You don't need to work hard to care for a bearded dragon

If you want a friendly reptilian pet who's easy to care for, your choice is an easy one: You want a bearded dragon.

Beardeds are not only tame when handled, but many also seem to enjoy the contact. Even better, they're suitable for almost any pet lover or family situation -- and a great pet for a responsible child.

Bearded dragons enjoy exploring, whether crawling on their owners or around the house. They stick out their tongues to touch new surfaces to determine the temperature and makeup of the area -- a behavior that adds to their appeal.

Beardeds live to be about 10 years old and will measure 18 to 24 inches in length, including the tail. Hatchling beardeds are only about 3 1/2 inches in length, and look more like a gecko than a giant lizard species. Common colorings of the bearded are yellow and tan, though they can be found in more vibrant yellow, orange and albino.

The bearded dragon name comes from the display the pet puts on when trying to act tough. The puffed-beard display is used only defensively to scare away potential threats. Along with puffing out, beardeds also flatten out their bellies to look wider, as well as leave their rather large mouths gaping open to intimidate the potential threat.

Beardeds are quite happy to live alone in the wild, except when in search of mates. If you want more than one, however, there's no downside, since they seem to enjoy the companionship of another of their kind. Female beardeds can usually be housed with another female or male, but males should not be housed together, due to territorial aggression.

Beardeds need human help to maintain their temperature in captivity, using heat lamps or warming pads. They do well in tanks where some areas are cooler and some are warmer -- a range of 85 to 105 degrees by day, dipping into the 70s at night.

You'll also need special lighting, since these reptiles need UVB rays to properly absorb dietary calcium. A full-spectrum light should be provided 12 to 14 hours a day most of the year, and 10 to 12 hours in the winter.

Omnivores by nature, beardeds enjoy both plants and meat in their diet. Juveniles enjoy a carnivorous diet, while adults become primarily herbivores, enjoying a diet of dark, leafy vegetables and some fruit. All food given to the bearded should be shredded into easy-to-swallow, bite-size pieces. Insects should be given to adult beardeds two to three times per week. They eat mainly crickets, but also mealworms, wax moth larvae and pinkie mice in limited amounts.

Beardeds hit sexual maturity between 1 and 2 years of age, when females will start laying eggs, regardless of whether they've been mated.

Veterinary care is minimal for pets who are being properly cared for. After purchase, your bearded should be examined for health and parasites, with treatment for the latter if necessary. After that, annual examinations are recommended, to help your veterinarian understand what's "normal" for your pet, so treatment can be more targeted if there's a problem.

Q&A

Cat meet-and-greet

needs to be slow

Q: What's the best way to introduce a new cat to my current cat? -- via email

A: Having more than one cat is a popular option for many people, though not always for cats.

But living with more than one cat doesn't have to be contentious. The trick to domestic harmony for co-habiting felines is to introduce -- or reintroduce -- them slowly and carefully.

Since the worst territorial spats are between cats who aren't spayed or neutered, your chances for peaceful co-existence are many times greater if the cats are both altered before any introductions are planned.

Prepare a room for your new cat with food and water bowls, and a litter box and scratching post that needn't be shared. This room will be your new pet's home turf while the two cats get used to each other's presence.

Take your new cat to your veterinarian first, to be checked for parasites such as ear mites, and contagious diseases such as feline leukemia. When you're sure your new pet is healthy, the introductions can begin.

Bring the cat home in a carrier and set him in the room you've prepared. Let your resident cat discover the caged animal, and don't be discouraged by initial hisses. When the new cat is alone in the room, close the door and let him out of the carrier. If he doesn't want to leave the carrier at first, let him be. Just leave the carrier door open and the cat alone.

Maintain each cat separately for a week or so -- with lots of love and play for both -- and then on a day when you're around to observe, leave the door to the new cat's room open. Above all: Don't force them together. Territory negotiations between cats can be drawn-out and delicate, and you must let them work it out on their own, ignoring the hisses and glares. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Happier trips mean

cleaner car rides

-- Dogs get carsick for many reasons, including anxiety, full bellies and a lack of experience. But most puppies can outgrow car sickness if taken out regularly in the car. If you want your dog to enjoy car rides, take him to dog parks and other fun destinations. Otherwise, if all trips seem to end at the veterinary hospital, he may never think car rides are fun. Talk to your veterinarian about medications (over-the-counter or prescription) that can help if your puppy doesn't outgrow carsickness. And make sure when your pet is on the road that he's safely secured in a crate or with a harness.

-- Would you rather work out or indulge in heavy petting? According to Prevention magazine, 67 percent of us say having a pet is better for long-term health than having a personal trainer. Probably more fun, too.

-- Every healthy dog has a reflex reaction to any passing skin irritation, whether it's an insect crawling between the hairs or a fingernail giving a scratch. If nerve endings detect something that's annoying the skin, the dog's leg will automatically come up to scratch off the pest -- even if there's no pest there. The response is most pronounced if you scratch a dog on the rump near the base of the tail, along the upper part of the flanks or on the belly -- not coincidentally, places where fleas like to congregate. The "scratch reflex" is so predictable that veterinarians will use it to help with their neurological exam when spinal damage is suspected. -- Mikkel Becker and Dr. Marty 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.

When pets down dangerous substances: Some nontoxic food for thought

Your pet comes in licking his chops well before mealtime. Uh-oh. What has he gotten into?

Chances are, it's something that's not good for him. Last year, the Top 10 toxins ingested by pets were over-the-counter medications, medications prescribed for humans, insecticides, human foods that are toxic to pets, household items, veterinary medications, chocolate, plants, rodenticides and lawn and garden products.

If you find evidence or even suspect that your pet has swallowed something that could disagree with him in a serious or fatal way, the first thing to do is take a deep breath and remain calm. Then look for empty packaging or other clues as to what he might have eaten and how much.

Call the veterinarian to say that you're on your way with your pet, and why. Bring the empty or partially eaten containers, plant material or any type of label. It will help your veterinarian to know if that chocolate bar your dog ate is milk chocolate or 77 percent cocoa Belgian chocolate.

Maybe it's the middle of the night and you don't have a 24-hour veterinary hospital in your area. Call a pet poison hotline. Be prepared to describe packaging, labels or plant type and whether your dog or cat is conscious, alert, breathing normally and able to stand and walk.

Don't induce vomiting. It's not the best way to remove toxic substances from a pet's stomach, so toss out that old bottle of ipecac. Nobody recommends it anymore, for pets or kids. Instead, keep activated charcoal on hand. It acts like a sponge, absorbing what's in the stomach. Stick with plain activated charcoal, available from your drugstore or grocery store.

Toxins aren't always ingested by swallowing; some are absorbed through skin or fur. If your pet has a reaction to an insecticide or other substance, your first thought might be to bathe him to remove it, but it's smart to check with your veterinarian or the poison control hotline first. Some products become more toxic when they get wet. If you get the go-ahead to give a bath, brush your pet first to help remove the substance from the surface of the fur.

Learn about your local plants and their toxicity. Toxic plant lists don't always include regional plants. And know the origin of ornamental plants in your home or yard. Many beautiful but toxic plants come from South Africa.

Among the foods that can give pets a bellyache or worse are grapes and raisins, moldy walnuts and dairy products. Although not every dog reacts to grapes or raisins, aggressive treatment is recommended because the reaction can be severe -- renal failure -- or even fatal. Give activated charcoal immediately, and take your dog to the veterinarian right away. A good course of action is IV fluid therapy for at least 48 hours and careful monitoring of blood pressure, urine output and blood chemistry values for at least 72 hours to check for kidney failure.

Moldy foods cause a severe and potentially deadly neurologic syndrome. Signs -- including restlessness, panting, excessive salivation, tremors and seizures -- usually begin within 30 minutes of exposure. A dog doesn't even have to eat a moldy walnut; simply putting it in his mouth can cause problems. For the same reasons, toss the moldy cheese you found in the back of the refrigerator.

Lastly, in case you were wondering, wine and other alcoholic beverages are also toxic to dogs. So remember: It's a sin to let your dog dig zin.

Q&A

Fur and feathers:

Can they get along?

Q: I have pet chickens, and I'm planning on getting a dog soon. Are there any breeds I should avoid? -- via Facebook

A: With a careful introduction and consistent training, many dogs can learn to get along with chickens, especially if they are pups when they first meet the birds. But not every dog will be a good fit. Consider a dog's heritage before deciding which one to get.

Guardian and working breeds such as Great Pyrenees or Doberman pinschers can learn to protect chickens, although they might at first think of them as toys or dinner.

Retrievers and spaniels are often attracted to birds, but they are usually trainable and friendly toward other animals.

A toy dog might seem like a natural, since many aren't much bigger than chickens themselves, but they have all the same instincts as larger dogs and need just as much training and supervision to make sure they don't go after your feathered friends.

One of the non-sporting breeds -- such as a miniature poodle, keeshond or Lhasa apso -- could be a good fit, but again, consider their original purpose. A Finnish spitz or shiba inu might be a little too interested in hunting chickens.

With training and supervision, herding breeds can learn to live amicably with chickens. Without it, they are just as likely to be aggressive toward chickens as any other dog.

On the better-avoided end of the spectrum are dogs with a predatory bent: the various spitz breeds such as Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes, sighthounds and terriers.

Consider your chickens, too. Breeds that do best with dogs include large, heavy birds such as buff Orpingtons, barred rocks, Hampshires and Ameraucanas. Small, lightweight or fluffy chickens such as bantams, Leghorns and silkies are at greater risk of injury. -- Mikkel Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

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

THE BUZZ

Some overweight Labs

can blame their genes

-- Your Lab's desire to eat everything he sees may be hardwired, say researchers at Cambridge University. They screened more than 300 Labradors kept as pets or assistance dogs, seeking known obesity genes. A change in a gene known as POMC was strongly linked to weight, obesity and appetite in Labs and flat-coated Retrievers. The gene in question may be involved in how the brain recognizes hunger and the feeling of being full after eating. The results of the study were published in the journal Cell Metabolism. "About a quarter of pet Labradors carry this gene," lead researcher Dr. Eleanor Raffan told the BBC.

-- Pet dealers and retailers in New York state must now provide purchasers with written instructions on housing, feeding, handling, veterinary care, sanitation and other needs of small animals, reports the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The requirement applies to small mammals such as hamsters, chinchillas, guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits, mice and ferrets, as well as small amphibians or reptiles -- think frogs, snakes and lizards. It does not include dogs, cats, birds, fish or feeder animals. The law appears to be the first of its kind in the country, according to the AVMA State Relations Department.

-- How do bacteria, viruses and parasites differ? Bacteria are microorganisms that exist everywhere -- on skin, on surfaces in the environment and inside the body. Most are helpful or harmless, but a tiny percentage cause serious illnesses. Antibiotics are effective against them, but bacteria are fighting back and becoming resistant. Viruses are unique organisms that possess genes, evolve and reproduce, but require a host cell to replicate. They attack various areas of the body and aren't affected by antibiotics, although some vaccines can help to prevent them. Parasites are microorganisms that rely on hosts to survive. They may or may not cause illness. -- 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.

What to do if a bee stings your pet

By Kim Campbell Thornton

When my dog Harper was a young puppy, a bee stung her on a hind leg. I didn't know what was causing all the screaming and running in circles until I saw the bee fall to the ground. I called the veterinarian, who recommended a quarter tablet of Benadryl and a cold compress. It was hours before Harper was willing to eat or go outside to potty.

It's bee season again. Spring is a busy time for bees, as they have come out of hibernation and are gathering food, pollinating plants in the process.

Bees are beneficial and for the most part beneficent, but like most of us, they can become cranky when it's hot and humid, rainy or if other bees are robbing their hives. And dogs or cats who take a curious or aggressive interest in bees or wasps are likely to receive payback in the form of a sting on the nose or head.

An angry bee is a danger to pets. Dr. Marty Becker and I have gathered some tips to help you prevent or treat the stings of summer.

-- "Beeproof" your yard and home. It's good to have bees visit your flowers to pollinate them, but to prevent them from setting up housekeeping full-time in your yard or home, remove or cover possible nesting sites, such as overturned flower pots, holes in trees or walls, drains or attic vents. Call an expert about removal if you find a nest in the eaves of your home, in the attic or in trees.

-- Honeybees may want to drink from your pet's outdoor water dish. If you are an urban beekeeper (and who isn't these days?), provide bees with their own source of water and place pet dishes well away from hives. To further discourage bees from sipping a pet's water, mix two tablespoons of vinegar with a gallon of water, and fill pet dishes with it.

-- If you see your pet get stung by a bee, remove the stinger right away. Instead of grasping it with tweezers, which can inject more venom into the wound, scrape it away with the edge of a credit card.

-- A mild bee sting can cause a burning or itching sensation that lasts for several minutes or more. You may notice your pet chewing, licking, rubbing or scratching at the area. Mix water and baking soda to make a paste, and apply to the stung area to help relieve the pain. A cold compress can also help to bring down swelling or reduce pain.

-- Grow aloe in your yard. The gel that oozes from a cut leaf helps to soothe bee stings.

-- Keep Benadryl on hand. This antihistamine provides relief from itching, swelling and irritation. The dose depends on your dog's size. Call your veterinarian now and ask how much Benadryl to give your pet if he is stung, then write it on the box.

When you purchase Benadryl, be sure the only ingredient is diphenhydramine. Some formulations contain acetaminophen, which is toxic to pets.

-- Know the phone number and location of your nearest veterinary emergency hospital. Some animals suffer severe reactions to bee stings because they are allergic to bee venom. Known as anaphylaxis, this intense inflammatory reaction causes swelling from excessive fluid buildup in body tissues; itchiness; vomiting; respiratory distress; and collapse or death. It's an emergency. Take your pet to the veterinarian right away.

Pets can also suffer dangerous swelling if they are stung on the head or neck. If those areas swell, they can inhibit a dog or cat's ability to breathe. If you notice swelling on the face or neck, seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Q&A

Cat scratch behavior:

What to know

Q: I just got a kitten, and I want to make sure she doesn't ruin my furniture or carpet by scratching it. Do you have advice on how to trim her nails and keep her from scratching? -- via Facebook

A: You are so smart to be thinking about this early in your kitten's life. Now is the best time to help her learn how to accept grooming with a minimum of fuss and teach her where it's OK to scratch.

One of the ways cats communicate is by scratching. They have special glands in their paws (and elsewhere on the body) that release scent when the cat scratches or rubs against objects or people. Encouraging your cat to scratch a post or other acceptable items will help her to feel secure in her surroundings and reduce the likelihood that she will mark with urine. Scratching is also an important way that cats stretch their muscles.

Experts recommend providing a tall scratching post in a prominent area so your cat can get attention for her scratching skills. Put it somewhere the family spends a lot of time. Choose a post that's at least three feet high so your cat can stretch out to her full length. It can be vertical or horizontal as long as it's sturdy and not wobbly. Most cats like a post covered in sisal, a ropelike material.

In combination with scratching, trimming nails reduces damage to your furniture, clothing and skin. Trim nails every week or two, ideally when your cat is feeling relaxed or sleepy. Put a little pressure on the toe to pop the claw out, and trim above the curve. If your cat is resistant, clip one or two claws a day and give a treat afterward. Your cat will soon welcome the attention. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Some new pet owners

get time off from work

-- "Pet-ternity leave"? It's a thing in the U.K., according to research by pet insurance provider Petplan, which found that nearly 1 in 20 new pet owners are employed by companies that offer paid leave when people acquire a new pet. The time off ranges from 10 hours to several weeks and can be used for training classes, vet visits or helping the pet get settled. Companies include pet food manufacturer Mars Petcare and IT company BitSol Solutions. In an unscientific survey by U.K. tabloid The Mirror, readers said 2 to 1 that pet leave was "a purr-fect idea."

-- One of the world's oldest dogs died last month. Maggie, a kelpie who lived on a dairy farm in Australia, was thought to be 30 years old. Her status as world's oldest dog couldn't be officially verified by the Guinness Book of Records, though, because owner Brian McLaren was unable to find the paperwork from her purchase as a puppy. That leaves the title of longest-lived dog to Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who made it to 29 years and 5 months. Bluey, who also lived in Australia, was a working herding dog. Is it something in the water?

-- The Himalayan wolf is so critically endangered that scientists weren't even sure where it could be found, but an international research team reports evidence of the ancient type in Nepal's largest protected area. Their findings, published in the open access journal ZooKeys, describe a wild dog who differs from other wolves with its smaller size, unusually long muzzle and stumpy legs. Woolly body hair and white fur around the throat, chest, belly and inner thighs also distinguish the species. Conflict with humans over livestock predation is the main reason the wolves are threatened. -- 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.