When buying dog toys, keep in mind that your pooch uses its mouth to chew, tear and play with the toy. It’s important to find toys that are free of harsh chemicals that can make dogs sick. The best way to avoid a toxic toy is to simply smell it at the store. Does it have a strong chemical smell? Is it dyed in bright, deeply saturated colors? When you rub it against your skin, is there dye transfer? If its packaging promotes stain-resistant or fire-retardant features, the toy is likely made with formaldehyde. And always watch your dog to avoid choking and other problems when it plays.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you have a pet and you’d like to have some purifying houseplants in your house, which plant is the most effective at cleaning the air and the least toxic for your furry friend? The answer: The spider plant. This easy-to-care-for plant is best at removing formaldehyde from the air and is considered nontoxic and safe if a pet happens to nibble on a leaf. Just note this: Spider plant is approved, but the similarly named spider lily is not, because it’s toxic.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you use de-icing products to help melt away ice from your sidewalks and driveway, do one more thing to make sure the pellets stay loose and fresh all winter long. The reality is once you open a bag of de-icing mixture, the product begins absorbing moisture, causing it to clump. To prevent this, simply raid your backyard grill and toss in some charcoal briquettes to absorb excess moisture. If you have extra de-icing mix once the winter season is over, toss in some briquettes and seal the bag to help keep it fresh until next winter.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION