Pets Best Blog

By: Dr. Jane Matheys
Associate Veterinarian
The Cat Doctor Veterinary Hospital
For Pets Best Insurance

Urinary stones (also called uroliths) are rock-like deposits of minerals and organic material. Uroliths can form anywhere in the urinary tract, but they are most commonly found in the bladder. Stones vary in size and quantity ranging from a single, small stone to multiple little pebbles or even a large stone over an inch in diameter. Because these can occur in any cat, whether it lives indoors or out, it’s a good idea to consider cat insurance early on. Pet insurance may help pet owners more easily pay for unexpected pet ailments.

Different conditions contribute to the formation of different types of bladder stones. The two most common types in cats are struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) and calcium oxalate. Struvite stones are becoming less common as most commercial diets are now formulated to reduce the likelihood of struvite formation by limiting the amount of dietary magnesium and promoting production of more acidic urine.

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Unfortunately, the percentage of stones composed of calcium oxalate has increased since these stones are more likely to form in urine with a lower pH (acidic). High calcium levels in the blood can also play a factor in some cases of calcium oxalate formation.

Cats can develop bladder stones at any age. Females seem to be at a higher risk of struvite stones, and males are a bit more affected by oxalate stones. The risk of oxalate stones increases with age, and they seem to occur more frequently in Burmese, Himalayan and Persian breeds.

If you think your cat may have bladder stones here are four things you should do:

1. Check for Symptoms
First, and most importantly, if your cat is displaying symptoms you will want to take her to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Cats with bladder stones usually show symptoms typical of other lower urinary tract diseases: bloody urine (hematuria), painful urination, straining to urinate, frequent urination, urination outside the litterbox in unusual places, urine spraying and licking the genital area more frequently. Some cats with bladder stones may show no signs at all.

2. Act Fast
Occasionally, a small bladder stone will get stuck in the urethra as it tries to pass out of the bladder causing a total blockage with little to no urine production at all. Urinary obstruction is a true medical emergency, and any cat suspected of suffering from this condition must receive immediate vet attention. If the obstruction is not relieved, the cat will eventually lose consciousness and die. A cat experiencing urethral obstruction shows the same symptoms listed above, but as time passes, an obstructed cat typically becomes much more distressed-often crying out in pain.

If bladder stones are big enough, the veterinarian may be able to feel them through the cat’s abdominal wall. However, they are most commonly diagnosed with x-rays, ultrasound, urinalysis and urine culture.

The treatment of a cat with urinary stones depends on the mineral composition of the stones. For cats with struvite stones, a special stone-dissolving diet may be prescribed to eliminate the stones. If the diet fails to dissolve the stone, then surgical removal may be necessary. Calcium oxalate stones cannot be dissolved with special diets, and most often surgery is required.

3. Consider your Options
Treatment of urethral obstruction usually involves catheterization under anesthesia to try to flush the stone out of the urethra. Surgery is sometimes necessary in addition to hospitalization and supportive care. This can be an expensive proposition, so it is wise to purchase pet health insurance to help cover the costs of unexpected medical emergencies.

Cats that have had a bladder stone are at risk for recurrences of this pet health issue. However, dietary management can help a great deal to prevent future formation of both struvite and oxalate stones. In addition, canned diets do a better job of preventing recurrences because they encourage more water consumption than dry diets.

4. Provide After Care
After your cat has been diagnosed with bladder stones, you will want to keep a close eye on her, since they can reoccur. More frequent vet check ups may be necessary. Speak with your veterinarian to determine what the best after care will be for your pet.

By Chryssa Rich
For Pets Best Insurance

This week is National Pet ID Week, which is a great time to evaluate the best ways to keep your pet safe with identification! Nearly every cat or dog is capable of wandering off or running away when the mood strikes, so here are three best tips from Pets Best Insurance to ID your pet.

1. Update Your Pet’s Name Tag
Take a look at your pet’s name tag right now – there’s a good chance it’s outdated, worn down or maybe even missing completely. When we move or change cell phone numbers, pet tags often don’t get updated. And the surfaces get dinged up pretty quickly. Just a few months of scratching and playing can make the details on your pet’s name tag unreadable.

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When choosing a new tag, look for a high-quality style that includes a thin protective layer for the engraved surfaces. On most machines, the more info you engrave, the tinier the letters. So keep yours simple and easy to read by including only your pet’s name and your cell phone number.

2. Consider a Service Like Help 4 Pets
In addition to a standard name tag, services like Help 4 Pets can reconnect you and your pet in the event of an emergency. They provide a tag with an 800 number and a special code for your pet. If someone finds your pet, they can simply call the number, provide the code and get help 24 hours a day. Services like these are nice in addition to regular name tags because you can have more info than just name and phone number on record. Help 4 Pets even has a special offer for Pets Best Insurance readers.

3. Microchip Your Pet and Keep Your Info Current
Some pet owners still underestimate the power of a microchip ID. True, you can’t see it, you can’t read a phone number on it and you can’t even tell if a pet has one. But microchips are an absolute must for every cat and dog.

Think of how easy it is for your dog to back out of his collar when he doesn’t want to do something. And collars break or come apart – every pet owner has seen that happen. Cat collars are even less reliable, because they’re designed to break away if kitty gets tangled on a branch or a fence.

It has become quite standard for vet hospitals and shelters to scan pets thoroughly and check for microchips when they’re brought in as “strays”. If your pet has lost his collar, a microchip is possibly the only way you can be reunited before he is adopted to someone else, or worse.

Microchips are also becoming more affordable every day. Many shelters include them in their adoption fees, and non-profits and vet hospitals sometimes run specials as low as $12 per microchip, depending on where you live.

If your pet is microchipped, great! Do you remember the name of the company that keeps your information? Track it down and call or go online to make sure it’s current.

With these three layers of protection, you can feel better knowing that even in a worst-case scenario, the odds are good you’ll be reunited with your pet.

Learn how you can protect your pet with dog or cat insurance today!

By: Dr. Jane Matheys
Associate Veterinarian
The Cat Doctor Veterinary Hospital
For Pets Best Insurance

One of my cats was outside under my supervision the other day enjoying the sunshine and mild spring temperatures. After he came in, I saw a couple of little black specks on his chin. My first thought was that he had chin acne that I hadn’t noticed before, but I was relieved to find that it was just a little dirt from rolling around on the dusty sidewalk.

Feline acne is a common skin condition seen in cats and can affect cats of any age, breed or sex. It is characterized by tiny black plugs in the skin on a cat’s lips and chin called blackheads or comedones. In many instances there are only a small number of blackheads which are benign and go unnoticed by the owner. However, some cases can evolve into serious, deep, painful infections, so chin acne should never be ignored. Having pet health insurance may help make the best health care more affordable for your cat, as it’s important to take your cat to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment if you suspect feline acne.

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A blackhead forms when excess keratin (a protein which is the main component of hair) collects in a hair follicle. Associated sebaceous glands in the skin also produce an oily substance called sebum. Over time, a sufficient collection of keratin and sebaceous debris can plug the hair follicle causing a blackhead. If the plug traps bacteria or yeast down in the hair follicle, secondary infection may result which leads to inflammation (folliculitis) and pus-filled boils under the skin called furuncles. In these severe cases, cats can get very swollen chins with draining pustules that are tender and painful.

The specific cause or causes of feline acne are poorly understood, but there are several possible explanations. These include dirty, bacteria-laden food and water bowls, allergies, genetic predisposition, poor grooming habits, defects in keratin production and overproduction of sebum.

Plastic food bowls were once considered a possible culprit for causing feline acne. That idea has since been disputed, and it’s recommended that owners keep food bowls spotlessly clean regardless of what they’re made of. It was also thought that cats with sloppy eating habits were at higher risk of acne, but even the most fastidious cats get it. In addition, it has been suggested that stress can cause feline acne. If that was true, you would expect to see a cat that’s showing many other problems associated with chronic, intense stress, but that’s not the case.

Feline acne is most often diagnosed by simple veterinary examination. In severe or chronic, non-responsive cases, your doctor will want to rule out other possibilities such as mites, fungal and bacterial infections. Testing methods include fungal and bacterial cultures, skin scrapings and skin biopsies.

Treatment of feline acne depends on the severity of the condition. In very mild cases with only a few blackheads, sometimes “benign neglect” with simple monitoring is the best option. When blackheads are more numerous, emphasis is usually placed on good hygiene. Gentle cleansing with mild, antibacterial soap or special shampoos can help to remove blackheads and other debris. Topical application of prescription products or over-the-counter products for human use can be very effective.

Treatment of severe acne can be much more complicated. Your veterinarian may clip the fur around your cat’s chin to enable deep cleaning of the affected area and to allow any topical medications to be better absorbed. Oral antibiotics or oral antifungal medications may be used depending on the source of the infection. Small doses of steroids may also be used for severe inflammation. Always consult your veterinarian if you suspect feline acne, and never treat your cat at home with an anti-acne treatment designed for human use.

Learn more about cat health, behavior and cat or dog insurance today!

By: Dr. Fiona Caldwell
Idaho Veterinary Hospital
For Pets Best Insurance

Most animal lovers and pet insurance enthusiasts know that April 10th is National Pet Day!

It’s estimated that two thirds of American households own at least one pet. More than 160 million pets are thought to exist nationwide.

National Pet Day is meant to encourage us to celebrate the many small joys pets bring to our daily lives and to also shed light on the ongoing problems of pet overpopulation and shelter crowding.

It is estimated that about 16,000 animals die in U.S shelters DAILY. Why not pause this April 10th to honor the unconditional love and companionship your pets offer to you every day? And maybe consider helping those in need, by donating, volunteering or adopting at your local shelter.

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Pets bring us joy in more ways than one! The benefits of pet companionship are well documented and established. There is compelling evidence that the emotional connections between us and our furry friends actually translate to positive health benefits as well. People are noted to handle stress better when a pet is around. They tend to be healthier and lead more active lifestyles. Pets can be especially beneficial to the elderly and the very young. Children can learn to develop empathy and a sense of responsibility from having pats, and elderly people can benefit from the companionship.

The beauty of animals is they ask for so little in return, and there are so many ways we can brighten their day and let them know we care. Try looking into a pet safe, healthy recipe for dog biscuits that you can make as a special treat, or organize a play-date with your dog-owning friends at the local dog park. Maybe an extra cuddle session or a few extra minutes with the Frisbee would be all your pet needs to let them know you love them. Pause on April 10th and ensure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and has had a wellness check-up. Consider a trip to the groomer’s for a special wash and cut so your pet is stylin’ for National Pet Day. And if you don’t already have cat or dog insurance for your pet, consider purchasing it!

Even if you don’t have a pet at home, you can help make National Pet Day a success by helping raise awareness about shelter overcrowding and encourage people to consider adopting a homeless animal from the humane society.

Pets come in many shapes, sizes, and types, from small with scales, to big with drool. One thing is universal, whatever form your pet takes, they are dependent on you for their care and can offer you so much pleasure and delight in return.

By Dr. Jack Stephens
Pets Best Insurance President and Founder

Most pets don’t require much, if any, ear cleaning as they are usually able to keep their ears clean naturally. Pets that are routinely groomed will also have their ears cleaned by groomers as a part of the grooming process.

Floppy-eared pets, like Cocker Spaniels, will likely have more ear infections and problems than dogs with erect ears. It’s thought that “pinna” or floppy ears cover the ear canal which allows moisture and bacteria to accumulate. The lack of air flow and the inability to shake out normal accumulations of wax may be why these types of dogs typically have more problems.

On a routine basis, usually when you bathe your dog or cat, you should monitor pet health by inspecting your pet’s ears as far as you can see inside the ear opening. Take a cotton ball and wipe the ear clear of wax and dirt that has accumulated. You can use alcohol on the cotton swab to help in the cleaning process but be sure not to use alcohol if there are any open sores, wounds or infection, as this will cause a painful stinging sensation to your pet. Also, a mixture of boric acid or other commercially available ear cleaner can be used on the cotton ball. For dogs with a history of infections, your veterinarian can provide you better cleansers to use on a routine basis as a preventative measure.

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Look for Foxtails (grass awns) around or in the ear after walks. Foxtails are those nasty things that get stuck in your socks when you walk through vacant fields with unkempt grass. Foxtails are especially prone to get into dogs ears and occasionally cats. Once in the ear canal, Foxtails cause ear infections and can only be removed by a veterinarian after sedating or anesthetizing the animal. Symptoms are usually sudden and the animal will generally repeatedly shake their head to try and rid themselves of the irritant.

Foxtails can also get lodged in the nose, between the toes and even the skin, causing infection and often resulting in removal surgery. These are a huge problem for pets in the summer months, causing many emergency visits. After your pet has been in a field where there are grass awns, give them a good brushing and inspection, especially near the ears. Early detection and removal may prevent an infection from forming.

If your pet’s ears have an accumulation of crusty reddish brown material in the ear, have a bad odor or there is repeated shaking of the head (ear flopping) you need to have their ears examined by your veterinarian. Unlike human ears, dogs and cats ear are vertical downward and then have a bend to a horizontal section leading to the ear drum. This anatomy makes dogs and cats much more prone to ear infections than humans. In fact ear infections (otitis externa) are one of the most common causes for a veterinary visit. Only dermatitis has a higher incidence of claims for pet health insurance than ear infections.

It is important to desensitize your pet to ear, foot and mouth inspections by starting your pet off at an early age with gentle manual handling. Open your pet’s mouth, pull the ear flap back on floppy eared pets and place your finger in the outer ear area and then one at a time, hold each of your pet’s feet, while inspecting between the toes. After each inspection, provide your pet with a treat and praise. Do so at least weekly with older pets and more often with pets less than six months old. The more you handle your pet at an early age, the better they will allow inspection by you or your veterinarian when needed.

If conditioned with positive reinforcement (treats) they will also experience less stress and better tolerance when treatments are needed. This can save you money by them allowing you to inspect at home and perhaps avoiding the need for sedation or anesthesia when a problem develops. Prevention, by inspecting your pet for Foxtails in the summer and regular monthly cleaning of the outer ear (our ear lobe) may go a long way to avoiding a costly veterinary visit.

Learn more about pet health or dog or cat insurance today!

By: Liam Crowe
Bark Busters CEO
Guest Blogger
For Pets Best Insurance

In a veterinary clinic, your dog can easily become overwhelmed by new smells, barking dogs, meowing cats and strange voices. Vet staff may also handle him in unfamiliar ways that can make him more stressed.

Before you take your dog to the vet, prepare him for what is in store by first looking into pet insurance and then help him feel more relaxed by following these tips:

1. Visit your clinic before your actual appointment. Introduce him to the smells and sounds of the clinic when it’s quiet so it won’t be entirely new to him when you go for an exam. Let him meet staff members, receive treats, even get on a scale; allow him to sniff the exam room. A few visits like this will help him to associate a positive experience with the vet clinic.

2. When things are quiet and calm at home, you can begin to help your dog become comfortable with being handled for a medical exam. Gently pat him on different areas of his body while he is relaxed, imitating how the vet will examine your dog. Try touching around his eyes and ears, gently holding his feet and toes, lifting his lips and touching his teeth, gently moving his legs, etc.

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3. Take some practice drives to somewhere fun, so your dog learns that a ride in the car can end in a positive experience. Some dogs never go anywhere in the car other than the vet and may associate it with a stress, which may make him tense as soon as you leave the house.

4. A tired dog is more relaxed and easier to manage—be sure to wear your dog out with exercise before his exam!

5. Remember that your dog looks to you for cues on how to act and react—stay calm and unconcerned so he knows there’s nothing to worry about.

6. In the waiting area, keep your pet on a short leash and maintain control of him. If he shows any signs of aggression, it is best to have him muzzled for everyone’s safety.

7. Take your small dog into the clinic in his carrier. He’ll feel more comfortable with his blanket, toys, etc., in a familiar place.

8. Reward your dog after the exam by taking him to play somewhere fun!

Your veterinarian and clinic staff will also appreciate you taking the time to help your dog be as calm and comfortable during his visit as possible.

For more information about pet health or to learn more about dog and cat insurance, visit Pets Best Insurance.

By: Judy Luther
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
For Pets Best Insurance

Teaching your dog to bark on cue is a fun trick. My favorite way to teach this is by using the dogs’ ability to mimic behaviors.

Dogs are very observant and learn a lot by watching other dogs, so teaching your dog to watch and mimic behaviors is a useful training method.

I like to use a clicker to train this behavior. The clicker will allow you to mark the behavior quickly, as it happens, and signal to your dog that he is doing what you ask. Remember to always follow your click with a treat.

First have plenty of treats, sit in front of your dog and say “speak” or what ever cue word you choose. Then make a quiet barking noise. Wait a few seconds. If your dog makes any attempt to bark, even a quiet whimper, mark the behavior by clicking as soon as he moves his mouth or makes a sound, and give him a treat.

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You will repeat this several times until your dog gives you a bark each time you ask him to bark. At this point try just saying his cue word “speak” and see if he remembers to bark without you making the quiet bark.

Don’t worry if your dog doesn’t seem to get it at first, be patient and break the training into several short training sessions. Your dog may seem a little confused to hear you making barking noises, but soon he should join in to the fun.

I like to use this behavior to help people who wish to reduce their dogs excessive barking. If you teach your dog to bark as a specific behavior, put the behavior on cue, the dog will tend to only bark when you ask him.

For more information about dog health and behavior, or to learn more about pet health insurance, visit Pets Best Insurance.

By: Dr. Jane Matheys
Associate Veterinarian
The Cat Doctor Veterinary Hospital
For Pets Best Insurance

With Easter quickly approaching, it’s a good time to remind pet owners that Easter lilies can be very bad for pet health, as they are highly toxic to cats. Their beauty and fragrance can enhance your home environment, but even a single bite or nibble of a flower or leaf of the plant can be deadly for your cat.

Easter lily poisoning in cats has only been recognized as a problem by the National Animal Poison Control Center for about 20 years. Easter lilies are part of the scientific Lilium plant family that contains around 100 potentially toxic species and many hybrids. The more common Lily species that are known to be toxic to cats are the Easter lily, Tiger lily, Asiatic lily and Stargazer lily.

Easter lilies are very popular around Easter holidays, but most pet owners know little about the dangers these plants pose to cats. Because cats can experience accidents or illnesses at any time, even if they live indoors year round, it’s a good idea to have cat insurance.

What makes Lilies poisonous and how the poison works is still unknown, but it is known that the toxin is water soluble and deadly. Cats can suffer from kidney failure after ingesting even tiny amounts of the plant and flower or drinking water from the plant. All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the flower. Even the yellow-orange pollen is toxic and the large amount of pollen can get everywhere, including on a cat’s coat or paws where it can be ingested while grooming.

Cats are very sensitive to poisoning by Easter lilies. Pet health is in danger, as the kidney is the primary organ affected, and cats can die of kidney failure 3-5 days after exposure. Initial symptoms usually develop 6-12 hours after ingestion and include vomiting, salivation, anorexia and depression. Kidney failure typically follows, and the signs are increased thirst and urination, dehydration and lethargy. Toxins build up in the blood as the kidney failure rapidly progresses, and there may be a recurrence of vomiting, decreased urine production or even absence of urine production, weakness, recumbency, hypothermia and death.

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Prompt veterinary care is essential. If you suspect that your cat has ingested any part of the Easter lily plant, including pollen or water, consult your veterinarian immediately or take your cat to an emergency veterinary hospital without delay. The sooner your cat sees a veterinarian, the better. And having a pet health insurance plan in place, may help make tough pet health financial decisions easier. Prognosis is good if treatment is started within 6 hours of lily ingestion, but preferably sooner. Prognosis is guarded to poor if treatment is delayed until kidney problems have begun. Cats treated 18 hours or longer after ingestion have a very poor prognosis. Early, aggressive treatment is vital!

Diagnosis of Easter lily toxicity is usually made from the history provided by the owner along with blood and urine tests. Treatment is supportive and includes intravenous fluid therapy and protection of the gastrointestinal tract. Cats will need to be hospitalized for several days which can be costly. Consider purchasing cat insurance while your cat is young and healthy to help cover the expenses of these life- threatening emergencies.

The beauty of the Easter lily is not worth the consequence. Prevent Easter lily toxicity by keeping plants safely out of the reach of your cat, or for a better and safer option, do not have them around your home at all. Help spread the word: beware-lilies can kill cats!

For more information about pet health or to learn more about pet insurance, visit Pets Best Insurance.

By: Dr. Fiona Caldwell
Idaho Veterinary Hospital
For Pets Best Insurance

Flea prevention products are widespread and effective, yet flea infestations are still a common veterinary complaint. Fleas are more than just a nuisance; they can be harmful to pet health and your family as well. If just thinking or reading about the creepy, crawly parasites make you itchy, then read on for important information about how to prevent fleas, and why prevention is so important for your family and your pet.

There are more than 1,900 species of fleas worldwide, luckily we really only need to be concerned about one of them, Ctenocephalides felis. This is the flea that infests our pets 99.9% of the time. For such a small creature, the flea can really cause big problems.

So, what kind of problems can fleas cause pets and people?
-A heavy flea burden can be lethal to a kitten or puppy, sucking so much blood that the animal can become fatally anemic and even die.
-Flea allergic dermatitis can occur in an animal that is only bitten once or twice by a flea, without a heavy flea load. The animal is actually allergic to the flea bites, causing intense itching and sometimes self mutilation.
-Tapeworm infection. While tapeworms are not in themselves lethal, they are unappealing and not healthy for the pet.
-Feline Infectious Anemia is a potentially life threatening disease caused by a blood parasite spread by fleas.
-The plague is still around in modern day medicine and is transmitted to dogs and cats by ingestion of infected rodents or small prey or by bites from infected fleas. The plague can be transmitted to humans in the same manner.
-Cat Scratch fever or Bartonellosis is a potentially debilitating human disease. People contract this disease by cat bites and scratches from a cat that is infested with fleas carrying the bartonella bacteria.

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Some common flea myths
Myth: “My pet lives indoors, and therefore can’t have fleas….”
Fact: Fleas like to live indoors. If your pet goes outside to potty, they can easily bring fleas back into your home, where the fleas can thrive and reproduce.

Myth: “I would know if my pet had fleas because I would have bites too…”
Fact: Fleas don’t prefer human blood and won’t use it unless there is no other options or if the flea population is high.

Myth: “I would know if my pet had fleas, because I would see them…”
Fact: Animals can be very good at keeping themselves clean and can lick them away. You may never actually see the fleas and may only see the classic skin disease that accompanies a flea infestation.

Ok, I’m convinced, how can I prevent them?
It is important to be familiar with the flea lifecycle in order to break that cycle. There are four stages: the egg, larvae, pupae and the adult flea. Targeting more than one life stage will be a more effective way to eradicate fleas in your home.

Not all flea control products are created equal, and not all products work the same. For example, decades ago flea control consisted of flea collars, shampoos, powders and sprays which are generally effective at killing fleas, but don’t prevent fleas from reproducing. The newer generations of flea control products also sterilize the fleas, so they can’t reproduce. These newer products also have the ability to last for a month at a time and some have additional ingredients that can act as dewormers and ward off other parasites such as ticks and heartworms.

Most products should be obtained by a licensed veterinarian, although some are available over the counter. There are a whole slew of products available and each work slightly differently. Some can be dangerous to puppies and kittens, some are toxic to cats, some are not safe in pregnant or nursing dogs. Your veterinarian can help you decide which flea control program is right for you and safe for your pet.

By: Dr. Fiona Caldwell
Idaho Veterinary Hospital
For Pets Best Insurance

The sun is peeking through the clouds, temperatures are rising and the flowers are starting to show their heads; spring has finally sprung! For you, this means dusting off the sunscreen and sandals, but springtime can also be a good time to go through a “Spring Pet Health Check”. Here are some things to be mindful of in order to keep Fido fit and happy this season:

Start heartworm preventives
If your pet isn’t on heartworm preventatives year round, it’s time to start up again! Heartworm disease is a potentially devastating disease that can cause heart failure and potentially death if left untreated. Treatment is costly and can be difficult. Prevention is the key in heartworm disease. If you have never had your pet on a preventative before, your veterinarian will likely want to run a quick blood test to ensure your pet is heartworm negative prior to prescribing any medications.

Start a flea and tick preventive
Some areas of the nation require year round prevention of external parasites, but if you stop during the cold winter months, now is the time to start back up. Ticks can carry many diseases, some of which can be dangerous and difficult to treat, such as Lyme Disease. Flea infestations in your home can be very costly to treat and often require an exterminator. Some cat and dog insurance companies will even help to cover a portion of flea, tick and heartworm prevention with their routine care plans. By preventing fleas and ticks, your pet and your home will be healthier.

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A trip to the groomer
Spring time means warmer temperatures and usually that translates to shedding! Dogs and cats naturally like to be clean, but sometimes they need a little help. Grooming can be done at home, or with a professional groomer. In the winter you may have had less outside time with your dog, which can mean their nails didn’t wear down like they do in the summer. Be sure to keep nails trimmed in order to prevent splitting and breaking.

Update vaccines
There is a good chance warmer weather will mean more excursions to places where dogs are welcome. If you and your furry best friend frequent the dog park or other public places, be sure they are up to date on all required vaccinations and deworming.

Limit exposure to spring toxins
Spring is a common time to fertilize your lawn. Be sure to use pet safe products, and still keep your pet off the grass for the entire time recommended. Spring blooms can be pretty, but some plants and flowers are toxic to pets. Easter often brings lily flowers; these are EXTREMELY toxic to cats, less so to dogs, but exposure should still be avoided. Because accidents and illness can happen at any time, even with the most careful of pet owners, it’s a good idea to consider dog and cat insurance for our pets. Pet health insurance may help pet owners afford the best level of care in otherwise-dire situations.

Ease into activity
If you and your pet have been inactive all winter, ease slowly into activity. Start with leash walks, and shorter play sessions and gradually work up to maximum activity. Starting all at once can lead to injuries and sore muscles.

Springtime brings the promise of longer days and more opportunity for you to spend time with your furry loved ones. By having a small check list of health reminders, you can help keep your pet happier and healthier for many more spring seasons to come.

Learn more about pet health or find the pet insurance plan that is right for your pet today!