HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: When our cairn terrier had surgery on his back legs, the vet wanted him to wear the dreaded cone for two weeks.

He hated it, so instead I pinned a blow-up travel neck pillow around his neck, and he tolerated that better.

He could eat, drink and see, and best of all, he had a built-in pillow for sleeping. The two weeks flew by.

— Jan P., via email

DEAR READER: Always follow your veterinarian’s directions to the letter. Yes, the “cone of shame” can be uncomfortable for the animal, and you’re right — the dog would be tempted to lick or chew on sutures, staples, etc.

There are inflatable collars for dogs with various conditions. Ask the doctor if this would be a suitable alternative.

DEAR HELOISE: I use a stylus (soft rubber tip) from the discount store to punch numbers into the ATM. This is easier due to my long fingernails. I also use it at the debit machine at stores and restaurants.

— Shirley B., California

DEAR HELOISE: Several times a year, I fly to visit my son. I keep a plastic shoebox in his guest closet where I store all my toiletries.

I also have a larger tote for hiking shoes, sweatshirts, bathing suits, etc. It’s much easier to get through airport security knowing that all these items are already at their destination.

— Carol K., Ligonier, Ind.

DEAR HELOISE: Makeup and skin care are getting pretty advanced these days. Are skin treatments like lotions and serums only skin deep? What is the difference between a cosmetic and a drug?

— Nancy D. in Pennsylvania

DEAR READER: There are regulations regarding this. According to the Food and Drug Administration (fda. gov), the definitions of “cosmetic” and “drug” depend on how the product is designed to be used.

A cosmetic is a device for “cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering the appearance” of the human body.

If a product states that it is to be used in the “diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease,” it’s a drug.

Cosmeceutical” (a mix of the words “cosmetic” and “pharmaceutical”) is not a legally recognized term.