Booster vaccines play an important role in keeping your new puppy or kitten in the best pet health possible.

The vaccines that your pet receives when they are young help ensure they are protected from potentially deadly illnesses. Having your new pet covered by pet insurance plans can help you keep your new pet healthy by allowing you to get them the vaccinations that they need.

Puppies and kittens, like many other mammals, receive antibodies through their mother’s milk via colostrum. This is the milk that is produced during the first 36-48 hours after birth. The antibodies help to protect the new born puppies and kittens from illnesses and disease. After the second day, the puppies and kittens can no longer absorb the antibodies. This is why it is so important for newborn kittens and puppies to nurse the first two days of life.

The mother has a concentration of antibodies that is directly related to the antibodies that she will pass on to her young. The higher the level of antibodies, the longer their effect will last in the new born kittens and puppies.

It is important to get all of the booster vaccines for your puppy or kitten to ensure that they are protected against these illnesses.

Periodontal disease is a pet health condition that has become known as the silent killer. This disease not only affects the teeth and gums, it has the potential to cause an array of other serious conditions.

But unlike most diseases, periodontal disease can be prevented with proper pet dental care. Partner with your veterinarian to help your pet avoid the consequences of this disease. Having dog and cat insurance can help you afford to give your pet the best dental care available.

The inflammation and infection that is caused by periodontal disease has been linked to a number of serious pet health conditions including: heart attacks, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, strokes and osteoporosis.

Periodontal disease causes the destruction of the periodontal ligament and jaw bone, which anchors the teeth into the mouth. Periodontal disease begins with plaque, which is caused from bacteria and food particles. The particles become attached to the surface of the teeth and form plaque on the teeth as well as below the gum line. The plaque under the gum line causes gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, the saliva in the mouth causes the plaque to become calculus. In most cases this condition can be reversed with a professional dental cleaning.

If the condition is not treated, the gums will become inflamed to the point where the tooth will be lost. In most cases, periodontal disease is detected before it reaches this irreversible state. It is important that your pet receives proper dental care to keep periodontal disease at bay.

Dental disease is the most common issue affecting dog and cat health. Dental disease is caused by the buildup of bacteria and food particles on the teeth and along the gum line. The condition progresses when the plaque turns into tarter or calculus that forms a bond with the teeth.

Regular pet dental care is required for proper pet health and dental hygiene. Many pet insurance companies, like Pets Best Insurance, offer wellness and routine care packages that can help with the costs of teeth cleaning.

There are several factors that contribute to the formation of plaque and tarter on the teeth and gums. Older pets are more prone to dental disease due to having a longer amount of time for the plaque and calculus to form. The size of the pet and their breed also play a large role. Small dogs and cats are at higher risk of getting dental disease due to the small size of their mouths.

Dental exams shouldn’t just occur at your pet’s annual checkup. You should be examining your pets’ teeth and gums when you are brushing them. Signs of dental disease can include: difficulty eating or chewing, drooling, loose or missing teeth, red or inflamed gums, sensitivity around the mouth area, bleeding gums, bad breath, and pus around the tooth. Take note of any growths seen in the mouth as this can be a sign of oral cancer.

Be sure to research the best pet insurance options for your cat or dog to help with the costs of routine care. If you have any concerns about your dog or cat’s dental health, talk to your veterinarian.

Puppies are cute, fluffy, cuddly creatures that everyone wants to hold and play with. But they eventually grow into dogs and as puppies grow, their needs change, which is why it’s important to get pet insurance early.

“Puppies are a cross between a wayward bowling ball and a grasshopper…just add fur.” That’s animal behaviorist, “pet lifestyle expert,” and author Colleen Paiges’ apt description of a puppy. Anyone who’s been in the presence of puppyhood can attest to it. Paige is the founder of National Puppy Day, which falls on March 23, 2011.

Colleen Paige founded National Puppy Day in 2006 as a celebration of the joy that puppies bring to our lives. But it’s also to remind us of all the orphaned puppies that need adoption and the continued existence of abhorrent puppy mills. This holiday and others, like National Cat Day, are part of Paige’s Animal Miracle Foundation & Network that helps educate people and fund programs for pet health, safety, and awareness.

Puppy Facts
• Newborn puppies are blind and deaf
• During their first week, about 90% of a puppy’s day is sleeping and the other 10% eating
• Puppy’s eyes open between one and two weeks old
• Puppies learn basic behaviors and discipline from their mother

A healthy dog depends on getting good puppy healthcare as they grow. Be sure and discuss your puppy’s health requirements, such as immunizations, with your vet. Celebrate a puppy on National Puppy Day!

“And this year’s runner up is…the German Shepherd!” Although the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever edge him out by a nose, the German Shepherd is another popular dog breed. Like the top winners, this dog has very desirable traits – he’s family-friendly, fearless, alert and intelligent. Many German Shepherd owners know that having pet insurance for theirs, is an important peice of the pet health puzzle.

Description and Size
German Shepherds are well-muscled and strong. The head is chiseled and in proportion to its body. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark. Their ears are pointed and erect. German Shepherds have a medium length double coat and the colors vary from a lighter tan to black. Male Shepherds are between 24 and 26 inches high and weigh between 70 and 85 pounds. Females are 22 to 24 inches high and weigh between 60 to 85 pounds.

Character and Temperament
German Shepherds are very attached to their families, but can tend to be overly protective, especially around strangers. This is a trait that responds well to good training. Active socialization from birth will make him more open to others. They are great with children and usually good around other pets.

When a German Shepherd exhibits aggressive behavior, this is due to poor breeding and lack of training. They are excellent workers and thrive on hard exercise.
Health Issues

Like other large dogs, German Shepherds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. If possible, potential owners should check into the hip health of both parents. Another concern is that they are prone to bloat and shouldn’t be allowed to consume large amounts of food and water at once. Bloat can be deadly.

Because pet health can be an issue for any breed, investing in the best pet insurance is a wise decision.

Anyone who has owned a dog or cat understands vet bills can be pretty hefty. Between routine check-ups, vaccinations and tests, the costs can really add up.

When an emergency arises, however, the prices of testing and treatment become incredible— sometimes reaching the thousands! When it comes to handling the costs of the unknown future, it is important to weigh whether pet insurance policies or putting away savings is best for your dog, and your bank account.

According to an article published on Investopedia.com concerning the economics of pet ownership, “Diagnostic testing can easily top the $1,000 mark and can be as high as $5,000 – this does not include surgical care or long-term treatments and medications.” For this reason, saving may not be so practical.

What happens if you have only just begun saving and your pet requires a $5,000 test or surgical procedure? It would seem that you would either have to scrape together the money or borrow it—because we all know what when it comes down to it, our pets are worth it. Dog and cat insurance companies make this unknown a much easier bite to chew. In all cases there will certainly be a limit to the amount that will be covered in an emergency. Regardless, if the surgery your pet needs is $5,000, a $7,000 limit will be more than enough—and a $250 deductible is certainly much easier to handle. Visit pets best insurance to learn about plan options.

The other factor to take into consideration is whether pet health insurance will cover prescriptions and tests. Routine care could also be covered under certain policies or packages, which could lighten the blow of vet bills all around. In all cases, it is a great idea to read dog and cat insurance information to understand what coverage is available for a particular company. Saving may seem cost effective in the long run, but when you realize the wide range of services that are included in many policies, you may think twice.

It must be nice to keep a coveted title of “Most Popular Breed” year after year. Edging out the Golden Retriever and German Shepherd by a few hairs, the Labrador Retriever holds that title.

It’s easy to see why these sweet-tempered, family-friendly dogs remain a favorite and why so many owners also have pet insurance for this breed.

Description and Size
The Labradors’ coat color is black, yellow, or chocolate brown. They are a medium-sized, strong dog with an athletic, well-balanced body. They are referred to as a “short-coupled” breed—the body being the same or just a bit longer than it is tall.

Their shoulders are set back and form a 90-degree angle with the upper part of the foreleg. This enhances the mobility of their legs and gives them a strong forward reach. They have a wedge-shaped head and their eyes are medium-sized, set far apart and either brown or hazel. The Labrador Retriever’s coat is short, straight, very dense, and weather-resistant. Females are 21-24 inches tall and males are 24-28 inches. They weigh between 55 and 100 pounds.

Character and Temperament
Because of their sweet, easy-going nature, Labs are very good family companion dogs. They are also one of the smartest dog breeds. They do best with a “job” that will keep them physically active and mentally alert. So it’s vital that the Labrador gets plenty of exercise. They love water and are great swimmers.

Pet Health Issues
The Labrador is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia like other larger dogs. The average life span is 10—12 years. Keeping a Lab’s weight under control will help them stay healthy. For more information about dog insurance coverage for Labradors, visit Pets Best Insurance.

Annual vaccines are a part of your pet’s annual check up. Vaccines help boost your pet’s immunity and protect them from common pet illnesses, some of which can be deadly.

To help with the cost of annual vaccinations for your pet, make sure your pet has a pet insurance plan that covers annual vaccinations. Pet health insurance companies like Pets Best Insurance offer supplemental wellness plans.

Annual dog vaccinations generally consist of the distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, coronavirus, and rabies vaccines. Distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and coronavirus are usually given as a combination vaccine know as DHLPP-C. Many pet insurance companies help cover this if you have a wellness package.

Other vaccinations may include the bordetella and Lyme disease vaccine. If your dog is around other dogs frequently, your veterinarian will likely recommend that your dog get vaccinated for bordetella, more frequently known as kennel cough. If your dog goes camping or hiking, or you live in an area that is prone to ticks, then your veterinarian will likely recommend the Lyme disease vaccine. Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks and can cause serious neurological side effects.

Annual cat vaccinations generally consist of the feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia, and rabies vaccines. The vaccines for feline viral rhinotracheitis, calcivirus and panleukopenia are given as a combination vaccine known as the FVRCP vaccine.

If your cat goes outdoors at any time, then your veterinarian will likely recommend that your cat be vaccinated against feline leukemia. The feline leukemia vaccine is generally not recommended for strictly indoor cats.

Your pet’s annual vaccine protocol will depend on where you live, your pet’s age, and their health. Your veterinarian will discuss which vaccinations are right for your pet.

Brushing your pet’s teeth is an important step in maintaining proper pet health. A daily tooth brushing is the first line of defense against dental disease. Dental disease is a common health concern with an estimated 80% of dogs and 70% of cats having some form by the age of 2.

Take the steps to help your pet avoid this common health issue by including pet dental care into your daily routine. Some pet insurance companies, like Pets Best Insurance, will even help with the costs of annual teeth cleaning with their wellness plans.

You may be thinking that brushing your pet’s teeth is impossible. At first, your pet may not like having their teeth brushed, but you can make it a tolerable experience. The key to success in dog and cat dental care is having the right tools for the job and taking your time when brushing.

Make sure that you have the appropriate sized toothbrush. If you have a cat or small dog you will want to choose a small sized toothbrush. Choose toothpaste formulated for pets. Pet toothpaste comes in many flavors such as bacon or liver—choose a flavor that you think your pet will enjoy.

Once you have your pet’s toothbrush and toothpaste, you are ready to brush their teeth. If this is the first time, take it slowly. Begin by brushing their teeth in circular motion until you have brushed the entire surface of each tooth. Take breaks if your pet needs them. Keep the experience a positive one by offering treats and praise when you are finished.

Choosing to add a new member to your family is a huge responsibility.

Once you have decided that you have the time to commit to a new pet, you are ready to begin your research. When looking to adopt a new pet you will also need to consider purchasing pet insurance.

Below are several pet adoption tips that will help you choose the type of dog or cat that will be the best fit for your family.

• Costs: The first thing you’ll want to consider is the cost that is involved with owning a pet. Besides food, there is the cost of annual veterinary care. To help with the cost of pet heath care, consider pet health insurance. Companies like Pets Best Insurance offer reasonable rates for cat and dog insurance.

• Family Dynamics: You will want to consider when choosing a new pet for your family is family dynamics. Do you have children? If so, you need to evaluate which breeds of dogs tend to be better with children.

• Exercise: Consider the amount of time you have to properly exercise your new dog. If you lead an active lifestyle, you will probably want to choose a breed that enjoys being active, too.

• Location: You also want to examine where you live. If you live in an apartment, then a large breed dog may not be the best choice for you. Also, check the stipulations regarding having a dog in your apartment—there may be weight limits and breed restrictions.