HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR READERS: Often a dog will chew and swallow something it shouldn’t, and with a little coughing and hacking, it can get the object out. What do you do if a pet is truly choking? You know what to do when a family member or friend is choking, and your precious pooch should be no different.
If your dog is choking, use your fingers to feel around its mouth to remove the object. If you can’t remove it, try the Heimlich maneuver. Give your dog sharp blows on the back (between the shoulder blades) with the heel of your hand.
If this does not work, stand behind your dog and hold him at the waist; place your fist just below the rib cage and give five quick thrusts. Your dog should cough up the object, and you can comfort and soothe him. Be sure that even if you remove the object, you take your pet to the vet’s office to check for any internal damage. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
DEAR HELOISE: I was searching for my copy of your “recipe” for homemade window cleaner — I couldn’t find it anywhere! Can you please reprint it?
— Donna B., Ohio DEAR READER: Donna, this cleaner can be used for windows, and it’s a great homemade solution for mirrors and stainless steel. Mix a quarter cup nonsudsing ammonia with a gallon of water. Keep this in a clearly labeled spray bottle for easy use. With this solution, make sure to use gloves. For sparkling windows, dry them with newspaper instead of paper towels. It’s eco-friendly and saves money.
DEAR HELOISE: The disposable wipes for babies are an effective and economical way to remove makeup. They do a great job of taking the makeup off, and do not leave your face tight and dry.
— J.P. in New Jersey DEAR READER: Yes, they do, but please don’t flush them down the toilet.
DEAR HELOISE: When I was cleaning my bathroom, I realized I did not have a good pair of rubber gloves. The right glove had torn, and I had thrown it away. I had, previously, worn a left glove on my right hand, and it was awkward. I had a bright idea: If I turned the left glove wrong side out, would it make a right-hand glove? It worked perfectly.