Your toughest pet questions answered

A well-trained dog is happier, has more fun, and makes a better companion. You can give your dog good training even if you have a tight schedule, simply by weaving short training sessions into your regular routine. When you're watching TV, for example, mute the sound during commercial breaks and run through a few basic commands with your dog. Before taking your dog for a walk, put him through his paces for a few minutes and praise him when he performs well. At meal time, tell your dog to "stay" before you allow him to eat. Small training intervals like these are very effective. The key to good training is consistency.

Many cats like to "talk" to their human friends, but there is a big difference between occasional chatter and the kind of non-stop yowling that keeps you awake all night or leaves your nerves feeling raw. The best way to stop your cat from making a racket is to ignore her when she is being noisy, as hard as that may be, and then reward her with attention and praise when she stops. If she continues to yowl, there may be a deeper problem. Constant meowing is usually a cry for attention, but it could be a sign of illness or pain. Look for clues in what your cat is doing when she cries. If she starts yowling when she is eating, she may be experiencing tooth pain or have trouble swallowing. If she cries while using the litter box, she may be constipated or have painful urination. If the noise continues despite your best efforts, consult your vet

If your dog is anything like my two, the practical answer may be as often as you can wrestle him into the tub. Although your dog's need for a bath depends partly on his breed, type of coat and lifestyle, most dogs don't need a bath more than once a month. Bathing your dog too often can strip protective oils from his coat and cause skin irritations that may lead to more serious problems. On the other hand, if your dog has an oily coat or likes to roll in something smelly every time you visit the dog park, he may need more frequent baths. If you're not sure how often you should bathe your dog, ask your vet or an experienced dog groomer.

Most cats react to catnip with so much euphoria and excitement it's like they're on drugs, but you don't have to worry. Catnip is non-addictive and completely harmless. Even eating dried catnip leaves will not harm your cat. Catnip is a member of the mint family. Humans have been using catnip as a medicinal herb for centuries, to improve digestion and to treat many other ailments.

The best way to care for your dog's teeth is the same way you keep your own teeth clean—with daily brushing, plus regular cleanings and dental exams by your vet. Be sure to use a toothbrush that is designed for dogs or a very soft human brush, and never use human toothpaste, which contains fluoride that can harm your dog's health. Instead, use toothpaste that is specially formulated for dogs. In addition to daily brushing, you can also feed your dog snacks that reduce tartar buildup and aid in keeping teeth clean. Oral care is a part of canine health that many dog owners overlook, which is why as many as four out of five dogs over age three may develop periodontal disease, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Don't let your dog be one of them.

You can monitor your cat's weight at home by stepping on the bathroom scale with her in your arms, and then subtracting your weight from the combined figure. You can also check for pouches of fat around her groin and under her belly. Another way to keep tabs on your cat's weight is to place both your hands on her sides. If you can feel her ribs, but they're not sticking out, then she's probably at a good weight. If she is too pudgy for you to feel her ribs easily, stop giving her treats, reduce the amount you feed her at each meal, and make sure she gets more exercise. For long-term weight control, ask your vet to recommend a weight-management diet.

Skunk oil is pretty nasty and getting rid of the stink can be quite a challenge. If your dog tangles with a skunk and gets sprayed, keep him outside and put on old clothes before you try washing him. Because skunk oil can easily spread, start by cleaning only the area that was sprayed, and save the full bath until after the second or third washing. When de-skunking your dog, use a commercial cleaner that's designed to remove skunk odor, which you can buy at your local pet supply store.

Training your cat is very different than training your dog. Both require you to reward good behavior with positive reinforcement while ignoring bad behavior, but that's where the similarity ends. Cats don't respond to direct commands such as "sit" and "stay," but you can teach her to respect your furniture and certain areas of your house. If you find her climbing the curtains or scratching the sofa, remove her to a neutral place and walk away. Begin your cat's training when she's a kitten and you'll soon have a well-mannered pet.

Having a second dog may increase the fun of owning a pet, but it also creates a lot of new responsibilities for you. A second dog will double your expenses for food, vet bills, grooming, and boarding when you're out of town. Although your dog will no doubt enjoy having a new playmate, he will still need your company and attention, and you'll also need to spend one-on-one time to train and bond with your new dog. In short, getting a second dog is a decision you should make for yourself, not for your dog.

This is the toughest question of all. Our pets bring us great joy, but their lives are relatively short compared to human lives. If you have to make the decision to end your pet's life, most vets will allow you to stay with your beloved friend throughout the procedure so you can say goodbye. Give yourself time to grieve. Losing a pet can be as emotionally wrenching as the death of a close friend or family member. Finally, talk about your feelings with a friend, a counselor or, if you prefer to keep your feelings private, express them by writing in a journal. Eventually, memories of your lost pet will bring a smile to your face rather than a tear to your eye.