HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I’m scared — my Chihuahua is having a professional dental cleaning soon. What can you tell me about this?

— Heather R. in San Antonio

DEAR READER: Here’s what happens during a professional cleaning: The veterinarian will first make sure your dog is healthy. Then your dog will undergo anesthesia, while being monitored at all times.

X-rays are taken to see if there are underlying problems. If a problem tooth is found? Measures can be taken, just like with our teeth.

You’re doing the right thing — a thorough cleaning can only be done at the veterinarian. Ask the doctor any questions you have regarding medical procedures.

Give your little Chihuahua a big Heloise hug.

DEAR HELOISE: Dogs are pack animals. The worst thing in the world for a dog is to be alone; they love company. Anyone who has a “problem” dog, get another dog. A dog alone all day long is lonely and sad. He needs company.

— Pat in Hemet, Calif.

DEAR READERS: We asked for some hints on naming your pets. Here are some responses:

“We name our dogs after our favorite sports teams. As a University of Oklahoma fan, we named our dog Boomer (from the OU chant ‘Boomer Sooner!’). We thought our dog was the only one until we went to the dog park. As we called ‘Boomer!’ seven dogs came running!”

— OU Fan, via email “Cats: I have had Pewter (solid gray) and Sweeney Todd (he tried to slash me when I put him in a carrier).”

— J.J., via email “I think a trend is naming a pet after a drink. My cousin named her orange cat after the orange-flavored Pimm’s. Another trend is giving your pet a rock band’s or star’s name, or a name from a popular song (like Zeppelin or ‘Maggie Mae’).”

— Alma, via email

DEAR HELOISE: Settle an argument: Does using plastic grocery bags as trash-can liners count as recycling? It doesn’t go to recycling, but it saves a bag.

— Joe P., via email DEAR READER: It’s not really recycling — it’s repurposing: to adapt an item for its new use. Lots of people use the plastic bags as can liners.

You also can return them to the store to be recycled, converting waste into a reusable item.