Removing pet hair from carpets and earplugs for canines

q my beagle is shedding on our short-pile, nylon rugs and we can't seem to get the hair up with vacuuming. What can we do?

- J.T., Memphis, Mich.

A There's no easy way to remove dog hair from rugs, says Cindy Durgin at Merry Maid, a cleaning service in Stoneham, Mass. She uses a lint brush if regular vacuuming doesn't work. Masking tape rolled up and rubbed over the area will also pick it up.

To cut down on shedding, "All-New Hints from Heloise" (Perigee Books) recommends brushing, or even vacuuming, the dog. Many animals enjoy it. (Many, however, do not.)

If pet hair is collecting on upholstery, Heloise suggests rubbing a rubber glove over the area; the hair will separate from the furniture and will be easier to pick up.

Q We live near a freeway. The dog next door always howls whenever sirens go by. A local newspaper suggested that siren manufacturers find a way to cut out the ultrahigh-pitched sounds that are said to cause animals pain. Can anything be done on behalf of canines?

- S.D., Garden Grove, Calif.

A The dog is probably trying to communicate with the siren, rather than howling in pain. Dr. Catherine Houpt, director of animal behavior at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., says dogs don't howl when they are hurt, they whine.

Unless the siren is at a high decibel level, it isn't bothering the dog. If the sirens have a high decibel level, earplugs can protect the dog's ears. Because of

the L-shaped ear canal of a dog, a

veterinarian should make and

apply the earplugs.

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