HINTS FROM HELOISE

By Hints From Heloise
Tuesday, December 2, 2008

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!

Barbara, via e-mail

Barbara, this is one of the most-often-asked-for Heloise "recipes." Please keep in mind that this formula freshens and cleans but will not clear a clogged drain.

Pour 1/2 cup baking soda (mixed with 1/4 cup table salt) down the drain, then 1-2 cups of vinegar. Let it bubble up and work for at least 15-30 minutes. Then run hot water for a minute, followed by cold water for at least 1 minute.

Do not use this method after trying commercial drain cleaners, because the chemical reaction can cause dangerous fumes and splash back!

Vinegar is my favorite versatile product to have on hand because it is a cheap alternative to many costly store-bought cleaners.

Did you know that vinegar will help keep fresh flowers lasting longer? Just put them in a vase with warm water containing 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 3 tablespoons of sugar per quart of water.

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. Please include your city and state when faxing or using e-mail.

2008 King Features Syndicate