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Pet gear is a hot topic. Owners want pet gear that is trendy and functional, like the Visiglo^® lighted dog leash (at left) available from www.petgadgets.com. Pulses of red light provide ¼-mile visibility at night. Dr. Mark Gottschalk of Wellesley Animal Hospital says: "You want to make your dog visible. Orange vests work well." Find orange reflective dog vests online and at many local retailers. Buy a vest or reflective clothing for yourself, too.

Does Rover shed so much you've forgotten that clothes don't come with pet hair? You need the FURminator^®. Visit www.furminator.com and watch the video. These brushes reduce shedding in dogs and cats up to 90%.

Mark Gottschalk, DVM, practices at Wellesley Animal Hospital, 3460 Lauderdale Drive in Richmond, Virginia. (804) 364-7030

Sometimes the best gear is the simplest. Poor canine dental care can lead to gum disease, infection, even heart problems. What's the best method for cleaning your dog's teeth? "I prefer gauze," says Dr. Gottschalk. "Take some gauze and wrap it around your finger. This gives you good control on the outside surface of the molars. The abrasiveness of the gauze works on the molars. Brushing once a day is ideal. You can find dog toothbrushes in stores and chicken flavored-toothpaste, but dogs wind up eating it, and not much brushing gets done."

Gear up for a lifetime of fun with your pet.