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Mixing medication into your pets food

Dear Heloise: Our older dog takes several medications. Giving him the pills in cheese or covered with a little peanut butter worked for a while, but added extra calories he did not really need.

My veterinarians said to go ahead and mix the pills into his regular wet food. It saves time, and we have cut down on snacks and treats, which is healthier for him, and my dog doesn’t suspect a thing! — H.M. in California

Glad it worked in your home! Our Chammy, the silky wheaten, and Henry VIII, the mini schnauzer (both adoptees), got wise to this trick. I’d watch them work around the pill, or spit it out! — Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Readers: Mrs. Wilbur J. in Monmouth, Ill., sent a picture of her gorgeous long-haired gray cat, Grayson, sitting in the office, watching the phone. He is expecting an important call!

We love our pets, don’t we? Do you have a picture of your funny or furry friend that you’d like to share? Please send it along. Scan and email it to Heloise(at)Heloise.com, or mail a picture to Heloise-Pets, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279. Thanks for sharing! — Heloise

CAT’S PLAY

Dear Readers: If your cat insists on unfurling the bathroom tissue (which is funny to watch but annoying to clean up!), here is a hint: Put the roll on so the tissue comes from the bottom, instead of over the top. This SHOULD stop the cat from unrolling the paper … maybe! — Heloise

DOG CUSHIONS

Dear Heloise: We are getting a new patio set, but the chair pads in the old set are in pretty decent shape — they just faded.

I thought that the dogs could use these cushions as beds when out on the patio. The outdoor fabric stands up to the weather, and the cushions are still fluffy.

All I had to do was snip off the ties so nobody would get tangled in them. — Amber P., Fort Wayne, Ind.

HAMSTER WHEEL

Dear Heloise: I used to grease my hamster’s exercise wheel with a cotton swab and some olive oil. I’ve found an easier way. My friend suggested using cooking spray. It works, but do you think this is OK? — J.D. in California

Probably not a great idea. Some people suggest this, but please be aware that many of the cooking sprays have other ingredients in them, not just cooking oil. Plus, DON’T spray while the hamster is in the cage; the propellant and fumes are not good for your friend. Ask your vet when in doubt. — Heloise

GOOD PET SNACKS

Dear Heloise: I try to keep my three dogs fit and healthy. Here are some of the healthy snacks I give them most of the time:

* Carrot sticks

* Apple wedges (without seeds)

* Green beans

* Cantaloupe

Yes, they still get “real” dog treats once a day or so. — C.H., via email

INSOLE SUBSTITUTE

Dear Heloise: I needed insoles in a pinch. So I grabbed an old mouse pad. They are easy to trim to fit my shoes, and are comfortable and cushy. Rubber on the bottom means they don’t slip around. — Lisa M. in Illinois

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.

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