Dear Heloise: I start the New Year off with a "checkup" of my pets.
I give them all a once-over by looking for lumps and bumps or anything questionable on their bodies. Paws are next, then I look at their mouth and teeth, and peek inside ears. My dogs are getting up there in years, and I want to keep them as healthy as possible.-Owned by three spoiled dogs, via text
Your pups are lucky to have you taking care of them. It's important to check them, especially teeth and ears, as they can get infected and you may not discover it for a while.
Cats are a whole other story! They may hide a medical condition, so do give them a checkup (if they will let you) two to three times a year.
Birds and fish are, well, birds and fish! Watch and observe them closely, since a change in behavior, eating, etc., needs to be taken care of ASAP. Don't wait-it may be too late.-Heloise
PET PAL
Dear Readers: JoAnne in California sent a picture of her lab mix, Maisie, and her orange kitten, Key Key, crashed out on the couch together. If you'd like to see Maisie and Key Key, visit Heloise.com and click on Pet of the Week.
Do you have a pretty picture of your perfect pet? Email it to: [email protected]
CLEAN CLAY
Dear Heloise: I need to clean the lime deposits from clay pots that hold my plants. I've tried commercial lime removers and vinegar, and it comes right back. What is the solution?-Joyce S. in Lake Wales, Fla.
If the white stuff keeps coming back, then it's probably leaching from inside the pot and is most likely in the water. The only thing to do is clean and scrub the pot well with vinegar or the commercial cleaner. Then either paint the pot to "seal" the clay or coat with cooking or baby oil, let soak in and wipe dry with paper towels.
NO MO SNOW
Dear Heloise: Here's a winter tip for removing snow from steps: Use a child's snow shovel! It is more maneuverable (smaller and lighter weight) for removing snow from small, awkward spaces. Just slide it across the steps to push the snow.-Melinda B. in Mechanicsburg, Pa.
COFFEE FILTERS
FOR CATS
Dear Heloise: I use small coffee filters in our cat bowls. We only use dry food, but it still makes cleanup much easier. With four cats, it saves bowl-washing time.-Alice H. in Jacksonville, Ark.