Q: When Rascal, my Sheltie, goes out to play at the lake, he gets covered with burrs and stickers. Is there some way to get them out without either expensive grooming every week or cutting out the burrs? A: Frequent brushing is one of the best ways to keep your pet's fur in good condition. Dogs like Shelties have a dense, cottony undercoat, so I like using grooming tools likes a "slicker brush" or "rake." These are available from most pet stores and are indispensable for removing debris and tangled or loose hair from the fur. It's a good idea to brush your dog before he goes swimming or is bathed, to prevent knotting of the fur.

Q: We've adopted kittens (both male). I know they should be neutered before they get in the habit of spraying around the house. How long should I wait? A: Neutering is a good idea to help avoid urine spraying behavior. Opinions vary on the ideal age to neuter male cats. Some shelter facilities recommend neutering when cats are only a few weeks old, but most veterinarians agree that kittens should have the procedure done by 6 months of age. If in doubt, consult your cats' veterinarian about the best age, based on its' level of development and overall health.

Q: We're moving and will take our 6-year-old Westie in the car with us. What do you recommend for car sickness? Maggie really suffers. A: When traveling by car with pets, it's best to plan to withhold food for 6-8 hours before departure to avoid motion sickness. Also you pet's doctor can prescribe tranquilizers or antihistamines that will help to keep your dog from feeling nauseated.