HELOISE: Grooming tips for pound pooch

Dear Heloise: We just got a new pooch from the pound and were wondering how often we should bathe and brush him, or should we take him to a professional groomer? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Anne from Pennsylvania

Dear Anne: Thank you for rescuing this wonderful dog! He will give you years of love and laughter. According to our source, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, grooming the dog should be worked into his routine so the dog is accustomed to it. Try to make bath time at a point in the day when the dog is dog-tired, or at least relaxed. The ASPCA says to bathe your dog once every three months. Of course, it may be necessary to wash the dog a bit more frequently if he gets muddy. Be sure to brush the dog before washing him. This will whisk away loose hair and other foreign matter in his coat. Always use a dog shampoo and not a “people” shampoo, which can be harsh and may dry out his skin. Rinse thoroughly, avoiding the ears. Dry with a fluffy towel.

As far as going to a professional groomer, if you can work it into your budget and if the dog’s coat and nails need special attention, this might be a good idea.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Connie P. of Circleville, Ohio, sent a photo of her beautiful white cat, Princess, curled comfortably in the bathroom sink while Connie is showering. Connie says that Princess has one blue eye and one green.

To see Princess in the sink, visit www.Heloise.com.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: Our dog didn’t like to eat, even though we fed her a premium dry dog food from our local feed store. A salesman there made this suggestion: Mist the food with a little water and microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This shouldn’t make the food hot, but it will be more aromatic and flavorful. Our dog is much more interested in eating now!

Krina Rixman, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Dear Heloise: We read your caution about dogs eating things they shouldn’t. Our miniature schnauzer, Molly, loves soft toys, the kind stuffed with fiberfill. She occasionally would chew a hole in a toy, and we would find pieces of stuffing on the floor.

Last year, we noticed that she was listless and not eating much. X-rays showed foreign material in her stomach, and she underwent emergency surgery. The vet had to open the stomach and make three incisions into the intestine to remove all the material. They collected enough fiberfill to half-fill a quart-size plastic bag. The charge for the surgery and days of recovery was more than $2,000! Needless to say, we no longer have any stuffed toys in the house!

JoJo and Tom, The Villages, Fla.

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