Pets 2009

Pet owners, I know your animals are cherished members of the family. But what they aren't, thank God, are neurotic 21st-century Americans. For instance, they do not need Fortifido fortified doggy water. Humans don't need fortified water, either, but that's another story. Nonetheless, Cott Corp. has just introduced the "first-ever fortified water for pets with real functional benefits," in flavors ranging from spearmint to peanut butter to parsley. Would you introduce fortified water for humans in pork, beef or pizza-from-the-garbage flavor? No. So lay off the parsley flavor for dogs. They don't do garnishes.

Bringing home a new baby makes for happy yet somewhat stressful times for all members of a household -- including the family dog. That's why it's important to change routines well before the child arrives, said Barbara Shumannfang, a certified dog trainer, founder of Top Notch Dog in Durham, N.C. and author of "Happy Kids, Happy Dogs: Building a Friendship Right from the Start" ($16, Lulu Press).

Iguanas are impressive, super-sized snakes make a statement and tenacious little turtles are truly a sight to behold, but be forewarned. Unlike dogs and cats, reptiles are not domesticated. They are wild animals, and as such they require a ton of work, endless patience and a lot of money to stay healthy and happy in captivity.

It's one thing to battle over who gets the dog once divorce is imminent. It's another to argue about the dog until divorce is imminent. This is a real problem -- poorly behaved dogs that destroy marriages and deflate budding romance. What to do about these canine homewreckers? Heed the following letter from a reader: "My dog will not let my boyfriend kiss me without growling or barking the whole time, and it is impossible to be intimate without my dog wanting to be on the bed with us. I have tried removing him from the room, but the barking only gets worse. It has become very awkward and uncomfortable. Please help."

In a 2007 American Veterinary Medical Association survey, it was found that cats rule. At the time, there were 81.7 million cats that lived in households in the United States, while it was estimated that there were about 72 million dogs. Many of those homes had multiple cats. Jill A. Richardson, a veterinarian for zootoo.com, ascribes the popularity of cats to lifestyle choices. "Cats are a lot more convenient," she said. "They are ideal companions for a tiny apartment, busy people and long intervals alone."

Imagine if you and your best friend didn't share a single common word. An odd friendship, to be sure -- but not unlike the one between humans and pets. Despite the language barrier, two-thirds of pet owners say they do understand their pets, and a slightly smaller percentage say their pets understand them, according to a recent poll by the Associated Press and petside.com. (Unfortunately, nobody surveyed the pets.)

When you bring home a new pet, you become that animal's provider, master and forever friend. However, besides you and your family members, the most vital person in your pet's life is your veterinarian. Choosing a vet requires more effort than opening the local Yellow Pages or Googling "veterinarians." Although family and friends can recommend a doctor, there are other ways to find just the right health care professional for your new fuzzy bundle of joy.

My next-door neighbor Tom called me the other day, frantically asking me to come over because his turtle ran away. "Wait, your turtle ran away? How is that even possible?" I demanded. "I must have left the door open to her cage," Tom explained. I thought of a different question. "Since when do you have a turtle?" "That's the point: I don't. She ran away."

You've got love to spare and have decided to make an addition to the family or, perhaps, start a family by bringing a pet into your life. It's a noble venture and long-term commitment producing a bond that, to some, is parallel to having a child. You may be committed to fostering a furry friend, but now the inevitable question arises of how to go about fulfilling that commitment and what to be aware of in the process.

Let's face it: Having Fido or Kitty means another mouth to feed, health care bills, clothing and accessories, grooming supplies, legal costs such as licensing and education or training. "Let's say you're adopting from a local shelter as opposed to buying from a breeder," a post on the website dogtime.com said. "By doing so, you'll save hundreds of dollars -- and possibly take advantage of the spay/neuter surgery that many shelters include in the price of adoption. That said, you can still expect to spend between $795 to $1725 the first year, just for the basics."

Every parent knows that the right toy can make a world of difference, and few can resist the yelps of glee and purrs of delight brought on by the perfect plaything. These are no ordinary toys though, you're no ordinary parent, and finding the appropriate item for your four-legged family member is no trifling matter.

When it comes to feeding your dog and cat the proper diet, you need look no further than your average pet food. "Your pet's diet is more highly regulated than anything you and I have ever eaten, including milk and baby food," said Nancy K. Cook, vice president of the Pet Food Institute in Washington, D.C. Dedicated to promoting the overall care and well being of pets, for 50 years the institute has been the voice of the pet food industry, representing the manufacturers of 98 percent of all dog and cat food produced in the United States.

It's never too soon to enroll in obedience classes. Whether your new companion is 8 weeks or 8 years old, it's important to set the standards for appropriate behavior early on. It's vital for any well-mannered dog to learn the basic commands, but obedience classes teach much more than just proper pooch etiquette. They provide dogs with essential socialization skills, offer necessary mental and physical stimulation and help strengthen the human-canine connection.

My pit bull Daddy is now fourteen years old, and he has had a remarkable life so far. He's been all over the United States; he's been on the Red Carpet at the Emmy Awards; and he's even been to the White House. Daddy originally belonged to a rapper named Redman.

You may have seen the new premium pet drinks popping up in pet stores boasting everything from vitamin- and electrolyte-enhancement to portability and palatability, but nothing beats a good, old-fashioned bowl of clean, fresh water -- and in the summer months, nothing is more essential to your pet's health. Between the warm temperatures, the long walks and all that exercise, proper pet hydration is as important as the food you feed your four-legged friend.

Sure, it looks like an easy life: Nap for hours, laze around in the sunny yard and then go straight to a ready-to-eat bowl of food. But household pets also need exercise for all the same reasons that their owners do: to keep weight under control, muscles in shape and, just as significantly, maintain an even keel with disposition. "It definitely brings emotional benefits," said Meg Wallace, professional petsitter and owner of Eastside Petsitters in Los Angeles. "Exercise can improve a pet's mood by taking away excess energy and anxiety as well."

According to the 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, 63% of U.S. households, or 71.1 million homes, have a pet. And for households with dogs and/or cats, the expenses add up.

There are times when the family pet(s) must accompany you on a vacation or long trip. Here are some tips to make the experience smooth for all.

Americans invest a lot of money into their animals. According to a American Pet Products Association research, an estimated $43.4 billion was spent on pets last year. Here's where the dollars went.