Five ways to ring in a new year for your dog or cat

By Kim Campbell Thornton and Dr. Marty Becker

Andrews McMeel Syndication

It’s a few days into the new year; do you have your resolutions ready yet? Yeah, we don't either. A good place to start, though, is with your pet. Helping your cat or dog change his life for the better has benefits for both of you. A healthier, happier pet not only puts less pressure on your wallet, it also brings more smiles to your face multiple times a day. Here are some ideas to get you started.

-- Brush those teeth. Keeping your pet's pearly whites clean isn't just about improving his breath, although that is definitely a bonus. Brushing your pet's teeth several times a week -- yes, even for cats -- prevents the buildup of plaque and tartar, which trap bacteria and eventually cause periodontal disease. Brushing reduces the number of bacteria circulating through your pet's system and helps ensure that he keeps more of his teeth into old age. Dentures aren't an option for him, after all.

-- Watch his weight. Does your dog or cat look like a plump cocktail wiener on toothpicks? That's not normal or healthy. Use your eyes and hands to determine if Roxy or Snowball could stand to lose a few pounds.

Nutrition specialist Tony Buffington, DVM, says that when you look at a pet from the side, you should see an abdomen that's tucked up, not hanging low. As you look down at him, you should see an hourglass figure, with the waist curving inward just before the hind legs. When you pet your dog or cat on the side or back, you should be able to feel the ribs or spinal bumps, but not see them.

-- Measure your pet's food. This is one of the easiest ways to help a dog or cat slim down. Instead of leaving food out all the time, give a set amount once or twice a day. Use the recommendation on the bag or can as a starting point, but recognize that individual animals have different metabolisms and may need more or less than the suggested amount. Ask your veterinarian's advice about how much your pet should be eating, and don't be afraid to experiment.

-- Start an exercise plan. Getting off the couch and on the move is good for both of you. For dog owners, take a brisk walk or play a rousing game of fetch. For cats, dangle or pull a fishing-pole toy for them to chase. Wriggle the pole a little so the object on the end of the string resembles a bug or other critter scurrying along the ground. Your dog may enjoy this kind of play, too, as long as you don't let him know he's chasing a cat toy.

Better yet, have your dog or cat "work" for his meals by hiding small amounts of food around the house (this works only if you have a single pet), placing food up high -- on a washer or dryer, for instance -- so cats have to make an effort to get to it, or placing kibble in puzzle toys that pets must manipulate to make the food come out. These are all good ways to exercise your furry predator's body and brain and make his day more interesting, especially if you're off at work and he has nothing else to do.

-- Make time for him. When your pet nudges your hand or bumps you with his head, don't just automatically hand him a treat. Instead, reward him with a scratch between the ears or a few minutes of play. You'll both be better for it.

Q&A

Newspaper habit

frustrates owner

Q: I recently adopted a stray cat. For the most part, she is adjusting well to life in our home, but she has one problem that's driving me crazy. She urinates inside the litter box, but she defecates on the newspapers I've placed beneath it. I've tried adding two more boxes, but she's not getting the message. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Cats can definitely be quirky when it comes to using the litter box. You are doing all the right things, but let's see if we can dig a little deeper for a solution.

What type of litter are you using? You might try offering different types of litter in the other boxes. Your cat might be fine with peeing on clay litter but prefer to defecate in a box filled with sandy clumping litter.

You might also try presenting her with one of the litters made from recycled paper. For whatever reason, she may simply like its texture and smell. It's made to produce little dust, and it's nontoxic. Be sure you don't fill the box with too much of it. Keep the level at 2 to 3 inches, or it may be difficult to find your cat's deposits. You can even try lining the litter box with sheets of newspaper, lifting them out and tossing them as they're used.

Finally, try scooping the box as soon as you know it has been used. Your cat may not like defecating in the box if it already has urine in it. If that's not possible, consider investing in a box that automatically scoops the litter after every use. You both might be happier. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

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

THE BUZZ

Company shares

unique pet names

-- What’s in a name? For a Chinese crested dog called Scarlett No Haira and a dark, moody cat known as Edgar Allen Paw, it is the distinction of heading up the list of Nationwide’s Wackiest Pet Names of 2020. Each year, the pet health insurance provider checks its roster of pet clients to seek out the most imaginative names of the year, as voted by Nationwide’s pet parents. Without further ado, the remaining finalists in the dog category are Anakin Tailwagger, Andre Igoudogla, Joan of Bark, Madame Squishy Van Wrinkleface, Stella Barktois, Sugar Bubbles Fancypants, The Other Dude, Trillium Points Jacobs Ladder and Zoe Max Berger Sacks. In the cat, er, category are Admiral Turbo Meowington, Captain Sushi, Copurrrnicus, Ella Whiskers Oreo Hurst, Fernsbane the Inquisitive, Macaroni Bob, Mingus Pookiebutts, Neville Furbottom and Tika Meowsala.

-- Contrary to popular belief, pets' fur coats don't make them immune to the cold. Protect pets from winter's onslaught by shortening walks in extremely cold weather and bringing them indoors when temps drop below freezing, even if they have long or thick coats. Animals who are old or arthritic are more at risk of falling on snow or ice, and pets with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or Cushing's disease may have difficulty regulating their body temperature, so it's important to protect them when they go outdoors. And cat lovers: Knock on the hood before starting your car to make sure you scare out any cats who may have sought shelter inside your vehicle when the engine was warm.

-- Paw maintenance is one of the most important aspects of grooming your dog. That includes trimming nails regularly, trimming hair between the toes or on the bottom of the feet, and protecting pads from injuries such as burns and bruises. -- 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.

Are you planning a puppy or kitten purchase or adoption in the new year? Here’s how to make sure your experience is safe and scam-free

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Puppies and kittens can steal our hearts, but that’s not the type of theft going around these days. The Better Business Bureau reported earlier this month that the increased demand for pets has been accompanied by a rise in online pet scams, such as pets never being delivered after the buyer pays for them.

One would-be buyer wrote us: “I got scammed last week out of $850 for a golden retriever puppy.” A couple in Philadelphia lost $1,450 after trying to buy a puppy from a website using photos of puppies stolen from social media. And grandparents in Edmond, Oklahoma, were scammed out of $1,600 when they tried to buy a kitten for their grandchildren for Christmas. Frequently, the same animal is “sold” to multiple buyers, none of whom receive their pet.

Fraudulent listings often include popular breeds such as Yorkshire terriers and French bulldogs. Kittens and parrots are also bait in scam attempts. According to Federal Trade Commission data, scams involving kittens have more than doubled since 2017. Cats and kittens account for 12% of pet scam complaints to the BBB. The FTC also received 185 reports of parrots being ordered but not delivered during the first half of 2020. Losses for this year are projected to be $3.1 million, according to the BBB.

Pets of any age are already at a premium this year because so many people have adopted animals during the pandemic. While it’s possible to find a reputable dog, cat or parrot breeder through an online search, this adage applies: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Next-day delivery? Red flag. Low, low price? Red flag. Puppies or kittens always available? Red flag. Rare color or extra-tiny or “champion bloodlines”? Red flags.

Adding to the quandary is that many responsible breeders have postponed litters because of the pandemic. It may be that fewer pets are available in 2021 or waitlists from breeders may be longer.

What should you look for to protect your own health and the health of your wallet, and ensure that you’re getting a healthy pet from a reputable source? Here are eight tips.

-- Beware of sellers who provide pets immediately with no vetting of buyers.

-- Ask to see video and photos of babies from birth on, in the presence of the seller. Scammers are unlikely to agree to live video meetings because they don’t actually have the animals they’re selling.

-- If you’re adopting from a shelter or rescue group, go with a local organization that has safe visitation protocols. Online adoption organizations that offer to ship pets, that frequently have puppies or purebreds available, or that add on fees after you’ve agreed to adopt may be scammers in disguise.

-- Be wary of people offering pets “free if you pay for shipping” or who are offering pets through free sites such as Craigslist or Facebook.

-- Get the seller’s full name, phone number and mailing address, then search that information with the word “scam” or “complaint.”

-- See if the photo of the pet has been stolen from someone else’s website by doing a reverse image search and searching for a distinctive phrase in the description.

-- Never buy or adopt from someone who requests payment in the form of gift cards or via wire transfers, both of which are nonrefundable, or through mobile payment apps such as Zelle or CashApp.

-- Research the average price of dog or cat breeds or parrot species you’re interested in. Sellers offering animals at deep discounts may be trying to scam you.

For more information, see the BBB’s ScamTracker at bbb.org/scamtracker. Check petscams.com to see if a seller has been reported as fraudulent. Report fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Q&A

Can my dog

donate blood?

Q: I’m a regular blood donor to the Red Cross, and I’m curious if there are blood donor programs for dogs, too.

A: As with humans, blood transfusions can keep dogs alive after trauma, illness or surgery. Dogs may need red blood cells in the event of severe blood loss or chronic anemia; fresh-frozen plasma to treat or control bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand’s disease; or plasma proteins and globulins to treat illnesses or infections such as pancreatitis or parvovirus.

Some large veterinary hospitals keep donor animals “on staff.” These may be pets belonging to staff members or to clients who are willing to bring their animals in to donate as needed. Commercial pet blood banks are another source of blood for sick or injured dogs.

Dogs have eight different blood types, known as Dog Erythrocyte Antigens, or DEA. DEA 4 is considered to be universal.

Every veterinary hospital or blood bank has specific requirements for canine donors, but usually donor dogs must be 1 to 7 years old; weigh 50 pounds or more; be free of Lyme disease, ehrlichia or any other condition that could be passed on through a blood transfusion; on heartworm preventive; shorthaired; and up to date on vaccinations. They should have a calm temperament and be comfortable with handling. Short-snouted breeds such as bulldogs and pugs aren’t good candidates, but any other breed or mix who meets screening criteria can potentially help to save another dog’s life.

In the same way that the Red Cross hands out cookies and juice to humans after they donate, donor dogs receive lots of treats, petting and attention before, during and after their red-blooded contribution. If you’d like to sign up your dog to be a donor, talk to your veterinarian about whether your dog has the right stuff. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Make resolutions

that include pets

-- What are your pet-related New Year’s resolutions? We have five suggestions that are easy, fun and will give you the warm fuzzies in the coming year. 1. Respond more often to your pet’s invitations to play. 2. Take more pictures of your pet, including selfies of the two of you (you’ll cherish the memories). 3. Teach your dog tricks or to do a fun, easy sport such as rally or nosework (you could even try to earn a title, just for fun). 4. Make some homemade pet treats together. 5. Brush your pet’s teeth or use dental wipes on them daily.

-- In millions of households worldwide this year, animals have provided much-needed comfort to people via cuddles, pats and a constant physical presence. A new study published by University of South Australia researchers in the Journal of Behavioural Economics for Policy points to the lifesaving role pets played in 2020, when human-human contact could be life-endangering. Lead author Dr. Janette Young says physical touch is a sense that was often taken for granted or overlooked until COVID-19 came along. “Humans have an innate need to connect with others, but in the absence of human touch, pets are helping to fill this void,” she says, adding that hospitals, hospices and care facilities should be encouraging pet connections with residents. “Residential aged care is yet to recognize the value of human-animal relationships. Had more pets been living with their owners in aged care when COVID-19 restrictions were applied, it could have helped people immeasurably,” she says.

-- Finches are charming avian companions who chatter and sometimes sing. They aren’t hands-on birds and would prefer you to keep your distance, but some will learn to perch on a finger. They need spacious horizontal cages and do best in the company of other finches. -- 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.

Feline employees still keep barns rodent-free, but they’ve expanded their workplaces to warehouses, wineries and more

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

One of the lovely legends surrounding Christmas is that of the tabby cat who jumped into the manger and began purring to soothe a crying baby Jesus. A grateful Mary placed her hand on the cat’s head in blessing, and ever since, tabbies have carried the M for Mary on their forehead.

Cats have been denizens of barns since the dawn of agriculture, some 7,000 to 10,000 years ago. Once people began storing grain in buildings, small wild cats discovered that grain storage areas teemed with mice. Without necessarily entering into a contract with humans, the cats began providing rodent control to early farmers. It didn’t lead immediately to domestication -- some argue that to this day, cats aren’t fully domesticated -- but felines and humans developed a commensal relationship, one in which each derived a benefit.

Even after domestication, cats retained their association with barns. Nowadays, though, they have extended their workplaces to breweries, warehouses, citrus orchards, junkyards, police mounted-patrol stables, wineries, bodegas, hotels, spas, garden centers, marinas, manufacturing plants, zoos, prisons and even suburban backyards.

“Options are truly limitless for working cat placements,” says Monica Frenden, director of feline lifesaving at American Pets Alive! in Austin, Texas. “Think of any location that has mouse, mole, snake or vermin concerns, and that is a possible placement location.”

It’s the rare shelter that doesn’t have a barn or working cat program. While plenty of cats adore living indoors, gracing our laps with their presence, others hearken back to their ancestral work, preferring to live outside, set their own hours and earn their kibble the old-fashioned way: by providing natural pest control programs.

Shelters that wouldn’t be able to place feral, fractious or other temperamentally unsuited cats in indoor homes work to save those cats from euthanasia by finding them jobs.

“Working cats typically are felines that have had limited interactions with humans or have never been socialized with humans,” says Joan Thielen, public relations manager at Denver Dumb Friends League. “These working cats thrive when they have a job in a barn, stable or other outdoor setting.”

Other cats who benefit from an outdoor job are those with too much energy, a history of biting people or an unmanageable habit of house soiling. Some are simply unhappy living in homes.

Before placement, cats being considered for working positions are evaluated by a veterinarian to ensure that they are healthy and suited to living outdoors. They are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Barn cat “salaries” must include daily food and water, regular veterinary care and a safe living area that’s sheltered from the elements.

Frenden says one of her favorite barn cat placements was with the Austin Police Mounted Patrol Unit.

“They were seeking two new deputies to keep their stable rodent-free after their last Rodent Officer was retired into a loving home when he aged out of productivity at 18,” she says. “Officers Lily and Mama were adopted from Austin Pets Alive! and became official police animals who continue to patrol the grounds and keep the streets safe from mice, rats and snakes.”

And just because the cats live outdoors doesn’t mean they aren’t loved and appreciated. It’s not unusual, Thielen says, for the cats to slowly adapt to their human companions and begin seeking attention from them or even choosing to spend time indoors with them.

“As anyone who has ever had a horse, pet pig or beloved farm critter can tell you, just because an animal does not live inside the house with us does not mean they must be any less loved,” Frenden says. “The enjoyment of seeing your barn cat playing in the grass, the way they come running at dinnertime and the value of their presence endears them to most adopters, even if we can never touch them. Barn cat programs are a win-win for both the cats and the adopters who love them.”

Q&A

Pets not poisoned

by poinsettias

Q: My sister has poinsettias all over her house, and she’s not worried about her pets eating them. I thought they were toxic to animals. Shouldn’t she get rid of them?

A: That’s one thing pet owners don’t have to stress about during the holiday season. Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) have an undeserved reputation for toxicity.

At most, the popular Christmas plants can be mildly irritating to pets who nibble on them. “The sticky white sap in poinsettias usually causes only mild mouth or stomach irritation if ingested,” says veterinary toxicologist Justine Lee, DVM, with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Depending on the amount, pets who ingest poinsettias may lick their lips, drool or experience mild vomiting and, rarely, diarrhea. Sap on skin can cause redness, swelling and itchiness. Unless these signs are persistent or severe, there’s no need to rush pets to the veterinary ER.

“My advice is that they are perfectly fine to have during the holidays, even in households with dogs or cats,” says veterinary toxicologist John Tegzes, VMD, professor of toxicology at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. “But do place them in areas where pets might not have easy access, or if they do, watch to make sure they don’t eat significant amounts of the plants, like the whole plant.”

The bottom line? If you enjoy the beauty of poinsettias, it’s OK to have them in your home during the holidays.

Now, if your sister has lilies in her home, along with cats, tell her to give them to you or throw them out. Cats can die quickly from eating any part of lily plants -- leaves, stems, petals even pollen -- or from drinking water from the vase they’re in. Dogs are less at risk, prone primarily to mild stomach upset from eating them. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Pet scams rising,

says BBB

-- Pet buyers, beware! The Better Business Bureau announced a dramatic spike in pet fraud reports, nearly 4,000 in 2020 from the United States and Canada. After finding puppies or kittens online, would-be owners shell out hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars for the animals, only to discover that they’ve been scammed when the promised pet never arrives. Often, scammers lift photos of puppies from the websites of reputable breeders or ask for additional money to cover upgraded shipping crates or pet health insurance. Scammers may request payment through apps such as Zelle or CashApp.

-- Dog lovers, especially those of the Labrador persuasion, will surely enjoy “Olive, Mabel & Me,” a book about the adventures of two Labs and their wryly humorous and just-a-little-bit besotted owner, Scottish sports commentator Andrew Cotter. Olive and Mabel landed in the spotlight when Cotter, out of work because of the pandemic, began narrating their lives on YouTube as they sped through breakfast, waited each other out over a chew toy, went on walks or simply stood in a pond. In between their “sports” activities, Cotter and the dogs bag munros hikes (hike Scotland’s peaks of up to 3,000 feet) and, well, just hang out together. It’s a charming, funny and tender memoir.

-- You may know that everyone’s favorite day of the week -- Friday, of course -- is named after Norse goddess Freyja, but did you know that Freyja’s transport was a chariot pulled by two giant cats, given to her by thunder god Thor? Norse legends do not share the names of the cats, but in her 1984 novel “Brisingamen,” modern-day author Diana Paxson christened them Bygul (bee-gold, aka honey) and Tregul (tree-gold, aka amber). The Old Norse language had several words for cats, including “kottr,” “kausi,” “kisa” (kitty), “kis-kis”(kitty kitty), “ketlingr” (a kitten), “ketta” (female cat) and “fress” (tomcat). -- 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.