The forecast calls for flurries. Not of snow -- of fur. Shedding season is just around the corner

The No. 1 complaint of pet owners is shedding, sometimes aptly referred to as "blowing coat." And while you can reduce the risk of a "fur-nado" with regular brushing and some other basic strategies, there's no magic solution to put an end to the hair flying around your home as dogs start to shed their winter coats and new hair comes in.

The dirty little secret about dogs is that they all shed, but some share more falling fur than others. Double-coated dogs -- such as Alaskan malamutes, chow chows, Shetland sheepdogs and Siberian huskies -- are the most obvious shedders. Other breeds that can leave your furniture and clothing coated with hair include German shepherds (commonly nicknamed "German shedders"), Labrador retrievers, beagles and pugs.

One of the interesting facts about canine hair loss is that shedding is affected by the type, intensity and duration of light exposure. As the days grow warmer and longer, dogs doff their heavy winter coats and replace them with a lightweight summer version. Depending on the individual dog, shedding season can last for up to two months.

Dogs who spend most of their time indoors are still influenced by the natural light that comes in through windows, but they typically shed small amounts year-round rather than having a seasonal heavy shed. Since these are usually small breeds, they normally wouldn't shed as much fur as a larger dog anyway.

Hormones also affect the amount of hair dogs shed. Females who aren't spayed usually shed twice a year, at the same time they're in heat. Spayed females don't have that periodic surge of hormones, so they develop a full coat that sheds year-round.

First-time owners of thick-coated dogs may think their pet has a skin condition when his fur starts coming out in big clumps. Unless he has actual bald spots, though, this is normal.

The shedding process is a healthy, natural cycle, but we know that sometimes it can have you pulling out your own hair. We've gathered some tips to help you keep shedding under control, or at least manageable, until Mother Nature delivers your dog's new coat.

-- Brush your dog every day with a rubber curry brush or nubby shedding glove. That allows you to get loose hair out at the time and place of your choosing, preferably outside or in your garage.

-- For a dog with a double coat, purchase an effective undercoat rake and use it regularly to thin the winter coat.

"This allows air to circulate and helps to prevent skin issues and mats," says groomer Barbara Cole Miller of San Juan Capistrano, California.

-- Using a slicker brush, start with the hind feet and work your way up to the front of the dog, recommends groomer Julie Ellingson of Sacramento, California. Be sure you go all the way through the fur, but be careful not to dig into the skin. Use a metal comb to check for tangles as you go.

-- A warm bath followed by a thorough blow dry can help to loosen outgoing fur. Brush out as much hair as possible while the wet coat still has shampoo in it. Fur will come out more easily when it's lubricated with shampoo, Ellingson says.

-- Outsource defuzzing to a professional groomer. He or she has the skill and tools to accelerate removal of the winter accumulation of undercoat. A high-powered professional dryer wielded by an experienced groomer will loosen and release undercoat more easily and quickly than you can at home.

-- If all else fails, put a bodysuit or T-shirt on your dog to help contain the hair, stock up on sticky tape rollers and remember that it probably won't last more than a few weeks.

Q&A

How to help the

medicine go down

Q: My cat needs daily medication for a heart condition, but she hates taking pills! She's really good at pretending to swallow them and then spitting them out later. Hiding it in food doesn't work, either. She just eats around it. Help! -- via email

A: I hear you! Cats can be the very dickens when it comes to medicating them. I have some suggestions that I hope will help.

First, check your technique. The best way to give your cat a pill is to open her mouth, place the pill as far back on her tongue as possible, then hold her mouth closed for a few seconds. While the mouth is closed, gently blow into her face to trigger the swallowing reflex. Stroking the throat can help as well.

A pill gun is another option. The method is much the same as the above, but it allows you to be quicker on the trigger, so to speak. It may take a little practice, but you may soon find that both you and your cat prefer this method. Whether you give a pill with your finger or with a pill gun, squirt a little water into your cat's mouth afterward with an eyedropper to help wash the pill all the way down the esophagus.

Another possibility is to have your cat's medication compounded into a tasty liquid, chewable pill or other form that's easier to give. A compounded drug is one that has been reformulated to be more palatable or easier to give to a pet. Your cat might be intrigued by a chicken- or tuna-flavored liquid or chewable pill. And if she is taking two different medications, compounding can combine them into one product.

Finally, remember to harness the power of rewards. Your cat may be more amenable to taking her medication if it's followed by a favorite treat. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Dieting cats become

more affectionate

-- Worried that your cat will hate you if you cut back on his food to help him lose weight? Researchers at Cornell University recently found that dieting felines did indeed have a change in attitude -- for the better. After an eight-week diet, the majority of cats seemed to be more affectionate, owners reported. The study, published in November in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, found that the cats responded to feeding restrictions by increasing "appetitive" behaviors -- begging, following, meowing and pacing before meals -- and were more likely to show affection to their people by purring or sitting in the owner's lap after eating.

-- The Bengal is the latest breed admitted to the Cat Fanciers Association's Miscellaneous Class, for breeds just beginning the CFA recognition process. The cats can be registered and exhibited at shows, but are not yet eligible for awards. The breed's new status is effective April 30. The Bengal has a spotted coat and stands out for his resemblance to a wild cat -- not surprising, since his forebears include the small, wild Asian leopard cat crossed with domestic cats. Today's Bengals no longer carry any wild blood. They enjoy playing in water, can jump to great heights, may learn to walk on a leash and are demanding of human attention.

-- A German shorthaired pointer -- GCH Vjk-Myst Garbonita's California Journey -- took Best in Show at the 140th Westminster Kennel Club show at New York's Madison Square Garden. Known as CJ for short, he is the third of his breed to take home the top award and follows in the pawprints of his grandmother, Carlee (Ch. Kan-Point's VJK Autumn Roses), who won in 2005. The first GSP to win the title was Ch. Gretchenhof Columbia River, in 1974. German shorthairs are highly active and intelligent and are good companions for marathon runners and other energetic humans. -- 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. 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.

Limping can have many causes in dogs and cats

By Kim Campbell Thornton

According to the Roman calendar, it's 2016. The Chinese calendar proclaims this the year of the red fire monkey. At our house, it appears to be the year of the lame dog.

Keeper started limping during a walk last month. A veterinary exam found some slight muscle atrophy, but X-rays didn't show any degenerative changes that might indicate arthritis. His limping may have been due to an unusually long walk after a holiday layoff -- the well-known weekend warrior syndrome.

Then Gemma took a tumble down the stairs. She immediately got up and shook herself off. We counted ourselves lucky that she didn't seem to have any damage, but about 10 days later we noticed a reluctance to climb the stairs (she gets carried going down) and some slight difficulty scratching her ear with a hind leg. Off to the veterinarian she went. The diagnosis was arthritis, not unusual in a 16-year-old dog.

In both cases, the remedy was rest and pain relief. Both dogs were back to normal within a few days. But lameness can be more serious in both dogs and cats. Here's what you should know if your pet starts having trouble walking.

-- Arthritis. This painful degenerative joint disease affects most dogs and cats as they age. Large breeds or overweight animals are at highest risk, but pets of any size can become arthritic. Animals with arthritis may be reluctant to go up or down stairs, unwilling to jump on or off furniture, move slowly and stiffly as they rise from the floor, or wince when you pet them. If you notice any of these signs in your pet, ask your veterinarian about medication or other therapies that can help, such as acupuncture, massage and weight loss.

-- Heart disease. In cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, sudden lameness may result from a blood clot that lodges in the blood vessels that supply the rear legs. This can cause a sudden onset of paralysis. Take your cat to the veterinarian right away.

-- Cruciate ligament tear. This is the most common orthopedic problem veterinarians see in dogs. The cranial cruciate ligament connects the thighbone to the shinbone and keeps the knee, or stifle, joint stable. When this ligament tears -- usually because a dog is overweight; out of condition; jumps, twists, turns or lands wrong on a slick surface; gets body slammed by another dog during rough play; or has had a previous CCL injury on the opposite leg -- it's instantly painful and can lead to painful degenerative joint disease if it goes unrepaired.

-- Bone cancer. Lameness or reluctance to put weight on a limb can signal osteosarcoma, the most frequently diagnosed bone tumor in dogs and cats. Depending on the location of the tumor, you may be able to feel a hard lump or swelling on the bone. Diagnosis requires an X-ray and biopsy. Osteosarcoma can be treated with amputation and chemotherapy, and the majority of pets get around well on three legs.

Any time your dog appears to be lame, he needs to be seen by the veterinarian. To diagnose the problem, your veterinarian may manipulate the legs to check range of motion or perform a neurological exam to check gait, reflexes and other reactions. Depending on the history and severity of lameness, X-rays or an MRI may be necessary.

Whatever the cause, your dog can likely be helped. Treatment can relieve pain, improve function and slow the advancement of osteoarthritis. Rest, medication, physical rehab and, if necessary, surgery are among the options that can help him recover and continue the walks, hikes, runs or dog sports that are part of your lives together.

Q&A

Caring for

aging ferrets

Q: My ferret is 3 years old. How long do ferrets live, and do older ferrets need any special care? -- via email

A: Great question! And good timing. Your ferret is just beginning what can be considered his geriatric years. American ferrets typically live five to seven years. That doesn't seem like a very long lifespan, but when you think about how adventurous these slinky little critters are, we may be lucky that we get to spend that much time with them.

Ferrets definitely benefit from some special care as they start to get older. You may notice that your ferret starts to nap more often or for longer periods. The additional rest is important for his well-being, so don't disturb him if he's napping. Report any sudden or unusual changes in sleep habits to your veterinarian. It may signal an underlying health problem.

You may notice that your ferret's coat seems to be more dry and coarse than in the past. This can be due to aging or disease. Take your ferret to the veterinarian if you notice hair loss, severe itchiness or raised, round lesions on the skin that resemble buttons. Older ferrets are prone to skin tumors and other diseases that can manifest themselves in skin and coat problems.

Check your ferret's paws. If they seem hard and dry or have small growths, soften and moisturize the pads by rubbing them with oil, Vaseline or cream containing vitamin E.

Senior ferrets may also need to urinate and defecate more often. Make sure you clean the litter box more often to remove the extra deposits so it will be attractive for him to use. If he has the run of the house, it might be a good idea to set out an additional litter box or two so that he always has one nearby. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Pets vulnerable

to lead poisoning

-- Two dogs in Flint, Michigan, recently tested positive for lead toxicity, a reminder that pets are vulnerable to tainted tap water, reports Rebecca Kruth for Michigan Radio. Michigan's state veterinarian, James Averill, says dogs, cats and other pets in Flint and other areas with poor water quality should drink the same filtered or bottled water as their owners. If they are bathed in tap water, it's important to keep the shampooing session brief and dry them as quickly as possible. Signs of lead exposure in pets vary and may include vomiting, diarrhea and behavior changes.

-- Check with your veterinarian if your dog is taking medication for hypothyroidism. The Food and Drug Administration has issued warning letters to six manufacturers of unapproved medications for hypothyroidism in dogs. The FDA has not reviewed the products for safety and effectiveness. Currently, only one thyroid medication -- Thyro-Tabs Canine -- is approved for use in dogs to help them maintain healthy levels of thyroid hormones.

-- Do cats dream? Well, we know they remember things -- think of the cat who avoids plastic bags after getting one stuck on his head while playing -- so it makes sense that they may share our ability to dream as well. Dreaming is a normal part of organizing or reorganizing memories -- sort of a subconscious filing system. Like humans, cats have two kinds of sleep. The deeper kind -- characterized by rapid eye movements -- is known as REM sleep, and that's when dreams occur in humans. When cats twitch their limbs and whiskers during sleep, they are in the REM stage. We'll never know what they're dreaming about, but it's probably safe to say that it involves a never-ending supply of food; fat, slow mice; and humans who obey their every command. Oh, wait -- the latter isn't a dream. They experience that every day! -- 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. 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.

Sharing our beds with pets is a measure of how fully they are a part of our lives

By Kim Campbell Thornton

I'm always amazed at how much space two small dogs can take up on a queen-size bed. And it's surprising how immoveable a 12-pound and a 6-pound dog can be. Once Gemma is latched onto my left side and Harper is snuggled into the crook of my knees, it's almost impossible for me to move for the rest of the night. And when they aren't snugged right up against me, they are sprawling in a way that also makes it impossible to move.

So why let them on the bed? A survey of 150 people by the Center for Sleep Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona found that 56 percent of those surveyed who were pet owners allow their animals to snooze in the bedroom. More than half of the pets slept on the bed with their people. The presence of their pets made them feel safe and comfortable and helped them get a better night's rest, the respondents reported. Only 20 percent described their pets as disruptive to sleep.

Of course, that's a small sample size -- only 74 pet owners. But I'm willing to bet that many other pet owners feel the same way. I'm one of them, and I know other people who share bedrooms and beds with their pets, despite allergies, snoring (by the pet) and early-morning head butts from a hungry cat or dog.

Should you allow your pet to sleep on the bed? That's been a bone of contention for years. Some people argue that allowing a pet to share the bed can make a pooch pushy or a cat cheeky. Allergists recommend a pet-free bedroom for people who suffer the coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes and sneezing associated with allergies to pets. Researchers at University of California, Davis warned of zoonotic diseases -- those that can be passed between animals and people. And, as with my own dogs, pets can make a bed downright uncomfortable when there's little freedom of movement.

But for many with pets, their comforting presence on the bed or in the room outweighs the disadvantages. A survey participant reported feeling more content when her small dog slept at her feet, and another described her cat sleeping on her chest as "soothing." One person I know falls asleep hand in paw with her cat. Spending a long stretch of time with a pet -- even if you're both asleep -- strengthens the human-animal bond.

If you'd like to have a more pleasant sleeping experience while still keeping your pet on or near the bed, the following tips may help.

-- Place a heating pad on the spot where you want your pet to sleep. The warmth may draw him there and make it his favorite area.

-- Lay a blanket or pet bed at the foot of the bed. Pets often like to have their own extra-soft sleeping spot and will adopt the place with the blanket or bed.

-- Put a tall cat tree in your room. Cats love heights and may find this to be a safe and secure sleeping area. (Of course, then you have to worry that they will dive-bomb you in the morning.)

-- Keep pets clean. Nobody wants a stinky bedmate. Brush and bathe frequently, keep them on parasite preventive and wash the sheets in hot water two to three times a week.

-- Set boundaries. If you don't want your pet on your pillow or under the covers, establish that rule right from the beginning -- and don't yield.

-- If all else fails, do what I'm doing -- anxiously awaiting delivery of a king-size bed.

Q&A

Cat bites

at bedtime

Q: I have a lovely Maine coon cat, Tiger, I got when he was about 4 weeks old. He is now 2 1/2 years old and a great companion. He sleeps most of the day, and when I go to bed, he gives me a "body check," using his teeth in the process. Because of it, I've had three infections that required IV and oral antibiotics. I've had to lock him out of my bedroom to control his behavior. It's like he wants to play, which we do during the day, and doesn't want me to go to bed. I've tried spraying him with water, but he thinks it's a game. Any suggestions? -- via email

A: Unfortunately, Tiger is living up to his wild name, along with the tendency for his breed to be a bit more rambunctious than the average feline. Without knowing the specifics, it's impossible to give direct advice. As you mentioned, his behavior may be in play. Additionally, it probably gets a reaction from you, and this may reinforce his actions. For instance, many cats will claw or mouth on hands during play, especially if the person continues to move the hand or squeals. Talk about simulating live prey!

It's important to ensure that Tiger never gets a chance to play with human skin. Direct his attention to a toy, such as a feather wand. When he plays with it, give extravagant praise. Avoid petting him if he becomes excited while playing; this could prompt him to scratch you.

Tiger may also need more and longer play sessions or a greater variety of toys, especially interactive toys such as food puzzles that can engage his interest and help him expend energy when you aren't home. Expand his territory by adding vertical spaces where he can climb and perch. Place treats, catnip and toys in these areas to encourage him to investigate them. Other ways to challenge him mentally and physically are to teach him tricks, teach him to walk on a leash or provide access to an outdoor enclosure.

Finally, I recommend a veterinary exam to make sure his biting behavior isn't health-related. Certain medical conditions and medications can make cats more prone to aggressive behavior. -- Mikkel Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Dogs help speed

new cancer treatments

-- Grayson, a 6-year-old beagle, is helping researchers at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine find a new treatment for lymphoma after being diagnosed with the disease and given a life expectancy of just weeks. His owner, Evan Jost, learned about a trial of a new formulation of a cancer drug at UC Davis and enrolled Grayson last year. After four treatments so far, Grayson's disease has gone into remission, but not disappeared. Jost is grateful for the extra time with his dog, and researchers hope the eventual findings will benefit humans and pets. "We're trying to create a formulation that will work better against cancer and be safer to give to our dogs, cats and people as well," said Jenna Burton, assistant professor of clinical medical oncology at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, who is leading the trial.

-- Do you know the "RagaMuffin"? He's not a character from a nursery rhyme, but a large and beautiful cat with a soft, medium-length coat that comes in all colors and patterns. That's one of the ways he differs from his cousin, the ragdoll, from which he was developed, along with crosses to Persians and domestic longhairs. The sturdy cats have a sweet, easygoing personality; love sitting in a lap; and enjoy playing and learning tricks.

-- Calvin Coolidge, who became president in 1923 and served until 1929, was nicknamed "Silent Cal" for his taciturn ways, but he was outspoken on his love of dogs. "Any man who does not like dogs and want them about does not deserve to be in the White House," he once said. His own White House menagerie included a pair of white collies named Rob Roy and Prudence Prim. Rob Roy attended Coolidge's weekly press conferences and was a vocal participant. -- 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. 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: A pet's presence on the bed or in the bedroom can affect a person's sleep positively or negatively. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: The RagaMuffin's coat requires a weekly brushing to prevent tangles. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2