Dogs are content to live in dog-smell heaven, a place where water is only for drinking or swimming and never has soap added. Sadly, from a canine point of view, we make the rules that dictate how often dogs must be bathed.

But how often is that? Forget that old saw about "every six months" or even "every year." Who wants to live with a stinky dog? New veterinary research shows that weekly bathing with an appropriate shampoo – ask your veterinarian for a recommendation -- will not only keep your dog pleasant to be around, but will also minimize or even eliminate skin problems.

So get ready: We're going to wash the dog!

Before you start, brush your dog well. Mats and tangles, once wet, just get worse and will likely have to be cut out. So get them out of the way first.

Let your brushed dog relax while you set up the proper equipment and fill the tub. A bath mat in the tub or sink will make your dog feel more comfortable by giving him something secure to stand on. You'll also need a spray nozzle. Some people rinse their dogs by pouring dirty bathwater back over them, but that defeats the purpose of bathing a dog (to get him clean), so use a nozzle. Set out your towels and some dog-friendly shampoo and conditioner where you can reach them.

Right before the big plunge, put a pinch of cotton just inside your dog's ears to help keep the soap out (don't forget to remove the cotton afterward).

Don't spare the words of love and encouragement. In working with dogs, a good attitude can go a long way, but a bad one can go even further. If your dog knows how much you hate bath time, how can he get a positive, or at least tolerable, opinion of the process? Keep your attitude high and don't let up on the praise.

Lather up, rinse and repeat (the biggest mistake most people make is not rinsing well enough -- it makes the coat dull and flaky). Follow up with a conditioner or detangler if your pet's coat needs either. Rinse throughly a final time.

Hold a towel over your dog loosely while he shakes. Your dog can get more water off by shaking than you can by toweling. So let him have at it, and then finish the job by rubbing him dry when he's done. (Forced-air dog dryers start at less than $100 and can be a wonderful investment for a dog owner, especially those with long-haired pets.)

Don't let your dog outside until he's dry, so he won't roll in something yucky and undo the work you've done.

And what about felines? While cats -- especially shorthaired ones -- generally do a pretty good job of keeping themselves well-groomed, if you have an allergy sufferer in the house, a weekly bath (or just a rinse with clean water) will help to keep the allergen levels to more manageable levels.

 My cat gets a weekly bath because of my allergies. He doesn't like being bathed, but since I started him as a kitten he will tolerate it, more or less.

Q&A

Set the stage

for new love

Q: My dog doesn't like new people, but I have jumped into online dating with an eye to get married. When I meet someone, what's the best way to handle it so my dog accepts a significant other? -- via email

A: Meeting the family of a significant other is a major step in a relationship -- and introducing a significant other to your much-adored dog can be just as nerve-wracking. Both dogs and cats can be territorial and unhappy about change, but dogs are more likely to be possessive when it comes to their home turf, which includes their owners. So the new person in the household is often automatically associated with something negative, like the time and affection that you are suddenly lavishing on your date instead of your dog.

The good news is that there are several ways to help your dog not only tolerate such an interloper, but also gladly welcome him or her into the household. Before introducing your dog to a significant other, bring home something that your boyfriend or girlfriend has worn, like a T-shirt used for sleeping. Let your pup sniff the item first, and then present your dog with a reward, such as a game of fetch, a walk or dinner. By pairing the smell of your new partner with something positive, your dog begins to associate that person with good things before they even meet. You can also say your significant other's name out loud before you present the item and the reward, repeating this process several times.

When you're ready for the actual introduction, opt for neutral territory, like the park or an outdoor cafe. And let your dog approach your date first, while he or she stands sideways to the dog, avoiding direct eye contact. Supply your date with extra-special treats cut into bite-size pieces -- cooked chicken breast, turkey hot dogs or steak -- that he or she can feed the dog. If your pup is more timid, tossing the treats on the ground will suffice.

Once your dog has taken a few treats directly from your date's hand, do something that your dog really enjoys, such as going to the dog park or beach. Each time your dog looks up at your partner, have your partner offer a treat. Repeat this until your date is able to pet the dog, and continue to reward the pup with treats after every few strokes. You should stand nearby to supervise, but stay in the background, so the main affection that your dog receives comes from your significant other. If your dog relaxes and appears to enjoy the presence of your date, either walk back to your house together or ride in the same car. Once inside the house, have your partner hand the dog a favorite long-lasting chew or play a game of fetch.

For the first few visits, you should meet on neutral territory, such as the sidewalk or front lawn. And always say your partner's name as he or she approaches, allowing your date to reward the dog with treats, a game or a walk. If your dog shows discomfort, extreme stress or aggression at any point during the meet-and-greet with your partner, contact your veterinarian for additional advice. -- Mikkel Becker

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

THE BUZZ

A healthy pet

is worth the bill

-- Although a quarter of people say their greatest worry about their pet is that the animal will get sick, less than half that number are concerned about the cost of veterinary care, according to a survey of 1,500 pet owners by PetMD. The survey also found that 34 percent of owners were able to say they knew what was best for their pet's health.

In other findings, 15 percent said they would automatically buy a product from a company that endorses a charity than from a competitor that did not. Two-thirds of those polled would not vote for a presidential candidate if they sensed he or she did not like pets, and nine in 10 would fight with more passion over a pet than over money in a divorce.

-- Ten years after the 9/11 attacks, canine rescuers show significantly less damaging health effects compared to humans who were involved in the rescue effort. According to a study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, the dogs did not develop problems with their lungs and sinuses in the aftermath, unlike the respiratory effects that have intensely affected humans with reactive airway diseases, including asthma and sinusitis. The majority of dogs received only minor scrapes and cuts, even though they were not wearing protective gear.

-- Chimpanzees will "fake laugh" for the sake of social bonding, similar to the way people do. A study searched chimpanzee laughing and found that when one chimp laughed, other chimps will respond with a sound that didn't match the full acoustic structure of real laugh, meaning they were actually faking it. The fake laughing was most likely to occur in newly formed colonies where chimps likely were not as familiar with each other.

-- 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.

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.