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How to Keep Your Puppy Happy and Healthy

Posted on: October 15th, 2010 by

Posted by: H.R.
Pets Best Insurance Editorial Manger
A couple sits with their puppy on a couch.
There are several things that you need to do in order for your puppy to be a well-rounded member of society. Puppies are like children: they’re sponges that absorb all the information you teach them. When dealing with a puppy it is important to be a leader and teach him what you expect of him. One of the most important things you can do for your puppy is to start him on a high-quality puppy dog food.

A quality puppy food will contain good ingredients like meat and fish as opposed to corn and meat by-products. Quality food will ensure your puppy gets his nutritional needs met, which will allow him to be in good pet health throghout his life.

Puppy exercise should include daily walks and play sessions. Playing outside with your dog will also allow him to burn off excess energy and keep him from becoming bored. Puppies that do not receive daily exercise are more prone to behavioral issues such as chewing inappropriate objects and excessive barking.

Enrolling your puppy in dog obedience training classes is one of the best things that you can do for your puppy. Taking a class together will strengthen the bond between the two of you. Along with a strong bond, you will also enforce your role as the leader of the pack. Your puppy will also learn how to walk on a leash correctly, sit, stay and other commands that all puppies should learn.

Take your puppy to the veterinarian for routine veterinary care. Making sure your pet is up to date on vaccines and free from intestinal parasites.

Get pet insurance for your puppy. Pet insurance makes owning a puppy more affordable by covering illnesses or injuries that your puppy may have. Pet insurance will allow you to provide the best care for your puppy throughout its life.

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3 Tips to Safer Travels with Pets

Posted on: October 14th, 2010 by

By: Leigh A. Peterson
For Pets Best InsuranceA dog looks out the window of a car.

Thinking of taking Fifi the calico or Rufus the Golden Retriever to grandma’s for the holidays this year? Taking our pets with us on trips can be a joyful experience. We get to see a different side of their personalities as they explore new surroundings and meet new people. They can offer us comfort at lonely times away from home. But there are many things to keep in mind when traveling with pets. Here are a few pet health issues you may need to consider.

1. Review your pet health insurance policy.
Does it allow you to visit a different veterinarian? Will it cover your pet out of state? Out of the country? Will it cover emergencies and after-hour visits? Trusted companies, like Pets Best Insurance, that offer pet care health insurance will allow you to select any veterinary clinic of your choice.

2. Plan meals in advance.
Is there a store near where you are going that sells the food you currently feed your pet? If they are used to eating a certain brand, you’ll want to keep feeding that same food throughout the trip. Traveling can be stressful, and stress can cause everything from tummy upset to lack of appetite. Switching pet food suddenly could make matters worse.

3. Keep pets leashed or crated while on the road.
When in the car, resist the urge to let your pet roam free. Not only could this cause pet health injuries, but if heaven forbid an accident occurs, they are liable to run away in fear! A slinky cat or pushy pup could also slip out an open car door in the blink of an eye if you stop at a rest area. Buck up through the pitiful cries for attention and tell them, and yourself, that they are being contained for their own safety.

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Pet Health: Homemade treats

Posted on: October 13th, 2010 by

By: Tiffiany Gilstrap-Scott
A dog waits for a delicious treat.
Do you like to spoil your pets? I know I sure do. With the current state of the economy and the dramatic rising costs we’re seeing in everything from veterinarian bills to dog food, buying homemade dog treats or making them yourself may be the wisest choice you can make for pet health and well being.

As any canine owner can attest, dog treats can be mighty expensive when purchased at a local pet store. As a cost-effective alternative, you can make your own, or buy homemade treats for your pets.

The variety of dog treats I make for my pet has no artificial colors or preservatives, whereas commercial dog treats from the store can be loaded with ingredients your dog really doesn’t need. Next time you go to the grocery store take a look at the list of ingredients on the back of a treat box. Not only are most of the ingredients hard to pronounce, but they can be loaded with preservatives and binders that are calorie and fat dense. To ensure optimum dog health care, make sure you know what’s going into your best friend’s tummy.

One of the primary perks of preparing or buying homemade dog treats, is that you are able to control the calories and fat that your dog ingests.

My dog’s favorite homemade treats are the yummy peanut butter ones I have perfected—although the apple cinnamon drops and the carrot cake loaf are never left untouched either. You can make them at home! All you need is whole-wheat flour, baking powder, peanut butter and water.

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Feline Hyperthyroidism in Aging Cats

Posted on: October 12th, 2010 by

Posted by: H.R.
Pets Best Insurance Editorial Manager
A cat eats from a dish.

Hyperthyroidism is a pet health issue that occurs in cats over the age of eight. Hyperthyroidism is caused by an overactive thyroid gland. The excessive thyroid hormone overstimulates the body causing the cat to become overactive and have an increased appetite. It is important to be diligent about cat health care, especially in aging cats. Catching diseases early can add years onto your cat’s life.

The number one symptom of feline hyperthyroidism is weight loss. This symptom is similar to those seen in other feline diseases. Other cat weight loss causes include diabetes and kidney failure. Hyperthyroidism causes the cat to lose wight even though she has a ravenous appetite. Other symptoms of feline hyperthyroidism can include increased thirst, vomiting and diarrhea. Cats with hyperthyroidism will also have an increased heart rate. This increase in heart rate can cause damage to the heart and if left untreated, can lead to heart failure and eventually death.

Once hyperthyroidism is suspected, your veterinarian will run blood tests to evaluate the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. Blood tests will also be run to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms. The blood work will also let the veterinarian know how well the other organs of the body are functioning. Once a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism has been made, the cat can then begin treatment.

If your cat is showing symptoms like those mentioned above– a visit to your veterinarian may be necessary. For some injuries and sicknesses, cat insurance may be a good way to ease the blow of costly veterinarian bills.

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Common causes of diarrhea in puppies

Posted on: October 11th, 2010 by

Posted by: H.R.
Pets Best Insurance Editorial Manager
A Lab puppy plays outside.

There are several causes of diarrhea, a common pet health issue, in puppies.

Diarrhea in puppies can be can be a sign of a serious illness. Anytime a puppy has diarrhea, he should be seen by a veterinarian to determine the cause. It may be a good idea to purchase dog insurance for your puppy, as this can help to aleviate some veterinary costs.

The puppy diarrhea treatment that is used will depend on the cause of the diarrhea. Puppies with diarrhea can become dehydrated if they are not treated in a timely manner.

One of the most common puppy problems that causes diarrhea is intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasites are commonly passed from the mother dog to her puppies via her milk. Intestinal parasites cause diarrhea and vomiting in puppies. Puppies that have these parasites will often have a bloated appearance in their stomach area. Once intestinal parasites are diagnosed, the puppy will be given a dewormer to eliminate the parasites. Puppies with diarrhea due to intestinal parasites can pass the parasites onto other pets and some parasites can be passed on to humans.

Another cause of diarrhea in puppies is a change in their diet. An abrupt change in a puppy’s diet can lead to diarrhea. A puppy should remain on the same food once your bring them home. If you want to switch the brand of food your puppy eats, change the food gradually. Start by replacing a small portion of the old food with the new food. Replace more of the old food with the new food until the puppy is only eating the new food. Along with food changes, an introduction of new treats, bones, or other chew toys can cause diarrhea.

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