Dear Heloise: Warren Eckstein, who’s been an animal behaviorist for over 40 years (ThePetShow.com), suggests warming up your pet’s food in a microwave for a few seconds, especially for finicky eaters. This is because “dogs and cats eat with their noses,” meaning the scent of the food is what initially attracts and interests them.

Cold food in a refrigerator not only has less of an aroma, it might pick up other smells that your pet might not like. — Frank A., Ventura, California

ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES

Dear Heloise: I found a great reuse for worn-out and used electric toothbrushes. They make excellent fingernail brushes as they have many fine bristles and also rotate slightly. They even work for children as the bristles are very soft. Of course, keeping items out of landfills is always a plus!

P.S. Love your column! — Martin U., Ventura, California

STAY IN TOUCH

Dear Heloise: I am getting close to 80 years old, and I realize that my children are in the absolute busiest time of their lives. I remember when I was married, working, raising children, and responsible for everyone and everything. I never had a second to rest, and wherever I was, I needed to be someplace else. I see that my children are living this part of their lives now.

I miss talking to them, but I totally understand because I have been there, done that. But I do always very deeply appreciate when my daughter calls me just to say hello. It means the world to me! So I am writing to remind all those 40- and 50-somethings to take 5 minutes now and then to call your mom or dad. You will be giving them so much happiness, and in return, you will feel better, too! — Ginger W., Baton Rouge, Louisiana

LIPSTICK HINT

Dear Heloise: If your favorite lipstick has been discontinued, buy a second lip brush because there is a whole lot of lipstick still left in the tube. I’ve been doing this for years.

I love your tips, and I hope you like mine. — Earline K., Ballwin, Missouri

CHARITY REQUESTS

Dear Heloise: In addition to the good advice given in recent columns regarding charity mailings, here’s another piece of advice: Do not include your email address or telephone number in any donation-related communication you have with charities. While most ask for this information, you do not have to provide it in order to make a donation.

This same advice also applies to making donations to politicians or political organizations. If any of these organizations have your email address or telephone number, you will be inundated with calls, text messages and emails seeking more donations. And they will sell or share your personal information.

If I kept them all, I would have a stack of address labels (some with an incorrect address) that are a foot high. And I have enough of various types of greeting cards that I may never have to buy any ever again. Much of this stuff goes into my recycling bin or shredder. — Francis W., Hickory, North Carolina

TIRED OF GETTING ­CATALOGS?

Dear Heloise: Regarding getting too many catalogs, there is a website called Catalog Choice (CatalogChoice.org) that will assist in canceling catalogs. It is very efficient, so take a look at it! — Katherine Judd, via email

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.