Dogs are chowhounds
Dear Readers: Dogs are well-known as big CHOWHOUNDS, and for a good reason. They are known (most, anyway) as hunters, and so the chase is on for food, food and, oh, yes, did I woof “I’m hungry” at you?
Some people feed their pets once a day, twice, three times, or just free feed. A lot depends on the household. Everyone up and out by 7:30 or 8 a.m.? Anyone home during the day? How late do you get home to eat dinner? The feeding schedule has to fit with the household.
We feed our dogs, Chammy and Henry VIII, in the morning, around 1 p.m. and in the evening about 7 p.m. They have their own doggie door, so they can go and come at will. We are home (I work in my office here) most days, so this is not a problem for us. And the dogs love it! They are not overfed, just spread out during the day.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends that dogs be fed two times a day. Divide the amount of food into equal sizes and serve eight to 12 hours apart is their advice. Limit snacks and treats.
Of course, this is for normal, healthy dogs, not a pregnant one, nursing, elderly or with health issues. Talk with your veterinarian for professional advice about this topic. — Heloise
PET PAL
Dear Readers: Garry and Dolly W. in Kerrville, Texas, held a rummage sale at their church. Upon counting the proceeds, their Siamese cat, Lali, decided the cash box looked like a good place to take a nap! To see Lali and other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” Email your cute pet photo to Heloise(at)Heloise.com, or mail to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279. — Heloise
OUTDOOR DOG BED
Dear Heloise: I have a Great Pyrenees, who is an outdoor dog. How can I keep his bed from freezing to/sticking to our deck? Every year, the bed sticks to the deck, and then when it snows, I cannot lift the bed up without ripping it to get the snow off. — Lisa in Jamestown, N.D.
Lisa, a layer of hay or straw under the bed should help to protect it from freezing. I used to put a “space blanket” (found at outdoors stores with survival products) under the outside bed, and under that, layers of thick newspapers. This should help prevent the bed from sticking to the deck, as well as keep some cold from coming through the bed. As for the snow, I can’t help you there! It’s going to snow where you live. Any chance of a cover of some type over the bed, even if only a lawn umbrella? — Heloise
EASY CLEAN
Dear Heloise: I clean one drawer, one shelf, or one closet clothes rod every day. I’m surprised! I find things I thought I had lost, and things I had forgotten I owned! — A Reader in San Antonio