Rare breeds are attention-getters. Here’s the bite-size version about some you may have seen on the street

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

You’re walking down the street and you see a dog like none you’ve ever seen before. What is that breed? Many of us have had that experience at one time or another.

More people are taking an interest in rare or unusual dog breeds, importing them after seeing one in a photo or movie, bringing them home from a trip or seeking out the few breeders available in North America. Some owners share what they’re like to live with.

-- Alaskan klee kai

If you see what looks like a miniature husky, you might have encountered a klee kai. This relatively new breed was developed in the 1970s and 1980s by a breeder in Alaska, using Siberian huskies, Alaskan huskies, schipperkes and American Eskimo dogs. Klee kai are sweet and active but cautious in new situations or toward new people, says petsitter Terry Albert, who has one as a client. Their double coat needs to be brushed weekly, and yes, they shed. Klee kai come in three sizes based on height: standard, miniature and toy.

-- Cirneco

The Cirneco dell’Etna, a small Italian sighthound from Sicily, is naturally athletic -- we know one who’s a dock diving star -- and friendly to boot. The Cirneco (cheer-NAY-ko) has a short, easy-care coat that needs only a weekly brushing. Cirnechi (the plural of the breed’s name) think training is fun as long as you keep sessions short and provide treats, praise and play. When not chasing rabbits or other furry animals, they love curling up on soft furniture or bedding.

-- Kooiker

Beyond the obvious attraction of the kooikerhondje’s pretty silken white-and-red coat accented by black earring tassels and a plumy white tail is the appeal of her lively and affectionate character, says breed expert Betty Dalke Wathne. Sensitive and intelligent, they are highly trainable. Devoted to family, kooikers can be a little fierce when alerting to strangers and impulsive when their prey drive is engaged. The best family for a kooikerhondje will have some dog experience and be willing to put time into training.

-- Mudi

This medium-size Hungarian sheepdog is smart and active, a good watchdog and a talented athlete. Mudis have a medium-length double coat, wavy or curly, that’s easy to groom. Being a herding breed, mudis can be barkers. Breed enthusiast Pamela Sturtz says, “I love their smaller size and the merle coloring. If they didn’t have such a piercing bark, they would be perfect.”

-- Polish lowland sheepdog

This delightfully shaggy herding breed, called Polski owczarek nizinny in his homeland (PON for short), is loyal, smart and easy to train, but he’ll take over if you give him half a chance. They can also be a bit stubborn and determined, says expert Carol Oliver. The long double coat requires regular brushing.

-- Portuguese podengo

Hailing from Portugal, this sighthound comes in two coat types and three sizes: pequeno (the one you’re most likely to see), medio and grande. Both smooth and wire-coated dogs are easy to groom. Karen Sage, who has wire and smooth pequenos, says they are loyal, biddable, happy and comical, with a moderate energy level. “Mine make me laugh constantly,” she says.

-- Silken windhound

Gentle, friendly and affectionate, silkens are quintessential sighthounds who love to run a bit (only in safely fenced areas) and nap a lot -- always sharing your sofa or bed with you. Owner Carla Wilson-Leff describes them as “cats wearing dog suits,” and owner Linda Strauss says, “They are very smart and use their eyes to communicate in complex and subtle ways.” Beware: Some are high jumpers.

-- Stabyhoun

These striking dogs with the black head, black and white coat and plumy tail are considered national treasures in their homeland, the Netherlands. They have strong retrieving, pointing and tracking skills, making them great at dog sports. Ari Goerlich’s stabyhoun, Rimke, has earned an astonishing 105 titles to date in eight dog sports, including dock diving, rally and nosework.

Q&A

Pilling a cat

can be doable

Q: Argh! I have to give my cat a pill every day. Do you have any tips on how to get it down her?

A: Every cat owner dreads this day, but it doesn’t have be a struggle for you or for your cat. Here are some tips to help you be successful.

If you’re dealing with a pill, the first thing you might try is the “sneak” technique: putting the pill inside a tasty morsel of meat, cat food or cream cheese -- whatever your cat loves. It should be something she doesn’t get every day. Offer one bite of the treat plain -- no pill -- then one with the pill, followed by another plain piece to sweeten the deal. When the sneak method works, it’s easiest on both of you.

Ask your veterinarian about having medication compounded into a flavored liquid or chew; think tuna or chicken. Another option is transdermal delivery through a patch on the skin.

When your cat turns up her nose at treats or scratches off patches, though, you have to go with a hands-on approach. Snuggle your cat into your left arm (reverse this if you’re a lefty), place your hand over the top of the muzzle in a C shape and squeeze gently so the mouth opens. Gently pull down on the lower jaw for a wider opening. Place the pill in the mouth as far back as you can, then gently close the mouth and stroke your cat’s throat to encourage swallowing. Follow the pill with a treat or a sip of water to make sure the pill doesn’t get stuck in the esophagus. You’re done!

Practice the mouth-opening motion, followed with a tiny treat, before you ever have to give a cat a pill so she learns to enjoy the handling. -- 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

Cat population

takes downturn

-- There aren’t as many pet cats in the United States as there used to be. Feline population numbers have been revised downward by the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine from 74 million in 2014 to 58.4 million in 2018, a decrease of 21%. Why is the CVM counting cats? The estimates, based on information provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Department of Agriculture, help the CVM determine “minor-use” drug needs for major animal species, including cats, dogs, horses and chickens. Minor-use drugs are used to treat diseases or conditions that aren’t common or occur only in certain locales.

-- It’s toad season in south Florida. The invasive amphibians (Rhinella marina), which go by the names cane, bufo, marine or giant toads, secrete a skin toxin that’s lethal to dogs who have the misfortune to lick or bite them. Get your dog to the veterinarian quick if you see excessive drooling, red gums, vomiting, disorientation, incoordination or seizures. They can die within minutes if left untreated. Keep pets away from standing water, ditches, streams and canals, where the toads are most likely to be found. This type of toad is also seen in the lower Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas.

-- You’ve heard that foraging -- by way of puzzle toys -- is important for the mental well-being of dogs and cats, but did you know that birds need foraging experiences, too? It’s a way to help animals perform natural behaviors -- in this case, seeking food -- that aren’t really possible for them in our homes. You can find puzzle toys for parrots and other pet birds for sale at bird stores or online. You can also make them yourself by hiding your bird’s favorite treats in half-covered bowls or wrapping food in pieces of paper and placing them in the cage or play gym for your bird to tear up and enjoy. -- 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.

Leash laws exist for a number of reasons. Here’s what you need to know

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Have you ever been asked to leash your joyfully romping dog while on a trail or in a park?

What was your response? Embarrassment at being called out for your scofflaw behavior, followed by annoyance or anger? Why shouldn’t your nice dog be allowed to play off his leash? Maybe it’s during a time of day when the area is mostly deserted. He’s not hurting anything, and he wouldn’t attack anyone; he’s a good dog. He might even be one of those rare dogs who come instantly to a recall cue, even if they’re having fun chasing a squirrel.

Maybe you say, “Don’t worry; he’s friendly,” or “My voice is the leash,” or “He doesn’t bite.”

Please don’t go there. Your dog’s personality or behavior isn’t at issue.

Leash laws exist to protect others: other people who might feel threatened by your dog; other people with dogs on a leash who might feel threatened by your dog; other people with children who might be frightened by dogs; other people with poultry or livestock that could be harassed or killed by your dog; other animals and birds -- in protected areas or not -- who might be threatened or killed by your dog.

Loose dogs scare people who don’t like being jumped on or who have allergies. They can knock over toddlers or seniors in a second before you can call them off or leash them.

People who don’t like or are afraid of dogs have just as much right to enjoy parks and trails as people who love dogs. And they have the right to enjoy them without fear of being assaulted by loose dogs, friendly or not.

Dogs walking on-leash with their people also have the right to enjoy streets, trails and parks unmolested by off-leash dogs.

Farmers lose livestock to loose dogs. Off-leash dogs kill poultry, pet rabbits, pet cats, small dogs and wildlife. They stress ground-nesting birds or destroy their eggs. They disturb the healthy ecology of natural areas.

The presence of off-leash dogs causes wildlife to move away from their normal habitat, reducing their ability to eat, reproduce and rest normally. They must expend more energy to seek food, with fewer places to find it. The resulting stress affects reproduction and growth and suppresses the immune system, increasing vulnerability to disease and parasites.

If your loose dog causes an accident, injures someone or damages property, you can be fined or found negligent in a civil suit.

All of these are reasons why leash laws exist. Known as “running-at-large statutes,” they regulate the safety of dogs and humans and help to prevent accidents, in much the same way as seatbelt laws or child car seat laws. They are primarily local ordinances, although two states -- Michigan and Pennsylvania -- have statewide statutes requiring dogs to be under control when off their owners’ premises.

Cities, towns and counties can establish leash laws with conflicting requirements. Leash laws might be in effect only at certain times of day (between sunset and sunrise, for instance) or during certain seasons, such as bird or wildlife breeding periods or, in beach cities, during the summer tourist season.

It’s up to you to know the laws in your area and abide by them, depending on where you are. It’s easy to give the city or county code office a call to find out what regulations apply where you live. Or you could read the signs posted at park entrances or trailheads.

Just because you don’t believe your dog will cause any harm doesn’t give you an “ignore-the-law” card. Politely being asked to leash your dog isn’t an assault on your freedom.

Don’t get defensive.

Here’s all you have to say, in a friendly tone of voice: “Of course, sorry about that. Sunny, let’s get your leash on. Enjoy your walk!”

Q&A

Rabbit virus

affects pet bunnies

Q: I heard recently about a virus that is spreading in wild rabbits. Can my pet rabbit get this disease? How can I protect her?

A: It’s definitely a concern for America’s 6.7 million pet rabbits, although as yet it doesn’t appear to be widespread.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 is a calicivirus (not a coronavirus). It causes hemorrhaging and has a mortality rate of approximately 80%. It has a rapid incubation period of just one to two days, and can spread quickly through direct contact with infected rabbits or indirect contact with contaminated objects, food or water. The sturdy virus can survive indoors for 10 to 19 months, and rabbits can shed the virus in urine and feces for up to four weeks after infection. Adult rabbits are at greatest risk.

While it primarily affects wild rabbits and hares, the virus threatens pet rabbits, too. (Humans and other animals do not contract this virus.) Signs of disease include fever, appetite loss, unusual nervousness, incoordination or excitement, and difficulty breathing. Some rabbits die suddenly, within 12 to 36 hours.

No treatment is available, but if there has been an outbreak in your area (California, New Mexico, New York, Ohio and Washington have seen outbreaks in wild and domestic rabbits), ask your veterinarian about availability of a vaccine. One is approved for use in Europe, but it requires special approval by states, which can’t be requested until there is a confirmed rabbit death from the virus. Pet rabbits in Europe are vaccinated for this virus at 10 weeks and then annually.

The best protection is to keep your rabbit indoors and avoid outdoor playtime. Rabbits who live outdoors should be in hutches off the ground, but they are safer inside. For more information, visit the website of the House Rabbit Society. The USDA also has advice. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Prepare pets for

being home alone

-- If you’ll be going back to work soon -- or even not-so-soon -- your pets may need an adjustment period to get used to your absence. An article at FearFreeHappyHomes.com offers tips: Consider hiring a dog walker so your dog gets used to walking with someone else. Take some walks while your dog stays at home. When you’re gone, leave the television or radio tuned to a nature show or talk show so pets can hear friendly human voices. Give a puzzle toy filled with treats or kibble before you leave to keep your pet’s brain occupied.

-- Invasive mussel species such as zebra and quagga are a big problem in lakes and rivers, but a former shelter dog named Puddles aims to make sure they don’t take hold in Washington state’s Columbia River, still free of the invasive mollusks. She’s trained to sniff them out on boat bottoms so they can be eradicated before populating waterways and changing their ecology. Trained mussel dogs can save states millions of dollars in cleanup. Puddles is employed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and was trained as a mussel-detection dog by Mussel Dogs in Oakdale, California.

-- Cats make an appearance in many different words and phrases. The catbird takes its name from one of its calls, which resembles the mew of a cat. Catcalls are the whistles, shouts and rude comments made by audiences when they don’t like a performance. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the cat’s meow -- or in some cases, the cat’s pajamas -- refers to anything considered outstanding. Both phrases date to the 1920s. A semiprecious gem called cat’s eye -- usually chrysoberyl or chalcedony -- is so called because of the way it glows, like a cat’s eyes in the dark. -- 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.

How to manage and prevent heat injury—and what you might not know

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

We all love having fun in the sun, dogs included. And some dogs aren’t just playing; they’re seeking lost hikers, partnering with police or training for high-action dog sports. Whether they’re playing or working, though, it’s important to be aware of signs of heat injury and know how to treat it.

You may already know that signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, staggering, bloody diarrhea, collapse, seizures and shock. But what Leo Egar, VMD, wants you to know is how to recognize signs of heat stress early.

Dr. Egar, who practices in Phoenix, has been part of the veterinary medical response to several major disasters and spoke at the K9 Sport and Scent Work Conference in Palm Springs, California, in January.

“We want dogs to be able to tolerate some degree of thermal stress as they work and play,” he says. “Heat stress, or mild heat injury, is a normal reaction to increased exercise or ambient heat.”

When dogs are working or playing, the body produces heat. Thermoregulation is the body’s attempt to balance heat gain and heat loss. A body temperature greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit is defined as heat stress; more than 105 as heat exhaustion; and more than 106 as heat stroke.

But the first thing to know is that temperature isn’t everything.

“You cannot predict heat injury based on body temperature alone,” he says. “There’s too much variance between dogs, conditions and measurement methods.”

So knowing your dog’s “normal” is important. For dogs, normal resting temperature can range from 99 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Fit dogs at a moderate activity level might have a body temperature ranging from 104 to 107, depending on individual dog’s metabolism, intensity of activity and ambient temperature.

“This particular range is normal for many fit working dogs during moderate work and has no adverse effect,” Dr. Egar says. “We don’t have a well-defined set point for dogs, but you should know what your dog’s normal is.”

One sign of heat stress to watch for is decreased moisture on nose tissue, caused by dehydration. Dogs who are dehydrated tire more quickly and have less interest in rewards such as treats or play.

Other signs of thermal stress include seeking shade, calming down, limiting movement, resting in place, choosing to sit or lie down, or sprawling on cool ground. If you call them, they might be slow to return to you -- as if saying, “I’ll do it if you ask me to, but I really don’t want to.”

Tongue length and uncontrolled panting -- when the dog is unable to stop -- can also signal heat stress. When that tongue is out long and wide, the dog is maximizing surface and airway area to increase evaporation and heat dissipation.

When you see these signs, take action. That might mean having your dog sit and cool down on her own, or making use of air conditioning or a fan.

Active cooling techniques include hosing down the dog, putting him in water or putting ice packs on him. Armpits are the best places to apply active cooling because they’re less insulated by fur and have a lot of large blood vessels. Ears can also be good, for the same reasons.

It’s OK to cool dogs rapidly, and it’s OK to use cold water.

“It’s a common myth that if you take a hot dog and you cool him too quickly, you’ll cause shock,” Dr. Egar says. “Not true. Not a single clinical study validates that.”

On a hike or during play on a hot day, take a time out so your dog can drink water and stay hydrated. Flavored water may encourage him to drink more, but electrolyte supplements don’t provide any special benefit.

Finally, don’t rely on gadgets such as fans, alarms, or cooling vests or mats. Anything can break, so always check on your dog.

Q&A

Behavior changes

can signal dementia

Q: I inherited my mother’s 15-year-old cat, and I notice that she wanders and yowls in the middle of the night. My veterinarian said pets can get dementia, and this might be one of the signs. Is there anything we can do for her?

A: Your veterinarian is correct. Cats and dogs with dementia tend to show signs such as disorientation (getting “lost” in corners or staring into space); their interactions with people may change -- for instance, maybe your cat doesn’t seek out your lap as often; sleep disruption, such as the night wandering and yowling you’ve noticed; housetraining misses; and changes in activity level. (The acronym to help remember dementia-related changes is DISHA.)

There’s no test for identifying dementia in pets, but veterinarians usually diagnose it after ruling out other health problems that could cause similar signs. For instance, aching knees or hips (leading to difficulty or pain getting in and out of the litter box) or urinary tract infections could cause housetraining issues. Pets with kidney disease or diabetes often have urine that looks sterile under a microscope but may actually be teeming with bacteria. Hypertension (high blood pressure) takes a toll on blood vessels in the brain, which may contribute to development of dementia.

The good news is that diet and medication may help. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and medium-chain triglycerides can enhance brain health. Medication is available to control hypertension in cats, lowering blood pressure to safer levels. And a drug called selegiline (Anipryl), which affects attentiveness and the sleep-wake cycle by altering the concentration of brain chemicals, sometimes helps. For pets with painful joints, we have medications that can ease the aches. These changes can help to slow the progression of cognitive dysfunction in pets and improve their quality of life. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Mosquitoes buzz

dogs and cats, too

-- Have you ever wondered if pets get itchy from mosquito bites the way people do? We asked parasitologist Byron Blagburn, Ph.D., distinguished university professor in the department of pathobiology at Auburn University, to weigh in. “We know that cats, for example, suffer from what we call a planar dermatitis,” he says. “That’s the area just above the nose, and it’s a response to an allergy to mosquito bites. Exposed areas of the skin in dogs could likely also exhibit some allergic reaction. So the answer is yes, absolutely. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t presume that pets are irritated by mosquito bites and suffer allergic reactions to them.”

-- When we think of pets being bitten by snakes, it’s usually dogs who come to mind, but cats tangle with reptiles, too. They have an advantage over dogs in their fast-clotting blood, according to a study from Australia, published last month in the journal Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Rapid clotting ability means cats are less likely than dogs to bleed to death in a matter of minutes. That makes them twice as likely as dogs to survive the bite of venomous snake, researchers found. Another reason: Dogs tend to lead with their nose and mouth, which have many blood vessels that can spread venom quickly. Cats are more likely to swat at snakes with their paws, reducing their risk.

-- There’s a lot to celebrate this month when it comes to pets. It’s Adopt-A-Cat Month, Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month, National Foster-A-Pet Month, National Pet Preparedness Month and National Microchipping Month. And don’t forget Pet Appreciation Week (June 7-13) and Take Your Pet to Work Week (June 22-26). Also this month are Best Friends Day (June 8), World Pet Memorial Day (June 9), National Dog Party Day (June 21), and Cat World Domination Day (June 24). -- 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.