Pets seem to enjoy fall as much, if not more, than we do. They all seem to perk up as the evenings get cooler. With their incredible eyesight, cats find interest in the early darkness, and dogs love being able to go for walks without enduring the heat.  

We need to remember, though, that fall means winter is coming, and we must remind ourselves of what that means when it comes to caring for our pets.

When I was growing up, pets spent most if not all their lives outside. In my lifetime, they've gone from the barnyard to the backyard to the back porch to the bedroom. That old saying about "being in the dog house"? In our family, "the dog house" is the same one we enjoy, and that's true of most people these days.

But some people still do have outside pets, and for them more than any others, the shift to colder weather means they need you to look out for them and make sure they're ready for the change.

All 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.

I'd prefer you make your pets part of the family by bringing them inside. But if you can't, you certainly must pay attention to their changing needs regardless.

Indoor pets don't face the weather 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 really can 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 after a 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. If you live in an urban area where de-icing solutions are a constant, boots for your pet can make protecting him easier.

Because home heating systems can dry out the air, you and your pets may be more comfortable if you introduce some humidity. Pet birds, especially those species originating in tropical climates, will enjoy extra opportunities for bathing or being misted. Dry air also may be a factor in feather-picking, in which birds strip their own feathers off and become an unsightly mess.

Final cold-weather cautions: 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 skeedaddle to safety. Inside, check your dryer before you add clothes and turn it on, in case your cat is snuggled inside.

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

Moving cats means

keeping close tabs

Q: I am moving with my pets to an apartment. The last time we moved, the dog was fine, but the cat went missing. We found her in our old neighborhood, but there's a freeway between the new place and the old this time. How can we keep her safe? -- via email

A: The best way to move with your cat is to confine him before and after moving day in a "safe room."

Choose a room where your cat isn't going to be disturbed, and outfit it with food and water, a litter box, a scratching post, a bed and toys.

Confining your cat not only reduces his stress, but also prevents him from slipping out, which is a danger at both the old home and the new. As you've experienced, your cat could easily become scared, take off and get lost, even in his familiar neighborhood, if he gets disoriented.

Your cat should be confined in his safe room the day before packing begins, moved to his new home in a carrier, and then confined again in his new safe room until the moving is over, the furniture arranged and most of the dust settled.

Trying to force a scared and stressed-out cat to do anything he doesn't want to do is hazardous to your health. After you arrive at your new home, don't pull your cat out of his carrier. Instead, put the carrier in his safe room, open the carrier door, and let him come out into the room when he wants to. After he's a little calmer, you can coax him out with some fresh food or treats if you want. But don't rush him and don't drag him out -- or you may be bitten or scratched.

When you have the rest of the house settled, open the door to the safe room and let your cat explore his new home -- on his terms. If your cat has been an indoor-outdoor pet, moving is the best time to convert him to indoor-only, because he won't fret about territory he never had. -- Gina Spadafori

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

THE BUZZ

Dental issues

plague our pets

-- Dental disease affects an estimated 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats by the time they are 2 years old, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dental problems are about more than bad breath and ugly teeth: Dental disease puts pets at risk for other complications, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and other life-threatening conditions. By the way: Dogs have 42 teeth, humans have 32 and cats have 30.

-- Veterinary students are more likely to struggle with depression than are medical students. Kansas State University found that during the first year of veterinary school, 32 percent of veterinary students showed symptoms of depression compared to 23 percent of medical students. The majority of veterinary students are female, which could play a part in higher depression rates, since national studies show women are two to three times more likely to suffer from depression than are men.

-- The Guinness World Records 2012 Edition has named the dog with the longest ears. Harbor, an 8-year-old coonhound, has a left ear measuring 12.25 inches long and a right ear measuring 13.75 inches long. The previous winner was a bloodhound named Tigger with a 13.5-inch left ear and a 13.75-inch right ear. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" and "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are affiliated with Vetsteet.com and also the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.

From the goldfish won at a school carnival who didn't make it home alive to the hamster who escaped from his cage and was never seen again to the cat or dog who has been in the family for years and is now taking a final trip to the veterinarian's, the death of a pet can be a wrenching experience for a child.

Though the death of a pet can be a sad and perhaps scary experience for a child, it is also a chance for parents to set a model for grief and death. For most children, this will be the first time they deal with death, and it's an opportunity to teach them how to deal with painful experiences.

Experts advise using activities to help children recognize and work through their emotions, such as having a child draw or paste a picture of the pet, or finish this sentence: "Thinking about (my pet's name) dying makes me feel ..." Such exercises allow parents, grandparents, teachers and other important adults in the lives of children to open avenues for discussion, as well as to help set the tone for appropriate ways of grieving.

Perhaps a little disconcerting to many parents, some experts even ask children to consider what's happened to their pet's body. Such openness is important with children, even though it may run counter to parents' own experience as a child. If you don't give children the answers to their questions, the answers they make up may be even worse than the truth. It's most important to be truthful and factual. Let the child know that it's OK to talk about anything, and it's OK to have the feelings they do.

Some other suggestions for parents:

-- Don't sugarcoat the facts. Parents need to remember not to use euphemisms. Telling a child a pet was "put to sleep" may leave the child afraid to fall asleep himself.

-- Follow the child's lead. Children may even benefit from seeing the body of the departed pet. Ask the child, and prepare by explaining the pet won't meow or won't lick.

-- Use more than words. Children are not as focused on words as we are. They may want to play the death scene over and over, which may be disturbing to adults, but it's their way of working through it. Children also can express their feelings through painting and drawing, and cutting and pasting.

-- Share you own grief, but don't burden your child. It's very important for a child to see your feelings and to know sadness is acceptable, but it's too much to ask your child to be your support at such times. Turn to other adults for this need.

-- Don't rush your child. Grief can be a long process.

While it isn't going to be easy, when handled well, the death of a pet can leave children well-prepared for the losses we all face in our lives.

A pet's death, in other words, can be a final gift of love and learning to a child.

Q&A

Antibiotics need

to be prescribed

Q: I asked my veterinarian to give me a prescription for antibiotics to keep on hand. My thinking is that it will save me a trip in the future, and time and money. Although she has often given me prescriptions to fill when it's cheaper to stock up, she said she couldn't give me antibiotics to use without a veterinary visit. Why won't she? -- via email

A: Antibiotics are everywhere and can be purchased with very little trouble, either at some pet stores (where they're labeled for fish) or through Internet sources. Is it a good idea to keep some on hand in case your pet gets sick? In a word, "no."

Antibiotics are one of the outstanding contributions of modern medicine and have saved countless lives of both the human and animal variety. But we have become so comfortable with these medicines and their frequent usage that we sometimes forget they are powerful drugs that should be used with care.

And yet, some pet lovers respond to any sign of illness by dosing -- and often overdosing -- their animals with antibiotics. But this course of action is a bad idea for several reasons.

First, not all antibiotics are the same. They each have their target bacteria, and they may little affect any bacteria they're not designed to combat, as well as bacteria that are resistant to them. And if your pet has a viral or fungal infection, an antibiotic will not help and may make matters worse.

Second, the regular use of antibiotics may hurt your pet's immune system and could lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that will be hard to stamp out even with the "right" medication.

And finally, the improper use or overuse of antibiotics presents an environmental hazard, potentially contaminating wastewater systems and polluting animal habitats.

When your pet is sick, your time and money would be better spent getting an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment from an experienced veterinarian. And that's why you need to see your veterinarian before putting your pet on any antibiotic. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Furry companions

encourage reading

-- Dogs can help children learn to read better. A study by the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University found that over the course of a summer, children who read aloud to dogs slightly improved their ability to read. The practice also helped improve their positive attitude toward reading. On the other hand, the study showed students paired with adults for the reading sessions actually had a decline in both areas. One-third of children who were asked to read to other people dropped out of the study, while none of the students paired with dogs quit.

-- Cats in the wild need to hunt and eat up to 20 small animals each day in order to survive, according to the Indoor Pet Initiative at The Ohio State's College of Veterinary Medicine. This means cats sleep in between hunting sessions so they can build up enough strength to pounce quickly and effectively. Kittens begin to hunt alone at about 8 to 16 weeks of age.

-- Studies in the United States and Canada have shown that 40 to 50 percent of pig ears sold as dog treats are contaminated with salmonella. Handling these and other contaminated food products puts human health at risk. If your dog enjoys pig ears, individually wrapped ears are less likely to be contaminated than those stored in bulk bins, according to a report in The New York Times. And always wash hands after handling them. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" and "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are affiliated with Vetsteet.com and also the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.

When I look around the waiting room at one of the two Idaho veterinary hospitals where I practice, I too often see something that concerns me.

Where are the cats?

Cats have long been the most popular of pets. At the nation's veterinary hospitals, though, dogs take most of the appointment slots and get most of the wellness care. The biggest reason cats are shortchanged when it comes to their health is that people don't like catching them, putting them in carriers and dealing with the difficult behavior of fearful cats. So what can be done?

The lack of preventive care for cats means making these pets happier has become a high priority for many veterinarians. Veterinary behaviorists have been helping veterinarians design facilities and protocols to make cat visits less stressful for all, including dogs, pet owners and hospital staff. You'll see a lot of changes in the years to come, as veterinary clinics and hospitals begin to handle feline patients with greater knowledge of feline behavior.

The use of pheromones is one such change. When I'm practicing, I wear so much of the synthetic cat pheromone called Feliway (a version of feline facial pheromones, which relax cats) that it's more like aftershave to me.

As veterinarians work to make their practices fear-free and feline-friendly, there's a lot you can do to help your cat relax when it's time to see the doctor. The American Academy of Feline Practitioners offers new guidelines at CatVets.com. Here are the main points:

-- Get your cat used to being handled. Be patient and build up your cat's tolerance for handling. Make sessions short and reward your cat with treats or the kind of petting she enjoys, such as under the chin.

-- Choose a cat-friendly carrier. Find a carrier that opens from the front (BEGIN ITAL)and(END ITAL) top or that opens from the front and unclips easily to allow the entire top to come off so the cat can remain on her bedding in the bottom part.

-- Make your cat's carrier part of the furniture. If the only time your cat sees a carrier is when he's headed to the vet, he can't relax inside. Leave the carrier out and place soft bedding inside. If your cat likes treats, give them to him inside the carrier. Spray Feliway liberally in the carrier. It's "Kumbaya" in a can.

-- Locate your cat the day before a veterinary visit and don't let him outside to disappear. Let the vet's office know in advance that your cat is uncomfortable with veterinary visits so they can prepare.

-- If your cat has freaked out at the veterinary office before, ask your veterinarian for medication to calm your cat's anxiety. If your cat becomes car sick, discuss a medication for that as well.

-- Make sure the carrier is belted safely into your car to minimize movement, and put a towel over the carrier to block the view.

-- Try to remain calm and positive. Your anxiety will make your cat's worse.

If you have more than one cat, prevent post-visit aggression by leaving the cat who's been to the veterinarian in his carrier when you get home. Watch for problems. If all seems well, open the door to the carrier, but don't force your cat out and don't force the cats to interact. Let time -- and more Feliway -- ease the stress of reintroduction.

Q&A

Lab's worn-out tail

will soon wag again

Q: Our Labrador suddenly stopped being able to wag his tail after we spent a day on the lake. The problem is "dead tail," according to our veterinarian, who said it would heal on its own. But what caused it? Will it happen again? -- via email

A: Good news first: Your veterinarian's right in that the problem will resolve on its own in a couple of days. Because the condition can be painful, your veterinarian may prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) for a day or two to make your dog more comfortable in the meantime.

"Dead tail" (also called "cold tail" and "limber tail") is sort of a canine version of "weekend warrior syndrome," a muscle problem that happens when a body is pushed to peak performance without building up strength and stamina first. Typically, "dead tail" is seen in hunting dogs near the beginning of the season after a long day's work. Swimming in cold water under such circumstances also seems to be a trigger.

What causes "dead tail" is muscle exhaustion. The muscles of the tail are used for more than wagging. The tail is also used for balance and, in the water, for steering. "Dead tail" is a pretty accurate description: The tail just hangs down, and the dog can't even wag it.

Treatment is pain medication and rest. Prevention involves taking your dog on a series of shorter outings that demand peak performance before attempting a full day of hard work or play. Veterinarians also suggest stretch breaks for dogs confined for long periods during a day's outing (such as in a crate, waiting the turn to compete), and ending the good times before the dog is exhausted, especially when cold water swimming is involved. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Dog's leg action

on a hair trigger

-- Every healthy dog has a reflex reaction to any passing skin irritation, whether it's an insect crawling among his hairs or a fingernail giving a scratch. If nerve endings detect something that's annoying the skin, the dog's leg will automatically come up to scratch off the pest -- even if there's no pest there. The response is most pronounced if you scratch a dog on the rump near the base of the tail, along the upper part of the flanks or on the belly -- not coincidentally, places where fleas like to congregate. The "scratch reflex" is so predictable that veterinarians will use it to help with their neurological exam when spinal damage is suspected.

-- Want to avoid a tussle when it comes to trimming the claws on your cat? Don't trim them until you can massage your cat's paws gently during lap time. As you massage a paw with one hand, offer an irresistible treat in the other. Make the procedure as pleasant as possible -- for both of you. Trim only one nail each day and take off only the tip. 

-- Cats can get heartworm disease as well as dogs. If these microscopic larvae -- transmitted by mosquitoes -- settle in a cat's lungs, they can cause big health problems. Found in all 50 states, feline heartworm disease is incurable but 100 percent preventable with medications from your veterinarian. Think your indoor-only cat is safe? Think again! A North Carolina study reported that 28 percent of cats diagnosed with heartworm disease were indoor-only cats. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" and "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are affiliated with Vetsteet.om and also the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.