PET FRIENDLY Furry friends of the low-allergen variety, by Jane Bianchi, and more

Love Your Pet

{Ask a veterinarian}a veterina Q My fish has little white spots. Is he sick?

AIf the white spots are evenly distributed and he’s swimming up against objects (as if to scratch himself), he probably has a common parasite called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, also known as “ich” or “ick.” He may have caught it from a new fish, or it was already present but lay dormant until a stressor (such as poor water quality) lowered your fish’s immune system. First, have the water tested at a pet store, then buy treatment drops that you can add to the water (about $8).

SOURCE: Daniel Gray, DVM, pearl.com; Gentle Vet Animal Hospital, Green Bay, WI

{Pet pleaser}Pet pleaser} DOG BRAINTEASER

This plush puzzle toy stimulates your dog’s brain as she figures out how to remove each squirrel from its hole. Kyjen Hide-A-Squirrel $18.50 for large size; kyjen.com

WIN IT! W 10 readers will win a large Hide-A-Squirrel toy (value $18.50). Snap on the tag to enter. For rules, see page 24.

Adopting a pure breed from a shelter is far less expensive than buying one from a breeder. Go to petfinder.com.

LOW-ALLERGEN PETS Dogs and cats—loveable as they are—make many people sneezy and wheezy. Allergies are often caused by a protein in the pets’ skin, saliva and w urine, and can be aggravated by dust, pollen and mold that sits on pet hair. u While no cat or dog is 100% hypoallergenic, some allergists say patients report feeling better with certain breeds. So if you’re aching for a pet but have allergies, think about one of these cute companions. h by JANE BIANCHI

THE CAT TO OWN: Devon rex

Since there are allergens in saliva, the more a cat licks itself, the more allergens get on its coat, and the more you’re exposed to when cuddling with the cat or breathing in hair that she’s shed. The Devon rex has a wavy coat that’s shorter than that of most cats. As a result, these English kitties tend to lick themselves less often.

BONUS They love to snuggle and have adorably large ears and eyes.

OTHER BREEDS TO CONSIDER

Balinese, Javanese, Siberian, Oriental shorthair THE DOG TO OWN:

Poodle

The hair on a poodle is curled tightly, and there’s no undercoat (a second layer of fur growing beneath the top coat) as there is on a husky or retriever. This means that the pooch hardly sheds. Consider a toy poodle instead of a larger one —he’ll be easier to wash, and a weekly bath helps get rid of allergens.

BONUS Poodles are smart, peppy and easy to train.

OTHER BREEDS TO CONSIDER

Irish water spaniel, Portuguese water dog, bichon frise, Bedlington terrier, Kerry blue terrier