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Tips to keep that hot dog safe this summer

Posted on: June 30th, 2011 by

A dog with dog insurance goes for a swim.

Summer is a time of fun in the sun for many pets and their owners. However, it can also present significant risks for pets, with insect bites, sunburn, and accidental injury far more common during the summer months than during the rest of the year. Taking steps to protect your pet before you head out to enjoy the great outdoors can save you and your pet a trip to the veterinary office and ensure that you have a safe and happy summer vacation. But because accidents and illnesses can occur at any time, it’s also a good idea to have pet insurance.

Bug Bites and Poisonous Plants
Most insect bites are not serious and can be treated with cuddles and a warm dose of affection. However, heartworm prevention is very important as just one mosquito bite can eventually develop into the deadly disease. Also, if significant swelling or disorientation occurs after time outdoors, a trip to the veterinarian’s office may be required.

It is important to remember that just because something naturally grows outdoors doesn’t mean it isn’t toxic. Mushrooms can cause rapid illness, shock and even death if not treated promptly. Author Catherine Mann of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida learned this the hard way when a puppy she was fostering ate a mushroom he found under some bushes in her backyard. Catherine tried to get the mushroom out of the puppy’s mouth but the puppy, and one of her older dogs, both started vomiting.

“My son and I raced both dogs to the vet ER,” wrote Catherine. “My dog and the puppy had to receive charcoal treatments.”

Beep Beep
Car safety is a major issue when owners and their pets are out and about. Pet health care experts advise that maintaining good leash habits is crucial, especially when your dog is excited about exploring the great outdoors. Dogs can easily be overwhelmed by unfamiliar situations and may run away or break free of their leash to chase other animals or simply to investigate an interesting sight, sound or smell they have discovered. It is wise to invest in pet health insurance, as well as keep a close eye and a firm grip on your dog whenever you are around busy traffic areas.

Hot Dog
In hot, sunny weather dogs can easily overheat and even be sunburned with prolonged exposure. Most pet care professionals recommend keeping dogs inside from 10 AM to 3 PM when the sun’s rays are most direct. Ensuring that dogs have sufficient water and a cool place during the hottest part of the day can help protect them against heat exhaustion. You should also never leave your dog unattended in the car during hot weather even with open windows, as they can quickly overheat and die in the enclosed environment.

Purchasing and maintaining pet health insurance coverage for your pet is one of the most effective ways to protect his or her health in the event of an injury or illness. In general, the pet insurance cost is low compared to the services it can cover and the peace of mind it can provide for owners. Pet lovers typically view the initial pet insurance cost as an investment in their future happiness and the health of their beloved animal companions, especially during what should be the happy, carefree months of summer.

Pet health and our health

Posted on: June 24th, 2011 by

A dog with dog insurance looks up.

You’ve likely heard the expression, “dog is man’s best friend.” This old saying is actually true on many levels. Pets enhance our lives by simply being a part of our lives. Because having a pet has also been proven to benefit our health—both physical and emotional, it’s important to provide our pets with good nutrition, exercise and dog insurance to help ensure they are healthy and happy.

“Unconditional Love”
This is another term that is used so often, we may not pay attention to its importance. A loving dog (or cat) doesn’t care if we’re grumpy or tired. They care about us no matter the kind of day we’ve had. Coming home to a wagging tail is just the tonic to end the day.

Stress-Reduction and Emotional “Tuning In”
Being around pets has actually been proven to reduce blood pressure and relax people. Other things pet owners report when around their pets is improved mood, less loneliness and consistant good health. Because our pets can help to make up healthier, it’s important we provide then with pet health insurance to help ensure we can afford keep them healthy.

When people, especially children, suffer a loss from death, they often turn to their dogs for comfort and relief. Pets seem to almost instinctively know when we need their presence. Families who have experienced difficult times report that having pets made their family feel more stabilized.

We can return the wonderful benefits of having a dog by practicing good dog health care and good care for cats as well. Investing in dog insurance is one way to show we care.

Pet Health: Fun and Fit

Posted on: June 22nd, 2011 by

A dog with pet insurance and his owner fish together.

One of the best ways to keep pet health in top shape, is to plan pet activities based on things you and your pet can enjoy together. Most healthy pets need lots of exercise to stay in good shape.

For cats, engaging in active play with various toys and games can help keep them mentally and emotionally stable as well as providing an outlet for excess energy. Dogs often enjoy a friendly romp in the back yard or impromptu games of fetch and catch– especially during the summer months, however, planning more elaborate pet activities can be fun for both you and your pet.

Dog Vacations
While many hotels accept pets on vacation trips, a few companies offer vacations designed specifically for dogs and owners to enjoy together. One example is Canine Club Getaway in Lake George, New York. This dog-centric vacation spot features organized dog sports classes with Frisbee, flyball, and three levels of agility training. Swimming sessions are also available and owners can attend relevant seminars on dog insurance, health and nutrition, all in a resort atmosphere that caters to dogs as well as humans.

New activities are in the works according to the owner and founder of Canine Club Getaway Janice Costaco, who stated that “Next year, we plan to incorporate Doga (doggie yoga) and possibly doggie Zumba into our class offerings!”

Dog Parks
For stay-cations closer to home, many communities now offer public dog parks for off-leash fun. While most pet health care experts recommend that cats be kept inside for their own safety, dogs can benefit greatly from supervised off-leash time at a public dog park.

Interacting with other dogs and owners can provide valuable socialization experience for younger dogs, while older dogs with established temperaments can simply enjoy the chance to run and play in a natural environment. Not all dogs react appropriately to off-leash time, however, so you’ll want to keep a close eye on your pet to ensure the safety of all parties.

Cat Towers
These innovative indoor structures offer cats the chance to climb, hide and pounce all inside their own home. Even the simplest towers can provide hours of exercise for cats who can use it as home base for their playtime activities. Also, having pet insurance for your cat will help ensure that they will be protected if any play time accidents occur. By engaging in active play with cats and kittens and incorporating the tower into these activities, you and your cat will enjoy playtime even more. Kitty condos can be a new experience every day by:

• hiding treats in and around it
• sprinkling it with catnip
• pointing a laser at it and watching the cats climb
• moving the tower from window to window

Regardless of which activities you choose, pet health care professionals agree that staying healthy and spending quality time with your pet is the best way to ensure years of happiness and friendship for both of you.

Texas Pet Insurance

Posted on: June 21st, 2011 by

A dog with Texas pet insurance licks a child.

Pet owners across the U.S. have the same concerns: Keeping their beloved companions happy, safe and healthy. With that in mind, cat and dog owners are opting for pet insurance.

And pet owners who live in Texas are no different. They want Texas pet insurance policies that are affordable, flexible and user-friendly, offering inclusive coverage that will give them peace of mind when it comes to their precious family members.

Visit Any Vet in Texas
If you live in Texas, you want to know that your dog or cat can visit any properly licensed veterinarian in any part of the state. Be sure to choose a pet health insurance plan that allows for that. Remember, you may be traveling to another part of Texas with your pet. If he had an injury or illness, you wouldn’t want to waste precious time finding a vet in that city that was approved to see your pet.

Texas pet owners want to be sure that their pets can receive emergency and specialist veterinary care in addition to just routine services administered by a generalist veterinarian. When shopping for Texas pet insurance, pet owners will want to make sure the plan they are considering covers these “special circumstances.”

Rising Cost of Vet Care
With medical advances being discovered every day in veterinary science, the fees for quality care are increasing. Some statistics reflect that fees for veterinarian care are doubling every 13 years! But with comprehensive, lower-cost pet insurance coverage, you can expect to benefit from these advances when your furry family member needs care. Texas pet parents are choosing to offset the costs of pet care with their pet insurance plans.

Being Good Pet Parents
Texas, like other Southern states, has special concerns for pets. Hot climates, large insect populations and dangerous wildlife are just some of the Texas-specific threats to pets that Texans must be vigilant about.

Indemnity Insurance
Unlike most current health insurance plans for people, pet insurance plans are called “indemnity.” What this means is that you pay for the vet’s services up front and then submit claims to get reimbursed later.

Each state has different regulations regarding insurance. Pet insurance companies must comply by each state’s Department of Insurance guidelines. When choosing a plan to cover your pet, be sure to find out if there are particular aspects of pet insurance policies that are specific to Texas pets.

Getting cat insurance quotes

Posted on: June 15th, 2011 by

A cat with cat insurance looks at the camera.

Cat insurance plans vary just like dog insurance plans. You’ll want to compare the coverage provided from a few pet insurance plans before making your final selection.

But before you choose a plan and discuss it with the company’s representative, you’ll want to get some basic information. One way to compare health plans is to get cat insurance quotes from different companies.

You may also find that a plan’s premiums are simply cost-prohibitive. We don’t like to put a dollar value on pet health, but it’s best to find affordable coverage. You can get information about rate quotes on the pet insurance plan’s sites.

Putting in Your Cat’s Information

On the pet health insurance website, you’ll be asked to enter some information about your cat:
• Cat’s name
• Cat’s age
• Cat’s breed
• Your zip code (Some sites may require additional information.)

On most sites, your quote will automatically be calculated. You can then select the plan and deductible that will work best for you and your pets’ needs.

Pet Insurance Comparison: Plans
Some companies will also have a side-by-side comparison chart so you can see how they stack up against others. Most of the time a “sample” pet is used for the cat insurance comparison, such as a “domestic shorthair cat under 1 year old.”

Keep in mind that these pet insurance quotes are mainly for informational purposes, but they will give you an idea of a plan’s coverage costs. For more information about pet insurance visit www.petsbest.com.