Find your perfect pup by asking the right questions

By Kim Campbell Thornton

If you're buying a puppy for the first time, or if it has been a few years since you last acquired one, you might be unsure of where to begin. A lot has changed in the puppy-purchasing world in the past decade. Whether you are looking for a purebred pup, a "designer" dog or one from a shelter, you are no longer limited to your local classifieds, breeders, shelters or rescue groups. You may see available pups through social media, Craigslist, Petfinder.com, online pet stores or fliers at your veterinary clinic or pet-supply store, to name just a few.

What hasn't changed is the importance of asking the right questions before you plunk down hundreds or thousands of dollars for a puppy who will, in a perfect world, live with you for the next 10-plus years. Before you fall in love with the first cute pup you see (or even better, before you look at puppies), get good answers to the following questions.

-- What are the potential genetic or developmental problems that can affect this breed or crossbreed, and what is the incidence of these problems in your lines? What are the strong and weak points of the health, temperament and conformation of the parents, grandparents and great-grandparents? A reputable breeder will answer these questions honestly and thoroughly. Be doubtful of breeders who claim their dogs don't have any problems. That may be because they don't test for them.

-- What health clearances do the puppies' parents have? Whether you're buying a purebred or a hybrid (designer) pup, the breeders should be able to show you up-to-date proof that both parents are free of hereditary ailments. Depending on the breed or cross, these may include but are not limited to Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or PennHIP hip clearances; and OFA elbow, knee, eye, thyroid or heart clearances. Check the Canine Health Information Center (caninehealthinfo.org) to find out which clearances your breed should have. If you're buying a hybrid (one breed crossed to another breed), the breeder should have appropriate clearances for each breed. Hip, elbow and knee clearances are issued only once in a dog's life, but eye, heart and thyroid exams should be performed annually.

-- How old are the parents? Health clearances are not issued to dogs younger than 2 years old because those dogs are not yet fully mature and health problems may not be apparent.

-- Do you guarantee a puppy's health? A breeder who is confident in the health of her dogs will offer a guarantee against genetic defects for up to two years after the puppy is purchased. With exceptions such as epilepsy, which usually appears later in life, genetic problems typically surface by the time a dog is 2 years old.

-- How do you socialize your puppies? Choose puppies raised in a home with plenty of human interaction. They will be more confident and adaptable throughout life.

-- What does your sales contract include? Look for the following basics: the sale price; the pup's birthdate and parents' names; details of health guarantees; return policy; and any breeding restrictions, spay/neuter requirements or other agreements related to the sale. A great sales contract states that the breeder will take the dog back at any time in his life and that the breeder has first right to the dog or will provide assistance in placement in any situation in which you cannot keep him, such as a divorce, illness or death.

Making the right match when selecting a breeder and puppy calls for strong research and interviewing skills and plenty of patience to wait for the right one, but the effort pays off in puppy love for life.

Q&A

Hormone drugs

affect pets

Q: I noticed recently that my female dog's private parts were swollen. After some detective work, my veterinarian figured out that it was a reaction to my hormone cream. How does that happen? -- via Facebook

A: If your pet loves to lick, hormone products can make him sick. There have been reports for several years now that pets (and children) are inadvertently ingesting topical hormone sprays, creams and gels. Dogs and cats are affected when they lick or rub against the treated area or get petted after the product is applied by hand. Signs include fur loss, mammary or nipple enlargement, a shrunken penis in males and bloody discharge or a swollen vulva in females.

Estrogen and testosterone aren't the only hormones that cause problems. A psoriasis cream called Dovonex, which contains a synthetic form of vitamin D (itself a hormone), can cause unusual thirst, appetite loss and severe vomiting or diarrhea if pets lick it off the skin or chew on the tube.

To protect pets, wear disposable gloves when applying gels or creams, and toss the gloves in an inaccessible trashcan when you're through. The same goes for disposing of hormone patches. Apply creams or gels to areas your dog is unable or unlikely to lick, such as the inside of the thighs. If you're using a spray, wear clothing that covers the treated area. Even if you wear gloves to apply the product, wash your hands with soap thoroughly -- for as long as it takes you to sing "Happy Birthday" twice through -- before touching pets, children or food, including pet food.

Before you apply any product, prescription or otherwise, read the label or package insert to make sure it's not toxic to pets or children if ingested. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Keep cats safe

from toxic plants

-- What's one of the times when cats beat out dogs? When they eat toxic plants. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' Animal Poison Control Center received more than 9,000 calls in 2013 about animals eating plants. That's up from almost 8,000 in 2008, and cats led dogs in the number of exposures. Nearly 1,000 plants are known to be toxic to pets, so it's important to pay attention to what you have in your home or yard. If you are a gardener or simply love potted plants or floral arrangements, remember that the more beautiful a plant is, the more likely it is to be toxic. Lilies, in particular, can cause kidney failure and death in cats.

-- Would-be veterinarians and animal lovers with an appetite for drama won't want to miss the show "Vet School," which premiered in September on Nat Geo WILD. It follows first- and fourth-year students at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine as they learn to give injections, repair bone fractures, handle squirmy patients and deal with the emotional ups and downs of their chosen profession. Look for it on Saturdays at 10 p.m. EST, or binge-watch it at channel.nationalgeographic.com/wild/vet-school/.

-- Petting reduces stress and lowers the incidence of upper respiratory disease in shelter cats. That's according to a study published in the October 2015 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine. Cats in the study were petted, played with and groomed in four 10-minute sessions daily for a 10-day period. Cats who didn't receive positive attention from people were more than twice as likely to develop upper respiratory disease over time and showed more signs of stress. Our takeaway? Shelters need more volunteers to pet cats. Who's in? -- 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. 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: Cuteness and convenience of purchase aren't the only considerations when looking for a puppy. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Go behind the scenes at veterinary school and find out what it takes to succeed. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2

Can complementary therapies help your pet? Here's how to integrate them safely

By Kim Campbell Thornton

When pets are sick, it's often tempting to turn toward treatments that are considered "natural." Concerns about side effects of drugs, fear that a pet will die under anesthesia or worries about the cost of a procedure can all drive people toward treatments or remedies that seem safer or less expensive, even if there's not much science behind them.

We're here to remind you that modern veterinary medicine is safe and advanced. If your pet has cancer or another illness or needs surgery or treatment for an infection, conventional treatments are better. And just because something is natural doesn't mean it can't be harmful or that it's a cure-all.

That said, complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM for short) can help to support conventional treatments or improve a pet's quality of life. Such treatments include acupuncture, herbal medicine, low-level laser treatments, massage and nutraceuticals such as glucosamine-chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

Acupuncture stimulates the release of beta endorphins. It can relieve pain and nausea and has helped dogs with cancer pain. It can also be useful for the aches of arthritis or recovery after surgery when used in conjunction with pain medications.

Milk thistle is recognized for its value in helping manage liver disease. It works so well that most veterinarians consider it an accepted part of treatment.

Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements appear to reduce joint pain, with the added advantage of rarely causing side effects. High levels of fatty acid supplements may have anti-inflammatory effects and help relieve allergies.

But before you decide to try a natural medicine on your pet, examine it with the same investigative zeal you would any other medication or treatment. Start with your veterinarian.

Ask your veterinarian how conventional and complementary approaches compare when it comes to treating your pet's condition. If your veterinarian isn't familiar with a therapy, consult a holistic veterinarian. The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association has listings on its website. Even if there's no one in your area, you and your veterinarian may be able to set up a phone consultation.

Be aware that CAVM can take time to work. Don't try a treatment for a week or two and expect to see any benefit. You may not see results for several weeks or months.

Consider the potential risks and benefits of any approach, taking into account safety and quality of life. Will a complementary therapy actually help your pet, or will it simply make you feel better because you're giving something "natural"? It's better to address the problem effectively, even if that means using conventional treatments. But if the standard treatment offers little benefit, you and your veterinarian may decide that a nontraditional option offers better quality of life. Every situation is different.

Some nutritional supplements such as glucosamine and herbs such as milk thistle have been evaluated in animals, but most herbs given to pets haven't been tested for safety or effectiveness. Be sure that any therapy you are considering can be safely used in animals, especially if you have a cat. Just because something has been used safely in dogs or humans doesn't mean it will be safe to use in cats.

It's also important to avoid negative drug interactions. Like drugs, herbs work by causing biochemical reactions, and they may interfere with other medications your dog or cat is taking. Always tell your veterinarian about any supplements or herbs you are giving your pet.

Avoid any practitioner who claims that CAVM is always better than traditional veterinary medicine. That's not true, but it can have benefits and can be an important part of your pet's veterinary care when used appropriately.

Q&A

Cats at low risk

for avian flu

Q: Can cats really get bird flu? How does that happen? Is it from eating birds? -- via Facebook

A: The strange but true answer is yes, cats can become infected with avian influenza, although their risk of contracting the disease in the United States is currently considered very low, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Avian influenza infections in cats appear to be associated with outbreaks in domestic or wild birds by way of eating raw meat infected with the virus. No evidence shows that cats play a sustained role in transmitting the virus, the AVMA reports, noting, "There have been no known cases of human avian influenza [AI] resulting from exposure to sick cats, and there have been no outbreaks of AI among domestic cat populations."

If you find your cat with a dead bird or know that he has eaten a dead bird, don't worry too much. According to the international Food and Agriculture Organization, transmission of avian influenza to a cat from a dead bird is extremely rare. To be on the safe side, though, talk to your veterinarian and consider quarantining your cat for seven to 10 days if AI is known to be in your area.

To decrease your cat's potential exposure to AI, keep him indoors to prevent contact with wild birds that may be infected with the virus. If your cat is sick or becomes sick within two to five days of exposure to a dead bird, take him to the veterinarian right away. Signs of AI (and other respiratory diseases) include fever, listlessness, conjunctivitis or difficulty breathing.

Finally, even if avian influenza isn't a concern, always practice smart pet hygiene. Wash your hands after handling animals, disinfect surfaces regularly, clean and disinfect food and water dishes, and don't get up close and personal with pets who are coughing, sneezing or wheezing. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

What's your state's

pet health record?

-- The research team BARK (Banfield Applied Research and Knowledge) analyzed data from nearly 2.8 million pets seen at Banfield hospitals across the country. Here's some of what they found. In Oregon, one in 24 dogs is diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Minnesota has the highest rate of pet obesity: 41 percent of dogs and 47 percent of cats. (They must be packing on the pounds for those harsh winters.) Mississippi has the highest prevalence of heartworm disease in dogs. In Texas, the prevalence of parvovirus is two times higher than the national average. Check your state at www.stateofpethealth.com.

-- Props to the Air Canada pilot who saved the life of a 7-year-old French Bulldog named Simba by diverting a flight when a heating system malfunction would have sent temperatures plummeting in the cargo area. The Tel Aviv-to-Toronto flight landed in Frankfurt, Germany, so Simba could be placed on another flight. Approximately 200 travelers were delayed for 75 minutes to make the unscheduled landing and transfer, but Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said the overall reaction was positive once people learned of the reason for the delay and that the dog was safe.

-- Planning a vacation? Consider Tierras Enamoradas in San Ramon, Costa Rica. Located in a cloud forest near Costa Rica's Arenal volcano, its walking paths give guests the opportunity to glimpse more than 300 species. As a bonus, people missing their own dogs can walk some of the dogs from the nearby pet hotel—known as the Dog House—which doubles as an animal rescue center. It houses more than 400 dogs and cats in need of homes, so you might bring back more than just memories or add a warm, fuzzy feeling to your vacation by contributing to their care. -- 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: Low-level laser treatments are among the therapies that may help pets with gingivitis or other painful inflammation. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: The five states with the highest prevalence of overweight and obese cats are Minnesota, Nebraska, Utah, Illinois and Colorado. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1

Want to build a better relationship with your dog? Play with him!

By Kim Campbell Thornton

A dog's play behavior is unmistakable. We all recognize the play bow: forelegs down, rear up in the air, mouth open in a big smile and tail wagging madly. Sometimes the play bow is accompanied by verbal encouragement in the form of a stutter-bark (arr-ruff!) or a noisy growl that's all in fun. If a play bow isn't enough to get you (or another dog) to join in the game, your dog might bring a favorite toy or ball and drop it in front of you, just in case you need more of a hint.

When you toss a ball for your dog, play tug, or participate in a canine sport such as agility, nose work or rally, you're doing a lot more than just having a good time with him. Play provides exercise, reduces stress and improves motor skills, to name just a few of its benefits. Dogs who get plenty of playtime usually don't become frustrated or bored. They are less likely to get in trouble for nuisance chewing, digging and barking, and they tend to have better social skills with both people and other dogs.

Play is a fascinating subject for scientists and dog lovers alike. Even though some play behaviors don't always seem to make sense, we know that it has an important role in learning. Think part social bonding, part practice for behaviors that will be important for survival in adulthood: fighting, hunting and running away.

Puppies start playing almost as soon as they can walk. Whether they are playing bitey-face or chase with another dog, grabbing and shaking a toy to "kill" it or playing fetch with you, puppies are learning skills that will serve them well throughout life, including how to interact with other dogs and people and how to develop a soft mouth so they don't accidentally hurt anyone.

Dogs invent games, too. They might not lie awake at night thinking of how to build a better chew toy, but they learn quickly what actions work best to instigate play. You know, like dragging your underwear out into the living room to get you to chase them.

Teaching tricks is a fun way to play with your dog, at the same time giving him a mental workout. Depending on what your dog likes to do, his natural behaviors and his physical agility, try teaching wave, play dead, sit pretty, spin, speak or roll over.

If your dog already does some of those things naturally, you can use a clicker, treats and praise to reinforce the behavior and put it on cue so he does it on command. That's how I taught my dog Twyla to roll over and play dead and my dog Harper to sit pretty and push a ball with her nose. They already did those things on their own; I just gave the games a name and rewarded the dogs for doing them.

Play is a great training aid. If your dog asks you to play, ask him to perform a sit, down or fun trick first. Many working dogs are rewarded not with treats, but with a fast game of fetch or tug. Play helps them to unwind after an intense search or speedy sled-dog race.

Play helps dogs to become comfortable with being touched and with sudden movements. When we play with our dogs, they associate us with good times. That might be the best thing about play: It helps to strengthen the human-animal bond.

Cat lovers, don't feel left out. Play is just as important and beneficial for felines. Play on!

Q&A

How to stop a

dyed-in-the-wool chewer

Q: My cat loves to suck on my wool sweaters, and it's ruining them. Not to mention it can't be good for her. Why does she do this, and how can I get her to stop? -- via email

A: This condition, unimaginatively called wool-sucking, isn't all that unusual in cats, although Siamese and other Oriental breeds seem to be especially fond of doing it. The behavior is a misdirected attempt at nursing that may occur in cats who were weaned too early or who are responding to stress in their lives. In the same way you might suck on your hair or bite your fingernails when you're nervous or distracted, your cat sucks on wool.

The easiest way to stop her is to keep your sweaters where she can't get to them. If your cat only sucks on your sweaters at certain times, see if you can figure out what's triggering the behavior so you can change it if possible.

If you do catch her sucking on one (or any other wool or acrylic item), distract her with an unusual sound. When she looks up from what she's doing, remove the item and focus her attention on something else, such as a treat, being groomed or getting a favorite toy. Reward her with praise and a treat every time you see her sucking on a toy or some other acceptable item. This may help her to kick the habit.

Some experts believe that adding a little fiber to the cat's diet may help. It can't hurt to add a couple of teaspoons of plain canned pumpkin (no sugar or spices) to her meals. That has the bonus of also helping to reduce hairballs.

Be concerned if your cat is actually ingesting wool, because this can cause an intestinal obstruction. See your veterinarian if this is the case; your cat may need a prescription for medication to combat depression or anxiety. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Boldly going where

few cats have gone before

-- Aren't they all adventure cats? Well, maybe not, but some cats have made a name for themselves on social media as intrepid explorers. Under the hashtag #AdventureCats, their exploits are chronicled on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook as they hike, kayak, sail, canoe, camp, bicycle and paddleboard with their people. Not every cat is cut out to ride in a backpack, walk on a leash or go rock climbing, but if yours has a yen for adventure, protect him with an ID tag and microchip, and teach him to wear a harness and leash and come when called.

-- You might be hopeful that a hairless pet or one with a curly or wiry coat won't cause you to break out in hives, develop red, runny eyes, or go into spasms of sniffling and sneezing, but the truth is that all animals produce allergens, says Dr. Oren P. Schaefer, an allergist at Mass Lung and Allergy in Worcester, Massachusetts. "The impression of a hypoallergenic pet is one that does not produce allergy, and that doesn't exist," he says. "There are some animals that are less allergenic, but they all make the allergen that can cause trouble. It's a matter of how much they make." If you have a pet who sends your allergies into overdrive, some simple steps can help you be less miserable: Have him groomed or bathed frequently (by someone else), put a T-shirt or bodysuit on him to reduce your exposure and don't let him sleep in your bedroom or lick you.

-- The Bedlington terrier is often described as having the eyes of an angel, the look of a lamb and the heart of a lion. His woolly coat, tasseled ears and the topknot on his head were meant to protect this breed, originally created to hunt rats and other vermin, from attacks by his prey. -- 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: Play engages a pet's cognitive and motor skills. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: The Bedlington terrier is active and playful but usually not as high-energy as some other terrier breeds. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 3