Pet Insurance Do You Really Need Pet Insurance?

Pet Insurance

In today’s world it isn’t only human medical treatments that command high prices.  Medical fees for your pet’s health can lead into the thousand’s quite easily.  An average cost if your dog is involved in a motor vehicle accident is approximately $4,890.00, or if your dog requires cancer treatments the cost can run about $3,600.00.

No one likes to think of what may happen if your pet gets sick and possibly needs treatment.  And no one likes to think about what may happen if you can’t afford those expensive treatments to make your pet well again.

Pet insurance helps you budget in the event that your pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian.  A pet insurance plan can cover your pet for anything from eating a sock, getting an eye infection, cancer or diabetes, to developing heart worm.  Also if your pet is ever involved in an accident (such as being hit by a car) pet insurance would cover the costs for his injuries.

Pet Insurance You Need To Shop Around

A pet insurance policy is paid with a monthly premium for a plan to help you cover the medical costs of your pet’s treatments in the event of an illness or accident.  There is usually a deductible involved, which is an amount that you have to pay up front.  The plan then usually covers the balance.  Be cautious when looking at plans though, which treatments will be covered under the particular plan you choose.  A cheaper plan may not cover everything (such as expensive radiation treatments if your pet develops cancer).

There are different plans available, you will have to do a little research to find the best plan for you.  Pets as young as 8 weeks old are covered and usually they do not require a medical for your pet.  Be aware though, that some plans do have an upper age limit.  It is best to shop around for a plan that suits you.

Having a pet insurance policy in today’s world is recommended for your pet. There is nothing worse than not being able to help your pet just because you cannot afford the medical bills.  It seems a small price to pay for the peace of mind.  When deciding whether pet ownership is in your budget, this is one area where extra costs may be involved.

Breeds Of Birds There Are Many Here Are Six

Name Your Bird by Breeds

Many pet owners have dogs or cats, but being a bird owner can be just as much fun.  Birds have many different breeds, each has their own unique little personalities, no matter what kind of bird pet you have.  You could have a talking parrot, a bobbing cockatiel or a rambunctious macaw that can provide hours of fun and amusing interaction. Even the little songbirds, like canaries or finches, can capture your heart.

Naming your new bird friend can be a lot of fun too.  There are so many cute names that you can use.  How you name your new pet is up to you.  You can name your pet according to the breed of bird it is, use a bird-type name, or simply choose a cutesy name that you like.  It would be a nice idea to give your birdie friend a name that has a meaning or a story behind it so that it can become a conversation piece when others ask.  This can seem to give your bird a little excitement or interest.

Here Are 3 Breeds

Canary             Originally discovered in the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa, canaries can come in yellow, red or white colorations.  They are a highly active bird and the males have a beautiful song.  It is entertaining to have toys and mirrors for them to play with, or even a birdbath.

Parrot              There are a couple of different types of parrots, one of which is the African Grey, which also comes in a different varieties (like the Congo African Grey or the Timneh African Grey).  These are medium sized birds with varying coloration, usually with some grey feathering. These birds are intelligent and have the ability to communicate (speak).  They can live up to 50 years.

Lovebird         This is a smaller member of the parrot family so a lot of the same names may be appropriate.  They have striking colors and patterns, and are easy to train.  They average about 4-5” in length and are sturdy, healthy little birds.

Here Are 3 More Breeds

Parakeet          This is also a smaller member of the parrot family.  Parakeets are hardy birds who can sometimes be trained to talk. They are colorful, easy to train and are popular pets.

Cockatiel         Cockatiels are also members of the parrot family.  They are about 12” long, have striking colors and are intelligent and easy to train.  They come in color varieties of Cinnamon, Lutino, Pearl, Pied, Grey, and White-faced, but the most common is the Grey Cockatiel.  These birds are native to Australia.

Cockatoo         The great thing about this bird breed is the bird’s need for a lot of attention and interaction from their owners in order to be happy and healthy.  They love to be petted and played with and are a highly social bird.  They are affectionate and are not particularly noisy.  These birds are generally white or light-colored and are native to Australia, New Guinea, South and Southeast Asia.  They come in two varieties:  the Umbrella Cockatoo, which is named for a crest of feathers around its head (hence the umbrella name) and the Sulphur Cockatoo.

Pet's Age Just Like Humans With Similar Problems

Your Aging Pet's

Pet's when young, are often frisky and playful.  You will find that as your pet grows into adulthood he will settle down and become less active.  He still may love to chase a ball or play with you, but you will find that he also spends a lot more time sleeping.  That is just the ‘nature of the beast’ and is very natural.  It does not mean that something is wrong with your pet.

As a young puppy or kitten your pet may have eaten everything in sight to keep up with his growing physical body.  As your pet's age, they may become more finicky towards certain foods.  They might have discovered what his likes and dislikes are. They also know what he can get away with in the way that you feed him.

He may not want to eat that dry kibble now because he has learned that you will replace it with table scraps if he waits long enough.  He will also be more in tune with what his body requires.  For example, you may find that your cat or dog now eats grass to supply his bodily needs for greens (for digestion).  It is necessary therefore, to search out the type of food your pet’s aging body needs.  You can find pet foods that are more suitable to adult animals in all pet stores and grocery stores.

You will also find that you will need to feed your pet a bit less.  They are now not as active and will burn less food-fuel.  This can cause them to gain weight, and keeping your pet at a healthy weight is just as important as with people.  Being overweight can lead to other health problems.

Your Pet's Aging Process

Your pet’s body will also go through the aging process, just as humans do. Pet's can suffer from many of the same problems that people do when aging.  They can get cancer, contract cataracts in their eyes, and suffer from arthritis.

In order to keep your pet in ultimate health, it is important that you keep up with his regular veterinary check-ups.  Your vet can help you keep on top of any ailments your pet many suffer from due to age, and be able to provide medication to help keep him comfortable.  You will find that a dog suffering from arthritis can benefit from some of the same types of medicines that humans do (like glucosamine or anti-inflammatory medicine—but there are special brands and dosages just for pets, so do not use the human version on your pet!)

You may also find that your dog may become more irritable with old age.  That is because his brain is not receiving the same amount of oxygen than when he was younger.  Blood vessels leading to his brain become less elastic and his lungs become less efficient, which can lead to small hemorrhages in his brain.  This is also the reason that he may not tend to learn new things as quickly (remember the old saying: ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”)

Dogs can also suffer from old age dementia just as humans can.  He may become more disoriented and may even lose a little bladder control.  His sleep times may become erratic (he may tend to reverse his sleep order—sleep during the day and be restless at night) and, as mentioned, he may become more irritable.

As your pet ages, as mentioned, he will become less active.  It is not a good idea to try to get him to over-exercise at this point in his life.  It is natural for him to be more sedentary. “Let sleeping dogs lie.”

Older dogs are also more prone to tumors, but the vast majority are benign and are nothing to worry about.  If you do find your pet has a bump or growth, it is best to consult with your veterinarian, especially if it changes in size or shape and grows rapidly.

Some Things To Consider

Here is a short list of things you can do to make you and your dog’s more comfortable as he grows older:

• Take him out for a walk more frequently, but for shorter lengths of time
• Feed your dog smaller meals, but more frequently
• Take your dog outside to relieve himself right after feeding (so those accidents don't happen)
• Make sure his sleeping space has a comfortable blanket and is out of drafts
• Do not leave him out in the cold for extended periods of time
• Keep regular vet check-ups, and consult with your vet about medication. Your pet may require medications to help relieve aging symptoms. As an older pet, you may want to increase his veterinarian visits to twice a year.
• Keep an eye on your pet’s weight
• Feed your pet age-appropriate food

It is sad that we sometimes have to outlive our pets , but the life cycle cannot be ignored.  It used to be thought that you could compare one year of human life to seven dog years.  That is not considered the case today.  As with humans, medical treatments and advancements have progressed and dogs are healthier.  Now it is thought that one year of human life can be compared to five dog years.

Veterinarians Are Someone To Choose With Care

Tips For Choosing Veterinarians

It is essential in dealing with your pet’s health issues to have the right vet for your pet.  Different veterinarians can specialize in certain types of pets, for example, there are distinct cat doctors or vets that specialize in snakes or other exotic creatures.  There are also ones that are general practitioners that deal with all types of animals.

Below are a few tips for you to find the right veterinarian for your pet.:

Look for veterinarians as soon as you get your pet home. It is not a good idea to wait until your pet is ill before trying to find a vet.  Just as with your own doctor, your pet needs to have a vet that it is comfortable with.  Regular trips, even just for check-ups, can reassure your pet when it is truly in need.

Of course you want to find a vet that specializes or is good with the type of pet that you have, but the best way to find a good vet is to ask around. Ask friends and other family members who they use for their pets or who they could recommend.

Contact the top three choices and find out if you can take a tour of their facility before making a decision. Ask if you and your pet could possibly meet with them prior to making an appointment or commitment. You will want to see how the vet interacts with your pet and with you as well.

Ask for references you need to (other than those of your friends or relatives) to discover any if there is any bad background history

Evaluate the premises at the veterinarians facility. Be aware of how well the building is taken care of—if it is clean and properly kept? Are there separate sections for different types of pets—cats and dogs often react when in each other’s company and keeping them separate may be a bonus. Ask other pet owners in the waiting room how they feel about that vet.  As them about waiting times.

Find out what hours and times the facility is open. This may be crucial if your pet is sick and you need a pet doctor immediately.

Note how far away the vet is from your home. Again, this may provide an important factor in your access to the vet.  If your pet is hit by a car, for example, getting him to the vet as soon as possible could save his life.

The veterinary clinic location can also be a concern for your convenience of bringing your pet to the vet. Is the location within an easy drive from home and work?  Does it have parking?  Is there an area nearby where you can walk your dog (for a quick pit- stop) before the visit?  These factors can all play a part in your vet choice.

Ask the veterinarian questions about his qualifications. Pretend you are an interviewer for a job and remember it is important that you find the right vet for your pet.

Ask what special equipment the facility may have on site if your pet has a special need. This vet may offer on-site tests or treatments that may be beneficial.  Sometimes certain treatments are out-sourced to another practice (which you may not like). Ask if they also provide emergency care for after hours because not all clinics do.

Ask if there is financial aid available if this were to become an issue (say if you pet develops cancer and needs treatments).

Find out if this clinic has more than one vet on staff. Some clinics have multiple veterinarians and your pet may not always see the same person.  Find out how it is decided who will look after your pet and if you can see the same person all the time.  (This pertains to your pet’s comfort level by dealing with someone they already know when crisis times arise and your pet is ill.)  Will your pet’s care be a team effort, and are you comfortable with that approach?

Some vet clinics offer seminars and information videos on pet care. Does this one have resource materials that you can borrow to learn more about your pet and their care?  Having these resources may indicate how concerned this vet is in the overall well-being of your pet.

It is also important to consider vet prices. Although you may think this will not be an issue, it is still important to compare apples with apples.  Sometimes a price that one vet offers may include painkilling medication and monitoring while another’s vet’s prices won’t. Prices can also vary significantly due to their overhead costs.

Choosing the right veterinarians for your pet before you really need it can help you and your pet when in a health crisis.  You must remember that owning and taking care of a pet is a responsibility, but one that provides very satisfying rewards.  Imagine yourself holding that sweet innocent animal that is looking to you to take care of all of its needs.

Becoming a Pet Owner Is It Right for You?

Is Becoming a Pet Owner Right for You?

Becoming a pet owner is a big decision. You may love animals and want nothing more than having a pet to share your life, but there are a lot of responsibilities that go along with that. Many people are not aware of the commitment that pet ownership entails. You need to take into consideration a few points before you decide to take on the role of pet ownership.

First off, being an animal lover is not enough of a reason for pet ownership. You need to assess your and your family’s situation before you make the final decision. The timing should be right for you, the environment needs to be pet friendly and your family’s needs also need to be taken into consideration.

What I mean by assessing your situation is this:

Becoming A Pet Owner Has Big Commitments.

1. Time commitment - You need to be able to have the time to give your pet the attention it deserves. Does your job require you to travel a lot? Are you seldom home? Is your pet going to be home alone most of the time? Do you have the time to give your pet the exercise it needs (i.e. walking your dog)?

2. Is your home a pet friendly environment? Do you live in an apartment that allows pets? Are you on a busy street that may not be cat-friendly? Does it have a backyard where your pet can have some free space to run? Do you have the right spot with proper sunlight and ventilation for your bird’s cage?

3. Family – Discuss getting a pet with the rest of your family. Are you a cat lover and your spouse a dog lover? Does anyone in the family have pet allergies? Who will take on the responsibility of the pet’s care? Pets can be a large part of your family so every member of the family should at least be consulted when adding this new member to it.

Becoming A Pet Owner Takes Time and Money

4. Finances – Many people are unaware that having a pet also has a financial commitment attached to it. The pet needs to be fed. There are vet bills involved – dogs and cats need shots, and perhaps to be spayed or neutered. Sometimes pets have other health issues that need to be addressed, and which may require a lot of money. There may be kennel fees or pet sitting fees involved if you need to leave your pet for a vacation period. Cats need clean litter.

5. Temperament – and by this I mean your temperament. Do you have the patience needed to own a pet? Pets need understanding and patience from you. Puppies and kittens, as well as birds, need to be trained. Some chew things around the house and get into mischief. They leave little messes for you to clean up. You need to be able to deal with their personalities and you need to be compatible with them. Do you have the love and compassion your pet will crave?

6. Timing – Is this the right time for you to own a pet? Sometimes timing is everything. You may want a pet, but perhaps some other event in your life can prevent this from being the right time to begin pet ownership. For example, perhaps you are contemplating a job transfer. It may be a better idea to wait until you are settled in the new location to find out which environment may be more suitable to the pet you are considering. Or, perhaps you have just had a baby and although you may still want a pet, you may not have the time to give a pet the attention it deserves (perhaps waiting a short time would be better.) 

Becoming A Pet Owner Takes More Than Time And Money

All of the above needs to be carefully considered before you decide to take on the commitment of pet ownership. But, also be aware that many of the obstacles can be overcome if you are determined that pet ownership is right for you. Read the tips referred to later on in this guide to learn how you can deal with most hindrances that may prevent you from owning a pet.

Remember though, that pet ownership is a commitment that may last for years. It is not to be considered a short term fancy. Pets live a long time (typically 10-15 years for dogs or cats-sometimes longer, and perhaps much longer for some birds) and you need to be able to commit that time for the life of your pet.

Owning a pet though, is a very rewarding experience. Your pet’s commitment and devotion to you will be complete. Nowhere will you receive the satisfaction, love and bonding that comes with giving your life and attention into your pet’s ownership.

Keeping Fish As Pets In A Aquarium

Fish as Pets

Keeping fish as pets can be a very soothing experience. Watching fish swimming in an aquarium can be very relaxing.

There are so many varieties of fish to choose from that it boggles the mind.  Guppies, Catfish, Angelfish, Tetras, Swordfish, and Mollies are just a few popular types, as well as the all-important Goldfish.  Those are all fresh water fish, but you can also become a salt-water fish keeper.  Salt-water fish, however, do tend to need more care.

If you do decide to keep fish for pets, you do have to be careful what type of fish you put together in a tank because certain fish don't get along with each other.  For example,  Tiger Barbs and Angels are "territorial fish" and will pick on other fish in the tank.  You will need to find out from the pet shop which ones don't get along before you put them together. Also, Japanese fighters cannot be put with other Japanese fighters or they will kill each other (Try putting a mirror in with a Japanese fighter and see how he will be prepared to fight his reflection)  

An Aquarium Or Tanks

There are an infinite variety of fish tanks and aquariums to choose from.  Equally important when choosing fish as pets is the water filtration system you need to keep your fish friends healthy.  Your aquarium can be made as simple or as fancy as you desire.

Fish are a relatively low-maintenance type of pet.  They are usually kept in some type of fish bowl or aquarium. They are usually sized to the size of fish and the amount of fish.  It is a good idea to have a water filtration system which oxygenates their water and helps to keep it clean.  You need to feed them daily, which tends to typically be a simple affair, and you need to keep their water clean. 

Although fish may not seem an exciting pet, they can be company as well.  You may even be able to teach your fish very simple tricks. Like following your finger when traced along the side of the glass. Coming to the top of the aquarium when you tap it gently for feeding. 

The downside to having fish, however, is that they are not always a long-lived pet.  Some fish will die almost immediately upon bringing them home, but others can last a couple of years.  (We were amazed when two of our Goldfish lived for about 4 years.)  Fish can be delicate to take care of, and special care must be taken when cleaning their tank.

Breeds Of Dogs How Many Different Breeds Are There?

Breeds Of Dogs There Are Many

Listed below are five of the most popular breeds of dogs according to the American Kennel Club (2006) top ten, but they are by no means the only ones you should choose from.  There are numerous other breeds that would make excellent pets, ones that may fit your family’s wants and needs much better.  Do a little research to find the best breed for you.

Dachshund – This is a breed of dog that looks to be elongated, with short little legs.  There are three sizes of Dachshund – Toy, with a height of up to 12 inches and weighing about 8 lbs., Miniature, with a height of up to 14 inches and weighing about 9 lbs., and Standard, with a height between 14-18 inches and weighing about 20 lbs.  There are also three different varieties in the length of their coat, short-haired, wired-haired and long-haired.  Their life expectancy is about 12-15 years.

Dachshunds are lively, affectionate, mischievous dogs which are bold, willful, playful, fun and often humorous.  They are clever dogs, but tend to be harder to train.  But they are also very devoted.  Dachshunds tend to have a louder bark, which makes them good as a watchdog.  Dachshunds also crave the companionship of their owners and do not like to be left alone.  But, they also tend not to like strangers. Not all Dachshunds are known to be good with children.

Boxer – This is another medium-large dog, standing about 22-25 inches in height and weighing about 60-70 lbs.  They have a shiny, close-fitting coat and they have a life expectancy of about 11-14 years.

These dogs are happy, high-spirited, playful, curious and energetic.  They are intelligent, eager and quick to learn, but they can also tend to be stubborn at times.  They are a loyal and affectionate dog.

Although boxers are patient and tend to be good with children and are not an aggressive or vicious breed, they tend to need careful socialization with other dogs sometimes exhibiting protective, territorial and dominant behavior.  These dogs are active and need plenty of exercise.

Poodles – Poodles come in three varieties, the Toy with a height of up to 10 inches and weighing 6-9 lbs., the Miniature with a height of 11-15 inches and weighing approximately 15-17 lbs. and the Standard with a height of 15 inches or more and a weight of 45-70 lbs.  Their coat is profuse and very curly when groomed and clipped.  Their life expectancy is between 12-15 years.

Poodles are sensitive, highly intelligent, perky dogs.  Some may tend to be high-strung and timid.  They are generally good-natured and very trainable.  Poodles can get bored easily and as a result get into mischief.  Poodles also tend to have a reputation for being people-orientated dogs and do well in the family atmosphere.

Shih Tzu – This breed of dog stands up to about 11 inches tall and weighs about 9-16 lbs.  They are extraordinarily cute with an abundance of long hair lined with a woolly undercoat.  They have a life expectancy of about 15 years.

These dogs are fairly active.  They are alert, spunky, sometimes arrogant, loyal, obstinate, clever and playful.  Because of their long coats, they need to be brushed and groomed a bit more than may be required of other breeds.

Miniature Schnauzer – The Miniature Schnauzer is a smaller dog with a general height of about 12-14 inches and a weight of about 10-15 lbs.  They have a harsh outer coat, with a soft undercoat.  Their life expectancy is about 15 years.

The Miniature Schnauzer tends to be a fairly active dog with a high learning rate.  They are very perky, loving, intelligent, affectionate, playful and obedient, but their temperament can be quite variable.  They make ideal guard dogs and will defend their home both verbally and physically.

These dogs are generally good with children and can recognize the need for gentle play within a family environment.  They do, however, tend to need a lot of attention and affection from their owners or their mental health can suffer.

Breeds Of Dogs, Purebred Or Mixed? You Decide

One of the main advantages of owning a purebred breed of dog is that you will be able to get a hint of what to expect that particular breed to be like.  On the other hand, a disadvantage of owning a purebred dog is the price.  The cost of a purebred dog can run into several hundred to thousands of dollars, depending upon where you get it. 

Or, you can choose not to own a purebred dog.  There are many mixed varieties of dogs out there that need good homes too.  Mixed breeds are generally much cheaper in cost, although in today’s day and age expect to pay at least something for it as well.  Mutts also may tend to be a hardier dog than some of the more delicate purebreds. 

Houses For Cat And Birds Are Houses For Pets Necessary?

Cat and Bird Houses

 Cat Houses:  If you have a cat that is allowed outdoors, it may be a nice idea to supply a little cat house for your pet. The cat house should be a small affair placed near the outside exit/entrance that your cat commonly uses.  Cats also prefer if their house is elevated because they like to feel to be safely out of harm’s way and be able to view everything around them.  Face their little house away from your house so that they have a good lookout.

If your cat is one that remains indoors, you can also supply a little cat house for them somewhere inside your house.  Cats loved enclosed spaces.  They feel cuddled and secure.  Make it nest-like with a soft warm blanket that your cat can cuddle in. Also elevate the cat house so that they have to climb to get to it.  Again, cats love to look out around and above things.

Bird Houses: They Are A Must

A house for your  pet bird is of utmost importance.  Be sure to consult with your pet store or veterinarian for the best type of house (or cage) for the breed of bird you have.  You need to be sure the cage is neither too big nor too small for it.  Some birds like to have a large area where they can fly around, like canaries or finches for example.  Other birds, like a parrot may need a larger cage, but not for flying around in—simply because they are larger birds.  And make sure any coating on the cage wire will not be harmful to your pet.  Realize that they will be constantly chewing on this material. 

It is a good idea to have various levels of perches so that your bird can utilize the total space in the cage.   The price ranges can vary vastly too, so it pays to shop around.

Bird toys inside the cage are a must.  Your bird needs to be kept busy and occupied to be psychologically healthy.  Keep various toys scattered about the cage, and change them from time to time. 

It is a good idea to paper the bottom of the cage with newspaper to catch the bird ‘poop’.  You then just need to change the paper (frequently) to keep your bird’s quarters clean. 

Proper Food And Water Along With Ventilation A Must

Place your bird’s cage in a well ventilated area, but out of drafts and away from the cold.  A nice sunny spot will suit your bird well. Most birds like it if their cage is covered with a light cloth for night sleeping.

Make sure to always have fresh food and water available in your bird’s cage.  Be cautious that the food tray has food in it because some very active birds can starve very easily.  It can be deceiving when the food’s husks are in the food tray and it appears full—you may think they have lots of food when all that is in there is grain husks. 

Biking and Hiking With Your Dog For Exercise

Biking and Hiking With Your Dog

Biking

Strolling down the street with your dog leashed beside you is not the only way for you to provide your dog with exercise.  Some people like to ride bikes for their own exercise routine and there is equipment that can help you exercise your dog while you ride. It can be dangerous for you to hold your dog’s lead in your hand while bicycling. You can purchase an attachment for your bike that holds the dog at an appropriate distance from your bicycle as he runs along beside you. The attachment typically comes with a harness for your dog. This type of equipment helps make biking with your dog safer—the lead will not get caught in the bike and it also tends to discourage your dog from darting off after a squirrel or cat.

Nature Walks and Hiking

It is important to mention that if you wish to take your dog along on nature walks or hikes, be sure to supply him with appropriate flea and tick protection. A flea or tick collar, or spraying your dog with a long-acting repellant, is a must.  Also, if the trail you are hiking on has sharp stones or rocks, or perhaps even sharp twigs or any broken glass, you may want to consider doggie-boots to protect your pet’s paws. Dog boots are available for almost any size or breed or dog. These boots slip on comfortably right over their paws and fasten securely in place with Velcro. It may be necessary to clip your dog’s toenails before a hike to protect them from getting caught in boots.

If you take your dog for longer hikes, consider taking along a first aid kit for any mishaps. The kit should include items like tweezers (in case of splinters in your dog’s paws. You could also have paw salve in case of sore paws.

If you take a smaller dog with you on a hike for exercise. You might want to take along a small pet carrier in case your pet gets tired. These pet carriers are like baby slings where you carry your pet in bunting-like style. These carriers allow you to continue the hike while permitting your small pet to rest occasionally. While a larger dog may be able to keep up with you on a smaller dog may not. For larger dogs, you may want to consider a pet backpack to help him carry his own equipment. This would be very appropriate for working-class dogs.