Vaccine can prevent kennel cough in dogs

Heloise

Dear Readers: Is your dog around other dogs quite a bit? He could be exposed to kennel cough. Highly contagious, kennel cough is a lung disease; your dog will have a terrible “honking” cough, no appetite, a runny nose, no energy and a fever.

It is treatable, but how about an immunization against kennel cough to prevent it in the first place? Ask your veterinarian about the Bordetella vaccine, a once-a-year shot to prevent kennel cough.

The Bordetella vaccine may be required if you are boarding your dog, if you take your dog to the dog park or if you have your dog enrolled in obedience classes.

If your pet is around other dogs, the veterinarian should agree on the need to be protected against kennel cough!

Dear Heloise: We have old wrought-iron patio chairs, and they used to leave rust stains on the concrete patio. I put plastic bottle tops under the legs, and no more rust stains!

Dear Heloise: I hate aggressive driving. My insurance company provided me some hints to drive safely and avoid conflict on the road. Here are some things they advised:

• Don’t tailgate.

• Don’t drive too slowly in the left lane.

• Don’t cut someone off. • Use bright headlights sparingly, if at all.

• If somebody wants a parking space, relent.

Politeness and patience always win out. If I think someone is following me, the insurance people say to drive to a police station, never to my home.

Dear Readers: Want a quick and easy manicure? Wash and dry your nails thoroughly, and gently push back your cuticles with the towel.

Grab a clear nail polish — it’s the most forgiving (application doesn’t have to be perfect), and it gives a lovely sheen to the nails.

Dear Heloise: If you want to rid your house of cockroaches, use bay leaves. Place bay leaves in places where you’ve seen these insects. Change out the leaves every other month. This method has never failed me.

Dear Heloise: With cold weather approaching, I thought I’d share this hint: Men who work in cold weather know pantyhose will help keep their legs warm.

Dear Heloise: I love iced coffee all year long, probably because I live in a very warm climate. The way I make it, the drink comes out sort of thick and very tasty.

I make a pot of coffee and pour it into a large measuring cup. Then I add sugar and cream to taste. I pour that into ice-cube trays and freeze, and when I want my iced coffee, I put the ice cubes in a blender until it’s sort of half frozen and half liquid. It tastes so wonderful. Heloise answers letters only in her King Features Syndicate column. Write her at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 782795000 or send a fax to 1-210-HELOISE.