Dishes for pet foods need to be sanitized

Dear Heloise: I read your hint in the (Salem, Ore.) Statesman Journal about pet dishes for water and food. Here’s my hint:

Our veterinarian asked how often I wash the dishes I eat from, and I answered, “Every time.” She told me it is best to do the same for pets’ food dishes also. It helps to have five or six matching bowls that are just for your pet. Also, with all the information advising people not to reuse plastic water bottles, it might be best to stop using old plastic food containers for water bowls. Replace them with ceramic or glass bowls, and wash them often as well. The super-hot water in the dishwasher works very well. Karen in Oregon

Karen, this is a hint to think about. A lot depends on the type of food — dry or canned, etc. — and the “slobber” factor of your pet. Daily washing might be a bit much for most, but keeping them clean can be as easy as rinsing and drying with a paper towel. Heloise

Dear Readers: Mr. and Mrs. Roger Clapp of Skowhegan, Maine, sent a photo of a blue jay enjoying their fall door decorations. She said they hung decorative Indian corn on their front door, and a hungry blue jay thought it was dinner.

Go to my Web site, www.Heloise.com, and click on Pet of the Week — you’ll find the bluejay’s picture there! Also, if you have a unique pet photo you’d like to share, send it to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000. Heloise

Dear Heloise: With the recent wildfires in California, I recalled a valuable hint that was given to me after my first earthquake experience.

Although most pet owners have kennels for cats, in an emergency like an earthquake or fire, the portable kennels may be in a part of the house/apartment that has become inaccessible. So, keep supplies of pillowcases in your residence. Just scruff the cat at the back of the neck, put it in the pillowcase and tie the top closed (this might be easier said than done! — Heloise).

If you reach a carrier but the cat is “freaking out,” turn the carrier with the door opening to the top and prop it against a solid surface like a wall. Once again, scruff the cat by the back of the neck and lower the cat, bottom first, into the upright carrier and close.

Hope you never need this hint, but just in case. Cristin Allen, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: I had made a batch of suet for the birds. The next morning, I brought the newspaper in along with the suet, which was outside to chill since the temperature was very cold. I laid the newspaper on the counter while cutting the suet into sections and realized that the newspaper wrapper was perfect for storing the suet in the freezer. The wrappers do come in handy. Jackie, Sherwood, Ark.

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