What to consider when you make your choice

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

When you buy a puppy, you might think that you’re simply acquiring a family companion, but you’re also participating in a billion-dollar business that crosses all lines of the economy. You can purchase a puppy from your neighbor down the street whose dog had an “oops” litter, from breeders who raise show or sport dogs as well as pets, from importers and rescue groups who bring them in from overseas, and from commercial breeders, ranging from mom-and-pop puppy farms to large-scale dog-production operations.

Does it matter where a puppy comes from as long as you’re happy with him? Yes and no. A puppy’s start in life can affect health and temperament through the years. Knowing his background can prepare you for issues you may encounter, including housetraining and behavior problems. Here’s how to find a great puppy from a good source.

Smart puppy buyers know the adage “You get what you pay for.” Choosing a puppy with a healthy start in life is likely to save you money in the long run.

Whether you want a purebred or a cross-breed (aka “designer dog”), look for a breeder who health-tests dogs for inherited problems before breeding them and has the paperwork to prove it; provides dogs with good veterinary care and high-quality food; and raises puppies in the home with good opportunities for socialization to people and the environment.

Don’t put a premium on “papers.” Registration papers, whether from the American Kennel Club or any other organization, aren’t a guarantee of quality, health or temperament. Neither is breeder licensing by the United States Department of Agriculture. No agency or registry requires breeders to perform any specific health testing or socialization.

If possible, meet a puppy’s mother and the breeder’s other dogs. If they are friendly or have other positive personality traits common to their breed, your puppy will probably have a similar temperament. If they are shy or aggressive, look elsewhere.

Choose a breeder who offers a sales contract spelling out a two-year health guarantee against inherited diseases common in the breed. A breeder should be able to show you up-to-date copies of health certifications performed by specialists on both parents of puppies. It's a bonus if the breeder asks you to keep in touch throughout the dog’s life and requires you to return the puppy at any time if you can’t keep him.

Red flags: breeders who don’t want buyers to see puppies at their home or breeding facility, puppies who aren’t raised in a home environment, offers of “next-day shipping,” or availability of large numbers of puppies.

Other sources for puppies are animal shelters and rescue groups. If possible, talk to a shelter employee or rescue volunteer who can counsel you about the puppies and share observations about their behavior.

Don’t assume that a shelter’s assessment of a dog’s breed or mix is accurate. Unless they have firsthand knowledge from the person who brought the pups to the shelter or rescue group, employees and volunteers can only make guesses about a puppy’s background. As he grows, your adopted puppy may be a “surprise package” of size and behavior traits. Be prepared for anything!

Wherever you get your pup, put at least the same amount of thought and research into his purchase that you would if you were buying a new car or refrigerator. When you’re spending anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for a dog who will spend the next 10 or more years with you, you should get your money’s worth.

Be patient. Some things in life are worth waiting for, and that includes puppies. Hold out for the one who’s right for you, instead of taking home the first one you see.

Q&A

Cat won’t come

out of hiding

Q: We’re fostering a cat, and she beelined for the bedroom as soon as we brought her home. She has food, water and a litter box in there, and she’ll let us pet her, but she won’t come out from under the bed. We have two other cats, but we haven’t let them into the room yet. What can we do to help her feel safe?

A: In new surroundings, cats need time and space before they feel safe enough to explore. Right now, under the bed is your foster cat’s happy place: It’s dark and quiet and she feels safe there from any potential threats, whether those are the hands of strangers or the two cats she can undoubtedly smell, even if they haven’t been allowed in the room.

The best thing you can do is to give her the opportunity to relax and explore her new surroundings at her own pace. Don’t push her by trying to pet her or play with her. Sit in the room quietly, but don’t try to coax her over to you. Right now, she just needs to become accustomed to your scent and presence. You can intrigue her by tossing treats in her direction -- without looking at her -- or wiggling a long teaser toy that allows her to stalk and play without getting too close to you. Other things that can help, according to the Fear Free Happy Homes blog, include spraying the room with a synthetic feline pheromone or playing cat-specific music that has calming properties.

Cats are most interested in people who leave them alone and don’t stare at them because that’s proper feline etiquette in the “getting to know you” process. It could take days or even weeks for her to feel comfortable in your presence, so be patient. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Beware the bufo!

Toad toxic to pets

-- Pet owners in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, Hawaii and Massachusetts should be on the lookout for a giant invasive toad that secretes a highly toxic milky substance. Dogs or cats who grab onto the toad can die if they ingest the secretion. At a minimum it causes drooling, head-shaking, crying, incoordination and seizures. The gums may turn red. If you know your pet has come in contact with a bufo toad, use a hose to run water in the side of the mouth, pointing the head downward so your dog or cat doesn’t swallow the water -- and with it, the toxin. Then get him to your veterinarian immediately. The toads are known to eat pet food, so don’t attract them by leaving food outdoors. And don’t touch the toads yourself: The secretion can burn eyes and irritate skin.

--It’s no wonder the golden retriever ranks third among the breeds registered by the American Kennel Club. They have a sunny temperament, a beautiful feathered coat in rich shades of gold, and great love for people. Beyond being family companions, they keep busy as therapy dogs, service dogs, guide dogs, hunting dogs and canine athletes. Choose a golden if you’re an active person with plenty of time to spend with a dog and don’t mind a little gold fur glistening on your clothes and furniture.

-- Pets are good medicine! A University of Michigan poll on healthy aging conducted last year found that adults between the ages of 50 and 80 credited pets with helping them enjoy life (88 percent), feel loved (86 percent), reduce stress (79 percent), provide a sense of purpose (73 percent) and stick to a routine (62 percent). Respondents also said pets helped them connect with other people, remain physically active and cope with physical and emotional symptoms. -- 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.

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 of 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. Poisoning by rodenticides containing anticoagulants is 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 28th 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 192 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. The Lab's devotion to people may also be a factor. "They live to breathe your air," says Lab breeder Linda C. Rehkopf. Following the Lab are the German shepherd, golden retriever, French bulldog, bulldog, beagle, poodle (all three varieties), Rottweiler, German shorthaired pointer and Yorkshire terrier.

-- Poet T.S. Eliot called April "the cruelest month," but for animal lovers, it's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. Ways to help animals during this month -- and year-round -- include training them early in life using positive reinforcement techniques so as to prevent behavior problems; playing with them, whether that's with a rousing game of fetch, a teaser toy for cats or participating in a fun sport such as agility or nosework; adopting from, fostering for or volunteering at a shelter; and supporting laws that protect farm animals and pets from abuse.

-- 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.

Walking a dog is good exercise for seniors, but they can be at risk for falls. Experts offer tips to help keep them fracture-free

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Turkan Tokcan was walking her daughter’s dog. As she stopped to look for something in her purse, she wrapped the leash around her two middle fingers. Another dog passed by, and Buster, usually calm, launched himself at the interloper. The result -- two painfully broken fingers -- took months to heal. Tokcan is still unable to fully bend one of them.

It’s not an unusual injury, especially when it comes to older dog owners. A study published last month in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the annual number of patients 65 years and older presenting to U.S. emergency departments with fractures associated with walking leashed dogs increased significantly between 2004 and 2017, primarily among women (78.6 percent).

“The doctors said they see these cases too many times,” says Tokcan’s daughter, Sebnem. “People underestimate the power of their dogs.”

Dogs cross in front of us, stop suddenly to sniff and take off running if they see a kid playing with a remote-controlled car. Humans, especially as they age, experience deficits in balance, hearing, vision, strength and flexibility, all of which can contribute to a fall when combined with an excited, fearful or poorly trained dog. Injuries to hips, wrists and upper arms were most commonly reported.

Accidents happen when people are distracted or aren’t paying attention while walking dogs. Here are some tips from experts on making dog walks safer for seniors -- and anyone else.

-- Hold the leash correctly. “Wrapping a leash around the wrist is a big no-no that’s likely to result in injury for anyone who does it, especially seniors who are at higher risk of injury due to brittle bones,” says Mikkel Becker, lead trainer for Fear Free Pets. “Learning how to hold a leash properly can be a life-saving technique to keep people from being pulled or dragged.” Use a strong grip that allows you to release quickly if needed.

-- Use a shorter leash. A good length is 4 feet, says Edward T. Creagan, M.D., an expert on healthy aging and a dog lover himself who lives with two golden retrievers. “The longer the leash, the more velocity the dog can have. Even if Fido is 30 or 40 pounds, a long leash becomes a vector for velocity and can pull the pet owner off their feet.”

-- Take a refresher course with a trainer who can focus on your dog’s leash manners. Dogs tend to walk all over the place, following their noses. Walking by our side at our pace is not natural for them, so they need training, says animal behavior technician Debbie Martin. “Choose someone who understands how to use motivators to teach a dog how to walk nicely on leash,” she says. “We have to make it worth their while and something that’s fun for them as well, so the walk is enjoyable not only for the people but also for the animal.”

-- Teach impulse control, especially at the top of stairs, at the door or when approaching a fun place such as the park. Dogs need to learn that patience pays off more quickly than pulling or pushiness, Becker says. Exercises to practice include waiting calmly to be leashed. A positive-reinforcement trainer can help with techniques.

-- Be mindful. Pay attention to your surroundings so you don’t miss a beeping horn, environmental obstacles such as curbs or tree roots that have pushed up a section of sidewalk, or the approach of another dog. “Inattention is a common mistake people make that leads to injury,” Dr. Creagan says.

Most important, keep walking your dog. The purpose of the study isn’t to discourage seniors from walking their dogs, says lead author Kevin Pirruccio. “We hope our results help make dog walking safer for seniors by raising awareness about which situations may put patients at risk for these injuries.”

Q&A

How to deter

bites from cat

Q: My 10-month-old cat bites me. Will he outgrow this?

A: You don’t describe the situations in which your cat bites, but a common one is when the cat feels overstimulated from petting.

Cats can’t say, “Hey, stop, I don’t like that anymore,” so they bite or scratch to send that message. If your cat bites when you pet him, pay closer attention to his body language. If the tail is whipping, eyes are dilated or ears go flat, sideways or back, stop! Let him chill before you pet him again.

Cats also bite if they don’t like where they’re being petted. Dogs love belly rubs, but cats ... not so much. That is the last place you want to reach out and touch them. Even if your cat loves and trusts you, it’s instinctive for him to protect his soft underbelly with a bite or swat. Don’t make him do it!

If your cat nails you, freeze instead of pulling away. Struggling and movement will excite him; the action is like that of prey. If you hold still, though, he will likely let go. Don’t yell at him, but redirect his attention to a toy.

By becoming aware of your cat’s tolerance levels, reducing triggers that make him bite and not using your hand as a plaything -- waggling fingers, for instance -- you will protect yourself from his teeth and claws.

The sweet spots for petting a cat are beneath the chin, behind the ears, on the cheeks behind the whiskers and at the base of the tail. All of these areas are where scent glands are concentrated. Scritching your cat in these places spreads his scent and makes his environment (and you) smell familiar, which is all to the good if you want to have a happy, purring cat. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Watch for signs of

arthritis in cats

-- Does your cat seem to be slowing down? She may have degenerative joint disease. Cats at increased risk include Maine coons, which have a genetic tendency toward hip dysplasia; Abyssinians and Devon rex, prone to patellar luxation; and Scottish folds, because the gene that causes the ears to fold is also associated with cartilage and bone abnormalities. Other risk factors include injury, obesity, chronic kidney disease and age. Take your cat to the veterinarian if you notice changes in behavior such as becoming aggressive or withdrawn; appetite loss; poor litter box use; constipation; difficulty grooming himself or dislike of being brushed or combed; and unfriendliness toward people or other animals with whom he was previously friendly.

-- In a survey of 3,673 pet owners, 45 percent expressed interest in learning more about nutritional adequacy of plant-based diets for pets. A commonly reported concern about feeding a meat-based diet was farm-animal welfare. The objective of the survey, which was published January 15 in the online journal PLOS ONE, was to estimate the number of meat-avoiding pet owners, identify concerns regarding conventional animal- and plant-based pet food, and estimate the number of pets fed a plant-based diet. While some dogs can subsist on a plant-based diet, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must have meat in their diet. Pets who naturally eat only a plant-based diet include rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs, as well as certain reptiles, such as iguanas and land tortoises, making them good choices for vegetarian and vegan owners.

-- Life is never dull with a poodle of any size (standards are 18 to 24 inches, minis 15 inches or less, toys 10 inches or less). The active, athletic dogs excel in canine sports. Exuberant and enthusiastic, they view the world as their stage, with humans as their adoring audience. -- 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.