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  • What to Expect When Picking Your Puppy

    Puppies are adorable. Many new parents envision small, cute puppies when they bring a new baby home. Unfortunately, some people mistake tiny puppies for tiny adults. Because puppies are growing rapidly before their eyes, they can look very different from their adult counterparts. The best time to get a puppy is when you already have children because puppies that arrive too early (before seven weeks of age) will be underweight, ill, and not able to grow properly.

    Parvo is often fatal in puppies. When dogs suffer from parvo, they stop eating, become weak, and generally do not function properly. This disease usually occurs because the puppies’ immune system is not prepared to fight off the virus. In humans, parts can cause death within just a few hours. Because puppies cannot eat and become weak, they are even more susceptible to complications brought on by parvo virus than are adult dogs.

    There is no specific time frame in which puppies need to be separated from each other, but the best time to avoid parvo altogether is from eight to ten weeks after the pet was born. Before that, though, puppies should be vaccinated against parvo so that the infection cannot spread to the puppies. The first symptoms of parvo are extremely mild and easily ignored. However, they quickly turn into serious issues. If a puppy contracts parvo, he or she will experience severe vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and fever within a matter of hours.

    Even if a puppy does not contract the disease itself, he or she can be contaminated with the remains of the disease when another dog in the litter contracts it. It is important, therefore, to keep puppies in separate rooms, even before they reach six months of age. This will ensure that any puppies that receive part will not be infected by it. If a live dog contracts the disease, there is usually no treatment because the disease is generally fatal. To treat it, however, veterinarians often recommend giving immune-boosting medications to puppies. Unfortunately, these medications must be continued for the rest of the dog’s life.

    The cost of treating parvo varies greatly depending on the type of treatment used and the location of the infection. If the puppy has only a mild case of parvo, the vet may prescribe an anti-parvo diet or vitamin supplements. These will usually bring down the affected animals’ appetites but will not prevent them from eating in large amounts or result in their death. However, if a puppy has a more serious case, his or her immune system may not be as strong, and the vet may recommend giving the dog an antibiotic to fight the infection.

    After the puppies have been separated from each other at least twelve weeks before the start of the litter, the owner should begin socializing the puppies to foster acceptance among all of the new puppies. It is important to get to know other members of the litter, since they will form a pack with each other and the mother. By socializing the puppies early, the owner can help the animals adapt easily to new situations in their new homes. The owner should also be sure to provide his or her puppies with plenty of love and attention and to avoid punishing them when they make mistakes.

  • The Benefits of Having Dog Insurance

    Dog insurance is a must have for any dog owner. In times of sickness and injury, having your dog covered can really make a difference. Even if you own multiple dogs, pet insurance is a great way to help cover those additional costs. When you insure your pet, not only will you be saving money on vet bills, but also making sure that you have adequate coverage should your dog need emergency care.

    “It’s as much fun loving your dog as you are taking care of it,” says Dave Conley, president of The Pet Insurance Plan, a Columbus, OH-based company that provides pet health insurance for pet owners. “That said, you also have a responsibility to protect them in case of accident or injury.” Dogs are the most common victims of injuries, but catchers and joggers and other types of sportsmen can suffer injuries as well. Most of these accidents occur during normal day-to-day activities. Most of the time, pets survive these accidents without any major medical care at all. Pet insurance covers, in full or in part, for veterinarian treatment of the insured individual’s sick or damaged pet.

    “The unfortunate truth is that many owners don’t know that coverage exists,” says pointer Tim Means, owner of Concrete Beach Dog Park in Florida. “For the most part, people assume that their pet will never need it. However, sometimes even healthy dogs develop chronic conditions such as cancer or diabetes. They may also contract infectious diseases, which can lead to life-threatening situations. A healthy pet is worth more than a healthy owner, so be sure to protect them with the right kind of coverage.”

    One of the best ways that dog owners can ensure that they provide proper coverage for their pets is by purchasing pet insurance. This type of coverage is a low cost means of protecting a pet’s health throughout his or her lifetime. By paying a low monthly premium, an insured owner can have the peace of mind that their beloved pet will receive the level of care and veterinary attention that they would afford themselves.

    Of course, there are many types of pet health insurance policies that are available. Depending upon the needs and the wants of the dog owner, the insurer will find a policy that fits their lifestyle and pet health needs. In some cases, insurance policies cover emergency procedures like a dog being shot. These types of accidents happen less often but have been known to completely turn the lives of many animals’ owners around.

    Dog owners today have a variety of options available when it comes to purchasing pet insurance. One of the benefits of this type of coverage is that it provides the insured with financial protection in case of major medical care or accidents. Veterinarians agree that the vast majority of minor dog injuries or illnesses are preventable. Many of these disorders and accidents could easily be prevented with routine preventative pet care. An uninsured dog owner runs the risk of not only losing his or her best friend, but could also be faced with large veterinary bills that exceed the insurance policy’s financial limits. Pet health insurance helps defray those costs, allowing dog owners to take good care of their furry family members without worrying about the cost of unforeseen medical care or the bills if an accident or illness should arise.

  • Factors That Affect Your Dog Insurance Premiums

    Dog insurance is not the easiest thing to come across, but if you are willing to put in some research you should easily be able to find and purchase a good policy for your pet. Pet insurance pays for veterinarian treatment of the owner’s sick or damaged pet, partly or wholly. Some policies will even pay out if your pet is stolen or when the dog dies. The kind of policy that you choose will depend on several factors including your budget, what type of pet you have, what environment your dog lives in and your dog’s age.

    You should take into consideration the kind of care your dog will need if you decide on this kind of insurance. It is more expensive to buy a policy that will cover regular vet care, as opposed to coverage that will also cover illnesses or accidents. The kind of coverage that you get will also depend on how healthy your dog is. A policy that only covers accidents or illnesses will cost you more money than one that will cover both.

    The cost of dog insurance will be affected by how much you pay as the deductible. The deductible is the amount that you must pay first for any vet bills before the insurance will start paying the rest. The higher the deductible the lower the monthly premium. In addition, if you have a long sick or injury-free life with your dog then the monthly premium will be lower. If you have a short history of dog accidents or illnesses then the monthly premium will be higher.

    Most dog insurance companies base their premiums on the dog’s age, breed and activity level. Dog premiums for younger dogs are usually cheaper because they are less likely to become injured or sick and older dogs are considered a higher risk. Insurance companies also consider how active your dog is, how big it is and whether it has been trained to be obedient. Older dogs may be more likely to get into trouble, may not be obedient and can become unruly.

    Another factor that will affect your monthly premium is the level of deductible you choose. A higher deductible will mean that you will be responsible for a smaller percentage of the total costs. You can choose a higher deductible to protect yourself in the event of an accident or illness. A higher annual max will mean that your insurance policy will cover your dog fully in the event of an accident or illness.

    When shopping for a dog insurance policy it is important to know what coverage you need and how much coverage is required. If your dog is very young, it may not be necessary to have medical care coverage. As your dog ages the level of coverage needed will increase. A good rule of thumb is to choose a policy that has the level of coverage you feel you need at the least expense.

  • How to Provide Your Pets With a Healthy Life

    It is essential for every pet owner to find out more about healthy pets and the various aspects of these pets. A pet will be more than a fun toy for you but an integral part of your family for many years to come. You cannot take good care of a sick pet and hope to recover from the disease if you do not understand the physiology of the animal. To help you in this task, many veterinarians have written numerous books and articles on pet health, diseases, diagnosis and treatments. If you are interested in learning more about these topics and would like to become more knowledgeable about your pet, you should consult a veterinary doctor and inquire about a veterinary pet hospital near you.

    Veterinary doctors understand that caring for a healthy pet involves more than just medication and bandages for wounds. Most pet owners understand that they need to purchase premium kibble and vitamins for their pets but do not realize that some of these expensive items can also contribute to the problem. By learning about the different aspects of wellness services for pets and knowing more about the basics of nutrition and health, pet owners can ensure that their pets remain happy and healthy throughout their lives.

    There are several conditions and disorders that can affect pets which are categorized as either viral disease or bacterial infection. A viral disease is an ailment that is caused by a virus. Some of the most common viral diseases in pets include a number of contagious diseases like the parainfluenza virus, distemper, rabies, hepatitis, tularemia, influenza and hepatitis B virus. In the case of bacterial infections, the most common infections that veterinarians encounter include ringworm, Staphylococcus aureus, seborrhea and bacterial vaginosis.

    Some illnesses that affect pets can also be prevented through a combination of diet and preventive measures. The best way to prevent viral and bacterial infections in pets is to give them vaccination and medication regularly. Your veterinarian may provide you with advice on good dietary supplements that can help improve the immune system of your pet. Providing them with a healthy diet consisting of balanced nutrition can help prevent them from getting diseases that can weaken their immune systems. Similarly, administering daily doses of antibiotics can help kill off any parasites that may be residing in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract.

    Proper ventilation, proper temperature and grooming are also necessary to promote overall health and wellness. For example, proper ventilation helps reduce the chances of fleas transmitting diseases to your pets. Moreover, a warm environment is essential for keeping your pets warm while grooming. Grooming, on the other hand, allows the skin of your pets to breathe and alleviate the symptoms of allergic conditions such as skin irritation and rashes. Proper consultation between pet owners and their veterinarians on the proper care and diet of their pets can help alleviate many of the issues pet owners face.

    Another important tip for providing your pets with a healthy living environment and proper preventive health care is to remove potentially dangerous objects and materials from the areas where your pets sleep or play. Many chemicals, powders and insecticides have been known to be potentially harmful to pets if they come into contact with them. Moreover, toys that have small parts can be another area where pets can get injured. By consulting with veterinarians on the proper toys and items to keep in their homes, you can give your beloved animals the best possible chance of enjoying long happy lives.

  • Is A Thai Or Siamese Cat Right For You?

    The Siamese cat is among the first distinctly recognizable breeds of Oriental cat. Derived from the Wichianmat jungle landrace, one of many types of Asian feline native to Thailand, early breeders made the Siamese the preferred option for cats used for showing. At that time, Siamese had the distinction of being the only cat amongst all breeds to win the “Master Certificate” from the American Kennel Club. It also held the distinction of being the only non-sporting breed to win the “FurReal Best Friend” title at one point in time. Since then, Siamese cats have won several prestigious awards, including “Best of Show”, “Best of Class”, and “Grand Champion”.

    It is said that the development of the Siamese began when the first attempts at breeding the cat were less than satisfactory. Many of the early attempts resulted in back injuries and premature deaths. One of these was the case with Mr. Y.S. Yip. who was a breeder in Thailand before he moved to Bangkok, where he successfully raised and bred the first Siamese cats. Mr. Y.S.Yip’s primary concern was working on the cat’s health, since his objective was to produce an offspring with a good physique and disposition.

    Another early breeder was Mr. Hayashi, a Japanese expatriate who owned four Siamese cats. All of them were mated with members. The result was a litter of four cats that were vigorous, happy, and affectionate. Meezer, or Watermelon Mazer, as he was known, was awarded the ultimate affectionate award in 1970.

    In spite of their achievements, the American Kennel Club still lists the standard siuamese cats as being very much the weak and reclusive types. They are indicated as needing more human contact and encouragement than any other breed. On the other hand, a closer look at the various Siamese breeds will show that they have a surprisingly high confidence level in their human companions. The cats are very active and vocal when they wish to be, but they are also quite reserved and remain so even when away from their owners.

    Like most breeds, the strength and robustness of a particular breed are dependent upon the way it was raised. While the American Kennel Club lists the American Siamese cat as being firm and powerful, some other organizations consider it to be a delicate cat. Some claim that this delicate nature of the breed was inherited from its blue-blooded ancestors who, in turn, were clipped and tamed for their studious habits by monks during the seventh and eight century. As such, it is not surprising that when properly cared for a siuamese cat will become very affectionate and readily allow you into its loving life.

    Some people who adopt Thai or Siamese cats do so because they feel that they resemble their own native breed. The truth is that, though all breeds share certain characteristics, there are subtle genetic differences among them, and every breed is different in what it expects or even demands of its human companions. In fact, Thai and Siamese cats have been bred in captivity for many years, with the result that they are now used to human companionship. So, if you consider yourself someone who finds emotional commitment in your relationship with another human, maybe it’s time to consider a Thailand or Siamese cat for a pet. These gorgeous cats have an affectionate nature that is rarely found in other breeds.

  • Siamese Cat Breeds

    Siamese cats are perhaps one of the world’s most famous feline breed, recognized by many people simply for their beautiful long black fur and distinctive blue eyes. For decades, Siamese were used as a laboratory rat for genetic research. Their long lithe physique made them ideal for studying the behavior and intelligence of these unique cats. In fact, they were once used by medical researchers to study mental retardation in humans. However, this stunning cat is now recognized as a worldwide classic pet.

    There are two major varieties of this beautiful cat breed. The first is the standard Siamese and the second is the long haired Siamese cat. Both varieties share similar features, including the distinctive blue eye color, but they differ in body structure and size. Some physical differences also exist, including the fact that the slender, long hairs of the standard breed make it much more difficult to clip and keep groomed. Long haired Siamese tends to be less wrinkled than their short haired counterparts.

    The standard Siamese cat was first bred in the early part of the 1930s in the United Kingdom. Since then, there have been several proposals to breed other popular breeds, including British Short hair, Birman breed cats and the American Short hair. All these breeds have succeeded in gaining widespread popularity among cat owners throughout the world.

    Because of their affinities for humans, Siamese cats have become somewhat prized as house pets. They are known to be affectionate and loyal toward their human companions. However, they can also be aggressive toward other pets and animals, as well as adults. If you are considering adopting a Siamese cat, you should know that the breed does not accept abandoned pups and will do its best to put down any pups that are found.

    The distinctive features of Siamese cats include their almond-shaped eyes, blue eyes with green pupils, short blunt ears and short dark fur. Their coat is silky and dark with blue eyes, and dark fur with varying colors of spots within it. The color of their ears is usually black with a slight tint of blue in it, and they usually have one ear ring, or a single one. Their teeth are distinct, and they do not have any ragged teeth. They also have slightly raised lips.

    The original breed was introduced into Thailand in the early nineteen-hundreds by a man called Jonkers, who had been traveling around Thailand. He had been looking for a good cat to take home to his family. He received a pair of these beautiful Siamese cats as a gift and was so impressed with them that he began to breed his own kittens. The first of his line was very tame and gentle, but due to the popularity of this cat breed in Thailand it soon outgrew its breeder’s ability to breed them properly and began to take over his entire litter.

    The American Kennel Club (AKC) currently classifies the Siamese cat as “coats that fall into four categories namely Solid, Short-haired, Longhaired, and Light-colored”. This classification is somewhat confusing, and some think that there might actually be more breeds than just four. There is, however, one recognized breed recognized by the AKC, and this is the long-haired Siamese cat. The coat of this cat is silky and curly with a double-layered coat, and it has a “clicking” sound when it is barking.

    Another confusing factor is that the long-haired and theonghaired Siamese cat are both listed as solid colored although they look very different in terms of color. There are also sub-breeds in the longhaired category such as the long haired Siamese cat. The long haired Siamese belongs to the solid colored category while the short haired Siamese belongs to the mix category. There are other known Siamese breeds, but their exact nature is still unknown.

  • Figaro Pet Insurance Reviews – What You Need to Know

    Looking for pet insurance reviews? Cost is obviously a big consideration when making a pet purchase decision. But the sticker price alone isn’t a good indicator of full cost. Instead, it’s important to consider the complete interplay between deductibles, premiums, and benefits. Extras too are an area of potential savings – just make sure to get your facts straight.

    For example, what if you wanted to protect against veterinarian bills for age six months or older? You’d want a plan that allowed you to enroll your pet early and get the lowest premiums possible. But if you chose deductibles equal to four times your dog’s age instead of six months, how much would your premium be?

    Not much, right? That’s fine if deductibles aren’t high enough and you just want the least expensive coverage possible. But it’s wrong to lump all “pet insurance” plans together and think they have the same coverage levels and prices. One company may have lower premiums for male dogs and another may have lower premiums on female dogs. So be aware of which companies are offering you what kind of coverage – and what coverage you’re getting.

    A smart pet insurance company will take the time to find out your dog’s breed and age before setting your premium rates. Then they’ll price your plan to fit your dog’s needs. They’ll also give you options for how much of a deductible you’ll need to pay. And they’ll help you choose the right combination of deductibles, premiums, and benefits to make sure you’re getting the best value. This all takes time and research, but it saves you money in the long run.

    Figaro pet insurance gave us information about a company called Geico. We were told that there are two different policies they offer: Standard and Premier. The Premier policy has higher premiums because it covers “the more common” catastrophic occurrences, such as neutering or surgery, while the Standard policy is typically less expensive.

    One other company, we looked to have a “flat rate” for their insurance coverage, even though the actual cost to insure our six-legged friend was only about three dollars per month. Their website said their “flat rate” policy will cost your pet insurance company “no more than” forty-one dollars per month. But did we find any mention of the “any one insurer” clause? We did call and talk to a representative, and he told us that there’s no catch with the flat rate policy. So it appears this one insurer may be trying to lure customers to sign up for a higher price than is necessary. Hopefully, if you use the internet, you will be able to find more reliable information about pet insurance companies.

  • Rearing Kittens – Tips To Take Care Of Your Baby Kittens

    It is really a cute sight to see mother cats to care for their young kittens. But do you know that the mother cat also has certain roles she must fulfill in her life with her kittens? The role of the mother in raising her kittens is most essential. Here are some of the things you must know about the nature of the role of the mother in rearing kittens.

    Mother cats mostly give birth to kittens and then they keep the little ones close to them in their litter. Kittens get exposed to various environment and are always under the protection and care of their mother. But as the kittens grow up, the mother cat will require more time caring for the little ones. Sooner or later, if they get left by themselves, they will not be able to take care of themselves and may start hunting for their own food. If they have already developed their hunting instinct, the mother cat will not hesitate to kill her own kitten to save the others.

    If possible, it is better to leave the kittens with their own litter instead of putting them in the hands of another person. This way, the mother cat can have enough time caring for her kittens. When you decide to leave your kitten’s with someone else, it is better that you entrust it to an orphanage and let them stay there with their mother until they are fully grown. The reason behind this is that the orphans will be safer from the kitten’s predators and the kittens will also have a safe home to live in. And as for the mother cat, she will only need less attention from her as she already has plenty of things to do.

    Now, if you decided to raise baby kittens yourself, then you may need to train them properly. There are different methods when rearing kittens and you can choose whichever is suitable for your baby kittens. Some of the best methods to teach the kittens are bonding training, teaching him to use the litter box and some other tricks. You can choose one of these methods depending on how well your baby kittens responds to it.

    Bonding training is the most important method when rearing kittens. This is the easiest and the most comfortable way for them to get used with human touch. As the kitten is very little, he does not have the capability to tell you that he needs your attention or that he needs to go to potty. But with the help of the bonding tape, you can help your baby kitten understand that you need to take care of him and that you will always be there for him. Thus, he will be less fussy when you introduce him to his surroundings.

    The other training method you can use is teaching him some simple tricks. Some of the popular tricks are singing, telling him where to pee and poo, playing fetch and etc. Once your baby kittens start mastering these simple tricks, then you need not to train him again.

  • Pet Health Insurance Is A Must Have Necessity! Keep your sweeties safe and healthy.

    Pets Best Insurance is the best choice of every pet owner. It is specifically designed to meet the needs of dog and cat owners. It covers the regular vet expenses including annual vet check ups, dental care, de-worming, heart worm treatment, surgeries, prescription drugs, X-rays and more. With pet health insurance for cats and dogs, powered by Pets Best, you will receive reimbursed up to ninety percent on certain eligible veterinary bills* made payable to Pete Best. Your pet can be covered regardless of age, breed, size or health.

    It’s easy to pay pet health insurance premiums month after month. You can also choose from the following options. The first choice is to pay in advance and choose your options from the list. It offers the convenience of paying your premium on a monthly basis and it eliminates the worry of remembering to pay on time.

    * One option that is not available with other pet health insurance policies is a risk rider. This rider lets you pay higher premiums for coverage against sudden, catastrophic illness. It can be applied by signing up for an agreement with a participating veterinarian. If your pet gets sick suddenly, the veterinarian pays the difference between human health insurance premiums and your pet premiums. It has no annual limit, but your pet insurance premiums may be affected if you switch the veterinarian.

    * Another popular method of covering vet bills in pet health insurance is a second chance policy. If you enroll your dog in this program, your pet health insurance provider compensates for the difference between the regular payment and what your pet would earn under normal circumstances. Normally, a second chance policy covers only major illnesses. If your dog has relatively minor illnesses once in a while, then the veterinarian will make up for the rest.

    * There are policies available that reimburse the vet for services that you have not utilized for a certain time. Examples include services that are not used on an annual basis. For example, if you do not use your pet plan for shampooing your dog regularly, the provider will not reimburse you for it. In this case, the animal shelters or animal welfare organizations might cover the cost instead.

    * Accidental death and dismemberment benefits cover the cost of veterinary fees in the event that your pet is euthanized or has its limbs cut off during an accident. Your pet insurance provider will reimburse you for the cost of cremation or burial expenses. With accidental death and dismemberment coverage, you may be compensated for the loss of the pet even if it has already been cremated or buried. The policy terms and conditions usually state that the payment to the veterinarian will be made only if the accident is deemed “unnecessary.” For instance, a hemorrhage in a dog would likely be classified as “unnecessary” and not reimbursed.

  • What is a Maine Coon Cat? A brief history of this beautiful creature.

    The Maine Coon cat is perhaps the oldest domestic cat breed in the world. It has an attractive, unique physical appearance and invaluable hunting abilities. It is also one of the earliest indigenous domestic breeds in North America, particularly native to the state of Maine, which means it’s the original country cat. While Maine Coon cats have maintained their status as one of our nation’s best kept secrets, there are many misconceptions about this great cat and the people who love them.

    It was around 1797 when the first North American cat was bred, and it was the Norwegian forest cat that set off the beginning of the story we now know as the history of the Maine Coon. These cats were originally bred in the colder climates of Alaska, but they soon spread all over the continent. Some were bred in other areas of the United States, but ultimately they were known by the common name of Maine Coon. There is even a story in the popular children’s book “Goodnight Moon” about a kitten that was taken in by a family in Maine. The kitten was named Selina and it was from this kitten that the common name for today’s Maine Coon Cat was born.

    Today there are many beautiful Maine Coon cat breeds to choose from. All of the Maine Coon cat breeds share a number of physical characteristics and some of those characteristics just make these cats so unique and wonderful. They all have wrinkled, soft skin and a beautiful fluffy coat that may be black, brown, red or any other color or shade. These cats tend to be very friendly and are extremely loyal to their owners.

    The most distinguishing characteristic of all the Maine Coon cat breeds is their long, fluffy coats. This helps them to remain warm in the winter, but it also protects them against the cold winter weather. Mocco cats are famous for being able to tolerate cold temperatures and even in the hot summer months, their coats can remain cool and not get too hot. All different Maine Coon Cat breeds are distinct in appearance, and each cat has its own distinctive personality and appearance. All of the Maine Coon cat breeds look alike, but they are all distinguished by their distinct colors, patterns, markings and hair length. The main difference among the various Maine Coon cat breeds is in their sizes and weights.

    The Maine Coon Cat is consistently listed as the American Cat of choice for show and performance. They have won many awards including the America’s Cat Contest, and they have held their own against some of the world’s most famous cats such as the Siberian Husky, the British Bulldog, the Pekingese and the Jaguarundi. All Maine Coon Cats are wonderful pets and they are not at all like the typical cat that just lick your face. A Maine Coon Cat has a long and slanty coat, and they can easily be mistaken for either a domestic or a wild cat. Their beautiful coat is silky, shiny, and very soft to the touch.

    The term “molecular defect” has been given to describe the strange coat pattern found among Maine Coon Cats. This is also known as the “bitemark” syndrome and has caused many people to claim that their cats have these genetic defects, which mean that each owner is forced to pay a high vet bill if they wish to groom or clip the coat of their cat. So how can you tell whether your cat has this syndrome? Well, you can look at the paws, since most of the time, a cat with this syndrome will have abnormally shaped or uneven paws.