Conditioner gets burr out of dog’s fur

Dear Heloise: Our beautiful golden retriever has a full life on our farm, taking care of horses, helping with all the chores and generally enjoying life. However, she comes in with her coat full of burrs. I’ve found that if I keep handy a bottle of after-shampoo conditioner and rub it into the burrs, they practically dissolve. Then a good bath, and she is ready for her next adventure.

The burrs are much easier to remove this way, even if I have to use the comb, and I’m sure it hurts her less. Alice, via e-mail

Burrs can really be a pain for dog and owner! I’m going to use your hint on Cabbie, our mini schnauzer, who comes in with them stuck in her beard. Heloise

Dear Heloise: If your pet is prone to skin growths, try to measure them and watch to see if they get any bigger, change color, etc. Digital photos help track if they grow and can be e-mailed to your vet, if necessary. C.B. from Ontario, Canada

Dear Heloise: I use plastic newspaper sleeves for dog waste bags. Because they are long and narrow, I can tie them around the handle of the leash so I don’t forget to bring one. It’s a good way to recycle something that would otherwise be thrown out! Nancy Smith, via e-mail

Also, in many places, it’s the law that owners pick up after their pets. This is an easy way to do it. Heloise

Dear Readers: Mary E. Cooper of Augusta, Maine, sent a cute photo of a backyard squirrel that perched on top of a large pumpkin, underneath a large scarecrow. The scarecrow doesn’t seem to have any effect on him! If you would like to see the photo, please visit www.Heloise.com. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Please tell your readers to keep track of their foam earplugs and keep them away from pets. Years ago, I realized my cat was losing weight and couldn’t keep any food down. After taking an X-ray, the vet discovered that a foam earplug was in his digestive tract! He was fine after surgery, but vigilance could have prevented his pain and my cost! Liz Russell, Spokane, Wash.

What a hard lesson to learn. One of my assistants has a Chihuahua and noticed that her mouth looked puffy. She called her over and held her hand out, and out popped an earplug! It does seem like some pets like to chew on them, so take care with them. Heloise

Dear Heloise: After the season, you can buy pumpkins at a discount price, remove the seeds, dry them on a cookie sheet in a 250-degree oven for an hour and add them to regular birdseed. The wild birds will thank you for this extra treat. Jane in Maine

• 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