DEAR READERS: Is your dog itching, scratching, chewing and scooting? An allergy to a protein in the dog's food may be to blame. A good way to test for food allergies is an elimination diet.
Over the course of eight to 12 weeks, your veterinarian will monitor your dog while replacing the dog's regular diet with a special food. The protein in this special food is so small, the animal's immune system won't react to it.
The dog must avoid snacks, treats, table scraps and any other foods for the elimination diet to be effective. Ask your veterinarian about this diet and for more information about allergies and treatments for pets.
DEAR HELOISE: I have a hint for you to stop diarrhea in dogs. A veterinarian friend told us to use a tablespoon of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) for our 65-pound Weimaraner female, mixed into her dog food.
Larger dogs, of course, need more pumpkin; smaller dogs need less. It works!
-- John G., Maui, Hawaii
DEAR HELOISE: My grandparents used to put eggshells in their coffee while it was brewing. Why?
-- Art S., via email
DEAR READER: This is a somewhat classic hint from the days of percolators! After filling the basket with coffee grounds, a topping of eggshells would prevent or diminish errant grounds from ending up in your cup.
DEAR HELOISE: A lady asked what she could do about her husband's smelly feet and shoes. I use antiperspirant on my feet, the same as underarms. This keeps my feet from sweating. Also, I put a good dose of powder in my shoes after wearing.
-- Philip M., Nebraska
DEAR HELOISE: What's an economical facial scrub?
-- Ryanne W. in Ohio
DEAR READER: Just mix three parts baking soda and one part water. After my regular daily cleanser, once a week I'll finish with this gentle scrub, avoiding the eye area. I rinse thoroughly with cool water.
DEAR HELOISE: To go along with your recent "camisole hint" for sheer blouses, there is never a good reason to buy a white bra.
Always use nude-colored bras for daily wear to be more invisible under clothes.
-- Diane B., via email
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
HomeStyle on 09/28/2019