HINTS FROM HELOISE

Dear Readers:

Indoor and outdoor decorations and festive food can be potential dangers to pets. Take note of these potential hazards: holiday treats (especially those containing chocolate); turkey dinner (splintering bones can cause choking); strings of lights, which can shock your pet; broken glass ornaments, candles and decorations that can cut your pet's paws or get stuck in its throat; and extension cords.

If you are taking your pet with you when you travel for the holidays, be sure to take a copy of its rabies vaccination record if you are crossing state lines (this is law in certain states). Also, take copies of your pet's medical records, extra medications and all vet contact information.

Dear Heloise:

I have several cats and am tired of continually washing food bowls. I bought an inexpensive chip-and-dip tray -- round dip compartment in the middle and five chip compartments around it. I keep it filled with dry food. It increases the area of available food so the cats don't fight over it, and I don't have five bowls a day to wash.

Arna Cohen, Bowie, Md.

Dear Heloise:

I remember reading the formula for drain cleaning in your column. It was baking soda and some other ingredient. Can you please share this again? This time, I will be sure to cut it out and save it. Thanks so much!