HELOISE: Tips for owners of small dogs

Dear Readers: One of my assistants recently rescued a sweet female chihuahua named Daisy from a city shelter. Here are some things you may not know about Chihuahuas:

Dressing your Chihuahua may be necessary — they are more sensitive than most breeds to cold weather. (Even in the summer, air-conditioning may be drafty and could make the dog cold.)

They are tiny dogs; many don’t exceed 6 pounds. They may be small, but some can have a big personality!

The dog probably needs food that is cut smaller than regular dry dog food, since their mouths are very small and their teeth are not big.

Life expectancy? There are lots of variables, but most small breeds of dogs can live more than 10 to 15 years.

Always research any breed before you adopt, and make sure the animal will fit in with your family. Check your shelters and rescue groups for animals in need of a great home.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Marilu of Titus, Ala., sent in a picture of her 18-month-old dachshund mix, Terra, chewing on a rawhide. Terra is very brave and will ride anything with a motor: ATV, tractor or boat. She has her own flotation device! To see Terra and our other Pet Pals, go to www.Heloise.com and click on “Pets.”

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have a funny schnauzer story for you. I do exercises every day, so when I am on the floor on my back doing leg lifts, my little Mitzi flops on her back and just wiggles and wiggles her whole body. It’s hilarious! The first time I saw her do it, I thought it was just coincidence, but now every time I get ready to do my exercises, I tell her to come on and let’s do our exercises, so she runs in and does her thing while I am doing mine. Just thought you might like a little “schnauzer humor.”

Bev from Kerrville, Texas

Dear Heloise: Summer is coming soon, but many states are warm year-round. Please advise your readers not to leave their pets in their cars while they shop, not even for a couple of minutes. This is so harmful to the pets — it can cause death and damage to internal organs, including their brains.

I cannot believe people who go into a store and leave anywhere from one to four dogs in a locked car. Oh, they say that they were only gone a few minutes. I have sat and watched dogs, left in vehicles with windows down an inch, bark and get excited by folks going by. This will not cool a vehicle. People who leave pets in a vehicle should sit in a locked car with the windows down an inch or two in the summer for a good 10 to 15 minutes! Spread the word: Save a life.

Mary McNeely, via email

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

King Features Syndicate