Dogs Are Like Kids in Many Ways . . . Swallowing Things They Shouldn't Is One of Them

When you buy toys for your dogs, check them over to make sure they're dog-proof, in the same way you would if you were checking for their kid-safe factor.

Pictured is one of my dog's soft toys, the eyes of which suddenly disappeared from its face . . . and I thankfully found them before he did.

Don't be shy to have a pull, a poke and a prod, and to remove things like treat toys from their boxes for a thorough inspection. I once lost my precious little Maltese, Timmy, to a choking accident. (Admittedly, it was my own fault. I gave him a chunk of hard cheese, unthinkingly, and he tried to down it without chewing it.)

My dear little Timmy died on the front seat of my vehicle before I arrived at the vet clinic. I don't wish that on anyone. But it could so easily happen, and above are examples of how that could be.

So take extra care when buying toys or treats for your fur-children.