Pet steps: They’re not just for little dogs. Why they can be important and what to look for

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

My dog Sparkles celebrates her 11th birthday in a couple of weeks, but you’d never know it to look at her. She races up and down the stairs and jumps on and off the sofa with gusto. The jumping off the sofa bit worries me, though. It’s hard on dogs’ joints and can lead to injuries or arthritis, especially if you have slick wood floors that aren’t softened by an area rug (if you’re redoing flooring, check here for dog-safe options: fearfreehappyhomes.com/choosing-pet-friendly-flooring-for-your-home). And some older dogs can have difficulty getting on sofas or beds that they used to jump onto with ease.

Pet steps to the rescue! And you might be surprised to learn that they’re not just for older dogs, small dogs or dogs with orthopedic problems. Any pet can benefit from an assist when it comes to getting on and especially off furniture or in and out of cars.

“There has been one published study that I know of that showed that dogs can get injuries indistinguishable from elbow dysplasia, which creates just about the worst arthritis a dog can get, by jumping down from SUVs onto hardtop,” says veterinarian Chris Zink, past president of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. “This is the reason why I never let my dogs of any size jump out of my car. With the larger dogs, I just teach them to fall into my arms as I let them down to the ground. It isn’t as difficult as picking a dog up.”

Whether you have a tiny Chihuahua puppy or a giant Scottish deerhound, pet steps can help to prevent injuries as well as save your own back. As Zink says, “Why risk injury when there are simple alternatives?” Here’s what to look for.

-- Materials. Pet steps can be made of foam, plastic or wood. We chose foam because it’s lightweight and we move the steps back and forth daily from the sofa to the bed. Plastic steps can be slippery. Choose steps with a carpeted or nonslip surface. The bonus is that some are made to fold down for easy storage or transportation. Wooden steps can be attractive and are sturdy enough for large dogs. Drawbacks include cost and weight. Lightweight is good, but stability is important, too.

-- Safety. Steps or ramps should have a nonskid surface, and the bottom should be nonskid, too. We had to attach nonskid material to the bottom of the steps we purchased so they didn’t slide when Sparkles stepped on them.

“Nonslip is the most important thing,” Zink says. “Ease of use comes second. Having it wide enough for the really giant breeds is a plus, but regardless, the giant dogs should be guided down to be sure they don’t slip off the sides.”

-- Ease of cleaning. Steps can start to look grungy with regular use. Some have removable covers that can be machine washed or taken to the dry cleaners. Carpeted surfaces can be vacuumed. Wipe down plastic steps with soap and water and dry thoroughly. Be sure not to clean wooden steps with products that will leave them feeling slippery.

-- Height. Be sure the depth and angle of the steps are comfortable for your pet. Our 16-inch steps are level with the sofa. They don’t take Sparkles all the way up to the bed, but it’s easy for her to jump onto it from the third step. Some people keep a taller set of steps by the bed and a shorter set by the sofa.

-- Cars. Ramps are popular for aiding dogs in getting in and out of cars, especially vans and SUVs that are high off the ground. Take into account the same safety considerations. Be aware, though, that some dogs simply prefer steps.

Now we just need to get Sparkles to remember to go down her steps.

Q&A

Don’t let fleas

bug your cat!

Q: What’s the best way to protect my cats from fleas, and when do they need protection?

A: Great question. Depending on where you are, flea season can start as early as March and continue through fall; in some locations such as the West Coast and the Southeast, keeping on top of fleas can be a year-round job. It’s especially important because a single flea can bite a cat up to 400 times a day, making their life miserable. And under the right conditions, the number of fleas in a home can multiply in less than a month to a thousand -- or more!

The voracious bloodsuckers not only have bites that cause pets to itch and scratch, they can also transmit diseases that affect cats and humans. But thanks to modern safe and effective flea-control products, those problems are a lot less common.

Most experts recommend year-round flea prevention, but if for some reason that’s not possible, talk to your veterinarian about the appropriate window of time in your area for starting and stopping a preventive product. Your veterinarian can also recommend the most appropriate product for your cat’s age, health and lifestyle.

If you’re using a topical flea preventive, apply it high enough on the neck that your cat can’t lick it off. I think the best spot is in the middle of the neck, right behind the ears at the base of the skull. Avoid applying this type of product to your cat’s shoulders or down his back, areas that are more easily licked.

Chewable oral products are available as well. If your cat will take these pills, they may be a preferable alternative to applying a spot-on to a squirmy cat.

Some feline flea preventives also work to control internal parasites and heartworms. That’s a win! -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Recalls to

know about

-- If you give your cat or dog omega-3 supplements, check the label to see if they are manufactured or distributed by Stratford Care USA of Odessa, Florida. The company is recalling multiple brands of omega-3 supplements for cats and dogs due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin A, which can be toxic in high doses. The company is working with the Food and Drug Administration to remove all products from affected lots. You can find additional information on brand and products names here: bit.ly/3TfhbxI. If you purchased one of the recalled products, stop giving it and contact the company at (877) 498-2002 or adverseevents@stratfordrx.com about a refund and safe ways to dispose of the product.

-- In other recall news, Purina has widened its recall of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental dry dog food, some of which may contain elevated levels of vitamin D. No other Purina pet care products are affected. High levels of vitamin D can cause health problems such as vomiting, appetite loss, increased thirst and urination, excessive drooling and kidney dysfunction. Find more information here: bit.ly/3Lo6R4S.

-- Cat lovers have a new book to “purr-use” on what is surely their favorite topic: “How To Raise a Happy Cat.” In six chapters, author Sophie Collins addresses such fascinating feline facts as how the world looks, smells, sounds and feels to a cat; the kind of attention cats like, especially when and where they like to be petted and how they let you know; environmental preferences; the ways cats like to spend their time (it’s more than just napping!); and the new science behind their behavior, to name just a few of the many interesting topics. Games cats play and their favorite types of toys comprise more important details on living with cats. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

How to get through the first weeks of living with your new puppy in honor of National Puppy Day on March 23

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Congratulations! You have a new puppy!

Now what?

Our tips will help you lay a foundation for a happy life together over the next 10-plus years. Here are nine things to start teaching your new friend right away.

1. Learn to love a crate. It’s a safe spot at home or away, a resting place and a travel carrier on the road or in the air. Furnish it with a comfortable pad to lie on, treats to find inside and a toy for comfort and entertainment. Place it in an area where people are coming and going so he can learn the family routine during the day, and in the bedroom at night so he can smell and be comforted by your presence. Teach kids that the crate is off-limits to them -- no crawling inside or sticking hands into it. Teach your pup that whining and barking don’t open the crate door. Walk away calmly and let him out only when he’s quiet.

2. Where to potty. When you arrive home from the shelter or breeder, let your pup relieve herself before going indoors. Offer praise and a treat when she does. Pups need to go out to potty immediately after every meal, after waking up, after 15 to 20 minutes of play and just before bedtime.

3. Stay close. Indoors, keep him on leash with you to ensure he can’t get into anything he shouldn’t. Young pups don’t need free run of the house. That’s when they get into trouble.

4. Touch and sound of love. Sit with your pup and talk to her. As you do, handle her paws, rub her ears, look inside and sniff the ears, rub her belly and touch her tail. This helps her learn that it’s OK for you to touch her all over, which will be helpful for later grooming appointments or vet examinations.

5. Going to the vet is fun. Your puppy’s adoption or purchase contract may require a veterinary visit within 48 hours of bringing him home to confirm that he’s in good health. Make it a “getting to know you” visit with nothing more than a gentle physical exam, a weigh-in and lots of treats from the veterinarian and staff. Schedule vaccinations or spay/neuter surgery for a later visit.

6. Meals happen on schedule. Regular meals make it easier to housetrain puppies, reduce the risk of obesity and ensure that you notice changes in appetite. Measure out regular amounts instead of filling the bowl to the brim.

7. Take food from hands. For the first week or so, hand-feed to help bond with your pup and help her learn to take items gently. Give a piece when your puppy is sitting or looking at you or if she follows when you walk away with the bowl. Ask for a spin or other behaviors before giving a piece. Hand feeding teaches puppies self-control and sets you up as the person to look to for good things.

8. Sleep tight. Even when you’re asleep, your puppy is bonding with you. He should sleep in the same room so he can smell you, but he’s too young to be on the bed. Take him out to potty, then put him in his crate with a treat. He may whine or bark, but once you get in bed and turn out the light, he should settle down. If he’s young, you may need to take him out to potty in the middle of the night. Be kind, take him where he needs to go and put him back in his crate. Nighttime isn’t playtime!

9. Learning starts now. If your puppy is 10 to 12 weeks old and has had two sets of inoculations, sign up for puppy class. The critical learning period lasts until pups are 14 to 16 weeks old, and they can learn a lot during that time about navigating the world and interacting with people.

Q&A

Know the terms

on pet food labels

Q: When pet foods are labeled “super-premium” or “natural,” what does that mean? Are they better for my animal?

A: Many different terms are found on pet food labels. Others you might have seen are “premium” or “gourmet.” While all of these terms sound great, they don’t necessarily have any specific meaning. A food that’s described as “gourmet,” “premium” or “super-premium” isn’t required to meet certain standards or contain high-quality ingredients. These terms are simply marketing talk.

What about “natural” and “organic”? A natural food is one that doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. The word “organic” can be applied to any product that contains at least 95% organic ingredients, not counting salt and water. Labels that say, “Made with organic chicken and green beans,” for instance, must contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, but cannot claim that the complete product is organic. It’s important to remember that the terms “natural” and “organic” are not interchangeable.

In general, foods with a premium or super-premium label typically contain high-quality or specialty ingredients. Depending on the formulation, your pet may eat less of one of these foods but take in a higher percentage of nutrients.

Price differences are usually based on the types and amounts of ingredients, such as free-range chicken and wild-caught salmon versus conventionally grown chicken and farmed salmon. Those are things that may be important to you but aren’t necessarily crucial to your pet’s health. However, the makers of both premium foods and national brands sold in grocery stores all spend big bucks on nutrition studies and feeding trials, so whichever you choose, your pet is likely to do well on it. Remember, the real test of a food’s quality is your pet’s health. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Protect pets from

household poisons

-- Pets, especially dogs, will lick or swallow a lot of things that would never occur to us. Protect them from the following household items: cleaning products; insecticides and rodenticides; medications, supplements and vitamins; bath soap, toothpaste and sunscreen; and potpourri and mothballs. To use cleaning products safely around pets, read the labels. You may need to keep pets (and kids) away from the area being mopped or cleaned until the product has dried. If you use toilet bowl cleaners, keep the lid down. Store all risky products out of reach. You may need to use child-proof or earthquake latches on cabinet doors or place items on high shelves. With parasite prevention products, never use dog products on cats or other species. Medications to keep your dog from trying include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, diet pills, vitamins, cold pills, antihistamines, antidepressants and other prescription medications.

-- New puppy owners will enjoy journaling their pets’ milestones and learning about caring for them with “My Pawsome Dog and Me,” a pet “baby” book that addresses bringing puppy home, choosing a name, physical and mental health, grooming, training, play, body language, quotes about dogs and more. Look for it on bookstore shelves or online on April 4.

-- Are you thinking of getting a bird? Before you bring one home, consider their potential lifespan and whether you’re prepared to spend most of the rest of your life with them. Healthy pet parrots can live for decades, so that means making a major commitment. In general, the larger the parrot species, the longer the life expectancy. Large macaws can live 70 to 100 years or more, and even little budgies can live to be 20 years old. Just in case, plan for your macaw or Amazon parrot to outlive you. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Hair color for pets is popular, but is it safe? Here’s what to know

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Every few months someone posts a photo or video on social media of a pet whose tail, ears or entire coat has been dyed with colors not seen in nature. Perhaps they are adorned with purple leopard spots or green tiger stripes, or dotted with pastel hearts -- just to name just a few of the dazzling designs that creative groomers and pet lovers think up to give their animals. Invariably, it starts a flame war between people who think it’s cruel and those who think it’s harmless fun.

Why do people do it? Reasons range from prettying pets up for holidays, therapy visits or shelter adoptions; giving them a unique appearance so they’ll be less likely to be stolen; and, yes, just for fun.

“I understand the concern that people have seeing dyed dogs,” says dog groomer Gabriel Feitosa in San Diego, who has been creatively grooming dogs for 18 years. “It comes from a place of love for the animals, and if I had no idea how this was done, I would probably also be concerned.”

Among the dogs Feitosa has transformed with color are therapy dogs who visit children’s facilities and hospitals and shelter dogs who need a little extra attention. “At the shelter, we focused on big dogs and the older ones that are constantly overlooked, and I think it gave them a second chance to find a forever home,” Feitosa says. “All the transformed pups got adopted right away.”

Whether you’re considering hair color for your dog, cat, bunny, guinea pig or horse, or you think your pet’s hair is perfect as-is, here’s what to know.

Use products made specifically for pets. Never use hair color made for humans on pets, especially products that contain peroxide, ammonia or bleach, says veterinary dermatologist Wayne Rosenkrantz at Animal Dermatology Group in Tustin, California: “They can irritate eyes and cause contact reactions or burn the skin and damage hair.”

Veterinarian Diane Walker, who practices at Blueberry Creek Veterinary Hospital in Perth, Ontario, Canada, advises being aware of the potential for allergic reactions and using products that aren’t heavily scented, which could be annoying to pets or elicit negative reactions from other animals.

Creative grooming is best for pets who enjoy being pampered and have learned from an early age to remain still and calm while being brushed, combed, shampooed or trimmed.

“You would need a dog who is very low-reactivity and is used to grooming, and who doesn't have reactive doggy friends,” Dr. Walker says.

Whether applying color at home or having it done by a professional pet groomer, expect the process to take 30 to 40 minutes. “We apply the dyes onto the fur, and it has to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing,” Feitosa says.

The nontoxic dyes developed for pets are colored stains, and they work best on white or light-colored dogs.

Plenty of YouTube videos show people coloring their pets at home, and it can be done safely with patience and the right products, but Feitosa notes some reasons to consider seeking out a professional.

“A dog’s unexpected sudden move might make the dye job not so pretty, and once it’s done, you’ll have to live with it for a couple of months or trim the hair off,” he says. “A professional will also know how the vibrancy of each color will come out in different areas of your dog. For example, ears and tail usually come out in different tones using the same dye due to the oily nature of the ears.”

Make sure products are labeled for pets, and don’t let pets lick them during application, even if they’re labeled nontoxic.

Choose gentle semi-permanent dyes and color-depositing shampoos for animals who may be more sensitive, such as cats, rabbits and guinea pigs.

Q&A

Keep cat teeth

from drilling you

Q: My cat nailed me with her teeth recently, and I got a bad infection! How can I prevent future bites?

A: Ouch! Cat bites are not only painful, they are scary, having the potential of becoming infected within hours. Any time a cat bites, it’s essential to clean the wound with soap and water and see a doctor immediately.

Let’s hope this was a one-time occurrence. If you know why the bite occurred -- for instance, you pet your cat for too long or on an area where she doesn’t like being touched, such as the belly -- don’t do that again. But if you live with a bitey kitty, here are some tips to help you avoid those razor-sharp fangs.

-- Respect your cat's limits. Many cat bites are the result of pushing an interaction just seconds too long. Signs a cat is getting edgy include tail swishing, crouching, ears rotated back or lowered, dilated pupils and hair standing on end. Tune in and end an interaction before your cat reaches her breaking point.

-- Freeze! If your cat does go after you, think fast to prevent serious injury. First, if you are holding her, let go. Second, don't move. Your cat's instincts are to fight until she wins, and lack of movement tells her you're not a threat anymore.

-- Get yourself to a doctor. Because cats carry bacteria on their claws, a high percentage of scratches become infected. If you get scratched or bitten, you'll likely need antibiotics to heal. Better to head things off at the pass by calling your doctor sooner rather than later. Cat scratches and bites can lead to nasty infections, disease and even hospitalization. Here’s more on cat bites: fearfreehappyhomes.com/how-to-treat-and-prevent-cat-bites.

If the situation doesn't improve, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Socialization

news you can use

-- Would pandemic pets be more prone to separation anxiety? That was a big question after people started returning to the office instead of working at home. Based on anecdotal evidence, experts aren’t seeing a significant increase in canine separation anxiety, according to veterinary behaviorists Valarie Tynes and Laurie Bergman, who addressed the concern during a Jan. 15 presentation at the Veterinary Meeting and Expo (VMX) in Orlando, Florida. It’s more important, they said, for veterinarians to talk to new owners about the importance of socialization for a puppy’s mental and emotional development. If your vet doesn’t bring it up, ask! You can learn more here: fearfreehappyhomes.com/new-puppy-socialization-starts-now.

-- A study published last October in the Journal of Neuroscience (jneurosci.org/content/40/43/8396) looked at the similarities and differences in how dogs and humans process facial recognition. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, researchers mapped the brains of canine and human study participants as they were shown images of people and animals. They found that humans focused first on expression while dogs focused first on species. Veterinary behaviorist Laurie Bergman spoke about the study at VMX, explaining that dogs recognize human head shape and canine head shape. “Anything that disrupts that outline can cause alarm,” she says. Perhaps that’s why some dogs are startled when they see people wearing hats. Just in case, ensure that young puppies have positive encounters with multiple people wearing different types of headgear or carrying umbrellas.

-- Between the ages of 4 weeks and 14 weeks, a kitten’s brain has its greatest capacity for learning and memory. Choose a kitten raised in a home where they have become used to household sounds and being petted or held by people. Kittens who aren’t handled or are handled very little before they are 10 weeks old are more likely to be fearful. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.