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.
