Archive for February, 2010
Health Insurance for Pets in Pennsylvania
Posted by admin in Veterinary Pet Insurance on February 28, 2010
Throughout history most of a veterinarian’s clientele was farm livestock (large animals). Dogs, cats and other household pets made up such a small amount of their daily business there was very little reason to study up on it. Even the beloved European veterinarian, James Herriott, counted on the Yorkshire farmers for a majority of his country clinics business. In 1884 that began to change when the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary school opened the United States very first clinic specializing in the veterinary needs of dogs. In 2001 the United States of America had over 28,000 veterinarians who specialize in small animals.
It is fitting that Pennsylvania opened the very first vet clinic that specialized in the veterinary needs of dogs, the state has had a long running bond with the canine population, starting with the states founders, William Penn’s, Great Dane. A portrait of this Great Dane standing beside his master can be seen hanging in the governor’s reception room of the governor’s mansion in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania considers the Great Dane the state dog. Owners of Great Dane’s appreciate the breed’s faithfulness, intelligence, beauty, courage, and tolerance. Great Danes stand approximately 30-34 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 120-200 pounds, people who have Great Danes believe that the larger the dog the better. Because of their large size Great Danes are not an exceptionally long lived dog; their bodies simply aren’t designed to last very long. Many Great Danes suffer from heart problems, bloat, twisted intestines, and tail injuries. Some Great Danes have been diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Great Dane owners are not advised to take their Great Danes jogging until the puppy is at least one year old. Dogs featured in ancient Greek art work bear a strong resemblance to today’s Great Dane. German hunters were especially impressed with the dog’s ability at hunting bears and wild boars and bred the best great Danes to the best Greyhounds which helped create a leaner more agile breed.
Dog owners in the state of Pennsylvania are more then eligible to purchase pet health insurance for their dogs from the American Kennel Club. The American Kennel club estimates that the average pet owner who purchases an essential pet health care insurance plan (the essential health insurance plan is the name of the AKC’s lowest health insurance policy) through them will only pay approximately sixty-eight cents per day. Pet owners who purchase pet health insurance through the American Kennel Club have four different types of health insurance plans to choose from. The American Kennel Club Insurance company is happy to include cats into its health care insurance program. The American Kennel club is so confident that pet owners will love the benefits of purchasing pet health care insurance through them that they proudly offer owners the opportunity to test drive their insurance policy free for sixty days. Pet owners who insure their pets with pet health care insurance offered by the American Kennel Club are allowed to decide if they would like to receive a monthly statement in the mail or if they would rather pay for the an entire years worth of insurance in one lump sum and then not have to worry about it for twelve months.
Joan Shine
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/health-insurance-for-pets-in-pennsylvania-703882.html
The Questions You Should Ask Before Getting Pet Health Insurance
People are becoming more curious about the best pet health insurance. This is more true for those who treat their pets as family. And as you go about pet ownership, you will realize how expensive it can be to have you furry companions go through a periodic medical check up to ensure that they are at the top of their health all the time.
Once you start searching for the insurance companies, you will notice that you have so many to choose from. But do not take anything just because it seems to offer the best plans. You must do further research to be sure that you are getting into the real deal. Think about your pets. What do you think will be best for them?
And do not forget the most important rule when you are on the process of finding the right policy for your pet, ask questions. The process is similar to the steps you take when you avail insurance policies for yourself. You must choose the one that will be all worth it in the end. You must feel secure that your policy will take care of you if anything happens all of a sudden like an accident or certain illnesses.
Your role in determining what insurance will work best for your pets is to ask the right questions. If you have no idea on how to go about it, you can start with these selections.
1. Can I avail the service of my chosen vet? Different companies will have different answers to this one depending on their rules and the policy that you will be getting. It is important to know at first hand that when an accident happen, you can bring your pet to the nearest vet and not worry about if they are affiliated with the insurance company or not. But if it is okay with you that the company has a list of service providers, then you must get a copy of that list. This way, you will know where to run once an unexpected incident happen to you pet.
2. Do I need to get a comprehensive plan or a discount insurance plan? This will very much depend on your budget. The comprehensive insurance plan works more like the health insurance of humans. Whereas a discount plan will require you to pay annual fees and you will only avail of discount services with regards to pets and other related examinations.
3. Is there any exclusion to the plan? The answer to this will depend on the insurance company. But the most common exclusions include pre-existing health conditions as well as hereditary defects of your pets. So you have to tell them the exact situation of your furry friend. This way, they will be able to present to you what they deem will suit your pet the best way possible.
4. Are there any deductibles that I have to pay? This will depend on the plan that you will be getting. The deductible is the first payment that you have to give before you can utilize the policy. The smaller this is, the higher your premium will be. But this must be decided according to what you can afford. So look at your budget closely and allocate for such fund wisely. By asking around the right questions, in time, you will be able to find the best pet health insurance that will perfectly fit on your pet’s needs and on your budget.
Jadon Sluck
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-questions-you-should-ask-before-getting-pet-health-insurance-737729.html
Why You Should Buy Pet Insurance To Protect That Additional Family Member
Posted by admin in Dog Insurance on February 28, 2010
So many people try to decide if they should buy pet insurance or just pay for the vet costs as they come up. They wonder if there truly is an advantage or if it is just another way for insurance companies to make money. The only way to decide if this option in pet care is of interest to you is to research what the different plans offer and to see if they are worthwhile.
There are many plans available depending on which insurance companies you investigate. Their programs for your cat or dog can either be minor, covering only the basics, or much more comprehensive. Compare prices and plans before deciding. Shopping around is the only way to learn where the best coverage for your pet will come from.
Depending on what you are looking for in a policy you can buy pet insurance for your dog or cat for under a dollar a day. This can cover everything from illness, check-ups, vaccinations and injuries to x-rays, medications and surgery. What is covered is completely dependent on which company and what animal policy coverage the animal owner chooses. The ongoing treatment of a dog or cat can be expense if there is long term treatment required. Polices are available from insurance companies throughout the United States. There is even coverage available through the American Kennel Club, and not only for registered dogs, but for cats too.
One of the things that people worry about is can they choose their own vet. This is very important to most people. When you buy pet insurance you will get to choose the vet you use. Just the same way you can choose which program most suits you and the money you are able to spend on this animal medical policy. Some policies offer you such complete coverage that you will see the kind of money that you will be able to save.
Most companies will not cover those things that are expected expenses. That means that your animal’s medical plan will not cover spaying or neutering, flea control or special diets. Yet, other companies will offer policies that will cost you just a little more than the ones that cover only accidents, illnesses and injuries. These will take care of even the wellness veterinarian visits. It might cost a little more but in the long run will be a large saving.
You can pay monthly or yearly based on which method suits your financial situation. When you look at your dog or cat and think about the money you may spend in a year on general care, then think about what could go wrong you should consider this option. When you buy pet insurance it will give you that feeling of having a cushion should something serious strike your beloved animal.
Craig Thornburrow
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/why-you-should-buy-pet-insurance-to-protect-that-additional-family-member-103007.html
How to Use Dog Behavior Modification Techniques for Separation Anxiety in Dogs
If your canine friend is showing signs of separation anxiety in dogs, there are several dog behavior modification techniques you can use to change his behavior.
How To Handle Mild Cases Of Dogs With Separation Anxiety
The most important thing to do is to keep your comings and goings low-key. If your dog is overly excited when you come home, and jumps around in happiness at your return for more than a minute, this isn’t a good thing.
Many dog owners make the mistake of encouraging their dogs to get worked up when they come home. It seems harmless, but what you’re really doing is reinforcing his belief that your coming home is the highest point of the day. The problem is that when you need to leave again, it makes it even harder for him to see you go.
Try leaving your dog with a piece of clothing that has your scent on it. Dogs with separation anxiety often find it reassuring to sleep on an old sweatshirt or t-shirt that you’ve worn recently.
Without knowing it, you’ve already established “safety cues” for your dog. A safety cue is an action you take upon leaving that tells your dog you’ll be back soon. For example, when your dog sees you going out with the trash, he knows you’ll be right back, and he doesn’t get upset.
A good technique is to use safety cues with your dog. If you know you’re going to be gone for a short time, you can leave the radio or tv on, or give him a certain toy to play with. Use these safety cues when you’re practicing with your dog so he gets to know what they are.
Be careful though. If you try using a safety cue like leaving the radio on for longer than your dog is used too, it won’t work any more. These cues are useful for shorter absences.
Dog Behavior Modification For More Severe Cases
If your buddy has a severe case of separation anxiety in dogs, you may want to try these dog behavior modification techniques. Keep these sessions short, but do them several times a day.
Start by putting on your coat and grabbing your car keys like you usually do when you leave, but then sit down. Repeat this until your dog isn’t bothered by it. Next, you’ll do these things and go to the door and open it, and then sit back down. Again, keep doing it until your dog shows no interest.
Next, go out through the door, leaving it open, and then come back in. The next step is to go though the door, and close it behind you. Immediately come back in. Progress to staying outside for a few minutes and coming back.
Remember to keep your exits and returns very low-key. You don’t want your dog to get excited that you’re back. His attitude should be, “ho-hum, it’s you again.” If your dog gets upset at any point, you’re going too fast. Go back to any earlier step, and start again.
You can see how you’re desensitizing your dog by teaching him that you can go away for longer and longer periods of time and still return safely.
Avoid Teaching Your Dog The Wrong Things
In conclusion, now you understand how easy it is to unknowingly train your dog to do what you don’t want him to do. Avoid these mistakes by finding a dog training course that shows you how your dog’s mind works. You’ll be amazed at how quickly and easily you can deal with separation anxiety in dogs once you understand how your canine friend thinks.
Darlene Norris
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-use-dog-behavior-modification-techniques-for-separation-anxiety-in-dogs-736292.html
Pet Insurance recommendations?
Posted by admin in Pet Insurance Reviews on February 22, 2010
My vet recommended the ASPCA or VPI pet insurance, but when I went online and looked at reviews, neither of those did very well. The best reviewed ones were Embrace and PetPlan US. Does anyone have any feedback on any of these?
True, I have heard lots of bad things about aspca and vpi… most vets know about vpi because it has been around the longest but of course age doesn’t necessarily equal quality by any means.
I know that Petplan does some limitations on the policy depending on the breed. I am also pretty sure they do benefits schedules (though they make it very difficult to find their policy on the website).
Anyway, I did a lot of research before choosing Trupanion for my dog. They seemed to be the most straight forward and honest, they openly disclose everything they cover and don’t cover.
What I like about them is they have no claim limits or annual limits, which both Petplan and Embrace do (and its more expensive for a higher annual limit with these companies). Plus Trupanion doesn’t increase your premium as your pet ages which it seems like almost every company does. And you can enroll your pet up to age 14 and then it is covered for life!
Just be sure to read the policies (if you can find them) before signing up for anything. Good luck and don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions during the process!
Pet/veterinary credit card. Do you have one?
Posted by admin in Veterinary Pet Insurance on February 22, 2010
Well, it turns out that our main source of income was "let go" today. I want to have my pets covered in case the worst happens, but I don’t want to pay for insurance, because I don’t feel that the dogs need it. But I would like a safety net.
Have you used a pet credit card? Which one would you suggest?
I use Care Credit and if you pay in full on time you do not pay interest.It has been a life saver for me several times 
Has anyone used the Banfield Wellness Program or other pet insurance plan?
I am calling around to vets and the price they charge for a neuter is absolutely ridiculous! Up to $240 quoted, which I’m sure means a lot more once all is said and done. Banfield seems to be the cheapest so far, and they’ve been nice and caring for the old kitty.
Anyhow, my question is do you know how long you have to be on the plan to get the benefits? Is it worth the monthly cost? Are you satisfied with the program?
I would not use banfield.
http://www.spay.org/
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/where_to_have_your_pet_spayed_or_neutered.html
Call your shelter and local rescue too.
That is outrageous!!!
Ok to take new dog to parks?
Posted by admin in Dog Vacinations on February 22, 2010
I’m getting an 8 1/2 week old puppy on Friday and am supposed to be going to a BBQ picnic on Sunday at a park. He will have only have had one lots of vacinations. Will it be ok to take him to the park for an hour or so? Also, will he be ok if he comes into contact with other dogs there?
I just don’t want him to get sick or anything and don’t know what is ok and what’s not. Thanks!
I would keep contact down to a minimum. Remember this will be a stress at first for your dog, since it is so much for it to take in, so expect strange behavior. Keep the animal away from excreta since this could carry par-vol virus which needs time for vaccination’s to take since this is a deadly virus, ask you vet for further advice, since they would know the strength of the first injection, enjoy the day, you will enjoy the fuss you both will have and as time goes by so will the dog, then you will have a social animal who likes going with you to all of your picnics for the contact and the food, just monitor what other people will give your dog, since it will not know yet when to stop. This is where you will learn what you do now controls how your dog will behave in the future, whether you want it to beg at tables for food, or have it’s own way with your food. This is the hard part when they are loving puppies. you make it’s future and behavior now:
How do you get your dogs to go through the dog door?
We just put in a Dog Door. One of my dogs will go through if you hold the flap open. The other one is scared to death and freaks out if I get him near it or try to help him through.
When we got the doggie door put in our back door, the vet told me the best thing to do was leave the dog on the inside and then go outside and open the flap and stick your head thru and try to coax the dog thru…..I did it a few times and held the door open for him and he did well, but when i left the flap down and called him he wouldn’t go near it. I then lifted the flap a little and called him thru and he got used to the feeling of the "flap" on his body as he went thru….it took awhile, but don’t give up! And i also agree with other users, treats help!…..
Dog Insurance?
Posted by admin in Dog Insurance on February 22, 2010
If you get dog insurance for your dog are the vaccinations and check ups cheaper? Is it a good idea to get Dog Insurance for a small fragile dog?
with some plans, vaccinations are partially covered, although it’s not much (i think we got about $30 back on vaccinations of about $90). on our policy, checkups are not covered unless they’re followup visits for something you’ve already seen the vet for.
but if your dog is, as you say, "fragile," i would highly recommend insurance. we have 2 labradors (5 years and 2 years old) who would have cost us a fortune if we hadn’t had policies on them. the most recent visit was $1400. they had enjoyed a bowl of grapes (grapes can cause renal failure in dogs and it’s a very serious thing — don’t ever feed your dog grapes or raisins!) and we didn’t know which dog had eaten them, so both dogs had to get treated. the insurance cost annually is about $350 each, so in just the one visit — and believe me, there have been others since, although not as expensive — the policies have paid for themselves many times over.
-
You are currently browsing the archives for February, 2010
Affilorama Premium
