Pet medicines best when vet monitors

Dear Heloise: This month, we purchased a name-brand flea-and-tick squeeze-on repellent and applied it to the back of our cat's neck. After a few minutes, our cat went into serious convulsions. We called the vet, who told us to come to his office immediately. They washed the cat and then applied an IV drip and medicine. Evidently, this over-the-counter flea-and-tick repellent was highly toxic to our cat. Our vet shared that cats come to his office regularly with seizures and convulsions due to the product. We were not aware of the dangers of this product. What started as a simple $6 purchase turned into a $150 vet bill and a very sick kitty. — Mike Hoppe, Troy, Ohio

Mike, this apparently happens often. It's a good idea to get your pet's flea-and-tick medicine from the vet, so he or she can monitor your pet's health and know what to give it. — Heloise

Dear Readers: H. Howard and Arleen Smith of Fairfield, Maine, sent in a photo of their Siamese-looking cat, Sassie, comfortably situated in the bathroom sink. She looks ready for a bath. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: Can you stand one more pet name? While on winter vacation to Florida several years ago, we frequented a local restaurant/lounge that had "adopted" a stray kitten that had an injured foot, requiring amputation. Needless to say, the veterinary bill grew quickly and considerably large. Most of the "regulars" were attracted to the cute little kitten and religiously followed its progress and ultimate recovery. Due to the interest, the business owners decided that anyone contributing $1 toward payment of the veterinary bill could submit a name suggestion. Needless to say, the vet bill was covered, and the kitten was christened "Cost-a-lot"! — Al Emerine of Springfield, Mo.

Cute story! We also got an e-mail from Dottie, and she says: "We owned a small motel and allowed people to have their pets stay with them. One lady came regularly with her chocolate lab puppy. The dog's name was Chip. She said he was her 'chocolate Chip'!"

We have so enjoyed all the readers who have taken the time to drop us pet names. — Heloise

Dear Readers: If you have pets, you probably have to deal with hair on your clothing or furniture. Here are some easy ways to remove it:

• A hairbrush (one with man-made bristles is best).

• A rubber-soled shoe (like a tennis shoe).

• A clean, synthetic, damp sponge.

• A rubber glove (like one used for washing dishes).

• Tape. Any kind will do — duct tape is great because it has a lot of adhesive to grab the hair up.

• A microfiber cloth.

One of these should do the trick! — Heloise

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© King Features Syndicate Inc.