Chocolate can be dangerous for dogs

Dear Readers: Chocolate is a no-no for dogs, vets tell us. The problem with this yummy treat is the high fat and caffeinelike stimulants in the chocolate.

White and dark chocolate are both bad, but for different reasons. White chocolate has more fat than dark chocolate and less caffeine stimulant, while dark chocolate has more stimulant but less fat. As little as 2 ounces of baking chocolate (which is the darkest) can cause serious health problems in a dog weighing less than 10 pounds. Vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal urination and severe thirst are all symptoms of chocolate poisoning.

White chocolate can cause serious health issues, including pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening. Our own miniature schnauzer, Cabbie, has had pancreatitis three times after getting into a garbage can and overindulging on high-fat trash! She almost died, and it was very expensive to treat.

Thanks to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for giving us this information. Take care of those precious pets! Heloise

Dear Readers: Audrey Rosatelli of Toms River, N.J., sent a photo of her son and daughter-in-law’s beagle Roxy giving their baby, Marleigh, a quick kiss on the face. Audrey says, “Little Marleigh is thinking, ‘Roxy, you’re not getting my binky!’”

To see Roxy giving Marleigh a good licking, visit www.Heloise.com. Heloise

Dear Heloise: May I suggest a couple of other ideas about traveling with pets? When my wife and I relocated from California to Florida, we had our two Lhasa apsos injected with an ID chip. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice, and it’s placed between the pet’s shoulders. The chips can be obtained at many pet shelters and vet offices.

My wife and I also placed our cell-phone numbers on our pets’ ID tags, which can be obtained at all major pet stores nationwide. The placing of the cell-phone numbers ensures that we can be located immediately anywhere nationwide. We feel more secure this way. Fran Orma, The Villages, Fla.

Dear Heloise: My aquarium sits on a wooden cabinet-style stand. I lined the doors with small hooks and hang the nets, plant tongs, etc., within easy reach. This makes finding what I need a snap.

For sorting the cords, I use colored sticky tape: red is for heaters, green is for aeration and so on. That way, I can easily see which cord I have in my hand to disconnect or connect the proper equipmen.. Melanie, via e-mail

Dear Readers: To keep your pet treats from getting weevils, put them in a plastic zippered bag and then into the freezer for a few days. This not only kills the bugs but also prevents any eggs from hatching. Heloise

King Features Syndicate