Reminder: Keep eye on your pet's teeth

Dear Heloise: Just a reminder to pet owners that pets need dental care, too. I worked as a veterinary assistant at a cat clinic for four years, and we always encouraged cat owners to watch their cats' teeth for tartar or other problems. When the tartar builds up, bacteria build up in their systems and can cause heart, liver and kidney problems.

Dental care can be pretty expensive, but it's cheaper than trying to treat a cat with a failing kidney or liver. Plus, it's much more fun to have a healthy pet around. —Jacqui Anderson, Omaha, Neb.

Jacqui, an excellent hint, according to our expert veterinarian, Dr. Tom Vice, who agreed that dental disease can lead to health problems in animals as well as humans! —Heloise

Dear Heloise: My brother has two dogs: one named Chico and another he adopted from the local pound and named Daisy.

Recently a party was held to celebrate Chico's second birthday. Both dogs wore headbands decorated with stars and brightly colored streamers and ate doggie birthday cake.

Keep up the excellent work — you have helped so many people with your column. —Irene Najar Lewis, Boerne, Texas Irene, thank you for the kind words. —Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have two small dogs who love to ride in the car. Because I have leather upholstery, I keep nonskid shelf liner on the back seat, then cover it with a sheet. This helps them keep their footing when moving around and so far has prevented any damage to my leather upholstery. The sheet is easily removed and washed, since it gets the bulk of the dirty paws and shedding hair. —M.J., via e-mail

Dear Heloise: I've discovered an easy, inexpensive and convenient disposable cat litter box for short-term use. I purchase a large aluminum roasting pan at my local store where items are a dollar. When I'm ready to throw it away, I simply slip it into a garbage bag and toss it! —Edna Wolcott, Madison, Miss.

Dear Heloise: When leaving pets at a kennel, in addition to taking their blanket, bed, toy, etc., please take a recently worn shirt or jeans of the owner's for the pet to have as company.

Thank you, Heloise, for your numerous columns about compassionate, responsible care for pets. I'm sure there are many who have great respect for you for this public service of kindness to our animal companions. —Susan Nelson, Rapid City, S.D.

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