Did you know that each day there are 10,000 humans born in the U.S., but 70,000 puppies and kittens? As you can see, there will never be enough homes for all of the puppies and kittens.

The overpopulation of dogs and cats in the U.S. is out of control, and shelters around the country are filled beyond capacity. Do your part to help prevent unwanted litters by spaying and neutering your pets.

Not only does spaying and neutering your pet ensure that they aren’t contributing to the pet overpopulation problem, their pet health will be improved. Dogs that have been altered live 1 to 3 years longer, and altered cats can add 3 to 5 years to their life.

There are other pet health benefits that altering your pet offers. Females that have been altered will not have a heat cycle, which means they will not attract males. The urge to roam is less in females that have been altered. Females that are altered have a lessened risk of getting mammary tumors and uterine and ovarian cancer. If they are spayed before their first heat cycle, their risk of these conditions is almost eliminated. Spaying also eliminated their risk of getting uterine infections.

Neutering male dogs has significant health and behavior benefits. Males that are neutered are less likely to spray and mark their territory. Neutering also decreases aggressive behavior. When it comes to their health, they are at a lower risk of getting prostate diseases and their risk of testicular cancer is eliminated.

If veterinary costs are preventing you from getting your pet spayed or neutered, contact your local spay and neuter assistance programs. These programs work with people who want to have their pets altered but cannot afford it. Some pet insurance companies, like Pets Best Insurance also offer spay and neuter benefits with their wellness packages.

When everything in life is going swell, it’s easy to take our pets for granted. The dog is happy to take a walk, play, or rest, and usually loves anything we throw in his bowl.

However, with February being National Responsible Pet Owners Month, it’s a good time to take stock in everything we do for our pets.

Should we research the food we feed them to make sure it’s up to standards? Have we been putting off his annual exam? Maybe now is the time to look into dog insurance.

But how do you know which is the best pet insurance? Here are a few tips:

1. The best pet insurance lets you choose your own veterinarian and any clinic. Finding out that your favorite veterinarian works with a pet insurance company is only half the battle. What if you need help on a day your vet is closed? What if you take your dog on a trip and she gets sick or injured?

2. The best pet insurance coverage will also include older dog insurance. Some pet owners use multiple pet insurance companies because they decided to insure an older dog but their current company has age restrictions. Companies like Pets Best Insurance don’t have any upper age limits.

3. The best pet insurance will cover visits to specialists and emergency clinics. You may have a great vet, but that doesn’t mean he specializes in dog dentals or has the most up-to-date equipment for canine cancer. If your dog needs specialized treatment, you want to know you’re getting the best treatment and you’re covered. Also, if your pet has an emergency in the middle of the night, it’s reassuring to know that you can take him to the doggie ER.

4. The best pet insurance covers wellness exams. Dog health care shouldn’t have to be put on hold because bills are piling up. When one human year equals seven dog years, conditions can arise quickly and need to be caught early. With wellness coverage, your pet’s annual exams, teeth cleanings, and vaccinations don’t have to wait.

Keeping your cat healthy can help them live a longer, healthier life, and there are several things you should consider to keep your cat healthy.

While cat insurance can help you provide the best veterinary care for your cat, Al Townshend, DVM, of Wellpet, offers several tips to keep your cat healthy at home.

First, focus on your cat’s nutrition. It is important that your cat eats a quality cat food that includes ingredients like probiotics and Omega fatty acids. These ingredients will give your cat a shiny coat and increased energy.

You should also ensure that your cat is adequately exercised. Feline obesity is one of the top pet health concerns when it comes to cats. Obesity can lead to diabetes, hip and joint problems, and heart issues.

Many people don’t realize that cats need to be socialized. Your cat should be socialized from the time they are a kitten. Socialize your kitten as much as possible—pick him up, hold him, pet him, and introduce him to new people. Socialization will allow your cat to be a part of the family.

It is important to ensure that your cat is in a safe environment. Avoid using chemicals around your cat because they are more sensitive to the ingredients found in these types of products. Air fresheners and cleaners can also lead to asthma. Keeping your cat’s environment as safe as possible can help eliminate unnecessary pet illnesses and injuries.

February is Responsible Pet Owners Month, and dog owners should be aware of the cost savings pet insurance provides in the event of a common dog ailment.

Lymphoma is the most common cancer in dogs, according to “When the Diagnosis is Canine Cancer,” a January, 2011 article in the Times Herald-Record of Middleton, NY.

The article reports that Canine Lymphoma can affect just one organ, or spread throughout the body, just like human cancer. Most commonly, it attacks the lymph nodes. Other common areas affected are the liver, spleen, and gastrointestinal tract. The cause of the disease is not known, but the treatment includes expensive chemotherapy. Because of the high rate of this cancer, pet insurance is recommended to help pay for both wellness exams to catch potential cancer early, and to help pay for treatment.

At the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, chemotherapy for dogs involves a 25-week course that costs $180 per week on average. Chemotherapy is the most effective treatment for Canine Lymphoma; remission occurs in 70%-90% of dogs treated, and some dogs are cured completely. Golden Retrievers are at the highest risk of developing Lymphoma, and other dogs in the high-risk pool include Beagles, Boxers, and Rottweilers. However, any dog can develop this common cancer.

Dog owners concerned about treatment costs can ease their fears with pet insurance comparison. By researching pet insurance online, responsible pet owners can find the best plan for their budget, their dog’s breed, and health risks.

“Gum disease is the most common disease affecting dogs and cats, according to the Veterinary Oral Health Council.”

This dog and cat dental health fact was published by the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in a November, 2010 article titled, “Brush Up on Preventing the Most Common Disease in Dogs and Cats.”

According to the article, bad breath, gingivitis, and periodontal disease can cause pet health problems in the rest of the body when bacteria travels through the blood stream.

Symptoms, if there are any, could include loss of appetite, dropping food while eating, bleeding gums, and loose teeth. Any of these symptoms presented by a dog or cat should result in a veterinary exam.

Many pet insurance companies include cat and dog dental insurance in their plan options. This coverage can help pet owners pay for routine dental cleanings performed by veterinarians.

During February, Pet Dental Health Month, pet owners can help their pets’ overall health by taking them in for a dental exam and teeth cleaning. Owners should also begin an oral care routine at home.

This might include daily or weekly tooth brushings with pet-formulated toothpaste, the use of water additives, and introducing tartar control treats. While gum disease might be the most common disease for dogs and cats, it is also one of the most preventable.

Now that you have decided to add a new pet to your family, there are a few things you will need to do. You’ll want to be sure that you have covered all the bases when it comes to the health and well being of your new pet.

One of the first things you want to do after you research pet health insurance, is find a veterinarian. Ask friends, neighbors and family with pets which veterinarians they use—always choose one with a good reputation. Since healthcare for your pet can be expensive, pet insurance can help you save on the costs of pet health care.

If you are buying a pet from a breeder, you should also make sure that the pet is checked out within the guidelines of your breeder contract.

When you pick up your new pet, obtain copies of their pet health record from the previous owners. This information will include any vaccines that your pet has received and help the veterinarian know which vaccines your pet will need. Now is also a good time to get your pet started on heartworm and flea preventatives. Also, spay or neuter your pet if they are not already altered.

Since 1988, Pet Awareness Day is celebrated on February 14th. Last Chance for Animals began this campaign to educate the public on the issue of pet theft.

Their mission is to educate the public on how to protect their pets and prevent them from becoming one of the approximate 2 million animals stolen each year.

There are several methods to help keep your pets safe. You should keep your animals indoors, especially if you are not home. Also, avoid leaving your pets unattended in the yard, as this gives thieves an open opportunity to steal your pet. If your pet must stay outdoors unattended, ensure that you have a lock on your gate.

Spaying and neutering your pet can also make them less likely to roam. Altered pets are less desirable to thieves that want your pet for breeding purposes. Don’t let your pet roam the neighborhood, not only can they be stolen, pet injuries can occur. Make sure that your pet has an up-to-date tag and collar. Having your pet microchipped is useful if their collar is missing.

Keep pet insurance information and recent photos handy. If your pet is groomed in the summer, be sure to have photos of your pet when they are groomed. This will help to make accurate fliers if your pet is lost or stolen.

The best way to prevent pet theft is to not let them out of your sight. While this is not practical for most people, taking simple precautions can help lessen the risk.

Being a first time pet owner can be overwhelming. If you do your research before getting your new pet you will be prepared and better equipped to start on the right foot. Once you have done your research on which veterinarian and pet health insurance you are going to use, it is time to get the pet supplies that your pet will need.

The most important pet supply that you will need is food. If possible, find out which brand of food your new pet has been eating and buy the same. If you are unable to find out what food your pet has been eating, you will want to buy a quality food that fits your pet’s life stage. For example, if you are getting a new born puppy or kitten you will want to get puppy or kitten food.

If you are getting a puppy or dog you will need a few basic supplies. Purchase the appropriate sized collar and leash for your new dog. In addition to a collar, get an identification tag with your contact information. It is recommended that you get an appropriate sized crate for your new dog as well. You will also need food and water bowls. You may want to pick up a few toys, as well.

For your new cat you will need a litter box and litter, food and water bowls, and a few toys. Being prepared with pet health insurance and all the right supplies will help you be the best pet owner you can be.

One of the most common preventable diseases in dogs is Heartworm, which is potentially fatal and expensive to treat. Heartworm is caused by bites from infected mosquitoes.

After six months, adult worms infiltrate the dog’s heart and/or lungs. Blood tests can detect the disease, but not until the dog has been infected for about seven months, according to the American Heartworm Society.

Dogs who develop Heartworm disease do not show symptoms in the early stages of their infection. Later, symptoms may include coughing, loss of energy, and weight loss. If left untreated, dogs infected with Heartworm will die.

The American Heartworm Society recommends annual Heartworm testing, which may be covered by some pet insurance companies. Testing for the disease is required before a dog may begin Heartworm preventative. Such preventatives include chewable tablets, topical and injectable treatments, and the costs of these medicines can also be offset with pet insurance.

Heartworm prevention is important because some sources believe this potentially fatal disease may be on the rise in the Eastern half of the United States and the Gulf Coast. Treatment for the disease is costly, usually requires hospitalization, and recovery can take up to two months. Since Heartworm is preventable, many pet insurance companies do not cover treatment costs.

The American Heartworm Society reports that nearly 100% of dogs bitten by infected mosquitoes will develop Heartworm. Dogs can catch Heartworm on their daily walk or from a mosquito inside the home. Dog owners should not skip giving Heartworm preventative treatment to their dogs, which is safe and very effective, especially since it can be covered by pet insurance.

Pet owners understand the benefits of giving their pets quality food, annual checkups, and the best pet insurance coverage. But if their pet’s dental care is neglected, optimum pet health may be compromised.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that most pets show signs of oral disease by age two: 80% of dogs and 70% of cats.

These statistics are alarming, because poor cat and dog dental care can cause periodontal disease, which leads to tooth loss and unhealthy bacteria entering the bloodstream. This can cause infection in vital organs like the heart and kidneys.

February is Pet Dental Health Month, the perfect time for pet owners to look into dog and cat dental insurance. The best pet insurance companies often include dental coverage for pets, or offer it as an additional option.

Pets Best Insurance covers routine dental cleanings as part of the BestWellness routine care coverage. Professional cleanings, performed annually by a veterinarian, will not only help prevent tooth loss, but will also prevent other pet health issues that can occur when plaque and tartar ravage a pet’s gums.

In between professional cleanings, pet owners can brush their pet’s teeth with specially formulated pet toothpaste. Pets love the taste, and it is free of fluoride and other ingredients that can be harmful.

Other tools are also available to keep pet mouths healthy, including tartar control treats, water additives, and gels. These products are available from pet stores and veterinary clinics. When treated with professional pet dental care and pet insurance, periodontal disease is preventable. No pet should have to suffer from painful, bleeding gums, tooth loss, or other potential diseases.