HELOISE Keep pets safe from disease

Dear Readers: Now that hot weather and humidity are here in most states, it's the time when mosquitoes are out in full force. Many years ago, it was thought that only states with high humidity were the breeding grounds for heartworm-infected mosquitoes, but now we know different. They can be found in all states, but are most prevalent from the mid-United States eastward.
Also, cats as well as dogs can get heartworm if bitten just once by an infected mosquito. That can be a death sentence for your pet if it is not on preventative medicine.
The American Heartworm Society has a Web site, www.heartwormsociety.org, that has all the information you need to know to keep your pet safe from this dreaded disease. For those who don't have access to a computer, most veterinarians have information that they will be happy to pass on to pet owners.
Most of us can't keep our pets locked indoors all the time, but at least this is one disease we can help control with preventative medication. Heloise
Dear Readers: Paul and Dot Morneau of Winslow, Maine, sent a photo of their 23-pound cat, Bigfoot. He is posed sitting up in "his" recliner. He usually gets up by 5 a.m. and scratches on their door. He rules the roost and allows Paul and Dot to live with him.
Visit my Web site, www.Hel-oise.com, and click on This Week's Pet to see Bigfoot in his reclining position. Heloise
Dear Heloise: For people with aquariums, whether at home or at a business, using pill containers with separate compartments is a great way to set up the proper amount of food ahead of time. They are inexpensive and come in several different sizes.
Just fill them up and close the lids tightly. Also, it's good for those who are forgetful, have multiple people feeding the fish or are going on vacation and are having someone come in. Brenda Peterson, Springfield, Mo.
Dear Readers: Some pets panic during thunderstorms, and the sound of fireworks can send them running. The danger is if your pet's outside and heads directly into traffic. Also, if your pet is close to people setting off fireworks, the loud sounds can actually damage its hearing. It's best to keep your pet indoors during storms and fireworks.
If your pet is still frightened indoors, sit next to it and speak softly until it relaxes and calms down. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Do you need to take your cat to the veterinarian but don't have a cat carrier? Two laundry baskets work great in a pinch.
Put a towel in the bottom of one, place your cat in it and use the other laundry basket upside down as a cover. Tie the two together using a few twist-ties all around. The cat will stay comfortable and safe while traveling. Sarah A., via e-mail
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
King Features Syndicate