Petplan insurance Canada- also dog insurance in general?
Posted by admin in Dog Insurance on November 7, 2010
1. Do you have insurance for your dog in general? Why or why not?
2. If you do how much is your monthly premium? Do you feel like you get your money’s worth?
3. Anyone in Canada have a company they would recommend?
Is it normal for my dog’s insurance to start at $420/year and go up to $980 for a 24lb mutt?
The $980 plan covers 6 months of flea, tick, heartworm preventative, annual shots and more dental than the others. Am I better to start with a cheaper plan and move up the next year if I find it worthwhile?
Am I maybe better just to have money saved in quickly cashed-in investments for emergencies?
$420 a year seems like a lot of money considering it doesn’t cover his shots, preventatives, etc- which is mostly why I go to the vet now (he’s had 1 throat infection= $100- which wouldn’t have been covered if it was the only thing to happen because of the deductible).
Any opinions?
I refuse to waste my money on pet insurance. More often than not, I would not spend the amount that insurance premiums charge and the chances of something big happening are not that great. I would prefer to take those premiums and tuck them away into a savings account, year after year, and then use that money when needed, if needed. If something big did happen, I would use an emergency only credit card, or work a payment plan out with my vet if I didn’t have the cash on hand.
I do believe that tho some have benefited from this, most will spend more on premiums than what they will get in return in actual medical coverage. That’s how all insurance companies make a profit tho.
Special Considerations For Pet Beagle Owners
Beagles are happy loving dogs that have a long relationship with man as a hunting companion. Although no one knows for sure where these dogs descended from, there are records of small hunting dogs that go back to the 13th century and it is no secret these dogs are quite successful for hunting fox and rabbit.
Their great nose not withstanding, beagles are also fun companions that can adapt easily to family life. However, you will have to keep in mind that the Beagle does have strong instincts for the chase and you must never let him loose or walk him without his lead.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1884, this popular breed is muscular with long droopy ears, dark eyes, a short coat and a keen sense of smell. The breed comes in two sizes – one under 13 inches and one between 13 and 15 inches. He can be any color but typical beagles show tan and black on white.
Along with his propensity for chasing small animals, the Beagles voice can be another one of his less lovable traits. The beagle has a rather loud howl which is great for helping hunters find them when they are on the trail of prey, but not so good when they are waking you up with it in the middle of the night. Beagles do tend to bark when they hear strange noises and can bay loudly when left alone for long periods of time so if you are considering a Beagle for apartment life then you might want to think twice.
Beagles are very active dogs and need to be exercises regularly. You shouldn’t leave them out unattended though so be prepared to walk them daily and take them to the park on weekends. Beagles are very social and will not like being left alone for long periods of time or they can become destructive.
Although Beagles are fairly easy to groom with their short coat, you should plan to brush them once a week to remove dead hair. They can take to rolling in icky stuff so you be prepared to bathe him at times as well. The long droopy ears can become infected easily and must be examined frequently to be sure no infection is brewing.
One thing to watch for in your pet Beagle is overeating. Beagles like to eat and are not finicky at all about what they put in their mouths. In fact, you might find your Beagle rummaging in the trash for a snack shortly after dinner. Since Beagles are small dogs, you do need to be sure your pet does not overeat as this can cause him to become overweight which will bring on health problems.
Beagles can live to be around 15 years of age if cared for properly. Some diseases to be watched for in this breed in particular include epilepsy, glaucoma, cataracts, invertebral disk disease, hypothyroidism and retinal apathy. Getting your beagle from a good breeder with healthy lineage is key to avoiding these kinds of disease.
Lee Dobbins
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/special-considerations-for-pet-beagle-owners-39465.html
Hearing Aids For Dogs?! – But Why!?
Posted by admin in Dog Insurance on October 30, 2010
We all need to hear so we are aware of what is going on around us and expect to be able to use it especially when to alert us of any dangers. Dogs also need to be able to hear, but it is expected that they can adapt to life without it. While some dogs manage, is there any reason why dogs shouldn’t use a hearing aid?
Dogs can live up to a good age and easily reach their teens before long. With good veterinary care and modern medicine they can live to a ripe old age. Just like humans, as they get older, they will suffer from conditions that come with age like their hearing.
You will notice when your dog loses its hearing as suddenly he is less responsive when you call his name or may not look up at all. If he is facing you he is more likely to respond. Or when he is called you find that he is looking in the wrong direction. Other signs are that he is sleeping most of the time, and will only wake when you touch him. You may also notice that he is shaking his head around like a child would with hearing problems, and they start to make a fuss of their ears. This is when a hearing aid could come in handy to help your dog overcome these problems.
This is a clinic in Texas which can give a hearing test to any dogs that are brought in with suspected hearing loss. Once the test has been carried out, the dog’s owner will have more of an idea of what hearing loss their dog is diagnosed with and if there are any suitable solutions to help them. The centre offers a plans to help dogs get used to wearing a hearing aid. Over a month the volume of the aid is gradually adjusted to the right level for the dog. The price is about $250 for each aid. The programs are designed to ease a dog gently into wearing a hearing aid and get used to the idea with the least discomfort.
There is a contraption available for dogs as a hearing aid which easily fits onto their collar. The aid comes in a container which is collar mounted, with a tube leading from it to a foam plug which is placed in the dog’s ear. This is very much structured like the BTE, that is Behind the Ear, hearing aids. These devices tend to be tolerated by smaller dogs, as the larger dogs don’t take to them as well.
There are companies that can offer ITE, In the Ear, hearing aids to suit dogs. A doctor will take a mould of the dog’s ear canal, which is then sent on for the laboratory to use and build the human ITE into it. Once that is made the dog has to go through the normal testing before the hearing aid is fitted in his ears, although that could be a difficult step. This is the risk and expense that owners take as some dogs will tolerate a hearing aid and others won’t stand for it. Some pet veterinary insurance companies do actually cover the cost of these devices.
A dog is more confident if he can hear his owner’s voice. He is also alert to danger around him and can respond when he needs to. Hearing loss can make it confusing for him as he suddenly notices changes in his hearing world. Having a hearing aid will make all the difference and make him happier at coping with life. Any loving dog owner will understand these reasons.
Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/disabilities-articles/hearing-aids-for-dogs-but-why-709013.html
Dog Accessories For The Party Animal
Canine parties are now a fact of life for many dog and their owners. If you are invited to a party for a pooch which dog accessories will you need? Maybe you are the one planning the event, you will still need accessories.
If will depend on the event of course. If you are going to be a guest at a summer shindig you may want matching beachwear for you and your little furry friend or at least hats and beach towels.
A dog attending any social function should have an appropriate collar and leash. If the event is formal such as a wedding or cocktail party you may prefer something with rhinestones. A tiara might be a nice touch and don’t hold back on the gown or tails (and I don’t mean the canine variety). There are outfits made from satin, lace and other lovely fabrics. These pieces of clothing may also have matching jackets, cloaks or capes.
Holidays are the perfect time for a soiree. Besides fabulous costumes for Halloween and party clothing for Christmas you will find dog accessories made to compliment and adorn. There are charming hats, boots and sweaters. Your dog will look like a million bucks.
Now that you have an idea of what Bowser will be wearing maybe you should concentrate on gift ideas. There are all kinds of dog accessories that will be perfect for any party or occasion.
Shop online and you will find an amazing array of accessories and gifts for any dog. Personalized presents are always nice and you may have a choice of doggy dishes, beds, pillows, chairs, Christmas ornaments and more. Online shopping allows you to see so many dog accessories and they can be conveniently purchased and delivered right to your door.
Toys are hot dog accessories and the choices are almost endless. Choose from balls, plush toys, snacks launchers and toys that can be chased. You will want to make sure all the toys are safe for dogs and won’t cause any problems. There are toys that can be stuffed with snacks and you could also include a nice assortment of treats. Any toy that can be chewed safely makes a good gift, also. Pull toys are always popular and can be enjoyed by the owner as well.
Other dog accessories could include grooming items. There are wonderful combs and brushes, and shampoos and conditioners that are gentle and safe to use.
Maybe the guest of honor loves to walk and gets to take part in this activity on a daily basis. A new collar and leash combo would make a terrific gift. You could include one of those little bones filled with plastic bags for doggy doo pick up while you’re at it.
Whether you are the invited or the invitee for the next canine celebration you will be prepared when you explore all the dog accessories available.
Dustin Cannon
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-accessories-for-the-party-animal-91127.html
Do Pet Get Hepatitis
Pet CPR is a very important skill for those who deal with emergency medical cases concerning dogs. Although not everyone learns it, those who do are a vital factor in saving the lives of many beloved pets. Do dogs get hepatitis? People obviously do. But do dogs get this disease? And how does this affect them?
Hepatitis is actually a very broad term. It will signify an inflammation of the liver, although the causes may actually differ. Since the liver is a very complex and vital organ a disease that incapacitates it will prove to be fatal. The livers primary functions are the detoxification, metabolism, the storage of glycogen and the synthesis of plasma protein. It also produces the bile that aids in digestion. The good news is, the liver is a large organ with plenty of reserves. The bad news is, since it has a large reserve, it won’t show apparent symptoms unless the liver is seriously damaged.
Although dogs do get hepatitis, it may be different in cause and effect from human hepatitis. There is what is called Infectious Canine Hepatitis. This disease is caused by a virus, and may prove to be a fatal disease in some dogs.
What is It? This disease is caused by the CAV-1 an adenovirus. Dogs typically acquire this virus from contact, either through inhalation or ingestion of urine, eye secretions, and nasal secretions of infected dogs. This type of virus does not affect humans or other animals, only dogs.
The virus will attack the liver, eye, kidney, and blood vessel cells upon entry into the system of the dog. Fortunately, not all of these infections are fatal. Some dogs, after acquiring this virus, will manifest a cough, lethargy, loss of appetite, moodiness and low grade fevers. In some cases, they do not show any symptoms at all.
Some will develop blue eye. Blue eye is a bluish discoloration of the cornea of the pets eye. Dogs that go through these become immune to re-infection from the disease. This will usually be the case in healthy, mature dogs with a healthy immune system.
However, there are some dogs especially puppies that will become very ill due to the virus. These dogs will develop internal bleeding, liver disease, tonsillitis, and general inflammation of the eyes and mouth. If left untreated, this condition could quickly deteriorate to shock and death.
The virus is also known to attack the dog’s spinal cord and brain. After infection the virus will take about five days to a week before manifesting openly. By this time the dog will be secreting the virus through its stool, urine, saliva, and nasal secretions. In two weeks time, the dog either succumbs to the illness or develops chronic hepatitis coupled with cirrhosis of the liver. This will seriously impair the dog’s capacity for converting glucose, and absorbing toxins.
This condition will reduce the liver’s capability to perform functions necessary for life. These functions include filtering harmful and toxic elements from the blood, storing blood sugar for conversion into usable energy, and creating many proteins that are necessary in the system.
Unfortunately, there is no way to destroy the virus after it has entered the dog’s system. Veterinarians will treat the disease by good supportive therapy intravenous fluids, good diet, rest, medicines to lighten the liver’s workload, and good care all aimed to strengthen the dog’s ability to recuperate. They will also give antibiotics to treat secondary infections.
There is a vaccine for this disease. It is a routine part of a puppy’s vaccination plan. And partly due to its efficiency, the cases of canine hepatitis in the United States are low. Therefore, the best way to keep your dogs free from this disease is a proper vaccination plan, and prompt and periodic visits with the veterinarian.
Canine hepatitis can prove to be a troublesome disease that, if unattended, will surely result in a dog’s death. With proper information about this disease dog owners will be able to take preemptive steps to assure themselves that their pets are safe from this debilitating diseases.
Chronic Active Hepatitis: As opposed to the previous disease, this form of hepatitis is harder to treat and the prognoses are not very promising. This usually occurs in dogs of advanced age. The disease is caused by other factors such as toxins and molds in the dog’s diet. Infectious Canine Hepatitis can also cause this.
The symptoms of this disease are hard to pinpoint, but generally they will include lethargy, diarrhea, loss of appetite, swollen abdomen, jaundice (or yellowing eyes, gums, and skin). This disease could advance into the nervous system and render the dog blind. Seizures, coma and death usually follow.
To avoid this disease, good health habits including a good diet that emphasizes foods screened for toxins and molds should be exercised.
John Samson
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/do-pet-get-hepatitis-685192.html
California and Their Pet Health Insurance
Posted by admin in Dog Insurance on October 21, 2010
In 1849 hundreds of men made the grueling climb across the Rocky mountain scope before stepping against California’s soil. These men, who narration remembers as forty-niners, came to California with dreams of stunning a mother layer of gold and spending the rest of their living in the lap of luxury. Few of these forties-niners had possessions value speaking of, just the unkempt torn clothes they were wearisome, a spoon, a pan specially intended to select through river residue, and an old mule to drag their find out of the mountains.
Over a hundred and fifty existence have conceded since the last forty-niner made their closing trek across the Rockies with only his own influence and a cantankerous old mule named Worthless for business. In this new present world a different form of self is journeying across the country seeking the answers for all their dreams and prayers in the cheery California sunlight. Today its students, recently armed with make new high educate diplomas and a tiny sub-compact car rich down with pricey clothing and glamour shots, seeking not gold but slightly fame under the sharp lights of an acting studio. Like the fortey-niners, many of these prospect stars have only their CD collections and a family pet to keep the company on the long maneuver across the country.
What many of these Hollywood hopefuls don’t achieve is the animal vigor field of the California Department of Food and Agriculture has policy and regulations for bringing pets into the grandeur. Most of the policy will contain the babyish pet possessor to take their pet to the veterinarian for a cycle of shots and an exam before leaving for the land of picture stars and millionaires. The grasp of pet shape caution coverage can sometimes let the youngsters get the habit vet work out of the way lacking forcing them to dip to seriously into their savings.
Domestic cats that are infected with a contagious disease are not tolerable into California. Cats are not vitals to have a present rabies vaccination nor do they have to have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection before they annoyed the disarray line into California. They must have a shape certificate if they are impending from a corner that was under rabies quarantine. If you are coming into the public of California via airplane test with the airline about what fitness requirements they enforce before allowing your cat to fly. Before you ditch your home urban for the California beach line, ask your veterinarian what can be done to make the falter as comfortable and innocent for your cat.
Just like cats the California Department of Food and Agriculture will not allow dogs that are shipping an infectious disease to resist the shape line into California. Any dog over four months of age is mandatory to a certificate stating the time of its last rabies vaccination, the brand of vaccination worn, the manufacturer lot number of the rabies vaccines used, and the name of the vet who gave the insertion. If you are roving by plane ask the airline about any additional health requirements your dog must converge before it is tolerable to fly. The nearer you link your airline the better.
If you are bringing a more exotic mode of pet, such as a potbellied pig, into the status of California you may be required to have a doorway permit.
Jason Richards
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/california-and-their-pet-health-insurance-711401.html
Are There Benefits To Crating Your Dog?
Everyone needs a space of their own. You have your home office or den, your husband has the garage or workshop, your children have their bedrooms. But what about the dog? Even the family dog needs a space of his own from time to time. This is the true function of the dog crate. Many dog owners refuse to use them because of the negative connotations that come with it. But, if used properly, a dog crate or a small dog cage, can serve as a place of solitude for your dog.
In order for the crate to be a positive experience for your dog, begin the process of crate training on a day or night when you have time to stay at home and observe your dog’s behavior. During the day, for instance, put your dog inside the crate for short periods say, 15-minute intervals. A successful crating session has happened if your dog seems comfortable. If your dog whines or tries to get your attention, ignore her, but take note. If it’s simply a cry for attention, she will soon learn that crate time is personal time, and will begin to occupy herself or rest. If the whining worsens, or does not go away over a few days of consistent crating sessions, there may be a deeper issue there, and you should consult an expert.
To reinforce the idea that the crate should be a positive experience, crate your dog several times during the day and increase each session by five minutes. After each session resume your dog’s normal routine, taking play breaks and walks outside. By the end of the day, you should be up to a full 30 minutes of crate time.
That evening, put her to bed in the crate after she’s had her nightly bathroom break, of course. Chances are, she will fall right to sleep.
If she spends her 15-minute interval whining, simply continue crating her throughout the day in 15-minute intervals until she begins to feel comfortable enough to stop trying to get your attention. By bedtime, she should be comfortable enough to spend a night in the crate. If she whimpers at this point, don’t worry – especially if she is very young. A young puppy will still be suffering from separation anxiety and missing her mother. Successful crate training will provide comfort and stability during this difficult transition period.
The crate can also be an invaluable tool when it comes to housebreaking your dog. It is a rare dog that will go to the bathroom when confined to a small space. Like humans, they find the idea of soiling themselves pretty disgusting and will avoid doing so if at all possible. For that reason, if you are crate-training and potty-training at the same time, take your dog outside to use the bathroom after each crate session. Give her five or 10 minutes to do her business and praise her lavishly when she does.
If you are using the crate specifically to potty train, you may want to recrate her after a nonproductive bathroom break. Once she goes in the yard, however, praise her lavishly and release her to play.
Many people who use crates for their dogs leave the crate door open when the dog is not inside, in order to give the pooch access to it. Remember, the crate is a good thing. It is your dog’s room. The fact that your dog chooses to spend time there on her own is a good sign. This will become a place of security and will provide peace of mind for both you and your dog.
Jeff Clare
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/are-there-benefits-to-crating-your-dog-132569.html
Where is a good site to compare pet health insurance?
Posted by admin in Pet Insurance Reviews on October 21, 2010
Looked at eopinions.com. Does anyone know where I can find a place to find a comprehensive list of reviews? Also, if you have experiences to share, that would be great as well. I originally thought of Pets Best but when I looked up information on the people that run it, they supposedly have a history of being involved in a scandal and the founder hunts for fun. It makes me nervous about his compassion towards animals. Sure they are wild animals, but I want to choose a plan that I feel most secure with.
I have a healthy 10 month old cat. I want to take him for routine care (check ups yearly, shots, dental cleaning). And of course some coverage in the event of an unexpected medical condition. He doesn’t seem to be a very high risk pet i.e. no birth defects, but you never know.
I actually just went through this earlier this year. I didn’t use a comparison per say: just focused on what I whated in coverage. When I got my cats a few years back, I went with Banfield (www.banfield.net) located inside most PetsMart stores. Even though they give you the best coverage for your money, their service is so poor (which made it not so cost effective afterall).
When I sent out to find a new vet, I looked for someone who took my CareCredit card. Once I had a vet, I looked at which insurenace he took and I found VPI (http://www.petinsurance.com/).
I think you should first find a vet your kitten is comfortable visiting and then see which insurance companies know your vet.
i was wondering if my health insurance can be used on my pet in need of veterinary car?
Posted by admin in Veterinary Pet Insurance on October 21, 2010
my dog is kind of sick but i am not sure she has not been wanting to play or anything. She is usually very playful but she just got weird on me? can i use blue cross medi-cal on my pet in need of vet care.
like the other two people, I think it is highly unlikely you can use your insurance
below is an interesting article about a pet insurance company
you need to get pet insurance or just keep money aside in a special account for pet medical needs, or just put expenses on credit card or cash out of pocket when pet related expenses arise.
Has anyone tried the AKC Pet Healthcare Plan?
I’ve heard VPI is good but does anyone know how it compares to the AKC one..have any experience with either one? Thanks!
I would stay away from the AKC. The best company and I have been using them for years and they pay out quickly and easily is Quickcare. They are inexpensive and have plans that pay 90%!
Here is a link to them.
http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2381315-10372314
Affilorama Premium
