Eight museums around the country for animal-art aficionados

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Art museums are a visual record of our history. When we visit them, we don't simply see the artist's vision, but also fashions, food, furnishings and, yes, animals from a given point in time.

Many famous art museums feature portraits of people with their dogs, cats and horses, but specialty museums focus on works that portray the animals themselves. A visit to one of them is a feast of fine art depicting the role of animals in society through the ages and how they have changed -- or not. No matter which one you visit, you'll be rewarded with a fascinating glimpse into the background of your favorite animal. Here are eight to look for.

-- American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog, St. Louis. In the 14,000-square-foot Jarville House in Queeny Park are more than 700 original paintings, drawings, sculptures, porcelains and more, all depicting man's best friend. Bonus: Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome to visit, too.

-- Feline Historical Museum, Alliance, Ohio. Not to be outdone, the Cat Fanciers Association has a permanent home for its extensive collection of cat-themed art and other unique items, including the silver collar awarded to Cosey, who won the first Madison Square Garden cat show in 1895; a bronze of a Persian by J. Clayton Bright; feline figurines from Lalique, Baccarat and Royal Doulton; and a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house for a cat. Visitors may also enjoy the company of cats on the premises, including Maine coons and ragdolls.

-- National Sporting Library and Museum, Middleburg, Virginia. Horse and dog lovers will appreciate the sporting art on display at this museum devoted to equestrian and field sports. Current exhibits include Picturing English Pastimes: British Sporting Prints at the NSLM and the Chronicle of the Horse in Art. Researcher Elizabeth Tobey says, "Particularly significant are its holdings of early modern books from the 16th through 18th centuries from Europe and Great Britain on horsemanship, hunting, natural history and animal husbandry."

-- International Museum of the Horse, Lexington, Kentucky. They're not just horsing around at this museum. Its collections include fine and folk art, photographs, tack, trophies, sculptures and horse-drawn vehicles.

"Calumet Farm's massive collection of historic racing trophies alone is worth the visit to the International Museum of the Horse, and the strong selection of permanent exhibits is bolstered regularly by impressive special exhibitions," says Glenye Oakford of Lexington, Kentucky, senior editor at The Chronicle of the Horse. "If you're more into history that's truly alive, just step outside to the Hall of Champions, where some of the racing and show world's heroes, including the wildly popular 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Funny Cide, greet visitors."

-- National Bird Dog Museum, Grand Junction, Tennessee. Anyone who has ever loved a sporting breed won't want to miss this bird dog field of dreams. Displays include a sculpture of national champion pointer Elhew's Snakefoot and sporting dog art, photography and memorabilia.

-- Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Museum, Wasilla, Alaska. Housed in a log cabin, the museum's displays feature trophies, photos and videos of the iconic race commemorating a thousand-mile run to bring life-saving diphtheria serum to disease-stricken Nome in 1925. In summer, take a ride in a cart pulled by sled dogs to get a taste of what is now a National Historic Trail.

-- Museum of Hounds and Hunting North America, Leesburg, Virginia. Housed at stately Morven Park, this collection ranges from a hound head sculpture to a colonial-era hunting horn to the hunting diaries of Gen. George S. Patton.

-- Newseum, Washington, D.C. Pets make news, too, especially if they live in the White House. An ongoing exhibit, First Dogs: American Presidents and Their Pets, presents images and stories of presidential pets, including Calvin and Grace Coolidge's 12 dogs; Franklin D. Roosevelt's Scottish terrier Fala -- and his press secretary; and Warren G. Harding's Airedale, Laddie Boy, who had his own chair at cabinet meetings.

Q&A

Apple seeds not

toxic to pets

Q: I like to give my dog apple cores, and he loves them, but I heard that the seeds contain cyanide. Should I stop giving them? I don't want to poison him! -- via Facebook

A: They say that an apple day keeps the doctor away, and it probably helps to keep the veterinarian away, too. Bites of apple -- you probably don't want to give a whole one all at once -- are a good, low-calorie, crunchy treat for dogs. They can help to freshen a dog's breath and are a good way to help a dieting dog feel like he's not so deprived.

Keep giving your dog apple cores without worry. Apple seeds are overhyped as being poisonous to pets. The amount of cyanide within a few seeds is so minimal that it's really not a concern. I know of some dogs who love to steal apples right off the tree when they can reach them, or just wait for them to fall.

QT Pi loves apples, especially Honeycrisps or Fujis that snap back when bitten into. How do I know this? Because I asked him, and he told me so. For variety, he likes them dusted with cinnamon or lightly dipped in Lighthouse caramel dip (three for daddy, one for son). Know that the gooey version is only an infrequent treat, and we closely monitor his calorie intake and weight to keep him at his ideal body weight. 

Other great, healthy "people food" treats -- in moderation, of course -- include bananas, blueberries, carrots, green beans, cooked sweet potatoes, cantaloupe and watermelon. A couple of dogs I know even like slices of tangerine and orange.

If you ever do think your pet has eaten something toxic and you can't reach your veterinarian, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for life-saving advice. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Hands-on therapies

help cats in pain

-- We don't typically think of cats as needing massage, physical rehab or chiropractic adjustments, but their feats of strength and jumping ability can make them prone to musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis. Especially as they age, cats can become stiff and pained from leaping on and off high places, twisting their slinky bodies into strange positions or careening off the wall as they chase a ball down the hall. If you notice when you're petting him that your cat turns around and bites at you right when you stroke the mid-lumbar region, he may have some aches and pains that can be addressed with some hands-on treatment and medication. Talk to your veterinarian to see what can be done.

-- An English springer spaniel named Angus is hard at work in a hospital in Vancouver, Canada. He's not visiting patients -- he's sniffing out a hazardous superbug commonly found in hospitals: Clostridium difficile. C-diff persists in the environment for long periods and is highly contagious and even deadly. His alerts to its presence allow hospital staff to target areas for additional cleaning and disinfection.

-- What does it mean when the label on a bag or can of pet food says the contents are "natural"? Legally, there's no official definition. The United States Food and Drug Administration considers the term "natural" to mean that a food does not contain artificial flavors, artificial colors or artificial preservatives. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials, the organization that develops nutrient standards and ingredient definitions for pet foods, the word "natural" applies only to a food or ingredient derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources. It should be used to describe products only when all of the ingredients -- not counting chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals and other trace nutrients -- meet that definition. -- 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.

Cataracts can dim a dog's vision, but in some cases, surgery can help

By Kim Campbell Thornton

My little dog Gemma is about as spry as a 16-year-old dog can be, but we've seen one definite sign of aging in our Pom-Chi mix. Since late June, her vision has deteriorated noticeably. It was obvious before then that she had cataracts, but they have progressed enough to limit her vision. She has walked into walls when she's in unfamiliar areas, and she sometimes has trouble following my movements when I'm setting down her food dish or handing out treats.

A cataract is cloudiness, or opacity, in the lens of the eye. Although it looks as if it's a film on the surface of the eyeball, the cloudy lens is deep inside a dog or cat's eye, according to the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology.

Cataracts are inherited in many breeds, including Boston terriers, cocker spaniels, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, miniature schnauzers, poodles, Siberian huskies and wirehaired fox terriers. They most commonly develop when a dog is 1 to 5 years old.

Health ailments such as diabetes, inflammation and trauma can also lead to cataract formation. Cataracts may also develop as a dog ages. Sometimes cataracts remain small throughout a dog's life; other times they worsen to the point of blindness.

Depending on a dog's age, health and the severity of vision loss, cataracts can be removed surgically. It's not a simple process, though. Two tests, an electroretinogram (ERG) and an ultrasound, are performed beforehand to assess the health of the retina and determine whether removing the cataracts would improve vision. The tests aren't painful or risky, but they require sedation to ensure that the dog doesn't move her head or eyes.

If the dog is a good candidate for surgery, eye drops are administered several times daily before the procedure. With the dog under anesthesia, the ophthalmologist makes a small incision and, using a technique called phacoemulsification, breaks up the cataract with ultrasonic vibrations and then removes the particles. For sharper vision, an artificial lens can be implanted inside the eye.

The eye drop regimen continues for approximately six weeks following surgery. The "cone of shame" makes an appearance, too. The dog must wear a protective soft or plastic Elizabethan collar for two weeks to ensure that he doesn't scratch or otherwise injure the eye. Baths and vaccinations are forbidden until the eye heals.

Cataract surgery has a high success rate, but like any surgery, it can have risks and complications.

Rainey, a beagle, had congenital cataracts. Her owner, Denise Nord, who lives northwest of Minneapolis, opted for surgery for the then-1-year-old dog to improve her quality of life and permit continued involvement in dog sports such as tracking, agility and obedience. Rainey is now 8 years old and doesn't have great vision, but Nord says she would choose surgery again, even with the complications her dog had.

"She did well for quite a while, but over time the lens 'rolled up,' and she lost the near vision in one eye," Nord says. "She is on drops for high eye pressure. About two years ago, she started having corneal edema in the 'bad' eye. It has been a journey, but we have a great ophthalmologist. For a young dog, it was the right choice."

At her advanced age, Gemma isn't a candidate for cataract removal, but fortunately most dogs get around just fine with reduced vision or even complete vision loss. If your dog has cataracts, a consultation with a veterinary ophthalmologist can help you decide the best way to proceed.

Q&A

Urine marking can

have several causes

Q: My 1-year-old English toy spaniel has a bad habit of lifting his leg in the house, and I now have to limit where he's allowed. I can't neuter him because he's a show dog. I've never had this problem with a male dog before. Can you help? -- via email

A: You've made a good start by limiting where he is allowed to go in your home. Now you need to figure out what is triggering his desire to mark your home with urine. Male dogs like to mark vertical surfaces or entryways to claim territory, let females know they are available for mating or to build their confidence if they're feeling insecure. For instance, maybe your schedule has changed, or you've brought a new person, object or animal into the home.

Next, teach him that marking is for outdoors only. Tether him to you. If he signals that he is about to mark something by sniffing or circling, interrupt him by clapping your hands or saying, "Oops." Then ask him to perform some other action he knows, such as sit, down or shake, and reward him for that.

You can also take him outdoors. If he then lifts his leg on a tree or other acceptable surface, praise him: "Good pee outside!"

If the problem is related to anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about prescription medication that can help him to relax.

Be consistent. Time for improvement can range from a few days to a few weeks.

Whenever you can't supervise, request an alternate behavior or take him outdoors; manage the situation by confining him or using a bellyband to prevent marking.

Never punish him physically or verbally for marking. If marking is done out of conflict or anxiety, punishment can make the problem worse. -- Mikkel Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Cats chatter about

exciting matters

-- Does your cat chatter when she looks out the window and sees a bird or squirrel? Gnashing her teeth is an involuntary reaction to the frustration she feels when she sees something she wants very much but just can't get to it. Let her chitter chatter without interruption. A cat who is already wound up may take out her frustration on you in the form of an angry hiss or even a painful scratch. This type of behavior is called redirected aggression, and it's not something you want to get in the way of. Keep your distance.

-- When it comes to wacky names, dog lovers top the charts. A recent contest by Nationwide included such monikers as Katie Scarlett of Chattapoochie, Master Humphrey Beauguardus, Chicky Chippo the Fox Demon, Catfish Hobbs and Polkadot Sox. The Top 10 names, voted online by the public from a list of 50 selected from the company's database of 575,000 insured pets, were McLoven the Stud Muffin, Kanye Westie, Angus Von Wigglebottom, SuperFunCoconutDog, Optimus Prime Rib, Maximus Waffles, ChaChi Big Foot, Scrappin Scruffy Macdoogle of the Highland Macdoogles, Lieutenant Colonel Be Back Soon and Aggie Von Schwaggie.

-- The jagdterrier, also known as the German hunt terrier, is a working terrier breed with a strong prey drive. He hunts quarry such as badgers, rabbits and raccoons both above ground and underground. The jagdterrier has a black coat with tan or rust markings. The coat can be furry, smooth or "broken," a blend of long and short hairs. The weight range is 17 to 22 pounds. Intelligent and adaptable, these dogs aim to please but are best suited to a farm or ranch home where their hunting skills will help keep pesky animals at bay. -- 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.

Longhaired pets require extra care to maintain their luxurious locks

By Kim Campbell Thornton

From the Maltese to the Afghan hound, the Persian to the Maine coon, longhaired dogs and cats have a reputation for beauty and style. Their glamorous appearance comes at a price, though: That gorgeous coat can be a beast to care for. If you've fallen for a pet with long locks, we've gathered some tips to help you keep that coat stunning, healthy and tangle-free.

First, the bad news: There's no secret shortcut to caring for a long coat. It takes time and devotion. You're ahead of the game, though, if you groom it on a regular basis. When a longhaired pet's coat is neglected, the result is painful mats and tangles. Nobody wants that.

Grooming needs depend on the type of coat a dog or cat has, as well as its length. Longhaired pets may have a single coat or a double coat (one with a top coat and an under layer). They may have feathering (longer hair on the ears, chest, legs and tail); thick, fine, silky hair; or ruffs, britches or pantaloons. Double-coated pets typically shed more than single-coated pets.

Gather the right equipment. A pin brush moves smoothly through long hair and feathering. A bristle brush removes loose hair and dirt and polishes the coat. A wide-tooth comb removes downy undercoat. The curved wire pins of a slicker brush remove mats, loose hair and any flotsam and jetsam your dog picks up on a walk. Dogs with thick double coats may benefit from a session with an undercoat rake, especially during shedding season. If possible, ask a breeder or a professional groomer about the correct grooming tools and techniques to use.

Keep the face clean. Dogs with beards, mustaches and eyebrows (known as furnishings) lose their distinguished appearance if food is stuck in their fur. Comb out the furnishings after every meal to keep them looking nice.

Other trouble spots include the belly, the area where the legs meet the body (the "underarms") and the urogenital area. Many pets don't like having these areas touched (maybe they're ticklish). If you neglect them, though, these areas are most likely to develop mats and tangles. If you comb them before a problem starts, it will be a lot easier to accustom your pet to the attention.

Watch for a poopy butt. Every longhaired pet gets it at one time or another. Get over the ick factor and check your pet's rear regularly to make sure no dingleberries are dangling from his fur. You may want to trim the area short to help keep it clean. Or have a professional groomer do a sanitary trim for a neater appearance.

Starting with a puppy? Practice for a few minutes every day. Even if your pup won't have his full coat for a year or two, he should learn now what to expect and how to stand nicely for it. You can gradually lengthen the amount of time you spend working on his coat.

Give extra care to aging or overweight longhaired pets. Cats, in particular, may have difficulty grooming themselves and need some additional attention.

Pay attention if your pet frequently bites or scratches at a specific area. On closer inspection, you may find a mat or tangle that needs attention. Be careful when trying to remove these. Severe mats may need professional attention.

When his coat is at its full glory, you should expect to groom your longhaired pet at least every other day. For some pets, daily attention is a must. If you have trained your dog or cat to enjoy grooming, the experience should be a bonding time for both of you.

Q&A

Calico males rare

as hens' teeth

Q: Why is it so unusual for male cats to be calicos? -- via email

A: I'm glad you asked. Feline color genetics is always a fascinating topic. To get started, let's define our terms. A tortoiseshell cat has patches of orange or red and patches of black, chocolate or cinnamon. When those patches are combined with a white background, the cat is called a calico, after a type of colorful patterned fabric.

A study done by researchers at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri found that only 1 of every 3,000 calico cats is male. That's because the gene that determines how the orange color in cats displays is on the X chromosome, one of the two chromosomes that determines gender. Females have two X chromosomes, while males have an X and a Y chromosome.

While any cat, male or female, can be orange, in males the orange almost always occurs in the tabby pattern. Females can be orange tabby, calico or tortoiseshell. In rare instances, though, a male cat turns up with not only his allotted X and Y chromosomes, but also an additional X chromosome. If both of those X chromosomes happen to carry the gene for orange coloration, bingo: You have a calico male.

This genetic anomaly is called Klinefelter syndrome, after the doctor who identified it in the 1940s. In human and feline males, it typically causes sterility, which is one reason you don't see people getting rich off breeding their rare male calico cats.

Interestingly, the source for calico coloration was traced in the 1970s by Neil Todd, who was studying the migration routes of domestic cats. The orange mutant gene that causes the patched appearance originated in Egypt and then spread to Mediterranean port cities in Greece, Italy, France and Spain. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Four-eared cat

finds new home

-- We always thought it was four-leaf clovers that brought good luck, but a black cat with four ears had a run of good fortune after being brought to the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society in Pittsburgh on July 12. The 3-year-old cat, Batman, was treated for an upper respiratory infection and then put up for adoption, where he quickly caught the eye of a little girl who liked superheroes. Batman's double ears are thought to be the result of a recessive gene mutation. And he's not the only cat with multiple ears. Several felines over the years have been identified with the unusual natural genetic mutation.

-- Can you tell the difference between the affenpinscher and the Brussels griffon? Both of these dogs are often referred to as "monkey" dogs, or "monkey-face" dogs. Both are clever, cute and compact, and both have rough coats and bearded faces. The dogs have many similarities -- not surprising since the affenpinscher is an ancestor of the Brussels griffon -- but there are some differences. While the BG indeed has a rough coat, he also comes in a smooth variety. Affies can be black, black and tan, gray, red or silver; BGs are black, black and tan, blue, brown or red. Both are alert and playful, but the Brussels griffon tends to be more outgoing and more willing to get in trouble than the quieter affenpinscher.

-- The Robo hamster isn't the latest electronic pet from Japan. These smallest of the Asian dwarf hamsters are speedy and somewhat shy. Nocturnal, like all hamsters, they spend their evenings running endlessly on their wheel and can be entertaining to watch, but they're not especially fond of being handled. Desert dwellers in their natural habitat of Mongolia and northern China, they will appreciate some sand to dig 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.