HELOISE Advice sought for dog that scratches
Dear Heloise: I am a true dog lover and have a schnauzer myself. That's why I'm writing you. My dogs scratch all the time. No matter what I do, they keep scratching themselves.
Do you have any helpful hints about skin allergies on dogs? Sandra Marshall, Via E-mail
You should take them to the veterinarian, because scratching could be caused by a number of things besides skin allergies. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, dry, flaky or irritated skin can cause dogs (and cats) to scratch. Also, contagious diseases, such as ringworm, and sarcoptic mange mites cause excessive scratching.
If you notice hair loss and scabby, crusty areas around the elbows and ears, it might be mange. There are treatments such as injections or medicated dips that can cure your pet. Ringworm also causes severe itching, hair loss and inflammation. Both mange and ringworm can be transmitted to humans, so it is very important to have pets diagnosed and given medication. Heloise
Dear Readers: Linda Sloan of Santa Paula, Calif., sent her annual Christmas card to us. This year's photo shows five of her dogs all decked out in their Christmas finery, including hats, getting ready to "sing" their Christmas songs. Linda says that dress rehearsals and treats are the secret to success for taking perfect photos.
Visit my Web site, www.Hel-oise.com, and click on This Week's Pet to see this wonderful "choir." Heloise
FYI: Did you know that ducklings, turtles, chicks and iguanas can get infected with salmonella and, if infected, can spread it to humans? If you have small children and are thinking about getting any of the above as a pet, it's not a good idea. Just stick with the traditional family pets -- puppies, kittens, hamsters, birds, etc. Heloise
Dear Heloise: When my cat was sick, I was told that if he didn't eat his regular cat food to feed him baby food from a jar. He loves it! When he was feeling better, I gave him his regular cat food, but he refused it. Could I continue giving him the baby food since he likes it so much? A Reader, Via E-mail
Baby food is not a good idea for cats, because it contains only one-quarter of the calories found in cat food. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends replacing it with a normal diet. If your cat doesn't eat his regular food right away don't worry. When he gets hungry enough, he'll eat, even if it takes a little while. Heloise
Dear Readers: For anyone traveling by car with a pet in a carrier, don't just place it on the back seat. Make sure you secure it using the safety belt. Even the slightest accident can send the carrier flying around the car.
It's bad enough that the pet can be seriously hurt, but the carrier can also hit the driver, which could cause an injury. It only takes a minute to strap the carrier in, so don't take any chances. Heloise
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate