, remove it from the litter box as quickly as possible so it doesn't dry out, and store it in the refrigerator in a closed container.

-- The exam. A full physical exam includes taking the temperature with a rectal or ear thermometer; listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope; palpating the abdomen; examining the skin and fur for signs of fleas, ringworm (a fungus) or sores; checking ears for the presence of mites; and checking teeth to make sure the kitten has the appropriate number and type of teeth for his age. This assessment will give you and your veterinarian a good picture of the kitten's overall health.

-- Ask and tell. You may have questions about your kitten's diet, safety, environment or activity level. Write them down beforehand so you don't forget anything. Your veterinarian may have tips on kitten-proofing your home or suggestions about ways to provide exercise and mental stimulation with food puzzles and other toys. This is the time to mention whether your kitten will have access to the outdoors. That information helps the veterinarian determine which vaccines to recommend and how often they are given.

Your kitten's first veterinary visit can be the start of a beautiful relationship among the three of you, so make it count!

Q&A

Pet birds need more

than seed to be healthy

Q: I just got a caique and want to make sure I'm feeding him right. What's the best diet for him? -- via Facebook

A: When we think of a pet bird's diet, seeds are often the first things that spring to mind. But birds, parrots in particular, are omnivores who eat a wide range of foods in their native habitats: fruit, nuts, buds and the occasional insect. Most of us can't provide our pet birds with the opportunity to forage as they would in the wild, but we can still provide a healthy variety of foods.

Commercial diets available for birds are either seed-based -- which may or may not be supplemented with vitamins and minerals -- or pelleted, formulated to provide the nutrition a bird needs with less fat than that provided by an all-seed diet.

A bird who lives on seed alone may develop vitamin, mineral and amino acid deficiencies. Manufacturers may supplement a seed diet with granules or nuggets that contain the necessary nutrients, but if the bird picks out the seeds and doesn't eat the supplement bits, he doesn't benefit from them.

Pelleted diets are a good choice if your bird will eat them. It takes time -- often weeks or months -- for some birds to recognize them as food.

The best option is for your bird to eat a combination of 50 percent to 80 percent pelleted food, plus some of the healthy foods you eat: pasta, oatmeal, cooked beans and scrambled eggs, for instance. Colorful vegetables and fruits are healthy and delicious ways to supplement his diet. Think dark, leafy greens, bell peppers, broccoli, mango, papaya and berries.

Watch your portion sizes. A bird the size of a caique doesn't need more than 1/4 cup of pellets per day. Give only a teaspoon or so of fruits, vegetables and other table foods. Avoid avocadoes, which are toxic to birds. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Cat saved by special

surgical technique

-- A 1-year-old Burmese cat named Vanilla Bean is doing well after undergoing an unusual surgery to repair a congenital heart defect. Vanilla Bean was born with a rare condition that inhibited blood flow through the heart chambers. Fortunately, the veterinary cardiologist who had performed the technique once previously was less than 100 miles away at the University of California Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in Davis. Veterinary cardiologist Josh Stern, collaborating with two pediatric cardiologists who had seen cases of the defect in children, plus a veterinary soft tissue surgeon and another veterinary cardiologist, successfully corrected the defect.

-- We all recognize a dog's "guilty look." He lowers his head, avoids eye contact, licks his lips and sinks low to the ground. He's done something wrong for sure, and he knows it. Right? Not necessarily. Two studies found that dogs confronted by angry or upset people were more likely to look "guilty," whether or not they had done anything wrong. Dogs who were scolded by returning owners displayed guilty expressions more often than dogs who were greeted in a friendly way. The conclusion? Dogs who expect a scolding try to appease people with their actions, making themselves look small and nonthreatening.

-- A hound dog named Guinness earned himself a new home after placing himself between the woman walking him and a rattlesnake, receiving two bites, reports TheDenverChannel.com. The dog was on a hike with Jenna Castello last month in Deer Creek Canyon Park, Colorado, when the incident occurred. Castello and her friend Joshua Chavez got Guinness to the veterinarian right away, where he was treated with fluids, pain medication and anti-venin. Castello's cousin, Gigi Burk, whose family had been fostering Guinness, said he would have a home with them for good. -- 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: One of the most challenging experiences for a kitten is that first visit to the veterinary clinic. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Vanilla Bean is home and doing well after undergoing a rare surgery and eight days of hospitalization. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1

Common-sense care tips keep pets safe in summer

By Kim Campbell Thornton

It's Memorial Day, and that means just one thing: Summer fun with your dog is right around the corner. But along with the good times come some seasonal hazards that can hurt your dog and spoil the easy-living vibe. Here's what you need to know so both of you can enjoy the dog days of summer.

-- Sun seeker. Whether your dog is just hanging out in the backyard or spending the day hiking or picnicking with you, he needs to be protected from the sun if he has a thin or light-colored coat. The most vulnerable areas are the nose, face and ear tips, but pets who like to sleep on their backs in the sun can get a painful belly burn. Apply sunscreen made specifically for pets, or use PABA-free sunscreen or zinc oxide. Make sure you don't get it in your dog's eyes.

-- Heat and humidity. When temperatures get extreme, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are concerns, especially for dogs with flat faces, such as Boston terriers, bulldogs, French bulldogs, Pekingese and pugs. For short-faced breeds, as little as half an hour in high temperatures can be fatal. Dogs with heavy coats or those with heart problems may also be at risk.

While it's fine for pets to have access to the outdoors on a hot day, they should stay primarily in air-conditioned comfort. Outdoors, they need plenty of shade and an unlimited supply of cool, fresh water. Limit exercise to cool mornings and evenings. Be familiar with signs of heatstroke: excessive panting, weakness, dizziness, dark red gums, nausea and loss of consciousness. Cool the pet with lukewarm -- not cold -- water, and get him to the veterinarian right away.

-- Pool safety. Does your dog love swimming in the pool or riding on the family boat? Be sure he knows how to get out of the pool or onto the boat. Go into the pool with him and show him the stairs. Have someone else call him while he's in different parts of the pool, and make sure he knows how to get to the steps and use them to get out. Practice frequently.

Consider purchasing a dog ramp for use in pools or on docks or boats. Place it at the opposite end of the pool from the steps so your dog has options.

If possible, restrict access to the pool or spa if you're not there to supervise, especially if you have a pet with limited eyesight. Another option is a Safety Turtle pet kit, which will sound an alarm to alert you if your pet falls into the pool.

-- Beach and boat. Playing in the waves is a quintessential beach dog activity, but bodysurfing dogs can incur knee injuries from the force of the waves. Keep your dog close to shore if waves are booming.

Play fetch on hard-packed sand so your dog doesn't ingest a lot of it when retrieving his ball or flying disc. Taking in too much sand can cause a serious intestinal obstruction.

Whether your dog is riding with you on a stand-up paddleboard or a more substantial craft, protect him from drowning with a pet life vest. Choose one in a bright color that's easily visible in the water. It should fit comfortably and have a handle on top for easy retrieval if your dog falls or jumps in the water. Just as you would with a pool, show him how to get out of the water.

-- On the trail. If you and your dog are out on a hot day, carry plenty of water for him and tie a cooling bandana around his neck. Take frequent breaks, and offer your dog water frequently. Dogs cool themselves by panting, which isn't very efficient in hot or humid conditions.

Now that you're prepared, go out there and have fun!

Q&A

Dog phobia treatable

with therapy

Q: My fiance is very fearful of dogs, which is surprising and dismaying because I love animals. He says he hasn't ever had a bad experience with one. Is there anything that can help? -- via email

A: Phobias are interesting (unless you're the person who has one). Sometimes they develop after a bad experience with the cause of the fear, whether that's a dog, a spider or a particular frightening situation, but other times they begin as a type of panic disorder, with no apparent cause.

I spoke to David Carbonell, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Arlington Heights, Illinois, who treats people with anxiety disorders. He says therapy can be surprisingly successful and sometimes may take as few as eight sessions.

He starts by asking clients how they feel when they encounter a dog and what they think might happen if they meet a dog. People often describe physical signs of fear: a pounding heart, sweaty palms, difficulty breathing. They might be afraid of being bitten or knocked over by the dog. Dr. Carbonell asks them what has happened in the past when they've encountered dogs.

"By reviewing history and asking a lot of questions, I'll seek to create some room for doubt about how accurate their idea is of what would happen, and I'll help the person develop some responses to the physical fear and scary thoughts," he says.

Those responses may include breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. Once a client has learned the techniques, Dr. Carbonell sets up a session with a dog.

"To have the experience of being able to calm themselves and tolerate the physical sensations and let them subside, it's necessary to actually practice with a dog, and that's where the real treatment comes from, from doing that in the presence of a dog -- getting afraid and having the time to calm down," he says. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

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

THE BUZZ

Collie in driver's seat

on Scottish farm

-- Traffic was stopped on a busy Scottish highway last month after a sheepdog named Don accidentally leaned on the controls of a utility vehicle, taking it out on the road. After going down a hill, through a split-rail fence and across the road, the tractor hit a traffic barrier, stopping its movement. Fortunately, Don wasn't injured -- despite not wearing a seatbelt. His owner, Tom Hamilton, had been checking on some lambs when the incident occurred. Drivers responding to Traffic Scotland's tweets about Don's adventure wondered if the dog was Breathalyzed. No reports on whether he was feeling sheepish.

-- A study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found that hyperthyroidism in cats might be linked to exposure to flame retardants used in plastics and furniture. Researchers at Sweden's Stockholm University found high levels of the chemicals -- known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers -- in blood samples from cats with hyperthyroidism. Cats accidentally ingest PBDEs when dust containing the substance sticks to their fur and they then groom themselves. Hyperthyroidism, which affects more than 1 in 10 older cats, is the overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid glands.

-- You could be playing with shelter cats right now! A new website allows anyone to control remote-controlled cat toys for two minutes at a time. No matter where you are in the country, you can help entertain cats at 13 different shelters nationwide through the iPet Companion website (ipetcompanion.com/liveplay). Each visitor to the site can control the toys for two minutes at a time, then get back in the virtual line for another turn. The technology is a bonus for people who love cats but have allergies or who can't get to the shelter to volunteer in person. -- 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: Without access to shade or fresh water, dogs can be at risk of heatstroke, even if temperatures are only warm, not hot. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: A cat at Idaho Humane Society plays with a remotely operated toy. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 3

Snake-aversion training can help any dog avoid a serious or even fatal bite

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Has your dog passed his SAT? Snake-aversion training, that is.

If you live in an area where venomous snakes are common or frequently take your dog hiking in such areas, you may want to look for a class that will teach your dog to avoid the scaly "slitherins." The training can also teach dogs to avoid toxic amphibians, such as the Colorado river toad and cane toads. It's especially useful for active, inquisitive dogs, or those with a high prey drive, but any dog can benefit if there's a chance he will come face-to-face with a rattlesnake, copperhead or water moccasin.

Jackie Brown of San Clemente, California, often saw rattlesnakes while hiking with her dog, but it wasn't until she saw a nonvenomous snake in her yard that she realized Jager, a miniature poodle, could encounter snakes anywhere.

"I worried about what he would do if he came across a rattlesnake," she says. "Would he try to play with it? Chase it? Corner it in the yard? I didn't want to leave it to chance, so I decided to look into snake-aversion training, which I had read about in a dog magazine."

Dogs learn to avoid snakes once they smell, hear or see one. The training, accomplished with the aid of an electronic collar, helps them to keep a safe distance. It takes only a few minutes to teach a dog that snakes are better left alone.

The session usually involves exposing the dog to the sound of a rattlesnake's rattle, snakeskins and live snakes -- mouths banded closed -- in different environments, such as sun or shade. If the dog approaches the snake, the trainer activates the electronic collar to simulate a snakebite. Collars are set on low -- enough to create a negative association, but not enough to cause pain or distress. (Be sure to try it on your own skin first to make sure it's working correctly before it's placed on your dog.) Some sessions have a final test with a hidden snake. The class should be repeated every year or two to reinforce the lesson.

Depending on where you live, sessions are not always easy to find. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation, or look for fliers at your local pet supply store or animal shelter. Hunters and other outdoorspeople are usually familiar with snake training. Ask to observe a session first, and choose an experienced trainer who uses the collar carefully and makes sure the dogs feel comfortable and safe. Excellent timing and the ability to observe changes in the dog's behavior are critical.

"It is a specialized field, and I would not trust my dogs in the hands of a rookie," says dog trainer Connie Kelly of Carlsbad, California, who has had her Australian shepherds snake-trained.

Watch how the handler treats the snakes as well. You want someone who handles them kindly and respectfully and always makes sure they are safe.

People who don't understand the process may consider it cruel or abusive. That's a mistake, says Eric Christensen of Oro Valley, Arizona, whose English springer spaniels and flat-coated retrievers have all undergone snake-aversion training.

"It is neither (cruel nor abusive) if done correctly, and is, in fact, a potentially life-saving gift."

Jager? A few months after training, he and Brown came across a dead rattlesnake on one of their walks. As soon as he smelled it, Jager jumped back about three feet, Brown reports.

"It made me feel better knowing that he would try to get away if he came across a live one," she says.

Q&A

Ear mites affect

dogs and cats

Q: I always thought that dogs didn't get ear mites, but my puppy has just been diagnosed with them. What's up with that? -- via Facebook

A: It's true that ear mites (otodectic mange) are more commonly associated with cats, but an infestation of these parasitic insects is one of the most common problems we veterinarians see in puppies and young adult dogs. The tiny critters are easily transmitted between puppies, and they are also contagious between cats and dogs. (Bunnies and ferrets can get them, too.) The general rule of paw is that if one pet in the household has ear mites, all of them should be treated. Otherwise, they'll just keep passing the bugs around.

If your pup has an infestation, you can bet that his ears are mite-y itchy. Scratching constantly at both ears instead of just one is a good clue that you're dealing with ear mites instead of an ear infection. Another sign is an accumulation of what looks like coffee grounds in the ears. If you remove a sample and look at it under a magnifying glass, you might be able to see tiny white specks -- the mites -- moving around. All that scratching can cause your pup to develop red, raw skin or hair loss around the ears, and bacterial infections can be complications as well.

To treat ear mites, your pup's ears will need a deep cleaning by the veterinary technician, followed by a systemic medication or ear drops prescribed by your veterinarian. Ear mites under attack can flee the ears and move to other parts of the body (they're especially fond of the base of the tail), heading back to the ears once you're no longer medicating them. To prevent that from happening, it's important that your pet be on a whole-body parasite prevention product. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Top 10 ways to

prevent dog bites

-- It's National Dog Bite Prevention Week. To help avoid dog bites, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that children and adults never pet a dog in the following situations:

If the dog is not with his owner.

If the dog is with his owner, but the owner does not give permission to pet the dog.

If the dog is on the other side of a fence (or if the dog is tied up to something).

If a dog is sleeping or eating.

If a dog is sick or injured.

If a dog is resting with her puppies or seems very protective of her puppies and anxious about your presence.

If a dog is playing with a toy.

If the dog is a service dog.

If the dog is growling or barking.

If the dog appears to be hiding or seeking time alone in his special place.

-- Has your senior cat begun having seizures? He may be reacting to loud, high-pitched sounds such as keys jangling, tin foil crinkling or a metal spoon banging against a pot, according to a study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. Called feline audiogenic reflex seizures, the condition occurs mainly in cats older than 10 years and may cause a sudden pause in movement or brief jerking motions that may last several minutes. Researchers believe cats' ultrasonic hearing range may be why they are sensitive to high-pitched sounds.

-- After last month's devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Nepal, the World Vets Disaster Response Team was quickly on the ground to provide field rescues, veterinary support for injured animals and aid to local animal welfare groups. Among the animals helped have been dogs displaced from their homes or injured in fights over food, a pig injured by falling bricks, and horses, donkeys and other livestock. If you want to help, donate to their International Disaster Relief Fund at worldvets.org. -- 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: Creating a negative association with snakes can save a dog's life. Jackie Brown and Jager participated in snake-aversion therapy. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Learn dog body language. Dogs don't like having people, including children, right up in their faces. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1