Hints From Heloise

Pet Health Care

Dear Heloise: Through the years, I have adopted many RESCUE ANIMALS and have found it difficult to coordinate all of the animals' vaccinations and blood tests, because I couldn't remember which pet needed what and when it was needed. Despite tracking their files and making elaborate charts, I found that either Fido or Fluffy was missing out on some things.

Now I give myself a special birthday present each year with a trip to the vet with all of the animals. I make my own birthday the anniversary of my pets' annual health-care visit. It gives me peace of mind to know that everyone is caught up on all of the shots and basic health care. I usually take the pets to the local low-cost vaccination clinics for their shots and routine blood work (and microchipping if they don't have one), but take them to the vet for teeth cleaning and their overall health checkup. -- Lynnette Nadeau, via e-mail

Lynnette, how smart, and a gift for all of you! It can be hard keeping up with several pets. -- Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Readers: Charlie from Monmouth, N.J., sent a photo of his cat Zorba cuddling in a blanket. Charlie says, "This is usually my clue to turn the heat up!"

Visit www.Heloise.com to see Zorba in the blanket. -- Heloise

A BIRD'S LIFE

Dear Heloise: Thanks for all the information in your latest column regarding the longevity of bird ownership. You might want to remind people that there are many, many birds waiting for new homes with various bird-rescue organizations throughout the country. Readers can find a local rescue group through a veterinarian or by checking on the Internet. -- Ruth, via e-mail

Of course you're right! Thank you for reminding me and my readers. -- Heloise

DISGUISING MEDS

Dear Heloise: I had problems giving my doggies their medicine tablets. I even hid the tabs in cheese or other doggie treats. I decided to put my garlic press to use and crumble those pills. Now they have no problem taking them with their dog food. We are all happy now! I read your column daily in the Times Record News in Wichita Falls, Texas. I learn something new daily. -- Linda R. Walker, via e-mail

Linda, I've done the same thing. Just check with your vet to make sure the medication can be safely crushed. -- Heloise

IN AN EMERGENCY

Dear Heloise: It is a good idea to ask your vet what procedure to follow in case of an emergency after office hours. If the vet is unavailable, find out whom to call and what facility to go to for emergency care. Keep this information filed with important pet papers, and make sure family members and pet sitters or caretakers all are aware. The time saved while trying to find out where to take your pet for emergency care may save its life. -- M.M. in Texas

(c)2008 by King Features Syndicate Inc.