Pets Best Newsroom

Blog posts Categorized under ‘Pet Industry News’

Cancer in dogs, common but treatable

Posted on: February 21st, 2011 by

A dog with pet insurance sits outside.

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.

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.

Feb. 14th is Pet Theft Awareness Day

Posted on: February 14th, 2011 by

A dog with pet insurance is safe from pet theft.

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.

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.

« Previous Page  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ... 26 27   Next Page »
powered by SEO Pager