HELOISE New addition can cause jealousy

Dear Readers: Bringing a newborn baby home could be traumatic to your pet, especially if your pet has been the center of attention. Dogs especially form a very close bond with their "family," and a new addition might cause a dog to become jealous. So, here are some helpful hints you can try before a baby comes home:
Bring a blanket or something with the baby's smell on it and put it next to your pet so it can pick up the baby's scent.
If this is the first baby, try to get your pet acquainted with young children and babies, if possible. Living in a quiet home is very different from one with a crying baby. If you can, have some young relatives or neighborhood children visit a few times. Your pet will experience a bit of what's to come. Also, there are children's activity shows on TV with the sounds of children singing, laughing and playing that you can turn on so your pet can hear this type of noise.
Keep up normal activities, like walking, feeding, exercising and playing. Hopefully, in a short time your pet will happily accept the baby as part of the family. Until then, you'll want to keep a watchful eye on your baby. Think about replacing the solid door to the baby's room with a Dutch door (top and bottom open separately). The top can stay open to peek at the baby, and the bottom can remain closed to keep your pet out. Heloise
Dear Readers: Judy Melzer of Sublette, Ill., sent a photo of her little kitten, Daisy, curled up and sleeping in the dog's food bowl. When Daisy was adopted, she was only 2 pounds. It's nice to know that the dog considers her a buddy and not a snack. Visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, and click on This Week's Pet to see this cute little kitty. Send your favorite, unusual pet photo to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279. Heloise
Our miniature schnauzer, Cabbie, had to take antibiotics for two weeks, and the pills were in blister packs that are a bear to open. I thought of cutting them all out at once and transferring them into a container to make them easier to deal with.
Our longtime friend and veterinarian Dr. Tom Vice advised not to cut them out until it is time to use each pill. Once exposed to light, some pills might degrade. It's best to call the manufacturer or veterinarian for advice. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Decorative popcorn tins are pretty popular during the Christmas season. My two kittens are my babies and probably have as many toys as a child. The tin is a perfect place to store the toys. It's in the corner of the room and is adorable, decorated with three little kitties. Sarah A., Seattle
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate