Owners should be mindful of dogs’ weight
Heloise
Dear Heloise: My veterinarian says my dog is overweight. As with people, she says, dogs put on extra pounds because they eat too much food and get too little exercise.
Other conditions can also contribute to a weight problem in dogs: hormone imbalance, the animal’s breed and temperament, and diseases.
Being overweight can be a contributing factor to diseases such as diabetes, pancreatitis, heart disease, liver disease and arthritis.
The cure for being overweight? It’s a slow and steady process, according to the vet, with small portions of a nutritionally sound diet and no snacking. More exercise, too.
She also says to make sure that the whole family knows the dog is on a diet. — Elizabeth A. in Ohio
Elizabeth: Great suggestions for a common problem. Readers, check with your veterinarians for their expertise! — Heloise
Dear Heloise: As a veteran traveler, I have picked up a few “dos and don’ts” along the way. Here are some important ones:
• Do pack a hat of some kind — knit for winter, and something to keep the sun off your face in warm climates.
• Do take a gift if you’re staying with someone else. Another option: Treat that person to dinner.
• Do pack a small traveler’s first-aid kit.
• Do keep your shoes on while flying, especially when using a plane lavatory.
• Don’t pack more than one dressy outfit, and don’t carry your wallet in your back pocket. Women should use a crossbody bag.
• Don’t take a picture of anything if you’ve been instructed not to.
• Don’t pack more than two bags or one carry-on and one bag. Travel light.
— Anita R. in Connecticut Dear Heloise: I use baking soda for underarm deodorant. — Donald B., via email
Donald: You’re on board with me. Baking soda also can keep foot odors at bay, and it’s cheap, safe and readily available!
No time to shampoo? Sprinkle a tiny amount of baking soda down the part in your hair and brush. The baking soda will absorb excess oils. — Heloise
Dear Heloise: Can I store clothes in plastic containers in the attic? — Alicia J., via email
Alicia: Clothes need to “breathe” and be exposed to circulating air. Storing clothes in plastic bins doesn’t allow for this. Also, mold and mildew can accumulate.
If you live in an area of high humidity, hang clothes, and cover them with a cloth garment bag or cotton sheet. — Heloise
P.S.: A cedar chest is OK, too.
Dear Heloise: After injuring an elbow, a friend cut off the toe of one of her socks and slipped the sock up her arm, with the heel part covering the elbow.
I did this recently when I injured my arm. It worked great. — Jean in Elizabethtown, Ky.
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.