7 smart ways to reduce pet expenses without cutting back on good care

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Are pet-care costs taking a bite out of your budget? You might be tempted to skimp on veterinary care or quality pet food, but there are better ways to save money without compromising your pet's well-being. Here are some of my favorite budget-boosting tips.

-- Ask about discounts. If your pet has severe periodontal disease, he may benefit from professional cleanings more than once a year. If that's the case, your veterinarian may give you the same discounted rate offered during National Pet Dental Health Month (February). Some clinics offer discounts if you bring in more than one animal at a time for exams, or if your pet is a rescue animal. Groomers may offer discounts if you bring your pet in on a regular basis, or if you bring in more than one pet at a time. Don't be afraid to ask; the worst they can do is say no, and you might even get them to start a new policy.

-- Buy smart. Ask your veterinarian if there is a generic equivalent of the medication your pet needs. With a prescription, you can take advantage of low-cost pharmaceuticals from big-box retailers such as Costco or Target. Your veterinarian may also have samples of medications, including flea- and tick-control products, or be willing to match the price found at an online pharmacy.

-- One word: email. Your local pet supply store or your favorite pet food brand likely has an email list you can join. They send out coupons and notices of sales or special events. One pet supply store I know of has a monthly "Yappy Hour," with special prices between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

-- Buy food in bulk. Whether you feed canned, dry or frozen pet food, bulk options are available. Buy the largest size container, and store excess dry or frozen food in your freezer, or split it -- and the savings -- with a friend or neighbor. If you make your pet's food yourself because he's on a special diet, look for a pet food co-op in your area. Scoop: Another item you can buy in bulk for big savings is cat litter.

-- Choose quality. Whether you're buying food, collars and leashes or toys, look for top-notch ingredients and materials. They'll always perform better. Well-made toys and other items last longer, so you don't have to replace them as often. High-quality foods contain more and better nutrients, so pets need to eat less. Even if you pay more upfront, your costs are less on the back end. And speaking of the back end, your pet's poop will be smaller, firmer and less stinky on a good-quality food, so it's a win-win all the way around.

-- Offer a trade. The barter economy is alive and well. If you have skills in construction, social media, interior design, cooking or, well, you name it, you may be able to work out a deal for a service exchange with your pet's trainer, groomer, pet sitter or veterinarian. It never hurts to ask.

-- Take a walk. Your dog needs regular exercise to stay healthy; in fact, all pets need some kind of exercise for both mental and physical well-being. For dogs, a walk is something you can easily do every day, in any place. For cats, toss a wadded-up piece of paper down the hall, or sit on the sofa and direct the beam from a flashlight on the floor for them to chase. Pets who get an appropriate amount of exercise and who live in an interesting environment have fewer behavior problems and better health.

Q&A

What to do when

dog guards food

Q: Our dog is very protective of her food dish, and she won't let anyone near it when there's food in it. How can I teach her that this behavior needs to change? -- via Facebook

A: That is definitely a serious problem. Guarding food is a normal, instinctive behavior for dogs, but it's not one they need to practice in a home environment, where they receive food on a regular basis. Your dog needs to learn that she must allow family members to approach and touch her food dish.

First things first: Never act aggressively toward your dog when she exhibits this behavior. No pinning her to the ground or other physical punishments. That's not only a quick way to get bitten, it also teaches your dog that you really are out to take her food, and it will worsen her guarding behavior.

To show her that your approach means good things, walk past her bowl and toss treats in it: more kibble, bits of cheese, even something special, such as bits of chicken or steak. You should start to notice that her body language becomes happy or relaxed when you approach. As you can get closer to her bowl, continue tossing goodies into it.

Another technique is to put only a small amount of food in the bowl when you feed her. As she finishes it, you can pick up the bowl and add more. Ask her to sit while you do so. That reinforces your position as leader and as giver of food. Have every member of the family do this so she learns to accept any person near the food bowl.

If her resource-guarding behavior involves growling or attempts to bite, it's a good idea to enlist the help of a professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist to work on changing her behavior. -- Mikkel Becker Johnson

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

THE BUZZ

Fake service dog?

Face jail time

-- If buying a service dog vest online so you can take your dog into restaurants or other businesses sounds like a good idea, think again. Besides being fraudulent behavior, it's now a misdemeanor in Florida to pass off a pet as a service animal. People convicted face up to 60 days in jail and 30 hours of community service for organizations that help people with disabilities. Other states and municipalities are considering or have passed similar legislation. People who have service animals are not required to carry or present documentation, but businesses may ask if the animal is required for a disability and what tasks the animal is trained to do.

-- The Maine coon is considered to be the first American cat breed and is, yes, the official state cat of Maine. He's a plus-size feline adorned with a ruff of fur around his neck, fur "britches" on his legs, tufted feet and a bushy tail. The Maine coon is a laid-back cat who gets along with kids and other pets, often enjoys retrieving toys and may be willing to walk on leash. He's the third most popular pedigreed cat, according to registration statistics from the Cat Fanciers Association.

-- India has 14 new wildlife sniffer dogs -- German shepherds trained to detect tiger skins and other illegal wildlife products and locate animals injured or killed by poachers -- bringing the total in the country to 25. The dogs will work in areas that are home to large populations of tigers. The wildlife sniffer dog program is a joint project of the World Wildlife Fund and TRAFFIC, a wildlife trade-monitoring network. Future plans include training more of the dogs to help decrease animal poaching. -- 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 Johnson. 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 Johnson is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: A good diet, regular exercise and careful shopping can help you shrink costs for pet care. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: His tabby markings may have given rise to the myth that the Maine coon is a cross between a cat and a raccoon. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2

Short-nosed dogs and cats often have difficulty breathing. What you should know about the problem

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Most people recognize pet overpopulation, cruelty and animal fighting as animal welfare issues, but there's one that many don't think about or may even consider cute. We're talking about extreme physical traits, such as the excessively flat faces seen in many Persian cats, bulldogs, Pekingese, pugs, Boston terriers and other brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds.

Snorting and snoring, or the undershot jaw of the bulldog or boxer, are often thought to be endearing characteristics. But when those traits cause animals to gasp for air after minimal exertion, develop heatstroke or even die from exposure to heat and humidity, it's no life for a dog -- or cat. It's not great for their humans, either, who pay high veterinary bills to treat their animals or lose them to an early death.

Pets with extremely flat faces are prone to a condition called brachycephalic syndrome. They may have pinched or narrowed nostrils, known as stenotic nares; an elongated soft palate, which partially blocks the airway; everted saccules, small sacs just inside the larynx that can turn inside out and block the airway; and a hypoplastic, or narrowed, trachea. When the nostrils are too small, nasal cartilage is too soft or the airway is blocked, it's difficult for the animal to draw breath. Dogs with the combination of a short muzzle and undershot jaw can also have difficulty breathing.

A side effect of brachycephalic syndrome is that pets with it have a harder time regulating their body temperature in hot or cold weather. They can't stay outdoors in warm weather, let alone go for a walk. Allergies can worsen the problem.

To protect pets with brachycephalic syndrome, it's important not to let them get fat or overexert themselves in the heat. They must stay in an air-conditioned environment, and need plenty of shade and fresh water when outdoors. Walking dogs with a harness instead of a collar that puts pressure on the neck can also help them breathe easier.

Noisy breathing, gurgling, gasping and a foamy nasal discharge are all signs that a dog is having trouble getting enough air. Other signs of difficulty breathing are fainting and blue gums and tongue, indicating a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. Left untreated, chronic lack of oxygen puts a serious strain on the heart, and breathing difficulty worsens with age.

For dogs with serious respiratory difficulty, surgery can correct stenotic nares, elongated soft palate and everted saccules. A dog who can't walk across the room without turning blue and gasping for air is a clear candidate for reconstructive surgery.

It's best if this is done early in life if it's obvious that a pet has a problem. When the procedure is performed before the problem becomes serious, it usually has good results. Surgery may be less effective if performed when animals are older. If necessary, stenotic nares and an elongated soft palate can be corrected at the same time. A good time to do it is when the animal is spayed or neutered. You'll be able to hear the difference in breathing immediately after surgery.

No one wants to experience the heartbreak of a pet who can't breathe. Animal lovers can help by not purchasing dogs or cats with extreme facial conformation, no matter how cute they are. Breeders can work toward producing animals with not-so-flat faces and larger nostrils that enable them to breathe effortlessly and do all the things a pet should be able to do: chase a toy, walk around the block, play at the beach or compete in dog sports.

Q&A

Pocket pets need

dental care, too

Q: My rabbit isn't eating as much as normal, and he seems to be drooling a lot. I notice him picking up food and then dropping it. What can I do to improve his appetite and ability to eat? -- via email

A: Get your bunny to the veterinarian, stat! Dental disease is one of the most common problems we veterinarians see in rabbits (and large rodents such as chinchillas and guinea pigs).

The teeth of these animals grow continuously throughout their life, and the "cheek teeth" can become overgrown if they aren't trimmed regularly. Overgrown teeth don't line up properly or can grow up and out of the mouth. You can imagine how that would make it difficult for the animal to chew. Other possible dental problems are a broken tooth and infected tooth roots or gums.

These types of problems can occur if the rabbit isn't eating a proper diet or if he spends a lot of time chewing on cage wires or other inappropriate materials. A tooth can break during a fight with another rabbit or as the result of a fall. Teeth can become infected if the rabbit has trouble chewing his food and it ends up stuck in his gums.

Depending on the problem, your rabbit may need antibiotics, trimming of the teeth under anesthesia or surgical extraction of the tooth. The best way to prevent dental problems in rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas is to make sure they have plenty of timothy hay to gnaw on. It should make up approximately 75 percent of their diet.

Signs of dental problems in pocket pets to be aware of include excessive drooling (known as "slobbers") or a wet chin, lower incisors growing out of the mouth, upper incisors growing into the mouth, a preference for soft food and difficulty closing the mouth. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Jobs for cats?

They're fur real

-- Pacino works at the Flower Mart in downtown Los Angeles. His job? Rat patrol. His salary? Food and shelter. The cat is one of more than 500 who, over the years, have been rescued from animal shelters and employed by almost 50 businesses and organizations, including the Los Angeles Police Department's Wilshire and Foothill divisions and the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple in Pacific Palisades, California. The Working Cat Program was founded by Voice for the Animals Foundation, which sterilizes and vaccinates unsocialized cats who can't adapt to indoor life and would otherwise have been euthanized.

-- Your local pond, lake, river or ocean is not an aquarium. If you're considering "rehoming" your goldfish, lionfish or other aquarium denizens, think again: Your fish are invasive species that grow and multiply, competing with native species for resources and contributing to algal blooms that disrupt ecosystems as well as the spread of disease and parasites. In the Caribbean, lionfish are destroying reefs. Fish biologists for the United States Forest Service have found goldfish weighing several pounds living in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and warn that non-native species breed easily and can travel to marinas, canals and wetlands connected to the lake.

-- Luxury condo buyers may soon find new amenities beyond gyms and dry cleaners on the premises. Developers in Washington, D.C.; Austin, Texas; Miami and New York City are offering services to attract pet owners. Think a 10th-floor outdoor dog park with seating areas for humans, pet fitness classes, spa sessions, shaded pathways for walks, a bone-shaped swimming pool for pets only, "yappy hour" mixers and overnight pet sitting. Talk about a dog's life! -- 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 Johnson. 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 Johnson is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Animals with excessively flat faces may need special care or even surgery. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Mom is on patrol for rats and other vermin at the Los Angeles Police Department's Wilshire Division. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1

Participating in a sport or activity with dogs brings a sense of fulfillment and joy to human and canine team members

By Kim Campbell Thornton

If you had told me two years ago that I would be spending my Friday evenings at nose-work class and taking one- and two-day road trips just to get to nose-work trials, I would have laughed. My dogs have always been my companions. We go for walks, have meals at pet-friendly restaurants and travel together whenever possible. They sleep under my desk while I write, and sit on my lap on the sofa when I'm reading or watching television.

As far as I was concerned, that was a good life for them. I never had any interest in showing them in conformation. I thought agility or tracking might be fun, but never seriously pursued either one. I admired people who worked or competed with their dogs in the same way that I admire people who have climbed Everest or explored underwater caves, but I didn't expect to ever be one of them. It didn't seem truly necessary for their -- or my -- happiness.

But like all dogs, mine have always been guided by their noses. Sometimes it seemed as if they were excessively devoted to examining all the scents they ran across on walks. So when a friend told me about the sport of nose work, I thought it would be fun to sign Harper up for the six-week class. We'd learn the basics, and then we'd have a fun game we could play at home or anywhere else.

Within weeks, I was bringing 13-year-old Gemma to class, too. When my husband got tired of being left home alone on Friday nights, he joined us as well. The next thing I knew, Harper had passed her first Odor Recognition Test, which qualified her to compete in a beginning-level nose-work trial. I couldn't wait.

Watching Harper -- and then Gemma, and eventually Keeper -- discover a purpose to sniffing was a revelation. They knew when it was time to go to class. They knew exactly what they were there to do when it was their turn to search. They were so excited to tell us when they found the scent. It was two-way communication, and it was wonderful.

Recently, I asked friends who also do sports with their dogs what they and their dogs get out of it. The appreciation of teamwork and communication and a deeper relationship came first, of course.

"The bond it creates between you and your dog is unlike anything you could develop with a human teammate," says Annick Loomis, who does nose work with her Brittany.

Adam Conn does a number of sports with his Bernese mountain dogs. He enjoys the challenge of "unlocking" each dog.

"All five who I've competed with have been so vastly different, despite four being the same breed and two being from the same lines."

What about our dogs? Treats and praise aside, do they get anything out of it?

Yes. For each dog, the reward is different. Some like being the center of attention or enjoy the challenge of solving a puzzle. Hina, a mixed-breed owned by Mary Wakabayashi, loves the thrill of the hunt that nose work develops. Melissa Duffy says sports and games make her dogs grin like nothing else.

Harper? We have always been close, but she really blossomed when she discovered that she could "tell" me something and that I would understand.

Three weeks ago, Harper and I competed in our second NW3 trial. It's the most difficult level, and we weren't quite good enough to get a title. Yet. But at every class and every trial, I get better at reading her signals, and she gets better at delivering them. Most of all, I've taken to heart the nose work motto: Trust your dog.

Q&A

Signs vary in

hyperthyroid cats

Q: My cat has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. My friend's hyperthyroid cat had completely different symptoms, so I was surprised by the diagnosis. What can you tell me about this disease? -- via Facebook

A: Hyperthyroidism -- high levels of thyroid hormones circulating in the blood -- is a common concern in cats 10 years and older. We see it in both males and females, and any breed or mix can be affected.

Depending on the individual cat, signs range from mild to severe, and they can be very different from cat to cat. Among the almost 30 signs that can indicate the presence of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, irritability, depression, vomiting, diarrhea and a ratty-looking coat. But some cats with hyperthyroidism are energetic and have a great appetite, so it doesn't occur to their owners that there might be anything wrong with them. The reason the signs are so varied is because thyroid hormone affects every organ system in the body.

Fortunately, lab tests -- a complete blood count, chemistry profile and urinalysis -- can tell us if a cat has hyperthyroidism or rule out other diseases that cause similar signs.

Even if your cat's signs are mild, it's important to diagnose and treat hyperthyroidism. Cats with the disease are prone to hypertension (high blood pressure), which can lead to more serious problems, such as kidney failure or heart disease.

Hyperthyroidism has several possible treatments: surgical removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy), administration of radioactive iodine or antithyroid drugs given for the rest of the cat's life. The treatment your veterinarian recommends depends on factors that include your cat's age and general health, the presence of other diseases and your budget. Ask your veterinarian to go over all the options with you to make the best decision for yourself and your cat. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Cats get full exam,

help researchers

-- Your cat can contribute to scientific research! The Cornell Feline Health Center is collecting blood samples for its Biobank and performing health screenings on a variety of cats. What researchers discover will help them build a database of genetic sequences and medical information to identify the causes of many inherited diseases in cats. To participate, cats donate a blood sample and undergo a physical exam, blood work, urinalysis, nutrition exam, echocardiogram, body measurements, oncology exam, eye exam, oral exam, orthopedic exam and whole-body CT scan. For more information, visit vet.cornell.edu/FHC and click on "Participate in Our Studies."

-- Got a new pup? Protect his health and even save his life by waiting until he has received his complete series of vaccinations before taking him to dog parks, city parks or pet stores that allow animals inside. (An exception is puppy kindergarten classes, which require all canine students to have their first set of vaccinations.) Taking a puppy to such places before he's fully vaccinated could be deadly at this time of year, says Susan Nelson, a Kansas State University veterinarian. Parvovirus thrives in warm weather, spreads easily, survives for months in the right conditions and is resistant to non-bleach cleaners.

-- A will ensures that your property is distributed the way you want it to be, but it can also protect your pets in the event of your death. A pet trust spells out who will care for your dogs, cats or other animals and provides funding for their needs. Pet trusts are permitted by 46 states and the District of Columbia. The exceptions are Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota and Mississippi. Talk to your attorney about how to include one in your will, and be sure your designated caretakers are willing and able to take on the responsibility. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker Johnson

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 Johnson. 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 Johnson is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Harper correctly identifies the location of a scent at a nose-work trial. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Savannah cats Peanut and Motzie, with Dr. Bruce Kornreich, donated blood samples to Cornell Feline Health Center's Biobank for its feline health screening study. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1