Hints From Heloise

Cold-Weather Pet Protection

Dear Readers: Now that winter's COLD WEATHER IS HERE, don't forget your pets. Cold can be hazardous to their health. Keep these hints in mind:

Puppies, sick or older dogs, those that have a medical condition and some dog breeds (those with short hair -- Chihuahuas being a good example) are more sensitive to the cold. So, when letting them out, be sure to let them right back in!

It also is important to wipe off your pets' paws, legs and tummy after returning from a walk. Products used to de-ice sidewalks and roads can be poisonous to pets, and even sidewalk salt can irritate pet paws.

Also, when walking a pet, don't let it drink water from melting snow, because the water may contain de-icing products or antifreeze, which are deadly to pets.

Dogs that get chilly can wear a dog sweater. Our Cabbie (a miniature schnauzer) loves wearing her sweater on a chilly day.

Don't leave your pet in your car when running errands, etc. Cold-weather temps are just as bad for them as heat in the summer!

Leaving cats outside isn't a good idea, since they search for a warm spot and sometimes find it inside a car engine! If your vehicle is parked outside, always honk the horn before starting up the vehicle so any cats inside will jump out.

Pets are part of the family, so keep them safe and warm this season. -- Heloise

HAIR SHEDDING

Dear Heloise: A hint for those of us who have indoor pets that shed hair: We know that hair will stick to carpet and refuse to be vacuumed up, so I use a slightly damp kitchen sponge to get pet hair out of the corners of carpet where the vacuum doesn't reach. Use either side of the sponge in a small sweeping motion to grab hair from the corners. It's great as a "spot clean" when company comes over. -- Debbie Owen, West Monroe, La.

PET PAL