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A few years ago, English biologist Rupert Sheldrake published a book called "Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home" (Three Rivers Press, $14). His controversial argument was that animals have telepathic powers that enable them to communicate among themselves and with humans. But if that's true, why doesn't your clairvoyant corgi realize that his daylong howling leaves your neighbor barking mad? And why doesn't your best friend's psychic Siamese know that shedding cats really get your dander up?

Just in case the pets around us can't read our minds, Real Simple sought some expert advice on dealing with those tricky situations in which cats and dogs act like, well, like animals.

What to do: If the pet's owner is someone you live with, you might try taking antihistamines or getting desensitization shots. And if the animal is a dog, suggest that he be bathed weekly. "Try keeping the animal out of the bedroom so there is less dander or hair where you sleep," says veterinarian Betsy Brevitz, author of "Hound Health Handbook" (Workman, $16.95). You can also purchase an air cleaner or try a rinse such as Allerpet ($8, www.allerpet.com for online stores).

If it's simply an acquaintance's pet that's giving you the sniffles, let her know you're allergic and arrange to meet her at a restaurant or at your own dander-free house.

As for those lists of supposedly hypoallergenic animals, most experts agree this is erroneous terminology. "There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog," says Gina Lash, assistant executive secretary of the American Kennel Club (AKC). "But some breeds can be better for people with allergies, including poodles and Portuguese water dogs." (For the AKC's full list of breeds that usually produce less dander, go to www.akc.org and search for "allergies.")

What to do: Administer first aid, then seek medical attention. Bites or scratches can get infected very easily, so such wounds should always be seen by a medical professional, says Valerie Angeli, senior director of public information and special projects for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). A course of antibiotics may be necessary. "Ask the owner of the animal if the cat or dog is up-to-date on its vaccinations, and ask to see documentation," says Angeli. "The 'parents' of an animal are responsible for its behavior. Find out what happened. If there's a medical cost involved, the owner of the animal should pay for it, unless the animal was provoked and defending itself." Homeowners' insurance, Angeli points out, will often cover animal bites and scratches.

What to do: If you live in the suburbs, don't let your dog use someone's lawn as a toilet. "This seems to be something that is widely not understood," says Brevitz. "Even if you're going to pick up the mess, people don't like the fact that their kids may be running around barefoot where a dog has done his business." Instead, she advises, take your dog to the street or to the grassy strip between the sidewalk and the curb. Be sure to pick up any messes and throw them in your own garbage can.

In the city, don't take your dog to the one tree on the block, as you might be inclined to do, says Stephen Zawistowski, an animal behaviorist and senior vice president of the ASPCA. The salt in urine can harm the tree if every dog that walks by gives it a sprinkle. "Curb your dog when he urinates," he says. "Also, keep him out of small gardens and flower beds." And always pick up after him.

What to do: "You hope that your friend would recognize that her pet is jumping up on you," says author Jennifer Quasha. "But if she doesn't, politely say, 'Oh, do you mind? My outfit is black, and I don't like cat hair,' or 'I'm scared of dogs — do you mind putting him outside?' " It should be the owner's responsibility to notice these situations. But if an owner seems oblivious, it's perfectly fine to remind her tactfully of her duty.