Saving Money on Pet Insurance

Posted on October 16, 2011 by admin

Pet insurance offers pet owners a simple way to defend the health of their pets with only a small amount of money each month. The deductibles are relatively cheap, especially when one considers the cost of paying for an office visit outright. Although Pet Insurance is already reasonably priced, there are ways to save even more money on pet insurance.

Use Your Current Insurance contributor

Most people have a current insurance provider which provides them with different insurance policies such as auto insurance, homeowners insurance and more. Often, these well-rounded insurance companies will also offer Pet Insurance policies. You may find that when you get a pet insurance policy through your current insurer you will be able to get extra discounts due to already being a customer of that company.

Choose an Inclusive Plan

Although you may have to pay more on an inclusive plan than one which is basic in nature, the inclusions which you will receive by doing so will far outweigh any cost. Remember, when you obtain pet insurance, no matter how inclusive the policy is, you will always save money in the end by not having to pay for routine exams and emergency visits outright like those without pet insurance have to do.

Ask For Multiple Pet Discounts

Those who have more than one pet in the home and are keen to get pet insurance for all pets; multiple pet discounts offers are an option. Ask the pet insurance provider if multiple pet discounts are applicable and how much you can save by insuring all of your pets at a discounted cost.

When you keep these money saving tips in mind, you will find that pet insurance is even less costly than you once thought it to be.

Save Money with Pet Insurance

Medical bills for your pet can become fairly expensive when all is said and done. From regular wellness visits to emergency surgeries, pet medical expenses can be high. Luckily, there are ways to deal with the cost of pet medical bills. One such way is to purchase a pet insurance policy.

Here are some benefits of pet insurance and why you should have a policy in effect for your family pets:

Pet Insurance Is Fairly Inclusive In Nature

There are many pet insurance policies which will completely cover the many medical issues which can occur to pets. Although each pet insurance policy will vary depending on who insures your pet and what type of pet insurance policy you obtain, most policies are quite inclusive in nature. This enables you to cover your pet and provide for their medical bills as much as possible.

Pet Insurance Is Affordable

Another benefit of pet insurance is that it is actually quite affordable. Again, as with the types of pet insurance, the cost of pet insurance will vary as well. You can shop around for pet insurance and then choose the policy which offers the most for the price. You may also find it beneficial to pay a higher co-payment but a lower annual premium, especially if your pet is relatively healthy.

To Learn More, Please Visit @ http://www.localdogwalker.com/petInsuranceCon.htm

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

A Promise to Keep

Posted on August 13, 2011 by admin

Several years ago I made a deal with my most beloved wife that, if she would give me a break from pets, for five years, I would not object to her having the pet of her choice.  That was five years and ten months ago.  At the end of five years, the agreed upon span, I went to My Beloved and reminded her that the deal was due to be consummated.  True to form, she had already been doing her research.

 

A couple of months went by before the subject of  pets came up again.  This time it was the type of dog that would fit our busy lifestyles.  We are both career-persons, managers in very different firms that require many hours and loads of flexibility of our personal time.  So, as Sherlock would have put it, the game was afoot!  I  confess that I  was not comfortable with the idea of becoming a pet parent again.  I had grown very used to the no-dander, no-walkies lifestyle.  The kids were launched.  The fact is, though, I love my wife.  More than anything.  Ever. So the dog, was inevitable. It is a promise that I made and that I will keep.

 

The question became; what type of dog would fit our very busy lifestyle?  It was not long before that was answered.  That doesn’t mean that we did not have false starts and flat out misfits.  It took a while, as I’ve  said, but she settled on a Bull-mastiff.  Big, gentle, protective  “Basil”.  That is the name she has chosen, “Basil”.  I like it.  I know the reason for it and heartily approve because we are both Anglophiles,  enamored of Poirot, Christie, Morris, Black Adder and the rest.   Aside from this, there is a fabulous website, http://puppydogname.com.  On this site there is an explanation of lots of pet names,  regarding the effect on a pet’s name of the pet itself.  “B” names turned out to be good names.

 

The bottom line is that Basil will become a part of the household before long.  I’ll keep you informed of his progress growing into the world.  I do hope that you  will stay with us.   When you visit here you may also want to  check out “http://www.nipnbones.com”.  There is lots more useful information and good products for you and your pet.

The Web Valet

 

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Mind Stimulation for Your Dog by: Brigitte Synesael

Posted on August 13, 2011 by admin

Do you come home from work and find your garbage strewn all over the house? Are there holes dug all over the yard? Do you find chew marks on your furniture? Has the stuffing been pulled out of your couch? Are all of these and other naughty things being done by your lovable pet pooch? The cause is simple. Your pet is bored!

Now a more challenging question; what do you do about it? All dogs need to do more than eat, sleep and love you. All dogs need exercise to start with. A walk isn’t just about having a pee or a poop. A walk is a fabulous way to build a strong bond between you and your dog, and an opportunity to demonstrate to your pet that YOU are the leader. As Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer, would say, “YOU need to be the Pack Leader”. Remember that when you walk your dog, you should be the first one out of the house, the first one back into the house, and your dog should walk beside you or slightly behind you.

I know that we all love our dogs and often think of them as our children… our babies. Truth be told, in order to provide your pet with what he/she truly needs it is important that you think of your dog first as a dog, and then consider the characteristics of the breed. Then you need to remember that your pet is also an individual.

Some breeds need more physical exercise than others. Some need more exercise than others. Herding dogs, as an example, were bred to herd or move livestock. This “job” requires intelligence and an enormous amount of running and endurance. There are dozens of breeds belonging to the “herding” family of dogs including the various types of Sheep dogs and Shepherd dogs, Collies, and Giant Schnauzers to name a few. Other breeds like Jack Russell Terriers, Shelties, and sporting dogs, although not herding breeds, are high energy breeds; requiring more exercise than some lower energy breeds. Think in terms of a 5 mile RUN (not walk) each day as a guide. Also, you can ride a bike or roller blade while your pet keeps up beside you.

On the other side of the spectrum; Poodles, Terriers, Shih Tzus, Schnauzers, Bull Dogs, and Pugs, for example have a much lower demand for exercise. Understand that these dogs still need to be walked, at least once each day for at least one hour.

You’ll know if your dog is getting enough exercise based on its’ behaviour and weight. If your dog is gaining weight you’re either feeding him way too much, offering too many treats, or not giving him enough exercise. If your dogs’ weight is fine and he’s behaving, then the exercise that you’re giving him is likely sufficient. Remember, too, that older dogs will need less exercise than puppies. If there is any question or concern, get advice from your Vet.

One thing to note about walks is that you do NOT want the walk to be about your dogs’ bathroom duties. Dogs absolutely LOVE their walks. If the walk is over immediately after the dog does his “business”, he will try to hold it so the walk will last longer. In fact he may wait until you give up and go home, then do his business in the house. It will work better for you if you wait for the dog to “potty”, and then reward that behaviour with a one hour walk.

If you have some reason that you’re not able to provide your dog with the kind of walks he requires, there are a couple of things you can do. For high energy dogs you can put a back pack on them filled with water bottles. The extra weight will add more of a challenge on their walk and tire them out quicker. You can also consider purchasing a treadmill. There are treadmills designed specifically for dogs that can also accommodate the speed that your canine companion needs. When using this type of device please do NOT leave your pet unattended. Any number of accidents can occur if no one is watching. Besides, you can still use the “pack leader” attitude and strengthen your bond while your dog is on the treadmill.

Now that covers the dog walking part of this segment. Here’s another newsflash. Dogs also need to be mentally stimulated. Again, the amount of stimulation necessary is dependent on the breed and the individual dog. If there’s any question or concern, remember your Vet is an excellent resource and can guide you appropriately.

Mental stimulation can take numerous forms. Rough housing with your pet can help to stimulate them mentally; as does training. Once they’re completely “behaviour” trained, you can work on fun tricks. Playing catch or fetch is also helpful. These activities can be fun for both of you, enhance the bond between you, and keep your pets mind active. You can also consider agility training for all the same reasons. NOTE that before you begin any serious, intense regimen you should consult your pets’ Veterinarian. Some agility drills can be harmful for your dog under certain conditions; like dogs suffering from arthritis, hip or joint problems, or young pups. Agility drills involving a lot of jumping can be too stressful for young developing joints. Intense weaves are another obstacle you’ll want to be careful of when training your puppy.

Swimming is a great activity for your dog. Most dogs enjoy it; it’s good exercise and builds strength. You can have a lot of fun with your dog while swimming. It can also be easier on the joints of an older dog. Again, please check with your best resource, your Vet to make sure this is a good activity for your specific dog. There may be a health issue that would be aggravated by a particular activity. I know, like any good parent, you want what’s best for your pet.

Remember to hug your dog today.

Brigitte Synesael

About The Author
BJS Emporium is offers quality dog and pet supplies. We offer you safe toys, training solutions, beds, fences and collars, exercise equipment, treats, flea treatments and vitamins, and LOTS of free contacts and information. It’s all about the pet! Visit often at http://www.FabulousPetSupplies.com.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

King for a day

Posted on June 13, 2010 by admin

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 31 Comments

The Bullmastiff

Posted on July 16, 2009 by admin

“What the Lion is to the Cat the Mastiff is to the Dog, the noblest of the family; he stands alone, and all others sink before him. His courage does not exceed his temper and generosity, and in attachment he equals the kindest of his race. His docility is perfect; the teazing of the smaller kinds will hardly provoke him to resent, and I have seen him down with his paw the Terrier or cur that has bit him, without offering further injury. In a family he will permit the children to play with him, and suffer all their little pranks without offence. . .”

Cynographia Britannica (1800)
by Sydenham Edwards

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

A bit about this blog.

Posted on July 16, 2009 by admin

First of all, kind readers, I would like to thank those of you who have posted constructive comments and have actually read the article that is posted.  Thank you also for visiting the website.  You are always welcome here.

The reason for this blog is, hopefully, to start a conversation about the care and feeding of pets of all kinds.  A conversation that I hope will grow in breadth and depth as time goes on.  The content is meant to come from you, the Pet Lover.  Your stories about pets, your pictures of your pets and the pets of others that you know.  You can include your remembrances of pets past, your knowledge of the care and feeding of pets and where to get care outside of your household when it is needed.  This website and its blog are seen around the world and it is my hope that, in time, I will gather enough information here to create a database that provides a ready answer to many questions about how to care for pets, what to do in emergencies, where to find a pet to buy or, rescue pets in any area, great pet foods, toys, etc.  The products presently posted on the site are just the beginning.  Recommendations of others are quite welcome.  If the website owners are willing, I will post the products on the site.  You can feel free to post the link to any pet-related site in this blog.

Call it “crowd-sourcing”, call it a forum.  Whatever the particular name, the purpose is the celebration of pets in all their variation.  I’ve added an email link at the very bottom of the front page of the site.  Send me your photos, along with the name and other statistics about your pet.  I will post them along with any short story you might care to share.  Please remember to include the name of your pet’s hometown.  Information about your pet’s owner is optional for privacy reasons.  I leave that to you.

Finally, from time  to time I will continue to post articles that I think are interesting and informative  here.  Hopefully, you will find a tidbit that adds something to the life of your beloved pet.  You’ll find a new one posted above.

C

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Should I Use a Pet Relocation Service?

Posted on July 16, 2009 by admin

by: Kim Salerno

There are many details to take care of when getting ready for pet travel on an upcoming trip. Should I fly or drive with my four-legged friend? Are there any pet friendly hotels where we’re going? Have I packed everything he’s going to need? It’s extremely important that everything is taken care of ahead of time to make sure he has a stress-free adventure.

But what if your company is relocating you and your family across the country, or even overseas? Is it time to take that opportunity and move somewhere that’s warm all year round? Planning for a move is much more of a daunting task than planning a trip. Packing, finding your new home, selling your old home, getting the kids enrolled in a new school, address changes – the list is endless. And of course, you’ve got to make all the arrangements for your family’s best friend to move with you.

It can all be very overwhelming.

If a move is in your future and you’ve got furry family members, a pet relocation service may be a good option for you. They handle all of the details of getting your pet to your new residence safe and sound.

How Do I Choose a Pet Relocation Company?

Your pet is precious cargo; you won’t trust just anyone to move your dog 5,000 miles or even 5 miles. How can you be sure which company to trust? Thankfully, the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) was founded in 1979 “to provide professional, competent and caring pet transportation relocation services throughout the USA and around the world.” This network is made up of professional pet shippers who are registered with the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and adhere to the rules and regulations of the USDA’s Animal Welfare Act. You can find a trusted pet relocation service by visiting IPATA’s website.

Keep in mind that the company you work with does not need to be in your current city or in your new destination. After you start narrowing down which IPATA members you’re interested in working with, jot down a list of questions that you have about the pet relocation process. Here are some important things to ask:

- What are your policies and procedures?

- Are you licensed and insured?

- How long have you been transporting pets?

- How long will it take to get my pet to our new home?

- How often do you stay in touch with me during the trip?

- Who will be my point of contact throughout the duration?

- What are your fees? Is that the total cost? – How will you ensure that my dog or cat gets fed and has enough water?

- What supplies should I pack with my pet?

As you’re interviewing the companies, they should be happy to answer any and every question you have. Don’t forget to request testimonials from happy and satisfied owners who have used that company’s service. When you make your final decision, it’s important to feel confident in their abilities – they are handling a very special family member. They Make it Easy IPATA’s pet relocation members are experts in arranging door-to-door service for your pet. You do not have to handle any of the travel arrangements because it’s all taken care of for you. Pet relocation professionals know the best airlines to work with, the most reliable pick up and delivery services, as well as all the regulations and restrictions surrounding transporting animals (and when these regulations change).

If you are moving overseas, your new country of residence will have its own regulations regarding the importation and exportation of animals. You may recall our post on international pet travel and the fact that there is a good deal of paperwork that needs to be taken care of before your pet can enter a different country; some countries even require a pet passport! Paperwork aside, there may also be quarantine periods. Your pet relocation company will make sure that all of the required paperwork is in order and be able to debrief you on the country’s quarantine or other import policies. Pet relocation companies exist to make moving your pet a lot less stressful.

Who Shouldn’t Use a Pet Relocation Company?

On a tight budget? You may find after looking into various pet relocation companies that you underestimated the cost of getting your pet from point A to point B. In addition to paying the documentation fees, ground transportation fees, airline fees, etc., you still have to pay the relocation company for their time. This is something to take into consideration as you’re planning your move.

Another factor that must be considered is that there are some pets that most pet relocation companies consider to be “at risk”. There is no specific age limit for dogs and cats, but it is always critical for owners to put serious thought into the amount of stress their elderly pet can endure. High-anxiety pets may also pose a risk for hyperventilation or injury to themselves if they are not properly crate trained and conditioned well ahead of the actual moving date. Also, brachycephalic dogs like pugs or English bulldogs have delicate respiratory systems that could possibly become impaired under a high stress situation. Consult with your vet in order to make the best possible decision for your beloved companion.

About The Author

Kim Salerno is the President & Founder of TRIPSwithPETS.com. She founded the pet travel site in 2003 and is an expert in the field of pet travel. Kim is a veteran of the travel industry – formerly serving as Director of Internet Marketing for Certified Vacations. Her mission is to ensure that pets are welcome, happy,and safe in their travels. Visit her company website at http://www.tripswithpets.com

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 1 Comment

Keep Your Pet Healthy With Organic Pet Food
by: Anthony Higgins

Posted on July 9, 2009 by admin

Pet food can be expensive, and if the news of the past several years is any indication, dangerous as well. Tainted dog and cat foods have sickened and killed a large number of our beloved furry friends.

What was, in the past, thought to have been intestinal and skin allergies, is now being revealed as illness due to the additives in commercial dog foods. It has gotten to such a point that a responsible pet owner does not know exactly where to turn. We have to continue to feed our four legged family members, but we do not want to put them at any kind of risk.

Read on .  . .

Posted in Uncategorized | 253 Comments