How to put these pesky parasites out of your pet's misery

By Kim Campbell Thornton

If it's not already flea season where you live, it soon will be. Unless you live at an altitude above 5,000 feet or in an area with low humidity and hot, dry temperatures, you'll have to deal with fleas on your dog or cat. Your veterinarian likely has already recommended a good flea-control program, but if you haven't started it yet, now is the time, before the tiny yet vicious vampires send your dog or cat into a frenzy of scratching and biting.

Fleas are wingless insects that feed on blood. When a flea's saliva is injected into a pet's skin, the substances it contains cause severe itching. A pet with flea allergy dermatitis is not just itchy; his skin can be red or crusty, he may have bare patches where he has bitten or scratched himself raw and his skin may smell bad.

Even worse, fleas spread disease. They transmit tapeworms to animals, who can then pass them on to humans, usually children. They are also carriers of bubonic plague. Think that's a medieval disease? It's extremely rare, but it does exist today, and it's carried by fleas.

Just because you don't see fleas doesn't mean they're not there. In fact, fleas spend most of their time in the environment, not on your animal. But even if you don't see fleas on your pet, one dead giveaway is flea dirt -- small black specks you may notice as you groom your dog or cat.

The good news is that flea control is way easier now than it was in the past. It wasn't that long ago that pet owners spent hours flea-combing, spraying, dipping and powdering pets and treating their homes and yards in a frantic attempt to keep the bloodsuckers at bay.

Flea-control products can be topical (applied to the skin) or oral (taken by mouth). Some protect against other parasites, such as ticks or heartworms. They may contain insect growth regulators, which prevent flea larvae from developing to maturity.

Topical products kill adult fleas within hours. They are usually water-resistant, but if you bathe your pet often or he goes swimming every day, they may not be the best choice. Be sure to wear gloves when applying topical products and to use only the amount directed -- more is not better.

Oral products require a prescription from your veterinarian. They are usually chewable, making them easy to give. Mark the calendar so you don't forget when you gave the pill and when you need to give it again.

The product that will work best for your pet depends on your location and your pet's lifestyle. If your cat goes outdoors, your dog goes swimming frequently or your pet has a high risk of tick exposure, your veterinarian will recommend products appropriate for those scenarios.

Most important, never give your cat a flea-control product made for dogs. The formulations made for dogs can kill cats, so read labels carefully before using them on pets.

You can also take steps to control fleas in the environment, not just on your pets. Steam-clean carpets and furniture to kill larvae and eggs, and vacuum frequently. Wash pet bedding weekly, using the hot-water cycle. Keep your yard trimmed, and get rid of leaves or other plant debris in shady areas to reduce hiding places for fleas.

The latest flea-control products are fast-acting and effective, but if you have a flea infestation -- or even if you have only a few -- it's still going to take some time before your pets will be fully flea-free. It could take as long as three to four months from the time you begin treatment until you see results.

Q&A

Big cats, house cats

share many qualities

Q: I'm writing a report for school, and I was hoping you could tell me some of the ways that wild cats and domestic cats are similar. -- via Facebook

A: What a great topic! The ways that domestic cats mirror the behavior of wild cats are fascinating to me as well as to many scientists.

Except for size, the little lion lounging in your den isn't all that different from his wild cousins. All cats share certain characteristics: They eat meat, they are active primarily in the evening and early morning, they have highly developed senses of sight and hearing and, with the exception of lions, most of them prefer to live alone.

All cats like to be up high. Your cat at home probably enjoys lounging on the kitchen counter (when your mom's not looking) or up on top of his ceiling-height scratching post. Cats like to be able to see what's going on while they stay out of reach of danger. Lions and leopards lounge in trees for the same reasons.

Big cats and domestic cats both like to sleep a lot, as much as 20 hours per day. They can be active, or at least awake, in the daytime, but with the exception of cheetahs, who are more active during the day, they prefer to stalk their prey in the dark.

All cats also capture and kill prey in basically the same way. They spring forward, using their front paws to grab and bring down their prey by sinking their claws into the rear, back or shoulder. A precise bite between the cervical vertebrae kills smaller animals instantly. Larger prey is suffocated when the cat's jaws clamp down on the throat or muzzle with sustained force. Kittens and cubs alike practice the stalk, catch and kill techniques until they're pounce-perfect. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

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

THE BUZZ

Tame tabby? Not as much

as you might think

-- Are cats really domesticated? In an April 30 article by Alicia Ault on Smithsonian.com, Wes Warren, Ph.D., says he prefers to call them "semi-domesticated." Cats have associated with people for only the past 5,000 to 10,000 years, and they are still capable of finding and killing their own food, unlike your average dog. And genetically, there's not much difference between the cat in your lap (Felis catus) and small wild cats (Felis silvestris). Warren, an associate professor of genetics at The Genome Institute at Washington University in St. Louis, says the main difference is that domestic cats have genes that make them more willing to approach and interact with humans. But just as you probably suspected, your cat lives with you on his terms, not yours.

-- A temporary shortage of Immiticide, the drug used to treat heartworm disease by killing adult heartworms, is making it difficult for veterinarians in Florida and elsewhere to treat dogs with heartworm infestations in a timely manner. According to a report by Jennifer Fiala for the VIN News Service, a Merial spokeswoman says the back order will be brief, no more than a few weeks. She attributed the short supply to a miscalculation of the amount that would be needed.

-- Life is merrier with a toy fox terrier, say fans of this miniaturized version of the smooth fox terrier. The made-in-America toy breed has been around for the better part of a century, primarily as little working dogs on farms, whose job it was to clear rats and other small vermin from barns and granaries. The toy fox blends terrier exuberance, noisiness and territoriality with the small size and lap-loving traits of toy breeds. He loves to play fetch, nap in a lap and, being sensitive to cold temperatures, sleep under the covers at night. -- 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: Your veterinarian can recommend a flea-control program that will kill eggs, larvae and adult fleas. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Tameness means an animal needs and accepts the care of humans. Cats can take it or leave it. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1

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