HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: As the weather grows warmer, I’d like to remind people to keep a bowl of fresh, clean water outside for their pets and wildlife. Be sure it’s in a large bowl that won’t tip over, in the shade, if possible. Our summers seem to be getting warmer and warmer, so it’s more important than ever to make sure your pets are well cared for with plenty of water, food and shade.
— Lucinda in North Carolina
DEAR HELOISE: My grandson recently got a turtle, and I’m worried about him picking up salmonella from his new pet. I’ve told my grandson to always wash his hands after touching the turtle, but is hand-washing enough?
— Lorraine in Michigan DEAR READER: This is an excellent time to teach your grandson about proper hand-washing. Let him know that using soap and water on his hands can help keep him healthy. Hand-washing can certainly be enough to protect him from salmonella, but he must learn to thoroughly lather both sides of this hands and count to 20 before rinsing.
DEAR READERS: If your cat is getting up there in years, it might be more susceptible to health problems such as obesity, arthritis, cancer, dental issues and kidney and liver damage. Look for changes in behavior and eating habits. These signs might include reluctance to jump, unusual lumps and bumps under the skin, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite or constant vocalizing.
While cats need plenty of clean water to drink, drinking an excessive amount is not a good sign. If you see any of these things, call your veterinarian and make an appointment. Most animals are good at hiding pain, and cats are particularly good at it. But a lot of health issues can be cured or controlled with medication prescribed by your vet.
DEAR HELOISE: We got another cat, a young one, and thought it would be great company for the older cat, but he ignores the kitten and won’t use his litterbox anymore.
— Terrie, via email DEAR READER: It sounds like a little bit of turf war and jealousy. A new cat always seems to spark rivalry among cats. Try paying a lot of attention to your older cat by giving him his favorite foods and a separate litter box. If he continues to ignore it, consult with your veterinarian to make sure there are no urinary problems.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com