Saturday, February 24, 2007
Dear Heloise: I am writing to ask you to please help me spread the word of the importance of a yearly blood work-up for your pet -- which is even more important if your pet is on long-term medication.
We just lost our little Buddy, who was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure. A vet advised us that the kidney problem was present for at least six months. However, we did not find this out until six days before he passed. Had our regular vet advised, or even suggested, a yearly blood work-up, we would have had a better chance of treating him and possibly had him with us longer.
Our vet sends us a reminder to have yearly vaccinations, etc. How hard would it be to add to that a reminder to have a blood work-up done, or even suggest it when you're in for your pet's examination?
Take the time and have your pet get an annual blood work-up. You'll be improving its life and quite possibly save its life through early detection. A Daily Reader, Laurel, Mont.
The American Veterinary Medical Association and National Pet Wellness do promote twice-a-year pet-wellness exams, which consist of immunizations, parasite check, heartworm check, dental health, thorough blood work-up and urinalysis. Pets 7 years of age and older can also expect an osteoarthritis check, chest X-ray and thyroid check as well. Our four-legged family members can't tell us when they don't feel good, so staying on top of their health is key! Heloise
Dear Readers: Carolyn Heep of Del Rio, Texas, sent in a photo of her daughter's Maine coon cat, Katia, cozying up to a Raggedy Ann doll.
Go to www.Heloise.com and click on Pet of the Week to see the photo of Katia with Raggedy Ann! Heloise
Dear Heloise: I recently read your column in the San Antonio Express-News about traveling with pets and making them comfortable. May I add that there is something else to consider?
My dogs always seemed to have diarrhea when we traveled. I thought perhaps it was the excitement of traveling. By trial and error, I learned that when traveling with any pets, carry some bottles of water from home, or buy bottled water. Frequently, pets have upset tummies or diarrhea if you give them water from other places. Karen, San Antonio
Dear Heloise: I never could figure out how to keep ants off of my hummingbird feeders until one day when I was visiting my grandmother. We were in her backyard, and I saw something on the chain holding the feeder. I asked her what it was, and she said petroleum jelly -- it keeps ants out of the hummingbird nectar. I tried it, and it works like a charm. David W., Crossett, Ark.
Send 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