Log your dog’s activities and photos, find first aid tips and pet-friendly hotels, save money and more with these 8 petcentric apps

Andrews McMeel Syndication

We don’t know about you, but one of our perpetual New Year’s resolutions is to become better organized. Another is to keep better track of our pets’ care. Both -- and more -- can be accomplished through apps aimed at dog and cat lovers. Here are eight to help you maintain pet records, know what to do during emergencies, plan pet-friendly trips and even have a little fun.

Remembering when to give medications is one of the most important chores a pet parent can have. An app called 11pets allows you to set up schedules for giving parasite preventives and other medications. Other features include the ability to track pet care tasks such as nail trims, baths, brushing teeth, and checking and cleaning ears; log weight; and record incidents that may be important to discuss at veterinary visits.

Another app, Dog Buddy, lets owners record milestones; organize photos; list medications, dosages and frequency; have veterinary contact information immediately available; monitor mealtimes; and more. Other uses include reminders for upcoming veterinary visits or training sessions and canine first aid tips.

Pet First Aid from the American Red Cross describes what’s normal for dogs and cats, the ABCs of first aid (airway, breathing, circulation), and what to do for everything from allergic reactions to wounds. The app covers how to prepare for emergencies, what to know about traveling with pets, fire safety, toxic substances and even how to know when it’s time to say goodbye. “The app is easy to navigate and contains veterinarian-approved tips and info to render aid to injured cats and dogs,” says Arden Moore, master certified pet first aid/CPR instructor and founder of Pet First Aid 4U. “The download is easy on any device, and there are updates when new info arises. I highly recommend this app to all my Pet First Aid 4U and my Pro Pet Hero students.”

A more specialized app, Cardalis, monitors respiratory rates for dogs with heart disease. An increased rate can signal onset of congestive heart failure. Tap the heart symbol to start it and tap again with each breath until the timer stops and gives a count.

Saving money on prescriptions is good for pet health and wallet health. You might be familiar with GoodRx discount coupons for your own medications, but did you know they’re also available for pet medications? Medications you may be able to find at a lower price include Rimadyl, diltiazem, Onsior, gabapentin, insulin, Clomicalm, Reconcile and parasite preventives.

Road dogs need BringFido. More than a directory of pet-friendly lodgings, it also points traveling dog lovers to restaurants, attractions and events that welcome dogs. “If there is a problem with your reservation through their app, they will put a person on the problem to fix it,” says Rebecca Barocas, who travels with her dog Anja to nose work trials.

Flying with your dog? Don’t go without Where To Go, which marks dog potty areas in U.S. airports. Airports that service more than 10,000 passengers each year must provide pet relief areas in every terminal. Since many dogs who fly are assistance or service dogs, the app also features “Working Like Dogs,” a podcast by Marcie Davis and her service dog Whistle. Topics such as dental care are of interest to all dog owners.

Not every dog or human likes dog parks or has access to good places to exercise. Whether you’re in your hometown or traveling with your dog, Sniffspot can help you find a place for your dog to play, hike or train for an hourly rental. They range from yards in private homes to indoor temperature-controlled training facilities to fenced acreages, some with lakes and trails. Only one booking is allowed at a time at each location -- unless you’re hosting a playdate with known dogs -- so it’s perfect for dogs who prefer to play on their own.

Q&A

Calico cat no-go

for breeding

Q: I’ve just adopted a rare male calico cat, and I’m thinking of breeding him. Is that a good idea?

A: I hate to burst your bubble, but although male calicos are rare, trying to breed one will be a bust.

Approximately 1 out of every 3,000 calico cats is male, according to a study at the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine, but they are generally sterile. According to feline genetics expert Leslie A. Lyons, Ph.D., that’s because calico or tortoiseshell males may have abnormalities in the X and Y (sex) chromosomes that lead to fertility problems.

Calico is a color pattern, not a breed. The orange, black and white coloration is governed by genetics. Any cat, male or female, can be orange, but in males the color is nearly always expressed in the tabby, or striped, pattern.

The gene that determines how the color orange displays in cats is found on the X chromosome. Female cats have two X chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y chromosome. For a cat to be a calico, the animal must have two X chromosomes, which means a calico kitty is going to be female the vast majority of the time.

When the calico pattern exists in a male, it’s because the cat has the unusual circumstance of three sex chromosomes: two X, one Y (male). If both X chromosomes carry the calico blueprint, you’re looking at one rare cat: a male calico. These unusual XXY animals, typically the result of faulty cell division, are called Klinefelter males, after the doctor who first described the condition.

If you have a male calico and think you can make money breeding him, you’re probably going to be disappointed because of his likely sterility. Enjoy him for the rarity that he is. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Who is that

bearded dog?

-- The next time you see an unusual curly-coated dog walking down the street, don’t assume he’s a doodle blend. He could be a barbet (bar-bay), the newest member of the American Kennel Club’s Sporting Group. The name comes from the French word “barbe,” meaning beard, and the French breed -- a water dog whose job is to retrieve waterfowl -- is thought to be the ancestor of such breeds as poodles, bichons frise, Briards and others. With only an estimated 2,000 currently in North America, the barbet isn’t your typical dog next door, but he’s described as a happy, active, family-oriented dog.

-- A Bernese mountain dog named Truman who received an experimental vaccine for osteosarcoma in addition to amputation of the diseased limb remains cancer-free two years after diagnosis. He’s one of the dogs participating in a number of NIH-funded comparative oncology clinical trials. In a report from the National Cancer Institute, Amy LeBlanc, DVM, director of the Comparative Oncology Program in NCI’s Center for Cancer Research, says, “Pet dogs benefit from what we do because we learn about their cancer and that can ultimately help identify better treatments for them. We see the work that we do as an opportunity to help both dogs and people.” For more information on current veterinary oncology research trials, go to vetcancersociety.org/pet-owners/clinical-trials.

-- Is it difficult to get your pet to the vet? Fuzzy aims to change that. Currently available in San Francisco and New York City, the pet health startup has veterinarians and veterinary technicians available for house calls, as well as unlimited consultations by text or phone. The membership-based service can also mail medications, perform lab services in your home and provide easy access to pet health records. You don’t have to give up your own veterinarian, but Fuzzy practitioners can serve as backup when you have questions or concerns outside office hours. -- 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, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets 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.

Leashes aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s how to choose the right one

By Mikkel Becker

Andrews McMeel Syndication

It seems like the simplest of purchases: a line to keep your dog at your side and under your control. But what you need in a leash is individual to your dog and the activities you do together. Here’s what to consider, whether you’re buying your new dog a leash for the first time or replacing an older leash.

Everyone needs a fixed-length leash. Typically made of leather or nylon, they are usually 6 to 8 feet long, although some are as short as 4 feet. With this type of leash, you know exactly how far your dog can move away from you, and it’s easy to keep him close as you’re crossing a street or if you see another dog or person approaching.

If you have a strong dog who likes to pull or chew, you may be considering a chain leash. These heavier leashes may help to reduce tugging, and they’re not as pleasant for dogs to chew on as leather and nylon. They do have drawbacks, though. A chain leash can pinch hands and skin if you grab it the wrong way. It’s also heavy and loud if dropped, so it may startle your dog.

You may have seen some fixed-length leashes with a second handle set closer to the dog’s neck. Known as traffic leashes, they’re not for everyday use or regular walks, but they come into play in crowded areas or places with lots of distractions. Use them only in these situations, for short periods. The short length of the leash can cause you to pull on your dog’s neck, restricting his airway. It also doesn’t allow your dog the opportunity to sniff and explore, which is an important part of walks for dogs.

Double dog leashes -- two leashes with a shared handle -- or attachments known as couplers can come in handy if you’re walking two dogs at once. They only work well, though, if your dogs have similar walking styles and don’t pull excessively. But if your dogs both have nice walking manners and go at the same pace, these types of leashes can be a great choice. Look for one with a swivel attachment to help prevent the leashes from tangling.

Some people like waist-clip leashes because they leave the hands free to hold a phone or use a clicker and treats more easily. Others like them for running with their dogs. They are best used with dogs who don’t tend to get underfoot, zigzag in front of you or take off at the sight of a squirrel or bunny, causing you to trip and fall. If you want a waist-clip leash, choose one with a quick-release mechanism in case of accident.

Another option is a multifunction leash. One version adjusts to six different lengths and configurations, including a waist attachment or walking two dogs at once.

A long line, which usually ranges from 10 to 30 feet, is a good secondary leash if you are teaching a puppy to come when called, want to give your dog some room to roam while still keeping him in check, or if you participate in dog sports such as nose work or tracking, where a long line can be useful.

A long line is a better choice than an extendable lead. Lots of people like the ease of a flexible leash on a reel, but these leashes are the bane of trainers, veterinarians and the people who are rushed by dogs on them when owners aren’t paying attention. They can cause friction burns and other injuries when used improperly, so I don’t recommend them.

Q&A

Pain cream

toxic to pets

Q: I saw a meme on Facebook saying that Voltaren pain cream is toxic to dogs and cats. Is that true?

A: Yes. Diclofenac, the active ingredient in Voltaren, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat osteoarthritis pain. The topical 3% gel is also used to treat a skin problem called actinic keratosis.

Voltaren comes in a gel/jelly, cream, spray and extended-release patch. If you pet your animal after applying Voltaren without washing your hands with soap and water, or if pets lick your skin where the medication has been applied or chew on the patch, they can develop gastrointestinal ulcers and kidney damage.

Similar products that can cause problems include hormone patches or topical hormone sprays, creams and gels. Pets who ingest these products can experience hair loss, mammary or nipple enlargement, a shrunken penis in males, and bloody discharge or a swollen vulva in females.

A psoriasis cream called Dovonex, which contains a synthetic form of vitamin D (itself a hormone), can cause unusual thirst, appetite loss, and severe vomiting or diarrhea.

To protect pets, wear disposable gloves when applying gels or creams, and toss gloves in an inaccessible garbage can when you're through. The same goes for disposing of hormone patches. Apply creams or gels to areas your pet is unable or unlikely to lick, such as the inside of the thighs. If you're using a spray, wear clothing that covers the treated area. Even if you wear gloves to apply the product, wash your hands with soap thoroughly -- for as long as it takes you to sing "Happy Birthday" twice through -- before touching pets, children or food, including pet food.

Before you apply any product, prescription or otherwise, read the label or package insert to make sure it's not toxic to pets or children if ingested. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Brain scan:

where dogs count

-- A study published last month in the journal Biology Letters found that dogs use a distinct part of their brains -- corresponding closely to number-responsive neural regions in humans -- to spontaneously process basic numerical quantities. Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to scan dogs’ brains as they viewed varying numbers of dots flashed on a screen. The results showed that the dogs’ parietotemporal cortex responded to differences in the number of the dots. “Our work not only shows that dogs use a similar part of their brain to process numbers of objects as humans do -- it shows that they don’t need to be trained to do it,” says Gregory Berns, Emory professor of psychology and senior author of the study.

-- If you’ve ever sniffed your dog’s paws -- admit it, you know you have -- you probably observed that they smell like corn chips. There’s a reason for that. According to researchers at the Dog Aging Project, the combination of microorganisms that paws accumulate when dogs walk on the ground, combined with sweat from the paw pads, creates the Frito-like aroma.

-- Normally, cats groom themselves using their spiked tongue to moisten fur and then lick it dry, removing dirt and dead hair in the process. Giving a cat a bath may seem contrary to all the rules of successfully living with one, but occasionally it’s necessary. Cats may be bathed before shows or therapy visits to nursing homes, hospitals or other facilities. Bathing removes dander, which contributes to allergies in people. It’s also necessary if a cat has gotten into something sticky or smelly, or if a cat with oily skin attracts dust and dirt. It’s not unheard of for owners to bathe cats monthly or even weekly if they’re sensitive to dander or have cats who leave oily spots on furniture or clothing. -- 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, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets 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.

Advances in pet health and welfare range from a treatment for feline infectious peritonitis, to new pain medications, to preventing allergies to cats

Andrews McMeel Syndication

As we enter a new decade, we asked experts what they see as the best news for pets currently and what’s on the horizon.

-- For cat lovers, the big news is that a treatment is now available for feline infectious peritonitis, a viral disease that was once a death sentence.

“While FIP is not the most common disease of cats, it’s one of the most devastating,” says Drew D. Weigner, DVM, president of Winn Feline Foundation, which funds cat health research. “Great progress has been made in understanding the disease. Based on early results of research funded by Winn, an effective treatment is on the horizon. Work at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis by Dr. Niels Pedersen investigated protease inhibitors and nucleoside analogs -- used to treat diseases such as HIV -- to inhibit the virus that causes the disease. It was highly effective in the small number of cats studied, and those who responded are still normal years later.”

-- For dogs and cats, better pain relief is at hand. “Anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibodies to treat osteoarthritis pain in both dogs and cats are on the horizon,” says Mike Petty, DVM, an expert in pet pain management. “Studies have shown these to be powerful agents for treatment of chronic osteoarthritis pain. For cats in particular, this is a long-awaited therapy as there are currently no approved medications for treatment of chronic osteoarthritis pain.” Release dates for the antibodies depend on final FDA approval and production schedules.

-- Fear Free techniques and medication recommendations to reduce pets’ fear, anxiety and stress in the exam room aren’t new, but research supporting use of medication prior to veterinary visits is, particularly for cats, who often don’t receive needed care because owners are stressed about the difficulty of getting them to and from the veterinary clinic. Delivering medication beforehand can help to prevent pets from becoming conditioned to fear of travel, handling and veterinary care.

“For pets suffering from fear, anxiety, stress or pain, use of pre-visit medications addresses the emotional and physical welfare of the pet, the owner and the veterinary team,” says Gary Landsberg, DVM, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.

Two recent placebo-controlled studies demonstrated that human medications including gabapentin and trazodone can help cats to be less stressed during car travel and veterinary visits. A third study found that treatment with gabapentin reduced fear responses during confinement in a community trap-neuter-release program.

“Evidence-based research helps guide veterinarians in developing effective treatment protocols, particularly in those situations when a labelled veterinary product has not yet been licensed,” he says.

-- One of the issues in finding -- and keeping -- homes for cats is managing allergies that some people have to them. A new food for cats, likely out sometime this year, may help neutralize Fel d 1, the protein that triggers allergies. Blocking the protein does not appear to have any negative effect on cats, said Michael Lappin, DVM, an internal medicine specialist and professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, speaking at a cat science symposium last October.

A study by Swiss researchers published last July in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reports that a vaccine for cats to neutralize Fel d 1 appears to be successful. The vaccine must still undergo clinical trials and isn’t expected to be available until at least 2022.

-- Morris Animal Foundation also funded scientific research with significant results. “We had many exciting advancements this year, including successful treatment for deadly arrhythmias, improved treatment for leishmaniasis, and findings showing that omega-3 supplements may reduce the risk of T-zone lymphoma,” said president and CEO Tiffany Grunert. “For us, each finding is valuable. It all contributes to the body of knowledge to advance discovery for animal health.”

Q&A

Ooh, that smell!

How to nix pet odor

Q: I have dogs and cats, and I know my house smells like it. How can I keep the odor down and keep it smelling fresh?

A: Living with pets does come with odors, but that doesn’t mean you have to let them -- the odors, that is -- stick around. Here’s how to get and maintain a home that doesn’t smell like animals or cleaning products.

Invest in a large bottle of an enzymatic cleanser, especially if you have a puppy or kitten or a senior pet. Enzymes “eat up” components of pet waste and help to neutralize the stink.

As soon as you find vomit, urine or poop, get to work cleaning it up. The longer a mess sits, the harder it is to get rid of the smell. Using an old towel or paper towels, pick up what you can immediately. For urine, press down hard with the towel to soak up as much liquid as possible.

Then use enzymatic cleanser on the area. Be sure to go outside mess margins so you don’t miss any. Lay a dry towel over the spot and weight it with books or other heavy objects to ensure that it sucks up all the moisture. To remove the smell of cleaning products, finish by wiping down hard floors with water. Wash clean-up towels in hot water.

Regular cleaning also helps prevent odor buildup. Scoop your cat’s litter boxes and clean the yard of poop at least once daily. Wash pet bedding in hot water weekly. Vacuum every other day or use a Swiffer-type mop to get up hair and other debris pets bring in. Wipe down your pet with a damp cloth or baby wipe between baths. If pets spend a lot of time on furniture or in your lap, weekly baths will help keep them sweet-smelling. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Top dogs of

the decade

-- Best dogs of the decade? Mental Floss magazine includes the following dogs in its picks: Duke, the canine mayor of Cormorant, Minnesota, which elected the Great Pyrenees four times before he passed on to the great city hall in the sky; Frida, a Labrador retriever who served nearly 10 years as a search-and-rescue dog; Gracie, the border collie “bark ranger” at Glacier National Park in Montana, where she keeps bighorn sheep and mountain goats away from high-traffic areas; and Riley, a Weimaraner who sniffs out insects that could damage paintings at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts.

-- Making pet-related New Year’s resolutions can improve dog and cat health and well-being and contribute to your own peace of mind. Here are 10 to consider: getting daily playtime and exercise, both physical and mental; making time for training practice daily; measuring food to help prevent obesity; teaching a new trick or two; getting involved in a dog sport; brushing your pet’s teeth daily; putting together a pet go-bag in case of emergency or natural disaster; buying pet health insurance; setting up a regular grooming schedule; and washing pet food and water bowls daily.

-- There’s barking, and then there’s barking. Dog vocalizations might sound monotonous, but they aren’t indiscriminate, and can send clear messages to those willing to listen. Researchers have studied both how dogs (with variations by breed) express themselves with different tones as well as the ability of humans to understand them. For example, there’s a bark that says, “There’s someone at the door”; a bark that says, “Hey, I’m ready to eat”; and a bark that says, “I’m really anxious.” That last bark tends to be more high-pitched in most dogs. Most people can interpret what their individual dog is saying through his barks. -- 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, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets 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.