Although many people think it is an unnecessary expense, health insurance for your pet can actually save you money and spare you from making a tough decision between the life of your dog and paying the bills should a serious health issue arise.

As with other costs, veterinary cost have skyrocketed. When you do not have insurance, you must pay for every visit whether they be routine or emergency. This can run into thousands of dollars so why not get some help? Just like personal health insurance, health insurance for your dog has annual premiums and, of course a deductible. The premium price depends on the dog breed and type of policy, if you have more than one pet, you can usually get a discount.

The deductibles vary. Typically it is around $100 a year. There are many policies to choose from based on your dogs age, breed, lifestyle and pre-existing conditions.

When the pets finish eating at the dog cafe, their owners can shop at the products and accessories store, and bring their pets to the grooming section, photo studio, obedience center, and top it off with a stop at the rooftop open- air playground and swimming pool. "This kind of one-stop service has become quite popular in Japan, so when I found this place with ample space and relatively cheap rent, I decided to give it a try," says Howard Cheung, director of Dog One Life.

The manufacturer says small dogs shouldn’t get big Greenies. The company’s Web site, www.greenies.com, offers advice on the correct size for different dogs. Hause says flatly: "Don’t give small dogs Greenies. Small dogs or cats." Dr. Michael Leib agrees. He teaches at Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in Blackburg, Va., and tracks Greenie problems. So far, he’s counted about 60 cases of obstruction and five or six deaths. He says larger dogs can have Greenies, if owners watch carefully and if the dogs gnaw the treat into little slivers.