LITTLE ROCK — DEAR READERS: We thought we would share some favorite hints we have received through the years. Give them a read and let me know what you think!
Taking your pet with you in your car to another state during the holidays? Be sure to bring your pet's rabies-vaccination records and any other vet records that your pet might need in case of an emergency.
Do not let your pet overeat during the holidays. With family gatherings and parties, there will be lots of food around. Do not feed "people food" to your pets, because it could create stomach problems. Tell your guests not to feed your pets, or keep pets away from the party.
If your pet has bad breath, it should be taken to your vet for a dental check. Bad breath might indicate dental-plaque buildup. Your vet can give the teeth a good cleaning.
Be careful if you use ice-melting products around your home during the winter. Some ofthese might have ingredients that, if eaten by your dog or cat, can cause sickness and even death. So if you use them on sidewalks, don't let your pets get near them, and use caution when walking your dog.
Your dog needs exercise. Depending on the breed, make sure your pet gets plenty of space and time to run and play. Exercising will prevent your dog from getting bored, so then it won't dig or chew so much.
DEAR HELOISE: When cleaning your cat's litter box, first use a wide scraper and loosen the litter that's stuck all around the sides of the box. Then use the litter scoop. Sometimes, if the litter is stuck to the bottom of other areas, I scrape there, too. The box stays clean much longer.
- Catherine Dalla Costa, Lansing, Ill. Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail
HomeStyle, Pages 47 on 10/27/2007