Some dogs and cats seem to be wusses when it comes to pain. Is there a genetic reason behind it?

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Does your dog or cat act as if you’re killing him when you trim his nails, even if you’ve never “quicked” him? Scream bloody murder when all the vet tech has done is wipe her skin with alcohol? Some breeds have a reputation for being crybabies because they have what seem to be excessive physical or vocal reactions to even minor procedures. Are they wimps, or could there be a genetic reason for their behavior?

Some breeds do seem to feel pain more acutely than others, according to Michael C. Petty, DVM, who presented a lecture on managing pain in surgical patients at the 2018 VMX conference in Orlando, Florida, in February. He specifically calls out beagles, Shetland sheepdogs, and Northern breeds such as Siberian huskies -- known for their excessive vocalizations. Other veterinarians agree.

“I think Arctic breeds probably do have a heightened pain response,” says Tamara Grubb, DVM, assistant clinical professor of anesthesia and analgesia at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Right now, she’s speaking simply from experience, but she believes that one day researchers will find that certain breeds have a genetic predisposition for a heightened pain response.

We know from studies in humans that complex environmental and genetic factors result in a high degree of individual responses to pain. Subtle changes in DNA may at least partially explain the different ways people perceive and express pain. There appear to be a number of genes in humans and animals that influence sensitivity to pain.

The genes that dictate coat color may also affect behavior or pain sensitivity in some way. It’s been found, for instance, that people with red hair are more sensitive to certain types of pain because they have specific gene variants. In his lecture, Dr. Petty says, “These people have a lower thermal threshold, need higher levels of anesthetics and don’t always respond to the effects of lidocaine like other people do. I suspect that some animals have the same issue.”

A study at the University of California, Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital found that cats with calico and tortoiseshell coats are more likely to hiss, chase, bite, swat or scratch when being handled by humans. Maybe their coat color genetics are linked to greater sensitivity to pain, although one of the authors, Melissa J. Bain, DVM, said they didn’t look at reaction to pain in their study.

It could also be that there’s no real link between coat color and certain behaviors. It may simply be what’s known in evolutionary biology as a spandrel: a byproduct of the evolution of some other characteristic -- in this case, pain sensitivity -- but with no direct relationship.

Some animals who more readily express pain also react differently to certain drugs. Veterinary anesthesiologist Jordyn Boesch, DVM, says breeds such as Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes become restless, anxious or depressed under the influence of certain doses of opioids used during procedures requiring anesthesia. That doesn’t mean that opioids shouldn’t be used with them, but that they should receive the lowest effective dose, she says.

Can you teach your pet to exhibit less drama when you trim nails or visit the vet? Dr. Petty noted that dogs and cats may benefit from Fear Free techniques or the feline-friendly handling guidelines developed by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Techniques for at home and in the veterinary clinic include providing emotional and physical support, including offering a favorite treat or toy during the procedure; reducing the risk of nausea and vomiting by providing medication before car rides to the vet and prior to surgery; and environmental management of light, noise, odors, slick floors and other factors that can affect a pet’s comfort level.

Q&A

The rise of

cat worship

Q: Did the ancient Egyptians really worship cats?

A: You bet! They worshipped many deities, and several of them had feline personas. That’s not surprising. Early Egyptians paid homage to particular animals for reasons that often related to services they performed or admirable qualities they displayed. The cat’s prowess at hunting, with the resulting vermin control in grain storage areas, made them well worthy of worship in the eyes of ancient Egyptians.

As Egyptian culture evolved, so did the prominent role of cats in the pantheon of gods. One was the goddess Mafdet. She personified execution -- we all know that cats are excellent executioners of mice -- and was also associated with protection from venomous animals. Her name meant “she who runs swiftly,” and one of her titles was “slayer of serpents.” Clearly, the Egyptians had those cat attributes nailed.

Another cat goddess was Bast, also known as Bubastis. She took the form of a cat as well and was considered to be the protector of the pharaoh. Not surprisingly, considering the fertility of cats to this day, Bast also represented fertility and motherhood, and women visited her temple to pray for children. At Bast’s temple lived sacred cats who were cared for by priests.

Sekhmet, a lion-headed goddess, symbolized the sun. Her name meant “one who is powerful,” and she was considered a war goddess. One of her titles was “Lady of Slaughter.”

You can see where this is going. Egyptian cats were idolized as killing machines. But they were appreciated for their softer side as well. Household cats were cared for and adored. When the family cat died, Egyptians shaved their eyebrows as a sign of mourning. Today, many of us keep cats as pets, but they remind us always that they are special and deserving of devotion, just as they were 5,000 years ago. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

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

THE BUZZ

Water dispensers

recalled by IKEA

-- If you purchased a Lurvig water dispenser from IKEA for your dog or cat, return it immediately for a full refund. The company is recalling the dispensers after two dogs suffocated when their heads became stuck in the water dispenser. The water dispensers were sold in U.S. stores and online between October 2017 and June 2018, for $7.99. “IKEA urges customers to stop using the water dispenser and return it to any IKEA store for a full refund,” the company said in a statement on its website. A receipt or other proof of purchase is not required for the return.

-- The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is receiving an increasing number of calls regarding pets who have eaten marijuana plants or dried cannabis, as are local veterinarians. Animals can get sick from eating cannabis or edibles, becoming depressed or fatigued, dribbling urine and developing a low body temperature and slow heart rate. More serious side effects from products with higher concentrations include low blood pressure, agitation and seizures. At least one pet has died. The message to owners: Don’t be afraid to call a poison control hotline or to take your pet to the vet if you know or suspect he has ingested marijuana. They won’t turn you in, and they do want to care for your pet.

-- Beagles rank sixth among the breeds registered by the American Kennel Club. The small scenthounds are known for a merry temperament and a love of sniffing. Don’t expect to go at a fast pace on a walk with a beagle because he’ll constantly be stopping to smell the roses -- and whatever else has an interesting scent. Beware: Beagles howl and they are food thieves, but generally they will charm you into forgiving them with a melting look from their soft brown eyes. -- 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.

33 places to share your vacation with your dog

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Whether your plans this year include a vacation or a staycation, there’s no reason to leave your dog out of the fun. Dog-friendly spots abound across the United States and include botanical gardens, breweries, festivals, hikes, museums and more. No matter where you’re located, there’s a good chance you’ll be within driving distance of at least one of these activities. Assume that dogs must be leashed unless informed otherwise. Check AirBnB, FlipKey and VRBO for pet-friendly rentals.

“Barkansas” is filled with natural wonders for dogs -- and their humans -- to explore, including Lake Wilson Park south of Fayetteville and Lake Ouachita Vista Trail near Mount Ida. For a more manicured experience, visit Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs or the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa in Eureka Springs, with 15 acres of gardens and hiking trails. In Little Rock, you and your dog can take self-guided tours of the Arkansas River Trail, Arkansas State Capitol Grounds and Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Walk.

It’s hard to find a place in California that isn’t dog-friendly. In Laguna Beach, enjoy outdoor dining at Brussels Bistro or Watermarc. In summer, take your dog to Laguna’s beaches before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. The rest of the year, leashed dogs can play all day. In Santa Barbara, visit the botanical gardens or the Sunday art sale and walk.

Visiting Chicago? Sign up for Mercury’s 90-minute Canine Cruise, a floating history and architecture tour of the city with dog-friendly highlights such as the oldest fire hydrant in the city and the park with the most squirrels. Departs Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 7.

In Kentucky, Shaker Village and Kentucky Horse Park are two top attractions that allow leashed dogs. Shaker Village has pet-friendly trails and overnight rooms. At KHP, pets are allowed on the grounds, in the museum lobby and at restaurant outdoor seating.

Maine attraction? In Bar Harbor, you and your dog can cruise Frenchman Bay on the Margaret Todd schooner (go midday for fewer people) or explore Acadia National Park.

If you’re summering in Nantucket, take Fido on a private charter with Endeavor Sailing Excursions or take him kayaking at Francis Street Beach. Afterward, kick back with a brew at dog-friendly Cisco Brewers.

Dogs can’t appreciate the art inside Kansas City, Missouri's, Nelson-Atkins Museum or Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, but they are allowed on the grounds, dotted with sculptures. In St. Louis, look for a paw print logo at shops and restaurants to identify those that are dog-friendly. Enjoy Yappy Hour at Anheuser-Busch Biergarten every day the outdoor garden is open.

Asheville, North Carolina, is home to majestic Biltmore Estate on 220 acres. Explore the grounds with your dog, then settle him in the on-site kennel while you tour the house. In Wilmington, start your morning at Java Dog Coffee House and finish the day with dinner on the deck at The George restaurant on the Riverwalk.

Hit the water with your dog in Bend, Oregon, where you can float the Deschutes River by kayak, paddleboard or other craft that holds your dog. Other dog-friendly activities include riding the Mount Bachelor Pine Marten chairlift up to hiking trails. In Portland, visit the world-famous Rose Garden or sign up for a Portland Food Cart Tour. Dine at Tin Shed Garden Cafe, where your dog gets fed, too.

In Oklahoma, dogs are welcome at Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, a 3,700-acre working ranch in Bartlesville with bison, elk, longhorn cattle and more.

Leashed dogs can attend shows at Northern Sky Theater in Fish Creek, Wisconsin, presenting family-friendly musicals under the stars through August.

Don’t see your city or state here? Future features will focus on pet-friendly breweries and wineries and winter destinations, whether you’re looking for warm or cold weather. Bark voyage!

Q&A

Appetite may

signal illness

Q: My pet always eats well, and lately he’s been eating more than usual. I’ve always thought that a good appetite means he’s healthy, but something just seems off about him. Should I be worried?

A: We all like to see our pets enjoy their food, but eating a lot isn’t always a sign of good health. It’s normal for pets to have a big appetite when they’re growing or have an active lifestyle. Pregnant or nursing animals also eat more food than normal. But an increased appetite in the absence of those situations can be cause for concern.

Puppies and kittens with a pot-bellied appearance who are eating but losing weight may have an infestation of intestinal parasites such as roundworms. A fecal exam will tell the tale.

Pets who eat ravenously and still want more but are losing weight may have a health problem. Those signs can indicate diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats; hyperthyroidism in cats; or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI, for short), in which the body has difficulty digesting food and absorbing nutrients.

Increased appetite accompanied by seizures can signal insulinoma, a pancreatic tumor. An unexplained appetite increase along with hair loss and increased thirst and urination can indicate a condition called Cushing’s disease.

If your pet has any of these signs, your veterinarian will conduct a physical exam and ask questions such as what your pet eats, how often, how long since you first noticed the problem and whether you’ve noticed other changes in your pet’s daily routine and habits. She may recommend screening tests such as various types of blood work or a urinalysis. Once the problem is determined, your pet can be treated. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Bird brain?

Think again

-- Why are parrots so smart? Canadian neuroscientists have discovered that the brainy birds have a neural circuit that transfers information between the cortex and the cerebellum. Called the medial spiriform nucleus (SpM), it’s similar to an area of the brain in primates, the pontine nuclei, that performs the same function. “This loop between the cortex and the cerebellum is important for the planning and execution of sophisticated behaviors,” said Doug Wylie, the study’s co-author and professor of psychology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. Parrots have an SpM that is two to five times larger than that in other types of birds. The paper, “Parrots have evolved a primate-like telencephalic-midbrain-cerebellar circuit,” was published earlier this month in the journal Scientific Reports.

-- One of the final vestiges of ancient American dogs is a type of cancer: canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT). Analysis of DNA from the remains of 71 ancient dogs located in North America and Siberia found that they were a distinct population, unlike modern and ancient Eurasian dogs. Little of their DNA remains in modern dogs, based on DNA analysis of 5,000 dogs, including village dogs, from North and South America. The closest detectable link to indigenous American dogs is CTVT, a contagious cancer clone derived from a single dog who lived some 8,000 years ago. Scientists speculate that the dogs died of CTVT or from infectious diseases that arrived with European dogs.

-- If your cat keeps you up at night, feed into his night-owl personality by giving a meal before bedtime. Cats like to eat at night and typically rest afterward. Or set timed feeders to open during the night, at whatever time your cat typically awakens you, or early in the morning so you can sleep in. Set out food-filled puzzles or hide treats that your cat can hunt for at night. Soon you should be sleeping through the night. -- 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.

Dogs and cats populate our language in clever and creative ways

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

When I was growing up, I was a shy, quiet child, and the phrase I heard most often from my grandmother was “What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?” When I began writing this week’s feature -- on the many ways animals appear in our language -- it was the first phrase that came to mind.

While it seems as if this saying should have a colorful history, its origins are as shy as I was. Its first known appearance in print was in Ballou’s Monthly Magazine, vol. 53, in 1881, where it was described as a phrase said by children. One other theory, unsupported by quality references, suggests that the saying dates to the Middle Ages, when it was thought that a witch’s cat would steal or control the tongue of anyone who saw the witch in action so that she couldn’t be reported to the authorities.

This time of year is notable for its "dog days," known for their scorching heat. The dog days occur in summer when Sirius, the dog star, shines brightly in the sky. Its name derives from the ancient Greek word “seirios,” meaning “sparking,” “fiery” or “burning.” The star, which rises early in the morning in the path of the sun, was thought to be the cause of hot midsummer days. The dog days begin in mid-to-late July and end on Aug. 11.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines a "cool cat" as a fashionable person. I prefer the American Heritage Dictionary’s slang definition of the word cool -- composure or poise -- because that so perfectly describes a cat’s normal state of being. The phrase "cool cat" entered the language in the 1940s, associated with jazz music. The digital Oxford English Dictionary says slang references to cats as people who appreciate jazz date to 1936, and the use of cool in reference to jazz music appeared in 1947. The mashup "cool cat" probably occurred soon thereafter.

The metaphor “black dog” as a term for depression has a long history. The negative image of black dogs dates to Roman times, when the poet Horace wrote that the sight of a black dog with puppies was a bad omen. Wordsmith Samuel Johnson used the phrase in the 18th century to describe his melancholia, and Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable listed the saying “a black dog has walked over him” to describe a sullen person. In the 20th century, British prime minister Winston Churchill used the phrase “black dog” to refer to his own depression.

Have you ever let the cat out of the bag? This idiom, referring to spilling a secret, has no clear origin, but Barbara Mikkelson of the urban folklore website Snopes.com wrote in 2012 that “it could have to do with a similarity between the behavior of both secrets and cats -- once either is let out, they go wherever they want.” I am reminded of the time our late cat Peter the Gray trapped himself inside a plastic bag and ran frantically back and forth down the hall trying to escape it. In much the same way, a secret-keeper often struggles to contain his or her knowledge until it finally bursts out -- the way Peter did from the bag.

It’s a dog’s life. We all wish we could live that, don’t we? Or do we? What does that phrase mean? In its earliest known reference in a 16th-century manuscript, it referred to a miserably unhappy existence. But considering the multi-billion-dollar pet industry in this country alone, I think that now we can safely say that the phrase refers to a pampered life indeed.

Q&A

Bicycle can be good

dog exercise tool

Q: I often see people bicycling with their dogs running alongside them. Is that a good way to exercise dogs?

A: Letting a dog run alongside a bike can be a great way to exercise him if he’s in good shape and not overweight. Before you decide to exercise your dog this way, take him in for a checkup with your veterinarian. He shouldn’t be overweight, because running can be hard on his joints. And it’s not something to do with a puppy whose growth plates haven’t closed yet. But if you have a dog who loves to run and has an excess of energy, you have yourself the makings of a bicycling companion.

To get started, your dog should know and respond to the cues "sit," "leave it" and "heel." Start slowly, and gradually build up speed and distance. Keep your dog at a trot, not a run. Make sure he’s not overheating; take a break if you notice that he’s panting hard, slowing down, trying to run toward shade or wanting to lie down. Bring water to give him, and offer it frequently.

Schedule rides for early morning or evening when it’s cool, never in the middle of the day if it’s hot. Avoid busy streets if possible, and make sure your dog wears a flashing collar or orange safety vest so drivers see him. Don’t use an extendible leash or carry the leash in your hand; both can easily lead to a bike wreck. You can purchase an attachment for your bike that keeps your dog alongside it and unable to run off after a bird or squirrel.

Not every dog is suited to running alongside a bike. Skip this type of exercise if you have a bulldog, French bulldog, dogue de Bordeaux or other flat-faced breed or mix. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Algal growth harmful

to pets, people

-- Beware of blue-green algae in water where your pet plays or swims. The algal blooms, often the result of agricultural runoff, produce toxins that affect the gastrointestinal tract and liver, causing vomiting or diarrhea. In severe cases, the animal can suffer liver failure. Blue-green algae blooms look like blue or green paint spilled on the surface of non-moving water, says Steve Ensley, a clinical veterinary toxicologist at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. Keep pets (and yourself) away from lakes or ponds with blue-green algae, which commonly develops when temperatures are high and rain falls regularly. “Rain causes lakes and ponds to become enriched with an excess amount of nutrients, like phosphorus and nitrogen, causing bacteria to bloom at a more rapid pace,” Ensley said in a news release.

-- Chatty catty? If you have a cat who loves to converse with you, she’s likely a member of the Siamese family. Cats with the gift of gab vocalize seemingly nonstop, telling you about their day, asking about yours, commenting on how you could be doing things better (like feeding them more or pulling out their favorite toy) and complaining about the barking dog next door. Other cat breeds with talkative tendencies include Balinese, Orientals, Bombays, Burmese, Japanese bobtail, Tonkinese, and Devon, Cornish and Selkirk rex cats. Beyond meows, their vocalizations include chirps, chattering, yowls and trills.

-- Not everyone has easy access to a veterinarian. Rural communities often lack options for animal care. Rural Area Veterinary Services steps in with spay/neuter and other surgeries, vaccinations, parasite treatment, porcupine quill removal and other care. The organization helps more than 8,000 animals annually and helps to develop humane animal care and control programs in communities. The organization relies on volunteer veterinary professionals and students to provide services. Donations can be made at ruralareavet.org. -- 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.