Fall is my favorite season, and I think it's my pets' favorite, too. They all seem to perk up as the evenings get cooler and the days seem to gently warn of the colder days to come. I love walking the dogs as the leaves are turning along the river parkway near our home, watching my little pack as they lift their noses to track the changes in the air.

But even as I'm enjoying the crispness and beauty of fall, I'm aware that it means winter is around the corner, and with it, an awareness of seasonal challenges for our pets.

Primary among these, of course, is cold weather.

The weather -- heat in the summer, cold in the winter -- is of course of most importance to outdoor pets. I don't agree with the concept of keeping pets outdoors -- these pets are often lonely and bored, and are more likely to be suffering from physical neglect as well. (And don't forget: Loneliness and boredom often lead to behavior problems such as non-stop barking, which isn't fair to the neighbors.)

That said, I 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. You 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.

Every year I'll get questions about sweaters for pets: Are they helpful or just plain silly? Some animals really can use the extra insulation of a well-fitted sweater: older pets, and dogs who are tiny (such as Chihuahuas), or 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 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.

SIDEBAR

Dog walkers, beware

Walking your dog is good for you, good for your dog and great for the relationship you have with your dog. But don't negate all those positive aspects by ignoring safety.

As the days get shorter in the fall, dog walkers may be out in lower light than they were a few weeks earlier, making them less visible to vehicles. The danger is higher if your dog is a dark color, you wear dark clothes, or you walk on a road without sidewalks.

Take a page from the bicyclist's book: Being seen is being safe. Check out reflective vests (for you and your dog), reflective leashes, and collars or other safety gear.

Q&A

More on medications and boarding pets

Q: I found the letter from the veterinary technician regarding labeling of pet prescriptions very interesting. Would you pass along my own practice in this regard?

If I need to board my dogs while they are taking a prescription medicine, I make up a chart. On the chart, I list every day that my dogs will be boarded, the name and amount of the medicines, and any special instructions (time of day, easiest way to give, etc.), with a separate line for each dose. I also include a place for the person giving the doses to initial.

When I pick up my dogs, I get the list back. This allows me the peace of mind of knowing that all doses were given. Making the chart also helps me remember to put down all the information without fear of forgetting something in the confusion of saying goodbye to my beloved pets.

This tip also works well at home to make sure they get every dose, especially when it's a medication you must give differently each day. -- R.D., via e-mail

Q: Could you pass along what works for us when it comes to boarding dogs with medication? We have four cocker spaniels, and they are unable to travel with us. We are lucky to have a boarding facility that is owned by a veterinarian.

Our cocker spaniels are all on some kind of medication. What I have done is set up their medications in pill boxes, like those we use, with their names on them. I also print out individual instructions along with a picture of each dog, including information on each dog's special quirks and other details that might help.

Since two of the dogs need allergy shots, I write the day and amount of each dose on the box.

We've tried having someone stay in our home, but I worried more than when they were at the veterinarian's boarding facility. At least there, there is a veterinarian on staff 24/7. -- J.H., via e-mail

Q: My husband is a pharmacist, and I have worked in the pharmacy. Would you please let people know that your letter writer is remiss in thinking the technician is using discretionary powers as to how the directions will be written?

Directions must be written exactly how the doctor writes them. It's the law. The issue of medications being labeled "use as directed" needs to be addressed with the writer of the prescription, not the person filling it. -- L.W., via e-mail

A: I didn't get the impression that the original letter writer was criticizing the technicians, but rather the practice at some veterinary hospitals of putting "use as directed" on prescription labels. As he pointed out, such labeling makes it difficult for someone else to care for your pet. That's just as true in an emergency as it is when you're leaving your pet for boarding or in the care of a pet sitter.

As for those who wrote in with suggestions for making sure pets get the right medications at the right time, that goes to the other point: Pet lovers have the ultimate responsibility for the proper care of their animals. That means making sure instructions on prescriptions are clear and that you understand them, and that you ask questions of your veterinarian if you do not.

I love the two ideas offered here -- organizing medications by day and putting a chart together. The first is what my friends do when they leave their golden retrievers to stay with me. Having everything written down so clearly makes it easy to give out the right amount of medications that these sweet old dogs are on.

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

PET Rx

Don't punish: 'Bad' cat may be sick

When a well-mannered pet, especially an older one, suddenly picks up a "bad" behavior, the first thing to find out is if the animal is sick. This is never more true than when trying to figure out why a cat has stopped using the litter box.

You'll need your veterinarian to give your cat a thorough examination, which may require diagnostic tests to spot abnormalities. Some medical reasons why cats stop using a litter box include urinary-tract problems or diabetes. Even arthritis could be an issue, making a tall-sided litter box too uncomfortable for an elderly cat to climb into.

Health problems must be resolved before your cat can be retrained to use the box, and even then, some environmental modifications -- temporary or permanent -- may be required.

Your veterinarian can help you get your cat back to optimal health and should be able to give you some tips on retraining. In more difficult cases, your veterinarian can help you find a veterinary behaviorist or other feline behavior expert to assist you in getting your cat thinking inside the box again.

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

THE SCOOP

A push for people to keep their pets

Even those who believe the suffering of animals should take a backseat during disasters have to admit that caring for animals at such times often means caring for people as well. After all, many people will not leave their homes to seek safety if they have to abandon their animal companions.

Phyllis DeGioia wants to change that. An editor at VeterinaryPartner.com, the veterinarian-owned company that provides the Pet Rx feature for the Pet Connection, DeGioia has started a grassroots campaign to get people to write to the Red Cross and ask the organization to modify its policies so people with pets can find safety in select disaster-relief shelters.

She notes that some communities -- notably in Florida -- already plan for the evacuation of entire families, pets included, and that the oft-mentioned challenges with allergies, aggression and sanitation can be dealt with through good planning and management.

DeGioia is calling her effort "The Snowball Effect," after the dog of the same name who was widely reported to have been forcibly separated from his young, sobbing owner during recent relief efforts.

For more information, go to www.veterinarypartner.com/snowball.

PET TIP

Nippy pup must learn biting isn't allowed

If you watch a litter of puppies play with each other, you might be surprised at how rough they can be. As puppies grow older, they learn from their littermates and their mother how to restrain those playful bites.

These lessons are important in the development of a well-mannered pet, which is why experts say puppies should stay with their littermates until at least the age of 7 weeks.

If you end up with a pup who missed the crucial lessons taught by her siblings, or if your puppy is naturally nippy (many retrievers and retriever mixes, for example, are very "mouthy" as puppies), all is not lost.

Teach your puppy to keep her teeth to herself by attacking the problem from a couple of different directions. The first would be to redirect the behavior. Clap your hands to startle the pup into stopping the nipping, and then give your puppy a toy to chew on instead. Don't forget to praise her for chewing on something that's not a family member.

Even as you're teaching the puppy what's OK to mouth, teach her how to leave family members unchewed by making the nipping unrewarding. Every time the puppy nips, dramatically cry "ouch" and immediately stop the play session. Fold your arms, turn away and ignore the puppy completely.

The message to get across: Play stops when nipping starts. If you're persistent and consistent, your puppy will get the message. It will also help if you make sure she's getting plenty of exercise, because sometimes dogs who don't get enough physical activity get too excited when they're finally offered the chance to play.

If the behavior doesn't show any sign of easing, or if the biting seems more aggressive than playful, don't delay in asking your veterinarian for a referral to a behaviorist or trainer.

BY THE NUMBERS

Is a dog better than a boyfriend?

The American Kennel Club recently conducted a survey in which women who had dogs were asked, "What qualities in your dog do you wish could be found in your man?" The answers (multiple answers allowed):

The works -- if my dog were a man he'd be my boyfriend: 34 percent

Perennial good mood: 25 percent

Always willing to spend time with you: 21 percent

Always up for cuddling on the couch: 20 percent

Motivates you to exercise: 12 percent

Eagerness to eat your cooking: 11 percent

ON THE WEB

Foundation helps give birds a second chance

Common wisdom is that people value what they pay for: A free pet will be more easily discarded at the first sign of difficulty. While it's true that people will often put more effort into keeping a pet they've paid a lot to acquire, sometimes even the most expensive pets -- such as parrots, who can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars -- find themselves without homes.

The reasons for parrot abandonment are many, but they usually come down to a lack of education about parrot personalities, care requirements and longevity.

What happens to unwanted parrots? If they're lucky, they end up at a place like the nonprofit Gabriel Foundation (www.thegabrielfoundation.org), a model program for avian rescue, placement and education. The foundation's Web site offers information on many avian topics, as well as showing off those birds who are looking for a new home of a more permanent variety.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

A few years ago a friend gave me a T-shirt that had on it an expression in French: "J'embrasse mon chien sur la bouche." Translated, it means, "I kiss my dog on the lips," but the design didn't help anyone guess that. The shirt had nothing but words on it, no illustration.

As a result, total strangers would come up and ask me to explain what I was wearing. And over the handful of years before I wore out the garment, I noticed a big difference in the reactions to the translation.

The dog lovers would smile, sometimes laugh, and more than a few times would sheepishly admit the shirt's motto was one they also personified.

But then there were those people whose smiling faces went very sour at the thought of kissing a dog at all, much less anywhere near the lips. The polite ones would recover with a wan smile and shrink away, as if I were somehow contaminated and possibly contagious. And then there were angry people, who felt compelled to share their disgust of dogs, usually launching into a diatribe about a neighbor whose dog left calling cards on the lawn or barked all night.

And then they'd stand there, waiting for me to defend all dogs and all dog owners because ... well, I kiss my dogs on the lips, see?

Except you'll get no argument from me about the bad eggs -- human, not canine -- who cause so much trouble for the rest of us dog lovers. These dog owners make life more difficult, because their irresponsible behavior keeps some people passionately opposed to such delights as legal areas for off-leash recreation, and turn formerly dog-friendly lodgings in "no dogs allowed" zones.

It turns out that people who have dogs pretty much agree with people who don't when it comes to troublesome dog owners. A recent study for the American Kennel Club to help promote greater responsibility by dog owners reveals that we're all in agreement on what we don't like: People who don't pick up after their dogs, and people who let them bark or can't control them.

"While you may find Fido's jumping and howling endearing, others may not," says the AKC's Lisa Peterson.

Actually, it seems nobody does.

If you recognize those characteristics of the irresponsible dog owner in yourself, clean up your act. Picking up after your pet on walks is easy and would blunt a lot of criticism. Barking and out-of-control behavior are a little harder to tackle for many dog owners, but it's nothing that some time spent with a behaviorist or in an obedience class wouldn't help you get a handle on.

I'm guessing if that the bigger issues became moot, the small percentage of people who find "baby talk" -- and presumably dog-kissing -- to be a big problem will just let it go.

Which is a good thing, because although I try very hard not to let my dogs be an annoyance to others -- I pick up after them and keep them quiet and under control -- I'm not going to quit with the smooching.

In any language: Get over it.

Q&A

Picking charities takes some effort

Q: Since you claim to be someone who cares about animals, I was disappointed to see you mention groups such as the Humane Society of the United States in your list of charities that needed contributions after Hurricane Katrina.

Don't you know that groups like these are made up of radical elements that not only want to stop all breeding of dogs and cats, but also to put an end to biomedical testing and other necessary uses of animals? Open your eyes! -- Anonymous, via e-mail

Q: The American Kennel Club makes money off puppy mills and the exploitation of dogs for profit at the ridiculous spectacles known as dog shows. How dare you include this organization on your list of Katrina-related "charities." -- Anonymous, via e-mail

A: You know the first wave of shock following a disaster has passed when people start sniping at each other over the groups involved in rescue and relief efforts.

In addition to the complaints about the ideology of any particular organization (much of it misinformed, by the way), I heard from people who passed along information regarding rumored financial or other improprieties at this group or that. Of course, they weren't offering anything more than rumors. But because someone e-mailed it to them, they felt compelled to forward it to everyone and anyone.

In selecting a few from among the countless animal groups to recommend for hurricane-relief donations, I chose 501(c)3 nonprofits that I've had dealings with during past disasters, including the rescue and relief efforts of both the HSUS and the AKC. And I tried to offer a range of groups so people can choose which are best suited to their own ideals. (The exception to the "established group" rule: The relief efforts started up at the veterinary schools at Louisiana State University and Mississippi State University, which both stepped up to help during this crisis, especially LSU.)

Because those of us who love animals are constantly hit up for charitable contributions, I always recommend that people do their homework before donating, to make sure they're comfortable with a group and with how the money is being spent. Go to a group's Web site, and poke around to find their beliefs and what they hope to accomplish. Be sure that meshes with your own world view.

Then, go to a Web site that analyzes the information on how charities spend their money. Many seemingly worthy groups in fact use a lot of their donations to raise more donations, and they spend more than many of us would deem appropriate on executive salaries. Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org) is a great site to help you determine how to give, rating more than 4,600 charities on such things as delivering on their promises with a minimum of overhead.

That said, my personal belief has always been that you can get more accomplished by dealing with smaller groups. As the immediate need for rescue and re-homing of the pets from the Gulf Coast subsides, I hope many readers will seek out small shelters throughout the impacted region and donate to help in the efforts of these groups to rebuild their buildings and their programs.

There's also likely to be a repeat of the effect observed after Sept. 11, 2001, when so much money was given to help the victims of the terrorist attacks that donations to local charities fell off dramatically. Remember that even as you give to help those in the disaster area, charities in your own community will still need your help to keep their programs afloat. Give in addition to your regular charities, in other words, not instead of.

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

THE SCOOP

Canine attention key to obedience

It's hard to teach a dog to do anything else if you can't get his attention. Playing the "attention game" with your dog is a great way to keep him focused on you -- while preventing his reacting to things you'd rather he avoid when out in public, such as trash on the ground, squirrels, neighborhood cats and other dogs.

As with any training, you have to teach attention in increments. Very small treats will help get your dog's attention and reward him for his first steps toward making sustained eye contact with you. To start, say "watch me" in a happy tone of voice, and sweep your fingers quickly under his muzzle without touching him, bringing them up to your face. Dogs naturally follow motion, so when his eyes follow your fingers to the general vicinity of your face, tell him he's a very good dog and give him a treat.

As your lessons progress -- practice a little each day -- give him the "watch me" command and wait for his glance up. Then praise him and give him the treat. Eventually, you'll want to reward only eye contact -- not just a glance up to your face -- and then reward holding his attention for longer and longer periods.

PET Rx

Wrong diet can be deadly for rabbits

Hairballs aren't a problem with rabbits they way they are with cats. While rabbits naturally have hair in their gastrointestinal tracts, the real reason for deadly blockages in these pets -- a condition called gastric stasis -- commonly isn't hair but rather an improper diet.

Rabbits need a diet high in both digestible and non-digestible fiber, ideally one that offers high-quality grass hay all the time as well as daily offerings of fresh green vegetables. Improper diet is a main cause of gastric stasis, but there are others, including stress, dehydration (caused by a lack of access to clean, fresh water) and even dental disease.

A rabbit in trouble will eat less over the course of a few days and eventually will stop eating altogether. Such rabbits may instead chew items in their cage to get the fiber they are craving. The volume of droppings may fall and then cease altogether. An animal may seem otherwise normal in the early stages of blockage, or may grind teeth or make noises to indicate discomfort.

In mild cases, offering a rabbit fresh greens can get things moving again. But if that doesn't help quickly, a veterinarian's care is essential to address what is a potentially life-threatening situation.

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

PET BOOKS

Cleaning classic returns with improvements

When the first edition of Don Aslett's "Pet Clean-Up Made Easy" came out back in 1988, it changed my life. Really. By following Aslett's advice, I was able to enjoy my animals while not spending as much time cleaning up after them.

The new second edition of the book (Adams Media, $10) has all the great information I remember from the first, while adding solid behavior advice to help pet lovers prevent messes by training their own animals to help.

In reading the new edition, I found myself nodding in recognition at two pieces of Aslett's advice that have served me well over the years: Never delay when it comes to cleaning pet messes, and put mats down everywhere a dirty paw might hit. I've also followed his advice when choosing upholstered furniture, looking for fabrics that are more durable and less likely to stain -- and then covering the furniture with washable throws.

On stains, Aslett's key point has been proven many times in my home. If attacked when they're fresh, pet urine, feces or vomit can be cleaned up quickly and easily, and usually will not leave a stain. Once these substances set, they can be difficult (if not impossible) to remove without a trace, although Aslett offers the best strategies to help with even stubborn pet stains.

As for mats, I have them on both sides of every door in my house, and have found that Aslett's right on this advice, too. Mats snare dirt and mud from paws, and will keep your floors cleaner.

The second edition improves on the first by offering tips on how to keep your pet from causing you more work in the first place. For example, Aslett has gone to the experts to find techniques to keep cats using their litter boxes, and to focus the destructive energy of dogs on chew toys instead of household items.

Can you improve on one of the most useful pet books ever written? Apparently so!

PETS ON THE WEB

Helping iguanas get proper care

Did you know that cute little iguana your child is lobbying to get has the potential to grow up to be 6 feet long? If you didn't, you really ought to visit Jen Swofford's Iguana Pages (www.baskingspot.com/iguanas), which are dedicated to helping people with these hard-to-care-for pets.

The popularity of iguanas is in decline, as people gravitate toward reptiles that are easier to maintain, such as the bearded dragon. That's the good news. The bad news is that lots of people are still buying iguanas and killing the majority of them quite young with improper care. Check out the site's top five reasons contributing to the early demise of pet iguanas. It'll help you avoid the worst mistakes if you're still determined to have an iguana as a pet, or may convince you to pass on that little green baby.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

If the immense scope of the recent tragedy in our southern states hasn't convinced everyone of the importance of disaster planning, I can't imagine what will.

As relief and recovery efforts continue for humans and animals alike, those of us who are fortunate to have been spared this time around must make it a priority to prepare our entire family -- including our pets -- for potential calamity. Here are the basics you need to know.

-- Have a plan

Prepare for all possibilities, and make sure everyone in your family knows what to do. Try to figure out now what's most likely for you and your community, and how will you respond. Where will you go? What will you take? You need to get these answers in advance.

People need to rely on each other during emergencies, and this is just as true when it comes to your pets. Get to know your neighbors, and put a plan in place to help each other out. Find out from local shelters and veterinary organizations -- and your family's own veterinarian -- what emergency response plans are in place and how you fit into them in case of a disaster.

-- ID your pets

Many, if not most, animals will survive a disaster. But too many will never see their families again if there's no way to determine which pet belongs to which family. That's why pets should always wear a collar and identification tags. Better still is the additional permanent identification that can't slip off, such as a tattoo or an embedded microchip.

Keep temporary ID tags on hand to put on your pet if you're forced to evacuate. One of the easiest: key tags and a permanent marker for jotting down your current number. Then attach them to your pet's collar.

-- Practice preventive care

Disease follows disaster, which is why keeping a pet as healthy as possible with up-to-date vaccinations is essential.

Prepare a file with up-to-date medical records, your pets' microchip or tattoo numbers, your veterinarian's phone number and address, feeding and medication instructions, and recent pictures of your animals. Trade copies of emergency files with another pet-loving friend or family member. It's a good idea for someone else to know about your pet, should anything happen to you.

-- Have restraints ready

Even normally calm pets can freak out under the stress of an emergency, especially if injured. You should be prepared to restrain your pet -- for his safety and the safety of others.

Keep leashes, muzzles and carriers ready for emergencies. The means to transport your pet shouldn't be something you have to find and pull from the rafters of your garage. Harnesses work better than collars at keeping panicky pets safe.

Shipping crates are probably the least-thought-of pieces of emergency equipment for pet owners but are among the most important. Sturdy crates keep pets safe and give you more options for housing your pets if you have to leave your home.

-- Keep supplies on hand

Keep several days' worth of pet food and safe drinking water ready to go in the event of a disaster, as well as any necessary medicines. Canned food is better in an emergency, so lay in a couple of cases, and don't forget to pack a can opener with your emergency supplies. For cats, keep an extra bag of litter on hand. And pack lots of plastic bags for dealing with waste.

-- Learn first aid

Pet-supply stores sell ready-made first aid kits, or you can put your own together fairly easily with the help of any pet-related first-aid book or Web site. Keep a first-aid book with your supplies. If you check around in your community, you should be able to find a pet first-aid class to take that will give you the basic knowledge you need.

-- Be prepared to help

You may be lucky enough to survive a disaster nearly untouched, but others in your community won't be so fortunate. Check out groups that train volunteers for disaster response, and consider going through the training. Disaster-relief workers do everything from distributing food to stranded animals to helping reunite pets with their families, and helping find new homes for those animals who need them.

Volunteering in a pinch is not only a good thing to do -- it's also the right thing for anyone who cares about animals and people.

SIDEBAR

Help still needed

The need for help in hurricane-devastated areas will continue for weeks and months to come. Helping people continues to be a priority, but also consider donating to the disaster response funds of these animal-related groups.

-- American Veterinary Medical Foundation (www.avmf.org; 800-248-2862, ext. 6689). The charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association supports the training and deployment of veterinarians and technicians in times of disaster. The veterinary colleges at Louisiana State University and Mississippi State University have also been very involved in disaster response and are in need of assistance.

-- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.apca.org; 866-275-3923) and the Humane Society of the United States (www.hsus.org; 301-258-8276). These well-established groups have a strong national presence and work with local shelters to help in affected communities.

-- Noah's Wish (www.noahswish.org; 530-622-9313) and the United Animal Nations Emergency Animal Rescue Service (www.uan.org/ears; 916-429-2457). These organizations are set up solely for the purpose of responding to animals in time of disaster, and they offer training to volunteers willing to help in time of need.

As we go forward, many of the animals displaced by the hurricane will end up in shelters throughout the country as these organizations step up to assist from hundreds and thousands of miles away. Your local charities will need your support to continue their routine efforts in your community and to help those still in need in disaster-stricken areas. You can also locate animals in need of new homes through Petfinder (www.petfinder.com).

Q&A

How big will this puppy get?

Q: I have recently acquired a puppy. I already had a 6-month-old dog and was not really looking for another one. But a couple moved in down the street, and a few nights ago the wife came knocking on my door, crying. She asked if I would like to have the puppy she was carrying in her arms because her husband was making her get rid of it. I sighed and said, "Give it here," and told her to tell her husband ... Well, I won't say what I told her to tell him.

Are there any tips or tricks to determine how large a puppy will grow up to be? This is not a purebred, but the head shape does seem to indicate there is some Chihuahua in the dog. -- S.L., via e-mail

A: As a person who has run a rescue group, and has fostered and placed (and kept!) more secondhand animals than I honestly can count, I have to say that few expressions set my teeth on edge as much as "have to get rid of" does. But on the other hand, isn't it good this little pup is now with someone who cares for him? Better he get into the right home now than suffer for the lack of affection and care that was surely in his future at the home down the street.

Guessing the adult size of a puppy of unknown origins is a tricky business, to say the least. Many experienced shelter workers and more than a few veterinarians are pretty good at it, but no guarantees exist.

As you've already guessed, if you have an idea of what breeds went into the mix, you can guess how large the pup will end up. Problem is, some of these youngsters are so truly mixed up, it's anyone's guess as to what went into the genetic blender. However, you'll be needing to take your new puppy to your veterinarian anyway. So while you're there, ask for the veterinarian's and staff's best guesses on what breeds are in your puppy's background.

The other way to predict a puppy's grown size is to look at the paws, because big dogs start out with relatively big puppy paws.

Nothing is foolproof, though. In fact, a friend of mine -- who's a well-regarded expert on dogs -- once adopted a puppy from one of the nation's best-known shelters, where the staff sees enough puppies to be pretty educated about how they might turn out.

My friend and the shelter staff put their heads together and guessed the pup for a terrier mix, and figured an adult size of 30 to 40 pounds. That little puppy grew up to be a 90-pound tank of a dog. So much for expertise!

Bathing birds

Q: Would you share another suggestion for the owner of the dusty cockatoo? Although an air purifier will help keep the dander down and keep the air clean, frequent baths for the bird will also help. You can purchase shower perches at most pet stores, or you can choose to mist your cockatoo daily. Bathing will not only keep the dander down, but it will also help prevent feather-plucking. -- T.D., via e-mail

A: You're absolutely right. Bathing and misting are necessities for pet birds, many species of which come from extremely humid climates that couldn't be more different from what we humans find comfortable in our own homes. Even better: Most birds love to get wet!

The point that needs to be remembered, however, is that although the dust can be managed, bird lovers need to recognize that powder dust is normal and natural in a healthy cockatoo.

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

PET TIP

Cat needs space when dog arrives

Before you rock your cat's world by adding a puppy or dog, be sure to set up a separate area where your cat can feel safe: a no-dogs-allowed room with food, water, litter box, scratching post and toys.

You may have to keep your cat secured in his own "safe room" for a week or two after bringing home the dog, and then put a baby-gate over the door to allow your cat to get away from the dog when he wants to.

Locking up the cat doesn't seem fair to many people, since the cat was there first. But feline behavior experts say cats adjust better to change if provided with a small, quiet area that's just for them during social upheavals such as moving or adding new people or pets to the household.

PET Rx

Beware of antifreeze

Antifreeze is deadly stuff. A cat can get a lethal dose by walking through a puddle of it and then licking his paws.

You can help protect your pet by being careful when working with this material, by keeping pets out of the work area, and by quickly and completely wiping up all spills. Better yet, check with your auto-supply store for radiator filler that's safer to use around animals. There are products available with a different chemical makeup that reduces the risk to animals.

Some states now require that bittering agents be added to make antifreeze less palatable to animals and children. On the national level, the Engine Coolant and Antifreeze Bittering Agent Act of 2005 will make such requirements law.

If you believe your pet has ingested antifreeze, you must get the animal to a veterinarian right away. There's no "wait and see" with this substance. Urgent veterinary attention is an animal's only chance.

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

PET TRAVEL

Backpacking a canine adventure

Our most recent trip with our family's Irish terrier, Lily, was a backpacking trip into the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Our party usually consists of anywhere from five to eight adults, three children, two mules, a horse and two dogs -- Lily and her friend Bob, a border collie.

Lily is a wonderful trail companion. She works the trail from the start of our group to the end, making sure the number of people is correct. This past summer, I was at the end of the group, taking pictures. Lily would go to the head of our group, trot back past the mules and horse, find me, and then trot to the head of the group and start again. If anyone is too far ahead or behind, she finds them or waits for them.

Once we make camp, we take day hikes to high mountain lakes for fishing. Lily eagerly hits the trail and is blissfully tired at the end of each day. She makes many friends along the way as we encounter other hikers. I always wear a leash around my waist, just in case, and we make sure to include the dogs on the wilderness permit, as is required.

Lily had to learn to behave around the mules, and she also had to learn to sleep out on open ground. On her first-ever pack trip, she spent the night growling every time the mules moved. No one got much sleep that trip!

Lily leads a very different life from most of the Irish terriers we know. Her relatives are all show dogs. The breeder is always entertained with the stories of her trail adventures. -- Claire Frost, via e-mail

(Pet Travel is an occasional feature sharing readers' tales from the road with their pets. If you have a story to share send it to petconnection@gmail.com, along with your pictures in jpeg format. )

THE SCOOP

Helping birds fly away home

If you found a pet bird, would you look for the owner? Too often the answer is "no," according to the folks who run the Bird Hotline (www.birdhotline.com). It seems that lost birds often end up in the hands of folks who figure "finders keepers" in a way that never would be the case when it comes to finding a lost dog or cat.

The Bird Hotline works to reunite lost birds with their human families by offering a place for people to post and look for lost-and-found notices. The site also maintains a group of more than 3,000 volunteers -- the Bird Patrol -- who promise to keep an eye out in their area for pet birds who have escaped.

Of course, the best way to deal with a lost bird is to never let him escape at all. By far the best advice when it comes to preventing fly-aways is to keep your bird's wings clipped.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

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