Sharing our beds with pets is a measure of how fully they are a part of our lives

By Kim Campbell Thornton

I'm always amazed at how much space two small dogs can take up on a queen-size bed. And it's surprising how immoveable a 12-pound and a 6-pound dog can be. Once Gemma is latched onto my left side and Harper is snuggled into the crook of my knees, it's almost impossible for me to move for the rest of the night. And when they aren't snugged right up against me, they are sprawling in a way that also makes it impossible to move.

So why let them on the bed? A survey of 150 people by the Center for Sleep Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona found that 56 percent of those surveyed who were pet owners allow their animals to snooze in the bedroom. More than half of the pets slept on the bed with their people. The presence of their pets made them feel safe and comfortable and helped them get a better night's rest, the respondents reported. Only 20 percent described their pets as disruptive to sleep.

Of course, that's a small sample size -- only 74 pet owners. But I'm willing to bet that many other pet owners feel the same way. I'm one of them, and I know other people who share bedrooms and beds with their pets, despite allergies, snoring (by the pet) and early-morning head butts from a hungry cat or dog.

Should you allow your pet to sleep on the bed? That's been a bone of contention for years. Some people argue that allowing a pet to share the bed can make a pooch pushy or a cat cheeky. Allergists recommend a pet-free bedroom for people who suffer the coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes and sneezing associated with allergies to pets. Researchers at University of California, Davis warned of zoonotic diseases -- those that can be passed between animals and people. And, as with my own dogs, pets can make a bed downright uncomfortable when there's little freedom of movement.

But for many with pets, their comforting presence on the bed or in the room outweighs the disadvantages. A survey participant reported feeling more content when her small dog slept at her feet, and another described her cat sleeping on her chest as "soothing." One person I know falls asleep hand in paw with her cat. Spending a long stretch of time with a pet -- even if you're both asleep -- strengthens the human-animal bond.

If you'd like to have a more pleasant sleeping experience while still keeping your pet on or near the bed, the following tips may help.

-- Place a heating pad on the spot where you want your pet to sleep. The warmth may draw him there and make it his favorite area.

-- Lay a blanket or pet bed at the foot of the bed. Pets often like to have their own extra-soft sleeping spot and will adopt the place with the blanket or bed.

-- Put a tall cat tree in your room. Cats love heights and may find this to be a safe and secure sleeping area. (Of course, then you have to worry that they will dive-bomb you in the morning.)

-- Keep pets clean. Nobody wants a stinky bedmate. Brush and bathe frequently, keep them on parasite preventive and wash the sheets in hot water two to three times a week.

-- Set boundaries. If you don't want your pet on your pillow or under the covers, establish that rule right from the beginning -- and don't yield.

-- If all else fails, do what I'm doing -- anxiously awaiting delivery of a king-size bed.

Q&A

Cat bites

at bedtime

Q: I have a lovely Maine coon cat, Tiger, I got when he was about 4 weeks old. He is now 2 1/2 years old and a great companion. He sleeps most of the day, and when I go to bed, he gives me a "body check," using his teeth in the process. Because of it, I've had three infections that required IV and oral antibiotics. I've had to lock him out of my bedroom to control his behavior. It's like he wants to play, which we do during the day, and doesn't want me to go to bed. I've tried spraying him with water, but he thinks it's a game. Any suggestions? -- via email

A: Unfortunately, Tiger is living up to his wild name, along with the tendency for his breed to be a bit more rambunctious than the average feline. Without knowing the specifics, it's impossible to give direct advice. As you mentioned, his behavior may be in play. Additionally, it probably gets a reaction from you, and this may reinforce his actions. For instance, many cats will claw or mouth on hands during play, especially if the person continues to move the hand or squeals. Talk about simulating live prey!

It's important to ensure that Tiger never gets a chance to play with human skin. Direct his attention to a toy, such as a feather wand. When he plays with it, give extravagant praise. Avoid petting him if he becomes excited while playing; this could prompt him to scratch you.

Tiger may also need more and longer play sessions or a greater variety of toys, especially interactive toys such as food puzzles that can engage his interest and help him expend energy when you aren't home. Expand his territory by adding vertical spaces where he can climb and perch. Place treats, catnip and toys in these areas to encourage him to investigate them. Other ways to challenge him mentally and physically are to teach him tricks, teach him to walk on a leash or provide access to an outdoor enclosure.

Finally, I recommend a veterinary exam to make sure his biting behavior isn't health-related. Certain medical conditions and medications can make cats more prone to aggressive behavior. -- Mikkel Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Dogs help speed

new cancer treatments

-- Grayson, a 6-year-old beagle, is helping researchers at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine find a new treatment for lymphoma after being diagnosed with the disease and given a life expectancy of just weeks. His owner, Evan Jost, learned about a trial of a new formulation of a cancer drug at UC Davis and enrolled Grayson last year. After four treatments so far, Grayson's disease has gone into remission, but not disappeared. Jost is grateful for the extra time with his dog, and researchers hope the eventual findings will benefit humans and pets. "We're trying to create a formulation that will work better against cancer and be safer to give to our dogs, cats and people as well," said Jenna Burton, assistant professor of clinical medical oncology at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, who is leading the trial.

-- Do you know the "RagaMuffin"? He's not a character from a nursery rhyme, but a large and beautiful cat with a soft, medium-length coat that comes in all colors and patterns. That's one of the ways he differs from his cousin, the ragdoll, from which he was developed, along with crosses to Persians and domestic longhairs. The sturdy cats have a sweet, easygoing personality; love sitting in a lap; and enjoy playing and learning tricks.

-- Calvin Coolidge, who became president in 1923 and served until 1929, was nicknamed "Silent Cal" for his taciturn ways, but he was outspoken on his love of dogs. "Any man who does not like dogs and want them about does not deserve to be in the White House," he once said. His own White House menagerie included a pair of white collies named Rob Roy and Prudence Prim. Rob Roy attended Coolidge's weekly press conferences and was a vocal participant. -- 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: A pet's presence on the bed or in the bedroom can affect a person's sleep positively or negatively. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: The RagaMuffin's coat requires a weekly brushing to prevent tangles. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2

11 things you might not know about the Westminster Kennel Club dog show

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Like millions of people throughout the country, you may be planning to settle down in front of the television Monday and Tuesday night to view the 140th Westminster Kennel Club dog show, the Super Bowl of dog shows, as longtime announcer David Frei (who will be stepping down after this year) likes to call it.

The glittering spectacle has its roots in Gilded Age New York. It's easy to imagine the friendly arguments over whose dog was best as robber barons gathered for cocktails in the bar of the Westminster Hotel after a good day's hunting. From there, it was only a short step to forming a club and putting on a dog show in response to the claim "My dog is better than your dog."

Today, in terms of longevity, the Westminster Kennel Club dog show is second only to the Kentucky Derby. Here are 11 tidbits you might not have known about Westminster and the dogs who make it must-see viewing.

1. In 1877, members of what became known as the Westminster Kennel Club staged the First Annual New York Bench Show of Dogs, held at Gilmore's Garden (which became Madison Square Garden) in New York City.

2. The three-day show drew an entry of 1,201 dogs and garnered such great public interest that a fourth day was added. In a philanthropic bow to the nascent humane movement, the proceeds from the fourth day were donated to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to open a home for stray and disabled dogs.

3. Only the top five dogs in each breed, plus all national specialty winners, get invitations to Westminster. It's the luck of the draw for everyone else.

4. The winningest dogs at Westminster are the terriers. They've taken the top spot 46 times.

5. Smooth fox terrier Ch. Warren Remedy started the trend in 1907 -- the first year the title Best in Show was awarded -- and became the first and only dog to win Best in Show for three consecutive years. The most recent terrier to win was wire fox terrier GCH (Grand Champion) Afterall Painting The Sky in 2014.

6. Other top-winning terriers include Lakeland terrier Ch. Stingray of Derryabah, the first dog to win Best in Show at Westminster (1968) after winning the same award at Crufts (Great Britain's famous dog show), and Kerry blue terrier Ch. Torums Scarf Michael, who won Crufts in 2000 and Westminster in 2003.

7. Boxer Ch. Bang Away of Sirrah Crest was the first dog from west of the Mississippi to win Best in Show at Westminster, in 1951.

8. English springer spaniel Ch. Chinoe's Adamant James won his second consecutive Best in Show at Westminster in 1972. No dog has done it since.

9. Ch. Royal Tudor's Wild as the Wind, a red Doberman pinscher, was the first Best in Show winner (1989) to also hold an obedience title (Companion Dog).

10. Sussex spaniel Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee has the distinction of being not only the oldest dog to win Best in Show, in 2009 when he was 10 years old, but also the first of his breed to do so. The next-oldest dog to take top honors was papillon Ch. Loteki Supernatural Being (Kirby) in 1999, when he was 8 years, 1 month and 10 days old. Kirby was also the first dog ever to win both the World Dog Show (1998) and Westminster.

11. Some breeds have never been top dog at Westminster. They include Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, Chihuahuas, Dalmatians, Brittanys, bloodhounds, cavalier King Charles spaniels and Pembroke Welsh corgis.

Q&A

Dig deep to

ditch dog's itch

Q: My 8-year-old chocolate Lab suffers from allergies. I've had tests done, but they come back with only high yeast content. I thought giving him yogurt with his food might help, but he's not fond of it. I've purchased special shampoos from the vet and I give him Benadryl, but his sides usually end up with no fur; right now he's working on his chest. He eats a salmon and sweet potato food. -- via email

A: Allergies are a common problem in Labs. It's not unusual for them to suffer from allergies to fleas, certain food ingredients, cleaning agents used in the home, pollens and more.

Determining the cause of an allergy can be time-consuming and frustrating. And solving it is rarely as simple as adding yogurt to a pet's food.

Your best bet is probably to consult a veterinary dermatologist who can take you through the steps to figure out whether your dog has a contact allergy from, say, a carpet deodorizer, laundry detergent or fabric softener; air fresheners or disinfectants used in the home; or fabric or leather cleaning products. He may have an allergy to one or more ingredients in the food or treats you give or to pollens, molds, dust mites and yeasts in the environment.

An accurate diagnosis requires a thorough history, including the types of products you use in your home and everything you give your dog to eat; a physical exam, looking at such things as the pattern of hair loss and whether hairs are shed or broken off; and skin scrapings or skin biopsies to check for bacterial, fungal or yeast infections. Blood work and urinalysis may be necessary if a hormonal problem is suspected. An elimination diet, containing ingredients your dog has never eaten before, can help to determine if he has a food allergy.

Until the problem is diagnosed, medication can help to relieve the itch, whatever its cause. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Experts seek info

about your dog

-- A project called Darwin's Dogs is collecting anecdotal and genetic information from up to 5,000 dogs in the hope of learning more about genetic links to conditions such as cognitive dysfunction -- similar to dementia or Alzheimer's disease in humans -- and canine compulsive disorder, which causes dogs to lick, chew, spin, chase or perform other behaviors in an exaggerated manner. The dogs enrolled in the study -- 3,000 so far -- include purebreds and mixed breeds. Owners provide DNA samples and answer questions about their dogs' behaviors, environment, physical traits and more. Researchers will begin analyzing DNA samples next month.

-- Looking to adopt a cat? Shelter volunteers can help you make the best choice by asking about your lifestyle and home. Are you and family members active or quiet? Do you have young children or other dogs or cats? The answers can help determine which cat will be the best fit for your family, says Elaine Mata, who volunteers at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter in San Clemente, California. "We try to match to the type of household in terms of the people there and the activity level," she says.

-- Cold weather can be tough on senior dogs, especially if they suffer from arthritis. A heated bed can help to soothe achy joints. Your golden oldie will appreciate it if you place the bed in his favorite spot, where he can see what's going on in the house or watch for squirrels outdoors. Choose a bed that regulates heat to no more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit (close to canine body temperature) and comes on only when the dog is on it. If your dog still likes to spend time outdoors, purchase a weatherproof heated dog bed to place on your deck or other sheltered area. -- 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: In 2011, Grand Champion Foxcliffe Hickory Wind (Hickory) became the first and so far only Scottish deerhound to win Best in Show at Westminster. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Shelter volunteers can help you look past a cat's appearance to find the treasured personality beneath. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2

Looking for Mr. or Ms. Right? Your dog or cat can help

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Remember the meet-cute scene in "101 Dalmatians," where the couple's dogs bring them together? It happens in real life, too.

Molly McNamara of Lyons, Colorado, met her husband-to-be, Jeff McGlynn, at the obedience class she was attending with her dog. It was love at first sight -- for her dog.

"My dog was so bananas for him that he wouldn't pay attention after Jeff arrived," she says. "At first I used to just get mad when he and his dog showed up because my well-behaved 1-year-old bearded collie, Max, would lose his mind and drag me across the room to see them. So, clearly, the dog knew first."

It took six months before the pair started dating, with many of the dates involving taking their dogs hiking or to the beach. McNamara discovered later that McGlynn was staying in the class only to see her. His Saint Bernard was already well-behaved and didn't really need the practice.

"Introduction by dog" is a time-honored method of finding true love, and now science has confirmed its efficacy. In their study "The Roles of Pet Dogs and Cats in Human Courtship and Dating," published in the quarterly journal Anthrozoos, researchers -- who surveyed more than 1,200 Match.com users -- found that 35 percent of women and 26 percent of men said they had been more attracted to someone because he or she owned a pet.

Men are more likely to use a pet -- generally a dog -- as "date bait," with 22 percent admitting to the tactic. Only 6 percent of women said they had used a pet to attract potential dates.

Women, on the other hand, are more likely to rely on their dogs and cats as barometers of a date's trustworthiness. Nearly half of the women responding said they judged dates based on how the person responded to their pet, and 76 percent evaluated dates based on whether their pets liked the person.

"My dogs have helped me see who is and isn't a good match based on how the guys responded to the dogs, and vice versa," says Elizabeth Barden Ackerman of Los Angeles. "The ones who are scared of my giant black Lab are quickly let go. The one who naturally pats and plays with him, refills his water bowl without being asked and who watches the dog and hilariously narrates his thoughts? He's special."

Allia Zobel Nolan of New York City knew the man she met was her true love because of the way he treated her cats, even though at heart he was a dog person.

"He loved me, so he loved my cats," she says.

Gail Parker of Philadelphia stopped seeing one man after her dog, a German shepherd, growled at him. She gave another the heave-ho when he called her Irish setter stupid.

The study's lead author, University of Nevada Las Vegas anthropology professor Peter Gray, suggests that pets' status as family members could explain the significant influence they wield in the choices people make about who they date. He and fellow researchers, UNLV graduate student Shelly Volsche; Justin Garcia of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University; and Helen Fisher of Rutgers University say dog ownership may signal "a potential mate's caregiving capacity." How a person treats a pet could indicate how he or she would treat a mate and children.

McNamara and McGlynn? At their eventual wedding, more dogs than people were in attendance.

"Max is turning 14 in a month, and Jeff is still his most favorite human ever," McNamara says.

Q&A

Bird's bald spots

can have multiple causes

Q: My African grey parrot is losing his feathers, and my veterinarian wants to run lab tests. I thought feather-plucking was a behavioral problem. What can lab tests tell us? -- via email

A: Feather-destructive disorder is a common and complex problem in birds. Among the species in which we typically see it are cockatoos, African greys, macaws, conures, cockatiels and lovebirds.

It's normal for birds to preen, or groom, their feathers to remove dirt or parasites, but when they start chewing the feathers, pulling them out altogether or even mutilating their bodies, the cause can be medical, behavioral or a combination of the two.

Underlying medical causes of feather-plucking can include inflammatory skin disease, low levels of thyroid hormones, liver or kidney disorders or tumors, to name just a few. Among the possible environmental causes are low humidity, poor lighting or changes in the bird's routine. Behavioral causes include boredom, anxiety and frustration. Sometimes the condition can have multiple causes. Because of this, diagnosing it can be a challenge.

A thorough medical history and, ideally, an environmental and behavioral evaluation are the foundation of a diagnosis, but a complete blood count, chemistry profile, screening for infectious disease, bacterial and fungal cultures, fecal exam and skin and feather follicle biopsies can all provide valuable information.

Treatment takes time and patience, and it may not lead to a complete cure. Depending on the cause, medication can help to reduce inflammation, itchiness and anxiety. Even if the cause is medical, enriching the bird's environment with interesting toys, opportunities to climb or fly and foods that require the bird to work to get at them is a valuable component of treatment. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Breeds to watch

at Westminster

-- Seven breeds will make their bow-wow at the 2016 Westminster Kennel Club dog show next week. They are the Bergamasco, a dreadlocked herding breed from the Italian Alps; the berger picard, a French herding breed known for a starring role in the 2005 film "Because of Winn-Dixie"; the boerboel, a giant-size South African guard dog; the cirneco dell Etna, a small Sicilian sighthound; the lagotto Romagnolo, an Italian truffle-hunting breed; the miniature American shepherd, a small, but highly active, herding dog; and the Spanish water dog, a versatile, curly coated farm dog.

-- Curious about what's most likely to poison your pet in your state? The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center has released a map showing the most common reason for toxin calls in each state. Rodenticides top the list in 14 states, many in the West and Southwest. Chocolate takes second place, leading the list in eight states, including California, New York and Pennsylvania. Ant baits generate the most calls in five states. South Carolina is the only state where the sago palm is the leading cause of toxicity, but it is a popular houseplant and landscaping plant nationwide. Idaho pet owners call about sugar-free gum, and Nebraskans are concerned about herbal supplements. Check the ASPCA's website for information about your state.

-- Three huskies and a cat? No, it's not the latest feel-good movie. Lilo, Infinity and Miko, Siberian huskies in San Jose, California, have become best friends with a rescued kitten and taught her to be, well, a dog. Lilo mothered Rosie, who was found near death when she was about 3 weeks old, and the kitten began mimicking everything the dog did, including walking on-leash. Now the four go hiking, kayaking and paddle boarding with their people, cuddle and even eat together. -- 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: In a recent survey of singles with pets, 75 percent of women and 54 percent of men said they would not date someone who did not like pets. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: The shaggy and sassy berger picard is a medium-size dog who is highly active, brainy and comical. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1