Chewing, scratching dog might suggest allergies

Heloise

Dear Readers: If your dog is chewing, scratching or rubbing on the floor, a trip to the vet is in order.

Fleas are a concern, of course, but the dog might be allergic to pollutants in the air or something else.

There are solutions: Creams and some marvelous new prescription medicines have done wonders for our pets and their comfort.

Dear Heloise: Let’s talk about feeding our pets.

Here are three of my favorite food-related suggestions when it comes to furry friends:

1. I say “no” to “free feeding.” My dog has 30 minutes in the morning to eat. Then I pick up her bowl. She also has 30 minutes at night to eat. And then I pick up the bowl.

There was a learning curve, but she has trained her tummy to expect foods at these times.

2. When introducing a new food and eliminating an old food, make it a process. I pour ¼ of the new food into the old for a few days, then mix it half and half, and so on. This helps limits tummy ills.

3. Treats are rare and therefore appreciated. Table scraps? No.

Dear Julie: Thanks. I’m sure my veterinary friends would agree with you.

Readers, what hints do you have for helping your pets eat well? Email heloise @heloise.com.

Dear Heloise: When I have extra hamburger or hot-dog buns, I like to use them to make bacon cheesy sandwiches.

I cook bacon (on the crispy side), separate the buns and place them on a broiler pan or cookie sheet. I place a slice of American cheese on the buns and bacon on top of the cheese, and put the pan in the oven on “broil.” I cook them until the cheese starts to melt.

Dear Heloise: I took a tumble, landing on my left hand. I fractured bones, and my hand swelled. I was told to remove the ring on a finger, lest the circulation get cut off.

My son-in-law suggested using ammonia window cleaner to remove the ring. When the swelling went down, I applied ice to my finger, spritzed some window-washing fluid on the area, and the ring slid off beautifully.

Dear Heloise: Birds, including ducks, shouldn’t be fed bread. Birds can’t typically digest bread, and it can make them sick. However, breads with whole grains and seeds might be OK for birds as an occasional treat.

For ducks, visit the pet store for good feed for them.

Dear Heloise: When I got a new dishwasher, I still had a dish drainer that was as good as new. Instead of throwing it out, I now use it to store my pot lids. Heloise answers letters only in her King Features Syndicate column. Write her at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 782795000 or send a fax to 1-210-HELOISE.