DEAR READERS: Springtime brings warm days, beautiful flowers, birds chirping and, unfortunately, fleas. Discuss with your veterinarian flea control and prevention.
There are a lot of good flea medications on the market, but read the labels carefully. Here are some hints to keep in mind:
• Never give flea meds indicated for dogs to cats. This can be deadly. Have the number of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Poison Control Center programmed into your phone, or written by the phone: (888) 426-4435.
• Use only one flea treatment (flea shampoo, drops, oral medications) at a time. Using more than one med on your pet could cause toxins to build up in the animal's system.
• Your source of information should be your veterinarian. There is so much you can find on the internet, and some of it is accurate, and some is not.
DEAR HELOISE: I work part time as a substitute teacher in an elementary school. It saddens me to see bright 6- and 7-year-old kids who are having trouble doing simple math.
One pupil was having trouble counting by 10. To help at home, it would be a fun game while, say, preparing dinner to practice counting by 10 with Mom. And start with a number like 6: 6, 16, 26, 36, 46, etc.
I know that every family is different and time is at a premium, but this can be a fun way to teach your kids math.
-- Theresa J. in Texas
DEAR HELOISE: When I mail packages to my parents, I stuff the packages with my kids' homework papers as packing material.
Mom and Dad are happy to see what the kids are working on -- math papers, writing compositions and art projects. The packing material is as fun as the package.
-- Donna R., California
DEAR HELOISE: I've discovered that cat litter makes a great absorbent. I had a grease stain in my driveway and sprinkled some on it. The stain was reduced in just a couple of hours. I just sweep up the litter and dispose of it.
-- Amelia A. in Cleveland
DEAR READERS: Try not to leave clothing in the car for long periods of time, either in or out of plastic dry-cleaner bags. The high temperatures in the car and sunlight beating in can fade fabrics and/or set stains.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
HomeStyle on 05/20/2017