HELOISE: Carrots work as treats for dogs

Dear Heloise: When I adopted my dog Dusty from the animal shelter, he was pretty scrawny. Since then, he has thrived and is now a bit overweight. I have to cut back on his treats and food. My vet suggested carrots.

Dusty didn’t like raw carrots, so I cooked them in water. He loves them as a treat instead of dog biscuits.

Pat Z. in Warren, Ohio

Pat, our Cabbie loves carrots, too! She will “speak” for a slice or two of raw carrot. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and other sources we checked, carrots are an OK treat for dogs.

Check with your veterinarian to be sure your pet can have carrots as an occasional treat.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Jean Croyle of Central City, Pa., sent a picture of her terrier mix, Molly, lying on the bed, patiently waiting for her to come home. Molly was adopted from a shelter, and Jean says, “Molly reminds us of what is truly important: wet doggy kisses, patience and loyalty.” To see Molly and other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: Our feathered friends stay all year in some parts of the South. A flock of birds deposits its waste on our sidewalk. Instead of using toxic chemicals, spraying household vinegar on the sidewalk results in quick disintegration and can be hosed off with water.

Margarette M. in Temple, Texas

Margarette, it’s smart to limit the use of harsh cleaning chemicals whenever possible. Vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner, cheap and safe to have on hand. If you would like to receive a list of my favorite Vinegar Hints in a convenient pamphlet, send $5 and a long, stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Be sure to label your spray bottle of vinegar clearly, and white or apple cider works the same.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have two dogs, a cocker spaniel and a basset hound. A couple of years ago, I came home from shopping for dinner. There were several items I put on the counter before I left to do other errands. When I returned, I couldn’t find the loaf of warm French bread. The bread was in the dogs’ tummies. Both of their stomachs were bulging, but no lasting damage was done, except to our dinner that night!

Leslie Soyster, via e-mail

A good reminder to keep foods off the counters and away from prying paws and mouths.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I had an old sweater and a cold dog. So, I measured my dog from her shoulders down to her tail, and cut one of the sleeves of the sweater just slightly longer. I hemmed the sleeve, then cut a slit for each of her legs and hemmed those also, to avoid unraveling.

She looks so cute, and is now snuggly warm in her “new” sweater!

H.C. in Virginia

King Features Syndicate