Hints From Heloise

Taking a Trip With Your Pet

Dear Heloise: Here are my comments about feeding animals while TRAVELING.

Feeding and giving your animal liquids right before travel can cause problems. Your pet will have to go to the bathroom, and it might not be possible to take a bathroom break for quite some time when traveling. Even if the animal is a frequent traveler, there are times it won't feel well (just like people) and its stomach becomes upset. You do not want an animal to vomit or have diarrhea on an airplane or other mode of transportation.

If flying, feed the animal just a handful of food and water the night before and nothing in the morning (for a morning flight). That will give your pet all night to go potty before having to spend hours away from anywhere it can relieve itself while waiting to board, go through baggage and all those time delays when going through an airport.

If traveling on the next day, don't let your pet consume too much, and give the animal plenty of time to go potty whenever it can. Please carry something to toss the deposits.

Most important of all: Pack the animal's everyday food to feed it at night. DO NOT CHANGE ITS DIET. Large zip-top bags hold a lot and pack easily. -- Linda Starnes, Buffalo Gap, Texas

Be sure to give your pet water as soon as possible after reaching your destination. You do not want it to get dehydrated. -- Heloise

ANTS AWAY

Dear Heloise: To keep ants from taking over your hummingbird feeder, spray some lubricating oil on the chain or hook from which the feeder hangs. Instantly, no more ants! -- Dick Wallin, Rochester, Ill.

PET PAL

Dear Readers: Louise Martin of Lowellville, Ohio, sent a photo of her miniature schnauzer Bogey in his Halloween best. Louise says: "I made this costume for Bogey. I have had miniature schnauzers for about 40 years. This photo won first prize in our local county fair, and I wanted to share it."

Want to see Bogey in his best? Visit www.Heloise.com. -- Heloise

WALKING THE DOG

Dear Heloise: The other day, my miniature wire-haired terrier got out of our fenced-in yard. I searched and searched, but I couldn't find her. I was heartbroken and slowly walked back to my house. A car pulled up into our driveway, and a little girl got out and had Ruby. I asked her how she knew where to bring Ruby, since she didn't have her collar on. The girl said she had seen us walking together around the block.

So, besides being good exercise for both you and your pet, it also is good to walk your dog in your neighborhood so neighbors become familiar with it.

I was so grateful to have my "baby" back! -- Kelly in New Braunfels, Texas

(c)2008 by King Features Syndicate Inc.

Photo caption: Louise Martin of Lowellville, Ohio, sent this photo of her miniature schnauzer Bogey in his Halloween best.