HELOISE Tips keep pet hamsters healthy and happy

Dear Readers: We receive lots of letters from people who own hamsters, and we thought it would be a good idea for anyone who never owned one to know a little bit about them in case there might be one in the future.
Hamsters have a relatively short life span of one to two years. They are nocturnal, so it's a good idea not to keep the cage in a bedroom, unless you want to hear them playing all night. Hamster cages will need to be cleaned at least once a week.
Don't buy soft materials, such as rubber balls and soft-plastic toys -- they can easily chew through them. Hard-plastic tunnels are fine. They love to use an exercise wheel -- a metal one is the preferred type.
They are also great escape artists, but there is a pretty good way to get a hamster safely back. Use either a bucket or box and put something soft in the bottom, such as an old towel or pillow. Cover the top with a sheet of newspaper or a couple of paper towels and put your hamster's favorite food in the middle. Put a board or yardstick from the floor to the top of the bucket/box for it to climb. When it gets to the food, it will drop to the bottom and be there waiting patiently for you to come to the rescue.
Everyone who owns them just loves them. They do make great little pets and can keep you amused for hours. When you buy one, get a book that will tell you all the important facts about how to keep them healthy and happy. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Shirley Still of Sandy, Utah, sent a photo of her black-and-white cat, Max. He is seen staring at himself in the mirror. She says Max is a vain cat and does this every day for long periods of time and with every mirror. In the photo, it looks like he is reaching into a purse with his right paw. Maybe a hair is out of place and he needs a comb! Visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, and click on This Week's Pet to see handsome Max. Send your favorite, unusual pet photo to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279. Heloise
Dear Heloise: A dog beauty tip for brushing my two miniature dachshunds' teeth: I use an old and worn battery-powered toothbrush. It does a great job, fits in their little mouths and doesn't hurt their gums.
Be sure you use veterinarian-recommended toothpaste. Mr. Puppy and Ludwig always have sparkling teeth. Linda Cybulski, Columbia, S.C.
Sounds good if your dogs don't mind the feeling of a power toothbrush. It certainly can do a better job then a regular toothbrush or cloth. I'll have to try that with Cabbie, and I'll let you know. And you are right -- only use toothpaste made for dogs. Heloise
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