Hints help prevent separation anxiety in dogs
Dear Readers: Does your dog miss you when you’re at work? Of course! But this can be extreme. Your dog may feel nervous and anxious, may pace back and forth in one area, may bark and cry (the neighbors will let you know!), may go potty indoors or may tear up pillows and chew on the door frame. These are symptoms of separation anxiety, and you can help.
Here are some hints, from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (aspca.org):
Get your dog accustomed to being alone by leaving for very short periods of time (no more than a few minutes), and gradually build up to longer sessions.
Give your dog a “busy toy” (a puzzle that has to be “solved,” and usually has a treat inside) right when you leave.
Be calm when you’re leaving and calm when you come home.
Don’t scold or punish; your dog is afraid.
Talk to your veterinarian about separation anxiety. In extreme cases, there are even medications that can help.
Finally, remember that your dog loves you and wants to be with you; if it’s possible, take your pooch with you!
—Heloise
P.S. Not surprisingly, shelter dogs seem to have separation anxiety worse than other pets.
PET PAL
Dear Readers: Mark in San Antonio sent a picture of his adorable 10-month-old Irish Jack Russell terrier, Turbo. Turbo is a ball of energy and so cute, with one standup ear and one ear that flops over!
To see Turbo and our other Pet Pals, visit Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”—Heloise
HALF AND HALF
Dear Heloise: In addition to my regular salt and pepper shakers, I keep another larger shaker with a mixture of half salt and half pepper (the ratio can be adjusted). This larger shaker gets used the most!—Marilyn F., The Villages, Fla.
HINT FOR HIM
Dear Heloise: How can I use shampoo that I don’t like?—Jerry C., Little Rock, Ark.
Jerry, it’s a good idea to use the shampoo and not just throw it away. Here are some hints for you:
Shampoo makes a great laundry pre-treater. It can help remove oily stains and paint. Shampoo can clean the tub if you are out of cleanser, and it will smell fresh! Mix baking soda with shampoo to make chrome sparkle. Shampoo can clean hairbrushes and combs, too!
You can clean or unclog a toilet with some shampoos. Baby shampoo is so mild, it is great to remove dust from houseplants.—Heloise
GIVING FOOD THE BRUSHOFF
Dear Heloise: I have a few skillets that have the rivets for the handle on the inside of the pan. Food seems to collect on them, and it is hard to remove.
I have found that using an old toothbrush to scrub them helps remove the food particles. The toothbrush can then be run through the dishwasher.— Joe P., Blanchester, Ohio