Pet insurance is not high on most American's agenda despite tens of millions of pet owners; why this is the case, no-one really knows. We all know just how important it is to have health insurance; providing the same for our pets only seems fair.
This is an often overlooked area and thought to be superfluous by some; however, pet owners soon realize that vets bills are costly and it doesn't take much treatment for them to enter into four figure bills. Many people forget just how much the cost of taking an animal to the vets for treatment has risen in recent times; pet insurance providers have, therefore, increased their premiums.
The rising cost of protection is one point to consider but are there any others? Accidents and serious illnesses occur from time to time; this invariably happens at the worst times, financially.
There may come a time when you have to consider the cost of medical treatment; the last thing you should have to deal with is the stress over the expense of saving your animal.
It was a huge shock when the vet informed us of the cost to treat our dog some time ago; although he is a part of my family, I did wonder at the time (I feel ashamed now), if the cost was worth it. To make matters worse, there is always a chance you pet still won't survive; there are no guarantees as complications are not uncommon.
The financial aspect of looking after a pet is something that must be considered carefully; when money problems occur, temporary or otherwise, this causes further worries. If you are over-extended at the bank, you may be forced into borrowing money.
If you are experiencing a cash flow situation, you probably won't spend as much on your pet's treatment as you would like; setting up a pet insurance plan, will provide peace of mind, as this will never be a problem again. Although pet healthcare insurance costs are rising they are not going to break the bank; plans are still affordable, especially when you consider the alternative.
Nearly all pet healthcare policies can be tailor-made to suit individual circumstances; discounts are often available should you decide to place all household pets all on one policy to reduce the monthly cost. All pet owners should think carefully about what healthcare provision they have made for their pet; you may already be giving this subject some serious consideration.
2008年8月24日星期日
2008年8月19日星期二
Dog Crates As Dog Pets' Havens
It is safe to say that dog crates should not merely be used as instruments for punishing the dogs, rather such crates should serve as havens for dogs -- private dens that should stand the test of time and provide support to the dogs' need for a shelter, a sleeping area, or a safe and comfortable playpen.
Dogs are known to constantly seek places they call their own, such as dens. Specially-designed crates can provide what dogs look for in a den – clean and dry. In this light, sturdy dog crates can protect canines from accidents. Specific dog crates can cater to specific pet size, need, and purpose. Thus, you can choose from the different crates generally made from plastic or wire with various sizes and design that will fit perfectly in your home or car.
On the other hand, crates are also used to train pups, specially the active ones. Indeed, dog crates benefit both the dog and its owner.
Hence, you should put dog crates among the top items on your purchase list. Remember these when purchasing dog crates:
1. The crate should be spacious.
Never consider getting a crate with limited space. The crate should allow your pet to breathe and move in any direction. However, it is ideal that you get the crate that has an expandable feature. This way, it can accommodate your growing pup and save you money as you don't have to purchase a bigger one.
2. The crate must be made of durable materials, guarantees protection, and carries a fine design.
Like any other pet product, the crate should last for years. See if the crate's frame is sturdy enough and doesn't pose any threat on your dog's paws being caught between them that may lead to injury.
The design of the crate should be well done. For one, you should take note if the crate's floor is raised or solid. An elevated floor allows you to put a pan under it, which will contain all the water, food, or waste. Also, examine the doors. Avoid spring doors as they can accidentally trap your pet's tail as it enters or exits the crate. Also, take note of rough edges that can hurt your pet.
3. It should be easily cleaned.
A dog crate that can be washed within minutes is very ideal. Remember that dogs hate dirty, wet surfaces. Hence, check out if the crate is washable as this will not pose as a hassle on your part in maintaining the cleanliness of your pet and its haven.
Dogs are known to constantly seek places they call their own, such as dens. Specially-designed crates can provide what dogs look for in a den – clean and dry. In this light, sturdy dog crates can protect canines from accidents. Specific dog crates can cater to specific pet size, need, and purpose. Thus, you can choose from the different crates generally made from plastic or wire with various sizes and design that will fit perfectly in your home or car.
On the other hand, crates are also used to train pups, specially the active ones. Indeed, dog crates benefit both the dog and its owner.
Hence, you should put dog crates among the top items on your purchase list. Remember these when purchasing dog crates:
1. The crate should be spacious.
Never consider getting a crate with limited space. The crate should allow your pet to breathe and move in any direction. However, it is ideal that you get the crate that has an expandable feature. This way, it can accommodate your growing pup and save you money as you don't have to purchase a bigger one.
2. The crate must be made of durable materials, guarantees protection, and carries a fine design.
Like any other pet product, the crate should last for years. See if the crate's frame is sturdy enough and doesn't pose any threat on your dog's paws being caught between them that may lead to injury.
The design of the crate should be well done. For one, you should take note if the crate's floor is raised or solid. An elevated floor allows you to put a pan under it, which will contain all the water, food, or waste. Also, examine the doors. Avoid spring doors as they can accidentally trap your pet's tail as it enters or exits the crate. Also, take note of rough edges that can hurt your pet.
3. It should be easily cleaned.
A dog crate that can be washed within minutes is very ideal. Remember that dogs hate dirty, wet surfaces. Hence, check out if the crate is washable as this will not pose as a hassle on your part in maintaining the cleanliness of your pet and its haven.
2008年8月12日星期二
Don't Skimp On Tools For Your New Dog!
So today is the big day, your new dog or puppy is coming to his new home! Getting a new dog means you’ll need a few more accessories to go with him. In order to properly care for your new pet, you’ll have to abide by certain local laws and make some additional purchases. Some of these items are necessities; some just make life with your new dog more convenient.
The necessities; Most of the truly necessary items for dog care are obvious. If you’ve got a dog you’ll need bowls for the dog’s food and water. Mid size to large dogs have a habit of moving their food bowl around the room as they eat. Buying heavy weighted bowls will avoid the noise and frustration of having to hunt for the bowl at feeding time. I have large German Shepard that likes to carry his bowl over to me whenever he’s ready to eat! A sturdy plastic bowl with a rubber lining on the bottom can be useful as well. The rubber on the bottom keeps the bowl from sliding around as Fido enjoys his dinner.
Unless you have a fenced in backyard, you’ll be needing a leash and collar for walks. Even if your yard is fenced in, you may want these anyway for training purposes. These can be as simple or as elaborate as you would like, but of course, you’ll want to take the size and strength of your dog into account when selecting them. The collar can (and should) be adorned with a license tag or at least an ID tag that provides your name and contact information in case your dog is lost.
If you live in a city environment, you’ll need to purchase that miracle of modern doggie convenience the “pooper scooper.” Most cities have laws against owners simply allowing their dogs to “foul the footpath” or leave little all over the city park. In some cities, there is a hefty fine for such crappy behavior.
Optional; There are literally thousands of optional items available for people to purchase for use with their dogs. Some of these items, like the gravity refillable water dishes and food bowls, serve a very useful purpose; others – the dog bandana comes to mind – serve no real purpose and are just plain fun.
One item that some owners do find very useful, especially those that live in a hot climate, are “doggie booties.” While they may seem like a relatively useless item, they do a good job of protecting the sensitive pads of a dog’s feet from rough terrain, rocky areas, and hot pavement. Stepping on hot sticky asphalt can be very painful for your dog. Those in cooler climates may not understand, but in some places, particularly the desert environments of cities like Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Albuquerque, the summer pavement can literally become hot enough to fry an egg. You wouldn’t walk barefoot on such a surface and neither should your dog.
So before you bring Fido home, make sure you have all the accessories you need to make his and your life easier.
The necessities; Most of the truly necessary items for dog care are obvious. If you’ve got a dog you’ll need bowls for the dog’s food and water. Mid size to large dogs have a habit of moving their food bowl around the room as they eat. Buying heavy weighted bowls will avoid the noise and frustration of having to hunt for the bowl at feeding time. I have large German Shepard that likes to carry his bowl over to me whenever he’s ready to eat! A sturdy plastic bowl with a rubber lining on the bottom can be useful as well. The rubber on the bottom keeps the bowl from sliding around as Fido enjoys his dinner.
Unless you have a fenced in backyard, you’ll be needing a leash and collar for walks. Even if your yard is fenced in, you may want these anyway for training purposes. These can be as simple or as elaborate as you would like, but of course, you’ll want to take the size and strength of your dog into account when selecting them. The collar can (and should) be adorned with a license tag or at least an ID tag that provides your name and contact information in case your dog is lost.
If you live in a city environment, you’ll need to purchase that miracle of modern doggie convenience the “pooper scooper.” Most cities have laws against owners simply allowing their dogs to “foul the footpath” or leave little all over the city park. In some cities, there is a hefty fine for such crappy behavior.
Optional; There are literally thousands of optional items available for people to purchase for use with their dogs. Some of these items, like the gravity refillable water dishes and food bowls, serve a very useful purpose; others – the dog bandana comes to mind – serve no real purpose and are just plain fun.
One item that some owners do find very useful, especially those that live in a hot climate, are “doggie booties.” While they may seem like a relatively useless item, they do a good job of protecting the sensitive pads of a dog’s feet from rough terrain, rocky areas, and hot pavement. Stepping on hot sticky asphalt can be very painful for your dog. Those in cooler climates may not understand, but in some places, particularly the desert environments of cities like Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Albuquerque, the summer pavement can literally become hot enough to fry an egg. You wouldn’t walk barefoot on such a surface and neither should your dog.
So before you bring Fido home, make sure you have all the accessories you need to make his and your life easier.
2008年8月11日星期一
Guinea Pigs: The Perfect Pet
Guinea pigs didn't always have the renowned reputation for being a perfect, quiet pet that doesn't make much mess. They were used long ago by the Inca tribes of Peru as a source of meat and were bred to do just that.
They are not an animal that is native to North America and therefore, it is speculated and probably true that sailors took the furry critters along on they voyages as pets. It is also speculated that in this, lie the reason for guineas pigs to have gotten the name because the sailors who brought them along as pets also sold the creatures for a 'guinea'. They also make few sounds but of the ones they do, they squeak and squeal like a baby pig.
Natural Habitat
Guinea pigs are actually believed to come from South America and there are still many species today that can be found. The South American pigs are thought to be living in very large family groups that can be found living in the foliage and hiding in long grass. The pigs don't burrow and hide from other creatures because they hide in grass and trees to escape their enemies. It could be that guinea pigs are just a bit lazy because in their own natural habitat, they borrow holes that are abandoned by other diggers.
Guinea pigs temperaments in their own natural environment in South America are much the same as you find in the pet guinea pigs. They are prone to be attacked by carnivorous animals and tend to get frightened very often. Since they don't burrow, their babies are fully furred and born with their eyes open and in as little as two days after birth, are eating the same diet that the parents do. The mother guinea pigs do not find a borrowed burrow either to have the young guinea pigs rather they give birth out in the open with the protection of trees and long grass.
What do they Look Like?
Guinea pigs most often have the coloring much the same as rabbits do and even bear a slight resemblance to them. They are friendly, cooperative and they don't dig and rummage through garbage looking for food. Guinea pigs are the perfect pets they require very little space and are contained to one area. These are just a few of the reasons why this fine little creature is probably the best sort of pet to have.
They are not an animal that is native to North America and therefore, it is speculated and probably true that sailors took the furry critters along on they voyages as pets. It is also speculated that in this, lie the reason for guineas pigs to have gotten the name because the sailors who brought them along as pets also sold the creatures for a 'guinea'. They also make few sounds but of the ones they do, they squeak and squeal like a baby pig.
Natural Habitat
Guinea pigs are actually believed to come from South America and there are still many species today that can be found. The South American pigs are thought to be living in very large family groups that can be found living in the foliage and hiding in long grass. The pigs don't burrow and hide from other creatures because they hide in grass and trees to escape their enemies. It could be that guinea pigs are just a bit lazy because in their own natural habitat, they borrow holes that are abandoned by other diggers.
Guinea pigs temperaments in their own natural environment in South America are much the same as you find in the pet guinea pigs. They are prone to be attacked by carnivorous animals and tend to get frightened very often. Since they don't burrow, their babies are fully furred and born with their eyes open and in as little as two days after birth, are eating the same diet that the parents do. The mother guinea pigs do not find a borrowed burrow either to have the young guinea pigs rather they give birth out in the open with the protection of trees and long grass.
What do they Look Like?
Guinea pigs most often have the coloring much the same as rabbits do and even bear a slight resemblance to them. They are friendly, cooperative and they don't dig and rummage through garbage looking for food. Guinea pigs are the perfect pets they require very little space and are contained to one area. These are just a few of the reasons why this fine little creature is probably the best sort of pet to have.
2008年8月7日星期四
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Puppy And Dog Information
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is active indoors so they can do well in an apartment as well as a house. They are highly intelligent, short dogs that make great watch dogs. They are cattle herders so they may tend to try to herd children, adults and other dogs. They can be aggressive with other dogs, especially male on male. They like children but do not like to be teased. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 10 to 12 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 25 to 30 pounds. The female ranges from 10 to 12 inches to the withers and 24 to 28 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is no exception. Be on the look out for back problems, epilepsy, hereditary eye disease and obesity. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a medium length, coat with a weather resistant inner coat. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
*Life Span. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi can live between 13 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi comes from Wales where they were used to herd cattle. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1934.
Some Registries:
*Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America Inc.
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 5 to 8 Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies
Category: Herding Group
Terms To Describe: Sturdy, short, active, stamina, kind, bold, intelligent, devoted,
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good watch dog.
Good at obedience.
Very hardy dog.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Some guard dog characteristics.
Can bark loudly.
Do not like to be ignored.
May try to herd people.
*Other Names Known By: Ci Llaathaid (yard long dog)
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 10 to 12 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 25 to 30 pounds. The female ranges from 10 to 12 inches to the withers and 24 to 28 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is no exception. Be on the look out for back problems, epilepsy, hereditary eye disease and obesity. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a medium length, coat with a weather resistant inner coat. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
*Life Span. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi can live between 13 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi comes from Wales where they were used to herd cattle. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1934.
Some Registries:
*Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America Inc.
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 5 to 8 Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies
Category: Herding Group
Terms To Describe: Sturdy, short, active, stamina, kind, bold, intelligent, devoted,
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good watch dog.
Good at obedience.
Very hardy dog.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Some guard dog characteristics.
Can bark loudly.
Do not like to be ignored.
May try to herd people.
*Other Names Known By: Ci Llaathaid (yard long dog)
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
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