11 smart ways to help your puppy become the dog of your dreams

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Whether your new puppy is your very first or the latest in a long line of family dogs, a little advice on bringing him up can help ensure that he has a great start in life. Sometimes we forget what puppies are like, especially if the last one was 10 or more years ago, and if you’re new to puppies, they can be a mystery. The following tips can put you and your new pup on sound footing.

1. Start as you mean to go on. “What’s cute at 18 pounds isn’t cute at 118 pounds,” says Bernese mountain dog owner Adam Conn. Teach young pups to sit instead of jumping up when greeting people, especially if they are going to be jumbo-size as adults. If you don’t plan to allow your dog on the furniture when he’s grown because he’ll be too big or furry or drooly, don’t make an exception when he’s a small puppy.

2. Introduce puppies to being brushed and combed and having teeth brushed from day one. Even if a pup doesn’t have much coat yet, becoming used to the grooming process will save both of you stress in the long run.

3. Live by a schedule. “They poop and pee a lot more than you’d expect,” says beagle owner and dog trainer Denise Nord. Set a timer, and take them out every hour during the day until you get a handle on their personal schedule. Every pup is different.

4. Don’t take them out to potty and then go right back in. Let them have a little fun outside first. Sniffing and exploring are important to dogs.

5. Speaking of exploring, puppies need plenty of socialization -- exposure to new people, places, objects and experiences -- but in a positive way. “The more new experiences you can introduce your puppy to under calm, controlled conditions, the more likely he will be to accept new situations with a confident attitude,” says Fear Free Pets lead trainer Mikkel Becker. New situations should be fun, not scary, with the pup having the option to investigate at her own pace.

6. Don’t miss your puppy’s peak socialization and learning period (3 to 12 weeks of age) by keeping him at home until all his vaccinations are completed. “If you wait until your dog is 10 months old and 75 pounds before you take them anywhere except the vet, you will have issues,” says dog trainer and Labrador owner Liz Harward. It’s safe to take your pup to a socialization or “kindergarten” class as long as he has had at least one set of vaccinations and the other puppies have had vaccinations as well. Avoid places where unknown dogs gather, such as parks and pet stores.

7. Exercise appropriately. Puppies are active, no doubt about it, but they aren’t ready to become jogging partners until they are 18 to 24 months old. Running with them too early during bone development can cause permanent damage and pain, says English springer spaniel breeder Linda Prouty. Talk to your veterinarian about when your pup’s growth plates will close.

8. Schedule downtime. Puppies need plenty of rest, or they’ll become cranky, just like a toddler. Use a crate, exercise pen or puppy-proofed room for naptime -- and for any time you can’t actively supervise your puppy’s activities and whereabouts.

9. Too much freedom too soon makes it difficult for puppies to become housetrained and learn house manners. For instance, they can learn to chew on the wrong things, says trainer Liz Palika.

10. Puppies need guidance, but it’s important not to push them too quickly. “I encourage people to let their pup grow up and take that time to build a solid working relationship that will pay dividends in the end,” says flat-coated retriever breeder Xan Latta.

11. Most important, enjoy that first year. “It goes fast,” Harward says.

Q&A

Drooling may be

clue to cavity

Q: My cat has started drooling frequently, and I can’t figure out why. What could cause this?

A: A number of things can cause cats to drool, including a foreign object stuck in the mouth or ingestion of a toxic substance. But one of the most common is the development of cavities.

Cats may not have a sweet tooth, but they can develop cavities, known as resorptive lesions. They start inside the tooth and move outward toward the pulp -- or even exposing it. I don’t know if you’ve ever had a tooth injury that exposed the pulp, but it’s extremely painful!

The result can be a cat who drools or finds it painful to eat. You may notice your cat picking up a piece of food and then dropping it. She’s not playing; it hurts because the tooth is so sensitive.

Research shows that nearly half of all cats older than 5 years have at least one tooth affected by a resorptive lesion. Your veterinarian may point out a small red area at the gumline that’s characteristic of the condition. In other instances, the lesions may be identified only through dental X-rays.

Cats don’t get fillings for their cavities. Instead, affected teeth are removed while the cat is under anesthesia. Feline teeth are small and fragile, so it takes care to remove the entire tooth, including the part below the gumline. Once teeth with RLs are gone, the pain goes away, too. And your cat will be able to eat comfortably, even with a few missing teeth.

This is why I always recommend that cats (and dogs) be checked twice a year, from teeth to tail, to make sure they aren’t suffering any painful conditions. Your pet will thank you! -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Cats at risk from

tick-borne diseases

-- Cats don’t get ticks or tick diseases, right? Wrong. While cats are more resistant than dogs to tick-borne diseases, it doesn’t mean that exposure to ticks can’t or won’t cause disease. Among the ticks that may feed on cats are brown dog ticks, which transmit ehrlichiosis; lone star and American dog ticks, which transmit a potentially fatal feline disease called cytauxzoonosis; and black-legged ticks, which transmit anaplasmosis. Cats who go outdoors should receive routine tick preventive year-round or wear a breakaway tick collar.

-- Dogs don’t get colds, but they can get illnesses that have similar signs, such as coughing, a runny nose or sneezing. Take your dog to the veterinarian for prolonged coughing or coughing accompanied by labored breathing, bloody phlegm or runny eyes or nose. A runny nose that continues for more than several hours requires veterinary attention as well. If your dog sneezes, he may have mild nasal irritation that will resolve on its own, but frequent sneezing, especially accompanied by a runny nose, may indicate anything from allergies to an infection to something stuck in the nose.

-- Hamsters need dental care, too. You don’t have to brush their teeth, but they need access to material they can chew. Chewing wears down the constantly growing teeth so they don’t grow too long and develop abscesses. Hamster teeth that are too long can also grow through the roof of the mouth, invading the nasal cavity. Suspect dental problems if a hamster is drooling, not eating as much, losing weight or has bad breath. Take your hamster to the veterinarian so the teeth can be trimmed and antibiotics prescribed if necessary. Once the teeth get to this state, they will likely need to be trimmed by the veterinarian for the rest of the animal’s life. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

What to 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.