ArcaMax

Q: My 5- and 8-year-old grandchildren want a dog. Can you recommend a breed that's good with children? Do you suggest a purebred or mixed breed? And where should we get the dog? -- K.L.L, via cyberspace

A: David Frei, ubiquitous dog show announcer and director of communications for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, says, "What matters most is that dogs and kids belong together. You want dog who likes to rollick with children, which is true of many dogs."

Frei notes that some dogs might be too excitable or simply too small or fragile and could be accidentally hurt by rambunctious kids.

"In general, sporting breeds are a good choice, like the Labrador or Golden Retriever. I love Brittanies," says Frei, based in New York City. "I could name a dozen other breeds that can be incredibly good with children, not to mention any individual mixed-breed dog."

Frei notes that socialization is exceedingly important. Also, the biscuit doesn't fall far from the tree; genetics matter. So, if you can meet the parents, it's a bonus.

As for where to get a dog, Frei says what might be most important is where not to get one. At the top of the list to avoid are pet stores, which often sell puppy mill dogs and dogs from commercial facilities. Also, verify all breeders on the Internet; some are shady.

Shelters are great choices, but if you adopt an adult dog, bring the entire family in to choose the pup (including the kids), and ask the adoption counselor about how the dog is with children.

The best breeders will quiz you to make sure you're "good enough" for their dogs. Also, a responsible breeder will have you sign on the dotted line that should something happen and you need to give up your dog, the pet will be returned to the breeder.

Frei, who's the founder and President of the non-profit animal-assisted therapy group Angel on a Leash, adds, "We know it's beneficial for kids to grow up with dogs; they have fewer allergies, learn responsibility and much more."

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Q: One of our two cats urinates in a bathroom sink. We keep the litter box clean. I've tried lining the sink with plastic and filling it with water, but the cat still goes there. Any advice? -- R.I.H., Chambersburg, PA

A: At least some cats who relieve themselves on counters, tabletops, stoves and in sinks or similar elevated spots may be ill. This is their way of waving a red flag. Before assuming you're dealing solely with a behavior issue, see your veterinarian.

It's especially interesting and unusual that your cat would risk getting its paws wet in a sink filled with water! You have an acrobat, and also a cat determined not only to use a sink as a bathroom but also this sink in particular.

Cats who pick high places to relieve themselves are often looking for a place with a view because of a relationship issue with another cat, and may even be concerned about potentially being ambushed in a litter box given their current number and locations. Sometimes, cat communication is so subtle that it's truly challenging for mere humans to pick up on.

Add at least one litter box, and preferably two (without covers). Place one in the bathroom near where the cat is using the sink. Place the second and third boxes wherever you like, but at least six feet from the first box and from one another. Be sure to scoop often.

Hopefully, your misbehaving cat will eventually start to use a litter box again. If not, seek help from a veterinary behaviorist (dacvb.org), a veterinarian with a special interest in animal behavior (www.avsabonline.org), or a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (iaabc.org).

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Q: My 3-year-old Schnoodle won't go down tile stairs. We even tried to lure her with hot dogs, putting her on the first step ahead of us. She'll go up and down cement stairs with no problem. It's getting harder for me to carry her. Any ideas? -- D.B., Chicago, IL

A: You have an uncomfortable Schnoodle, says Highland Park, IL-based dog trainer Marius Geykman. To determine if your dog merely feels insecure on the stairs, first determine if there's a medical explanation for her behavior.

Assuming she's healthy, one solution is to put down a plastic or carpet runner on tile floors so your dog will feel more comfortable, with more secure footing.

Play with her on the stairs, feed her treats there, even offer her food on the stairs. Eventually, she'll realize that all good things happen when she goes up and down the stairs. Over time, you may be able to gradually remove the plastic or carpet.

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Q: My 7-year-old Golden retriever has been on thyroid medication called levothyroxine since I adopted him 8 years ago. I'm able to get the generic version of this drug for myself, and it costs a lot less than essentially the same medication for my dog. I don't know how to convert the human dosage for my dog, nor does my veterinarian. Can you help? -- H.A., Palm Harbor, FL

A: Dr. Kate Crumley, Franklin County, N.C.-based president of the American Animal Hospital Association, says, "I'm a stickler about this topic."

It's a subject Crumley has a special interest and expertise in because she's also on thyroid medication. She suggests you follow your veterinarian's instructions.

Although the medication prescribed for your pet is more expensive than your thyroid drug, "I believe it's the right course of treatment," Crumley said. "Keeping your dog's thyroid healthy is so important for keeping (him) out of the doctor's office, and therefore saving you money."

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