The entire month of April is a cause for celebration. While it’s not all necessarily pet insurance related, the month of April is a time to focus on our pets and the people who devotedly work for their safety, protection, and animal health care. Throughout April, there are a number of week-long awareness and appreciation days.

National Animal Control Appreciation Week
Many of us have an outdated image of “Mean Mr. Dogcatcher” rounding up all the stray dogs in the neighborhood when we hear “animal control.” But in reality, animal control officers work hard on behalf of animals and always have their safety in mind.

The profession, which is state certified, also requires continuing education. In many areas, animal control departments also operate the local animal shelters. The men and women who do this job are invested in assisting and getting good results for both animals and the people who care about them.

According to the National Animal Control Association (NACA), an animal control officer’s job entails:

• Investigating animal neglect or cruelty
• Capturing roaming (and sometimes dangerous) dogs
• Rescue injured and sick animals
• Educate pet owners about the laws and proper pet care
• Mediate disputes between neighbors over pets
• Reunite lost pets with owners

Animal control officers are often at personal risk when doing their jobs, as they can be exposed to many animal-borne diseases like rabies and attacks by vicious animals. Many police departments, who usually oversee animal control, and local governments are planning events recognizing this profession.

So take some time this week to acknowledge the valuable contribution these people make to pet safety, and say “thank you” for their service to animals and the community.

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.

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.

Pet owners across the country, make it obvious in online pet forums that they each have their own agenda when it comes to pet health care and pet health insurance.

They run from obvious, “Good food and annual vet checkups,” to cute, “I give them lots of love,” to impassioned. Many readers began to convey strong opinions on what pets should eat. Some feed kibble, some swear by raw, others feed vegan, and others serve homemade foods. And most feel very strongly about their cat insurance.

Let’s take a moment to understand the basic makeup of a cat. Felines are obligate carnivores, the strictest form of carnivore. According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, this means that cats “rely on nutrients in animal tissue to meet their specific nutritional requirements.” They need to consume high-protein diets and minimal carbohydrates to maintain proper pet health.

So, apart from vet checkups and cat insurance, the best way to ensure proper cat health is to feed them high protein food with the right amount of all the other nutrients cats need.

Ask ten vets what the best food is for your cat and you are likely to get a few different answers. It’s up to you to find a vet you can work with and whose recommendations you feel confident in.

One veterinarian, Dr. Greg Martinez, wrote an award-winning book called the Dog Dish Diet that he says generally applies to cats, too.

Although some people want to feed their pets what they eat themselves, it’s important for optimal cat health care to remember that cats come from a very different makeup than we do.

“Our ancestors evolved eating plants, fruit, and some meat,” writes Dr. Greg on his website. “Cats and dogs evolved from predators that ate high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets.”

Sometimes, when the vet tells us why something is necessary for our cat, we secretly wonder if he’s just trying to scare us into allowing the treatment, test, or shot. That’s what I initially thought when my vet told me that my cat needed a Rabies vaccination. I was so happy I had pet insurance for my cat, because part of the cost was covered.

Many cats roam around their yard or neighborhood occasionally, and even indoor cats can accidentally escape. That’s why Rabies most commonly affects cats. The number of reported Rabies cases has dropped in recent decades thanks to laws in most states that require dogs and cats to be vaccinated. With low-cost vaccination clinics and cat insurance to assist with wellness and vaccination costs, there is no reason cats shouldn’t be vaccinated. Getting pet health insurance for my cat was the best thing I’ve ever done.

However, wildlife, human, and pet health depend on the continued implementation of Rabies vaccination laws. In January of 2011, two family cats from two separate homes in Bryan County, Georgia were euthanized due to Rabies. Neither cat was vaccinated. In Virginia, a cat and 18 other animals contracted Rabies in 2010.

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted by bites, cuts, and scratches. It then travels to the central nervous system and the brain. It is 100% fatal, and there is no treatment. Keeping Rabies at bay is not only important for pet health, but for humans as well. Bites and scratches, even those that appear minor or are caused by new born kittens, can introduce bacteria into the body that spreads and is difficult to kill. Any human bitten or scratched by an animal that could carry rabies will need a series of Rabies shots.

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.

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.