Drop a Little About Your Pet

Posts Tagged ‘pet care’

Pet health insurance, like any form of insurance, is a risk. You are dead sure that your pet will need it. But, nowadays, because of the limitations and caps on the policy that a company is selling you, you’re actually wishing that your pet wouldn’t.

Many people say it’s really hard to understand in a moment’s notice what goes into your pet’s insurance policy. So, before you finally decide if you are getting a pet health insurance, it is beast to scrutinize all its details, contents, benefits and other “charge” that are initially hidden from you. Being knowledgeable and meticulous in getting a pet health insurance will not only help you save up some money but can also ensure that you have something that will take care of your beloved pet companion.

To help you understand what are the underlying principles contained in most pet health insurance offers, here are some points that you should look into:

- A network or provider list. Asking if the pet health insurance is one of the best ways in knowing if the insurance will work. If you’re looking to remain with your vet, tough luck, most of the insurance companies have their own list of providers that they approve. This is provider’s list is given to you so you have a clear-cut idea of who you can go to for pet care. But if your vet is already accredited then it’s much better.

- Exclusions. The next question that would probably come to mind is, “Are there exclusions?”. Asking if there are is a wise move because all kinds of health insurance policies have exclusions?which are part of the pre-enrollment conditions?or as insurers describe it, “injuries, medical conditions, hereditary diseases and other symptoms prior to enrollment.” These conditions are usually part of the exclusions and should be covered. This is why it is a must that owners of a pet with a pre-existing medical condition should be aware that their cat, dog, bird or other pet may not be eligible for coverage. In addition, pets who have previously suffered a medical problem or been involved in an accident may not be eligible for reimbursement on future costs if the future problem is found to be directly related to the original incident?providing that original incident occurred before the insurance policy became effective.

- Deductibles and the co-pay. Some companies have deductibles that are on a flat rate. These deductibles are usually for claims that are caused by excessive visits to the vet or other incidentals.

- A “one size fits all” policy. You can’t really say that there is a one size fits all policy. Most of the time the terms and conditions of policies are greatly dependent on the need of the pet owner and the pet, there are plans that include services that are exclusive for dogs or cats or vice versa. Some policies cover some situations that other policies don’t. Some companies have higher premium prices than others. That is one of the reason why the pet owner should be aware of the different needs to their pet so they could get the most out of their policies.

- The coverage of the said policy. When choosing pet insurance coverage, first consider what kind of insurance customer you are. This decision will lay the groundwork for your final choice. Make sure to check for coverage of pre-existing conditions as well as breed-specific genetic ailments, such as hip dysplasia for large dogs. Some plans refuse to cover these conditions while other place limits on annual, per-incident, per-illness or lifetime costs.

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If you’re thinking about buying a new dog, there are a few things to remember before you make that decision. Currently, millions of dogs are euthanized in shelters every year, due in part to making the wrong decision on the type of dog to buy. Before you rush out to buy that new puppy, there are a few things to remember.

1. How much time can you devote to your new puppy? There are specific breeds, such as border collies, that require a great deal of attention and do not do well in a situation where they will be confined alone for hours at a time. Be realistic with your expectations and select a breed that is known for their patience and ability to spend a few hours apart from you.

2. Size matters. Although your new puppy may be a small bundle of joy right now, in six months you may be dealing with a monster. If you don’t have a lot of space, or if you live in an apartment, a large breed may not be the best choice. In addition to space constraints, it is also a good idea to remember that large dogs do eat quite a bit more than the average teacup poodle and if you’re on a tight budget, a smaller dog will be more economical.

3. Research breed traits. Buying a puppy should not be based on which dog is the cutest, or which breed you always thought looked nice. Take the time to thoroughly research these traits so that you can make an informed decision. Some breeds shed more than others, while some breeds have known behavioral issues. For example, Great Pyrenees dogs are very beautiful and popular, but they are bred for livestock guarding and not apartment living.

4. Research breed health issues. This is becoming a bigger problem due to improper breeding. Every breed may have congenital health issues, but some may be more severe than others. For example, German Shepherds are known to have issues with hip dysplasia, while some smaller dog breeds may have problems with their eyes.

5. Pick the right breeder. Many future health and behavioral issues can be avoided simply by choosing the right breeder. Once you have decided on the breed of dog that you would like, contact that breed’s registry for an approved list of breeders. This will save you time, heartache and money.

6. Consider a shelter pet. While shelter pets are not for everyone, they may be a good option if you do not have small children or if you do not mind getting an older dog. You can save a life by adopting a shelter pet and still end up with a wonderful and loyal companion.

Selecting a puppy is an emotional decision, but it pays to keep these points in mind before you make your final decision. Once you’re armed with the right knowledge, you’ll be able to pick that perfect puppy that the whole family will enjoy and love.

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Every space needs active energy and love. Pets give us both. And pets allow us to express our love, too. Pets are often looked on as members of the family, and as such, should be considered when you are reviewing the feng shui of your home.

Regardless of the type of pet, there are some simple feng shui guidelines about having pets that range from common sense suggestions about care and feeding, to things you might not consider, such as how pets impact your relationships, finances, or health.

PETS ARE GOOD FENG SHUIThis is the most important thing to remember. Their energy and liveliness means we have an active home even when we aren’t there, making our homes more “yang.” Dogs, for instance, also provide protective energy for our homes helping us to feel more secure and safe.

When dogs bark and wag their tails happily, they give us lots of exuberant joy. And petting and caring for any animal gives us and them great feng shui energy — and displays of love are always wonderful feng shui. This is the best case. But when are pets not good feng shui? There are some instances when the feng shui of your home is disturbed by pets.

GOOD FENG SHUI MEANS PETS ARE CARED FOR PROPERLYThe worst case scenario is when pets are not cared for properly. If the fish tank isn’t clean and clear, the fish don’t do as well – and neither do you. Fish represent success in feng shui and wealth, and if the water is dirty, then both may elude you.

Furthermore, in feng shui, dirty water can also lead to health problems. One of the worst situations I ever saw was a fish tank so dirty you couldn’t even see the fish at all. The couple who lived in this house were dead broke and divorced after a short time. I could feel nothing but sorrow for those poor, poor creatures.

What must have other visitors thought — and what did this nasty tank do the psyche of everyone in the home? Or, what was the message to the child who saw parents who cared so little for these fish that they wouldn’t even provide them with clean water?

So, while it’s nice to have a pet, the first priority must always be the pet’s health, safety, and care. If you don’t have the proper space or time to care for the pet, then it’s better not to have them because, simply put, having animals in poor condition(s) is very bad feng shui.

GOOD FENG SHUI KEEPS PETS & PEOPLE BALANCEDIf animals live in the house, it’s important to make sure that proper hierarchy is observed. I can’t tell you how many pet horror stories I see that range from romantic difficulties to health problems because the pets have dominance over people. Remember, you are the master of your domain, and it should remain this way. Also, good feng shui is about balance.

While there are cases where animals are not cared for properly, i.e., given the right conditions, treatment, too little interaction or stimulation, or care, it’s very often the case that the pets are in a position superior to the people in the house. This means the house is out of balance, and if this is the case, the feng shui is impacted. The end result means that life is not as good as it could – or should – be.

Try to observe some simple feng shui pet rules.

1. ANIMALS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED ON FURNITURE – unless it’s furniture specifically for them. This puts them on equal footing with people.

2. ANIMALS SHOULD NOT BE ON THE BED, particularly for couples. This divides the couple and gets in the way of romance, and sometimes, the relationship. It would be better if the animals were not in the bedroom of a couple, but if it comes to choosing between pets sleeping in the room on the bed or the floor, go with the floor, never the bed.

3. PETS SHOULDN’T BE THE FIRST THING SOMEONE NOTICES ABOUT YOUR HOUSE. Pets should enhance a home, not dominate it. If your kitty litter box is the first thing you see – or smell – when you enter someone’s home, then there’s a problem – and it’s not just mean the smell. If this is the case, you will find that this is a house where the occupant(s) is usually struggling.

Maybe you have a dog that barks, jumps on, scares or threatens people as soon as they enter your home. Well, then, you have a situation where every time someone comes in, fear comes with them. Is this the kind of environment you want to live in?

If this sounds like your pet(s), then at the very least, they should be secured in another room when someone comes to visit. The fear they inspire will create a yin environment. If this is your situation, then you have a home where your energy is dragging and motivation is low.

One homeowner has a very large aggressive dog that he thinks is sweet and wonderful. However, this dog scares visitors. This dog definitely rules the roost and he knows it.

What’s worse is when a pet is given full reign of the house and its owner thinks it’s “cute.” One such homeowner struggles on a number of fronts, particularly with relationships. This is definitely a situation where the animal comes before the person, and makes one wonder if the dog scares away potential love relationships. Authority should be re-established with this pet so that the home is allowed to draw people (or a new love interest?) to it.

4. YOUR DOG/CAT/BIRD/ETC. SHOULDN’T COME BEFORE ANYONE ELSE. If Fido or Fluffy do, this, too, is a problem. Feng shui is all about balance. If pets are completely superior, then balance doesn’t exist. For example, one woman had pictures of her dog all over the house. She struggled with finding a romantic partner and was very upset about being over forty with no love prospects in sight. She even had an expensive oil painting of the dog over her bed.

Well, how could a romantic partner come to the house when 1) the dog barked and jumped on everyone coming in the door; and 2) the dog was “top dog” to the extent that she symbolically slept over her master every night?

Despite being advised to move the picture and make other enhancements to help her love life, but she would not part with the picture and remains single to this day. Pets should not come between people.

5. YOUR HEALTH SHOULDN’T SUFFER FROM HAVING PETS.I am constantly amazed at people who suffer from all kinds of health complaints, but yet they have eight indoor cats and swear it’s the pollen outside that’s bothering them. The cats are all over the furniture and the kitchen counters. This is not healthy, not to mention a turn off to visitors. Cats, in particular, are yin animals. Offset their yin energy by keeping lights on and music playing to keep your home active and energetic.

6. DON’T MAKE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY AVOID YOUR HOME.If you have to use a lint brush on friends and family before they leave your house, this could make others avoid coming over. The fur clinging to them is very “yin” and will make them feel depleted or dirty when they leave your home. This energy then makes your house feel yin, too.

If your house isn’t sociable, visitors rarely come by, or people leave right away, then think about revving up your environment with bright colors, sunlight, music, or other active enhancements. It may be that the environment is too yin.

7. USE YOUR PETS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE WITH FENG SHUI.Simply having a loving pet is good for you. But, the pet must also be good for the entire home to the extent that the pet is friendly, clean, and not bothersome to your relationships or visitors to you home.

Dogs are wonderful for infusing a home with lively energy, fish bring success, turtles symbolize longevity, and cats are symbols of financial luck (i.e., lucky cats seen at Asian businesses). So, as hard as it might be, take a long look at your pet situation to make sure that your pets aren’t harming your feng shui and are enhancing your life.

Some pet owners forget that a change in season brings about changes in the needs of their pets. That added precaution during the cold winter months will prevent any last minute problems that could spoil the Christmas holidays. Because of the constant flurry of activity, we tend to overlook some essentials in “prepping” our pet for winter. Here are a few pointers to bear in mind.

Basic Pet Care for Winter

Not all dogs like being outside in the winter. Pet owners make the mistake of shooing their dogs outdoors thinking that they enjoy themselves better when they are allowed to roam outside. Unless your dog is specifically a “winter breed”, pet experts recommend they be kept inside when temperatures fall drastically. Dogs don’t need to stay out in fresh cold air for extended periods; what they need most is to spend a lot of time with humans. When separated from people for long periods of time, they develop behavioural problems.

To ensure your pet is healthy for the winter season, check for hypothermia if they have spent an extended period of time outdoors in cold weather, or even if they are indoors in a cold house. Signs that your pet may be suffering from hypothermia are trembling or shivering, gums that are pale, unusually large pupils, a very slow heart rate and a body temperature that is 95 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

Go ahead and provide your pet with warm clothing like coats or booties. Your friends may laugh at you for going to such great lengths, but a rule of thumb is to treat your pet the way you would another human being when it comes to cold temperatures. Offer something to keep them warm.

Make sure you keep a supply of clean rags or old towels near the door for when your pet comes in after spending some time outside. You need to rub them down and dry them thoroughly. Remember that there are chemicals and substances on the ground that people put to melt the snow. Some of these substances can harm your pet. Check for residues that get stuck in between the toes of your pets and be on the lookout for frostbite.

On the subject of exercise, pet owners like to give their dogs a good workout in cold weather. If you plan on doing this, make sure that your dog is fit as a fiddle. If you like to run, start at a moderate pace. Most dogs will continue running even if they’re tired just to keep up with their master so don’t push them to the limit. In the absence of outdoor exercise, you can play ball indoors by letting your dog pick up the ball at both ends of a long corridor. Or take him for a long ride in the car and arrange for play dates.

If you have a cat, winter is the best time to train it to adapt to the indoors. One way to do this is to change the location of its food bowl every day such that the bowl is put farther away from the door each time your cat comes in. As soon as your feline has grown accustomed to being inside, provide entertainment – don’t overlook this. Consider installing a bird-feeder outdoors, in a location where you cat can watch from inside. According to one writer, a bird-feeder to a cat is like TV to a human!

Your Pet’s House

If your dog will be spending time in his own house in the winter, the house should have sufficient space for your pet to stand up and turn around, but no more. The house should be constructed in such a way that it does not face the wind directly. It must also be a few inches from the ground to avoid moisture from accumulating. The door must be well-insulated to keep ice and snow out. If you’re going away for the holidays, pets should be checked in every day; make arrangements for a relative or friend to make daily visits.

Some cats like to snuggle in car engines for warmth. Before you start your car, check under the hood or honk your horn to distract them.

Make your House Pet-friendly for the Winter

People get so busy and excited during the holidays that they overlook some safety factors. They think that since the dog or cat is inside the house, they’re safe and sound. Not quite.

Be careful with your Christmas decorations. Some plants, sprays, lights, perfumes and even alcohol can be harmful to your pet. Pine has low toxicity for pets, but fireplace salts have moderate toxicity. Keep ribbons, yarn, tinsel strands and beverage holders away from pets, as these can be harmful if swallowed. Mistletoe is highly toxic and so are adhesives and antifreeze.

Styrofoam, often used to decorate Christmas trees, can affect the gastro-intestinal tract of your pet. And please: never give your pet chocolate, as it is quite toxic to dogs in particular. Do not be tempted to give your pet holiday leftovers – your pet may enjoy them, but it’s always best for their health that they eat only their own pet food.

The life expectancy of any dog is commonly expressed in terms of dog years by us and it depends entirely on the dog’s breed, size as well as the dog’s surroundings. Various other factors affect the life expectancy of a dog. A dog’s life span changes according to the diet provided to him and also by the number of medical problems the dog tends to face over the years.
The average life span of the small dog like Chihuahua is about 15 to 16 years, while medium sized the dogs like Border Collies have a life span of 10 to 13 years. It can be noticed big dogs like Great Dean live up to only 7 to 8 years. The calculation of the life expectancy of particular dog can be accurately done with the help of “size or the specific breed calculator”, which is said to be one of the most accurate age measurement schemes available. The size or specific breed calculator gives approximate results about the dog’s predictable lifespan based on the size as well as the breed of the dog.
It is generally assumed that, on an average, “one human year equals to seven dog years”. This statement may not be appropriate, since the first two years are jointly represented by 18-25 years in such schemes and because the entire ratio cannot be generalized for all the dogs though, they belong to different sizes and breeds. An exact ratio of dog years vs. human year cannot be formulated. However, some obvious features remain similar between both aging humans and dogs.
It is generally assumed that the human equivalent of a one-year dog is supposedly fully grown by both mental and physical aspects. Dogs like humans tend to develop advance muscular features as they grow along with a similar mental development. Through a major dog study, it has been estimated for dogs of all breeds and sizes that, nearly “64 percent of dogs” were euthanized because they were affected with some kind of diseases. Only 8 percent of the total dogs live beyond 15 years and nearly 16 percent of them die yearly due heart diseases and cancer. Human lives are not terminated even if they suffer from rare and incurable diseases; and this is the main reason why the lifespan of an average human being is reasonably long.
The effects of aging in dogs is said to be dormant for several years. But like humans, dogs to undergo physical changes as well. The first sign of aging in dogs is said to be the decrease in its activity levels. The sleeping period in these dogs also becomes longer. The canines experience a drastic change in their skin condition, limb usage, appetite and they experience tooth loss as well. Their sense of hearing and vision also diminishes gradually. Older dogs tend to experience stiffness in their body. All these obvious signs of aging can even be found in humans. The human years are extended only because of advance modern medicine and various other drugs that are designed to deal with symptoms of old age.
Dogs and humans may not have the same physiology, yet some obvious similarities can be noticed when both species age. Dog years and Human years may not be directly related by some advance equation, but to the naked eye the equivalence of corresponding features of Dog years and Human years are quite visible.

All pet dogs should be treated as members of our family and adequate attention must be paid to the canine’s health. Sometimes dogs become sick but may not look so. It is very important to recognize and understand dog illnesses symptoms.
Since prevention is a better cure, we must learn something about dog illnesses and symptoms so we can better understand their conditions. This will help us recognize some common dog illnesses. If appropriate and adequate vaccinations are administered to the puppies, most of the common dog illnesses can be easily prevented.
Some elementary observations are useful to recognize certain common dog illnesses. Dogs take a lot of sleep but their sleep is marked by alertness. If a dog is sluggish then there may be various causes contributing to it, right from anemia to old age. If the dog is limping then you should check for prospective painful areas using a firm and yet gentile hand. Check out for any signs indicating lameness from time to time.
The appetite of the dog is bound to be affected by ill health. Look for any signs of loss of appetite. An important sign of dog health problems is excessive thirst. A pronounced weight loss is also an indicator of ill health. Check the eyes for any ulcers, discharges, veins or sores.
The mouth of a healthy dog is pink. There should not be any discoloring or cavities in the teeth. Look for signs of discharge from ears. It is advisable to clean the ears from time to time. The dog’s head should be regularly checked for sore patches, hair loss, or deep wounds.
Investigate the limbs and trunk for the same signs. If the dog is vomiting, there may be various underlying problems. If the body temperature of your dog is not between the range 38 to 39 Celsius it is an indication of some kind of illness. Check the female dogs for any kind of foul smelling vaginal discharge, which needs attention of a vet.
The symptoms of pain and discomfort experienced by a dog can give us many clues about the possible underlying illness. If the dog is suffering any abdominal pain, it may be due to canine hepatitis, enteritis or it can be a simple case of constipation. The abdominal swelling dogs indicate canine bloat and roundworms in puppies. Aggression of the dog may be caused by rabies. Roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms my cause anemia in dogs. Any behavioral changes in dog can be an indicator of hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, canine arthritis, heart disease, canine, or parvovirus.
Kidney diseases sometimes cause blood in urine. Eye infections and entropion cause bloodshot eyes in dogs. A ruptured diaphragm, obstructed airway, lungworm, bronchitis, pneumonia, food poisoning, heatstroke, allergies can cause respiratory problems in dogs.
There are various reasons of sudden change in weight of dogs like heart disease to heartworms. Hernia might be caused due to long term constipation in dogs. Allergies, parvovirus, hepatitis, lungworm, TB, pneumonia or distemper may be one of the reasons of coughing in dogs. Cannine parvovirus can also cause dehydration in dogs. Any pancreatic disorder, food poisoning can give rise to diarrhea in dogs. The dog may suffer from hair loss due to mange, red mange demodectic, scabies, cheyletiella mange, or cushings syndrome.
If dog indicates any signs of failing genital bleeding, persistent constipation, projectile vomiting, fainting, hair loss, seizure, stumbling, trauma, trembling, mouth bleeding, rectal bleeding, lethargy, shaking, urinating problems contact a dog care specialist.

Our pets need the best care we can give. Their lives depend on us. Here are some pet care tips you can use with your animal friends.
Since dogs are the most common house pet, let us start with them. When it comes to dog pet care you should consider comfort and amusement. Dogs love to play and they love to run. So before you even decide to buy a dog you should take into consideration the place where you and your dog can play. They are a very social animal that’s why if possible you should provide a place for them to have fun with you and your family. Dogs also like comfort, so as the owner you should provide a comfortable space for them to sleep and relax. When it comes to feeding your dog you have two options. One, is you can buy dog foods available in the market. Most dog foods already include all the daily vitamins that the dog will need. Second option is to feed him real food from your home. Dogs as we all know love to chew on chicken bones, but that shouldn’t be the only thing you give them. You can also add chicken meat, vegetables and boiled rice. You should also ask your veterinarian regarding the vitamins or supplements that your dog needs. Just like humans they also have daily requirements of calcium, and other vitamins. Lastly, for dogs and all other animals vaccination is needed. This is to prevent them to be able to protect them from disease. Better to do this while they are still young. Just like humans they can also get sick. Some of the most common sickness among dogs are the following: Vomiting and diarrhea, blood in urine and itching and scratching due to skin infection. These can all be prevented if they are properly given vaccines.
Another common house pet are fishes. Pet care for fishes is very meticulous. Before you even bring home your fish you should be able to prepare the aquarium that the fish will be living in. The water inside the aquarium should be treated. You should put water inside the tank and allow it to settle for a few days then add rocks and you can now run the filter and the air pump. Now that the aquarium is ready you can now put your fish there. Feeding them is another part of pet care. Fish food that can be purchased commercially should be approved by the vet. And you should also carefully read the back label first before you feed it to your fish. Fish shouldn’t be fed just about anything that you think you like. They have a special need that’s why it’s best to consult the vet first.
All in all pet care is a big responsibility because another life is in our hands. But you are not alone. You have your veterinarians that can help you and can give the best answers to your questions.