Pooch protein problems?

DEAR READERS >> Is your dog itching, scratching, chewing and scooting? An allergy to a PROTEIN in the dog’s food may be to blame. A good way to test for food allergies is an elimination diet.

Over the course of eight to 12 weeks, your veterinarian will monitor your dog while replacing the dog’s regular diet with a special food. The protein in this special food is so small, the animal’s immune system won’t react to it.

The dog must avoid snacks, treats, table scraps and any other foods for the elimination diet to be effective. Ask your veterinarian about this diet and for more information about allergies and treatments for pets.

DEAR READERS >> Meet Gigi, a 7-year-old beagle mix, and Opie, a 5-year-old pit bull, enjoying some vitamin D in the backyard on a Sunday morning. Elizabeth H. is their proud pet parent.

To see these two, visit Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” Do you have furry and funny friends enjoying the warm summer? Email a picture and a description to Heloise@Heloise.com.

DEAR HELOISE >> I have a hint for you to stop diarrhea in dogs. A veterinarian friend told us to use a tablespoon of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) for our 65-pound Weimaraner female, mixed into her dog food.

Larger dogs, of course, need more pumpkin; smaller dogs need less. It works!

— John G., Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

DEAR HELOISE >> My grandparents used to put eggshells in their coffee while it was brewing. Why?

— Art S., via email

DEAR ART S. >> Art, this is a somewhat classic hint from the days of percolators! After filling the basket with coffee grounds, a topping of eggshells would prevent or diminish errant grounds from ending up in your cup!

DEAR HELOISE >> A lady asked what she could do about her husband’s smelly feet and shoes. I use antiperspirant on my feet, the same as underarms. This keeps my feet from sweating. Also, I put a good dose of powder in my shoes after wearing.

— Philip M., Bellevue, Neb.

DEAR HELOISE >> What’s an economical facial scrub?

— Ryanne W. in Ohio

DEAR RYANNE W. >> Ryanne, I’m going to reach for one of my all-time favorites, baking soda! Just mix three parts baking soda and one part water. After my regular daily cleanser, once a week I’ll finish with this gentle scrub, avoiding the eye area. I rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Baking soda is a workhorse in the home. Nontoxic, safe, cheap and readily available, I keep boxes on hand. I’ve compiled a collection of my favorite baking soda hints, recipes and helps into a handy pamphlet. Would you like to receive one? It’s easy. Send a stamped (70 cents), self-addressed, long envelope, along with $5, to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 782795001. Or you can order it online at Heloise.com. Look for large boxes of baking soda in the laundry aisle for even more savings.