How To Get Your Pet Ticked Off

Tue., May 12, 1998

Maisy Fernandez Correspondent

April showers bring May flowers. They also bring discomfort to our furry friends.

Spring is the prime season fleas and ticks invade our pets’ fur. Healthy fleas and ticks thrive in moisture and warmth, both of which are abundant this year, thanks to El Nino.

But, have no fear — information to help rid your home, yard and pet of the pesky vermin is at your fingertips. Dr. Jeffrey Werber, host of Animal Planet’s “Petcetera,” offers some tips.

Call 1-800-NO-FLEAS or visit www.nofleas.com on the Internet, both sponsored by Advantage Topical Solution.

Do it yourself: Have questions about your pet?

“The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats” may save you a phone call to the vet. The reference guide features more than 1,000 tips from over 200 veterinarians, trainers, pet psychologists and breeders on common pet problems you can treat at home and suggests when you should seek professional help.

It’s published by the editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books and costs $27.95. It’s available through LL Bean by calling (800) 221-4221 or accessing their Web site: www.llbean.com.

Fat cat alert: Is your cat pleasantly plump … perhaps a little “rounder” than most? We’re looking for the cutest overweight felines for a feature spread on Fat Cats. Send us a picture.

At least he refused to do something: Cats scratch for various reasons — to mark territory, condition nails, play and exercise.

The “first cat,” Socks, still has all his claws, thanks to our president. “It’s bad for cats. I refused to do it to Socks,” said President Clinton. (Source: PETA’s Animal Times)

Squirrel solutions: What do you do when a squirrel finds his way into your fireplace?

That’s what one reader asked, and here are the solutions we found:

Spokane County Animal Control loans out live traps (meaning it doesn’t kill the animal) for a $20 deposit to those living outside city limits. Call 458-2532.

The county also suggested using SkunkWorks, a “nuisance animal relocator.” That number is 448-6825.

For city dwellers, SpokAnimal suggests donning a sturdy pair of gloves, hovering outside the fireplace and waiting for the squirrel to run out. Then throw a towel or blanket over it, wrap it up and set it free outside.To prevent additional invasions, SpokAnimal suggests using a chimney cap.

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