HELOISE: Playing fetch can hurt dogs

Dear Heloise: Here is a pet warning I wanted to share: Be very careful when throwing “fetch” objects to your dog so that they aren’t thrown too high. Dogs love to leap up to catch things, but they can seriously injure themselves when they come down the wrong way. My service dog (hearing) is an older rat terrier that loves to catch tennis balls. We were playing the other night when he jumped up to catch a ball and badly sprained his back. He could have been much more seriously injured. This is a very common injury, and one that easily can be avoided. Now the ball is thrown at dog level. No more leaping.

A Reader, via e-mail

We are glad your companion dog is all right, and thank you for a very good pet pointer. Consider the age of your pet for play and exercise.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Eileen Donlon of Staten Island, N.Y., sent a photo of her black cat, Charlie, “eyeing” some pretty flowers. Eileen says: “Charlie started out as a feral cat that I had been feeding since he was a kitten. Then he decided he would like to move into my home. He is a real character, and very lovable.”

To see Charlie, visit www.Heloise.com.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: Another use for a turkey baster: to help “drain” water from small aquariums for dwarf frogs or fish. Animals stay in the aquarium and aren’t disturbed too much.

Mo in California

And speaking of aquariums, here’s a hint from Jane in San Antonio: “To make my fish aquarium really pop, I taped a mirror to the outside of the tank, so that it looks in on the fish. I have used artwork from my kids in the past (pictures of fish and turtles, etc.), which looked great, but the mirror gives the aquarium a fresh and modern look. It’s especially pretty at night with the top light on.”

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I put the cat’s litter pan in a plastic trash bag, and then put the litter in. When it’s time to change the litter, I just pull off the trash bag (inside out) and cleanup is done.

Kelly in Texas

Dear Heloise: I have a hint regarding dog tags for your beloved pet. We recently rescued a Westie who has a health issue requiring daily meds for the rest of his life. I had a tag made, in addition to his name tag, that states his health issue and the phrase “Needs meds.” I always enjoy your columns — especially the ones dedicated to pets!

Donna Schennum, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: A cheap lap blanket? The cat! Invite the cat up on your lap while lounging at home, reading or watching TV. Here in Canada, we have long, cold winters, and every bit of warmth helps. The purring is soothing, too!

L.B. in Canada

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate