Cats bring solace, happiness and relaxation with visits to nursing homes, hospitals and other facilities

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

When their patient received a terminal cancer diagnosis, the staff at the Oregon nursing and rehabilitation facility where he was cared for offered him anything he wanted: cupcakes and ice cream for every meal, a pile of puppies to play with or anything else he could name.

“All I want is to have a cat on my lap again,” he said.

Basil to the rescue. The orange-and-white tabby, one of only 100 or so therapy cats recognized by therapy animal organization Pet Partners, made regular visits to the man for the last four weeks of his life.

“That was really special to me,” says Tina Parkhurst of Beaverton, Oregon, who fostered and then adopted Basil and her brother, Mac, after they were found in a field when they were about two weeks old.

Though not as numerous as therapy dogs, therapy cats throughout the country provide people of all ages and health conditions with unconditional love and comfort. Their visits can help improve patients’ mobility, memory, communication, pain management and self-esteem, or simply make them smile and laugh. Often, people reminisce about previous cats in their lives.

Parkhurst was familiar with the concept of therapy cats when she began fostering Basil and Mac. She recognized special qualities in their personalities that made her wonder if they would be suitable for the work. They connected easily with people and had calm natures. Basil seemed a little more fearless than Mac, so Parkhurst began training her first, teaching her to wear a harness and leash and taking her on visits to a big box pet supply store. Eventually, they went through the Pet Partners training program, earning a perfect score in the evaluation.

Now Basil and Parkhurst make visits to facilities two or three times a week. Basil gets a bath before every visit, and she’s trained to sit on a towel that is placed on a bed or someone’s lap. To entertain residents, she sits up on her hind legs and gives a high-five. But her best “trick” is her ability to help people relax. Parkhurst recalls one woman suffering from dementia whose daughter had invited them to visit.

Because of her dementia, the woman had become increasingly aggressive and agitated, unable to sleep despite heavy doses of medication. When Basil came to visit, the woman was sitting in a recliner, her daughter at her side.

“We started to talk, and I asked if she would like to have Basil on her lap,” Parkhurst says. “She said, ‘That would be nice.’ I put Basil’s blanket on her lap, put Basil down and in three minutes this woman who would not sleep unless she was heavily medicated was crashed out like a light. Basil was out like a light, too. Her daughter sat there and quietly cried. She said, ‘My mom hasn’t slept like this in weeks and weeks.’”

Because they are people-friendly in a variety of settings, many active or retired show cats make therapy visits, but any cat with a friendly, calm nature can become a therapy cat with the right training. Appropriate handling and socialization in kittenhood, with exposure to many different people, places, sounds and experiences, can help cats develop a therapeutic personality.

Taking Basil to visit people brings special rewards, Parkhurst says. One woman told her, “I wake up smiling on Sundays now because I know I’m going to get to see Basil.”

Parkhurst adds, “To see their faces light up and the love in their eyes when they say something like that, it touches your heart and changes the way you walk through the world.”

Q&A

Do dewclaws

have a purpose?

Q: Why do dogs have dewclaws? I’m talking to a breeder about a puppy, and she says the dewclaws will be removed. Is it better to remove them or keep them? -- via email

A: Dewclaws are small thumb-like appendages that, if a dog has them, are found high on the inside of each paw (on the carpal, or wrist, of the front leg). Certain breeds are distinctive for having double dewclaws on each hind leg. They include the Beauceron, briard, great Pyrenees and Icelandic sheepdog.

The dewclaws are often referred to as vestigial appendages, meaning they no longer serve a purpose, but many dog owners would beg to differ on that subject. Dogs haven’t taken to texting yet (give them time), but they use their dewclaws to grasp and manipulate items such as bones and toys, grip ice or other surfaces to pull themselves out of water, and gently scratch an itchy eye. Dogs doing agility may grasp the sides of the teeter with their dewclaws to steady themselves. And canine speedsters such as whippets and border collies use their dewclaws to corner like race cars.

Now some breeders remove the dewclaws because they don’t see any use for them, and because it can be a painful, bloody mess if your dog tears his dewclaw. Dewclaws that stick out, instead of being tight to the paw, can get caught in carpeting or brush or when dogs go after prey such as lizards in rock piles. Usually the dewclaws are removed when puppies are only a few days old. While painful, it’s not an especially traumatic event, as it would be later in life.

For dogs that do the dew, it’s important to trim the claws regularly to help prevent tearing and the possibility of the dewclaw growing into the footpad. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Doberman pinscher wins

Beverly Hills dog show

-- A Doberman pinscher named Rip tore away with the Best in Show award at the Kennel Club of Beverly Hills Show, beating out more than 1,200 dogs of 166 breeds and varieties. Formally known as GCHP CH Fidelis Ripcord, Rip also won Best of Breed at Westminster last year, has multiple other Best in Show wins and ranks third among all working group breeds. If you missed the televised show on April 16, look for a repeat April 17 on the USA network and April 23 on NBC.

-- The kooikerhondje is the latest breed to gain recognition by the American Kennel Club, making him eligible to compete in AKC dog shows starting in January. The small red-and-white Dutch dogs, which will be in the sporting group, number about 2,000 to 3,000 throughout the world. People who know them appreciate their fun-loving personality, active nature and quick mind. A fringe of black hairs on the tips of the ears -- known as earrings -- and a plumed white tail are among the kooiker’s standout physical characteristics. Kooikers were originally used to lure ducks for hunters, but these days they excel at more peaceful activities, such as agility, flyball, freestyle, nose work and other dog sports.

-- Some people see dollar signs when they look at their dogs, but not for the same reason as Kathleen Wortham of Costa Mesa, California. Her Newfoundland, Xander, nabbed a stash of cash off her kitchen counter while she was away from home one day. Search as she might, the only evidence was a torn $20 bill in her yard. It happened not once, but twice. Wortham recovered the loot when she was vacuuming the bedroom, where Xander kept his toys near his bedding. A closer look turned up hundreds of dollars in 20s. -- 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.

The season of renewal can be perilous for pets. Household poisons come in the form of pretty plants, tasty (human) treats and more

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Is your home ready for spring? If you live with dogs, cats or other pets, you may need to do some extra preparation to ensure their safety as your garden comes to life, your home fills with flowers for spring holidays, and you or your neighbors fight off unwelcome spring guests such as rodents and external parasites. Here’s what you should know about preventing pet poisoning from common plants and products.

Lilies are lovely, but they can be fatal to cats. A cat who eats any part of a lily -- flowers, leaves, stems, pollen -- or drinks water in a vase of lilies can develop fatal kidney failure. Don’t plant lilies in your yard if you have outdoor cats, and don’t accept them into your home if you receive a bouquet for Easter or your birthday. Give them to a friend or family member whose home is cat-free.

Other common spring plants that can be toxic to pets include bulbs such as daffodils and tulips. Pets who eat the tops or flowers of bulbs usually suffer only mild stomach upset, but if they eat the bulb itself, the result can be bloody vomiting and diarrhea and low blood pressure.

Cats are also sensitive to certain flea- and tick-control products, especially those made for dogs. Never give your dog’s parasite-prevention products to your cat, thinking that she’ll be safe if you just use a little less. Feline physiology is not the same as that of a dog or human. Cats respond in different ways to certain chemicals, so it’s important to purchase parasite preventives made specifically for them.

What about dogs? We all know that they are indiscriminate eaters, willing to chow down on whatever they come across in the hope that it’s edible. Check labels to make sure food items such as baked goods, candy, chewing gum and even peanut butter aren’t sweetened with xylitol. Pets, including cats, who ingest xylitol-sweetened items show signs such as vomiting, sudden and life-threatening low blood sugar, and liver failure. If your dog considers himself a professional taste-tester, read labels carefully, and keep these items well out his reach.

Chocolate Easter bunnies and eggs, especially those made with dark chocolate, can be toxic to pets. Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine that is harmful to dogs, cats and parrots. Baker’s and dark chocolate have the highest concentrations of theobromine and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and seizures, depending on the size of the animal and how much he eats. Take your pet to the vet if you find evidence that he has broken into your chocolate stash.

If you are a savvy pet owner, you probably avoid putting out mouse or rat poison for fear that your pet will ingest it, but neighbors or family members you visit might not be so careful. Ask if they have put out any bait traps, where they are and if they’d be willing to take them up while your pet is there. Rodenticides containing anticoagulants are treatable with blood transfusions and vitamin K if the poisoning is caught in time, but alternative poisons that contain a neurotoxin called bromethalin are more harmful to pets and have no antidote.

Finally, for many people, spring means allergy season. Human medications are the number-one reason for calls to animal poison control hotlines. Decongestants can be deadly to pets who accidentally ingest them. They can cause vomiting, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors and seizures. Seek veterinary help immediately if you discover your pet has ingested these types of drugs. Remember, it takes dogs only about 15 seconds to break into a childproof bottle.

Q&A

Fear of storms

common in dogs

Q: It’s thunderstorm season, and my 3-year-old Australian shepherd has become so afraid of the noise that he tries to jump out the window. I’m really afraid he’s going to hurt himself. He has never seemed afraid of storms before. Is there anything that can be done? -- via Facebook

A: Many dogs are fearful of the sound of thunder -- and possibly the accompanying lightning flashes, loud wind, and changes in ozone levels and barometric pressure. Research has found that herding breeds like your Aussie seem to be more prone to this type of fear. In these breeds, at least, the fear may have a genetic component.

Signs of this type of fear usually begin with barking, seeking attention (pawing at people, for instance) and pacing. The signs can swiftly escalate to trembling, panting, howling, destructiveness and attempts to escape, even if that means jumping through a window or chewing through a door.

Those early signs can be subtle. People might not notice them, or they think their dog will outgrow the fear as he matures or becomes used to thunderstorms.

Unfortunately, repeated exposure simply makes the problem worse. If you notice that your dog is fearful during storms, talk to your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist right away. Medication in the very early stages with drugs that help to reduce panic can make the fear easier to manage, but it’s essential to give it before the storm starts. Often, the best solution is medication combined with snug-fitting shirts and capes, which have a soothing effect, and canine ear muffs and eye shades, which help to limit the dog’s exposure to the frightening phenomena. It can also be helpful to teach your dog to go to a place where he feels secure. That can be a closet, a crate lined with a towel or blanket (keep the door open), or a bathroom or bathtub. -- Mikkel Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Labs hold on to

Top-dog status

-- For a record 26th straight year, Labrador retrievers are the No. 1 pick of dog lovers in the United States. The American Kennel Club’s registration statistics track the numbers of the 189 AKC-recognized breeds. The Lab hit first place in 1990 and hasn’t left it since, mainly because of his friendly character and ease of training. “You don’t have to be an expert dog owner to own a Lab,” says AKC vice president Gina DiNardo. Following the Lab are the German shepherd, golden retriever, bulldog, beagle, French bulldog, poodle (all three varieties), Yorkshire terrier and boxer.

-- It’s National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Too often, those bites happen when trying to break up a dogfight. Here’s what you should know to prevent problems: Keep your dog close at hand and under control by using a 4-to-6-foot leash instead of a retractable leash. Don’t let your dog approach other dogs or people unless you ask permission first. Ditch the earbuds -- if you aren’t aware of what’s going on around you, you won’t see or hear an approaching off-leash dog. Avoid dog parks. Inattentive or inexperienced owners can let their dogs get out of control.

-- We think of cats as loners, but they can live together amicably given enough space for each cat and a consistent and predictable daily routine. According to cat expert Tony Buffington, DVM, a happy cat has unrestricted access to high-perch resting areas free of loud noises and pursuit by dogs and small children. There should be enough space in a room for each cat to keep a social distance of at least 3 feet. Some cats are happy to share space and groom each other, while others take turns using resting areas at different times of day. Sort of a kitty timeshare! -- 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.

When dogs eat poop, they can get more than just stinky breath. Parasites can come along for the ride

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

My 9-year-old dog, Harper, recently underwent a battery of blood tests and a fecal exam for an upcoming surgery. Her results were normal for the most part, but the fecal exam turned up an unexpected parasite: Eimeria spp. Dogs and cats are not normally hosts of this genus of coccidian parasites. It’s more commonly found in the intestinal tracts of birds such as geese and ducks, who may suffer diarrhea and even death if infected.

How did Harper end up hosting an avian parasite? Well, we live near a lake, and she is extremely fond of snacking on goose droppings when she can get away with it. Apparently, they are the canine version of pate de foie gras.

Fortunately, this type of Eimeria isn’t infective to dogs or cats. For that reason, it’s known as a pseudoparasite, or false parasite. It passes through the intestines and doesn’t require treatment. Other animals that carry Eimeria that isn’t infective to pets include rabbits and deer.

This doesn’t mean that eating poop is safe for your dog. This habit, known as coprophagy, derives from the Greek words “copros,” meaning feces, and “phagein,” meaning “to eat.”

Dogs like Harper who chow down on goose poop can be at risk for salmonella or Campylobacter bacteria, both of which can cause diarrhea in dogs. Rarely, they may suffer severe diarrhea, but most dogs with healthy immune systems aren’t affected. If you know your dog has a goose-poop habit and he suffers a case of the runs, that may be the cause. Check with your veterinarian if the diarrhea continues for 48 hours or more.

Infected bird droppings are also the source of a fungal infection called histoplasmosis. It’s common in the Midwest, in the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys, in the area surrounding the Great Lakes, and in parts of Canada. Young, large-breed dogs seem most likely to develop the disease, especially if they live in those areas and have prolonged exposure to Histoplasma-having organisms. One study found that other dogs at greater risk of histoplasmosis are pointers, Weimaraners and Brittanys. That’s likely because these hunting breeds spend more time outdoors.

Signs of histoplasmosis are vague: mild fever, depression, weight loss and loss of appetite. Some dogs develop labored breathing or a chronic cough. X-rays, urinalysis and blood tests can rule out other problems with the same signs. A definitive diagnosis requires microscopic examination of cells from lymph nodes or tissue samples.

The disease is treated with antifungal agents. Treatment can take up to six months to be successful, and not all dogs survive.

Birds aren’t the only culprits when it comes to spreading disease. Dogs can acquire coccidiosis from eating the waste of infected dogs. Coccidian protozoa infective to dogs are Cystoisospora canis, Cystoisospora ohioensis, Cystoisospora neorivolta and Cystyisospora burrowski. Cats can be infected by Cystoisospora felis and Cystoisospora rivolta.

Pets infected with one of these parasites may not show signs. Adult animals may shed the oocysts in their feces but otherwise be symptom-free. Puppies and kittens are at highest risk, suffering diarrhea, weight loss and dehydration. Stress can make the disease worse. In severe cases, young animals may die.

The good news is that cats and dogs can’t transmit coccidiosis to each other. Even better, they can’t transfer it to humans.

Lastly, many dogs love snacking on cat poop. That can be the source of roundworms, tapeworms, toxoplasmosis and giardia. One way to prevent your dog from taking up this nasty habit is to scoop the litter box once or twice daily to remove temptation. If possible, place it in an area that’s accessible to the cat but not the dog.

Q&A

Heart disease

common in cats

Q: My ragdoll cat has been breathing with his mouth open, and he doesn’t seem to want to play very much. Do you think he’s just getting older -- he’s 9 years old -- or should I take him to see the vet? -- via email

A: If you have an emergency veterinary clinic in your town, you should get your cat in right away. Don’t delay! His signs could indicate congestive heart failure from a disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Besides lethargy, decreased activity and open-mouthed breathing (usually after excitement or exercise), other signs include rapid or labored breathing or weakness or paralysis in the hind legs. A heart murmur is another indicator. Sometimes cats don’t show any signs -- that is, not until they collapse or even die suddenly.

Called HCM for short, this is the most common type of heart disease we see in cats. It causes the heart muscle to thicken, known as cardiac hypertrophy. The result is that it’s it more difficult for blood to enter the heart’s chamber and be pumped back out to the body.

We don’t know what causes HCM, but certain breeds such as Maine coons and ragdolls have a genetic mutation for the disease. Other breeds that are predisposed to HCM include Norwegian forest cats, Persians, Devon and Cornish rexes, and sphynxes, but it affects random-bred cats, too.

Cats of any age or gender can be diagnosed with HCM, but middle-aged males seem to be more commonly affected.

Medications are available that can slow the heart rate, help relax the pumping chambers and prevent fluid from building up in the lungs. Follow-up exams are important for cats on medication so the dosage can be adjusted as needed. With care, it’s not unusual for cats to live for months or even years after diagnosis. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Service dogs to help

veterans with PTSD

-- American Humane is looking for a few good dogs to join a new service dog program for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. The training program calls for calm dogs who are 10 to 18 months old. They should be motivated by treats or toys and in good health, able to pass a physical exam evaluating hips, elbows, vision, hearing and other health issues. Ideal canine candidates are interested in people, get along with other dogs, are willing to be touched all over, learn easily and rapidly, recover quickly after hearing an unexpected noise and are comfortable around many types of people.

-- What’s there to know about pet bowls? Plenty! Here are our top tips about choosing, using and caring for your dog or cat’s dishes. Choose sturdy stainless steel or ceramic bowls. Some pets are allergic to plastic and can develop acne. Nicks or scratches in plastic can also harbor bacteria. Clean and refill water dishes daily to prevent bacteria and scum buildup. Clean pet bowls in hot, soapy water after every meal. If you run them through the dishwasher, use the sanitize setting to kill bacteria. Wash hands with soap and water after handling pet dishes.

-- Events that raise awareness about pet health and welfare take place through the month of April. They include the ASPCA’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, American Red Cross’ Pet First Aid Awareness Month, Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month and National Heartworm Awareness Month. National Dog Bite Prevention Week takes place April 9-15, and National Pet ID Week is April 16-22. April 11 is National Pet Day. National Kids and Dogs Day and National Guide Dog Day are celebrated on April 26. Don’t forget Hairball Awareness Day on April 28 and National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on April 30. -- 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.