Pet Insurance Blog – Pets Best Insurance

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Three Worst Pet Gifts and 10 Better Options

Posted on: December 11th, 2012 by

Reindeer antlers do not make good dog chew toys.The tinsel has been hung and the lights have been strung; the holiday season is officially upon us! Giving gifts to the ones you love is easy when you take a cue from their four legged friends. Pets Best recently asked Facebook friends to share some of the worst pet-related gifts they’ve ever received, and here’s what they said:

“The worst is chicken treats made in China.– Monica, CA
“A bomber jacket complete with lambs’ wool lining for our miniature Schnauzer, Gus.” – Cathi, MS
“Real reindeer antlers as a doggie chew.” – Ralph, NH

If you don’t like the idea of Fido gnawing on Rudolph either, try these 10 pet-friendly gift ideas for the animal lovers in your life.

Ten Better Options

1. Pet treat cookbook
Every pet owner is looking for new ways to show their appreciation for the unconditional love and joy pets bring us every day, why not with nutritious home cooked meals? Check out www.amazon.com for the perfect culinary accessory for the chefs in your life.

2. Pet Sitting Services
Arrange for Fido to be well cared for while the animal lover in your life gets to escape for the weekend.

3. Personalized iPhone case
Check out www.winkflash.com, where you can upload your favorite picture of your pal’s pet, creating a gift that will make her smile all year long.

4. Dog breed tree ornaments
Everyone thinks their dog’s breed is the best, and they’re right! Celebrate this by giving a look-a-like ornament to add some cheer to the Christmas tree. Check out www.forloveofadog.com for a selection of breed inspired tree decorations.

5. Bar-top inspired gifts
Here’s the perfect present for the entertainer in your life. A cat-inspired wine rack or wiener dog corkscrew is sure to delight! www.potpourrigift.com has a variety of selections to choose from.

6. Donate to a local shelter
A donation in honor of a pet from the past, or to celebrate a current furry friend is a beautiful way to recognize the true holiday spirit.

7. Grooming gift certificate
Everyone loves to have their pet looking and feeling their best! Consider a gift certificate to the local groomer so Fluffy can wow holiday guests.

8. Professional pet portraits
Arrange to have Fido’s mug shot taken professionally and framed. Pictures undoubtedly capture memories and will be cherished.

9. Customized clay paw print ornament
Kits can be purchased for capturing an impression of a paw. This gift works especially well for the non-traditional pets, such as lizards and rats – get creative! Check out www.veterinarywisdom.com for available kits.

10. Pet insurance
Pet insurance is truly the gift that keeps giving – both to the pet and the pet owner! Consider insuring the pets in your life, making the best veterinary care more affordable.

What’s the best or worst pet-related gift you ever received? Share in the comments below.

Six Dangerous Items Dogs Chew

Posted on: December 7th, 2012 by

Dangerous items dogs can chew that can lead to needing pet insurance.Chewing is a natural action for dogs. It helps keep their teeth clean and gums healthy. Chewing also seems to provide a satisfying activity for dogs that calms them and helps in relieving boredom. But chewing the wrong objects can be harmful and result in a fractured tooth, lacerated gum, constipation or blockage of the intestinal tract. All of which can result in a large vet bill.

The following items may seem innocent, but they should not be provided (or available) to your dog for chewing:

1. Ice

Many dogs come running to the sound of the refrigerator ice machine hoping to snag a fallen icy treat. But chewing on ice wears down tooth enamel (the protective cover for teeth). Ice is even more dangerous for small dogs, as chewing on a piece of ice can fracture a tooth.

2. Sticks and Wood

Many dog owners utilize sticks as a fetching toy when outside on walks and at the park. The danger though is that the dog begins to use sticks as toys and many dogs will begin chewing on the stick. Wood splinters easily when chewed on and shards can jam into the dog’s mouth causing an infection. Also if pieces of wood are swallowed, it can cause intestinal blockage.

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The Cheapest Way to Save Your Pet’s Life

Posted on: November 16th, 2012 by

A veterinarian prepares to give a puppy a vaccination.Just imagine – for a little cash, you could buy years of happiness with a healthy pet. Really! And we’re not just talking about pet insurance.

Vaccinating your pet to prevent disease is a smart move for both your bank account and the health of your pet.  Vaccines have long been the best method to prevent some very serious and endemic diseases in dogs and cats.

Deadly Diseases Reigned In

The most notable vaccine, of course, is the rabies vaccine. Rabies is an incurable disease, transmissible to humans through bite wounds.  Distemper is another deadly but preventable disease, known as canine distemper in dogs and panleukopenia in cats. Both are highly contagious within their species.  Historically, distemper was a real problem for our pets, causing many deaths. (more…)

First Dogs: A Look at Presidential Pets

Posted on: October 17th, 2012 by

Po Obama currently lives in the White House.With the presidential race in full swing and November quickly approaching, the White House is on a lot of Americans’ minds. Regardless of who takes office for the next term, one thing will remain constant; dogs will continue to be a part of the White House and a part of politics. The current First Dog is Bo (pictured here), a Portuguese Water Dog owned by the Obamas. And who can forget Gov. Romney’s family dog, Seamus, who rode on the roof of their car during vacations? Historically, presidential pets have had a place in the White House, and have even been thought to influence voters.

When President Franklin D. Roosevelt was running for re-election in 1944, he had been criticized for misusing tax payers’ money following an incident where he sent a ship back from a family vacation to collect his dog, Fala. He is quoted as saying, “You can criticize me, my wife and my family, but you can’t criticize my little dog. He’s Scotch and all these allegations about spending all this money have just made his little soul furious.”1 This speech was credited for turning the election in Roosevelt’s favor!

They way presidents have treated their pets has historically been a topic for political discuss (more…)

Five Pet Hazards to Watch for This Fall

Posted on: October 10th, 2012 by

Keep fall a safe time for your pet.Ah, the crisp fall air, chilly mornings and early night-fall are clear indications that autumn has definitely arrived! Fall is a terrific time for family, as the days shorten and the school year starts up full swing. For many people ‘family’ includes the furry, four-legged members as well. And just as predictably as the leaves will change color, there are some changes that go hand in hand with the colder weather that you might consider in order to keep the whole family safe, happy and healthy this fall. Since accidents do happen, always have a pet insurance plan in place as a way to ensure your beloved pet has access to the best treatment available.

1. Antifreeze
Winterizing the family car often includes topping off antifreeze levels. Antifreeze actually tastes sweet, and therefore when left out, or spilled, pets will readily ingest it. Antifreeze is extremely toxic, especially to cats, where even a small amount can be lethal. Always prevent your animal’s exposure to household chemicals, and especially antifreeze. If you are concerned your pet may have been exposed to antifreeze, immediate veterinary attention is warranted.

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