Dear Heloise: I read your article about flea medication and the adverse reaction a cat had. I wanted to share a couple of other things that pet owners need to be careful about.

•Separate dogs in the same household after applying so they don't groom one another.

•Use only one product, and never put one on top of another.

•Read the label to see what animals the product is to be used on – don't use dogs' on cats, etc.

Hope this can be of help to pet owners!

Laura Liggett, Omaha, Neb.

I can't stress enough the importance of reading the complete product label before using – this is true on any product, really. So read, and then apply.

Treating dogs for fleas and ticks is important, especially with the danger of Lyme disease. Heloise

•Cut off the tops and use them as funnels. I have bird feeders that they fit perfectly; no more spilled seed.

•Clean and dry thoroughly and use to store dry cat food. Mark the outside with a marker, or tape the label from the cat-food bag to the jug.

•Cut off the top and use the bottom to store stuff in the garage or basement. Label the outside with a marker: tape, screws, electrical cords, etc.

•Use the jugs to water plants that are not near the hose. I often put a jug in my car, water the plants at the foot of the driveway, and then go on to shopping or whatever. Joyce, Roxboro, N.C.

Write to Heloise at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279, or fax to 210-435-6473.