And Gina Spadafori
Universal Press Syndicate
Every year at this time we seem to get a little extra bounce in our step, and our pets do, too. But even as we're enjoying the brisk beauty of fall, we need to remember it means winter is around the corner, and with it, an awareness of seasonal challenges for our pets.
That's why we're focusing here on how to enjoy the season, but also how to prepare pets for what's to come next -- winter.
The weather -- heat in the summer, cold in the winter -- is certainly important to outdoor pets. We don't agree with the practice of keeping dogs and cats outdoors all their lives -- these pets are often lonely and bored, and are more likely to be suffering from physical neglect.
That said, we realize some people won't bring animals in the house, no matter what. If you're one of those people, you must provide adequate outdoor shelter. And the time to review your pet's shelter is now.
Animals must be able to get out of the elements. A pet must have a well-insulated structure just large enough so that he can curl up inside to maintain body heat. The structure should also have a wind-block to protect it from wintry blasts. In the coldest parts of the country, it should also have some sort of outdoor-rated pet-heating pad or other device. And be sure that there's always a supply of fresh, unfrozen water by using a heated bowl.
Animals who spend any significant amount of time outside will need more calories during cold weather. Food is fuel, and they'll need to burn it to stay warm.
Final outdoor caution: Remember to thump on your car's hood on cold mornings. Your neighbor's cat may be nestled against the engine for warmth, and thumping your car's hood will get the animal to skedaddle to safety.
Indoor pets don't face the challenges outdoor pets do, but winter can be uncomfortable for them as well. For pets with arthritis, cold weather can be more painful, so ask your veterinarian about supplements or prescription medications that may help your pet feel better. A soft, heated bed may be much appreciated, too, especially by older pets. And remember that one of the best things you can do for a pet with joint problems is to keep the extra weight off: A pet who's more sedentary in winter needs to eat less.
What about sweaters and coats for dogs? Some animals can really use the extra insulation of a well-fitted sweater: older pets, and dogs who are tiny (such as Chihuahuas), or who are shorthaired and naturally lean (such as greyhounds or whippets). Overcoats can save you time drying your dog if you walk in inclement weather, especially if your pet's longhaired. And don't forget to wipe your pets' feet, legs and belly after they've been outside to keep the animal from ingesting any de-icing solutions.
Because home heating systems can dry out the air, you and your pets may be more comfortable if you introduce some humidity. Birds, especially those species originating in tropical climates, will enjoy extra opportunities for bathing or being misted.
Cold-weather pet care is a matter of compassion and common sense. Use both in equal measure, and your pet will get through the worst of the season in fine shape.
Q&A
Feline intros take time to resolve
Q: I have a docile, 4-year-old spayed cat, and I recently adopted a young, neutered male cat with a sunny and cheerful disposition. The problem is that he is very bossy to the female. He will jump on her back until she hisses or cries -- or I break it up. How do I discourage this? She has become very cautious and edgy when he's running around the house to play, and I have become the cat police. -- T.I., via e-mail
A: Begin by taking him in for a thorough veterinary exam to make sure he is completely healthy and comfortable, and to lay the groundwork for getting further advice or referrals as you need them.
Your veterinarian should also check to make sure your new cat was properly neutered, since what you describe could also be mating behavior, such as if he grasps her neck and is doing any humping. Keep in mind a small percentage of neutered males will continue mating behaviors -- albeit without the ability to make another cat pregnant.
It's more likely that your young cat just needs to learn how to respect his elders. Young cats are normally energetic and rambunctious. You will need to pick up his social education where his mom left off, and you must protect your female cat while he's learning.
Once the newbie's health has been established, put environmental management in place, separating the cats when you are not there. Stock her area with everything she needs to be comfortable: bedding, scratching post, toys, fresh food and water, and clean litter box. You will need to provide the same items for your male cat in a separate room or area. Invest in floor-to-ceiling cat trees with a high platform in the common area so she can have some privacy and he will have a place to climb and expend some feline ya-yas.
Next, teach your young male new ways to have fun. Start a daily routine of playing using interactive toys -- wands, laser pointers, etc. -- keeping him busy until he is panting, which may take 15 to 20 minutes. Keep the interactive toys out of sight until game time. Change the game every few minutes to keep his interest. Praise him when he catches the toy prey, and toss in occasional treats to make the hunt seem more real. During play sessions, let your female cat watch. If she wants to join in, double up on the toys so each has his or her own game going.
Finally, feed them together when you are there to praise these moments of peaceful companionship. Give your female cat "elder support" by giving her first dibs on your lap if you all want to hang out once he's tired enough to relax. Give both cats treats for hanging out together without incident.
Do not allow him the opportunity to jump her, so you can get him into new behavior patterns around her that are more fun and rewarding. Use a water pistol or a loud noise to interrupt the behavior -- making sure you're not seen as the source of the squirt. You can also use a breakaway collar and have him drag a leash if you need another way to interrupt him.
Give him a few weeks, better yet months, to learn these new behaviors before you relax on the separation when you're not around. To be on the safe side, when they are back living together, keep a bell on his collar to warn her that he has entered the room. -- Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp, AnimalBehavior.net
(The Pet Connection recommends starting a discussion of any behavior problem with your veterinarian, who can refer you to resources in your area. Send your questions on pet health or behavior to petconnection@gmail.com.)
PET BUZZ
Truck rides deadly for many canines
-- At least 100,000 dogs are estimated to die each year by falling or jumping from the back of pickup truck beds. If a dog survives a fall, broken bones, joint injuries and severe abrasions are the most common injuries, according to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. To protect pets, WSU veterinarians recommend putting a shell on the pickup, or having your dog ride inside a crate strapped down securely. Tethering a dog isn't considered much of an improvement from allowing him to ride loose -- there's just too much risk to the pet.
-- It's good news/bad news for new veterinarians, according to www.dvm360.com. Starting salaries are remaining steady -- up less than 1 percent over the previous year. But job offers are fewer, down 11.5 percent over the same period, although 80 percent of new graduates still have jobs lined up after school. Harder times see more newly minted veterinarians staying in school to continue their education, a 9 percent increase. They're going to have to pay the piper eventually, though, since the average new graduate owes $129,976 in student loans, an annual increase of 8.5 percent.
-- Pets aren't welcome in grocery stores, and Oregon wants pet owners to know it. After numerous complaints from retailers and customers in the dog-crazy Pearl District of Portland, the state is distributing pamphlets and posters to about 4,500 retail stores. Oregon reported more than 600 complaints about people taking pets into places where food is sold or served, according to The New York Times.
-- The economy isn't slowing down spending on veterinary care, with 80 percent of small-animal veterinary practices continuing to grow at a rate of about 3 to 5 percent. The strong growth is thought to be another example of the esteem in which Americans hold their pets. A survey by the American Pet Products Association found the 80 to 85 percent of pet owners have no inclination of cutting back on spending for their pets, with 5 percent expecting to spend more than in the previous year. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon
ABOUT PET CONNECTION
Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.
On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a monthly drawing for more than $1,000 in pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.
PET TIP
Get the brushes out for the big fall shed
Fall shedding is perfectly normal.
Dogs typically lose their winter coats in the spring, when it is replaced by a shorter, lighter one for summer. In the fall, this cycle is reversed, as the summer coat is shed to make room for heavy protective fur for winter. The change is most obvious in "double-coated" breeds such as collies, shelties and keeshonden. Those breeds carry not only a harsh, protective long overcoat, but also a soft, insulating undercoat -- and they lose masses of fur from both in spring and fall.
The amount of shedding varies widely from breed to breed. German shepherds, for example, are prolific year-round shedders, while poodles seem to lose little fur at all. Shorthaired breeds may shed as much as the longhairs, but since the hair they shed is easily overlooked, it may seem as if they are shedding less.
All shedders -- even the heaviest -- can be tamed by a regular and frequent schedule of combing and brushing. After all, the fur you catch on a comb won't end up on a rug. Work against the grain and close to the skin to catch as much of the ready-to-fall fur as possible.
No matter what the breed, shedding -- and heavy seasonal shedding -- is normal, but some heavy shedding can be a sign of health problems. Skin allergies and skin parasites may trigger shedding, and poor nutrition can also be a cause of coat problems.
Become familiar with your pet's normal pattern of shedding, and ask your veterinarian for advice if coat condition seems to dull or excessive hair loss or patches of baldness are noticed. -- Gina Spadafori
BY THE NUMBERS
Why kittens, cats end up homeless
Although the housing crisis and the rough economy are forcing people to give up pets, long-standing trends point to a list of reasons why cats end up homeless:
1. Too many in house
2. Allergies
3. Moving
4. Cost of pet maintenance
5. Landlord issues
6. No homes for littermates
7. House soiling
8. Personal problems
9. Inadequate facilities
10. Doesn't get along with other pets
Source: National Council on Pet Population Study & Policy
PET Rx
Pet's paralysis needs prompt veterinary care
The inability to walk can develop suddenly, even without a history of injury. Such paralysis may be the result of a ruptured spinal disc, especially in low-slung dog breeds such as the dachshund. When paralysis is associated with trauma, fractures or instability of the spine may be the cause.
Paralysis should be considered a life-threatening emergency, and you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Prepare to transport your pet, using an ironing board or piece of plywood as a stretcher, keeping the animal as immobile as possible. Covering the pet with a blanket may help to keep him calm.
Don't encourage or allow your pet to move around, and do not provide any medication unless specifically instructed to by the veterinarian. Stay calm, and get your pet some veterinary assistance immediately, either at your regular veterinary hospital or an emergency clinic. -- Dr. Marty Becker
Pet Connection is produced by a team of team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper, by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.