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That’s one hot pad

Dear Readers: On a sizzling summer’s day, reach down and touch the asphalt for 10 seconds. It’s hot, right? Now imagine your dog’s FOOT PADS walking on the hot pavement. Not comfortable, and possibly even dangerous! The pads of a dog’s feet can burn easily; they aren’t protected, like our feet are, with shoes and socks.

You want to be outside on gorgeous days with your furry and funny friend — what are good preventive measures to take? Here are some hints:

* Walk on the grass instead of the pavement.

* Exercise and play outside in the early morning or late evening.

* Try booties for the dog; there may be a comfort adjustment period.

* Wetting the dog’s feet before walking on the pavement is a NO — this can soften the pad and make it break open more easily on the hot ground.

* If the dog’s feet get burned, a trip to the veterinarian is warranted.

* Slip a sock over a burned foot, and don’t allow the dog to chew or lick the area.

Fun in the sun can be had outside — but on the grass, and not the asphalt! — Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Readers: Here’s a “Pet Pal” alum, Duncan the rat terrier. He’s dropping by to remind everyone of the importance of spaying and neutering your pets.

Duncan’s in his “cone of shame” so he can rest after his neuter. There are low-cost spay and neuter centers in your area; call 311 or ask your veterinarian for a referral.

To see Duncan and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” — Heloise

EYEDROPS

Dear Heloise: My favorite column in the Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald is “Hints from Heloise.” I use a lot of eyedrops, and I discovered how to get an additional seven or more days from a bottle.

When no drops are coming out, I turn the bottle on its side. I keep it in that exact same position while unscrewing the cap and until tilting it to administer the drops. Wish I’d discovered this years ago. — Wendy L., Omaha, Neb.

ENZYME ELIMINATOR

Dear Heloise: Our cat has urinated on a large wall-to-wall carpet. We have tried to remove the smell unsuccessfully, including using sprays, baking soda and professional cleaning. Do you have any idea how we can remove the smell, short of removing the carpet? — Joan O., via email

Hi, Joan! Cat urine is a problem, because cats typically don’t drink a lot of water; therefore, their urine is not diluted. That’s where the strong odor comes from.

Let’s give an enzyme cleaner a go! Enzyme cleaners contain proteins that actually consume the bacteria in the urine, and can remove or greatly reduce the odor.

Look for enzyme cleaners at a specialty pet store. — Heloise

HINT FROM HIM

Dear Heloise: I stow my cellphone in a zippered plastic sandwich bag to keep it dry and free from sand at the beach. — Tom T. in North Carolina

SPARING THE SPARE?

Dear Readers: Today’s SOUND OFF concerns new cars that do not include a spare tire. — Heloise

“Dear Heloise: When shopping for a new car, most people don’t bother to check to see if there is a spare tire included with the sale, but in fact, many new cars do not include this item anymore.

“Some cars have an inflator kit included, but this won’t help for serious tire damage, only for tread puncture. Some higher-priced cars come with run-flat tires, which will operate for limited miles after puncture. Neither of these options works as well as a spare tire.

“If you insist on getting a spare tire, some dealers will sell you a kit, which includes a tire, a jack and a lug wrench. It will cost you between $150 and $300, in addition to the purchase price of the car.” — Fred J. in Detroit

FAST FACTS

Dear Readers: Other uses for paper clips:

* Clip reminders to a calendar or in a journal.

* Use to clip bags closed.

* Use to hold up a hem in a pinch.

* Let children make necklaces or bracelets with them.

— Heloise

GPS TRACKING

Dear Heloise: I recently had a laptop computer that went missing at an airport. When I bought a replacement, I had a GPS tracking device installed so I could track down my computer if it went missing again. Some computers have tracking software installed at the manufacturing plant, but if yours doesn’t have it, I highly recommend getting software tracking for your laptop. — Jim Y., Pocatello, Idaho

DULL KITCHEN FLOOR

Dear Heloise: No matter how often I mop my kitchen floor, it always has a dull look to it. How do I restore the shine? — Karen B., Beaverton, Ore.

Karen, try mopping your floors with just plain white vinegar and water to remove any buildup of soap and other products, which probably will restore the shine to your floors. — Heloise

A COMMON PLANT QUESTION

Dear Heloise: How often should I be watering my plants? — Phyllis T., Erie, Pa.

Phyllis, thump the pot or container, and if it sounds hollow, it probably needs water. If it doesn’t sound hollow, it probably has water. Most plants do not need a lot of water unless they are outside, but indoor plants should be watered at least once a week. — Heloise

MEASURING CUPS

Dear Heloise: I’m tired of dragging a measuring cup to the laundromat; I’ve lost about four so far. Got any hints to help me? — Morgan D., Boulder City, Nev.

Morgan, try a plastic yogurt cup (an 8-ounce container), and use that to measure your laundry soap. If that container gets lost, it’s not a big deal. — Heloise

EDITOR’S NOTE: Send your great money-saving or timesaving hint to to Heloise at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, Fax to 1-210-HELOISE, or email to Heloise@Heloise.com. She can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in her column.

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