Dear Heloise: It’s hot in most parts of the country now, and the temperature inside a car is much hotter than that — it’s deadly. What should you do if you come across a DOG IN A HOT CAR when out and about?

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (www.PETA.org) has these hints:

1. Snap a picture or write down the license plate and make of the vehicle.

2. Tell the manager of the store or property. Have him page the owner.

3. Wait by the car and check on the dog.

4. When the owner comes out, politely but firmly tell the person about the dangers of leaving a dog in a hot car.

5. If the owner is a no-show, call 911. Let the police assist the dog.

— Mary R. in Indiana

Thanks, Mary. Don’t be fooled by a car parked in the shade or with the windows cracked open. Those measures do little to lower the temperature inside the car. — Heloise

BLACK OR BLUE?

Dear Heloise: I don’t know why it took me so long to come up with the idea to determine if a clothing item is navy or black. Once identified, I pin a safety pin on the label of the navy item. Now I never have to guess!

I read your column every day in The (Fort Wayne, Ind.) Journal Gazette. — Dar R., via email

DRY-NOSED

Dear Heloise: My dog’s nose is dry. What can I do? — Emily J. in Utah

Emily, dogs need a wet and soft nose; it helps them breathe and pick up scents more easily. Look online for any product labeled as “nose butter,” or a balm with “snout” in the name. Coconut oil is safe for a dog’s nose, but don’t use baby oil or medicated ointments.

Dry nose can arise from allergens, sunburn or dehydration. Or when the dog first wakes up, the nose could be dry.

If you observe these symptoms: fever, no energy, vomiting and dry eyes, along with the dry nose, get the dog to the veterinarian ASAP. — Heloise

ICE BALLER

Dear Heloise: I fill balloons with water to a tennis ball size, freeze them and fill a kiddie pool with them. Then, in go the drinks: bottles of beer, cans of pop and water bottles. This works well at a barbecue.

When they melt completely, water-balloon fight!

We recycle all bottles and cans, and we dispose of the balloons safely, too: We cut the balloons into small pieces and put them in a bag that is sealed shut. Then we place the bag in the trash. — Edward. L. 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.