Pop Quiz: When was the last time you brushed your pet’s teeth?
Yes…actually brushed them, with a pet toothbrush and toothpaste (poultry or fish flavor, anyone?). If the answer is “uh…never,” you’re right in line with most pet people in the US. But your pet’s teeth need your attention. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats get periodontal disease by age three. At Petplan we see all the dental care claims that come in that could have been avoided with a few simple measures. And worse, this totally preventable disease can take two to five years off your pet’s life. So the time has come to brush up on your pet’s dental health. Here are just a few things to you can do to prevent dental disease in cats and dogs.
Brush daily. It can reduce tartar formation by as much as 95%.*
Dry it, you’ll like it. Try switching out your dog’s wet food for dry kibble. Dry food doesn’t adhere to teeth and promote bacterial growth as quickly.
Plaque Off! For pets who resist brushing, consider applying plaque prevention products for extra help. http://www.amazon.com/OraVet-Treatments-x-2-5-mL/dp/B000M5P8D2
It’s worth a shot. Help protect your pet from some types of bacteria that cause peridontal disease and tooth loss. Ask your vet about whether or not your pet would benefit from the Pfizer Porphyromonas vaccine.
Go with a Pro. Just like us, pets’ teeth are healthier and their smiles are brighter after having their teeth professional cleaned. If your vet thinks your pet’s teeth need to be cleaned, make sure to schedule the appointment. It’s a positive step for his long-term health (not to mention his breath).
*According to Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine
Your kitty cat must be exhausted. All that basking in the sunshine and batting at butterflies takes a lot out of a cat. No wonder she can’t be bothered to worry about her health and safety. Good thing she’s got a pet parent like you. With your help, your cat can sail through summer without a scratch. These simple safety tips make it easy.
Window Wisdom. Kitties love to watch the world outside. But too often at Petplan, we hear heartbreaking stories about cats who fall from window sills. The window was open, the screen was out, the kitty lost her balance and contrary to popular belief cats do NOT always land on their paws. That’s probably why they have 9 lives. This summer, help protect your cat from a tragic window accident. Keep your windows closed or screens down all season long.
Yard Guard. Rolling in the grass, the sun on their fur -- life’s good when you’re a cat. But even these simple pleasures come with risk. Many common lawn care products include chemicals and pesticides that are toxic to pets. And since your kitty rolls on the grass and licks her fur, it’s worth it to use pet-safe lawn products wherever your kitty plays. We are big fans of echochem’s pet friendly lawn care products http://www.ecochem.com/t_lawncare.html
Cool Cats. She may act cool, but you know the truth. Your cat gets really hot in the summertime. But you can help her beat the heat (and avoid heat stroke) but letting your cat stay indoors, especially on the hottest days. With a bowl of fresh water and a nice spot to sleep, and she’ll be cool and comfy all summer long. We should all be so lucky.
If your dog should shed more pounds than fur, then read on. Running or biking together is an excellent way to trim down, tone up and boost your bond. Even better, you get to work out with the world’s best exercise buddy. Just think about it – anytime, day or night, your dog’s ready to go (and he won’t trail behind on a cell phone). So make the most of your workout together. Help your pooch lose the paunch. It’s easy.
Vet Your Pet. Just like us, some dogs are out of shape and have exercise limitations. Older or overweight dogs may need low-impact exercise to relieve pressure on their joints. Others may be prone to hip and bone problems that can be exacerbated by regular running. So before lacing and leashing up together, make sure to ask your vet to assess your dog’s physical condition.
Pad on Over. Hot asphalt, gravel driveways and hard pavements take a toll on your dog’s paw pads. To avoid scrapes, burns and hard impact on the paws, choose grass and other softer surfaces when running with your dog.
Pace the Pup. He may think he’s Super Dog, but your best friend needs to work up his endurance. Too much exercise too soon can lead to injury, and doggie burnout. So start slowly with short sessions with your dog running next to you, or alongside your bike. If he starts panting a lot or just seems tired, call it quits for the day and fill up his bowl with fresh, cool water frequently. http://www.rei.com/product/759617
Time it Right. All dogs need a little extra help to avoid heat exhaustion. Remember, they can’t take off that fabulous fur coat no matter how hot it gets outside. And since they don’t sweat like us, they need to pant to cool down. You can help them beat the heat by exercising together in the morning or evening hours, especially during the summertime.
Get in Gear. Pedaling with your pup just got better. No more tangled leashes or hands-free riding. Nifty bike attachments keep your dog at a safe distance from your bike, while absorbing the tugging and pulling as he runs alongside. Just attach it to your bike frame and go for a smooth, safe ride together.
http://www.springeramerica.com/
Ready, Set, Glow! Now everyone will see the bright spot of your day. Reflective collars or jackets keep your dog in clear view of traffic, cyclists, anyone he encouters on his evening run or ride.
Twenty little toes and no pedicures – how do our pets manage? With sizzling sidewalks, rocky camp sites and backyard foxtails, those sweet feet need extra love during the summer months. Lucky for your pets, expert paw care is as close as their favorite person (you, of course.) Follow along for your guide to four perfect paws.
Give Me Twenty. Spend a few minutes each day inspecting your pet’s paws. Summertime adventures make it easy for blisters, cuts, foxtails or dirt to make their way onto the paw pads. Be sure to gently remove any objects stuck on the pads with your fingers or pair of tweezers. For tiny splinters or other hard-to-remove objects, try soaking the paw in warm water to loosen the debris. Then, rinse the area, and any other scrapes with pet-safe antibacterial soap. For major paw cuts or injuries, or even minor ones that just won’t heal, make sure your pet visits the vet.
Peticure, Please! Imagine it, your pet actually enjoying nail trimming time. All you need are his favorite treats and a trimmer and you’re in business. By distracting him with the treats, you’re free to trim back nails that can catch on the carpet, or cause slipping on hardwood floors. Just make sure to take your time so you don’t nick the quick. One nick on that sensitive nail spot and there aren’t enough treats in the world to get your pet to his next nail appointment. In fact it may be worth investing in one of the latest hi-tech nail clippers that sense your pet's quick and give visual cues as to when it is safe and when it is not safe to begin clipping; Red-Yellow-Green. Green means Go!
http://www.quickfinderclipper.com/
Lose the Dreads. Dreadlocks are not a good look for your pet. Besides, matted paw fur pick ups dirt, foxtails, bugs and other nasty hitchhikers. To help fluffy-footed dogs and cats keep their paw fur under control, just trim around the toes and pads with a rounded-tip scissors from time to time.
Give Paw Pain the Boot. Fabulous footwear is every dog’s right. Consider investing in protective boots for your outdoorsy dog. Once he breaks them in, he’ll be footloose on hot pavement, gravel driveways and all the tough terrain of summer.
http://www.ruffwear.com/dog_boots
If your dogs are anything like ours, they’re probably booked through summer. With all the doggie playdates, grooming appointments and weekend hikes, it’s a wonder there’s time for the dog park. But as the family social planner, you’ve agreed to check it out. After all, a party’s always better when you know who’s on the guest list anyway. So stop by your local dog park. Meet the regulars. See if the scene seems safe. This way, you can spare your best friend a scuff with neighborhood bullies. For more dirt on dog park politics and tips for playing it safe, Petplan pet insurance teamed up with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Read on for our Do’s and Don’ts on making the dog park scene.
Dog Park Do’s
Know Before You Go. Before your dog sets paw in your local dog park, make sure you’ve seen it first. Find out if the grounds are clean, the play area’s away from traffic, and the dogs are playing well together. If you notice aggressive behavior or little human supervision, consider another park for your pet.
Take It To Go. Pack along water, a bowl to serve it in and your dog’s favorite outdoor toy. You’ll also need a leash to enter and exit your dog park to comply with most park rules.
Sit. Stay. Good Person. The dog park is not the time to catch up on phone calls or chat with other pet parents. It’s essential that you supervise your dog at all times, maintain voice control, and have the leash in hand to remove your dog if necessary.
Leave Only Pawprints. Little things like scooping up after dogs and filling in the holes they dig, make dog parks safer for everybody. By pitching in, you’ll prevent transmission of parasites, protect paws from injury and mercifully, reduce odor. http://www.portapoo.com/products.html
Play Tag. Keep your dog legal and safe by keeping rabies vaccination, license and ID tags up-to-date and on the collar at all times.
Dog Park Don’ts
Pack a Snack. Dogs aren’t great when it comes to sharing treats. To avoid dog park brawls, leave the treats at home for an après-park treat.
Bring the Whole Family. Small kids might love the dog park too, but it’s not a good idea to bring them along. Spunky dogs might inadvertently knock-over a child. Or worse, the dogs may misread playful chasing and high-pitched screaming as a threat or even trigger hunting instincts. Even young dogs should wait awhile before visiting the dog park. Puppies under four months don’t have the necessary strength or vaccination protection they need for safe play with adult dogs. To keep everyone safe, focus your dog park attention on up to three vaccinated adult dogs at a time.
Overstay Your Welcome. When a dog starts acting aggressive for any reason, it’s time to go. By leaving immediately, you protect all the dogs at the park while teaching yours that bad behavior won’t be tolerated.
For more information on dog safety and care, visit Petplan’s partner, the HSUS online.
Today marks the inaugural Pet Fire Safety Day. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) announced that it partnered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and ADT Security Services in an effort to help reduce the number of pets affected in home fires every year. It is estimated that currently over 500,000 are pets affected in home fires each year. The main objective of this new coalition is to alert the public of the importance of pet fire safety and to remind people to include pets in their emergency plans.
At Petplan pet insurance we have seen our fair share of fire related claims, which is why we introduced the first ever customizable pet rescue alert poster. Since launching the poster 3 months ago thousands of pet parents across the country have uploaded their pet’s photos to create their custom alert posters. These posters are hanging on windows and doors to let fire crews know not only that there are pets inside the house but also what those pets look like and what they are called therefore aiding rescue efforts.
You can create and download your own pet rescue alert sign by going to http://www.gopetplan.com/pethealth/rescue-sticker.aspx. In addition here are a few more tips on how to keep your pets safe and avoid a fire emergency:
Extinguish Open Flames – We all know that curiosity killed the cat. Pets are by their very nature curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even an open fire. Make sure that your pet is never left unattended around an open flame.
Crate is kindest - Make sure to secure young pets when you are away from the home. Young puppies in particular have a knack for finding trouble. Try and keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home.
Keep Your Information Updated - Firefighters are familiar with pet alert window posters so keep the number of pets listed on them updated. With the custom Petplan pet alert sign you can add new family members at any time and feature up to three pets on each poster. Knowing the accurate number of pets in the house, what they look like and what they are called aides rescuers in finding all of your pets and provides important information so that firefighters do not put themselves or others in danger when rescuing pets.
Install Smoke Alarms– Change the batteries in your smoke alarm at least once a year and test it monthly to ensure it is functioning.
With the dog days of summer upon us, many will be planning a few days by the sea. If your dog enjoys a day at the shore or lakeside as much as you do, here are a few tips to make it a fun outing for all involved (with no-one getting out of their depth!).
Swimming
It is a misconception that all dogs can swim. Some don’t even know the doggy paddle! In fact, certain breeds of dog aren’t built for swimming at all; particularly those breeds of dog that have chunky bodies and short legs (that includes you, bulldogs!). While it’s not an absolute than any dog of such a breed can’t swim, it’s just more difficult for them and they are more likely to run into trouble.
Another population of dogs are those that are afraid of the water and won’t swim at all. Don’t assume that your dog will naturally take to the water, even if he is a retriever or water dog. If he wants to go into water, great, otherwise don’t force the issue.
Even if your dog enjoys the water and can swim, never leave him unattended. Just like people, a dog can be pulled under by strong tides and currents. You may even want to consider a pet life jacket if your dog will be swimming in the ocean or deep water.
Finally, don’t let your dog go out too far or let them become overly tired in the water. If they are an older dog that may lack the endurance they once had but even younger dogs can struggle with the unfamiliar exercise that swimming may present.
Sea Water
If your dog is a sea-lover, he will no doubt ingest salt-water. It goes with the territory. Small amounts won’t do any lasting harm; the most common side effect to a little salt-water drinking is loose stools for a day or two. However, if your dog shows a taste for salt water and ingests large amounts, he could get into trouble. Drinking large amounts of salt-water can throw off a dog’s electrolyte balance which can lead to dehydration, brain damage, kidney failure and even death.
Make sure that you have plenty of fresh water for your dog before you head to the beach, that way he won’t get the chance to develop a taste for salt water. There are many portable dog bowls and water carriers that you can use. I am a big fan of the Gulpy water dispenser as it is easy to use one handed and it serves as both a water bottle and dog bowl in one.
Sand
Whether your dogs swims or not, sand will still be a staple of beach days. We’re all familiar with finding sand absolutely everywhere after a visit to the coast but somewhere we definitely don’t want to find it is in the dog! If you have a dog that will eat anything you need to be extra vigilant at the beach. As with sea water, a little sand will do no harm but in larger quantities it can be harmful. Large quantities of sand could collect in the dog’s intestine/bowel and cause a blockage. Signs to look for are: straining to defecate with no result; lack of appetite; repeated vomiting or any signs of abdominal discomfort such as heavy panting, pacing, whining or a distended belly.
If you do notice any of these signs following a trip to the beach, take your dog to your veterinarian right away.
Sun
Most pet parents are unaware of the fact that skin tumors in dogs occur much more commonly than they do in people. Those dogs with short, white coats, light-colored skin and sparse tummy fur are particularly prone to sun-induced skin disease and cancer. Breeds like Dalmatians, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds and Greyhounds are particularly at risk. Also if you shave your dog’s coat for the summer this can leave his skin exposed to the sun.
So, when you’re headed for a day at the beach with your dogs, don’t forget the sunscreen! Remember that just like humans, sunscreen can wear off on your dog (or rub off, especially if he rolls around in the sand!), so you will need to reapply it frequently every other hour or so.
While some human sunscreen products are safe for dogs (please check with your veterinarian before applying any!), I usually recommend a pet sunscreen formulated specifically for dogs, such as Epi-Pet Sun Protector Sunscreen or Doggies Pet Sunscreen.
Apply sunscreen to the bridge of the nose, ear tips, the skin surrounding the lips, and any area where pigmentation is low. Don’t forget to include areas where your dog's skin is more exposed, such as the groin, abdomen and inner leg areas.
Heat Stroke
A long day at the beach can be exhausting for us; imagine how the heat and activity will affect your dog when you take into consideration the fact that he can’t really sweat and has a fur coat to boot! One of the greatest dangers that he is exposed to in the summer is heatstroke. At Petplan pet insurance this is one condition we see an increasing number of claims for over the summer months. This can be an extremely serious condition and the worst thing about it is that it’s totally preventable. Dogs do not have an efficient method of handling excess heat and few dogs have the sense to head for shade or realize that they shouldn't get too excited or work hard in the heat.
Signs of heat exhaustion can include:
- Changes in breathing: heavy panting and/or hyperventilation (fast breathing).
- Changes to the gums and mouth: Healthy gums are pink and moist, heatstroke-affected pets will initially salivate more as they try to lose heat through evaporation then, as the condition progresses, the gums become gray and dry as dehydration sets in.
- Gastrointestinal signs: vomiting or diarrhea, sometimes with blood.
- Eventually slowed or absent breathing efforts, finally seizures or coma can result.
Many pet parents assume that if a dog is in the water, he won't overheat. Unfortunately, this just isn't true, especially when the water temperature gets much above 75 degrees and if the dog is working hard in the water.
If a dog shows signs of serious distress from the heat it is best to cool him immediately with cool or tepid water rather than really cold water. Most dogs will not drink water at this stage of heat stroke and it is not a good idea to spend time trying to get them to. Just get to the vet's as quickly as possible.
End of day
Finally, before heading back home, rinse your pooch down thoroughly to remove all salt water and sand from his coat. Not only will it avoid finding sand in the car for the rest of the year but it will also help protect your dog’s skin; salt and sand can be drying and irritating.
Congratulations! You now know how to easily avoid subjecting your four-legged friend to riptides, salt water ingestion, sand impaction, sun-burn and heat-stroke! Now you can make sure you concentrate on the really important things…. like making sure you’ve packed a camera to capture all of those priceless summer moments!
One of Petplan’s own was recently featured as a guest blogger on lovethydog.com. She wrote a great piece on pet seat belt safety that I just had to share.
"Hi! My name is Amy. I spent 8 years as a veterinary technician, and now I work as one of the Happiness Managers for Petplan pet insurance, the world’s largest pet insurance provider. For over a decade I’ve seen your pets both in a medical capacity and now in the insurance claims that follow. I’m sure that those of you who are parents make sure that your children are safely seat belted and/or appropriately secured in your car. Sadly we often fail to protect our pets in the same way. Does Fido bounce around the back seat or sit in your lap while you drive? Let’s talk about dog seat belts.
A few months ago, a claim came to my attention from a family whose dog hopped out of a car window while the car was in motion! Luckily, Niko survived thanks to the quick thinking of his mom and the emergency hospital, but in the process, he lost his fluffy white tail. I had a few conversations with his mom and instructed her on car safety (she’d never even heard of seat belts for pets). In researching ways to support Niko and his family I discovered that most of my co-workers let their dogs hang out unsecured in the car. This prompted me to become the Petplan seat belt “advocate”.
Some dog seat belts are actually padded vests with straps for the lap belt to thread through, but others are more in the line of a “harness” with extra loops on the back that your lap belt will pass through. You can even buy a special dog “booster seat” that comes with it’s own straps, kind of like a toddler safety seat. Any of these can give your dog the freedom to move around a bit, and look out the window. You’ll know that the dog will be safe in the case of an accident, and you won’t have a dog in your lap, obstructing your ability to drive!
My own dog, Baku, has a harness seat belt. It was inexpensive ($19.99 for the “small”), and he can use it out of the car as a harness. It’s adjustable and he can look out of the window while we’re driving. He absolutely loves it, and whenever I take it out of the closet, he knows he’s going somewhere fun (even if it’s to the vet’s office…weird dog!).
Do your homework before buying one, to get an idea of what you are really looking for in safety and comfort. Check the reviews, if any, of the brand you’re buying, to get the consumers’ opinions. Buy the appropriate size for your dog, and always put your dog in the back seat, especially if you have passenger side air bags, which have been known to cause injury in pets while they sit in the front seat.
Here’s a good place to start: http://www.petautosafety.com/ to ensure safe travels for you and your dog!"
Great job Amy and THANK YOU to Betsy at Lovethydog for giving Amy the opportunity to share her passion for safe pet travel.
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