Properly Cared For Pets Reduce Health Problems

The best way to protect the health of your family and your pet for all the diseases that animal can spread, commons sense and good hygiene will protect your family and your pet. It is important that pet owners are no more likely to be in bad health than none pet owners, therefore you can be avoided all the diseases of your pet.

You should be take cared your pet kept healthy, sleeping boxes, mats and litter trays should be kept cleaned and regularly changed. Food bowls should be cleaned using a washing cloth or brush. Water, which should always be left out for the animal and should be kept fresh.

Even short-haired pets benefit from a brush now and then, and this is an ideal way to protect your pet away from spotting cuts and infection or any problems that your animal may have. One of first signs that an animal is sick is the lack of lustre to its coat, so if you always brushing your pet you will see what happen with the health of your pet because problems on the skin can be detected.

The pet owners can be avoided many injuries from the pet by using common sense and by teaching your pet to behave themselves can avoid injury, what is more, you need to teaching yourself and your children to treat animal well. Pet love toy play like the children, you must learn to interpret the signs that the pet will show if play becomes too rough or if it has had enough, do not continue play in with it. Generally, an animal shows a sigh before it attacks and only a very sick animal will attack without warning, so be aware of your pet's feelings. If you noticed that your pet have the first signs of sick or bad health you should have noted and treated the illness before it has become severe enough to cause this type of behaviour.

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Got A Pet Rat? Some Helpful Tips About Pet Rats - Pet Rat Health, Pet Rat Training, and Pet Rat Car

Most people misunderstand rats. The idea of rats as pets seems to be self-contradictory to them - rats are dirty, wild, they chew up on everything in their path, they cannot be trained and kept at a home with humans - especially children.

However, more people than commonly thought own a pet rat, or even several pet rats - often nicknamed fancy rats. If you have arrived here you may own one or some already, or thinking of owning one, or simply want to know more about the fancy rat. Whichever is true, you should know that pet rats are more delicate than some might think, and caring for them requires a lot of attention to detail. Here you will learn some tips about attending to pet rat health, which pet rat cages are best and how they should be prepared for your pet rat, and general tips about pet rat care and pet rat training.

In order to house your pet rat, care must be taken to which cage you choose and how to prepare it. The cage should be large enough so that your fancy rat has room to run around. It should be made to provide an environment of different activities for your pet rat - toys to play with and keep your fancy rat interested are very important, for example, because fancy rats can literally get sick with boredom. The cage should also have places in which your pet rat can snuggle and rest, and preferably something it can climb. The cage floor should be properly bedded with newspaper or some fabric. Keep an eye on the cleanliness of the cage as well - clean it on a weekly basis, at least.

Which toys should you use in the pet rat cage? well, pet rats have personalities, and each pet rat is different. An old tennis ball can be good for one, a wooden ring to chew on can be good for the other. At the end of this article you will find a pointer to the source of an abundance of ideas for pet rat toys. However, just like with a child, your pet rat can have all the toys in the world - but nothing would match up to some quality time with you. So make time to play with your pet rats. Pet rats are also good companions for each other - if you put more than one of them in the same cage (if the cage is big enough, of course) they'll be able to play with each other, and that will make their lives much better and more interesting.

Pet rat care begins with what you feed them with. Rats can eat pretty much everything, but in order to keep your pet rat healthy there are certain things you can do with regards to their diet. You can feed them ready-made mouse food that you buy in a shop, but make sure you diversify it with bits of fresh fruit and vegetables (except citrus fruit which are bad, especially to males). Trial and error will tell you which foods your pet rat loves best - like I said, rats have personalities, and each one is different. You can sometimes even spoil your pet rats with a sweet delicacy such as a dog biscuit, if you find they like it. You can also hide food in their cages for them to look for. Water should be given in a drip bottle attached to the wiring of the cage - make sure water never runs out.

A healthy diet, without overfeeding, will generally keep your pet rat healthy. But pet rat health requires attention in other aspects too. For example, pet rats are very sensitive to heat or cold. They should be given worm cloth to snuggle in during cold days, and fed cold food (such as frozen veggies) on hot days.

If your pet rat does not act like its usual self (particularly if it's much quieter or more indifferent than usual), if it does not drink or eat normally, or if it sneezes often or shows signs of breathing difficulty - it may be sick. If you notice a lump in your pet rat's body, that may be a sign of serious illness. Rats may also contract skin diseases or worms in their digestive systems. Whatever the symptoms are, the best thing to do is to when you notice something out of the ordinary is to take it to the vet, the sooner the better.

What about pet rat training? Is that even possible? Of course it is! That is the fun part. Rats are very intelligent animals. They catch on fast, they are curious, and they aim to please.

Don't push your pet rat too much in training or teaching trick. Be patient. This is not a race.

Rats can be trained to litter at particular places in their cage, and save you some trouble cleaning it. You can create a corner with some special bedding for that, place older litter in it so your pet rats can smell it. If there are certain places in the cage your pet rats prefer to litter at their own will, don't fight them. Create that litter tray where they prefer it to be.

Pet rats can be taught many things - to come to you when you call their names, stand on their hind legs and clap the fore paws, and so much more. Their reward is mainly food, and praise from you. Be patient, it takes time.

There is so much more to know about pet rat training, pet rat care, and pet rat health. Click here to get the comprehensive source for everything you need to know about pet rats.

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Pet Health Help For the Answers You Need

In these hard times it's no wonder we all worry about our own health, but what about the health of your furry or feathered friend? Will you have to start to cut costs? Even cancel vet visits to keep your budget in check? Well, there is no need to fear, you are not alone. There are millions of people caught in your same bind. Many companies offer types of pet health help in the form of insurance that can cut your vet bill significantly. Also several kinds of pet food can keep your pet from having dietary issues.

VIP pet insurance company is Americas oldest and longest recommended pet insurer, they can cover some medical costs, and ask a low monthly pay for their service, they will cover dogs, cats, birds, and even some varieties of exotics. The offer pet health help in all 50 of the United States of America and the District of Columbia. Coverage for routine care is available, as well for emergency injury and illness.

Iams Pet Food Company offers many good quality pet foods you can buy to keep your pet healthy, strong,supple and feeling young. Different types of pet food are available for different needs, such as joint health healthy digestion, and depending on age, for puppies and kittens.

Headovertails.com offers a wide selection of vitamin supplements for cats, dogs, and birds, these supplements will keep your pets from having a deficiency. If they are on a poor diet, some vitamin supplements can increase joint health and improve digestion. Even more still will help your pets coat extremely brilliant. Pet health help is available on many natural remedies sites.

For instance, Natural pet.com sells a huge selection of herbal remedies. Provided you know what ails your furry friend, you can buy all natural medication. This can help save hundreds of dollars in vet visits and in some cases even multiple visits determining diagnosis. These types of herbal remedies offer pet health help by offering items that will provide relief for everything from a dull coat to an upset stomach. Consult an expert before buying any type of medicine, as using the wrong sort could either harm or kill your pet.

These are just a few of the options in pet health help.

Next, discover how the different types of pet supplies at www.betterpetadvice.com can really save you time and money and keep your pet healthy and happy.

Healthcare For Pets - Top 5 Treatments

Pet owners often love their pets in the same way that they love their children. So isn't it important that you care for your pet's health just as you would care for your child's? The only way to make sure that your pets are healthy is to bring them to regular veterinary check-ups and feed them a nutritious diet. There are five basic treatments that you should follow in order to ensure that your animal will live the longest, healthiest life possible.

1. While you and your pet are at their yearly check-up, your veterinarian should draw a small amount of blood. The blood will be screened to check for any possible organ problems, thyroid disease, or diabetes. If the blood is normal, then that sample will provide a comparison for future blood work.

2. Just as vitamins are essential to the health of people, they are also essential to the health of animals. Vitamins can help pets avoid suffering from common problems including arthritis, skin problems, and tumors. As your pets get older, it becomes more and more important to give them vitamins since vitamins can also help many of the affects of age.

3. Make sure that the food you are buying for your pets are made with raw meat. Many pet foods are now being made with grain, but true nutrition comes from meat. Pets are animals that could survive in the wild and wild animals eat meat, raw meat. Animals' digestive systems are made to digest raw meat, not processed grain.

4. However, even though your pets could be wild animals, chances are their ancestors have been domesticated for generations. This means that their digestive systems may have begun to adapt to grain food. It is still important to include raw meat in their diet, but make sure that your pet's diet consists of other foods too, such as vegetables.

5. The best way to ensure that your pets are maintaining a nutritional diet is to make them food at home. Sometimes it is hard to find pet food that is made with raw meat. If that is the case, then you can feed your animal real meat, such as chicken, beef, lamb, etc. Just be sure to feed them raw meat sparingly. They need a well-rounded diet just like us!

Maintaining pet wellness is the most important part of making sure that your beloved animal will live a long and healthy life. The best way to do this is through regular veterinary procedures and proper nutrition. We wish you and your pet a long and healthy life!

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It Is A Decision That Will Affect Their Health - Pet Food

Over time, it has become increasingly apparent that we need to watch what we eat in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce the effects of aging and diseases in the body. Our pets are in the same position as we are. By eating foods that are hard to digest, full of chemicals or contain little nutritional value, we are reducing the quality and the length of life of mans best friend.

Just imagine if we were to live on a diet completely made from synthetic materials and empty calories, or what we would call junk food. Because of this lifestyle, our health would suffer. We would be more likely to suffer from disease and reduce our lifespan considerably. The same applies to our pets, and often without our knowing it, we are the main cause of this problem.

Buying dog foods from the supermarket shelf is much the same as buying junk food for us; many dog foods contain chemical and flavor enhancers, the food which is often poor in quality, and most definitely not suitable for human consumption.

The process in which many dog foods are made includes rigorous cooking techniques, which destroys the natural colorings and flavors in the food. The result is that your pet may be eating artificial colors and flavors as well as missing out on the nutritional value of quality wholesome ingredients needed to live a healthy life.

The best way to find out what it is you are feeding your pet is to investigate the ingredients that are in the dog food; the first five ingredients listed on the label are the main content of the food. If the dog food contains by-products this is usually parts of animals that are low in protein and not really good for your pet, for example, ground feet, bones and intestines.

Look out for chemical preservatives used to keep the food from spoiling; these are often called BHA and BHT. Grains, such as corn, wheat, gluten, and soy are also very difficult for your pet to digest, and are used as a protein source, instead of meat products.

Ideally, a pet food should contain wholesome ingredients that are easy for your pet to digest; the main ingredient should be meat, quality meat that is fit for human consumption. Vegetables, anti oxidants, bacteria cultures, and protenated minerals should also be high on the list. Grains are not ideal for pets, with the exception of whole grain brown rice, which is easy for your pet to digest as well as helping to promote a healthy coat.

All of these impressive ingredients are useless, unless a proper technique free of colorings and flavorings are used. Pet food should be cooked in a way that locks in the protein, minerals, and fibers right from the start, without the need for artificial ingredients to be added.

Your pet deserves the chance to live a healthy lifestyle, just the same as its owners do. By providing nutritional, healthy wholesome premium dog and cat food for your pet, you can show your best friends how much you really care for them.

Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and wellness. Enjoys writing articles on health for both people and pets. Please visit Lifes Abundance Premium Pet Food for more information.

When Your Pet Dog Gets Older

Pet Dogs Life Expectancy

A dog is thought to be old around ten years of age, that number may vary and being elderly could be anywhere from 7 to 10 years of age, depending on the breed. Larger pet dogs, such as Rottweilers tend to have a shorter lifespan than a toy dog such as a Chiwawa. This is because this breed is larger, therefore the heart must work much harder. Frequent visits to the vet will keep you updated as to precisely where your dog is in the life cycle.

Pet Dog Health and Behavior Changes with Age

Regardless of when old age begins, there are changes that are common to all dog breeds. Behavioral problems like diet preference, increased wandering, soiling, and changes in the way your dog interacts with other dogs and people, are all signs that your dog is getting older.

Good Pet Health Dog Care and What to Look for

What you want to do when first noticing any of these behavioral changes is determine the reason. That means an examination and consulting with your vet. A pet dog will begin to have many health issues than they did not have when they were puppies and many times those issues will be the cause of problems such as unprovoked aggression. Regretfully, a grumpy pet dog may be more likely than a human to lash out physically. If a historically non-aggressive dog begins to exhibit aggressive behavior, determine whether it is due to physical problem that can be handled with medication or behavioral correction. If you cannot clearly determine this, make sure that family members and visitors realize that Rocky no longer likes to be petted in a certain manner, for example, the problem is an arthritic hip it is not a good idea to pet Rocky in this area.

Another Cause of a Grumpy Pet Dog

Sometimes, however, decreased functionality of vision or listening may cause fear aggression in a pet dog. When this happens, make sure people know that they should warn the pet of their approach, and not to approach the pet unexpectedly. By saying the dog's name, "Rocky, good boy," if the pet has eyesight issues, or making sure Rocky can see you approaching if he has hearing issues, will usually do help.

Good Pet Health Dog Care Awareness

Despite the fact your pet is not showing aggression, you will want to be aware of other changes in behavior associated with pain or failing senses. A pet dog with these problems may also become withdrawn and show signs of depression. If Rocky starts relaxing all day and won't participate in eating food or playtime, then that may be signals of depression in your pet dog. It is time to make the effort to help with the physical ailments, and make certain the pet is still included in family activities.

Other Signs of Pet Dog Health Effected by Age

Keep a close eye on Rocky for uncharacteristic behavioral patterns. You want to try and rule out that it is not a physical problem causing the change in behavior. Lowered bladder control and painful joints could keep your dog from wanting to go out frequently. Eating habits are also to be taken into account, as elderly dogs have different ones from puppies. Most importantly be patient with Rocky. Your dog's life and yours are always changing. Don't quit or leave him, because he needs you now more than ever.

Online Pet Heath Offers You Many Alternatives to Explore Easily and Quickly

Online pet health is capable of offering you much more than you can access offline. Often, online pet health practitioners want you to understand a whole new way of looking at health. One that offers you more than is often suggested by the more conventional practitioners.

Let's look at the potential of a good online pet health practitioner can do for you and your pet.

1. Ill health is complicated. Often you are given limited options by your preferred health care practitioner, but the fact is, there is no limit. There are as many options for your pet as there are for humans.

2. All potential causes of your pet's ill health must be examined before an effective solution can be offered. No treatment should ever be offered until a thorough examination of all possible causes has been investigated. This can take time, and an open mind.

3. One of the advantages of online pet health is that it is so easy to compare what different people and different systems do. Although this can be confusing initially, once you recognise that how you feel about each one is probably your most important discerning asset, it becomes much easier.

4. There really has never been, and will probably never be, a human expert on your pet's health. Once you accept that your pet knows far more about what they want than any human ever has, then you will be beginning to understand the best treatment.

Use online pet health information to learn more quickly, to digest the many (and normally conflicting) information. In time, you will know what feels right for both you and your pet. How you feel is more likely to provide you with the best health care, than what the so called experts tell you.

Do you want to learn more about natural good health, in particular diet and homeopathy? Download my free report 'Better Health for Dogs' here: Naturally Healthy Dogs

Madeleine Innocent is a full time consultant homeopath and homeopathic coach. Visit Madeleine here: http://www.naturallyhealthydogs.com

Pet Health Issues

Your pet's health issues are one of the most important things you need to know about your furry, feathered, or scaled animal friends. A healthy pet is a happy pet, and you should be able to recognize some of the signs of trouble brewing in the health of your pet. It is for the sake of your pet, as well as for the sake of your family and any other animals that live in your household.

If you have a pet you must be aware of everything about that animal. Everything. If your pet lives, like most pets, inside our houses and closely around us and our children (and other pets as well) poor health trouble for one pet could spell trouble for the entire household. Take, for instance, the problem of fleas. If one of your nonhuman family members has fleas it becomes a plague upon the household. It is one of those contagious pet health issues that can make everyone suffer. The first sign of fleas is, of course, scratching, particularly around the ears and rubbing the eyes. This is because fleas need water just like every other living thing, and where is the water on an animal's body the easiest to access?

That being said, scratching incessantly can also mean that your furry, feathered, or scaled friend has a skin problem, such as an allergy, that can make its life - as well as yours - terribly uncomfortable. If there are no signs of fleas, try to analyze anything in the pet's environment that has changed just before the scratching started. It may be something as simple as washing the bedding in a different soap. If nothing comes readily to mind, please take your pet to the veterinarian to make sure that the itching is not contagious so that you can get some relief for the poor, scratching animal!

Another thing that may not be so obvious is a sudden change in your pet's behavior. Has your otherwise docile pet become suddenly very aggressive toward others? This could be a sign of a developing health problem, such as the onset of an illness or perhaps the poisoning of your pet by a commercial dog food. Since this is becoming more of a problem these days, it should be checked by your veterinarian before it gets any worse. There are new studies suggesting that the pet food we serve our pets can be hazardous to their health due to the large quantities of chemical that are being added to the base ingredient, either by design or by accident when using salvaged parts of other animals that already have the chemicals in their system.

Your first line of defense in keeping your pet healthy is you. You need to know your animal, their habits, and their health to the extent that you know your children's. If you choose to have an animal be a part of your family you must remember that the animal can be a detriment to the health of the humans in the household if it becomes ill. Be fair to you family. Be fair to your pets. It was not their choice to be there, so it is your responsibility to take care of them. Stay in contact with the veterinarian, make sure your pet has all their shots, and give them all the love and attention you can. Be proactive, not reactive. Try not to have to worry about your pet's health issues. You will all be healthier and happier for it!

Having always had pets of one sort or another it is very important to me to know everyone is taking good care of their own pets and knowing any pet health issues prevelant today. We can start with what goes into our pets with help from http://pethealthreviews.blogspot.com

A Pet Care Insurance Primer

Most Americans treat their pets as members of the family. No matter if someone has a fluffy four-legged creature or a slithery reptilian companion, they will demand similar services for their pets as they do for themselves " and for an every growing number of people, that includes pet insurance.

According to recent polls, pet health care spending has risen over 40% in the last two years to roughly $10 billion dollars. According to the founder of Pet's Best Insurance, Jack Stephens, over $2 million of that was spent on pet insurance. By all accounts, that number is expected to top $1 billion by 2011 which makes pet health insurance one of the fastest growing insurance products on the market today.

Pet health insurance is a health insurance policy for your pet. This could be almost any animal, but most often is a dog or cat. Much like human insurance, you can choose a policy as simple or elaborate as you need.

The hope is that you never need your coverage. But, even with a pedigreed animal there is always the chance they will need emergency care or surgery. These pet bills often spiral into the thousands and can catch you unaware.

In recent months, the ASPCA has noticed a significant increase in the number of people calling it who simply cannot afford the routine vet care that their animal requires.

Generally, pet care plans cover bills due to injuries and illnesses. They also cover preventative care and vaccinations. Some plans will also cover a portion of obedience training costs and flea/tick medications.

These plans also cover micro chipping to help locate a lost pet and some will even cover the cost of advertising and rewards to help locate your lost pet. Some even offer travel reimbursement if a trip is cut short due to a pet related cancellation.

This makes it important not to shop on price alone. How would you feel denying your pet a life saving procedure knowing that it saved you $1 a month?

Pet health insurance is becoming more common every day. It's a great feeling knowing that your pet will be taken care of no matter what sort of emergency comes up.

Making the life altering choice between euthanasia and an expensive medical treatment is never easy. According to Wallace Sife, who has counseled hundreds of guilt filled pet owners as founder of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, "There is no right answer."

There is no hard and fast advice on what to do when a pet needs sudden care. It does appear, however, that pet insurance is the financial cure, though it may end up making the emotional decision a little easier.

Hopefully, this article has helped you with the basics of this issue. It's still important that you do some research when getting a plan so you know what will be covered and what it will cost. A simple search should yield a very wide range of insurance providers, and you can use their websites to compare the plans that will give you the best deal. Please don't automatically go for the cheapest price; your first concern should be the well being of your pet. You ultimately want to be prepared to care for them should anything go wrong with their health.

Sherry Timmerson, who has been a vet for 2 decades, offers free information and advice on veterinarian pet insurance on his website. It's available free for all pet owners at her pet care plus blog.

Taking Care of Your Pet's Health

If you are the owner of an animal then you are the one responsible for the majority of their current and future health condition. The health of a pet is similar to the health of a human in that it can be either good or bad, and can be effected by long lasting events, as well as short term accidents. Following these guidelines listed below is a great way to assure proper care for your pet.

The first thing you want to do when trying to keep a pets health in good condition is assure the animal is receiving the proper amount of food and nutrients. This means not only making sure that the animal is getting enough food, but that they are getting the right types of foods to help supply their building body with all the nutrients they require. Several pet food makers sell food specific for a certain type of animal that supplies all the pets nutrient needs, so be sure to examine the labels listed on animal food products.

Once an animal is getting proper nutrition, you have to check to be sure it has proper living conditions. The living conditions of a pet can drastically effect their health depending on if they have enough space, and a proper place for eating and relieving themselves. Assure that your pet has enough room, and designated areas for it to eat, drink, and remove waste.

With all of the basic needs of an animal taken care of, the next thing you want to address to keep your pet in good health is ascertain that a proper level of care is given to the animal. Some animals require interactive time with humans or other animals to keep them in a better mental state, this means taking the animal outside or playing games with it to help get that personal one on one time.

Aside from the daily things you can take care of to keep your pet healthy, make sure that hazardous accidents are avoidable. This means safety proofing the animals living space, and constantly checking up on the animal to be sure it hasn't encountered any harm to itself when you were not watching.

A final tip to heed to keep your pet healthy is to make sure your animal is getting the proper shots and care that a professional can provide, this includes immunization as well as yearly check-ups. Overall the level of your pets health for the most part is dependent on you, so if you have an animal, be sure to follow the aforementioned tips to help keep it in good condition.

Sara Tolle is very interested in pets. She has a dog (Daisy) who suffered from dog arthritis before she found natural and gentle remedies that have completely cured Daisy's arthritis. Thank heavens. There is help for dogs with arthritis and cat health help too, you can see how she managed this at http://petarthritishelp.com

Getting a Dog Has Health Benefits

Dogs have long been thought of as man's best friend, but there may be other benefits as well. Did you know that owning a dog can benefit your health, too?

Medical professionals have conducted many studies and have determined that a dog owner can benefit in several different ways by having a pet:

1) Cardiovascular health is improved - Blood pressure and cholesterol levels have been found to be lower in people who own a dog versus other people. This fact alone decreases the risk for cardiovascular disease. A New York State University study has even determined that the benefits continue even when the pet is not with them. Stockbrokers with hypertension were tested in this study that concluded that owning a pet can decrease blood pressure.

Blood cholesterol levels may be lower for dog owners, too. Fifty-four hundred people were in the study conducted by Baker Medical Research Institute of Australia that concluded that people who own a pet do not only have lower blood pressure, but also have decreased levels of blood triglycerides and cholesterol when compared to people who do not pets.

2) Higher survival rates and faster treatment recovery time - Senior citizens who were recuperating from surgery or treatment were found to respond better to treatment when they were in contact with therapy animals in hospital studies. Even something as simple as petting a dog can make a patient more relaxed and be therapeutic in healing and recovery.

If recovering from a serious illness, dog owners are more likely to survive. Even pet owners who have suffered a heart attack are more likely to still be living after a year than people who do not have a pet. One New York study found that in some cases a pet affected survival rates even more than a patient's friends and family.

3) Fewer doctor's visits - Cambridge and UCLA studies have determined that pet owners also make fewer visits to the doctor and hospital because of their overall improved health. A Medicare study agreed with these findings when conducting their own study on elderly patients. They found that elderly patients who own a pet visit the doctor less than the elderly patients who don't have a pet.

4) Increased mental health - Dog owners have been found to be more stable mentally and emotionally than their non-pet counterparts. Pets offer patients love and affection unconditionally, as well as help to reduce loneliness in sick or ill patients who are not able to leave their homes. Stress of fighting a disease is even diminished in pet owners some studies say.

A dog does not just offer you fun and love, you also get health benefits that are far reaching. Why wouldn't you want a dog?

Andrew McNaught is a successful webmaster and publisher of Best Pet Guide [http://www.dogs.best-pet-guide.info] where you can find out more information about all things dogs.

Why Your Pet Needs Health Insurance

The question is really one of being prepared for the worst. You need pet health insurance and hope that you will never have to use it. To have pet health insurance and not need it is so much better than needing it and not having it.

Molly Bee was a very cute, lovable and absolutely wonderful West Highland Terrier. Coming into my life when she was 12 weeks old, I assumed the best for her since I was getting her from a reputable AKC breeder. I had no way of knowing what was in store for her. I was not prepared for the thousands of dollars I would spend in vain trying to save her life.

Molly Bee developed a hereditary condition that shut down her liver. It was so devastating that our good veterinarian told me her test numbers were higher than any he had ever seen. I prayed (and paid) until I could pray and pay no more. Molly Bee had to be put to sleep when she was but 18 months old. I was devastated and out thousands of dollars. Remembering the pet health insurance flyer I had read while at her doctor's office, I vowed to never go without pet health insurance ever again.

Following are six helpful tips on what you may need to know about this topic. Remember: To have pet health insurance and not need it is so much better than needing it and not having it.

Most people don't consider the breed of their pet, its disposition, whether or not that breed lives an active or sedentary lifestyle and how neighborhood children or other animals, both wild and domestic, may interact with their pet. Small children can pose a real danger, and that Rottweiler that lives down the street or that Coyote from the open space park can create a $1,000 vet bill with one bite of your Jack Russell Terrier.

1. Be sure to read the brochure!

Just like health insurance for humans, there are all kinds of plans to fit your budget. Most pet health insurance plans offer 80% coverage (a 20% deductible or maybe a $100 initial treatment threshold), which might rise along with your monthly premiums. For about $12.95 USD a month, you can insure your pet for most accidents and the costs associated with treating them in case of an emergency. You are likely to be better off paying as you go, or out-of-pocket, for routine pet health care, vaccinations and the like.

2. When does the coverage begin?

Often there will be a waiting period, usually 14 - 30 days, before your pet health insurance coverage begins. Make sure that your vet has well documented the good health of your pet at their last visit so that it can be said that there were no pre-existing conditions (or have that condition waived or insured). A good time to purchase pet health insurance is right after that visit to the veterinarian.

3. Can I choose my own veterinarian?

Most plans let you choose your own pet healthcare provider especially in the event of an emergency. I suggest that you confer with your veterinarian as to what insurance programs he or she accepts for customary or usual and emergency pet health care.

4. 6 million dogs and 6 million cats are diagnosed with cancer every year. Will my insurance cover those costs too?

Be sure to read up on your pet health insurance plan to see just what is or is not covered. Often, your insurance policy will allow you to add certain coverage for additional premiums. Contact your carrier for further information.

5. Are there age requirements or restrictions for pet health insurance?

Yes, most plans do not cover the first eight to twelve weeks of your pet's life. Some plans are limited to pets up to age 12 (varies with the age of your pet at the time the insurance is bought) and have other limits based on the breed of your pet. Great Danes for example, usually do not live past about 8 years of age. And, I have had cats that lived to 20 years of age! Most policies place age and/or breed restrictions on their coverage.

6. But I have more than one pet! Can I save by insuring them all?

Yes, most plans offer a discount (often 10% per pet) when you insure your whole "family".

In closing, you need to carefully consider all options for health insurance for your pets. Having no insurance at all is just plain irresponsible. If your pet needs emergency care and you cannot afford that care, contact your local humane society or ASPCA for their help.

Remember that pet health insurance need not be expensive, is not limited to a single veterinarian, is not complicated to use, may provide coverage for general care or check-ups and may be applied for online!

In any event, we would be happy to answer your questions regarding this important decision. Send us an email or comment to this article and we will get back to you just as soon as possible.

Pet health insurance need not be confusing. Be sure to visit [http://www.HealthInsurance4Pets.info] where the author is web-content manager. Timothy Stolz advocates for animal rights, is a professional pianist and writes from his home in Greeley, Colorado USA.

Brief Description About the Health of the Pets

The major apprehension for the majority of the pet care taker is maintenance for the health of their furry animals. The owners love their pets so much that they are treated as the family members then the animals. If you take care of your them with the full attentiveness, then they will be healthy and happier for longtime. As you take care for your children same is with them as once they become the part of your family, you have the responsibility of them also. You should always be in the touch of one animal doctor which cares for your friend whenever they needed.

Take care of your pets more then yours because they are very sensitive, so if you are having a doctor for your long hair buddy then always verify the side result of the medicines prescribed to you by him. If you have any doubt that the medicine which is prescribed by your doctor is not good for your them, then change your vet. Dogs and cats are the common pet animals everyone have them, they both experience the stomach illness because of the problem related to the grasses. It is usually because when they consume grass, they swollen the many injurious things. In that case try to make you lovable buddy to do it again, by this they feel improved. Pet grasses are used to make them away from many diseases. Those who do not have the grass around their surroundings then they can buy the pet grass from the stores.

Do not take me wrong that the vets are not good for your pets; they are good but when you can take care of your furry friend without any difficulty then there are no needs of any animal doctor. You can easily treat your animal at home, and save your pets from the medicines and the injection. But in the case of sever problem you required the animal doctor for the protection of them.

For example when you get sick at home then immediately you never take your medicine, you try to control it by the homemade medicines. Same is in the case of their health firstly if it is common problem to your pets then why you do not try to solve yourself instead of consulting to the vets.

This all bout the health of the pets, I hope after reading this article you can understand the importance of their health. An advice for all those who are the pet-lovers, try to understand and always be calm with them.

If you are interested in traveling with your pets and looking for Pet Friendly Hotels then kindly visit us at http://www.officialpethotels.com

Love Your Pets and Keep Them Healthy

Pet health is very important to the world. The whole world caters to their pets, some places more than others. No normal person wants to see animals not live a full, happy life. Of course, this life should be pain free and as comfortable as possible.

The pet health business is a booming business. As with our human children, our pets must have the best of everything we can afford. This is why there are hundreds of pet foods to choose from, hundreds of toys to choose from and hundreds of veterinarians from which to choose. It makes it very difficult for us humans to know what to buy and who to select to take care of our pets. Today there are all sorts of fancy vitamins and minerals to help our pets stay healthy and beautiful.

Things have changed from many years ago. Today, we also have the option of selecting grooming facilities where many luxury treatments are available, not just wash, groom and dry. Today, you can get special shampoos, special conditioners, special manicures, special hairstyles and special teeth cleaning options.

As for boarding and grooming, you can get one or both. Today, you can board and groom or even groom and then board, so you pet is beautiful for the other animals. There are spas that are fancier than human spas. You can swim, sauna, run, jump play and then enjoy a gourmet meal and rest in a luxurious pet bed or especially prepared sofa or chair.

And of course, today, there is doggie day care, just like camp for children. These little doggies can play with their peers, tire themselves out and then go home and be ready to sleep the rest of the evening. This gives mom and dad a break.

Pet health is very important to all kinds of pets today, not just dogs, cats, horses and birds. Today, people love their hamsters, lizards, iguanas, snakes, bats, rats and spiders. Parents should advise their children to become veterinarians because the pet health care business is booming and there is no end in sight. Today, there are even health insurance plans to help you pay for your pet's care.

When your pet's health is no longer good and you know the end may be near, there are plans to help you with funerals and cremations for your beloved creatures. Many of us have to give them the best good-bye possible; to thank them for all of the good times they have shown us.

Yes, we are all very grateful for the advancements in pet health.

Sara Tolle is very interested in pets. She has a dog (Daisy) who suffered from dog arthritis before she found natural and gentle remedies that have completely cured Daisy's arthritis. Thank heavens. If you'd like to find out more about dogs with arthritis and how she managed this visit http://petarthritishelp.com

The Myth of 100% Complete Processed Pet Foods

Every day, people by the millions pour food from a package into their pet's bowl. Day in and day out, meal after meal, pets get the same fare. This strange phenomenon is not only widely practiced, but done by loving owners who believe they are doing the right thing. Why? Certainly because it is convenient, but also because the labels state that the food is "complete and balanced," "100% complete," or that the food has passed various analytical and feeding test criteria.

Furthermore, manufacturers and even veterinarians counsel pet owners about not feeding other foods such as table scraps because of the danger of unbalancing these modern processed nutritional marvels. The power of the message is so great that pet owners en masse do every day to their pets what they would never do to themselves or their children -offer the same processed packaged food at every meal.

Think about it: Our world is complex beyond comprehension. It is not only largely unknown; it is unknowable in the "complete" sense. In order for nutritionists and manufacturers to produce a "100% complete and balanced" pet food, they must first know 100% about nutrition. However, nutrition is not a completed science. It is, in fact, an aggregate science, which is based upon other basic sciences, such as chemistry, physics, and biology. But since no scientist would argue that everything is known in chemistry or physics or biology, how can nutritionists claim to know everything there is to know about nutrition, which is based upon these sciences? This is the logical absurdity of the "100% complete and balanced" diet claim. It is the reason a similar venture to feed babies a "100% complete" formula has turned out to be a health disaster.

Claiming that anything is 100% is like claiming perfection, total knowledge, and absolute truth. Has pet nutrition really advanced that far? Does a chemist make such a claim? A physicist? Doctor? Professor? Did Einstein, Bohr, Pasteur, Aristotle, Plato, or any of the greatest minds in human history make such claims? No. Has the science of pet nutrition advanced to the point where everything is known about the physiology, digestion and biochemistry of animals, or that everything is known about their food?

Certainly not.

The fact of the matter is that the "100% complete" claim is actually "100% complete" guesswork. At best, one could say that such a claim is the firm possibility of a definite maybe.

Each time regulatory agencies convene to decide how much of which nutrients comprise "100% completeness," debate always ensues and standards usually change. This not only proves that what they claimed before was not "100% complete," but this should also make us highly suspicious about what they now claim to be "100% complete."

Additionally, consider that in order to determine the minimum requirement for a certain nutrient - say protein - all other nutrients used in the feeding trials must be adequate and standardized. Otherwise, if vitamin E, for example, is in excess or is deficient, how would you know if the results of the study were because of the effects of protein or due to something amiss with the level of vitamin E?

If the minimum requirements for all 26+ essential nutrients were all set and absolutely etched in stone, then there would be no problem. But they aren't. They are constantly changing. This means each time any nutrient requirement is changed, all test results for all other nutrients using the wrong minimum for this nutrient would then be invalid. Most nutritionists simply ignore this conundrum, feeling like cowboys trying to lasso an octopus - there are just too many loose ends. But they continue to perpetuate the "100% complete" myth, and excuse themselves by saying they make adjustments when necessary.

The point is, don't believe the claim on any commercially prepared pet (or human) food that it is "100% complete and balanced." It is a spurious unsupported boast, intended to build consumer trust and dependence on commercial products - not create optimal health.

Unfortunately most people think animal feeding is a mystery. It is not. Animal nutrition is not a special nutritional science to which common sense human nutrition principles cannot be applied. Use the same common sense in feeding your pets that you use for feeding your family. Nutrition is not about some special ingredient or the absence of some boogeyman ingredient. Fresh foods fed in variety are always superior to processed food artifacts.

If you feed processed foods, use discernment since just about anyone can create a commercial pet food. The pet food industry has hundreds of brands with officious and beguiling labels, all stamped with the approval of the FDA, USDA, State Feed Regulatory Agencies and the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Business profiteers and the occasional movie star are the most common force behind the labels. All one needs is a little money and they can go to any number of toll manufacturers and have them slightly modify a shelf formula. Dress it all up with a fancy package, a clever brochure and some advertising and voilà, another brand is added to the 20-billion-dollar pet food industry.

Nutrition is serious health business. The public is not well served by exclusively feeding products from companies without any real commitment to health ... or knowledge of how to even achieve that.

For the past 25 years I have been a lonely voice in the wilderness trying to get people to understand the deadly health consequences of feeding processed pet foods exclusively. People want convenience in a bag and the industry wants the flow of billions to continue uninterrupted. In the meantime the scientific literature offers compelling proof that millions of animals have been maimed and died as a result of feeding thoroughly tested "100% complete" foods with the full imprimatur of government regulation. (Exactly the same thing that abounds in the FDA-pharmaceutical industry.) Examples of pet food disasters include dilated cardiomyopathy from taurine deficiency, potassium imbalances, fatty acid and carnitine deficiencies and numerous other problems that would be expected on a steady diet of dead, devitalized, carbohydrate-based processed foods. Moreover, the whole panoply of human chronic degenerative diseases such as cancer, obesity, arthritis, autoimmunities, dental deterioration and organ failure are at epidemic levels in the pet population ... as should be expected on such a diet.

Not only is feeding the same processed food day in and day out a formula for disease, it is a cruelty to our pets. We take them from their interesting and active wild setting and confine them. That is one thing, but to not even offer them interesting natural meal variety is really quite inexcusable. The answer, like everything else good in life, is a little attention and common sense. Knowledge is the best beginning point.

To learn more, obtain a copy of my book, The Truth About Pet Foods. I will also see to it that you get a free copy of my CD, "The Thinking Person's Master Key to Health," and the brochure, "How to Apologize to Your Pet," which will give you specific guidelines for how to prepare meals and treats to achieve Optimal Pet Health.

_____________________

Science, Volume 237, pages 764-8

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 199, pages 731-4

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 201, pages 267-74

Feline Practice, Volume 20, Number 1, page 30

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 202, pages 744-51

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 191, pages 1563-8

Journal of Nutrition, Volume 129, pages 1909-14

Journal of Nutrition, Volume 126, pages 984-8

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 203, pages 1395-1400

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 198, pages 647-50

Veterinary Clinics of North America Small Animal Practice, Volume 19, pages 527-37

Veterinary Forum, Volume 9, pages 34-5

Veterinary Forum, Volume 9, pages 26-8

American Journal of Veterinary Research, Volume 62, pages 1616-23

Petfood Industry, May/June 1998, pages 4-14

Journal of Animal Science, Volume 75, pages 2980-5

Veterinary Business, Volume 2, page 1

Waltham International Focus, Volume 3, Number 1, page 9

Dr. Wysong is author of The Creation-Evolution Controversy, now in its eleventh printing, several books on nutrition, prevention and health for people and animals and over 15 years of monthly health newsletters. He may be contacted at Wysong@Wysong.net. A free subscription to his monthly newsletter is available at Wysong.net.

Joint Health for Our Pets

Joint health for our pets is just as important as it is for their human. The joints of our dogs and cats work in the same manner as humans. They can get arthritis in their joints the same as humans. Over weight, over use and injuries are all contributing factors in causing osteoarthritis in our pets. Our senior pets are susceptible to osteoarthritis. Arthritis is the most common problem that dogs and cats too during their lifetimes.

We take nutritional supplements to help us stay healthy. Our beloved pets need the same type nutritional supplements to help them with joint care. Damage to the cartilage, bone and joints can be reduced with the use of supplements. One ingredient supplements may not be the most effective method of treatment for our pets in helping them stay mobile, flexible, ensuring their overall joint health.

Some breeds of dogs are more susceptible to health problems than others. Joint distress accounts for the more serious health problems for these animals. We love our pets, more often than not; they are considered part of our immediate family. So we want to do anything we can to prevent them from pain and discomfort. We want to provide them with nutritional products to help them maintain a long and healthy life.

Magnetic therapy is also a method used to treat a pet's painful joints. Even though they cannot tell us where they hurt, usually we know. We want them pain free and well adjusted, using a magnetic pet bed or pad, we can ensure that they get will get a good night's sleep or resting environment during the day. Magnetic wraps can also be used on your pet.

Magnetic therapy has been around for centuries and is gaining popularity and effectiveness in today's world. Magnetic therapy is a safe, effective, alternative source of pain relief for muscle and joint discomfort. Magnets are non-invasive ways of helping the body heal itself with out adverse side effects. This is an excellent choice for everyone.

Magnetic therapy works by helping the chemicals within the body to move to the affected area. For a body part to heal the site must be restored to its natural state. Pain and inflammation is removed from the area and oxygen and nutrients are moved into the affected area.

Protecting the Smallest Member of Your Family: A Step-by-step Guide to Pet Insurance

Let's face it - Fido and Fluffy are an important part of your family. Do you want to have to assign a dollar value to them if they become sick or injured?

That may well be the case if you don't have pet health insurance. Rising veterinary costs mean that pet owners can pay hundreds - and even thousands - of dollars for their pets' health problems. As the bills stack up, uninsured pet owners must determine how much they are willing to spend on their animal friend. It can be a heartbreaking decision to make.

Much like insurance for health, cars and homes, pet insurance helps people put a little money away now to avoid a major payout later. Coverage and cost vary, so it's important to thoroughly research the options if you decide to insure your pet.

Step one: Determine if Pet Insurance is Right for You

When people decide to get a pet, they often don't consider how they will deal with the inevitable unexpected illnesses or accidents. Keeping a pet indoors by no means eliminates all the hazards. They can still swallow foreign objects, ingest a poison or injure themselves. As well, living indoors does not make a pet immune to disease and infection - particularly those that are common to their breed. Pets with access to the outdoors have even more opportunities to pick up a disease or get hurt.

Don't have a dog or cat? Insurance companies are starting to offer plans that meet the needs of a variety of pet owners. Some now offer coverage for birds and exotic animals.

Not all owners are good candidates for pet insurance, however. Pet insurance is ideal for owners who deeply love their pets and are willing to spend a significant amount of money to keep them healthy and extend their life. They buy their cherished companions the best food and care they can afford, sometimes even putting their pets' needs before their own. For this type of owner, pet insurance can be a smart investment that can prevent considerable costs and bring peace of mind.

Pet insurance is not a good investment for owners who don't have a strong emotional tie to their pet. Owners who would rather have their pets euthanized than spend money on vet bills are not good candidates for pet insurance.

Step two: Decide What Type of Coverage You Want

Most pet owners will weigh two main considerations when shopping for pet insurance: budget and coverage. Peace of mind can also be an important factor, but far more difficult to quantify.

Pet health insurance is still relatively new in the United States and Canada, so the options available are fewer than for other forms of insurance. That said, North American pet owners can choose from a variety of coverage choices, ranging from injury/accident-only to all-inclusive.

As with all insurance products, the cost of pet insurance increases as the coverage improves. As a pet owner, you must decide what is the right balance between affordability and the care you want for your pet.

- Coverage

When choosing pet insurance coverage, first consider what kind of insurance customer you are. Do you prefer all-inclusive coverage that pays for everything from routine checkups and vaccinations to accidents and chronic illnesses, or are you comfortable with a lesser degree of coverage that just kicks in during emergencies? Perhaps you prefer a flexible plan that offers discounts on a wide range of services, from veterinary care to training. This decision will lay the groundwork for your final choice.

Some issues to consider:

* Make sure to check for coverage of pre-existing conditions as well as breed-specific genetic ailments, such as hip dysplasia for large dogs. Some plans refuse to cover these conditions.

* Some plans place limits on annual, per-incident, per-illness or lifetime costs.

* How old is your pet? Coverage usually starts at eight weeks, but some plans won't cover pets over a certain age (usually between six and 10 years old, depending on the breed, type of animal and other factors).

- Cost

Payment options for pet insurance include flat fees or deductibles and/or co-payments. Not surprisingly, plans with lower monthly premiums come with higher deductibles and/or larger co-payments.

Some issues to consider:

* Insurance premiums are affected by the age, health and breed of your pet, as well as the type of animal.

* Some plans offers discounts for multiple pets.

* Plans generally require customers to pay the vet bill first and then submit receipts for reimbursement.

* Find out if the insurance premiums will increase as your pet ages.

* Depending on the plan you choose, the monthly premiums can range from less than $10 to about $40.

Step three: Choose an Insurer

You've determined what you can afford to spend and the amount of pet insurance coverage you want.

Before selecting an insurer, here are some final considerations:

* Make a list of your questions and priorities in advance. Make sure to answer or check off each item when reviewing plan options.

* Research the insurer thoroughly. Review its website and sales materials, read its testimonials, talk to other pet owners and look for on-line reviews. How long has the company been in business? Are its customers satisfied? Make sure you feel comfortable about everything you hear or read.

* Compare the plan's benefit schedule with your vet's fees to determine to what degree the plan will cover the actual treatment costs.

* Find out how quickly the insurance company reimburses customers' claim payments and if it has claim deadlines.

* Read the fine print. Make sure you completely understand the plan's benefits and, more importantly, the limitations. If something isn't clear, ask - and get the answer in writing. Otherwise, you might find you don't have the coverage you need if an accident occurs.

* Start a file for your pet. Use it for all receipts and insurance paperwork so you can keep on top of your claims and make sure you are maximizing your insurance investment.

Your responsibility as a pet owner doesn't end with food, shelter and affection. Pet health insurance can give the smallest member of your family a longer and healthier life - and provide you with more time to enjoy the unconditional love it so willingly offers to you.

Burke Jones is a frequent contributor to Pet Health Depot [http://www.pet-health-depot.com].

How to Look After Your Pet's Health

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility, you need to make sure you care for your pets health by giving them the correct food, enough water, the right housing and enough exercise.

With so many cases of pets being miss-treated and incorrectly cared for I thought id share some of my tips, ideas and finding to help you maintain your pets health to the highest standard.

The most common family pet is the dog, often considered a family member and should be cared for in the same way. Depending on the size and breed of your dog different amounts of time should be allocated each day for walks, generally the larger the breed the longer you will need to spend walking.

There is not an exact amount of time you should walk your dog, timescales should be based on the following aspects

The shorter your dogs legs the less distance he can go
Hot weather will make your dog more prone to overheating so in the summer months it is wise to take shorter walks and remember to take a sufficient amount of water for your dog to drink.
Generally dogs can walk further when walking on dirt trails or softer ground, rough concrete can be hard on the pads of their feet.
Take into account your dogs age and health, if your dog is not used to being walked remember to break him in gently starting with short walks and gradually build up to longer ones.
If your dog has health problems such as arthritis or heart disease it is best to seek advice from your veterinarian to discuss how far your dog should be walked.

Understanding what your dog is comfortable with when waling will keep your pets health in optimum condition. When it comes to your pets health one of the main things you are in control of is what they eat. Generally when purchasing pet food the higher the cost the better the quality. Always do your research to make sure you are feeding your pet exactly what they need, providing them with a well balanced diet that contains the vitamins and nutrients they need will keep your pet healthy and will lead to a longer happier life. As humans we are responsible for our pets health and how we care for and feed them, remember that younger animals such as kittens or puppies will need a balanced formula food that is different for normal dog food, if given the wrong food it can lead to growth that is to fast which can then lead to bone, joint and many other problems. Food You Should NEVER Feed A Dog

Believe it or not one of the worst things you can give your dog is chocolate! Even in small amounts it can be fatal for smaller dogs and can cause serious problems with your pets health. This is due to Theo bromine which can increase the heart rate and blood pressure of your dog.
Onions, feeding a dog onions can be fatal, onions contain a substance which alters and can destroy red blood cells in dogs this can lead to haemolytic anaemia and sometimes even death

Pet owners love their pets and although you may feel like you are giving them the correct care you could be harming them without even knowing it. Every pet owner should take the time to research and understand all about their pets heath so you can enjoy a long and happy life together.

Allen Jesson is also an internet marketing expert. If you would like to harness the power of word of mouth marketing [http://www.tellafriendzy.com/word-of-mouth/] for your web-site, then please investigate Allen's new tell a friend application. Also, please sign up for Allen's viral marketing newsletter for 366 free internet marketing tips and secrets [http://www.internet-marketing-sense.com/366-free-internet-marketing-tips-and-secrets/] and superb unadvertised bonuses. Allen can also help you find the perfect anniversary gift

Pet Health Care Basics - The 3 Best and Proven Methods For Getting Pets to Take Pills

Have you ever tried to give your pet a pill?

Sure can be tricky...and scary too!

But when your pet is sick, it often has to be done. That's all part of pet heath care.

Next time you have to give your pet a pill, here are the 3 best, proven methods and some tips and tricks for each to make the job easier - for both you and your pet!

Method 1. Encapsulate the pill in food. If the medication can be taken with food, this is generally your best bet. The best foods for dogs are butter, cheese, cream cheese, peanut butter, lunchmeat, liverwurst, bread, and bacon. For cats, butter, tuna, cream cheese, baby food, and canned cat food work well. Liverwurst works for cats too.

Experiment with different foods until you find something your pet likes and always praise them when you give it to them. With the right combination, your pet may actually look forward to pill time.

Use a small bite-size amount of food. Don't bury the pill in your pet's full meal portion because if he doesn't finish it, he may not get the medication.

It's often a good idea to occasionally give your pet the food without the pill, so he gets used to eating it quickly. What you want is for your pet to gulp it down without a second thought.

Method 2. Grind up the pill and blend it into some moist food. Again, ensure that the medication can be taken with food. Also, check with your vet to make sure crushing is OK. The crushed pill will dissolve much faster in your pet's stomach and some medications are intended to be digested slowly.

The best foods are those that are a little sticky and have a strong flavor of their own. These include cream cheese, butter, peanut butter, liverwurst, and honey. Again, use only a small portion size.

You can have your pet lick the food containing the ground medication off of your finger, or you can put it in their food dish, or spread it on a treat you already know they like.

Again, experiment until you find something your pet really likes and occasionally give them some of the food between pills. Praise them lavishly whenever you give them the food, making it seem like they are getting a special treat.

Method 3. Feed the pill to your pet directly. Use this approach if the pill must be given on an empty stomach or if the pet won't accept the pill hidden in their food. Be careful though, as some pets can react badly to having the pill force-fed to them. With cats, it is generally a good idea to wrap them in a towel to protect against getting scratched.

First, tilt your pet's head back slightly, then carefully open their mouth and place the pill in the back part of their mouth. Gently hold their mouth closed and slowly stroke them on their throat or blow on their nose until they swallow the pill. With cats, it is a good idea to follow the pill with a small amount of water given from an eyedropper or syringe (no needle please). This helps them to swallow the pill and protects against the pill abrading their esophagus. Always be calm and gentle. This will help your pet remain calm.

Whatever method you use to administer the pill, always check to make sure your pet has swallowed it. Pets can be pretty clever in disposing of the pill when you aren't looking, so never just assume it went down.

Important: Learning how to administer pills is an important part of pet health care. Find a method that works for your pet and always make sure your pet gets his or her meds on time every time. As a pet owner, that is your responsibility.

The health of you pet is important. They are members of your family too! All natural, holistic pet health care products and supplements are an excellent way to keep your pet happy and healthy at all stages of their lives. Check out some of the great all natural pet health care products available at http://www.PetHealthEtcetera.com.

Want Great Pet Health Care at an Affordable Price? Here's a Secret You Need to Know!

Do you want to take good care of your pet? Do you want him or her to be happy and healthy?

Of course you do! We all do. Pets are members of our family too!

But pet health care costs are rising, just like ours. A trip to the vet costs as much as a trip to the doctor for us. Ditto for prescription medicines. But now there is a way to keep your pets healthy and to treat them when they do get sick - all without breaking the bank.

What's the secret? The secret is...all natural, holistic pet health care products.

These products are great because:

1. They work. Just like natural medicines and vitamins work for us, they'll work for your pets.

2. They save you money. No trip to the vet and no expensive prescription drugs. And they are great as supplements to keep your pet healthy and strong. Prevention really is the best medicine.

3. They are readily available. Pet health care is a big business these days and natural products are becoming more and more popular.

4. They have fewer side effects than prescription drugs. Thus, they are often safer for your pet.

Your pets deserve the very best care you can give them. All natural products offer a viable approach to keeping your pet healthy at a significant savings to you.

Caution: Don't make you pet go without medication or health-promoting supplements because you can't afford trips to the vet or expensive prescription drugs. Use all natural pet heath care products instead.

Don't know where to get natural pet health care products? To learn more about what natural pet health care products are available, visit our site at http://www.PetHealthEtcetera.com.

Reliable Pet Insurance Coverage For All

Due to this inflation in pet health care many families have been forced into what is known as "economic euthanasia." This is when a person has to put down their pet that needs emergency surgery because they can't afford to pay the vet bill for the procedure.

Many people reading this are probably wondering how they can avoid falling into this very unfortunate situation and safe guard their pet and ensure he or she will receive the health care they need when they need it. There are a lot of unexpected accidents in life, and these accidents can end up sending you spiraling down into the pits of debt. Fortunately, there are options available to you that can help you afford proper health care for your family pet. What you need is to purchase a pet health care insurance plan.

This may sound like something that is brand new as many people have never heard of health insurance for pets. In reality pet health insurance has been around for over 20 years. It's just now starting to come to the forefront of people's attention due to the rising prices of pet health care. A health care plan for your pet will differ from company to company, and there are now many more companies that are catering to pet owners than ever before.

Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility and should be given proper consideration before just diving into being a pet owner. As a pet owner you are responsible for the complete care of your pet. This means your pet is totally dependent on you to take care of him or her and to make sure they have all their needs met. For example, it is up to you to feed your pet every day, to make sure they have water, that you spend time with them and make them feel wanted, and so on and so on. This responsibility also includes making sure your pet has proper health care. If you aren't sure you can afford to purchase a pet health care plan, perhaps you should hold off on getting a pet of your own until you can afford it.

There are a lot of different ways you can go about finding a solid health insurance plan for your pet. One of the best and almost unlimited resources you have available to help you find the right pet insurance plan is the Internet. The Internet is pretty much full of information on just about any topic you can think of. All you have to do is go to your favorite search engine and type in "pet health insurance plans." You'll see tons of results and it's up to you to do all the proper research to see which plans best fits your budget and your pet's needs. If you can afford the best, then get the best. If not, anything is better than nothing.

You may also want to contact your current health insurance company as they may also feature insurance plans for your pets as well.

Remember it is important to make sure that your pet has all the health care he or she needs in order to live a happy, healthy life. Just remember that your pet is not just simply an animal, but is a member of your family.

The Author is the happy owner of a pet health and insurance site called Pet Insurance Pro where he shares a lot more information on pet health, pet fitness and pet longevity. Read the latest article on VIP Pet Insurance.

Pet Health Awareness - Simple Winter Protection Measures For Your Dog

The moment the snow begins to hit the ground our two German shepherds are frantically jumping around next to the door just waiting to go outside for playtime. Being that I don't really like the cold, l will usually hope that the dogs will not want me to go outside and play in the freshly fallen snow with them. Unfortunately I know otherwise. Like many dogs they simply love the snow and they do not really care if I am cold. They will run, play, jump, and chase each other through the snow for as long as we let them. The biggest problem for me is that I am freezing after only a couple of minutes.

How can the dogs stand to be outside in the freezing cold? Luckily most dogs come complete with their very own fur coats. Different breeds of dogs will have different types of fur coats. With the thickest coats of fur being more common in larger breed dogs, and many small breed dogs, such as Yorkshire Terriers, having very fine hairs in place of thicker shed and guard coats. This means that not all breeds are going to be as warm as others and your dog may not like being out in the cold for long.

For those dogs that do not have thick coats ,you might want to invest in getting your pet a winter doggy coat or sweater. These will help keep your pet warm and dry during your winter outings. Their not that expensive and can be bought at your local pet shops. This will allow your pet to enjoy walking and playing outdoors.

You should also be concerned with another potential problem with regards to cold weather issues for your pets, that of your pets paws. The pads on your dogs feet are often overlooked by many pet owners when it comes to pet health problems. There are a couple of common items to keep an eye on.

The first thing to keep in mind is that no matter how tough you think your pets feet are, the truth is that your pets pads and toes are susceptible to cold damage. Snow and ice is frozen water, and can cause frost burns and frostbite. When your pets are outside they are basically standing directly on the cold snow for an extended period of time. There is not a lot insulation around your pets feet.

As an experiment, try placing your un-gloved hand in the snow for a few minutes. How long did it take for you to pull it out? Trust me it wasn't that long. Less then a minute most likely. How cold was your hand? Even though your pet's foot pads are tougher then your hand at dealing with the cold, they are not as good as a nice pair of boots. Just as you made sure to place heavy boots on your own feet, some dogs may prefer to have canine boots on their feet.

Another important aspect of caring for your pets feet during the winter is dealing with the salt used to clear ice from your steps or walkways. Ice removal products, generally either a form of salt or a combination of chemical melting agents, can cause serious burns to your pets feet if not removed. Your pet is walking in the same stuff you are, but unlike your boots, his paws do not come off when he comes inside the house. Make sure you clean off his feet by using a warm wet washcloth to wipe off and rinse clean and salt residue. Pay special attention to cleaning any salt from the pads and in between the toes. This would also be the perfect time for you to check your pets toes for sensitivity, damage, or potential problems.

So keep an eye on your pet's feet this winter. Learn their behavior and use your best judgment to determine if your pet's feet are too cold or hurting. Next time your taking out your winter gear, remember that your four-legged friends will appreciate you taking care of their cold weather needs as well.

Life long dog owner and pet advocate, Derek Wood breeds and trains large dogs through the use of healthy and humane techniques. He studies both animal behavior patterns as well as the human/animal interactions and uses this insight to better understand how to train and deal with our four legged friends.

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Pet Health Insurance - What to Consider Before Purchasing Pet Medical Insurance?

Pet health insurance is not a new idea. It has been available for more than 20 years. But there are still some people that find pet health insurance is still relatively new.

Currently, there are many options. While some pet owners are doubtful, some fear that adding insurance to veterinary medicine will follow the path of insurance red tape and problems found in human health care fields.

Pet health care policies are in some ways similar to human insurance policies. There are annual premiums, deductibles and different coverage plans based on what the owner chooses. Plans are based on species, age, pre-existing conditions and in some cases, even upon the lifestyle of the pet.

According to some experts, the best time to purchase pet insurance is when the animal is still young. Many pet health insurance plans do not cover pre- existing conditions. Insuring early can also provide coverage for certain initial veterinary procedures such as vaccinations and spaying.

When looking for a pet health insurance, consider the company stability. Even if pet health insurance has been available for more than 25 years and has grown to become a strong industry, there are few companies who have been on the market for a while. So, when shopping for pet insurance, do your research about the insurance company. Know how long it has been in business and if it is financially solid.

Make sure that the company has in-depth veterinary knowledge. A quality pet health insurance provider should have knowledge of the veterinary and insurance industries. It should have trained veterinary professionals on their staff. It pays if your veterinarian actually recommends the pet health insurance.

When looking for a pet health insurance, check for the wellness coverage. Preventive care is important for the long-term health of the pet. In order to encourage and remind pet owners to take their pet to the vet on a regular basis, there are pet insurance plans offering coverage for common preventive treatments and procedures like wellness exams, vaccinations, heartworm protection, neutering, teeth cleaning, prescription flea control and many more.

Aside from wellness coverage, also check the broad coverage for illnesses. Policies should include coverage for prescription drugs, dental illness, allergies and diabetes. Also check if your pet has insurance coverage even if it is away from home. A good pet insurance should cover your pet no matter where you are.

Also check if it is possible to have your own veterinarian. Some pet owners would rather have their own veterinarian including veterinary specialists such as oncologists, neurologists, and allergists.

If pet health insurance is not for you and your pet, there are other options that you can choose from to keep your pet healthy.

You can check with your veterinarian. There are some hospitals that offer wellness packages. They offer discount prices on vaccinations, spay/neuters and similar medical attention. Some even have geriatric health check up packages you can check on.

Discount programs like Pet Assure is another option. This national program offers 25 percent savings on veterinary services. They can sometimes offer as much as 50 percent on pet supplies. They have a network of participating veterinarians and pet vendors where you can take advantage of their services and discounts.

Some human and non-profit organizations offer financial aid to pet owners. Some veterinary offices even keep an emergency fund for pets in the event they have an emergency situation. But even if there is an option like this, pet owners should still primarily provide or cover financial cost brought about by emergency situations.

Pet health insurance is something that can help pet owners provide the best possible care for their pets in time of need.

However, health insurance is not the only option that pet owners have. Still the most important thing is tender loving care.

To find a great resource for best health insurance companies [http://besthealthinsurancecompanies.org/] go to besthealthinsurancecompanies.org [http://besthealthinsurancecompanies.org/]. The site offers tips and help for people looking for medical insurance which is both affordable and reliable.

The Truth About Pet Food - Dogs and Cats

In recent times pet nutritionists have come to the conclusion that many of today's health problems in animals, including physical and behavioral conditions have their roots in poor nutrition. Many of the leading manufacturers of so-called 'quality' pet food are responsible for this decline in your pet's health.

Veterinarians are noticing this deteriorating health in pets and believe that chemical additives and preservatives play a part.

So, just what is in your dog or cats pet food?

The fact that when you open up a can of dog food you turn your nose, is a sign that there are all sorts of gases and odors released that are unfit for human and animal consumption. The heavy use of preservatives such as BHT/BHA and Ethoxyquin are likely to be responsible as well as urine, faecal matter, hair, pus, meat from sick or adrenalin filled animals (most animals just prior to the kill in abattoirs release a rush of adrenalin into their bloodstream as they intuit they are about to die). Ethoxyquin is actually an herbicide and has had detrimental effects on humans who were working with it in the rubber industry. Reports of liver/kidney damage, cancerous skin lesions, hair loss, blindness, leukemia, fetal abnormalities and chronic diarrhea were noted and in animals it has been linked to immune deficiency syndrome, spleen, stomach and liver cancer, as well as the above mentioned diseases. It is no doubt that the increased use of chemical preservatives in pet food is linked to the rise in pet disease over the last 25 years.

Rancid animal and poultry fat (by-products of the meat industry) that have escaped human consumption are the staples of most canned pet food. These unhealthy putrid fats are difficult to digest and are likely linked to stomach and liver disorders resulting in bloating, gas, diarrhea and the notorious bad breath our pets are known for.

At present, the department of agriculture does not have mandatory inspection of the ingredients used in pet food. They are allowed to use "4D" classification sources such as meat, tissues, skin and insides of animals that are dead, dying, disabled, or diseased (AND UNFIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION). Some of the animal meat used will be loaded with heavy hormones, steroids and antibiotics from the farming industry that continue to be 'active' in dead tissue!

Add to this a host of artificial colorants, preservatives and sweetening agents such as cornstarch and sucrose and you have a chemical concoction bound to cause disease in any animal that ingests it. Cat food manufacturers use corn syrup, which cause addiction and over stimulate the production of insulin and acidic digestive juices. These empty sugars put a great deal of stress on the pancreas and may result in diabetes. They also interfere with the animal's ability to absorb nutrients and vitamins from their food. As with humans, artificial sweeteners can cause hyperactivity and behavioral problems in animals and destroy friendly bacteria that aid in digestion. The added sugar content could also be responsible for diseases such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, obesity, allergies, loss of vision and cancer.

Another harmful chemical is propylene glycol, which is responsible for prolonging the shelf life of dry products. However, they also dehydrate the colon, causing constipation and the formation of small, dry,hard stools. These kinds of stools may be uncomfortable for your pet to pass as well as leading to diseases of the digestive tract in the long term.

The addition of salt to canned pet food is also a health hazard. Too much refined salt can lead to hypertension, water retention, kidney damage, palpitations and other ailments.

To add fiber, soybean meal is added to pet food, which hinders digestion in dogs. Peanut hulls are also used but can be an irritant to the colon and cause constipation.

As you can see from the above, properly feeding your pet is an essential part of caring that you, the owner is responsible for. Just as there is a growing awareness today of what's healthy for humans to eat, it is just as crucial to make sure your pet is also getting the proper healthy nutrition it needs for optimum health. A happy pet = a happy owner. Give YOUR pet the best chance of optimal health through proper nutrition today.

May you both live long happy healthy lives together.

Anabrese Neuman is author of several raw food recipe books and also writes about human and animal nutrition. Her websites include http://www.rawlifestyle.co.uk and http://www.thenaturalrat.co.uk

Pet Dental Health

Your pet requires specialized dental care from your veterinarian, in addition to care at home from you. By the age of three, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show symptoms of oral diseases. The American Veterinary Dental Society advocates the pet owners to keep track of three basic steps. In case you suspect a problem, take the pet to a veterinarian for a dental exam instead of waiting for an annual checkup. Another step involves removing plaque regularly from your pet's teeth. Finally, schedule regular veterinary checkups as they are essential in helping your veterinarian monitor the progress of your pet's dental health routine.

As a pet owner, you play a crucial role in ensuring your pet's dental health through regular teeth brushing. Unchecked pet dental diseases can not only result in loss of teeth, but may damage your pet's heart, kidneys, liver, and other organs. If your pet will allow, open its mouth and look inside. Look for the warning signs of gum disease which includes bad breath, red and swollen gums, a yellow-brown crust of tartar, and pain or bleeding when you touch the gums or mouth. Seek veterinary care if you observe any of these problems.

One of the most convenient and effective ways to prevent oral disease is feeding specially formulated foods proven effective in fighting plaque and tartar buildup. Canned foods, which tend to stick to teeth easily, should be avoided. The Veterinary Oral Health Council's seal of acceptance appears on products that meet defined standards for plaque and tartar control in dogs and cats. Certain chewing toys are also beneficial to dislodge plaque. It is very essential discuss your pet's specific diet with your veterinarian.

Animal dental care centers are equipped with the latest techniques in veterinary dentistry and oral surgery to benefit your pet's well being and improve their general health. To assist veterinarians and their teams in offering excellent dental care for dogs and cats and educate pet owners regarding the significance of proper dental care throughout their pets' lives, the American Animal Hospital Association has developed dental care guidelines for dogs and cats.

Pet Health [http://www.e-PetHealth.com] provides detailed information on Pet Health, Pet Health Insurance, Pet Health Care, Pet Health Advice and more. Pet Health is affiliated with Pet Care Products.

Tips On Moving Pets

A pet like a child is a great responsibility and the animal or bird is dependent on you to care for it and protect it. And if a move is stressful for children the pressure is ten -fold for a pet that cannot quite comprehend what is happening. Often a house filled with strangers, boxes, and din is not just frightening for a pet it can be quite intimidating.

Before you move you must:

o Take the pet to the vet and check whether his health will stand the move. Ask the vet about preventive health care and whether the pet will require any vaccinations.

o Make a file containing the pet's health records and registration details.

o Pack all personal possessions belonging to the pet in an easily identifiable box.

o Set aside things the pet will need while traveling and when you reach your destination.

o Find out what the law regarding pets is in your new town or area. Ask about whether dogs or pets are allowed in your new home or apartment block and whether you need to apply for new registrations or permits.

o Do a bit of research and locate a new vet in your new home. Choose one recommended by your old vet but make sure he suits your needs.

o If you are moving fairly close then consider driving down with your pet and kids. Otherwise you will need to take care of details like flying with pets and the rules that apply.

o While the movers are in the home packing or unpacking either keep the pet close to you or in a separate room in a crate with a few toys and plenty of water. Of course if you crate the pet you will need to remember to release him and take him for a walk ever so often.

o If the move requires an overnight stop then choose a hotel that welcomes pets. This makes the move much easier on the pet as dealing with wary strangers can add to the stress.

o Always carry an old sheet, a few toys, medicines, medical files, water for drinking, a little food, a sponge, plenty of plastic bags, paper towels, and a crate, cage, or leash. If it is fish you are transporting then you will need special containers sold by aquariums.

o Get the pet a new Id tag and microchip in case he gets lost.

o If you are nervous about transporting your pet there are professionals who will undertake to do the job for you.

o In case you are moving to a new country and the climate is not suitable for your pet then consider finding the pet a new home. It is kinder than killing the pet.

While transporting pets remember that you cannot ship them in moving vans. And, except for "seeing eye" dogs pets are not allowed on buses and trains. So, you will either have to take your pet by plane or by car. If your pet appears agitated ask the vet to prescribe a sedative. Check carefully about interstate health certificates and vaccination requirements. Be a vigilant pet-parent and find out all the pros and cons of moving a pet well before the actual moving date.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for [http://www.1888MovingCompanies.com] , the premier website to find help on Moving including topics on moving companies search, compare movers, moving insurance, auto transport, moving tips and more. He also freelances for the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Pet Site http://www.1888Discuss.com/pet/

Pet Health Issue - Young Pets, Overweight Pets, and Older Pets, During the Summer

The statistics of pet ownership has been climbing for years. Every day many more people go out and become new pet owners, and some of us have had pets longer then some jobs or even marriages. Regardless of how long you have had your pet, you will have to deal with at least two of the issues I am about to address, that of summer health issues and the age or weight of your pets.

At present we have 4 dogs being take care of at our small kennel. Recently we acquired two new German Shepherd puppies, both are now just over 3 months old, and we are caring for two older German shepherds, one at age 8 and the other at age 13.

Like humans, age and conditioning play an important part of our activities during the summer months. Regrettably we often fail to notice the effects that summer has on our four legged friends.

Pets do not have the same ability to cool down as you and I do. When it is excessively hot, like it can be during the summer months, we can sit in front of a fan, grab a cold soda, or crank up the air conditioners. But your pet must pant and pant until his body temperature is regulated. Even in an air conditioned room, your pet can be too hot if you have been outside running them around for a while. Remember, it will take considerable more time for him to cool down from his exercise, then it will for you.

To avoid putting your pet's health at serious risk this summer, follow a few simple steps that can make a big difference:

Walk your pets early in the morning or late at night. These times of day are much cooler, and they will appreciate not having the blazing sun on their fur coat.

Bring a large water bottle for your pet. Water bottles are not just for you. Get one for your pet. Use one that has a squirt top as they can lick the water out easier, and you will not spill as much.

Take your time walking your pet. If you must walk your pet during the hottest hours, (hey we all have schedules), then make sure you can go at a slow pace. Cut the walk short if you need to and take rest breaks during the walk. Better to walk your dog again later then to overdo it at noon time.

Monitor your pet's health. The more time you spend with your pet, the more you should know about your pet's health condition. Like the four dogs we have, I know the puppies are young, vibrant and healthy. They can walk much longer then the overweight or older dogs. You need to know the limits of the pets you have.

Always consider the weakest pet health link. If you have more then one pet, then make sure you always keep in mind that pet which will have the highest risk factors. The overweight German shepherd is a far greater risk factor in the summer then the older, but lighter dog. Even though she is an older dog, she is not lugging around extra fat.

Keeping your pet healthy during the summer is not hard at all. Simply keep in mind that they are much like us in some regards. They want to relax, have a cool drink and perhaps a dip in the pool. If you are going to walk them, and you should, just make sure that they can handle it as well as you can. Take your time, let them rest, give then a nice treat of some ice cubes when you're done. They will love you for the walk, and love you more for caring enough not to put them in harms way.

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