(NOTE TO EDITORS: This column originally appeared on Oct. 3, 2011.)

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. Your 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. -- Pet Connection

(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.

-- In 2011, 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 "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Some pets are better equipped for cold weather than others, but most pets need help to get through the winter. Postion: Main Story

Caption 02: The mjority of dogs and cats show signs of dental disease as young adults. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1

How to recognize and manage this common disease in cats

By Kim Campbell Thornton

When my cat Peter the Gray was diagnosed with diabetes some 25 years ago, the only treatment for the disease was regular insulin injections. Although Peter lived for another 10 years, it was difficult to regulate his condition.

We'd have an easier time of it these days. Veterinarians now know a lot more about how to treat the disease. New information suggests that more than 50 percent of cats initially diagnosed with diabetes mellitus will go into remission after a short period of intensive treatment.

"We can't cure every patient, but many go into remission and are maintained solely on a special diet," says Michael Stone, DVM, an internal medicine specialist and assistant clinical professor at the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, Massachusetts.

Diabetes mellitus -- the name is Latin and means honey-sweet -- is an endocrine disorder that occurs when the islet cells in the pancreas don't produce enough insulin. The decrease in insulin means that body tissues are unable to use glucose for energy. Instead, the glucose builds up in the blood and urine.

A low-carbohydrate, high-protein "Catkins" diet helps to control swings in blood sugar. Diabetic cats who eat this type of diet often need less insulin and may go into remission -- meaning insulin is no longer needed to control the disease -- within weeks or months of diagnosis.

Commercial diets specifically formulated for cats with diabetes are now available, but other canned or dry foods can also meet the needs of a cat with diabetes. Appropriate diets usually contain less than 20 percent of calories from carbohydrates. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about which food to give. A low-carb diet may not be suited to cats with kidney, liver or cardiovascular disease.

Better types of insulin and home-testing methods for blood glucose levels also make it easier to manage the disease. A synthetic human insulin called Lantus, or glargine, is readily available, cost-effective and long-lasting. Research shows that using it in combination with a low-carb diet in cats recently diagnosed with diabetes results in a high remission rate.

The idea of sticking a needle into a cat seems like an invitation to a mauling, but the reality is that most cats find injections much easier and less stressful than being given a pill.

Checking a cat's blood glucose level at home is made easier with small, relatively inexpensive monitors that require only a tiny drop of blood. Most cats tolerate the simple prick of the ear without too much fuss. Home testing is much less stressful for cats than the old method, which required a 12-hour stay at the veterinary clinic with blood checks every two hours. Home measurements are more accurate because the cat isn't affected by the stress of hospitalization.

Cats at risk for diabetes tend to be older and overweight. The typical cat diagnosed with diabetes is a middle-aged, obese, neutered male. The incidence of diabetes in cats seems to be increasing, possibly because more cats are overweight. Depending on which study you look at, the rate of diabetes in cats varies from 1 in 50 to 1 in 400, says Dr. Stone.

Signs of the disease are increased thirst, increased appetite and weight loss even though the cat is eating more food. Cats with diabetes eat ravenously because their bodies need fuel, but they lose weight because the body can't use the food. In later stages of the disease, cats may appear listless, have little appetite and walk unsteadily.

Take your cat to the veterinarian right away if you suspect he has diabetes. The earlier treatment begins, the more successful it is.

Q&A

Put pet care

plans in writing

Q: My wife and I are in our 50s and are starting to think seriously about estate planning. One thing that concerns us is how to make sure our pets are cared for if something happens to both of us. Do you have any advice? -- via email

A: That's a great question no matter how old you are. You never know when you could be in an accident or develop a serious illness. You should have a written plan so your pets don't end up on the street.

Ask a pet-loving friend, neighbor or relative if he or she would be willing to care for your pets in the event of an emergency or your death (you can agree to do the same for his or her pets). Put in writing that this person is authorized to care for your pet, and give copies to your veterinarian and the executor of your estate. In the event of your death, you can make the decision legally binding by including a simple statement in your will: "I leave my dog Gemma to my friend MaryAnne Dell."

List a second person who is willing to care for your pets in case the first one is unavailable. Carry a card that lists emergency contact information, including the names of people who are authorized to care for your pets if you are injured or killed.

If possible, leave a sum in trust to help cover your pets expenses. Your attorney can help you set up an appropriate type of trust, depending on the laws of your state.

To assist caretakers, make sure they have a key to your home or know how to access one. You should also write down instructions on how and what to feed your pets, information on regular medications and how to give them, commands or tricks they know, and contact information for your veterinarian. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Simple changes improve

shelter cat health

-- Increasing the size and configuration of cages can improve the health and well-being of the cats kept in them, according to two research studies conducted by the University of California, Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program and funded in part by the Morris Animal Foundation. Cats kept in traditional 2-by-2-foot cages have a higher incidence of upper respiratory infections. But keeping them in two connected cages that give them more space allows them to be handled less frequently because they can be in one side while the other side is being cleaned. That reduces stress levels that contribute to URIs. Dr. Danae Wagner of the Shelter Medicine Program has helped dozens of animal shelters design new cat housing areas based on the findings.

-- Tennis balls are not chew toys. Put them away after every game of fetch. Dogs have been known to compress tennis balls in their throats and then die when the ball springs back to full size in the back of the mouth, cutting off the dog's air supply. The other thing to remember is that the materials in a tennis ball aren't meant for dogs to chew or swallow.

-- Scientists using GPS technology now have a better understanding of how sheepdogs gather and herd livestock. According to research published in the Journal of the Royal Society, Interface, the dogs appear to use two simple rules: 1. Collect the sheep when they're dispersed; and 2. Drive them forward once they're collected. Dr. Andrew King of Swansea University in Wales fitted a flock of sheep and a sheepdog with backpacks containing GPS devices. The data collected, together with computer simulations, was used to develop a mathematical shepherding model. Potential applications for the information include crowd control, cleaning up the environment and keeping animals away from sensitive areas. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Your veterinarian can show you how to give your cat a simple and painless insulin injection. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Tennis balls are great for retrieving but not for chewing. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2

PETS WITH PAIN OR INFLAMMATION MAY BENEFIT FROM LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY

Swee' Pea is an 18-year-old border collie/Australian shepherd cross who holds nine Guinness world records for stunts such as walking up and down a flight of stairs backward while balancing a glass of water on her nose. As you can imagine, a dog that old -- even one who undergoes stretching and other exercises daily to keep her fit -- still has aches and pains in her hips, back and shoulders. Her veterinarian, Laurie McCauley, medical director at TOPS Veterinary Rehab in Grayslake, Illinois, uses low-level laser therapy to help Swee' Pea stay comfortable.

Sometimes known as cold laser or class IV laser, the therapy works by altering or stimulating cellular function. The light energy penetrates to a certain depth -- depending on the wavelength and energy applied -- and affects cells and blood vessels in certain ways, such as by blocking a nerve's ability to send a pain signal to the brain, increasing blood flow or decreasing swelling. It may also significantly speed wound healing.

That was the experience for Graham, a greyhound, whose injured tail was amputated. Cold laser helped the area to heal quickly, says his owner, Marcia Herman of Anderson, South Carolina.

Other pet owners have found it to be helpful for pain relief. In Queen Creek, Arizona, Aussie/chow mix Cheiss receives laser treatments for pain from hip dysplasia. Owner Stacy Mantle says it has allowed her to decrease the amount of pain medication he requires. Jake, a cavalier King Charles spaniel, received cold laser treatment for an ACL injury. His owner, Cathy Remoll Torres of San Diego, says the treatment helped him to avoid surgery.

In my own practice, I've used the class IV laser a number of ways. It can help to relieve pain, redness and swelling at surgical incision sites; reduce inflammation related to hot spots, inflamed ears and lick granulomas; and soothe arthritic joints.

Dogs who have spay surgery with laser treatment have little redness, drastically reduced swelling and no discomfort. A severely arthritic dog treated with a laser was able to break the shackles of pain and stiffness and start moving normally again. That's so satisfying for me and for the pet owner.

Veterinarians and pet owners like laser treatment for a number of reasons:

-- It's noninvasive.

-- When used correctly, it doesn't have any side effects.

-- It can be used weekly or monthly for pets with chronic pain, giving them better quality of life.

-- In cases of severe pain caused by surgery or trauma, laser treatment can be used twice a day for a few days and then daily to diminish pain and speed healing.

Cold laser has limitations. It can be harmful for pets with cancer, and it shouldn't be directed at the retina of the eye or over tattoos, or areas of active bleeding. Cost varies depending on the type of machine used and whether a veterinarian or technician is administering the treatment.

In human medicine, science hasn't yet reached consensus on the effectiveness of laser therapy or the best ways to use it. Health insurance plans for people often don't cover it, considering it an experimental therapy. Our dogs and cats are luckier because some pet health insurance plans do cover it.

What is really exciting is the potential of laser therapy to help pets be less fearful during veterinary visits by using laser to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. I've witnessed it working this way in dogs, cats and horses.

In the end, helping fearful patients become fearless in the hospital is where veterinary medicine might end up using these the most.

Q&A

Feline social skills

develop early

Q: My old cat died recently, and I want to get a kitten. I'd really like one who's outgoing and friendly. Do you have any tips on making the right choice? -- via Facebook

A: Kittens are interesting because their socialization period begins when they're 2 weeks old and ends at 7 weeks. Everything that happens to a kitten during that critical period has a bearing on how his purr-sonality develops.

Socialization helps to inoculate a kitten against shyness in the same way that vaccinations help to inoculate him against disease. To become social, smart, confident and curious (everything a cat should be), kittens need to have lots of positive early experiences.

You want a kitten who has been gently handled by many different people (kids, too), has met friendly adult cats and dogs, and is used to hearing household noises like doorbells and garbage disposers. He should be used to riding in a car, even if it's just up and down the street for a few minutes. Kittens with this background are more adaptable and intelligent and are less likely to pitch a hissy fit when they encounter anything different. Think of it as "kitty-garten."

Your best bet is a kitten raised in a home who has stayed with mom and littermates until he's at least 12 weeks old. Kittens who stay with mom for 12 to 16 weeks usually have better social skills.

If you're choosing an older kitten and you're not sure of his background, look for one who approaches you readily, gives you a head butt, and rolls over for a belly rub. This is the one who won't run for cover at the sound of the doorbell and will enjoy meet-and-greets with your friends.

Most important, continue to develop your cat's social skills through playtime, training and good experiences at the veterinarian. That will help him stay young at heart his whole life long. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Reptiles need

rescue, too

-- You are probably all too familiar with the plight of dogs and cats in shelters, but did you know that reptiles can also be in need of adoption? They are often challenging to care for and may be given up to rescue groups or shelters when people are no longer able to house or feed them properly. Others are seized by law enforcement agents from wildlife smugglers or other criminals. If you're considering acquiring a reptile, a rescue group or shelter can be a source not only of information but also of a potential slithery sidekick.

-- Cats love to be high -- and we're not talking about catnip. They are incredibly athletic, able to jump several times their own height and land gracefully and accurately on an area not much bigger than a half sheet of paper. That high-jump ability comes from their powerful thigh muscles, which constrict tightly, then let go like a catapult. A person with the leg strength and power of a cat could jump from the ground to the top of a house -- but his thighs would be as big around as his waist.

-- Last month, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed what has become known as the "Puppy Doe Law," which increases the penalties for animal cruelty and requires veterinarians to report suspected animal abuse. The legislation, which had bipartisan support, was filed in response to a case in which a 2-year-old female pit bull was so badly abused that she had to be euthanized. The Protecting Animal Welfare and Society (PAWS) Act increases the maximum prison sentence for one count of animal cruelty from five years to seven years and doubles the maximum fine, from $5,000 to $10,000. Repeat offenders can earn a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a $10,000 fine. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Both pets and people wear goggles to protect their eyes during laser treatments, which can be used to treat conditions as varied as anal sac infections or periodontal disease. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Seven is a jungle carpet python who was adopted from the Chicago Herpetological Society. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1