HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: My wife takes four different white pills of the same size, every day. In order to tell the difference, I put a small dot of food coloring on each one with a toothpick.

— Ken C., Harrison

DEAR READERS: “Heartworms” — the word itself is scary, but prevention and treatment are possible.

Heartworm disease can result in lung damage and heart failure in dogs and cats. Symptoms? Coughing, tiredness, trouble breathing and weight loss.

Prevention of heartworm is the cheaper, safer alternative to treatment. If you adopt a dog or cat from the shelter, have the animal tested for heartworms, as lots of stray animals contract them. The worms are spread through the bite of a mosquito.

Prevention is either a shot that’s good for several months, a topical liquid applied to the skin or a monthly chew. Talk to your veterinarian about what’s best for your pet.

Treatment is effective in most cases, but painful and expensive. Your vet will give a series of tests first to make sure your pet is healthy enough to start treatment. Multiple doctor visits likely will be required.

For more information, visit heartwormsociety.org.

DEAR HELOISE: When ordering online, it’s important to check the company’s return policy. We neglected to do that, and even though the company sent the wrong size, we were not only responsible for return shipping, but the company has a 20 percent restocking fee. It was an expensive lesson to learn.

— Janet B., via email DEAR READER: Call and speak to a representative or supervisor. They should be willing to work with you. But yes, read the fine print first.

DEAR HELOISE: The best way for me to pick up leaves and flowers floating in my pool is with a butterfly net. I float on a pool noodle and collect them, and the grandchildren love to help.

— Kathleen K., via email

DEAR HELOISE: I see a lot of hints in your column about closet organizing. Here is mine:

I sort my garments by length: robes and gowns, dresses and pants, and tops and shirts. In my closet, the tops and shirts can be hung on double racks, one over the other, and be within reach.

— Lynda C., via email