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Pets are more than just animal toys that you buy to cuddle and play with. They’re people too, but unlike dogs, people who own pets tend to have feelings and connections that other animals can’t always understand. Not only are they cute (which we all know is true), they are fiercely loyal, curious and playful. They can be your best friend if you give them the chance. But how can you bring happiness into your pets’ lives?

One of the first things you should do is research animal rescue and adoptions. Talk to local veterinarians and pet stores. They will usually have information about any animal shelters, rescues, or animal welfare organizations that have programs that they support. You may also want to check the local newspapers and pet columns for ads about animal rescues, or special animal events. This is a good way to find out about breed rescues as well.

When you visit any animal shelter, or rescue group, it is important to make sure that you inquire about the living conditions for the animals before you bring your cat or dog home. You want to be sure that they have fresh water and food and that the shelter is sanitary. The most important thing to do, however, is to be alert and check in with your veterinarian if anything seems out of the ordinary. hand feed are usually less likely to end up in a worse situation than those who are not fed this way.

A very common disease that develops in older dogs is Cushing’s disease. The condition is caused by excessively high levels of cortisol which is a hormone that is produced by the dog’s adrenal glands found near the kidneys.

This disease occurs most frequently in dogs that are older than 6 years, but is occasionally found in dogs that are younger. Cortisol is an important hormone in the body that helps to regulate a dog’s response to stress. It also helps to regulate body weight and tissue structure. However, too much cortisol can be detrimental to a dog’s health.

Among the most common symptoms of this disease in dogs are an increased thirst and appetite, low energy levels, more frequent urination, and hair loss. The dog may also have thinner skin than normal. They tend to bruise more easily and are subject to skin infections. The abdomen can also become enlarged, giving the dog a characteristic pot-bellied look.

There are two major types of Cushing’s in dogs. The most common type, which causes 80 to 85 percent of all cases is the result of a tumor on the pituitary gland in the brain. This important gland is responsible for the production of many hormones. One of these hormones is adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH.

A pituitary tumor can cause the gland to produce an excessive amount of ACTH. This hormone stimulates the production of cortisol in the adrenal glands, so when the levels get too high in the bloodstream, too much cortisol is produced in the body, causing Cushing’s disease.

The second, and less common, type of Cushing’s is the direct result of a tumor in the adrenal glands. Such tumors can directly trigger the overproduction of cortisol by these glands. Veterinarians will need to perform blood tests to determine whether a particular case of Cushing’s is the result of a pituitary tumor or an adrenal tumor.

In most cases, Cushing’s will be treated with medication. Dogs that are suffering from pituitary-dependent Cushing’s will need to have the condition controlled via medication, since surgical techniques for removing a pituitary gland have not yet been perfected. Such techniques are available for removing an adrenal tumor that has not spread to other parts of the body.

However, such operations can be difficult and risky for the animal. Because of the availability of medications that can be used to control the disease, in most cases surgery is not recommended. Treating the disease with medication lets dogs enjoy a high quality of life.

Dogs with Cushing’s will need to be on medication for the rest of their lives. Among the primary drugs used to treat the disease are Vetoryl or trilostane. This can be used to treat both pituitary and adrenal forms of the disease. Anipryl or selegiline has also been approved to treat pituitary cases of Cushing’s.

Treating Cushings in dogs is fairly straightforward once the condition has been properly diagnosed. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about taking care of your dog.

When choosing health insurance for your dog, it can be tempting to simply opt for the cheapest coverage, however, there are several different kinds of policies available. Failure to understand exactly what is covered can lead to an unpleasant surprise if your dog falls ill and the insurer won’t pay the expenses.

Lifetime Coverage

A lifetime policy will usually include the most comprehensive cover. The premiums may be slightly higher than for other kinds of policies, but they have the added benefit of covering long term medical care for lifelong illness. Purchasing the policy for a healthy puppy and renewing each year will be much cheaper than applying for insurance after your dog has developed a serious health condition.

There are variations in what lifetime policies cover, so be sure to check the terms and conditions carefully. For example, some policies will have an upper threshold for annual payments, but the threshold is applied to each eligible health condition. Other insurers will place the limit on the total payouts made for your dog’s medical treatment in a twelve month period.

Non-Lifetime Coverage

If you cannot afford the monthly premium payments for a lifetime policy, opt for this instead. With this type of insurance, it will pay a set amount towards a medical condition. Once this limit has been exceeded, the insurer is not liable to pay any further medical costs for the duration of your pet’s life.

Cheaper still is coverage that also imposes a time limit. For example, if your dog develops a lifelong medical condition, your insurer will pay the bills for the first twelve months, up to a set limit. Although this type of policy can help a pet owner to save money on premiums, it offers significantly less in benefits should they need to make a claim.

Accident Only Policies

Another type of policy you may come across is “accident only” insurance. If your dog does have an accident, this policy can prove a very worthwhile investment. However, it is worth pointing out that over three quarters of pet insurance claims are for illnesses, not accidents. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you consider an alternative policy which covers for both eventualities.

What If My Dog Has A Pre-Existing Condition?

Insurers will not cover a medical condition which existed before the policy application was made. This means that if you wish to switch your insurance provider after your dog falls ill, a new insurance company will exclude pre-existing illnesses and lifelong health conditions from the coverage. In other words, you won’t be able to switch providers because your dog will not be able to get a policy

Health insurance for dogs has many benefits if your pet requires veterinary treatment. However, the coverage can vary greatly between policies and cheaper insurance may prove to be a false economy in the long term.

On the whole, cats tend to be very robust when it comes to good health. In fact, felines require half as many trips to the vets as their canine counterparts. But there are some common cat illnesses that pet owners need to be aware of. Knowing the symptoms means that action can be taken at an early stage.

Feline Diabetes

Feline diabetes is on the rise, and the condition is not unlike the human version. It can be caused either by insulin resistance or by the pancreas secreting insufficient insulin. The symptoms are very similar to other common cat illnesses. They include increased thirst, weight loss, vomiting and bad breath. A vet will need to run tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Although many pet owners are concerned about the possibility of regular insulin injections, as well as the associated costs, very few diabetic cats will require this type of treatment. Most instances of feline diabetes are relatively mild and can be controlled through diet alone.

Chronic Kidney Failure

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is one of the most common cat illnesses, but tends to be confined to senior pets. The reason for CRF being so prevalent in felines is their high meat and protein diet. Because of this, the condition tends to be permanent and irreversible. However, early intervention and proper treatment can make your pet more comfortable and insure that they have many years of life ahead of them.

The main symptoms of chronic kidney failure include excessive thirst, noticeable weight loss, poor coat condition and regular vomiting. An indoor cat may also urinate outside their litter tray. These symptoms can be controlled with a prescription diet and medication.

Cat Flu (Upper Respiratory Disease)

If your cat is sneezing, has a loss of appetite and has nasal or eye discharge, they may have cat flu. There are several common pathogens which can cause it, which includes feline reovirus, feline herpes virus and Bordetella Bronchiseptica. Therefore “cat flu” refers to a set of symptoms, rather than a specific illness.

In the majority of cases, no specific treatment is needed. The cat should be kept comfortable and should have access to clean water. Sometimes, if the cat is very ill, they will need antibiotics to prevent the development of a serious secondary infection.

Feline Cystitis

Some cats have a genetic predisposition to bouts of feline cystitis, although all cats are at risk of an occurrence at some point in their life. It is easier to spot in pets who are kept indoors, as the main signs are frequent urination, blood in the litter box, distressed crying while urinating (which can indicate straining), or urinating in unexpected places. Consider feline cystitis in your outdoor cat if you notice excessive genital licking, and take them to a vet for a check up.

Mild cases can be easily treated by offering the cat more water and making changes to the diet. Moderate to severe cystitis may need antibiotics, and the can should be checked for urolithiasis.

Many cat illnesses are benign and will pass without the attention of a medical professional. However, others can be serious or long term and require ongoing treatment. Consider pet insurance to cover any possible medical bills.

Getting pet insurance for any of your pets will not place any financial stress on you in the event of an emergency. An exotic pet may be more susceptible to getting sick. Caring for the pet may also be more expensive because you will need to seek out a veterinarian that has specialized knowledge.

Some exotic animals that you can find coverage for are:

• birds
• rabbits
• ferrets
• pot-bellied pigs
• rats
• mice
• reptiles
• amphibians
• hamsters
• guinea pigs

Exotic pet insurance has only been available in the United States since 2001. Pet health insurance in the U.S. started in 1982. Other countries had pet insurance available much earlier. Sweden in 1924 and Great Britain in 1947. Even today, these two countries lead the world when it comes to the most pets insured.

If you own a reptile, you may find that you have to take him to the vet more often than you would a mammal because they can be more prone to getting sick when taken out of their natural habitat.

Besides just covering the health-related cost of your pet, you might not realize that it can cover your pet in the event that it is stolen. Some pets are very valuable, making it a prime target of thieves, so getting it insured is the smart thing to do. You can also get life insurance for your pet, in the event that he or she dies.

Some policies will only cover accidents and forgo paying for routine office visits. This helps to keep costs to a minimum. If you want insurance that covers for routine checkups and shots, be sure that you do the research so you can find one that gives you all the coverage you are looking for.

When searching for providers, look for a company that offers a wide range of options, especially medical and routine care. Usually, this will mean that the company will have insurance plans for many pet owners.

Some important options to search for are:

The species of pets that are eligible to be covered as many companies only insure dogs and cats.

• Accidental injury
• Cancer treatments
• Illnesses
• Lab tests
• Emergency visits to your vet
• Allows you to choose the vet you want
• Surgeries for your pet
• Any medications that need to be prescribed
• MRIs, CT scans, X-rays or any other type of imaging needed

As with other dog and cat insurance, the cost of the policy will depend on your pet’s age, gender, breed and maybe even its weight. Most insurance for exotic pets will not cover congenital conditions and pre-existing illnesses.

Be careful, because just like with anything, you get what you pay for. You might save a few bucks now but have to spend way too much in the event of a medical crisis. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Do the research today to find a company that will take care of you and your pet. Protect your pet’s health as well as your finances.

Pet vaccinations are absolutely necessary for your dog or cat’s overall good health. Vaccinations will help to protect against life-threatening diseases that your pet may become exposed to. Even if your pet stays indoors most of the time, the risk of exposure could still be there, especially in cases where your pet might accidentally get out or be exposed to other animals at a dog park, the groomer and other public places.

When a vaccination is administered, a modified virus, parasite or bacteria is given to your pet either intra-nasally or by injection. An immune response is triggered by the vaccination in your pet’s body that helps to protect your dog or cat from a specific disease that the vaccine is designed to protect against.

Kitten And Puppy Vaccinations

Veterinarians commonly recommend giving kittens and puppies a series of specific vaccinations, beginning when they are approximately six weeks old. It’s important for young animals to be vaccinated at an early age because the natural immunity residing in the mother’s milk begins to wear off, leaving kittens and puppies vulnerable to various infectious diseases.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends a series of vaccinations that usually are scheduled three or four weeks apart. The last vaccination in this series is administered when the pet is 12-16 weeks old.

Annual Shots

In order for the vaccine levels to remain high in your pet’s body, it is very important for them to have annual booster shots to protect your dog or cat over their life span.

Keep in mind that vaccines may not always word. Some dogs and cats do not have adequate immune systems and could get sick from the shot. Although there are some risks involved when it comes to vaccinations, the benefits far outweigh the potential risks.

Core Pet Vaccinations

Vaccinations for dogs, as well as cats can be classified into two main types: non-core and core. For dogs and cats with unknown vaccination histories, core vaccines are usually recommended. Non-core vaccines are considered to be optional vaccines that may or may not be administered, depending on the specific risks to your pet’s health as well as the perceived need for that specific vaccine.

Core vaccinations for dogs and puppies include:

• Rabies
• Canine adenovirus (CAV)
• Canine distemper virus (CDV)
• Parvovirus (CPV)

Core vaccines for cats and kittens include:

• Rabies
• Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV)
• Feline calicivirus (FCV)
• Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV1)

Some of the main non-core vaccines for dogs include:

• Giardia
• Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme Disease)
• Leptospira spp.
• Bordetella bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough)
• Distemper-measles combination vaccine
• Canine parainfluenza virus (CPiV)

Non-core vaccines for cats include:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica
• Chlamydophila felis
• Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
• Feline immunodeficiency virus
• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)

Know The Facts

It is very important to understand that not every vaccine is going to be 100% effective for every pet. Some animals never develop adequate immune systems and could become ill. However, vaccines provide your pets with protection against potentially life-threatening diseases. Therefore, the risks are far outweighed by the benefits.

It is common for pet owners to buy the healthiest dog food, the most expensive toys and even, luxury pet beds for their pooch. However, when it comes to dog insurance, most owners simply don’t pay enough attention to it. Some people may not even consider it.

Over the years, veterinary science has grown leaps and bounds. Simple diseases and conditions that would have been terminal in the past for your beloved pet are now easily curable and even, treatable at the very least. However, these advancements have also led to a rise in the cost of veterinary services.

To ensure that you can comfortably afford to take your dog in for regular routine check-ups or emergency treatment if necessary, it’s recommended that you seek the financial protection that you can get when you find the very best dog insurance policy.

Decide What Your Plan Should Cover

Before you even start calling insurance companies, start by considering your specific needs. This can better help you to identify a policy that will offer the right amount of coverage, the co-payments involved, the deductible amount and whether there is a cap on the amount that you are reimbursed.

Your pet’s age is one of the best indicators of the type of coverage you should get. In most cases, making sure that you are covered for accidents can be more than enough for a young pup. However, older dogs who tend to be more prone to degenerative, hereditary and chronic diseases will require a more comprehensive plan. You will also need to consider any health conditions that are associated with certain breeds.

Enroll Early

Once you have a clear idea of the amount of coverage and the rate, consider enrolling at the earliest stage. It is much easier to have a young puppy registered for insurance as compared to an older dog. For the most part, young puppies are more fit and healthier. Furthermore, they are bound to be free of any preexisting conditions that might cause them to be rejected by most insurance providers.

Read The Contract Thoroughly

Just like you would when purchasing any other type of insurance, it’s important to read the fine print on the policy before you sign anything. Different companies have different coverage exclusions and by reading the fine print, you will be able to find out whether you are comfortable with the exclusions and the terms laid out by the providers you are considering.

Research Providers

There are many insurance companies that offer protection for your dog but the quality of their services may not be on the same level. Take the time to learn as much as you can about the companies under consideration. Find out how long they have been in service and check out customer reviews.

You should only consider taking up a policy with a reputable company that focuses on getting the proper care for your pet. If you don’t research properly, you might end up partnering with a company that is always trying to weasel out of reimbursing you for the medical care your dog needs.

Most of us consider our dogs to be a member of our families. Finding the best dog insurance will ensure that they will always have access to the best veterinary services available and keep you free from the stress and worry that an unexpected illness or accident will bring.

Our pets hold a special place in our lives. Whether it’s a cat, dog, rabbit, or any other type of pet, you want to make sure that they have got insurance coverage just like you and your family have.

You may be trying to figure out what kind of insurance coverage will be best for your cat? When you choose insurance for your family, you want to be sure they have coverage if they have to be treated for any types of harmful diseases or accidents. The same rule applies to cats. You can find pet insurance for cats to cover the expense for accidents, illnesses, surgeries, prescription medications, specialty care, diagnostic treatment, and many other conditions.

Considering Pre-existing Conditions

It is rare that an insurance company will provide coverage for an illness that your pet already has. This is why it is best to get coverage before your cat gets sick so that he or she is covered if they develop diabetes or need any type of emergency care service.

Kittens and cats up to five years often suffer from upper respiratory infections or urinary tract infections. As your cat gets beyond six years of age and beyond, they could be affected by a congenital or hereditary condition. Fortunately, you can find coverage for all of these ailments when choosing the insurance provider.

Is It Worth It?

Cats who go outdoors have a high risk for injury, so it makes absolute sense to get coverage for an outdoor cat. But what if your cat has never stepped foot outside? You may think that he is safe but unfortunately, this is not the case. They can still get hurt in an accident, such as, swallowing a string or getting into something he shouldn’t have. They could also develop common cat health ailments such as, kidney failure, cystitis, diabetes, feline leukemia and more.

How Pet Insurance For Cats Works

You will always find exclusions when it comes to pet insurance. These exclusions often include neutering and spaying, vaccinations, flea and heart worm medications, dental care and pre-existing conditions. You always want to check to see what is covered.

There are also lifetime caps that are placed on the insurance which basically means that there is a maximum amount of coverage that will be paid for the covered illness. Some companies have an annual cap which is the maximum amount allowed for each year, while others employ a lifetime cap.

You can get riders added to your policy from some companies. These riders provide added benefits, such as dental care, preventative care and even, extended cancer care.

Suppose your cat has fallen sick and needs immediate hospitalization, then all of the money that you have spent on the treatment will be reimbursed by the insurance company. Unlike insurance policies for humans where you only pay co-payments and deductibles, pet insurance is paid back using a reimbursement plan.

Once you claim for the expenses of the treatment, the insurance company will go through the claim in detail and provide a reimbursement check for you.

Getting insurance for your cat allows you to budget for their care and will give you the peace of mind you need if he or she develops any type of illness or has an accident. Just be sure to research to find the insurance that gives the terms that you need.

If you are looking for cheap pet insurance, there are many things you will need to consider. In fact, finding a good deal on pet insurance can be quite tricky. That is why it is important to do your homework and shop around. We will go over some of the things that you need to consider when buying cheap pet insurance.

You should aim to get the right level of coverage for your pet. That way you can easily find the cheap coverage on the market. The level of coverage will vary depending on factors such as the pedigree, age, and health condition of your pet.

Make sure that you buy the insurance as early as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely for your pet to develop a serious illness. This condition is known as pre-existing in the insurance world, which means your pet may not be able to get a policy. The best time to get insurance is when your pet is under a year old. On the other hand, if you decide to adopt an older animal, be sure to buy the insurance as early as possible.

It is important that you have an idea of the conditions that you want covered in your policy. Your veterinarian is the best professional to consult if you want to get an idea of the risks associated with your pet’s breed. For example, if you own a Rottweiler dog, you should consider having insurance that covers hip dysplasia and cancer.

Once you learn about the issues that your animal might be prone to, you can ask the vet to give you an approximate price tag that is associated with each condition. This information is very important for you to decide on the right deductibles and reimbursement amounts for your beloved pet.

Make sure that you check for any type of discounts that are offered by the providers you are thinking of buying from. The easiest thing to do is to check the website of the provider your are considering to find this information. Most providers offer attractive discounts when you insure multiple pets or when you have adopted the pets from a humane society or an animal shelter. If you are an active duty military member or a veteran, you may be entitled to certain discounts as well.

Make sure that you conduct a thorough research before coming to your final decision. With hundreds of such providers, choosing the right one isn’t an easy task. Going online and checking out providers is a great place to start your search. A search on Google will give you access to a list of pet insurance providers in your area and nationwide. Be sure that you check the reputation, financial stability, and customer reviews of the provider before choosing.

There are a variety of things to consider when trying to find cheap but good insurance for your pets. Decide what costs you can afford and do the proper research before you settle on the company that will insure your beloved pet.

Pet insurance is a unique subject and many owners don’t understand the nuances of this option. How does the coverage work? What is the value of moving forward with pet insurance? Is this something you should be investing in or is it a waste of funds? These are valid questions and we are going to try to help you to understand it better.

What is Pet Insurance?

The premise behind pet insurance is to offer coverage for all pet care related costs. In essence, if a pet has to go to the vet, there are going to be costs associated with the trip. There are going to be medical fees, tests, and other related expenses that come along with the process. This is normal but it can be quite the bill depending on what is going on.

Getting pet insurance provides peace of mind and it will help tremendously to know that your beloved pet will be covered with these unexpected expenses.

How Does Pet Insurance Work?

Pet insurance is very straightforward. If you are familiar with medical insurance for yourself, the basics are pretty much the same. You choose a deductible and other related features before signing on the dotted line. This provides protection for most if not all pet care costs.

On the day of a treatment or appointment, the vet is either paid through the agency (if connected through the agency’s network) or by the pet owner. Once the payment is made, a claim can be put in on the costs. These funds are reimbursed in line with the coverage details.

The Benefits Of Insurance For Your Pet

* You can get full coverage for your pet’s health
* It’s much easier to budget for your pet care costs
* It provides peace of mind

These are the main advantages of getting insurance and understanding why it this is something that you need to consider as a pet owner.

Those looking to keep their cat, dog, or any other pet safe will understand that it has to begin with a well-rounded coverage plan. This is how the pet can be kept safe for years to come without having to think about money or which vet to go to. This is a must-have for anyone that is serious about the health of their pet.

Hopefully, you have considered the question of exactly how does pet insurance work, so that you can give your pet the best care available. If your pet gets sick, the last thing you want to be worrying about is how you are going to pay the vet. Some pet owners have to choose to put their beloved pet down because the cost of treatment is much more than they can handle.

You will be surprised at the low-cost of coverage and hopefully, can fit it into your budget. Now that you can see the many benefits of getting insurance, be sure to sign up with a world-class insurance agency as soon as possible.