HELOISE: Research before owning a snake

Dear Readers: Do you want to get a snake as a pet? Do some research beforehand!

Nonvenomous snakes are available in many pet stores, and these are some of the species we found available in our area:

ball pythons

corn snakes

king snakes

milk snakes

rosy boa constrictors

sand boa constrictors.

Snakes need specific care and supplies to keep them healthy and happy. Some snakes are fed live animals, like rodents (although there are fresh-frozen rodents available at some pet stores). You really need to study up on the snake species you choose beforehand so you know exactly what it needs and the commitment it will take.

Some snakes, such as constrictors, can get huge! As they grow, they will need new enclosures and more care.

Also, you may not be able to house different types of snakes together. Be sure to research before adding a new snake — one snake could kill another or pass along a disease.

You must consider carefully before making the choice to bring a snake into your life.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Linda George of Camarillo, Calif., sent a picture of her Australian shepherd cattle dog, Mei Mei, enjoying a warm spring day in the grass with Linda’s other pet, a tortoise named Wilbur. To see Mei Mei and Wilbur, as well as our other Pet Pals, go to www.Heloise.com and click on “Pets.”

Heloise

Dear Heloise: A trick I have with my dogs is to change the flavor of their food each time they’re done with one can. Most, if not all, canned dog-food brands come in different flavors. Just like we would get bored with eating chicken or beef every day, the dogs do, too. Each time they’re finished with that canned-food flavor, they get a new flavor. It keeps them excited about eating!

Oph lie M. in Louisiana

An interesting idea? We spoke to a couple of leading manufacturers of dog foods. One suggested a gradual switch from, say, chicken to beef. However, if the dog is happy with chicken (he gobbles it up), there is no need to change. The other source said food changes depend on your dog. Some are very sensitive to change, and it can cause potential problems. So, watch your dog.

Changing flavors of wet food in the same brand should be fine, as long as the dog’s system can tolerate it. When in doubt, please check with your veterinarian.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: Before we picked up our new puppy, I got a towel and made sure the scent of all our family members was on it. I took the towel to the breeder a week before we picked up Louie. He never whimpered or cried once when he came home with us. I’m convinced it’s because he knew our scents so well and immediately felt safe, secure and at home.

Rhonda in Madison, Ala.

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