Your dog's company can enhance your experience of the great outdoors

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Hiking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with your dog and wear him out, especially if he's the super-active type. It's quite possibly the most accessible activity you can do with your dog. Wherever you live, you probably have access to dog-friendly hiking trails within 30 minutes of home. We've gathered eight tips to help you both have the best hike possible.

1. Puppies can go hiking as long as you condition them gradually. Start with short hikes of a half-mile to a mile, and slowly work up to longer distances.

2. Watch the weather. It's not just flat-faced dogs who are sensitive to heat and humidity. Plenty of dogs wilt quickly, even in moderate temperatures of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Any time the temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it's too hot for most dogs to exert themselves. If you're going on a short hike near home, consider hosing down your dog before you leave to help him stay cool, or stop during the hike at a place where he can go swimming or get wet.

3. Bring plenty of water and a snack. For a day hike in optimum temperatures over moderate terrain, a quart of water and some cut-up boiled chicken or hot dogs (frozen the night before) should be enough to keep your dog hydrated and full of pep.

4. Because of the uneven terrain and changes in elevation, hiking is harder on the body than just going for a walk. Pay attention to your dog's condition, especially if he's a puppy or an old dog. You never want to see him panting heavily or unable to go on. Remember that dogs are lower to the ground and may not have the benefit of a breeze.

5. Keep your dog on leash so he doesn't disturb wildlife or other hikers. Accidents happen, though, so he should be trained to come to a whistle. The sound will carry over a longer distance than your voice if you get separated. He should also know and respond to the commands "sit," "stay" or "wait," "down," "heel" and "quiet."

6. Know how to treat injuries. You can find a pet first-aid course in your area through the Red Cross. Carry a first-aid kit that contains items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes and Benadryl (check with your veterinarian ahead of time so you'll know the appropriate amount to give if your dog suffers an insect bite or sting).

7. Tote that load. Your dog can carry his water, snacks, first-aid kit, a folding water dish and poop bags in a canine backpack. Before buying, check the fit to make sure it stays on securely without being too tight or too loose or restricting his movement. You should be able to comfortably fit two to four fingers between the straps and your dog's body. Features that can add to his comfort include a mesh back panel for ventilation and padding beneath the straps. Other conveniences you may appreciate are D-rings for attaching items to the pack, weather-sealed zippers, attachment points for the leash and a handle on top that allows you to hold onto or lift your dog if necessary.

8. Bug out. Protect your dog from fleas and ticks with an oral or spot-on preventive. If the local insect population is especially intense, you can try applying an all-natural citronella spray to his coat. Be aware that the effect probably won't last more than an hour, so you'll need to reapply it regularly.

Most important, have fun! See you on the trail.

Q&A

Can change in

altitude affect pets?

Q: We're moving from Louisville, Kentucky, to Albuquerque, New Mexico. We know people can sometimes have issues with the altitude change, but what about our pets? We have two cats and a dog. -- via email

A: Humans and animals can experience physical signs when they go to a higher altitude. Albuquerque's altitude ranges from 4,900 feet to more than 6,700 feet in the foothills. Signs that altitude is affecting you include tiring easily, headaches and vomiting. Usually these symptoms don't kick in until much higher elevations are reached -- more than 8,000 feet -- but it's not unusual for people and pets to experience milder signs.

To ensure that you and your pets adjust without problems, it's best if you can drive to your new home instead of flying, says Julia Veir, DVM, an internal medicine specialist at Colorado State University. That will allow all of you to slowly acclimate to the change.

Once you're settled into your new home, limit physical activity at first to short, on-leash walks. Albuquerque has low humidity, so it's easy to become dehydrated, even if you're not sweating a lot. Be sure you and your pets drink plenty of cool, fresh water throughout the day. Encourage your pets to drink with a fountain -- cats, especially, enjoy lapping running water. Another good way to get water into them is to feed them canned food.

It's also a good idea to become familiar with the appearance of your pets' tongues and gums in Louisville. That way, you will more readily notice changes that might be related to altitude, such as having a blue tinge instead of being a healthy pink.

Take things slow, and you will probably find that you all adjust with little problem. Most important, establish a relationship with a veterinarian before problems crop up. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

How to pat the cat?

Stick to the head

-- Do you know how to pet your cat? In case you're not sure, a team of researchers at the University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom has some advice: Cats prefer a nice head skritch -- especially at the sweet spot between the eyes or beneath the chin. They have lots of scent glands on the lips, chin and cheeks and may view petting in that area as a form of grooming. Avoid the base of the tail and the belly, or your cat is likely to give you a claws-out thwack with his paw.

-- We say it every year, but it bears repeating: Never leave your dog or cat inside a car during the day. The interior temperature rises quickly, even with the windows cracked. A 3-year-old English setter in Wausau, Wisconsin, died of heatstroke recently after being left for more than two hours on a cloudy, 66-degree day. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the owner faces charges of animal mistreatment, a Class I felony. If you can't take your pet into the business you're visiting, leave him home. If you're traveling, take turns staying in the car with the pet when making stops.

-- Looking for a new job? Business Insider lists the Top 10 places to work if you're a dog lover. If being able to bring your dog to work sounds appealing, send your resume to The Nerdery, a custom software solutions company; Eventbrite, a ticket and events marketplace; Indiegogo, a crowdfunding platform; PetPlan, a pet health insurance company; Payscape, an account payment services company; Specialized, a bicycle manufacturer; Glassdoor, a company review website; Procore Technologies, building construction management software; FastCompany, a media company; and Nestle Purina PetCare, a pet food manufacturer. -- Dr. Marty Becker, 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 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: Hiking is an opportunity to see nature through your dog's eyes and nose. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Petting a cat is an art and a science. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1

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