HELOISE: ‘Doxies’ are prone to back problems

Dear Heloise: As the proud owners of four dachshunds, we are aware that their extended backbones create a tendency for back problems, which can affect the quality of the lives of many “doxies.” After my oldest (she’s 13) girl’s back went out for the second time, I learned these hints:

Our dogs are never permitted to sit up without support, because this puts undue pressure on their spine. We always pick our dogs up by supporting the rear and chest, never by the stomach.

We have stairs and footstools to help them climb up on the furniture so they can sleep in our laps. Because our bed is high, our four-legged children have a ramp with a guardrail so they can get on and off the bed. They are not allowed to jump off. (Animal experts note that this little short-legged breed should not jump off of furniture because it can harm them. — Heloise)

When my dogs are on my lap, I massage their muscles and backs. I use gentle but firm pressure on their hips and waist, looking for any type of swelling or knots.

Dachshunds are high-energy dogs, and they love to run. I have discovered that the more they run, the fewer physical problems they have. This results in less nervous energy, it gives them strength, and the developed muscle tone keeps their backs healthier.

Thank you, Heloise, for caring about our pets.

Scott Vallance, San Antonio

Scott, it was nice meeting you and talking about all of our four-legged friends.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Jan LaFlamme of Waterville, Maine, sent in a picture of Arlo, her beloved Maine coon cat, celebrating Halloween with all of his spooky props, along with some seasonal pumpkins. To see Arlo, go to www.Heloise.com, and click on “Pets.”

Heloise

Dear Heloise: My daughter works at an animal emergency hospital. Someone brought in two baby birds that had fallen from their nest. My daughter took one home, and she and my granddaughter took turns nurturing and feeding it until it grew big enough to turn loose. It turned out to be a starling. My daughter took it outside, put it in her hand, gently raising it up and down until it flew. The next day, as my granddaughter was standing in the yard, the bird flew down and landed on her shoulder as if to say “thank you.” Then it flew off.

Carolyn McInnis, Boardman, Ohio

Dear Heloise: Our sewing group makes blankets for hospitalized children. With all the scraps of leftover materials, we make bedding pillows for our animal shelter. This gives the dogs and cats something soft to sleep on.

Eileen Blaney in Ohio

King Features Syndicate