Include your pets in your family's preparedness plans

Tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, floods and earthquakes -- there are few places on Earth that are not vulnerable to one or more natural disasters.

We've learned from countless disasters that people often will put their own lives at risk -- and the lives of first responders as well -- if there are no options for relocating with their animal companions. Public planning now includes pets, and your own planning should, too. Here are the basics you need to know:

-- Have a plan. Prepare for all possibilities, and make sure everyone in your family knows what to do. Try to figure out now what's most likely for you and your community, and how you will respond. Where will you go? What will you take? You need to get these answers in advance. Get to know your neighbors, and put a plan in place to help each other out. Find out from local shelters and veterinary organizations -- and your family's own veterinarian -- what emergency response plans are in place and how you fit into them in case of a disaster.

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

-- Practice preventive care. Disease follows disaster, which is why keeping a pet as healthy as possible with up-to-date vaccinations is essential. Prepare a file with up-to-date medical records, your pets' microchip or tattoo numbers, your veterinarian's phone number and address, feeding and medication instructions, and recent pictures of your animals. Trade copies of emergency files with another pet-loving friend or family member. It's a good idea for someone else to know about your pet, should anything happen to you.

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

Keep leashes, muzzles and carriers ready for emergencies. The means to transport your pet shouldn't be something you have to find and pull from the rafters of your garage. Harnesses work better than collars at keeping panicky pets safe. Shipping crates are probably the least-thought-of pieces of emergency equipment for pet owners, but are among the most important. Sturdy crates keep pets safe and give you more options for housing your pets if you have to leave your home.

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

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

-- Be prepared to help. You may be lucky enough to survive a disaster nearly untouched, but others in your community won't be so fortunate. Check out groups that train volunteers for disaster response, and consider going through the training. Disaster-relief workers do everything from distributing food to stranded animals to helping reunite pets with their families, and helping find new homes for those animals who need them. Volunteering in a pinch is not only a good thing to do, it's also the right thing for anyone who cares about animals and people.

Q&A

Quick action can

recover pet bird

Q: A couple years ago, our cockatiel flew out the front door, and we never were able to get her back. We saw her for a couple of weeks in the neighborhood and then she was gone. Can you suggest how we can protect against losing another? -- via Facebook

A: It can indeed be difficult to catch a bird on the wing, which is why the best strategies for preventing a pet bird from being lost forever are preventive. Have your bird microchipped. Keep his wings clipped to prevent him from flying away and make sure everyone in the family knows to keep doors and unscreened windows closed.

Of course, hindsight is always 20/20, isn't it? But there are things you can do if your bird flies away:

-- Don't waste time. The longer your bird is out, the smaller the chance of recovery. Immediately start searching nearby. If you have some game you play that would elicit a response from your bird, start playing it. If your bird is used to responding to your whistle or call, you'll have an easier time locating him.

-- Lure your bird with his favorite treats. Even without wings, birds can climb far out of reach quickly. Gathering your bird's favorite treats may lure him back down. Put his familiar cage in an area that's easy for him to see and get to, and put treats inside with the door open. Because birds are more likely to eat at dawn and dusk, even a bird who's not immediately interested in treats may come into a familiar cage at feeding time.

-- Use the hose, cautiously. Because being sprayed by the hose is frightening and may injure the bird, don't go for this technique first. Some bird experts are dead-set against it, in fact. But a bird at large is in as much danger of dying as he is if he falls to the ground after being drenched. Using a hose is a judgment call, and you'll probably get only one chance, so play this card wisely.

Expand the search. If your immediate actions don't bring in your bird, don't give up. Put up fliers around the area and at the local bird shop, pet-supply stores, veterinarians' offices (especially avian veterinarians) and pet shelters. Post everywhere you can online as well.

Many birds are found days, weeks and months after they're lost, but they're found by people who don't know just who is looking for the pet. If you don't keep putting the word out, your bird may be lost for good, even if found. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

The eyes can be key

to decoding a parrot

-- Parrots have the ability to change the size of their pupils rapidly in a display known as "pinning" that offers vital clues to what they may do next.

People who aren't familiar with parrots are ill-prepared to avoid a nasty bite from these brilliant but sometimes mercurial beings. To key in on bird body language, watch the eyes. Parrots are able to control their irises, shrinking and enlarging their pupils rapidly in a display that's called "flashing" or "pinning."

Parrots flash their eyes when they're excited or when they're angry. Flashing accompanied by aggressive posturing, such as tail-fanning, signifies a bird who's bound to bite if not left alone. Even people who are familiar with parrots sometimes misread body language. Since the beaks of these birds are well-designed to cause damage, consider a parrot as one pet best admired from arm's length or better.

-- A researcher who has decoded the language of prairie dogs says the ability to understand dogs and cats is less than a decade away. Animal behaviorist Con Slobodchikoff, a professor emeritus at Northern Arizona University, told The Atlantic that his 30 years of work can extend to understanding other animals as well. -- Dr. Marty Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Your dog's company can enhance your experience of the great outdoors

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Hiking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with your dog and wear him out, especially if he's the super-active type. It's quite possibly the most accessible activity you can do with your dog. Wherever you live, you probably have access to dog-friendly hiking trails within 30 minutes of home. We've gathered eight tips to help you both have the best hike possible.

1. Puppies can go hiking as long as you condition them gradually. Start with short hikes of a half-mile to a mile, and slowly work up to longer distances.

2. Watch the weather. It's not just flat-faced dogs who are sensitive to heat and humidity. Plenty of dogs wilt quickly, even in moderate temperatures of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Any time the temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it's too hot for most dogs to exert themselves. If you're going on a short hike near home, consider hosing down your dog before you leave to help him stay cool, or stop during the hike at a place where he can go swimming or get wet.

3. Bring plenty of water and a snack. For a day hike in optimum temperatures over moderate terrain, a quart of water and some cut-up boiled chicken or hot dogs (frozen the night before) should be enough to keep your dog hydrated and full of pep.

4. Because of the uneven terrain and changes in elevation, hiking is harder on the body than just going for a walk. Pay attention to your dog's condition, especially if he's a puppy or an old dog. You never want to see him panting heavily or unable to go on. Remember that dogs are lower to the ground and may not have the benefit of a breeze.

5. Keep your dog on leash so he doesn't disturb wildlife or other hikers. Accidents happen, though, so he should be trained to come to a whistle. The sound will carry over a longer distance than your voice if you get separated. He should also know and respond to the commands "sit," "stay" or "wait," "down," "heel" and "quiet."

6. Know how to treat injuries. You can find a pet first-aid course in your area through the Red Cross. Carry a first-aid kit that contains items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes and Benadryl (check with your veterinarian ahead of time so you'll know the appropriate amount to give if your dog suffers an insect bite or sting).

7. Tote that load. Your dog can carry his water, snacks, first-aid kit, a folding water dish and poop bags in a canine backpack. Before buying, check the fit to make sure it stays on securely without being too tight or too loose or restricting his movement. You should be able to comfortably fit two to four fingers between the straps and your dog's body. Features that can add to his comfort include a mesh back panel for ventilation and padding beneath the straps. Other conveniences you may appreciate are D-rings for attaching items to the pack, weather-sealed zippers, attachment points for the leash and a handle on top that allows you to hold onto or lift your dog if necessary.

8. Bug out. Protect your dog from fleas and ticks with an oral or spot-on preventive. If the local insect population is especially intense, you can try applying an all-natural citronella spray to his coat. Be aware that the effect probably won't last more than an hour, so you'll need to reapply it regularly.

Most important, have fun! See you on the trail.

Q&A

Can change in

altitude affect pets?

Q: We're moving from Louisville, Kentucky, to Albuquerque, New Mexico. We know people can sometimes have issues with the altitude change, but what about our pets? We have two cats and a dog. -- via email

A: Humans and animals can experience physical signs when they go to a higher altitude. Albuquerque's altitude ranges from 4,900 feet to more than 6,700 feet in the foothills. Signs that altitude is affecting you include tiring easily, headaches and vomiting. Usually these symptoms don't kick in until much higher elevations are reached -- more than 8,000 feet -- but it's not unusual for people and pets to experience milder signs.

To ensure that you and your pets adjust without problems, it's best if you can drive to your new home instead of flying, says Julia Veir, DVM, an internal medicine specialist at Colorado State University. That will allow all of you to slowly acclimate to the change.

Once you're settled into your new home, limit physical activity at first to short, on-leash walks. Albuquerque has low humidity, so it's easy to become dehydrated, even if you're not sweating a lot. Be sure you and your pets drink plenty of cool, fresh water throughout the day. Encourage your pets to drink with a fountain -- cats, especially, enjoy lapping running water. Another good way to get water into them is to feed them canned food.

It's also a good idea to become familiar with the appearance of your pets' tongues and gums in Louisville. That way, you will more readily notice changes that might be related to altitude, such as having a blue tinge instead of being a healthy pink.

Take things slow, and you will probably find that you all adjust with little problem. Most important, establish a relationship with a veterinarian before problems crop up. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

How to pat the cat?

Stick to the head

-- Do you know how to pet your cat? In case you're not sure, a team of researchers at the University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom has some advice: Cats prefer a nice head skritch -- especially at the sweet spot between the eyes or beneath the chin. They have lots of scent glands on the lips, chin and cheeks and may view petting in that area as a form of grooming. Avoid the base of the tail and the belly, or your cat is likely to give you a claws-out thwack with his paw.

-- We say it every year, but it bears repeating: Never leave your dog or cat inside a car during the day. The interior temperature rises quickly, even with the windows cracked. A 3-year-old English setter in Wausau, Wisconsin, died of heatstroke recently after being left for more than two hours on a cloudy, 66-degree day. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the owner faces charges of animal mistreatment, a Class I felony. If you can't take your pet into the business you're visiting, leave him home. If you're traveling, take turns staying in the car with the pet when making stops.

-- Looking for a new job? Business Insider lists the Top 10 places to work if you're a dog lover. If being able to bring your dog to work sounds appealing, send your resume to The Nerdery, a custom software solutions company; Eventbrite, a ticket and events marketplace; Indiegogo, a crowdfunding platform; PetPlan, a pet health insurance company; Payscape, an account payment services company; Specialized, a bicycle manufacturer; Glassdoor, a company review website; Procore Technologies, building construction management software; FastCompany, a media company; and Nestle Purina PetCare, a pet food manufacturer. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton 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 Johnson. 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 Johnson is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Hiking is an opportunity to see nature through your dog's eyes and nose. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Petting a cat is an art and a science. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1

7 smart ways to reduce pet expenses without cutting back on good care

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Are pet-care costs taking a bite out of your budget? You might be tempted to skimp on veterinary care or quality pet food, but there are better ways to save money without compromising your pet's well-being. Here are some of my favorite budget-boosting tips.

-- Ask about discounts. If your pet has severe periodontal disease, he may benefit from professional cleanings more than once a year. If that's the case, your veterinarian may give you the same discounted rate offered during National Pet Dental Health Month (February). Some clinics offer discounts if you bring in more than one animal at a time for exams, or if your pet is a rescue animal. Groomers may offer discounts if you bring your pet in on a regular basis, or if you bring in more than one pet at a time. Don't be afraid to ask; the worst they can do is say no, and you might even get them to start a new policy.

-- Buy smart. Ask your veterinarian if there is a generic equivalent of the medication your pet needs. With a prescription, you can take advantage of low-cost pharmaceuticals from big-box retailers such as Costco or Target. Your veterinarian may also have samples of medications, including flea- and tick-control products, or be willing to match the price found at an online pharmacy.

-- One word: email. Your local pet supply store or your favorite pet food brand likely has an email list you can join. They send out coupons and notices of sales or special events. One pet supply store I know of has a monthly "Yappy Hour," with special prices between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

-- Buy food in bulk. Whether you feed canned, dry or frozen pet food, bulk options are available. Buy the largest size container, and store excess dry or frozen food in your freezer, or split it -- and the savings -- with a friend or neighbor. If you make your pet's food yourself because he's on a special diet, look for a pet food co-op in your area. Scoop: Another item you can buy in bulk for big savings is cat litter.

-- Choose quality. Whether you're buying food, collars and leashes or toys, look for top-notch ingredients and materials. They'll always perform better. Well-made toys and other items last longer, so you don't have to replace them as often. High-quality foods contain more and better nutrients, so pets need to eat less. Even if you pay more upfront, your costs are less on the back end. And speaking of the back end, your pet's poop will be smaller, firmer and less stinky on a good-quality food, so it's a win-win all the way around.

-- Offer a trade. The barter economy is alive and well. If you have skills in construction, social media, interior design, cooking or, well, you name it, you may be able to work out a deal for a service exchange with your pet's trainer, groomer, pet sitter or veterinarian. It never hurts to ask.

-- Take a walk. Your dog needs regular exercise to stay healthy; in fact, all pets need some kind of exercise for both mental and physical well-being. For dogs, a walk is something you can easily do every day, in any place. For cats, toss a wadded-up piece of paper down the hall, or sit on the sofa and direct the beam from a flashlight on the floor for them to chase. Pets who get an appropriate amount of exercise and who live in an interesting environment have fewer behavior problems and better health.

Q&A

What to do when

dog guards food

Q: Our dog is very protective of her food dish, and she won't let anyone near it when there's food in it. How can I teach her that this behavior needs to change? -- via Facebook

A: That is definitely a serious problem. Guarding food is a normal, instinctive behavior for dogs, but it's not one they need to practice in a home environment, where they receive food on a regular basis. Your dog needs to learn that she must allow family members to approach and touch her food dish.

First things first: Never act aggressively toward your dog when she exhibits this behavior. No pinning her to the ground or other physical punishments. That's not only a quick way to get bitten, it also teaches your dog that you really are out to take her food, and it will worsen her guarding behavior.

To show her that your approach means good things, walk past her bowl and toss treats in it: more kibble, bits of cheese, even something special, such as bits of chicken or steak. You should start to notice that her body language becomes happy or relaxed when you approach. As you can get closer to her bowl, continue tossing goodies into it.

Another technique is to put only a small amount of food in the bowl when you feed her. As she finishes it, you can pick up the bowl and add more. Ask her to sit while you do so. That reinforces your position as leader and as giver of food. Have every member of the family do this so she learns to accept any person near the food bowl.

If her resource-guarding behavior involves growling or attempts to bite, it's a good idea to enlist the help of a professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist to work on changing her behavior. -- Mikkel Becker Johnson

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

THE BUZZ

Fake service dog?

Face jail time

-- If buying a service dog vest online so you can take your dog into restaurants or other businesses sounds like a good idea, think again. Besides being fraudulent behavior, it's now a misdemeanor in Florida to pass off a pet as a service animal. People convicted face up to 60 days in jail and 30 hours of community service for organizations that help people with disabilities. Other states and municipalities are considering or have passed similar legislation. People who have service animals are not required to carry or present documentation, but businesses may ask if the animal is required for a disability and what tasks the animal is trained to do.

-- The Maine coon is considered to be the first American cat breed and is, yes, the official state cat of Maine. He's a plus-size feline adorned with a ruff of fur around his neck, fur "britches" on his legs, tufted feet and a bushy tail. The Maine coon is a laid-back cat who gets along with kids and other pets, often enjoys retrieving toys and may be willing to walk on leash. He's the third most popular pedigreed cat, according to registration statistics from the Cat Fanciers Association.

-- India has 14 new wildlife sniffer dogs -- German shepherds trained to detect tiger skins and other illegal wildlife products and locate animals injured or killed by poachers -- bringing the total in the country to 25. The dogs will work in areas that are home to large populations of tigers. The wildlife sniffer dog program is a joint project of the World Wildlife Fund and TRAFFIC, a wildlife trade-monitoring network. Future plans include training more of the dogs to help decrease animal poaching. -- 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 Johnson. 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 Johnson is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: A good diet, regular exercise and careful shopping can help you shrink costs for pet care. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: His tabby markings may have given rise to the myth that the Maine coon is a cross between a cat and a raccoon. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2