This week is a perfect storm of pet celebrations

Andrews McMeel Syndication

I often say, “There’s only one greatest pet in the world, and every family has it.” I’m sure you agree.

I was in a business recently, and the winner of the Employee of the Month contest was the owner’s dog -- as it had been every month for the past three years. (The dog is 3 years old.)

I’m not only a veteran veterinarian of 43 years, I’m also a lifetime pet lover. Just like you, I give our dogs nibbles from the table; I love to watch them tap dance for treats, almost rub the fur off of them in the evening while watching TV and let them take over the lion’s share of the bed.

And while our pampered pooches and fussed-on felines would probably like us to celebrate and spoil them every single day of the year with special meals, tasty treats, play and even massage, this particular month focuses on pets in several ways.

In May we celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week (May 1-7; created in 1915 by American Humane); National Pet Week (May 7-13; created by the AVMA in 1981); and Dog Anxiety Awareness Week (May 1-7; created by Assisi Animal Health).

If you go to the websites for these events, you can find a lot of great curated information designed to celebrate that special bond -- that affection-connection -- we share with our beloved pets, as well as tips and tactics to help them live happier, healthier, fuller lives.

In addition, here are my Top 5 tips to make your pet’s life the best:

1) Choose wisely. Most people spend more time looking for the right Range Rover than the right Rover. Consider your home, age, lifestyle and financial situation when choosing a pet. If you live in a small high-rise apartment and work 10-hour days, a border collie is probably not for you. Today’s hottest pet, the French bulldog? Honestly, with the breed’s myriad medical issues, probably not the best choice for the vast majority of prospective pet parents.

2) Plan for care. My sister is a physician, and she never has talks about the cost of her medical recommendations with patients. Conversely, veterinarians almost always have conversations about the costs of their recommendations. The difference is in insurance. I highly recommend purchasing pet health insurance because when your pet becomes sick or injured, you want the best medicine -- not just what you can afford. I’m a veterinarian, and I have pet insurance for all of our pets. Why? Because some procedures -- like a kidney transplant in a cat -- can cost $35,000, and some cancer treatments can soar to the tens of thousands of dollars.

3) Exercise. While fat cats and pudgy pooches are funny in cartoons, in real life they’re like tubby time bombs ticking away. These animals’ bodies are built for movement. Try and exercise your pet daily. If you can’t because of time or inability, consider day care or hiring a dog walker.

4) Nutrition. Feed smart. Don’t fall for slick marketing campaigns or aggressive sales associates at stores encouraging you to buy wildly expensive pet foods. Your dog or cat will do just fine on widely available medium-priced national brand commercial foods.

5) Healthy pets visit vets. Pets can’t tell you how they were injured, where they hurt or even how they feel. Sure, we can see clues -- loss of appetite, lethargy, limping -- but only through regular visits to the veterinarian can your pet receive a comprehensive physical exam, diagnostic tests if needed and preventive care. For you, the pet parent, regular vet visits alert you to emerging risks in your community and provide you with answers to your pet health questions.

Q&A

Do cats

get carsick?

Q: My cat is always so unhappy in the car. Do cats get carsick?

A: You bet! Cats don’t really enjoy new experiences, and riding in the car is one of those things that they don’t do very often, so it makes them anxious.

Being picked up, crammed into a carrier (as so many people do) and placed in a moving vehicle that makes noise, smells funny and makes their tummy roil is a recipe for carsickness when it comes to most cats.

Motion-sick cats might not turn a sickly pea-green color, but they may yowl, pace (as much as they can in a carrier), lick their lips, drool, vomit or have diarrhea. None of that is pleasant for them -- or you.

So how are you supposed to get your cat to the vet or get her moved to your new home? The good news is that cats can be desensitized or counterconditioned to being in a carrier and riding in the car. The bad news is that you need to start well in advance, from a few days to a few weeks, to help accustom your kitty to car travel. I don’t have enough space here to describe how to do that, but this article can get you started: fearfreehappyhomes.com/teach-your-cat-to-go-into-a-carrier-without-a-struggle.

Once your cat is comfortable going into a carrier, you can take steps to make car rides more comfortable, too. Tips include playing audiobooks (maybe a cat-centric mystery or fantasy) or cat-specific music; using a pheromone plug-in made for use in cars; placing the carrier on a level area where it won’t tip over, like the footwell of the rear passenger seat; putting a T-shirt you’ve worn into the carrier with her to provide a sense of familiarity; and talking to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety or anti-nausea nutraceuticals or medications that can help. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

What to look for

when boarding bird

-- Need to board your bird? Many birds are social and may enjoy a stay at an avian veterinary clinic or bird shop that offers boarding. Avian boarding facilities may have health testing requirements that must be met before they’ll take in a bird. Whether or not testing is required, look for one that controls the amount of exposure birds have with one another to ensure that your bird doesn’t acquire any diseases while there. Ideally, the facility you choose should emphasize good food (not a seed diet), plenty of enrichment to keep your bird entertained and cleanliness. Ask if there’s a bird cam so you can check in on your feathered friend while you’re away. With your permission, staff may post photos of your bird on social media or text photos to you. Last but not least, a great facility should be staffed by people who really know and love birds and will give your bird the best care possible.

-- It’s spring, but don’t be surprised if you see a sled dog team in training. Top competitors train nearly year-round, switching to sleds with wheels when snow disappears. Competitive sled dogs are usually a blend called Alaskan huskies, selectively bred for traits such as endurance, strength, speed, intelligence, problem-solving, aptitude for pulling and tolerance for extreme weather. While many different breeds have contributed to their makeup, studies have shown that they have a distinct genetic signature.

-- Burmese cats are solid and muscular, living up to their description of “bricks wrapped in silk.” These intelligent, charming, talkative cats often enjoy interacting with kids and dogs or spending time with their people. Burmese have a short, silky, easy-care coat that comes in sable, champagne, blue and platinum. Expect a Burmese to chat with you in a deep, raspy, rumbling voice. -- 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.

Protect your pet during travel with these safe car travel strategies

By Mikkel Becker

Andrews McMeel Syndication

As an animal trainer, my mission is to protect pets and people, not just from dog bites or poor training practices, but also everyday activities such as car travel. Common travel “hacks,” like using zip ties, carabiner clips and seatbelts to secure crates, or practices such as allowing the pet to ride in the front seat, are particularly dangerous and may have devastating consequences. Here are safety strategies you can implement to keep furry family members safe during rides down the road.

The most important things in travel include preventing pets from escaping during entry and exit from the car or running away in the event of an accident; keeping them from roaming the car while it’s in motion; and maintaining security for pets and other passengers in the event of a crash. Start with smart practices and crash-tested safety gear that safely restrains pets and provides protection.

Safety first. Avoid letting pets ride shotgun (in the front seat). Whether they’re on your lap or standing on the front passenger seat, head out the window, pets are at serious risk of life-threatening injury if airbags deploy or they are flung out of the vehicle.

So where should pets ride? The safest place for pets to ride is in the back seat or cargo space (never inside the trunk) of a hatchback or SUV, especially when secured by a harness, carrier or crate. Pets such as cats or small dogs are safest in soft carriers placed on the floor of the back seat. However, note that only approved devices should be buckled in, as nonsafety-certified equipment that’s strapped in poses an increased risk to pets.

Choosing equipment. Even equipment marketed for car travel may fail to protect the pet in the event of an accident if it is not used or placed correctly or hasn’t been tested for safety. Injuries can occur if an unsecured carrier is catapulted from the seat or the harness or crate collapses on or crushes the pet. Unless a carrier, crate or harness has been crash-tested and approved by an organization such as the Center for Pet Safety (centerforpetsafety.org), using seatbelts to strap in carriers, booster seats or pets themselves may intensify injury to the pet and have the potential to cause severe spinal injury.

Lindsey Wolko founded the Center for Pet Safety after her own dog was injured in a car accident. The nonprofit certifies travel products that provide crash protection. For more information, visit naples.floridaweekly.com/articles/how-safe-is-your-pet-when-riding-in-the-car.

For my dogs, I’ve chosen the crash-tested Sleepypod carriers for smaller family members and ClickIt harnesses for bigger dogs to keep them safely in place during a drive and provide added safety in the event of a crash.

Crash-safe devices may cost more, but the protection they provide to pets and other passengers can be worth the investment. If they’re not in your budget, though, consider other ways to protect pets, such as anchoring larger carriers in a vehicle’s cargo area with strength-rated straps to secure connection points in the car in order to provide the best outcome in the event of an accident. Ideally, crates or carriers should be placed on a level surface for less risk that they’ll tip over or slip off the seat.

Finally, be sure to take extra precautions. Always ensure that your pet is wearing current ID tags and is microchipped with up-to-date information in the event the pet escapes or is thrown out of the car after an accident. Label carriers with a card that identifies you as the owner, provides contact information for someone who can care for your pet in the event that you’re incapacitated and lists contact information for the pet’s veterinarian as well as any important health information.

Safe travels!

Q&A

Itch, scratch

-- begone!

Q: What could be causing my dog’s itchy skin? I don’t think he has fleas.

A: That awful itch and scratch cycle is uncomfortable -- if not downright painful -- for dogs, and frustrating for both dogs and their people!

The problem is that lots of different things can cause dogs to have dry, itchy skin. Fleas, as you mentioned, or other parasites are what most people think of when their dogs are scratching, but causes of itch can also include food or environmental allergies to such things as dust, pollen, grasses and mold spores; the effects of dry, cold air; bacterial or fungal infections; and a range of diseases that includes cancer, Cushing’s and hypothyroidism. It’s frustrating for veterinarians, too, as we try to find the source of the problem.

Diagnosing itchy skin problems can call for lab work that includes blood draws and skin scrapings, allergy tests, and food-elimination trials. The latter involves feeding your dog a special food that doesn’t contain any proteins -- such as chicken or beef -- they’ve ever eaten before. Think rabbit, venison, bison or duck. Ingredients are gradually added back to the dog’s diet to see what causes a reaction.

Depending on the cause, treatment may call for frequent baths with medicated shampoos to remove allergens from the coat and skin; allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy or hyposensitization; and limiting the presence of allergens through air filters and regular vacuuming, sweeping and dusting.

Finally, while you don’t think your dog has fleas, it’s important to remember that those nasty bloodsuckers don’t spend all their time on your dog. You just may not be seeing them. Your veterinarian may be able to spot the signs of a flea infestation. It can’t hurt to try a flea-control product -- assuming he’s not already on one -- to see if it makes a difference. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Grief support

groups help

-- Psychiatrists say that losing a pet can be worse for some people than losing a family member. But grieving the loss of a pet isn’t something that has to be done alone. The heavy burden on your heart can be eased by sharing your pain with others who know how you feel. Sheilah Robertson, DVM, is the medical director for Lap of Love, and says the home hospice and euthanasia provider offers pet loss support groups via Zoom meetings (lapoflove.com/our-services/pet-loss-support). Sessions are led by trained counselors with pet loss grief certifications. There’s no charge for the meetings, and you can attend even if Lap of Love didn’t euthanize your pet. One-on-one grief counseling is available for $50 for 50 minutes. Everyone should feel comfortable about reaching out for help, Dr. Robertson says, because the pain is real. “They shouldn’t be embarrassed by how they feel about losing a pet.”

-- From their backward-curling ears adorned with tufts of fur to their glam plumed tails, American curl cats have a unique appearance that grabs attention, but their personalities are equally enthralling to cat lovers. Smart, affectionate and playful, they enjoy commenting on household activities with sweet coos and trills and are talented at learning tricks. Find out more at the Cat Fanciers Association website: cfa.org/american-curl.

-- Bringing home a new bird? Whatever their size, they’ll be most comfortable if you place them in a small box or carrier draped with a towel to darken the space (make sure there are air holes so the bird can breathe comfortably). A towel in the bottom of the box or carrier provides secure footing, even if the carrier has a perch. Place the carrier where it won’t move around or fall, such as the footwell of the front or rear passenger seat. Here’s more information on teaching a bird to ride comfortably in the car: fearfreehappyhomes.com/teaching-birds-to-travel-stress-free. -- 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.

Vision problems are a common concern in older pets

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Whoever said that getting old isn't for sissies knew what they were talking about. All of us, including our dogs and cats, find that as we age, our bodies just don't work as well as they used to. Eye diseases are among the most commonly seen problems in older dogs and cats.

One change you may notice is a condition called lenticular sclerosis, or nuclear sclerosis. That bluish haze you may see in a pet's eyes isn't cataracts, as is often suspected, but the result of a normal aging of the lens. The good news is that it doesn't affect vision and doesn't require any treatment.

Cataracts are cloudy spots on the normally transparent lens of the eye. They look like a milky gray film behind the pupil. Cataracts may start to appear when dogs are 6 years old to 8 years old and can eventually lead to blindness. Dogs rely more on scent than sight, however, and they can get around very well simply by using their noses -- as long as you don't move the furniture. If your dog's cataracts are so bad that he's running into things, ask your veterinarian about cataract surgery.

Older cats rarely develop cataracts. They are more likely to suffer vision loss from retinal diseases, uveitis (a painful inflammation of certain eye structures) or glaucoma. Like dogs, cats adapt well to vision loss. They compensate by relying more on their hearing or their whiskers.

Other age-related vision problems, such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, better known as dry eye, require aggressive treatment. Tears, which are produced by the lacrimal glands, lubricate, protect and cleanse the eye. Tear production tends to decrease with age. If that happens, the eye becomes dry and irritated. It starts to produce more mucus, causing a goopy discharge. Dry eyes are itchy, and dogs may scratch at them or rub them on the carpet in an attempt to relieve the itch. Dogs with dry eye are also more likely to develop corneal ulcers.

Dry eye is diagnosed with a Schirmer tear test. The veterinarian places a tiny paper strip at the inner corner of the eye, where the tears pool, and holds it there for one minute to see how much of the strip becomes wetted with tears. If the result indicates that tear production is below normal, the animal likely has dry eye. Dry eye is less common in cats than in dogs.

Depending on the condition of the eye, your veterinarian may prescribe artificial tears (not saline solution), antibiotic eye drops or an immunosuppressant drug that stimulates tear production. This helps to keep the dog comfortable and the cornea healthy. The medication may need to be compounded at a special pharmacy.

Glaucoma is an increase in pressure within the eye. It can develop quickly and is extremely painful. If your pet is squinting and the eye is tearing and feels harder than normal, consider it an emergency. A dog or cat with an acute case of glaucoma can lose his eyesight within 48 hours if the condition isn't treated immediately.

Take your dog to the veterinarian for an eye exam any time you notice the following signs:

-- Redness

-- Cloudiness

-- Discharge

-- Opaque or whitish film over the eye

-- Tearing, squinting, pawing at the eye or other signs of pain

-- Sensitivity to light

-- An unusually soft or hard eye

-- A swollen, crusty or itchy eyelid

-- A bulging or sunken eye

If you notice that your pet's vision is not as keen as it used to be, don't simply chalk it up to old age. Oftentimes, medication or other treatment can help, especially if the problem is diagnosed early.

Q&A

Alternatives to pills

for treating birds

Q: How do you give medication to a pet bird? "Pilling" doesn't seem like an option.

A: Veterinarians who work with birds can show you several techniques for medicating them. Which one will be recommended for home nursing care will depend on the owner's comfort and skill, and on the bird himself. Here's a rundown of the options:

-- Putting medication in water. Points for "easy," but this technique has its drawbacks. You have little control over dosage because you can't count on your bird to drink any set amount of water.

-- Medicated feeds. Same pros and cons as medicated water. And some medicated feeds apparently taste awful, so even if your bird feels like eating, he may not touch the stuff with medicine in it.

-- Using a syringe or eyedropper. Accuracy of dosage is a benefit of giving your bird medication orally, assuming you get the stuff in him, instead of dribbling it everywhere but down his throat. You can get the appropriate amount in an eyedropper or a syringe with the needle removed, and then slide the tip into the side of your bird's mouth. You may have to restrain him by wrapping him in a towel. Once restrained, a bird who was hand-fed as a baby will usually go along.

-- Giving an injection. High marks for accuracy, and once you're used to injecting your bird, high marks for ease as well. As with oral medications, you'll likely need to restrain your bird with a towel. Some people get really good at injecting their birds, even after initial reluctance.

Some final points: Don't stop giving meds because your bird seems to feel better. It's always important to give medications for as long as they've been prescribed. If you have any problems or questions, call your veterinarian. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Hypoallergenic dog?

Maybe, maybe not

-- Poodles are the original hypoallergenic breed, touted as such because their curly coat has a long growth cycle and thus takes longer to shed. For that reason, poodles are often crossed with other breeds to create dogs believed to be hypoallergenic, such as goldendoodles, Labradoodles and Maltipoos. It's not shedding hair that causes allergies, however; it's dander -- dead skin cells shed naturally by all mammals, including humans. Pet saliva and urine also contain allergens, so there’s no escaping them. Individual animals produce different levels of allergens, so there’s no guarantee that a specific breed or mix won’t cause an allergic response.

-- We often see news stories of pets who have trekked hundreds of miles to get back home after becoming lost. How do they do it? Science is still trying to answer that question. Migratory animals use magnetic fields, scent cues and orientation of the sun, but the navigational ability of dogs and cats has been little studied. They may be able to sense magnetic fields (elifesciences.org/articles/55080), make mental maps or follow overlapping familiar scents using their amazing sense of smell. Good observational skills and a fantastic sense of hearing may contribute, too. Those capabilities no doubt play a role in allowing them to find home, even from someplace they've never been.

-- Brush your pets’ teeth! Keeping their teeth pearly white isn't just about improving their breath, although that is definitely a bonus. Good dental hygiene, brushing pet teeth several times a week (yes, cats, too) prevents the buildup of plaque and tartar, which trap bacteria and eventually cause periodontal disease and the accompanying stinky breath. Brushing reduces the number of bacteria circulating through your pet's system and helps ensure that they keep more of their teeth into old age. Remember, dentures aren't an option for them. -- 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.