(NOTE TO EDITORS: This column originally appeared on Oct. 17, 2011.)

Our culture has become very pet-friendly, but as much as I love this shift in attitude, I am also aware that some people don't approve of the change, especially when other people start planning to bring dogs home for the holidays.

Now I'm a veterinarian, not a family counselor. But I do have some suggestions for minimizing the friction between those who always want their dogs with them and those who believe pets should never be imposed on people who don't like them.

When bringing together people and pets, everyone should be honest about potential problems, as well as likes and dislikes. And you need to be honest with yourself about your dog. Is your pet well-socialized, well-mannered, and well-groomed? If not, your dog's not ready to tag along on a family visit. Your pet should also be up to date on preventive health measures, especially those involving parasites.

If your dog is a party-ready animal, ask your host if it's OK to bring your dog along. Never just show up at someone's house with a pet in tow.

My "ground rules" suggestion is that the person who has the ground sets the rules, and the decision to bend or break them is hers alone. If you want to take your pet to a family gathering but your son-in-law says absolutely not in his house, respect that. If your host has pets who don't get along with or would be stressed by a canine visitor, respect that, too.

If you're dealing with someone who will become ill if exposed to a pet, the discussion is over. Leave your pet out of the mix. This extends to people who are afraid of animals or when there will be other guests who might be at high risk of injury around a pet, such as your great-great-aunt who has already broken her hip twice.

If you've been invited to bring your dog along, here's what you will need:

-- A considerate attitude

Taking your dog to someone else's place is a privilege. Ask where your dog is and isn't allowed to be and where you'll be taking him to potty.

-- Potty bags

You will need to pick up after your pet. And ask where those little bags should go after you pick up.

-- Leash

Your dog might be awesome at home, but in a new environment you never can tell. Good manners dictate you keep your pup under control.

-- Crate

Taking a crate when you visit someone allows you to give your dog a room of his own wherever you are and provides your host with options to accommodate other guests.

-- Food dishes

Don't expect to borrow bowls from your host's kitchen. Take your own and ask where you should clean them after meals. Don't be offended if it's a utility sink in the garage.

-- Linens

It's a good idea to take a sheet to throw over your bed if you're allowed to have your dog in your bedroom when you stay over at someone's house. Pack towels as well, since your host may not want you to use the good towels to dry your dog.

If you're a considerate guest, chances are even those who don't like dogs won't have complaints -- and you and your dog will be welcome back. That's the goal, isn't it?

Q&A

Gagging cat may

have feline asthma

Q: My cat is gagging all the time, but he doesn't bring up hairballs and sometimes seems to wheeze as well. What can I give him that will help? -- via email

A: Hairballs often take the blame for a cat's chronic coughing, but the problem could be deeper than that.

Symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, open-mouthed breathing and heaving may indicate a cat with asthma. These attacks can be brought on by stress and allergens, with common allergens including cigarette smoke, pollen, dust, mold, aerosols, perfume, deodorizers, dusty cat litter and food. Common treatment ranges from allergy medication similar to bronchodilators to oxygen therapy.

There's nothing over-the-counter that will help your cat with the problem. You'll need to see your veterinarian for a correct diagnosis that will lead to the right treatment for a potentially dangerous health issue. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Fat cats can get stuck

Q: My cat seems to get herself stuck a lot. Shouldn't she know how to figure out where she should fit? -- via email

A: Cats are able to squeeze through spaces that seem narrower than they are because cats don't have a rigid collarbone to block their way through nooks and crannies. Once they can get their head and shoulders through, their sleek bodies present no further obstacle. That's if those bodies are sleek, of course.

The world is full of fat cats, after all, and for these chubby felines, fitting through tiny holes is not a sure bet. Cats may find themselves in a tight spot because they don't realize they can't fit through. That's because a cat's whiskers -- super-sensitive specialized hairs -- spread roughly as wide as a cat does, normally allowing the cat to gauge where she can slide through. But they don't grow longer as a cat gets wider, which often leads corpulent cats into sticky situations. -- Pet Connection

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

THE BUZZ

Cats don't dig

the sweet stuff

-- People crave sweets -- cakes, candies, cookies and sodas galore -- but cats are generally unimpressed. A cat's taste buds are incapable of detecting, appreciating or triggering a craving for foods that we recognize as "sweet." As "obligate carnivores" (animals who need meat protein to survive), cats simply don't need sweets. It's unclear whether the ancestors of cats had the ability to detect sweetness and lost it, or whether cats never developed a "sweet tooth," since they didn't need it. People (and dogs, for that matter) eat a much more varied diet, and human taste buds reflect that -- we have nearly 10,000 on our tongues. No such variety for cats: They're happy to stick with small prey animals and need fewer than 500 taste buds to figure what's on the menu and what isn't.

-- Dogs may be able to blame their tail-chasing habit on high cholesterol levels, according to a study published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice and reported in Veterinary Economics. Turkish researchers found that dogs who didn't chase their tails had lower levels of cholesterol than the tail-chasers did. Dogs may chase their tails because the high cholesterol levels have blocked the flow of brain hormones controlling mood and behavior. The study suggests that an increase in exercise could help lower the tail-chasing. There may be other medical reasons for tail-chasing as well, so if your dog is chasing his rump, let your veterinarian know.

-- The trade publication Veterinary Economics named the best 10 U.S. cities for a dog-friendly vacation. In order, they are: Portland, Ore.; Chicago; San Diego; Seattle; Philadelphia; Minneapolis; Austin, Texas; Alexandria, Va./Washington D.C.; New York City; and Indianapolis, Ind. -- 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: Before taking a dog to visit family, the health and safety of everyone -- pets and people, alike -- must be considered. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Dogs who chase their tails may have a nutritional imbalance. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2

(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