Pets are an endangered species during holidays

Dear Readers: With the holidays right around the corner, indoor and outdoor decorations and festive food can be potential dangers to your pets. Take note of these potential hazards:

• Holiday treats (especially those containing chocolate).

• Turkey dinner (splintering bones can cause choking).

• Strings of lights can shock your pet.

• Broken glass ornaments, candles and miscellaneous decorations can cut your pet’s paws or get stuck in the throat.

• Extension cords.

• Garlands, wreaths, tinsel, ornaments and other decorations are dangers for cats and dogs.

So, when it comes time to decorate and cook for the holidays, keep your pets’ safety in mind. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have several cats and am tired of continually washing food bowls. I bought an inexpensive chip-and-dip tray — round dip compartment in the middle and five chip compartments around it. I keep it filled with dry food. It increases the area of available food so the cats don’t fight over it, and I don’t have five bowls a day to wash. Arna Cohen, Bowie, Md.

Dear Readers: If you have trouble removing the normal secretion from your dog’s eyes, you can use a microfiber cloth. Dampen a cloth with warm water and gently wipe away. If your dog balks, a healthy treat afterward (Cabbie, our mini schnauzer, loves carrots) will work wonders as an incentive! Heloise

Dear Readers: Sandy Schlameus, via e-mail, sent us a photo of her cat, Bob, helping her “read” the newspaper, all stretched out right on top of it! Sandy says: “Bob was found as a kitten at a restaurant dumpster. His tail was broken and infected and had to be removed, hence the name Bob. As you can see, he grew to be a very large, secure cat who joins us each morning as we read the paper. He rules our house!”

To see Bob, visit www.Heloise.com. Heloise

Dear Heloise: My dog was gaining weight, so the vet suggested that I set up a regular exercise program for him. Now we walk every night. We enjoy the time together, and it keeps my dog and me in shape. Delores R. in Washington

A good diet and exercise program for our pet is just as important as it is for us! And, in the long run, it may save money on vet bills, because your dog will be in better health! Heloise

Dear Readers: If you are taking your pet with you when you travel for the holidays, be sure to take a copy of its rabies vaccination record if you are crossing state lines (this is law in certain states). Also, take copies of your pet’s medical records, extra medications and all vet contact information. Heloise

SBlt 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