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 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. My dog doesn't suspect a thing!
-- H.M. in California
DEAR READER: 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.
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!
DEAR HELOISE: We are getting a new patio set, but the chair pads in the old set are in pretty decent shape, 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.
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
DEAR READER: 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.
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
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
HomeStyle on 02/18/2017