Pets Best Insurance Blog

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Doggy Martinis and Other Yummy Summer Pet Treats

Posted on: July 27th, 2012 by

A pink dog popsicle.

As a practicing veterinarian and pet insurance enthusiast, I’m constantly asked for yummy, pet-safe recipes. And since summer time is perfect for experimenting with cuisine, why not take the opportunity to bond with your four-legged best friend over a tasty treat tailored for the canine palate that’s yummy for you too?! Here are some summertime recipes to try. But remember to always feed your dog in moderation and in portion sizes appropriate for their size. Treats are only meant to supplement a healthy balanced commercial diet as well. And because food allergies and illness can occur at any time, it’s a good idea to speak with your veterinarian about your pet’s diet and to have pet health insurance as a back up for unforeseen problems.

Canini (yummy for you too)

Ingredients (yields 2)
-3 peeled carrots
-3 peeled oranges
-5 peeled tangerines
-fresh ginger
-dark brown sugar

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Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?

Posted on: July 26th, 2012 by

A cat with animal insurance tries to land on its feet.

I have always been fascinated by cats, including cat health, behavior, their agility and athleticism, and of course their amazing ability to usually land on their feet. Whether they’re overshooting windowsills on a quest for birds or miscalculating fences as they run from barking dogs, they appear to regain perfect balance without much effort.

The question of how cats do this has baffled scientists for a very long time. In 1890, famous French scientist Etienne Jules Marey dropped a cat and filmed it using the first high speed camera which he invented. Yes, you can find the (very short) clip on YouTube! This offered the first glimpse into understanding this unique phenomenon.

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Why Even “Good” Dogs Need to Obey Leash Laws

Posted on: July 23rd, 2012 by

A dog with pet health insurance sits in a camping chair, wearing a leash.

I recently had a nerve-wracking experience while camping with my dog and infant son. One afternoon as we walked through the campground, I noticed two large dogs running toward us: ears alert, eyes focused on us.There were no people nearby and the closest campsite was about 100 yards away.

Working in the pet insurance industry, I understand the importance of ensuring my dog always wears her leash, but despite her barking and my commands for the other dogs to “get outta here!” the dogs continued to come at us. With my baby in a front carrier, I couldn’t help but worry I was about to watch a gruesome dog fight happen.

Just before all heck broke loose, the dogs’ owners came running. It took them a few minutes because no one had noticed the dogs had left their campsite until they heard me yelling. The dogs wouldn’t obey a single command until the owners had them by their collars.

A recent survey on the Pets Best Insurance Facebook page revealed 27% of dog owners don’t always follow leash laws – and that includes the nearly 4% who think their dogs never need to be on leashes. Here are the top 3 reasons why leash laws should be followed 100% of the time:

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Pet Q&A with Veterinarian Dr. Jack Stephens

Posted on: July 20th, 2012 by

Dr. Jack Stephens, the founder of US pet health insurance, sits with his pets.
Question:
I just found out my pet has a chronic kidney disease which is very costly to treat and none of the dog or cat insurance companies will cover this condition. Why does pet insurance exclude pre-existing conditions?

Dr. Jack Stephens’ Answer:
Insurance is purchased to protect against future, unknown events. Take car insurance for example. Once you’ve already been in a car accident you can’t call to get insurance coverage for repairs. No insurer would reimburse for damage that’s already occurred. If you think of pre-existing health conditions in these terms, it’s easier to understand why a pet insurance company isn’t able to cover things that exist prior to enrolling in a policy. Insurance transfers financial risk from you to the insurance company for future events in exchange for your monthly premium. If the insurance company covered pre-existing conditions, the premium cost would be much too high for the customers to even afford.

Pet health insurance operates by insuring thousands of pets and then pooling the premiums to pay claims for the insured. Some pets will have no claims, while others will have quite large claims. Being insured may help pet owners afford costly pet care for accidents and illness.

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Here Kitty, Kitty: 8 Tips to Find Your Lost Pet

Posted on: July 9th, 2012 by

A cat with pet health insurance hides in the bushes.

Having been a veterinarian as well as the founder of the pet insurance industry in the US, I’ve lost (and found) many pets. And I know that losing a pet can be emotionally devastating. Here are a few quick tips that can help you locate your furry friend, should your dog or cat go missing:

1. Look around the vicinity
Your pet may have wandered off and become confused.  Be sure to leave a garage door or back yard gate open should they return while you’re out looking. Time is of the essence in finding your pet before they stray too far.

2. Expand your search
Look in areas that are easier for pets to travel through, such as green belts where a confused and lost pet may seek refuge.

3. Call for your pet while searching
Your voice may bring them out of hiding. Remember to call in calm, soothing voice; otherwise they may think they are in trouble.

4. Post signs
Be sure to include a photo, description of your pet and your contact information. Many pets are picked up by good Samaritans who may contact you if they see your sign.

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