By: Dr. Fiona Caldwell
Idaho Veterinary Hospital
For Pets Best Insurance
‘Mack’ is a 4 year old Newfoundland with a sweet, goofy disposition and a whole LOT of hair. He tops the scales at over 160 pounds, but wouldn’t harm a fly. He came to my vet hospital recently for evaluation of a progressive lameness over several weeks. By the time he came into the clinic he wasn’t bearing any weight on his left hind leg. When I examined him, I could see is lower shin bone was swollen, hot and very painful. Concerned, I convinced the owners to let me do some diagnostic testing of the affected area. This confirmed my fears. Mack had bone cancer.
It is estimated that up to 50% of dogs and 30 to 35% of cats will be affected with some type of cancer in their lifetimes. This is one of the reasons pet insurance agency, Pets Best Insurance has just launched a new “Cancer Only” pet insurance policy– which may significantly help make cancer treatment more affordable for pet owners. Purebred dogs can be at an increased risk, and there are certain breeds that tend to be over-represented, such as Golden Retrievers and Boxers. It is postulated that the documented increase in cancer cases in our companion pets is likely related to the fact that pets are living longer. Many people are keeping their pets in their homes and feeding high quality diets, which is translating to longer life spans.
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By: Dr. Fiona Caldwell
Idaho Veterinary Hospital
For Pets Best Insurance
The sun is out and your sunscreen is on (don’t forget sunscreen for Fido too– Melanoma is a pet health issue pets have to be wary of too!) Summer is the perfect time to squeeze in some adventure and relaxation.
Here are ten ideas for summertime pet-friendly activities that are guaranteed to please both you and your four-legged best friend.
1. Buy a kiddie pool and invite friends over for a pooch pool party and barbecue for the humans.
2. Find a restaurant with a dog friendly patio and bring a book and order a summer drink. You’ll be amazed at all the people who will stop to say hello and pet Fluffy; it’s a great way to meet people!
Or Call 877-738-7237 to speak with a Pets Best Insurance Agent to Add a Pet to Your Current Policy
3. Organize a trial hike appropriate for your dog’s fitness level and breed. Be cautious not to go in the heat of the day, and be sure to bring a doggie water receptacle for breaks. Check out www.furrytravelers.com for products.
4. Take your dog camping with you, bonus points for letting them sleep in the tent!
5. Go to a lake or other safe body of water for an afternoon of swimming. Many breeds other than retrievers love the water, see if your dog is one of them! Consider a canine lifejacket for the if you’re boating with your dog.
6. Look into local canine dog shows, contests, or field trials that you and your best friend could enter. You might train with a frisbee or for agility, or even just regular obedience training. This is a great way to bond with your pet and teach them some impressive new tricks.
7. If you have a mild mannered and gentle dog, look into local hospitals or nursing homes to see if there is a need for a therapy dog. A visit from a friendly furry pet is sure to bring a smile to less fortunate or ill people.
8. For small dogs, a bike pull trailer meant for children can be easily converted to accommodate dogs, allowing you to take the littlest members along for leisurely summer bike rides. Be sure your pets is safely harnessed in so that he or she can’t leap out and always avoid roadways with dogs.
9. Check out the local dog park. Most cities have some designated parks where dogs are allowed to roam off leash. Always ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations when frequenting high dog-trafficked areas.
10. Take a scenic car ride with the windows (partially) down. If your dog loves to stick her head out the window, consider getting her “doggles,” which are canine goggles designed to protect eyes and shield from the sun as well. Look into www.doggles.com for more product information.
It has been proven that people who include their dogs in their everyday lives tend to forge better bonds and longer lasting friendships with them. Dogs that are exposed to a variety of situations tend to have less anxiety and can be less timid. By getting outdoors and including your furry ‘children’ in family outings this summer you’ll be sure to make lasting memories while also helping your dog to be the best companion possible.
By: Dr. Fiona Caldwell
Idaho Veterinary Hospital
For Pets Best Insurance
We all want our pets to be as healthy as possible, this is why many people purchase a pet health insurance policy for their pets and take them to the vet for routine visits. Obviously your pet’s diet is an important part of staying healthy. If you want to treat your furry family member to a feast for a special occasion, or if you prefer a daily home-cooked diet, here are some tips to ensure whatever you whip up in the kitchen is alright to share with your pet.
Vitamins!
If you are exclusively cooking for your dog or cat, it is crucial that you make it a balanced diet. Cats, for example, cannot synthesize Taurine, and a diet deficient in this will cause heart disease. Commercial pet foods are nutritionally balanced to meet the meets of your pet, if you plan on foregoing commercial pet food completely, talk with your veterinarian about supplements you will need to add to meals you cook to create a balanced diet. This can be hard work, and is important that it is done right.
Or Call 877-738-7237 to Speak with a Pets Best Insurance Agent to Add a Pet to Your Current Policy
Dogs are Omnivores
Dogs are actually not obligate carnivores like cats are. A healthy canine diet should consist of a variety of foods, including vegetables and grains, in addition to meat.
Cook Meats the Same as You Would for Yourself
Raw food diets are controversial in the veterinary world. The bottom line for feeding raw foods is that uncooked meat can carry harmful bacteria, such as salmonella and E. Coli or even internal parasites. Ideally meat and egg type ingredients should be cooked to prevent potential GI disease.
Foods to Avoid
Almost everyone knows that chocolate is toxic to dogs, but did you know you should also avoid grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions and garlic?
Be Wary About Enticing with Human Foods
Dogs are smart! If you whip up a fried egg every time they refuse their kibbles, they will quickly learn to turn up their nose to dog food. In a sense, Fido is training you! Most dogs will eat when they are hungry, and refusing a meal might just be due to being full. Of course, if your dog is generally an enthusiastic eater and suddenly starts to refuse food, this could be a sign that something is wrong and you should consult with your veterinarian. Having a dog or cat insurance policy may help with diagnostic and treatment costs.
Be Cautious About Portions
Pet obesity is unfortunately a pretty common problem. Some estimates suggest up to a third of cats and dogs in the US suffer from being overweight. Obesity can cause a slew of health problems and can ultimately short your pet’s life. Visit www.petfit.com or www.petobesityprevention.com for tools to help you determine the right amount of food for your pet. Your veterinarian should also be able to calculate the right daily caloric requirements; the amount may surprise you!
Cooking for your cat or dog is a nice way to show them you care. If you are planning to cook every day, be sure to do your research, it can be fairly involved to ensure a balanced diet. If you are just interested in a special feast for a birthday or to celebrate graduating puppy classes, using these tips can help ensure a safe and yummy meal that is guaranteed to bring a smile.
Learn more about pet health and the benefits of cat and dog insurance today.
By: Dr. Fiona Caldwell
Idaho Veterinary Hospital
For Pets Best Insurance
You’ve made the call and the appointment is on the calendar. Fido or Fluffy is going to the vet! Whether your appointment is to help diagnose and treat a potential problem (here’s where pet insurance can come in handy, by the way) or for a routine wellness examination and vaccines, here are 10 things that your veterinarian would really like you to know prior to stepping foot in the clinic:
Or Call 877-738-7237 to Speak with a Pets Best Insurance Agent to Add a Pet to Your Current Policy
1. Use a leash
Even if Fido is the best-behaved dog on the block, there could be a clinic cat on the loose, birds on a perch up front, or other less-well trained dogs present in the waiting room. For your dog’s safety and the safety of the veterinary staff, use a leash when in a veterinary clinic every time.
2. Use a carrier for cats
Cats are particular creatures and for some reason, a veterinary clinic can bring out the worst in even the friendliest and best-behaved cat. If your cat were to get loose in the parking lot and run (this has happened!), you may have a very serious situation on your hands.
3. Please, please don’t bathe your pet immediately before the appointment
Of course you want Rosco looking his best for his check up, but no veterinarian wants to smell like a soggy, wet dog for the rest of the day. If you are going to bathe him, allow time for him to dry off, or if he’ll allow it, use a low setting on a blow dryer to speed up the drying process.
4. Bring samples
If Muffy has been having diarrhea, it may seem gross, but the doctor will likely want to run a sample to see what may be causing the underlying pet health issue. Same goes for urine, or unidentified insects or worms you see on your pet, sometimes even vomit can be helpful! If it isn’t needed, it can always just be thrown away. Use a clean container, such as Tupperware, or a Ziplock baggy.
5. Don’t let you dog urinate right before the exam if there is a possibility labwork might be performed
Often screening labwork will include a urinalysis, so be sure your dog has urine in her bladder beforehand. And, of course, if your pet is being seen for a urinary problem, a urine sample will be needed; don’t let your dog void it out on the clinic lawn!
6. Consider taking pictures or video of the problem
It never fails: limps go away, coughs can’t be conjured and that horrible sneeze will be nowhere in sight the minute you step foot in the vet’s office. Consider using your smart phone to capture the behavior that you are concerned about on video to show the veterinarian.
7. Please warn us if your dog may bite
Veterinarians understand the clinic is a scary place and even sweet dogs and cats may bite out of fear. By letting the veterinarian know beforehand that your dog is anxious, we can change how we approach him or her in the exam room to try and make it a more relaxing veterinarian trip. Likely we’ll try to move slower, talk a little more softly, and avoid making direct eye contact to be less threatening. Worse case scenario, we may opt to muzzle you pet prior to the examination in order to keep everyone safe.
8. Don’t bring other pets ‘along for the ride’
The exam room can be anxiety provoking enough without it being filled with more bodies! Let other pets stay home, or leave them with another family member in the waiting room.
9. Don’t feed your pet if you think there is a chance sedation will be needed
Of course we all know food should be withheld prior to surgeries, but if at all possible, food should be withheld prior to sedated procedures as well. This might include procedure to flush an ear, or stitch a wound.
10. Try to refrain from helping restrain your pet
We understand you feel the need to comfort your pet. I find that pets will often do better if the person most likely to ‘save’ them (you) isn’t hovering.
Using good common sense will go a long way towards making the vet visit comfortable and pleasant for everyone involved! One final word of veterinary wisdom I will leave you with is something every vet I know would like to say. Research cat and dog insurance. This is one of the best things you can do to help protect both the health of your pet and the special bond you have. Pet insurance can cost around $1 a day and makes the best treatments more affordable for pet owners. If you haven’t already, get a free quote from Pets Best Insurance today and learn why they are the “best pet insurance.”
By: Dr. Fiona Caldwell
Idaho Veterinary Hospital
For Pets Best Insurance
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! Increasingly, the sentiment towards pets is that they are also part of our family and many of us consider pets our furry “children” and invite them into our homes, hearts and even our beds! This is one of the many reasons pet insurance exists too! Much like children, pets are completely dependent on us for their care and bring so much joy into our lives. Why not honor this unique “furbaby-parent” relationship your family has with your pets this Mother’s Day?
Or Call 877-738-7237 to speak with a Pets Best Insurance Agent to Add a Pet to Your Current Policy
Here are some ways to celebrate with your furry child:
-A personalized card for mom, from Fido or Fluffy. Check out www.sloppykisses.com for cute ideas.
-What mom doesn’t love breakfast in bed? Personalize it from your pet by creating dishes your pet might chose. How about a yummy breakfast salmon and potato bake made by the cat? Check out www.epicurious.com for recipe ideas.
-Why not arrange a picnic outing to a local dog friendly park, complete with a goody-filled basket for mom and furbaby! Or have a picnic in your yard with your kitty kid!
-You could also organize a play-date with other pet-moms and their four-legged children for a B-B-Q get together.
-I’m sure if your furry family member could drive the car to the store he or she would pick out the nicest thing for mom, but I bet mom would settle for a donation in her name to the local humane society instead. Another great gift for both momma and furry child is cat or dog insurance, if the “child” isn’t already insured!
-Maybe the pet-loving mom in your family would enjoy a personalized pet inspired gift such as a photo travel mug with pictures of her and her littlest “child” on it, or a personalized mousepad with a cute photo of her and Rover to brighten her day at work. Check out www.personalcreations.com for lots more ideas.
-Have an animal-friendly movie night in. Pick a favorite pet inspired film, like “Lady and the Tramp,” “Must Love Dogs,” “Marley and Me,” or “All Dogs Go to Heaven.” Make sure to bring tissues and pup or kitty friendly treats.
-Arrange for the whole family (pets too!) to have professional pictures taken with a photographer; a perfect way to remember Mother’s Day 2012! The post them to the Pets Best Insurance Facebook page!
Surely something as simple as a little one-on-one snuggle time, complete with kisses with help make this Mother’s Day special for her as well. Every animal loving woman should be honored this Mother’s Day for her contribution to raising and caring for not only her human children, (if she has them) but all the animal children in her life too. Happy Mother’s Day!
