Pets have no concept of money; they do however know when you’re stressed out (they’re quite intuitive). So keep them happy and find some relief for yourself with these cost cutting tips:
Our 5 cost-saving tips for pet health care are:
1. When planning your family vacation this year, why pay for kennels or a house sitter? If you have pets that are tolerant of car or even air travel, plan a vacation that includes pet-friendly hotels: many major hotel chains and lots of independent hotels feature pet friendly accommodations (http://www.petswelcome.com/milkbone/framelist.html)
2. It may seem counter-intuitive to spend money to save it but DON’T skip your annual vet visits or preventive care. Routine treatments such as dental cleaning and heartworm prevention are incredibly important and can help you avoid a huge bill (not to mention suffering for your pet). In addition, your annual visit is the best chance for your vet to catch disease early and hopefully avoid expensive “critical” situations. For the unexpected veterinary expenses, pet insurance is a great idea www.gopetplan.com
3. Get smart with their food. Feeding according to the back of the packet is usually giving far too much. Talk to your vet about appropriate food intake (especially if Fido is a little overweight!) then measure food carefully; you’ll be surprised how much further a bag of food goes. If you have friends with similar type pets, why not buy pet food in bulk and split the cost?
4. Increasing the number of activities you and your family do with your pet is not only free but is also good for everyone’s health. In fact, if you can incorporate your dog into your workout (especially jogging) maybe you can cancel that gym membership?
5. Try and cut those extra expenses like grooming and bathing your pet by learning how to do it at home. Take notice of the type of “cut” your pet gets and buy a decent set of clippers (something not to skimp on; poor quality clippers are frustrating to use and often a waste of money) to do it at home. The same applies to routine things like trimming nails and cleaning ears. In fact, keeping on top of these things and making them a “rewarding” activity for your pet will help keep them happy and healthy too!
Just like people, pets can suffer from allergies. Check out below to see what kinds of allergies are most common, what symptoms to look for and what you can do about them.
Types of Allergies
There are several different ways your pet can be allergic; the most common types are caused by food, parasite, contact and inhalant allergens. The last type, which is the most common cause of “seasonal” allergies, usually affects pets most during certain seasons (usually spring and fall), but, in severe cases, can cause problems all year round. The most common inhaled allergens are from trees, grasses, weed pollens, molds and even dust! (You know, all the stuff they like to roll around in!)
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of allergies in our pets are usually related to skin; chewing at their paws, rubbing their face/ears and scratching their bodies. Excessive chewing, scratching and rubbing can often lead to secondary skin, ear and eye infections. In severe cases respiratory problems, vomiting, diarrhea, bumps and scabs on the neck, lip ulcers and even enlargement of lymph nodes can be seen! (Not fun stuff!)
Treatments
Holistic Supplements: Essential fatty acids (e.g. fish oils which contain Omega-3 compounds), vitamins A& E, and zinc in conjunction with natural anti-inflammatory such as bioflavinoids can sometimes help alleviate symptoms by increasing overall skin health.
Topical medications: Some veterinary recommended sprays and ointments can offer relief in mild cases.
Antihistamines: Some lucky allergic pets can control their symptoms with antihsitamines. Unfortunately, these don’t tend to be as effective as they are in people.
Shampoo: Using medicated shampoos that add protective layers or even anti-inflammatory compounds to the skin can really help to reduce some pets’ discomfort.
Desensitization injections: Much like human dermatologists, veterinary skin specialists can determine what the triggers are for your pet’s allergies and formulate desensitization injections for specific irritants. Repeated injections are given to help reprogram the body’s immune system. While this can be costly, it can be a great way to give them relief without resorting to long term medication.
Medications: Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatories and antibiotics during severe outbreaks but these are not medications that should be used long-term. For very badly affected pets there some long-term immunosuppressant medications that can be used; your veterinarian will be able to tell you if these are appropriate for your pet.
*As always, consult your veterinarian before giving your pet any medication.
TIPS TO HELP DECREASE YOUR PETS EXPOSURE TO ALLERGINS:
•Bathe your pet once or twice a week with a veterinary recommended medicated shampoo
•Restrict pets to uncarpeted rooms
•Vacuum with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter
•Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter
•Wash bedding often
•Replace air conditioner/heater vent filters
Announcing the winners of the May Healthy Paws newsletter. Hoping that they will inspire you to find new ways of keeping your pets healthy!
Winning entry #1 - A play date a day
How do we keep our pets healthy in Shaker Heights, OH?
We have Saturday morning dog play dates! We rotate backyards and get at lest five pooches to show up each doggie play day. It's great activity for the dogs - and good coffee talk for the adults.
Caroline
Winning entry #2 - Buddy up for health
I like to keep Morgan healthy just like I work to keep myself healthy. To start his day, he gets high quality raw food with salmon oil (for a shiny/healthy coat) and then a quick game of fetch. He's got comfy beds, made out of recyclable, all natural materials to sleep in while I'm at work. He also gets the occasional bully stick or chew to keep his teeth clean and strong.
I make sure he gets regular baths, nail clippings and teeth cleanings. None of which he likes, but he'll silently suffer through. I also make sure we make our annual trip for a vet check-up and update him on shots.
On certain days, he goes to doggie day care, to socialize, say hi to his doggie friends and play, play, play! Have to make sure he's healthy socially as well! When I get home it's a nice walk around the neighborhood or sometimes training classes - right now he's learning flyball, a dog sport. That's as much exercise for him as it is for me!
Then is a nice dinner of high-quality, all natural, human grade kibble. Then some down time and back to sleep in a comfy bed, ready for another day of fun!
Victoria & Morgan
Winning entry #3 - An ounce of prevention...
We have 7 Weims and 5 have insurance with your company. The other two were older and could not be insured by you guys do to their age, only reason.
We use a Vet that BELIEVES in PREVENTIVE Medicine. So every year they go in for Physical's and updates to any vaccines they may need. Once age 6 we have a COMPLETE WELLNESS done on each, with includes complete blood work, 3 x-rays of chest and abdomen. After age 6 then yearly blood work and routine urinalysis done to make sure they are well. They are on Senitol as well has Frontline for ticks and given supplements daily.
We love our Weims so they are given the BEST CARE POSSIBLE....
Bruce and Debbie
Winning story #4 - Petplan to the rescue
I just want to say how happy I am with my plan. My cat Kodak was insured only 2 weeks when she had an abscess on her tail. She was limping and when I went to examine her legs I saw the huge abscess on her tail. She was in pain and the vet shaved her tail and cleaned her all up. I received my check from you within 2 weeks for the entire amount I was eligible for. I have had another pet insurance company for the last 8 yrs and had to fight for every cent that I was entitled to. I switched all of my pets except my older ones over to you. My only suggestion is that you insure older pets...I have many here to add on!!!! Thank you again.
Lee Ann
WINNING STORY #5 - Food for thought
I am owned by three wonderful dachshunds named Zoë, Gracie and Emma. I am always concerned on how to keep me furbabies healthy and I do plenty of research especially on food. I am 56 and have owned dogs most of my life. I can say that today one of the biggest changes is in the area of dog food. I believe the quality of dog food today is so much better than years ago. By giving our animals top of the line food with no preservatives and making sure the first four ingredients contain no fillers can definitely lengthen our animals lives. This quality food also makes their coats and skin shinny and healthy. I try to keep their snacks nutritious by giving them apples, carrots, pineapples which they love. With that I also watch their weight and especially with the dachshund we need to keep their weight down because of their long backs. On the matter of weight it is not only the right food but also exercise. This also keeps their body fit and strong. Since I am ill and cannot always walk them I found the treadmill a great investment. Using it a few times a week for each dog, it gives them what they need to stay fit and healthy. I brush their teeth often but not as often as I would like. And of course thanks to Petplan I have insurance for all three so I never have to worry about their health if they should get sick. I know I can give them the medical treatment they need in this event no matter what the cost.
There is nothing I would not do for my furbabies because they give me the most important thing, their unconditional LOVE.
Cheryl
Ensure you’re welcome before you go:
Call the friend you plan on visiting or the hotel that you plan on staying in to make sure that your furry friend is welcome. If you’re not planning any trips, check out this site to see where you’ll be greeted with a pat on the head and a fresh water bowl:
http://www.tripswithpets.com/
Call your vet before you go:
Make sure that your pet is up-to-date on all of their shots. And while you’re on the phone with them you might want to ask if they think a sedative would be a good idea.
Do a trial run before you go:
With cats it’s particularly important to test their ability to travel. So try putting them in their carrier for increasingly longer periods of time to see how they hold up.
Give it a jingle before you go:
Make sure that your cat and dog are outfitted with identification tags, just in case they decide that it’s time to go home before you do. Making sure that your pet is safe is a priority for us here at Petplan, which is why we give a discount for all microchipped pets. (Learn more about microchipping here.)
Pack it up before you go:
-dishes for food and water
-(for cat) litter and litter pan
- (for dog) waste disposal bags
-toys
-bedding (if necessary)
-food
-bottle of water for the car
-leash
And as we all know, even the most well planned trips run into snags, and making sure that your pet is protected from any accidents and illnesses with Petplan pet insurance will give you even more peace of mind. So go ahead, let him put his head out the window (kidding, it’s bad for his eyes).
Today there are more and more travel sites that focus on pet-friendly travel options. And there are more and more hotels and resorts that are going out of their way to make your four-legged friend’s stay comfortable. Some more extravagant examples are; The Beverly Hills Hotel, where dogs get their own pink bungalows, pink tennis balls and personalized cookies. The Omni in San Diego, has in-room doggy movies (for when you’re off seeing the sites). And the St. Regis Monarch Beach provides personalized food and water bowls, an issue of Hollywood Dog and toys from Bark Jacobs and Jimmie Chew. (Really, we’re not making this up.)
So, as you book your trip for this coming summer, consider taking your pet along. You’ll feel better not putting them in a kennel and they’ll feel better, well, just because they’re with you. And, with Petplan Pet Insurance no matter where you go, you’re covered.
Here are a few sites to help you find the perfect place that’s also pet friendly:
For hotels and homes for rent by city (U.S., Canada and Mexico):
http://www.petfriendlytravel.com/
Choose from Bed and Breakfasts, Beach rentals, International Listings and more:
http://www.petswelcome.com/
Not just where to stay but what you can do while you’re there (with your dog, of course):
http://www.dogfriendly.com/
More like a typical travel site with destination guides and travel packages (and it says “doginmysuitcase” it’s for both dogs and cats):
http://www.doginmysuitcase.com/
Search by room availability in a specific city:
http://www.officialpethotels.com/
For the international jet set:
http://www.pettravel.com/
Suitcase musts, to help ensure your pet’s vacation is a happy and healthy one:
A Pet First Aid Kit.
This will help you both in the event of an emergency.
DogGone Songs CD.
If your dog isn’t a fan of road trips, this will help calm him.
A Life Vest.
For any boating or water activities, this is a necessity.
Disposable Litter Box.
Cats like the familiar, so even on vacation, keep your cat happy by keeping his litter in one place.
Pet Sunscreen.
Yes, animals can get too much sun too.
It’s Spring, which means it’s time to get out the spade, the shovel and the gardening gloves. A quick trip to the store for bulbs, seeds, and mulch and you’re on your way.
Just one thing though…when you buy mulch, read the ingredients. If it has Theobromine in it, put it down and back away slowly. Yes, it’s true, mulch with Theobromine, like “Cocoa Mulch”, is good for many reasons - it’s light weight, easy to spread, deters slugs and snails, looks nice and smells like chocolate. But it’s bad for one – it can harm your pet. If eaten by a cat or dog it can lead to illness and in extreme cases, death.
Keep your pets safe with alternatives to Cocoa Mulch like cedar chips and straw. They’re less toxic and they don’t smell quite as delicious. But, because not all accidents can be avoided (if they could, they wouldn’t be called accidents) there’s Petplan pet insurance.
"Pet owners should avoid (the) use of cocoa bean mulch in landscaping around dogs with indiscriminate eating habits," (Labrador retreiver anyone?) said the ASPCA in it’s “Cocoa Mulch Report.”
Cocoa Mulch Poisoning Facts from the ASPCA:
•50% of cases report vomiting.
•33% of cases report tremors. This was cause when the amount ingested was “large or significant”.
•17% of cases reported a rapid heart rate, hyperactivity, or diarrhea.
•Muscle tremors, seizures, and death can be caused when large amounts are consumed.
For more information on Theobromine poisoning call the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
First thing’s First:
Show your new pet where his food and water bowl is. If it’s a pooch, show him where he’ll need to go “out” and if it’s a cat show him is litter box. (White House lawn anyone?)
Food:
Odds are your new pet has already been eating a certain kind of food, so to make his transition easier - continue with it. If you’d like to change it, make the change gradual as to not cause any stomach upset. (And perhaps let the White House chef know that scraps aren’t in order just yet.)
Sleep:
Often puppies feel safer in smaller spaces, so a crate with a blanket over it can be the most comforting. Adding a blanket or towel that has some of his mothers scent makes him feel even more at home. If you’re bringing home an older dog or a cat, then a nice new bed is in order. (Right in the middle of the Obama daughter’s room please. Thank you.)
Play:
Make sure that there are plenty of things to chew on and scratch on before bringing your furry friend home, so they’re content and, well, so are you. Also, exercising them regularly whether it be chasing a ball or going to the park, you’ll bond and they’ll have less energy to get their paws into trouble. (Yes, nobody wants chew marks in the Oval Office.)
Safety:
A fenced in yard to ensure he doesn’t wander off is always a good thing. But should your dog roam or your cat decide to check out the neighborhood, make sure that they can be identified with a microchip. (Because odds are that the Secret Service isn’t going to have an eye on Bo at all times.)
Health:
Start off on the right foot with a visit to a veterinarian. And to ensure good health and happiness for a lifetime, there’s Petplan pet insurance. The only pet insurance that covers all accidents and illnesses, even hereditary ones. (Of which, Portuguese Water Dog’s are no exception. Unfortunately.)
Welcome to your new home Bo. We here at Petplan hope that the transition is as easy as rollin’ around in the sun.
Until the next time,
Woof! (wag) Meow!
In an office where pet photos cover the walls it’s easy to see how important every tail and whisker is to Petplan. Our customers are our friends and our family, even if we’ve never met (though there is nothing we enjoy more than a visit from our policyholders, four legged and otherwise) them. And, luckily, our policy holders feel the same way about us, as you can see on Pet Insurance Review (a third party pet insurance review website). So when someone loses a pet, due to illness or accident, Petplan feels it. Like in June 2008 when a Philadelphia row home caught fire taking with it the home next door and the dog that lived in that home. The firemen couldn’t get to Perky* in time and he died of smoke inhalation. Fortunately, his brother Petey*, with minor burns, survived. His treatment for minor burns and smoke inhalation at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Teaching Hospital was over $1,800 and Petplan pet insurance picked up the whole bill.
Petplan is more than a pet insurance company, we’re a pet company. So we want all of our clients to be happy, healthy and as safe as possible. Which is why we made this alert sign below for you to personalize, print and put in a window or on your front door. It tells fireman how many pets you have, what they look like and what to call them. So, hopefully, everyone makes it out, unharmed.
*Names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved.
To get your Petplan Pet Rescue Alert sticker just click here. Upload a photo (or take a webcam photo) of your cat or dog and then print.
Petplan
America’s #1 Rated Pet Insurance Keeps Your Pet Protected.
It’s the time of year when resolutions are made and, usually, much to the pleasure of fitness clubs around the world, they involve shedding a few pounds. (And yes, even in my own case, less cookies are indeed in order.) But not only is the first of the year a good time to think about getting out of bed before work to burn some calories, it’s the perfect time to factor your beloved cat and dog into the equation. Here are a few helpful tips to start making this newyear healthier and happier you and your four-legged friends (okay, it’s mostly for the furry ones but it probably wouldn’t hurt for you to get involved!):
First, make sure it’s safe. Talk to your vet and make sure that your animal is healthy enough for that jog or to chase that fake mouse. Also, their weight gain may be due to a medical condition, like thyroid disease. Your vet can test for and manage many conditions that can contribute to weight gain. And with pet insurance like Petplan, you’re pet is covered for all conditions, even hereditary diseases, for their whole lives.
Set a Goal. (The Association for Prevention of Pet Obesity (www.petobesityprevention.com) website features many useful and informative tools to help you set realistic goals for your pet’s weight loss; don’t expect fido to lose the weight overnight; we’re in this for the long-haul people!) Using this information or working with your vet, you can get an accurate idea of how much your pet should eat in order to lose weight.
Figure out a plan of attack. Carrots for you. Diet food for them? When you have set a daily calorie limit for your pet, you’ll have to work out exactly how much food to give them. The APOP website has some commercial food analysis figures but most commercial foods will have figures on their own websites too. However, it can often be useful to use a prescription diet food to ensure your pet is getting the right nutrients during their weight loss program. Your veterinarian can give you more information about diet foods.
No overeating. It’s all about calories, folks. That scrap left on your plate may look delicious but it’s not going to help with Rover’s waistline. No more scraps or table food. (Regardless of how much they beg.)
Get going. Every time you put on your sneakers, grab the leash and get your pooch and their paunch moving with you. Or, if it’s your cat that could use some shedding, strings and stretching go hand-in-hand. Just think, when you need some exercise, they probably do too.
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