How to tell when Fido is feeling under the weather
Dear Readers: Your dog can hide signs of illness. He does this instinctively, just like he follows you into the bathroom to “protect” you while you’re vulnerable going potty. If he were to appear weak in the wild, he would be exposed and open to attack.
What should you look for if you suspect your pet is sick? Read on:
■ Refusing food
■ Lethargy, no energy
■ Vomiting, diarrhea
■ Weight loss
■ Wheezing, panting, runny nose and eyes
■ Any behavior that is off or different
Don’t wait if your pet is showing these symptoms. He needs help right away. — Heloise
Pet Pal
Dear Heloise: This is our beloved puppy, Sadie, all 100% love wrapped up in a little bundle. Car rides are one of her favorite things to do besides getting a belly rub. — Susan T., via email
Susan, we are in love with Sadie. What a cutie! Readers, would you like to see Sadie and our other Pet Pals? Visit Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” Do you have a funny and furry friend to share? Email a picture and description to: Heloise
Heloise.com. — Heloise
Pizza Purpose
Dear Heloise: What is the purpose of the small, white, plastic three-legged piece inside the pizza box? Just wondering! — Kelton R., age 12
Hey Kelton! It serves a few uses. This wonderous tripod holds the pizza together after it’s been sliced. It can keep the lid from coming in contact with the pizza if the box were to get crushed. And, if you put it on the next slice over, you can more easily pull your slice apart from the pie. — Heloise
Weed Be Gone
Dear Readers: Vinegar, as you know, is my go-to household helper. You’ll typically find it in the grocery store at strengths of between 5 and 9%. You also can find vinegar in a whopping 20% concentration in home improvement stores. This vinegar is NOT for cooking or general cleaning. It does, however, make an excellent and safe weed killer.
You’ll need a pump sprayer and a mixture of 1 quart 20% vinegar and 4 ounces lemon juice. It may take a couple of treatments to kill the roots.
Of course, spray only the weeds you desire to eliminate. — Heloise