October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. It’s a great way to bring a little love into your life.

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Last month we lost our little Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix, Gemma, to cancer. She was probably 16 or 17 years old, so she had a good, long life, but losing an old and beloved dog is always hard on the heart, even when you’ve had her for only four and a half years. She was not the dog we were expecting when she joined our family, but she soon let us know that she was the dog we needed.

Gemma came to us in January 2013, about two months after the death of our black-and-tan Cavalier, Twyla, who collapsed and died unexpectedly during a visit to my parents. That left us with only one dog, 6-year-old Harper. When we returned home, I told my friend Maryanne Dell, with Shamrock Rescue Foundation, which pulls and places dogs in shelters at risk of euthanasia, that we could foster a dog for her. She brought us Gemma.

This tiny dog -- she weighed in at six pounds -- walked into our lives and quickly took over, despite her unprepossessing appearance. She had a large bare patch on her back, and the rest of her fur had been trimmed short. She had a mouth full of bad teeth, all of which were removed except for a couple of fangs. The shelter estimated her age at 12 or 13 years. By the time we’d had her a few months, though, she could have been a poster dog for shelter adoption.

Except for a brief squat beneath our bird’s cage to mark her new territory, Gemma turned out to be perfectly house-trained. Despite her age, she set a rapid pace on our walks around the block. Sometimes she went so fast that I had to break into a jog to keep up with her. She demanded to go to nose work class with Harper and me and turned out to excel at the sport. Once it grew out, her coat was long and flowing. It was clear she was used to living in a home where she was spoiled, because she insisted on sleeping under the covers. I fought it for a while but eventually her persistence won out.

I hoped that Gemma would be one of those tiny dogs that live into their twenties, but her disease came on suddenly, and she was gone two and a half weeks later. I can’t think of a better way to honor her special personality than to spread the word about ways to help shelter dogs.

--Foster a dog. That was originally the plan with Gemma, until she informed us she was staying, so that’s a risk. After we adopted Gemma, we fostered another dog a few months later. His name was Kibo. Now he’s our Keeper. Yes, we were foster “failures” twice in less than a year.

--If you can’t run the risk of being a foster failure, help in other ways. Rescue groups that pull dogs from shelters often need help transporting the dogs to their foster or adoptive families. Donations of dog food, other pet supplies or money to be used as needed are also welcome. Check to see if your local shelter or favorite rescue group has a wish list on Amazon.

--Spread the word about adoptable dogs through social media. Petfinder suggests posting on Facebook or Twitter that October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, or you can share a post about a different adoptable dog every day of the month.

--If you can adopt a dog, don’t overlook one with a little mileage. The love you’ll get back is everlasting, even if the dog isn’t.

Q&A

New love triggers

feline jealousy

Q: My cat is jealous of my boyfriend. She hisses and runs away whenever he comes over. We’re thinking of getting married, and I won’t give up my cat, so we need to figure out how to improve their relationship.

A: Cats can definitely develop seemingly unreasonable dislikes of certain people. When I was first dating my husband, his cat Sam apparently didn’t like the invasion of their bachelor household and ran away. I love cats, so I’ve always felt bad about that. I’ve since learned a number of ways to woo disapproving cats, and some of them may help you and your boyfriend smooth the path to true love among the three of you.

It sounds counterintuitive, but have your boyfriend start ignoring your cat. He shouldn’t look at, talk to or touch her. Cats prefer people who don’t force attention on them. They like to be the ones to make the first move. In other words, have your boyfriend play hard to get.

You can encourage your cat to get closer to your boyfriend by laying a treat trail that leads to him. Use really good treats that she can’t resist, such as dried salmon, tiny bits of cheese or some other favorite food she doesn’t get often. If she comes close, he can toss some more treats in her direction, while still not looking at or touching her. Other than treat tossing, be sure he doesn’t make any sudden movements when your cat is near him. That could scare her and set back your efforts.

Gradually, let your boyfriend be the one to offer playtime with your cat’s favorite feather toy or catnip mouse. He should also be the one to prepare and provide your cat’s meals. By making him the giver of all good things, and being patient and persistent, love will likely win the day. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

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

THE BUZZ

New cat takes job

as hotel ‘ambassapurr’

--Meet Hamlet, the new “directfurr” of guest relations at New York’s Algonquin Hotel, where he is taking over from the recently retired Matilda. The hotel has had a resident cat ever since a stray orange tabby wandered into it on a rainy night in the 1920s. Then-owner Frank Case allowed the cat to stay and named him Rusty, but actor John Barrymore, a regular guest, suggested calling the cat Hamlet. Since then, all the male cats have been Hamlet, with the current resident being the eighth of that name. A good Samaritan brought him to Bideawee Shelter after finding him in Long Island, ill and in bad shape. The Algonquin has always promoted feline adoption, and Hamlet was brought to their attention when they put out the word that Matilda was seeking a replacement so she could retire. Hamlet VIII is friendly, loves people and will do anything for a tummy rub, reports journalist Sandy Robins.

“He is going to be a great feline ambassador for anyone missing their own cats and wanting a fur fix while visiting New York,” she says.

--People around the country who are fostering or have adopted pets transported from Texas and Florida after last month’s hurricanes should have them screened for infectious diseases such as heartworm and leptospirosis that may be uncommon in their area. Even if they aren’t showing signs, those pets may be incubating infections and should be kept at home until they receive a clean bill of health.

--Smoke from wildfires can cause health problems in pets, especially birds. If you can see or smell smoke from fires, the American Veterinary Medical Association suggests protecting yourself and animals by keeping pets indoors except for brief potty outings, limiting outdoor activities and keeping windows closed. -- 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.

Dogs, cats and even reptiles can react negatively to the stress of going through or evacuating from a natural disaster

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Nicole Morrison’s four Cavalier King Charles spaniels were quieter than normal on the Monday morning that Morrison and her friends rushed around packing their vehicles for evacuation from Hurricane Harvey in Houston. The spaniels weren’t allowed to go out in the yard to potty because water was already rising.

“They knew something was very, very wrong,” Morrison says.

The next month, Jackie O’Neil of Marathon, Florida, faced a similar situation as she and her husband, Tom, loaded their Jeep Cherokee with an assortment of land tortoises, freshwater turtles, and Pal, a 12-year-old ball python. The expected storm surge from Hurricane Irma could have killed the freshwater reptiles, O’Neil says, but the critters weren’t happy.

“Reptiles hate change,” she says.

Pets who experience an evacuation, superstorm or other natural disaster may undergo behavior changes caused by stress, anxiety and fear. It’s not unusual for pets in these situations to break house-training, stop using the litter box, vocalize more than normal, hide or behave aggressively, even if they have been reunited with their family. They may pant, pace or lose weight.

“Pets under stress have a different chemical environment in their bodies and brains than relaxed ones do,” says Fear Free-certified veterinarian Kathryn Primm of Applebrook Animal Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “Stress increases cortisol and other chemicals that tell the body to switch into fight-or-flight mode. Animals who are normally very bonded to their people can escape and be lost. One should never depend on the pet to act normally in an evacuation situation.”

Morrison and her dogs retreated to a ranch owned by friends. Her three older dogs had visited the ranch before, so they settled in nicely.

“The puppy was very confused for the first 36 hours or so,” Morrison says. “It was the first time she had been in the car for nearly three hours, and I later discovered she had puked up her breakfast in her crate. It was also the first time she had been separated from her littermate sister, so she was very anxious.”

Your response can determine how well your pet survives and thrives emotionally during and after a disaster. The following tips will help you and your pets decompress and get back to normal.

--Whether you’re in a hotel, shelter or friend’s home, try to set up a small space where your pet can feel secure, such as a crate or bathroom.

--Give the safe space a familiar scent and appearance with a favorite toy or an item of clothing you’ve worn. Muffle new odors with species-specific pheromone sprays.

--Reduce stress with interactive play such as games of fetch or batting at a fishing-pole toy.

--As much as possible, keep mealtime, walks and other routines on their normal schedule.

--Pets such as reptiles may need to adjust to a different climate. The O’Neils, who evacuated to their daughter’s home in Atlanta, found that the cooler weather there slowed down their reptiles, already slightly stressed from travel and confinement.

--Avoid showering pets with excessive amounts of attention, even if you’ve just been reunited with them. Extreme amounts of “togetherness” may trigger separation anxiety when things get back to normal.

--For pets who continue to have behavior issues after you’ve returned home or set up house in a new place, schedule a veterinary visit to rule out any physical problems that could be causing the change in behavior. If they get a clean bill of health, begin retraining as if the animal were a puppy or kitten to help them regain normal skills and behaviors.

Q&A

Why does cat

mark in home?

Q: My cat is spraying in the house. It feels like he's trying to protect us from the other cats, and occasionally coyotes, that come into our yard. If we keep him inside all the time, he gets antsy and will spray. When we let him out, he does fine much of the time, but then cats come into the yard and they fight. He is 9 or 10 years old and is neutered. Any advice? -- via email

A: Spraying, or territorial marking, is a feline form of communication. It’s most common in unneutered cats, but any cat is capable of spraying, including neutered males. Cats deliver messages to each other with their stinky pee; your cat may be attempting to ward off other cats and coyotes from his territory -- your yard and home.

Your cat may also be marking space inside the home to help himself feel more secure. Making your home smell more like himself helps to relieve stress that may occur when he sees, hears or smells other cats or predators, such as coyotes in his yard. If your cat is spraying items that carry your scent, such as clothing or bedding, or items where you spend a lot of time, such as a favorite chair or sofa, he’s doubling down on that feeling of security. Combining his scent with yours is a way of increasing his feeling of comfort.

Ways to improve the situation include changing the environment, instituting a behavior modification plan or administering pheromones or medications to help decrease anxiety. Try blocking your cat’s view of the animals outdoors. Eliminate odor from previous marking episodes by thoroughly cleaning the area with an enzymatic product. Feline pheromone diffusers or sprays can increase his comfort level as well. A Fear Free-certified veterinarian can help you with a behavior modification or medication plan. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Hotel cat retires

from the suite life

--Matilda the regal Ragdoll has retired after six years as the “directfurr of guest relations” at the landmark Algonquin Hotel in New York, reports journalist Sandy Robins. The hotel has had a resident feline since the 1920s; Matilda was the 11th hotel cat and the third named Matilda. Forbes labeled her the Million Dollar Cat, crediting her “marketing skills” for earning more than $1 million for the oldest operating hotel in New York City. Matilda’s famous charity cat fashion shows raised thousands of dollars for the benefit of local animal shelters and rescue organizations. Rosemary Kenigsberg, a regular guest at the hotel, adopted Matilda, who has traded people-watching from her cat tree on 44th Street to watching deer, squirrels and other wildlife from her new home.

--Using dogs trained to detect the scat of jaguars, pumas, bush dogs and other endangered carnivores, researchers are helping to identify the best locales for habitat connection corridors in Argentina. Knowing the areas that the animals typically hunt, sleep and travel through allows scientists to plot safe paths for them across public and private wildlife reserves, privately owned plantations, farms and pastures, and along roads and pathways, while still meeting the needs of private landowners.

--When we look into a mirror, we know we’re seeing our reflection. But is the same true of our dogs? While they might not pass a mirror test, an alternative sniff test -- sort of an “olfactory mirror” -- found that dogs do indeed have self-cognition. The research, conducted by the Barnard College Department of Psychology and published last month in the journal “Behavioural Processes,” confirmed previous evidence from Dr. Roberto Cazzolla Gatti showing that “dogs distinguish between the olfactory ‘image’ of themselves when modified,” investigating their own odor for longer periods when it is accompanied by an additional odor. -- 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.

Hurricane Harvey reminds pet owners to be prepared for any eventuality

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

By 6 a.m., as Nicole Morrison was frantically packing supplies into her Mazda 5, water seeped into the backyard of the home where she was staying. She and her four Cavalier King Charles spaniels had taken refuge with the dogs’ breeder, who had a commercial generator and lots of supplies. But the release of nearby Barker Dam after Hurricane Harvey filled reservoirs to the brim meant they needed to evacuate.

Besides a six-pound bag of kibble, stainless steel bowls, several bottles of water, a container of Clorox wipes, and food for herself, Morrison packed a car charger and an external battery for her phone. She placed two dogs in each crate, leashes attached.

“My one regret is that I did not have all of my dogs’ medical records scanned onto a flash drive or the hard drive of my laptop,” she says. “Luckily my vet in town was open and could fax stuff to me.”

Whether your locale is prone to floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, mudslides, earthquakes or other natural disasters, being prepared for evacuation should be No. 1 on your to-do list. These four tips can help get you and your pets away safely.

--Identify pets. A collar and ID tag with at least two phone numbers on it is a first line of defense, but collars can be removed or fall off. A microchip or tattoo is permanent. Register microchip or tattoo numbers and keep your address and phone number up to date so you can be reached if separated from a pet. Registered microchips and tattoos are also proof of ownership if you need to reclaim a pet from a shelter or foster home.

“Teams like ours have microchip scanners,” says Angela G. Clendenin, Ph.D., public information officer for Texas A&M University’s Veterinary Emergency Team, on the ground in the Houston area caring for search and rescue dogs as well as injured or ill pets. “We’re able to scan and help identify the owner and try and make contact.”

--Take pet vaccination or titer records. At shelters for humans, you may be required to present them before pets are allowed entry. That’s a precautionary measure, Clendenin says, to help prevent unvaccinated pets from spreading disease in a crowded shelter. Photograph records and keep them on your phone or a flash drive.

--Bring pet carriers. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act was passed, requiring states seeking Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance to make plans for sheltering people that included accommodating pets. Shelters can require that pets be kept in carriers or have vaccination records, though, so don’t leave home without them.

--Have a first-aid kit that can be used for animals and humans. In flood zones, Clendenin says, typical injuries include lacerations, bruises and broken bones that occur when animals are tossed around in floodwaters or get caught in debris, such as wood or wire. You might not be able to deal with a pet’s broken leg, but bandage material and saline solution for cleaning wounds can allow you to take care of minor injuries until your pet can get veterinary care. Clippers are good to have on hand to trim away hair around wounds so they can be cleaned more thoroughly.

As Texas residents, including pet owners, struggle to recover from the devastating storm, Fear Free-certified veterinarians and veterinary nurses are providing food, medical care and housing to displaced and injured pets until they can be reunited with their families. Fear Free is partnering with the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation to help continue their work, seeding a fund with $10,000 to reimburse them for medical supplies and other needs. To support their work, see texvetpets.org/giving, select “Disaster” in the drop-down menu, and check “Yes” under “Is this donation intended for a Fear Free-Certified Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician?”

Q&A

Is it OK for dog

to eat cat food?

Q: My 9-year-old cat was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and needs to eat a special canned food twice a day. When that food comes out, my dog comes running from anywhere in the house and goes crazy. When the cat is done eating, we allow the dog to lick the leftovers in the cat's bowl. I've read that cat food is too high in protein for dogs, and I'd like to know how much of this cat food is too much for my dog's health. He is a 1-year-old healthy Cavalier King Charles spaniel. -- via email

A: It’s no surprise that your dog is attracted by your cat’s new diet. As you know, cat food is higher in protein than dog food, and it’s stinky, which appeals to both felines and canines. And Cavaliers tend to be chowhounds anyway. With few exceptions, they will eat about anything.

As long as your dog is getting only a small lick or two after each meal, he’s probably not at risk from his daily cat food snack. Ill effects, such as vomiting or diarrhea, are warning signs, though, that the cat food he loves doesn’t love him back. If you notice your dog upchucks or has loose stools frequently after his cat food capers, it’s time to put the kibosh on his cat food habit.

Another possible side effect is obesity. Cavaliers gain weight easily. If your dog puts on the pounds from his dining addiction, it’s time to cut back on his snack. But if it’s not a major part of his diet, you’re not seeing vomiting or diarrhea, and you’re doing a good job of monitoring his weight and giving him plenty of exercise, it’s probably fine to let him continue sharing small amounts of your cat’s leftovers. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Tiny turtles spread

salmonella infection

--Between March 1 and Aug. 3, more than 37 people in 13 states suffered salmonella infections linked to contact with pet turtles. The multistate outbreak resulted in 16 hospitalizations. Nearly one-third of the people who became ill were children younger than five years, who are more likely to put their fingers or even the small turtles in their mouths after handling the reptiles. To avoid illness, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling pet turtles or any part of their habitat, including water, and ensure that children do the same.

--Want to turn your aloof feline into a loving lap cat? We can’t guarantee success, but following these steps may help your cat decide you’re worth getting close to. Move slowly so you don’t startle him with sudden movements. When you look at him, blink your eyes slowly -- the kitty version of a kiss -- instead of staring. Scratch between the ears or beneath the chin or stroke along the spine, but avoid the belly if you value your appendages. Bribery pays -- give a treat any time he approaches you or settles near you. You may soon find that you have a new best friend.

--One of the most glamorous dogs is the elegant Afghan hound, but don’t be fooled. The tall but mid-weight dog is an athlete bred to sprint across rugged terrain after hares and gazelles. A silly sense of humor lurks beneath a calm, quiet demeanor. If you choose to live with this sight hound, plan on meeting that instinctive desire to chase with lure coursing or at least regular runs in a large fenced park. The glorious coat can be any color or combination of colors, and the long, silky hair should be brushed two or three times a week. -- 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.