Use Shredded Paper as Litter for Your Guinea Pig
Every time I dump my shredded paper in the compost I wonder where shredders were when I had two small kids and a ton of hamsters and rats. Great tip!
Recycling Political Campaign Signs
Political yard signs are strictly regulated by local and Federal law. To take and reuse one, unless you are the owner of the sign, is against the law. I agree with you all that there are way too many of them left behind after a campaign. But to be on the safe...
Recycling Political Campaign Signs
Political campaign signs do belong to the candidate or group that made them. Technically it is illegal to reuse them without permission from the owner. Too bad owners are not responsible in picking them up.
Pinesol As A Cat Pee Deterrent
I have only once seen a person exposed to the fumes caused by ammonia and bleach. They were hospitalized for 3 days and very sick. Well beyond watery eyes and a cough. Clearly it is a dangerous combination. Probably not as dangerous as arrogant stupidity, but...
Removing Pee Smell From Fleece Fabric?
Have you tried Borax? I have a cat that has a problem and misses the litterbox often. I put 1/3 cup Borateem in a regular warm wash along with the usual detergent and there is never any smell. Borax is inexpensive. A box last a few months.
Comforting Puppies and Kittens
A great idea! I would be careful to use something to contain the rice that the puppy couldnt chew through and eat the dried rice. When near moisture dried rice expands and might be a problem in the tummy. I hear dried corn works well for holding the heat too...
Bird Feeding Tip
Be sure to go light on the peanut butter. It is gooey enough to clog their little nostrils which are tiny holes on the top of their beaks.
Growing Wheat Grass for Your Pets
I bought some wheat grass for my cats...it is expensive. I put the pot in a larger pot on my deck after they had munched on it. It continued to grow all year. When it snowed and them melted there was the grass as green as ever. The cats enjoyed it for a full...
Buying Organic Food
Since this question was originally posted several studies have been done on whether organic produce has greater nutritional value. The studies show that organic produce normally has between 30% to 70% more nutritional value than non organically produced produce...
Hypoallergenic Pets
Siberian cats are hypoallergenic. The cats saliva is tested at 3 months of age to determine the potential for allergies with the human owner. They will test extremely low, very low and low. Most breeders will test a prospective buyer with a cat before a sale...
Buying From A Breeder
Reputable breeders are often involved in showing their dogs or cats. That is a sign I look for when choosing a breeder. Those breeders are serious and are known to others involved in the breed. Breeders are a small world and word gets around fast. Go to some...
Pets and the Elderly
This is so true! One thing that needs to be kept in mind however, is the cost of veterinary care. Many of our elderly live on fixed incomes, often a check of $1000 a month or less. My last trip to the Vet for a minor problem was $400. One needs to find a Vet...
Why Vaccinate Your Pets?
Some vaccinations for cats cause a cancer at the injection site that is caused by the vaccination. Be and informed pet owner and know what injections are necessary, and how often they are really necessary.
Freezing Cheese
I have had great luck storing cheese by vacuum sealing it in food saver bags. It lasts for months (and months)and is like fresh when I open it. I use a resealable bag so I can get what I want and reclose and reseal the bag. The only time I lose cheese to mold...
Designate an Area In Your Fridge for Leftovers
I have a small 6X8 blackboard on my frig that is labeled Leftover Cafe I list all leftovers on it, with an asterisk on those items that need to be eaten soon. It works extremely well. I rarely throw anything way.
How can I clean a cat?
I liked all the suggestions for bathing cats. The one thing that came to mind for me was to trim the cats claws before the bath. Claws can be razor sharp. I trim my cats claws on a regular basis and since he likes to wrestle, I think I have save myself many...
How Do I Get My Cat's Abscess to Drain?
If you cannot cure a problem on your own, or afford to pay for needed Vet treatment, you can surrender the pet to the Humane society and it will be treated and put up for adoption. Not the best choice for a loving pet owner, but sometimes best for the pet.
Does Borax Cause Dark Colored Clothing to Fade?
Borax in your laundry does produce small amounts hydrogen peroxide, so the possibility of fading of darks does exist. However I have used it for years and have never seen any fading.
Tips for Bathing a Cat
Your description of bathing Teddy really made me laugh. The 1st time I bathed my cat I filled both kitchen sinks with nice warm water. I gently set the cat in one of the sinks and believe it or not she just sat there. So I washed her quickly and moved her to...
Stainless Steel Sink Stained By Lime Away?
I am a cleaning lady and I have had success with a product called Zud removing stains from metal products, including stainless steel. It is similar to Bar Keepers Friend (contains oxalic acid). The only caution I have is that it is a mildly abrasive powder...
Selecting and Carving Pumpkins for Halloween
My favorite pumpkin carving tool is a wallboard saw. We have used the same one for years. Makes carving the big ones quick and easy and seems safer than a knife. It is certainly much faster. They cost a couple dollars.
Bringing Houseplants Back Indoors For The Winter
I have found my houseplants do much better inside if I put a plant light on them. I did it his year for the 1st time. They have not dropped half their leaves like they usually do. You can find them at WM for about $15.
Unsafe Household Places for Pets
This story reminded me that cats will seek warm places at the expense of their safety. They are famous for crawling up onto warm engine blocks and being seriously hurt. I had never thought of the water heater or dryer, but it makes perfect sense. I try to provide...
Saving Money While Feeding Active Teens
What a good idea! Your choice of foods to fill out the diet are the best. Oatmeal with its 16% protein and complex carbohydrates, and beans, a near perfect food with 10% protein and more complex carbohydrates. Even the mayo sandwiches are not as evil as they...
Use Super Glue to Stop Nail Splitting
I started having this problem in my 50s. My Dr. told me it was associated with aging. The splits happen on the nail where there is a ridge. I used to buff the ridges down a bit but soon realized that that was causing the splitting. I stopped buffing and now...
Eliminating Leftovers and Food Waste
These are great posts. My leftover problem was always milk. We have milk delivery and I always forget to call and cancel. Making pudding etc. never used it all up; until I discovered I could make my own ricotta cheese (for lasagne) I got the recipe from allrecipes...
Homemade Cat Food
I have been feeding my cat Dr. Lisa Piersons recipe for several years (www.catinfo.org) On her website she explains your cats nutritional needs and what to put into the recipe to meet those needs. My cats epileptic seizures are controlled by her diet. I do...
Freezing Prepared Foods?
I bought one of the vacuum sealers that use special bags. The bags come on a roll or as seperate bags. They keep frozen food much longer. I have frozen bread for several months and it is like fresh. Be sure and freeze it before you vacuum seal it or it gets...
Rain Water is Leaking into Van?
A break in the seal around your windshield could be the culprit, but there are other possibilities also. Good Luck!
Quick and Easy Recipes?
Hi, The allrecipes.com site is my favorite. I am on there at least 6 to 8 times a week looking for what to do with whatever I have in the fridge. It has never failed me. They have many (often over 200) detailed reviews of a recipe. the recipes are all rated...
Use Your Vacuum for Fleas
If you have moth balls in your vacuum you will be exposing yourself and your family over and over again to the fumes which are toxic both to the fleas and to you.
Dog is Licking Itself Raw?
The post before me that told you to get to the vet was correct. Your dog has a serious problem that can be fatal. Only a vet can help. There are two types of mange; one is hard to clear up and the other is not so tough. The longer you wait to start the less...
Removing Air from Ziplock Bags
Seems like comparing this method to the food saver is comparing apples and oranges. Air will return to the plastic bag as well as moisture (plastic is permeable, the food saver bags are not). The long term moisture airfree storage would not be there with the...
Dog is Sneezing and Coughing?
If the puppy has not had vaccinations, it could be a very serious problem, and potentially fatal unless treated (parvo). Only a vet can tell you.
What breed is My Dog?
Certainly looks like primarily lab to me. Maybe a little pit bull, but not much.
Male Cat Urine Seems to Smell Stronger?
Yes, male cat urine smells much stronger. It is the testosterone. It allows them to mark therir territory. Even when a male is fixed the urine still smells stronger. Neutering a male or female does not eliminate the marking behavior, but it does lessen it. I...
Does My Dog Have Mange?
Yes you do need a second opinion if this does not clear on its own. A skin scraping under the microscope is the only way to diagnose this type of mange.
Dog Attacked Other Dogs in Home?
Agression is inbred in pit bill dogs. Some never express agression but some do. The nature of their agression is different than other breeds, and considerably more dangerous. Once aroused a pit bull just isnt thinking, he is set upon disabling his target. Expensive...
Decorating Cabinets Without Painting?
I have an idea for your lighting. I live in the NW and my kitchen is on the north side of the house. My kitchen was very dark. I replaced my flouresent lighting with flouresent bulbs that give a natural daylight color. It made a huge difference. There are incandecent...
Scuff Mark on Leather Sneakers?
I would try black shoe polish. Just a dab and a buff. You know, the waxy kind in the little round can.
Removing Sharpie from Vinyl Flooring?
I am a housecleaner, and I have had good luck removing permanent marker by going over it with a dry erase marker and immediately wiping both of them up. It has worked on formica countertops for me. Always try in an inconspicuous place.
Use Puppy Pads Around Cat Litter Box
I have done this same thing for many years. I have learned to save money by buying the incontinent pads from WM. Much cheaper than the puppy pads.
Litter Trained Dog Started to Pee Everywhere?
It sounds frustrating. I would guess the dog is just upset and confused by the moving etc. I would check to see if he has a bladder infection. There is a product to calm dogs called DAP. It might be worth a try, or you could start over with crate training. Good...
Vacuum Food Storage System for Everything
I love my vacuum sealer too. I do freeze bread. I buy at the outlet and freeze 6 or 7 vacuum sealed bags at a time. It is just like fresh when I thaw it. The secret is to freeze the bread in its own bag before you vacuum seal it.. I put it in the freezer overnight...
Cat Won't Drink Water?
Cats get a high percentage of the water they need form their food. Cats were originally desert animals. If your cat is eating canned food and milk he may be getting enough. Cats on dry food are another matter and need water at all times. Be sure to have water...
Dog With Severe Skin Allergies?
My Cairn terrier constantly chewed his skin until his hair was gone. He was miserable. We changed his diet and he would improve for 6 months or so and then go back to chewing himself. We kept changing foods until we ended up with a home made diet of brown rice...
Concerns About Pet Rubber Nail Caps
I am sorry to hear some are having trouble with the rubber nail caps. I tend to be for just about anything that helps avoid a declaw. I have seen so many miserable cats that have been declawed by owners who didnt know the downside of the procedure. My cats...
How Can I Make Permanent Lines on a Whiteboard?
I have seen pinstripping tape used. It is available at craft stores and is about 1/8 inch wide.
Neosporin Use on Dogs?
One more thing to consider would be an irritant. It is spring and many dogs feet and bellies are irritated by fertilizer people put on their lawns. I had a friend that had to put a muzzle on his dachshund because of all the chewing. He changed to organic fertilizer...
Feeding a Dog After Surgery?
I would be inclined to give him his normal amount of food at the normal time. He probably missed a meal because of the surgery. I also think you could call your Vet and ask. Surely you get a free question. I would not feed more than normal because the digestion...
Using Borax in a Front Load Washer?
I have used Borax in my front loader for 2 years. I use it in every wash by putting 1/3 cup in with the liquid detergent. It is a powder of course, but has never caused a problem. I have never had a problem with mold smells or slimy buildup. My wash smells...
Dealing with a Verbally Abusive Spouse?
Be sure and get advice from shelters about reporting his behavior to police. It can become an issue in custody claims after the divorce. But it needs to be done in a way that you protect yourself from his backlash until you get to a safe place. Get a prepaid...
Best Vacuum for Laminate Flooring?
I have a small bagless Hoover Flair. It looks like a stickvac and cost around $50. It is easy to handle and you can run the beaterbar or not. It is pretty good on carpet but perfect for bare floors. You can take the filter out and wash it. This model has been...
Advice for a Dog With Allergies?
I had a Cairn terrier with food allergies. He chewed himself wherever he could reach. I kept changing his diet and every time 6 months later he would begin to chew again. I was considering heading to a local meat market that had exotic meats to try again when...
Mothballs and Pets?
Yes mothballs are potentially very harmful to pets and you, too. If you are having trouble with moths, try cedar in some form. You can buy cedar balls, small planks or oil to hang into your closet. It smells a whole lot better than mothballs too.
Caring for Your Dog After Surgery?
The anesthesia can make dogs thirsty so make sure he has all the water he wants.
Reconditioning an Old Leather Horse Harness?
You got some great advice here, however do not soak your leather in oil. I am a retired Pony Club Mom and oil will rot the stitching on your harness. We always used a glycerin bar with a damp rag for cleaning. Oil will also darken leather and make it stretch...
Home Remedies for Treating Gum Disease?
The advice to see a dentist is right on. This is a serious problem with potentially serious consequences. I have had good luck with using hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash. Just follow the directions on the bottle. I like to keep it in my mouth for a minute...
Hard Lumps Inside Clothing?
It is lint. Be careful what you wash with your clothes. Be sure the lint trap is draining well in your washing machine.
Free or Low Cost Veterinary Services in Philadelphia?
If there is a college with a veterinary sciences program near you, they often have low cost services, I dont know the area but it would be worth calling around. Where I live we have had to drive to the other side of the state but we saved a boatload. Good luck...
Keep Chocolate From Dogs?
I know how you feel about the vet bill. I think your vet was playing it safe. My fox terrier got into the easter candy one year. She ate a couple pounds, aluminum foil and all. When I came home she looked like she had swallowed a watermelon. I took her to the...
Help With a Dog That Bites?
A lot of dogs just dont like grooming or bathing. I think they like it even less when it is someone other than the owner doing the grooming. Some just get more opinionated with age. Most groomers know how to handle it.
Cat With Eye Discharge?
Terramycin eye ointment is available from valleyvet.com (click on cats) It costs about $11.00. Good luck.
Cat Scratching Everything But Scratching Post?
My cat liked to sharpen his claws on my new hooked rug. He hates the smell of my hand lotion so I put a little hand lotion on a kleenex and tucked it under the rug, He never touched it again. I understand cats do not like the smell of Avon Skin So Soft bath...
Removing Candle Wax from Jars?
I have been a candle maker for many years. I have not tried many of the ideas here. I put my containers with left over wax in a 150 degree oven upside down on several folded paper towels. It all melts into the paper in 10 to 15 minutes. Be sure to use enough...
Sterilize Toothbrushes in the Dish Washer
I am not sure how much I want to swallow dishwasher detergent. I have a small bottle of hydrogen peroxide next to my sink. After I have brushed and rinsed my brush, I dip it in the peroxide and set it to dry. Has worked for me for years.
Yellow Stains on Sheets?
I have heard of this. Not sure what it is, but I have always heard that a cup of Cascade dishwasher detergent in a hot wash along with your usual detergent works well. I have had several people tell me it worked for them. This may lighten light colored sheets...
Shopping for Ezekiel 4:21 Sprouted Green Bread?
Here is a recipe. Our local Seventh Day Adventist bakery makes Ezekiel bread. Ezekiel Bread 4 cups lukewarm water 1 cup honey 1/2 cup oil 2 Tbsp yeast, active dry 2 1/2 cups wheat, hard red berries 1 1/2 cups spelt berries or rye berries, organic 1/2 cup whole...
Resident Cat Peeing in House After Arrival of New Kitten?
Your male cat is just marking his territory. I have used a product called Comfort Zone with feliway. It is manufactured by Farnam. Cats will not urinate where you spray it. You can get it from most internet Vet supply stores. and most pet stores. It is worth...
Resident Cat Peeing in House After Arrival of New Kitten?
I should have mentioned that your cat should be checked for a bladder infection. This causes more cats to abandon the litter box than anything else, even new kittens in the house.
Can Only One Vaccinated Puppy in a Litter Get Parvo?
The fact that only one puppy got sick tells me that it contracted the disease at its new home, not while it was with you. Had it been exposed at your home, other puppies or your own dogs would have come down with it. The comments about a smelly puppy tells...
What Breed is This Puppy?
I see retriever, golden and/or lab. I also see rhodesian ridgeback or chesapeak bay in the coat and her head. All wonderful dogs. She should be a delight.
Male Cat Drips a Bit of Urine?
I doubt if this helps you much, but my male cat does the same thing. The Vet checked him out and he is fine. He does meet PookaRinas criteria for having been neutered early. He came from a shelter and was neutered when he was 12 weeks old.
Do Fleas Jump Off of Pets After Treatment?
No, they dont jump off. They may fall off when they die, but I never saw any. I did notice that any fleas living in my carpet jumped onto the cat and died also. Any hatching fleas died the dame way. I know I had fleas in my carpet when I treated the cat and...
Washing a Down Comforter?
I have had great luck washing down over the years..comforters, parkas etc. I wash in warm water and tumble dry low. It takes several times thru the dryer for all the down to unclump and actually dry and fluff up again. It will look like new.
Has Anyone Used Rain X on Shower Doors?
I am a retired cleaning lady and have had to deal with a lot of shower doors. One of my customers put Rain X on her new shower doors. A few months later there was considerable buildup. I was cleaning the doors and I think she was not reapplying the product...
Cat Poops in Bathtub?
There is a product called Comfort Zone with feliway. A cat will not potty where this pheremone has been sprayed (90% of the time). It is a fine mist that should not make your tub slippery. It worked perfectly for me when my cat had a bladder infection and abandoned...
What Breed is My Dog?
I see German Shepherd in her upright ears and the length of her face. Collie would give her the same face, but smaller ears. The only Terrier I know with ears that stand up is the Cairn, and they are very small, Dachshund size. I bet she is a wonderful dog...
Looking for Recipes for Cat Food and Treats?
Ther are some great raw food recipes if you are interested. It is a bit more work, but the cats thrive on it. If you want my recipe just let me know. There are several available on the web also. I have been feeding that way for 5 years now.
Additional Home Treatment for an Anemic Cat?
Hi, Your cat is such a cutie! It is so hard when they get older. At 14+ years she is an older cat. Many folks consider 15 an old cat. On the chicken livers, do be careful, especially if you are giving vitamins. Cats can overdose on vitamin A very easily on...
How Do I Remove Urine Smell From My Bathroom?
I use the product for pet urine removal from the pet store. Be sure to check under the rim in your toilet bowl. Then check under the base of the toilet. Squirt some of the pet solution under there. Urine gets trapped there. It takes a couple days to dry and...
Repairing a George Foreman Lean Green Grilling Machine?
I see tons of George Forman grills every time I go the the Goodwill. Might be a great way to get replacements.
Chicken Livers to Reduce Dog Shedding
Good idea. Chicken livers, unlike beef liver is very high in vitamin A. It is possible to overdose a pet on vitamin A, as it is not a water soluble vitamin. I limit my cat to one chicken liver a week.
Female Cat Peeing Everywhere?
It really sounds like a bladder infection, or at least a bladder irritation. Be sure to have the vet check for this. the test is not part of a regular visit. I have had the same problem. I got a product called Tinkel Tonic. Most natural pet stores carry it...
Cat Peeing In Same Spot?
Be sure to rule out bladder infections. They are the #1 cause of this behavior. The enzyme soak is the best way to get rid of the stain/odor. When it has dried use a product called Comfort Zone with Feliway. It is a spray you can get at many pet shops or online...
Summer Cars Can Be Dangerous To Your Pet
The temperature of a car parked in the sun with windows cracked will rise approximately 1 degree per minute over the temperature of the outside air. A car parked for 10 minutes in 90 degree heat will be at 100 degrees in 10 minutes. It will be over 120 degrees...
Cleaning with Rubbing Alcohol
One huge advantage to alcohol based glass cleaners is that they will not allow a film buildup on the glass after you use them. Windex does allow a buildup, requiring you to keep cleaning the mirror ever couple weeks. I cleaned house for many years and this...
Removing Stains on a Stainless Steel Pan?
Barkeeper Friend is a mildly abrasive powder that cleans nearly any metal.
Cat Spray Odor Inside My House?
I also recommend the Natures Miracle enzyme soak product. It is great. When it is dry the smell will be gone. Some pet stores have a blacklight that allows you to see where the cat sprayed. Although I have found many of them dont work all that well, it is something...
Cat Peeing on Dirty Clothes?
My cat did the same thing. It is a marking behavior showing the world she owns (loves) you. I dont leave laundry on the floor anymore. Be sure to have your cat checked for a urinary tract infection any time she abandons the litter box. You can also try a product...
Pet Urine Stains on Laminate Flooring?
Can you contact the manufacturer of the flooring (or any laminate flooring) for ideas? Good Luck!
Wildlife: Butterflies and Chihuly (Columbus, OH)
You should forward this to Dale Chihuly in Seattle, he would love it.
Laundered Towels Smell Like Cat Urine When Used?
I have had good luck using 1/3 cup borax in the wash water on towels that have soured. It can be hard to remove the smell that comes back when the towel is damp.
My Dog Will Only Eat Chicken?
Have you tried canned salmon( (the kind with the boes in it for calcium)? Not too expensive. I mixed it with brown rice for my dog. He lived to be 17 years old.
Treating a Dog's Skin Allergy?
Do you know what is causing it? It could be a food allergy, mange, flea allergy. Obviously the treatment for each of those is very different. If it is a food allergy try home made foods and keep trying until you find one that works. My allergic Cairn terrier...
Homemade Cat Food for Cat with Food Allergies?
I have a cat that I feed a home made diet because he has epilepsy. He has less seizures on this diet. I use Lisa Piersons raw food recipe from www.catinfo.org. The site walks you through the recipe. I did buy a Tasin meat grinder because you need to grind the...
Removing Body Odor from Clothing?
Try 1/3 cup of borax in the wash. I just add it to the detergent cup in my frontloader along with the detergent. It works like a charm on cat urine also. there is never any lingering odor.
Hair Loss Due to Flea Allergy Dermatitis?
My dog had the same symptoms and it was not flea allergy it was food allergies. He lived on brown rice and canned salmon until he was 17 years old. He never chewed his hair off again. I cooked for him once a week.
Home Remedy for Constipation?
I take a 50 mg. magnesium tablet every evening. I started taking it for my heart and then noticed the added benefit. It works without fail.
Identifying and Removing Pests on a Horse?
They could be bot fly larvae. They grow right under the skin. The old timers called them a warble. They could be ticks. In the case of gray or white horses they often have cancerous growths in this area as they get a bit older. I would not attempt to deal with...
Power of Attorney Responsibilities?
I cant answer legally as I am not a lawyer, but I think if you respect family unity, I would do so. Ask yourself how you would feel if the situation were reversed.
Toilet Scratched By a Plumber's Snake?
Try Barkeepers Friend. It is a powdered cleanser. great for cleaning metal or metal marks.
Can Fortekor Be Prescribed for Heart Aliments in Cats?
Forketor is an ace inhibitor. It is used in heart failure and other conditions to relax the blood vessels. It is a new drug and a very good one with few side effects.
Feeding a 5 Week Old Puppy?
I would try a different brand of puppy food until you find one that agrees with him. Check your pet store for puppy vitamins. Good luck!
Cleaning With Borax
I noticed in an older post that the Borax box has a skull and crossbones on the box. The poster recommended using something biodegradable and organic. Borax is a naturally occuring element that is mined from the earth like coal. It is both organic and biodegradable...
Getting Rid of Parvo Virus Before Getting New Dog?
Color safe bleach is not a disinfectant like regular bleach is.
Cleaning Old Down Pillows Left in Storage?
I wash all my down articles. I use a warm setting on the washer with the usual amount of detergent. I also use fabric softener. It takes several times thru the dryer to get them dry, but they are like new when they are dry. You can get new pillow ticks and...
Trouble With Streaks on Mirror?
I was a housecleaner for many years. Granny is right about Invisible Glass. It is alcohol based and does not leave a film like the blue cleaner. In rooms that were not used much the mirrors would stay clean for 6 months. The other possibility is that you have...
