Pets Best Newsroom

Blog posts Categorized under ‘Pet Health News’

Dental disease in pets

Posted on: February 18th, 2011 by

A dog with pet health insurance waits for a dental check up.

“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.

Pet health tips for first time owners

Posted on: February 15th, 2011 by

A puppy gets pet health insurance from his owner.
Now that you have decided to add a new pet to your family, there are a few things you will need to do. You’ll want to be sure that you have covered all the bases when it comes to the health and well being of your new pet.

One of the first things you want to do after you research pet health insurance, is find a veterinarian. Ask friends, neighbors and family with pets which veterinarians they use—always choose one with a good reputation. Since healthcare for your pet can be expensive, pet insurance can help you save on the costs of pet health care.

If you are buying a pet from a breeder, you should also make sure that the pet is checked out within the guidelines of your breeder contract.

When you pick up your new pet, obtain copies of their pet health record from the previous owners. This information will include any vaccines that your pet has received and help the veterinarian know which vaccines your pet will need. Now is also a good time to get your pet started on heartworm and flea preventatives. Also, spay or neuter your pet if they are not already altered.

Pet supplies for your new pet

Posted on: February 11th, 2011 by

A seven-week-old kitten with pet health insurance drinks from a bottle.
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.

Pet health: Heartworm in dogs can be fatal

Posted on: February 9th, 2011 by

A dog with pet insurance is tested for Heartworms.

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.

Pet health: Outdoor cats

Posted on: February 3rd, 2011 by

A cat with pet insurance keeps warm outside.
Cat pet care should be at the top of your priority list, along with pet insurance and your cat’s overall health. If your cat must stay outdoors, make sure to take the proper precautions to ensure he stays safe.

Cats that live outside are at risk for a number of potentially dangerous conditions, which is another reason cat insurance should be a consideration.

It is important to make sure that your cat has a safe shelter from all of the elements. Cats should have a place where they can go to escape the cold and wind. The shelter also serves as a place to keep your cat warm and dry. The shelter should just be large enough for the cat to turn around and stand in. The cat’s body heat will help to keep the shelter warm.

Cats should have access to plenty of fresh food and water. Cats will tend to eat more during the winter due to burning more calories in order to keep themselves warm. Place food and water in plastic bowls to prevent tongue injuries. Metal bowls can cause their tongue to stick to them which may lead to injuries. Check water bowls daily to make sure the water hasn’t frozen. If you suspect there has been an incident that may have hurt your pet, take him to the veterinarian. Pet insurance can help keep veterinary costs, like these, down.

Cat health insurance will allow you to take your cat in for a check-ups whenever you need to, to ensure your cat is healthy. Cats that are sick can have a more difficult time dealing with the elements than a healthy cat.

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