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Blog posts Categorized under ‘Pet Health News’

Americans pamper pets even with prices rising

Posted on: May 19th, 2011 by

La La the Chihuahua watch dog looks out the window.

According the the website, Petweek.org, one of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Auxiliary to the AVMA’s primary messages is to “promote responsible pet ownership, celebrate the human-animal bond, and promote public awareness of veterinary medicine.”

The organization hopes to help educate children and adults alike that as animal rescues and shelters work to save homeless animals, families can save lives by offering a home to a pet in need.

When pets are adopted, they are innocent, voiceless, and rely on their owners for everything from food to pet insurance and care. Pets give their owners years of love and joy, and shouldn’t have to suffer when they are sick because of high treatment costs. This is where pet health insurance comes in.

Obtaining pet insurance coverage is a wonderful way to ensure that pets get all the help they need from puppy and kittenhood into their senior years.

An April 2011 Reuters report on an American Pet Products Association (APPA) poll revealed that in spite of an economic downturn, pet owners are spending more every year on their pets, including a projected $4 billion more in 2011 than five years earlier.

“Sixteen percent of dog owners and 13 percent of cat owners said their animal’s medical treatment would take priority over their own,” according to the Reuters report. The report also revealed that the number of yearly vet visits and surgery costs are both on the rise, particularly for cats.

Because there’s no guarantee to goodIt w pet health, pet insurance offers pet owners some control over both the expected—yearly check-ups—and the unexpected—accidental injury or surprise illness. Pet insurance cost varies, with pet coverage plans ranging from emergency-only to wellness policies. Researching pet plan insurance may prove one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to see the AVMA’s hope of saved lives and veterinary medicine awareness realized.

Being kind to animals

Posted on: May 18th, 2011 by

A dog with pet health insurance waits for a treat.

The American Humane Association advocates protection and humane treatment of the voiceless, and among the voiceless are animals. This organization offers a few tips on its website outlining how you can speak out and provide care for animals.

Appreciate Wildlife
Wildlife is part of our Earth’s delicate lifecycle. American Humane Association suggests creating an inviting area in your yard for birds, butterflies, and other local animals. Avoid inhumane traps and poisons, which can harm animals that aren’t being targeted, like stray cats and loose dogs.

Adopt a Pet From a Shelter or Rescue
According to the American Humane Association, every year “an estimated 3.7 million animals must be euthanized at our nation’s shelters because they could not be adopted into loving homes.” Save these animals by offering them a home rather than buying from a neighbor who failed to spay and neuter. Spaying and neutering dogs and cats offers pet health benefits, can help decrease pet overpopulation, and may be subsidized with pet insurance coverage.

Take Care of Your Pet
Pets rely on their owners to keep them safe and in good pet health. Annual vet check-ups aren’t just for vaccinations. These exams can also detect potential pet health issues early, when they can still be successfully treated. Pets should also be protected from getting lost with proper identification. Vaccinations, preventative visits and treatment are often covered by pet health insurance. Visit Pets Best Insurance for more information.

Keeping pets healthy

Posted on: May 16th, 2011 by

A dog with pet insurance selects healthy foods.

Pets are wonderful companions and considered members of the family. As a responsible pet owner, your job goes beyond feeding, sheltering and ensuring they have pet health insurance. Your pet relies on you to make good decisions as a key component of good pet health care.

Proper Feeding
Your vet can advise you about proper nutrition for your pet, but other resources and your own common sense can guide you, too. Feeding human food to pets is not a good idea. Their digestive systems are not made to deal with our diet. Certain foods like chocolate are toxic to pets, so being diligent about what goes in your pet’s mouth is extremely critical for their safety. Having pet health insurance is also a good idea, in case of accidental ingestion.

Pets also have different water consumption needs than we do. Make sure your pet has clean, fresh water several times daily if necessary. This is especially important if your dog or cat will be outside for any length of time.

Proper Handling
It should be a no-brainer that dogs need to be leashed at all times when outside on walks unless they have access to a fenced dog park. An unleashed dog can disappear in an instant if an interesting distraction, like a squirrel, runs by.

Statistics tell us that cats that have outdoor access have a high rate of injury and death. It’s a myth that cats need to go outside to hunt for food. If properly fed, there is no nutritional value to hunting.

Be Prepared
Regular vet care is important for healthy pets. But vet healthcare costs can be hard on pet owners’ budgets. Considering a pet health insurance plan can help defray some of those costs.

The Chihuahua

Posted on: May 13th, 2011 by

A Chihuahua with pet insurance licks food.

A great companion dog, the Chihuahua breed is not without some challenges – one being a number of pet health issues. If you consider this breed, researching and purchasing pet insurance is a good idea.

We often see celebrities carrying Chihuahuas around as if they were fashion accessories. This has likely contributed to the breed’s current popularity, but hasn’t been the best PR for this small, sweet-tempered dog.

Description
In the toy class, the Chihuahua is tiny with a rounded head, short muzzle and large round eyes. Their ears are large and look almost disproportionate to the head. Their coats are short or longer and wavy. The coat colors include white, fawn, silver, chestnut, sand, sable, steel blue, black, black and tan and parti-color.

They are great companion dogs who enjoy affection. They are also very lively and adventurous. This breed ranges in height from 6 to 9 inches and 2 to 6 pounds in weight.

Temperament
For such a little dog, the Chihuahua can be very strong-willed without the proper pack leadership from his owner. But they are intelligent, quick learners who respond to training. They are very loyal and attached to their owners. Wary of strangers, they will remain close to their owner.

The breed is not recommended for children, especially if the dog has assumed a dominant role. Many of the issues with this breed’s temperament are a direct result of people treating them like babies. Because of this “cute, little dog” approach, their bad behavior will often not be addressed by the owner.

Chihuahuas tend to not be walked as often because they are seen as so active. But they need exercise just like larger dogs and walks also provide socialization and mental stimulation. If not getting sufficient exercise, they tend to be snappy, yappy and untrustworthy around kids and adults they don’t know.

Pet Health Issues
Chihuahuas are prone to rheumatism, colds, gum problems, and eye issues due to their protruding eyes. Because they are so small, toxic products that are ingested are even more dangerous. This breed can gain weight very easily. Having pet health insurance if you have this breed may come in handy. The Chihuahua is also very susceptible to stress, especially when owners treat them like babies. The dog needs to know that the pack leader is in charge.

Avoid perpetuating the stereotype if you are considering this breed. Don’t get a Chihuahua because you want a cute, tiny, “baby” dog. Choose them because they are wonderful, loyal companions, and be sure to investigate pet insurance as well.

Aging Gracefully and Pet Insurance Plans

Posted on: May 12th, 2011 by

An older dog with a pet insurance plan sits by his owner.

It is common knowledge that as pets age, more pet health issues are likely to arise. Many pet insurance companies counter this fact by putting age limits on their pet insurance plans. This puts the owners of many healthy older dogs and cats at a disadvantage, and could increase the likelihood of further pet health complications.

According to an article written for the Cherokee Chronicle Times, an estimated 75 percent of U.S. households own aging pets. These numbers are startling, considering older pets need proper preventative care, just as young pet do– but may be unable to receive it because some pet insurance companies won’t cover them.

Routine tests and services are essential to keeping dogs and cats in great health. Routine care can also prevent more serious problems from arising in the later stages of a pet’s life. Simple pet health care services such as teeth cleaning, heartworm testing, or urinalysis could improve the quality of a pet’s life, and ultimately leave more money in an owner’s pocket.

Luckily, there are pet insurance plans out there, like those offered by Pets Best Insurance, that do not have upper age limitations. Though usual limitations apply (such as pre-existing conditions and preventable diseases), no pet is turned away based on its age, so long as the pet enrolling is at least seven weeks old.

Just as you would take the necessary steps to ensure proper pet health care for anyone in your family, securing the proper pet insurance plan for your four-legged friend is equally important—at any age

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