HELOISE: Let pet sitter authorize treatment

Dear Heloise: Regarding the column about pet sitters: One important item is the “permission to treat.” If you are using a sitting service, you need to write a letter stating that the person doing the sitting has the right to authorize treatment (medical treatment — Heloise) of the animal. Give this letter to your vet, and give a copy to the sitter. Leave all phone numbers, state that all minor problems shall be treated and that you agree to pay all charges. Indicate that if the problem is more critical, you are to be contacted. Thanks for all your good advice.

Stephanie, via e-mail

Stephanie, excellent point! Give the letter to anyone watching your animals, whether it’s a professional pet sitter, friend, neighbor or family member. And have information about the closest animal emergency clinic handy, too.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Libby Hahn of Mason, Texas, sent us a picture of her yellow cat, aptly named Mr. Yellow, making us yearn for spring. He is asleep on the fence, not a care in the world, with his front paws hanging down and the beautiful green grass below him. To see Mr. Yellow and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com, and click on “Pets.”

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have some hints about dog walking, since I walk my three dogs every day:

Walk the dogs at roughly the same time each day.

I walk my dogs on the sidewalks, so they can’t mess up my neighbors’ yards.

I make it a fun workout for myself also, by walking briskly.

A Reader in Texas

Dear Heloise: I’ve noticed that in your column, readers have advised using “leftover” plastic bags — newspaper bags, shopping bags, etc. — for collecting and disposing of dog waste. Please encourage your readers to buy biodegradable bags instead. Typical plastic bags can take hundreds of years to disintegrate, and birds and other small animals often ingest them or become trapped in them. The biodegradable bags disintegrate quickly. I know they cost a little more, but it’s the responsible thing to do. Thank you.

Steven Beckham, via e-mail

A smart way to help the environment and all of our animal friends.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Salt is a great abrasive for cleaning pet water bowls that can get slimy. Pour a generous amount in the bowl and add a splash of water, then scrub gently. Rinse well.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: My dog has his own pet bed, and, frankly, sometimes it smells a little bad. I dust a liberal amount of baking soda on it, take it outside and shake the baking soda out. The bed is fresh again.

Carla in Iowa

Send a 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