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Blog posts Categorized under ‘Dog Health News’

Periodontal disease: The silent killer

Posted on: March 28th, 2011 by

A pet with dog insurance shows off his pearly white teeth.

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.

Pet health: Dental disease

Posted on: March 24th, 2011 by

A dog with pet health insurance waits for a teeth cleaning.

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.

It’s National Puppy Day!

Posted on: March 23rd, 2011 by

A puppy with dog insurance from pets best insurance sits in the grass.

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!

Pet insurance vs. saving for pet health costs

Posted on: March 17th, 2011 by

A puppy with pet health insurance sits on a pile of money.

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.

Popular dog breeds: The Labrador Retriever

Posted on: March 16th, 2011 by

A Labrador Retriever with pet insurance enjoys the outdoors.

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.

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