Gambling With Pet Insurance: The Sick Hits The Fan
When it rains, it tends to pour. Pet insurance may seem complicated, until two of your dogs need expensive medical treatment. Maggie Marton shares her gamble with pet insurance.Health insurance is one of those things that I just don’t “get.” I understand the gist, but it’s a complex system. After I started cancer treatment in December 2011 through follow-ups for many years to come, it’s been a convoluted mess of co-pays, paperwork, phone calls, CT scan price comparison charts, claims and more.That is partly why I never pursued pet insurance. I figured it would be overly complicated, and I didn’t really understand how it worked in terms of submitting claims, what was covered and what would be reimbursed. Plus, my dogs were healthy; it seemed silly to put money towards something I might not use.Related: How To Convince Your Boss To Offer Pet InsuranceHopefully, two paragraphs into this story, you’re seeing my foolishness. Having been through the insane expenses for cancer treatment myself, one would think that I had learned a lesson or two about the benefits of insurance. But nope. Now, two of my three dogs have cancer diagnoses. Emmett was diagnosed in April 2014 with hemangiosarcoma. Lucas was diagnosed earlier this year with osteosarcoma. Both underwent surgeries: Emmett to remove his tumor, Lucas to remove his leg. Lucas received IV chemo at Purdue University’s veterinary teaching hospital. Throw in blood tests, ultrasounds, x-rays and ongoing oral chemo, and the costs have been astronomical.When I look back on the expenses incurred by my own treatment and compare how much I paid either as a co-pay or as out-of-pocket expenses not covered by my insurance, the vast difference is clear. I got my money’s worth out of my health insurance. Looking at it for my pets as less than that was a big mistake.Related: Pet Insurance: Why I Think It’s Worth It, No Matter The CostSure, we have a “pet budget” in our family budget, but the expenses for their treatments far exceed not only what our monthly budget allows for, but both have gone way beyond our yearly pet budget. Not combined. Each. We’ve made a ton of adjustments in all other areas of our spending, and we’ve accrued credit card debt.I’m not complaining. Well, okay. I’m complaining a little. I love my dogs and would do anything to ensure long, happy, healthy lives. But this has cost an arm and Lucas’ leg (amputation humor).Obviously it’s too late for them to qualify for insurance, but the lesson I’ve finally learned is that I will get pet insurance for every future pet with the hope, of course, that we’ll never need it. But if we do, the safety net is there. Illnesses, especially major ones like cancer, are traumatic enough. Financial pressures compound the physical, emotional and mental strain. Even if pet insurance only covers a fraction of the cost—and I have no clue what the costs of their cancer treatments would have been for us with health insurance, and I probably don’t want to know at this point—a fraction less out of pocket when you’re talking thousands of dollars would be a huge help.I’m still not clear on all that pet health insurance covers or even how to go about choosing a company and submitting a claim. Luckily, there are tons of resources online and lots of personal stories from pet bloggers, like this extensive comparison from Rubicon Days.It may be complicated and convoluted and time-consuming, and I may not ever actually “get” it, but looking at pet insurance from the perspective of hindsight, I sure wish I had it now.
5 Time Saving Tips For Choosing A Pet Insurance Policy
One of the reasons why pet parents forgo dog insurance is all the work that goes into comparing policies. But what if there was a way to simplify the process?If you’re like me, you’re always shopping for the best deal. From wireless plans to cable packages to car repairs, it’s all about the right price and the right features. And while the lowest sticker price is always the first thing to catch my eye, I’ve learned the hard way that it’s important to scratch below the surface because what you see ain’t always what you get. Yes, that dread fine print means we should all do our homework when it comes to any big ticket purchase or long term commitment and that includes insurances. Not just car, home and life, but also when we’re thinking about insurance for our pets.Related: Dog Insurance Rates: What You Need To Know Before You BuyWhile we’ve all heard the horror stories of pet parents who have paid premiums for years and then been declined when it finally comes time to put in a claim, it’s likely because they didn’t take the time to read up on what was (and wasn’t) covered under their plan. So before you sign on the dotted line, here are some tips to consider when choosing a policy:Decide what type of coverage you need for Rover. Don’t under-purchase, but don’t over-purchase. Does he really need overseas coverage or third-party liability?Take a look at the veterinary fee levels. Are they in line with what you would pay at your local vet clinic or would you need to pull out the plastic to cover the shortfall?Watch for co-insurance elements on the policy which can require you to ensure your pet up to a minimum level.Understand how your premiums will be calculated? Type of coverage will naturally factor into it but not all insurance providers use the same formula to determine your premium. Criteria will typically include the type, breed and age of your pet as well as if he has been micro-chipped. Additionally, your zip or postal code will make a difference as vet fees are usually higher in urban versus rural areas.Read the fine print.Are there time restraints of any type?Does coverage include consultations, examinations and tests?Does your pet’s lineage indicate he may be in need of physiotherapy down the line? Make sure it’s covered.If your vet puts your pet on a special diet to deal with a condition, can the food be claimed on your policy?Accidental damage? If your pet is like a bull in a china shop, do you need to ensure you have coverage should he cause damage to a neighbor’s property?Though we all know our good buddies are irreplaceable, if your pooch has a pedigree, do you need your policy to cover his market value should he pass away from illness or accident.Related: Pet Insurance: Why I Think It’s Worth It, No Matter The CostLet’s face it, none of us can afford to shell out hard earned bucks on a service that doesn’t match our needs and by now you’re probably starting to feel intimidated by all the options. Don’t be.Just one more reason to love the Internet is that there are sites that will do the work by comparing pet insurance policies and prices for you. One such site is PetInsuranceQuotes.com, which has set up shop in the U.S. and happens to be the only licensed pet insurance agency on the market. Think of it like shopping around for the best car insurance rates, but with PetInsuranceQuotes.com, they understand this specialized type of insurance, the coverage options available and can get you a list of plan and quotes in the blink of an eye.The site is free to use (yay!), it taps into the plans offered by all the top insurance companies, and claims to be able to save you up to 25 percent simply by comparing plans and essentially helping you with your homework.If you have pet insurance, how did you decide on a policy? Did you go to a slew of different sites to find the right policy, did a friend refer you or did you try a comparison site? Share your experiences in the comment section below.
Dog Eats 62 Hairbands, 8 Pairs Of Underwear, Lives To Tell The Tail [V
An appetizer or the main course? Get ready to pick your jaw up off the floor, because what was found in this black lab’s stomach will blow your mind.As dog owners, we often joke that our pooches will eat just about anything, but what do you do when that joke becomes a reality?Tiki, a black lab hailing from Mars, Pennsylvania, put her owners’ wits to the test last week when she had emergency surgery to remove – get this – 62 hairbands, eight pairs of underwear and a variety of other miscellaneous items from inside her stomach.Tiki was feeling sick and not responding to medication to treat her vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite, so her vet, Dr. Hisham Ibrahim (Dr. I, for short), took some x-rays to figure out was going on. Noting a “mysterious mass” in Tiki’s stomach, Dr. I performed almost two hours of exploratory surgery. It was then that Tiki’s curious dietary habits were discovered.Related: “They ate WHAT?” — Well, Just About Anything, According To These X-RaysDr. I compared removing the hair bands from Tiki’s tummy to a magician pulling a long string of scarves out of a hat. “…I found this hair band attached to another hair band to another one to another one and to other things again,” he said.This also isn’t Dr. I’s first go around the block removing strange items from a pup’s belly – he recently removed 15 pacifiers from inside another dog.Related: Pet Insurance: Why I Think It’s Worth It, No Matter The CostThankfully, these stories have a happy ending. Both dogs are doing just fine and Tiki, in particular, is recovering well and bouncing back from her emergency surgery.Tiki, we wish you a speedy recovery and hope you’ll be back to eating (pooch-appropriate!) treats in no time, but for the love of Dog, please stay away from the hairbands and undies!Wanna see for yourself just how well Miss Tiki is doing following her crazy snack attack? Check out the video below from WTAE News Pittsburgh.
A Xmas Miracle: Shelter Empty for the First Time in Nearly 50 Years
It was a very merry Christmas for a Pennsylvania shelter whose kennels were empty for the first time in nearly 50 years. Just two weeks ago, the shelter was packed with cats and dogs. However, the staff and volunteers have been working around the clock to make sure the animals in their care got adopted into loving homes. The Adams County SPCA is overjoyed that the shelter is empty, especially during the holidays.“This is the first time in 47 years that the Adams County SPCA is empty let alone on Christmas time, it is a true miracle!” the shelter wrote on Facebook. “To say that we are beyond excited is an understatement! The staff and volunteers have worked very hard to take care of the animals in our care and to make sure they got adopted into the right home.”The organization had a busy year, taking care of 598 animals before adopting them into furever homes. The hardworking staff and volunteers also reunited 125 stay animals with their owners this year alone.Adams County SPCA kennel technician Tanya Hays said that in the last two weeks, the shelter found homes for 20 animals, either as adoptions or strays returned to their owners.“We had to get them all spayed and neutered, vaccinated, and tested for heartworms and thick-born illnesses while also processing a lot of (adoption) applications, so the staff worked really hard,” said Hays to TODAY.“It was pretty cool. It was quite a feat,” she added.The organization took to Facebook to thank their community. “Our community stepped up once again! We thank everyone for their continued support and look forward to new adventures in 2024!”Although it may seem like people are more motivated to adopt animals during the holidays, the shelter actually discourages people from giving pets as gifts because these animals are more likely to be returned to the shelter weeks later. While the staff and volunteers celebrated everything they achieved this year, they are already ready to get back to work. “We will be pulling animals from other shelters in Pennsylvania next week in hopes of relieving some of their stress,” the shelter shared. “Right now we are going to enjoy this accomplishment!”In a follow-up post, the organization shared that it has “received an overwhelming response” from different shelters across the country and also from Canada and Mexico. Members of the public have also reached out asking them to take in abandoned animals. “Even though our hearts break for them and the situation they are in we need to help the members of our community first,” the organization said. The Adams County SPCA is only taking animals from overwhelmed shelters in Pennsylvania and animals surrendered by residents within the county as well as those living in surrounding counties. “We are going to do the best we can to help as many animals and people we can.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
How Acupuncture Can Help Cats and Dogs
Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and it can be used on people and pets to address a range of conditions. By balancing the flow of energy in the body, this technique can help reduce or resolve symptoms in a natural way.Many people have used acupuncture for their pets and achieved incredible results. But, like anything else, it might not be right for all pets or all conditions. And working with a qualified veterinarian who’s certified in pet acupuncture is key.Read on to learn more about acupuncture for cats and dogs.What Is Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats?In acupuncture, fine needles are placed in the skin on certain points throughout the body, referred to as acupuncture points or acupoints, in order to do things like restore energetic balance, reduce pain and inflammation, and support healthy blood flow. Based on your pet’s symptoms and condition, an acupuncturist will know where to insert the needles to get positive results.The needles shouldn’t cause any discomfort for your pet. In fact, pet parents often state that their animals become relaxed during their acupuncture sessions.Types of Pet AcupunctureThere are a few types of pet acupuncture, and an acupuncturist will determine which is best for your dog or cat.Dry needle acupuncture is the type of acupuncture that you’re likely familiar with. However, instead of using needles, acupuncturists can simply apply pressure to specific points on a pet’s body to support healing—this is known as acupressure.Other options include electroacupuncture, which combines the use of needles with an electric current, and laser acupuncture, which uses a cold laser to stimulate acupuncture points. The Benefits of Acupuncture for PetsAcupuncture can provide a host of benefits to pets when done correctly and by the right professional. As always, it’s wise to discuss this healing technique with your veterinarian to figure out if it’s appropriate for your canine or feline. And it’s important to discuss the potential risks or drawbacks before deciding if you want to try it.Some of the conditions that may be treated with the help of acupuncture include:Arthritis and joint problemsAcupuncture can be used to help relieve discomfort and pain associated with various conditions. If your pet has been diagnosed with arthritis or hip dysplasia, if they’ve been injured and are dealing with pain, or even if they’re having pain after a procedure, acupuncture might be a good treatment for reducing inflammation and improving mobility.In addition to acupuncture treatments, you can also help your pet feel more comfortable by using a heated bed like the K&H Thermo-Snuggle Cup Heated Cat Bed, which can also work well for small dogs. This product is machine washable and features soft fleece that your companion will love snuggling into. Its circular shape ensures your furry friend will feel nice and secure. Plus, you can use the removable heater to help alleviate discomfort and keep them warm while they relax or nap.
What is Seasonal Canine Illness?
We often talk about the health risks associated with the most extreme temperatures – heat stroke during the summer months and hypothermia in the winter. But we have to remember that there are risks and concerns throughout the entire year – including the possibility of developing Seasonal Canine Illness during the brightly colored season of autumn.If this is your first time hearing about this seasonal illness in dogs? Don’t worry; We have you covered! In this post, we’ll take a close look at the most important details you need to know about this illness as a dog parent, including what it is, the most common symptoms to watch out for, available treatment options, and tips for keeping your pup safe.What is Seasonal Canine Illness in Dogs?Unlike many other health conditions we face, Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) is relatively new, with the first case reported in 2010. But being newer doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take it seriously, especially with the growing number of us spending time outdoors in the woods to see the changing fall colors – which is where this condition is believed to be contracted.As with any new illness or health condition, a lot about SCI remains unknown. Initially, it was believed that it was caused by algae or fungi in woodland areas, both triggers that could be more prevalent during the fall months, which would explain the timing. However, these potential causes have since been disproved. This has left veterinarians and researchers searching for a new explanation.After comparing many cases of SCI, another potential answer has been brought to light – many of the dogs diagnosed with this illness were exposed to harvest mites.This could be the revelation experts are looking for, or it could be a coincidence. So, what DO we know? SCI is a rare condition. However, there is enough of an increase in cases every autumn for veterinarians to refer to the condition as fall-specific. Dogs that contract the illness will show signs approximately 1 to 3 days after spending time in a woodland area.What Are the Symptoms of Seasonal Dog Illness? There are no vaccines or preventatives to protect your dog from SCI. Instead, the best thing we can do as dog parents is learn the warning signs we should watch out for. You can get your pup to a veterinarian for early treatment by recognizing an illness early. The most common symptoms of Seasonal Canine Illness include: Vomiting (Often Containing Blood)Diarrhea (Often Containing Blood)Loss of AppetiteAbdominal Pain and SensitivitySevere DehydrationFeverMuscle TremorsLethargyRash on the Legs and Underside of the Body (Occasionally)Research has found that as low as 2% of SCI cases are fatal IF the dog receives prompt treatment. However, data shows that fatality could increase to as high as 20% if left unaddressed. If you notice any signs your dog may have SCI, contact your veterinarian and make an appointment as soon as possible.
It's a Match! Winnipeg Rescue Intro's Doggie Dates
Prospective owners can sweep their prospective partner away for the night, a weekend, or a week, before deciding to commit.
New Tool Detects and Predicts Dog Mobility Issues
Researchers at the University of Liverpool and experts at Dogs Trust have joined forces to create a unique new tool for detecting and predicting dog mobility issues. These veterinary experts have developed the GenPup-M questionnaire. This survey asks dog owners a series of questions to about their dog's mobility. The GenPup-M questionnaire is designed in a way that can help owners determine whether their dog might be experiencing mobility problems, even mild ones. Mobility-related problems are the third most commonly diagnosed disease in dogs. It’s estimated that 200,000 dogs are affected by musculoskeletal disease annually. According to some estimates, 20% of dogs have mobility issues before one year old, but most aren’t diagnosed until they are eight to 13 years old. Current mobility questionnaires are developed for dogs already diagnosed with mobility problems and track their quality of life. This means that many dogs spend the better part of their lives living with a painful condition that negatively impacts their overall health and well-being. A recent study, published in PLOS ONE confirms the validity of the GenPup-M questionnaire. The study involved 62 dogs - 31 with mobility issues and 31 without mobility issues.Scientists obtained the dogs’ clinical history from the owners, and all dogs received an orthopedic exam at the beginning of the study. Next, owners were asked to complete the GenPup-M questionnaire along with a previously validated mobility questionnaire.To determine the survey’s validity and its ability to identify mobility issues in dogs, scientists compared GenPup-M responses with the results of other expert tests, including advanced gait analysis.“Impaired mobility can affect a dog’s ability to engage in daily activities and interactions, move or exercise freely. If an animal is unwilling to or cannot play, exercise, or express normal behavior, this can impact its quality of life,” said Natasha Clark, veterinary surgeon and researcher at the Department of Musculoskeletal & Aging Science at the University of Liverpool. According to Clark, when done over time at regular checkups, the GenPup-M questionnaire can identify subtle changes in a dog’s mobility without the use of expensive and time-consuming gait analysis. This new tool can help vets diagnose and slow the development of mobility problems in dogs. “Our research doesn’t stop here and we will continue to research and develop GenPup-M to refine it as an even more effective tool for vets and dog caregivers,” added Clark.The Deputy Head of Research, Welfare Projects & Grants at Dogs Trust, Dr Jane Murray, said, “We are delighted to work collaboratively with the University of Liverpool on this study which serves to improve the well-being of dogs, as no dog is immune to mobility issues. Generation Pup is a ground-breaking study of the health, welfare, and behavior of our dogs and we hope this research helps more owners detect early signs of mobility issues, leading to veterinary and management interventions that can improve the welfare of the affected dogs.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Dog Rescued After Surviving a 60-foot Fall from Michigan Cliff
A family’s trip to one of Michigan’s most beautiful landmarks almost ended tragically, when their dog took a tumble from a cliff. The adventurous dog, named Dancer, was rescued after surviving a 60-foot fall from a cliff and spending a freezing night alone in the wilderness. The three-year-old pooch had escaped her leash and plunged off a steep cliff near Miners Castle, in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore area in Munising, Michigan. The lakeshore runs alongside Lake Superior and is located in Michigan’s Upper Penninsula. The National Park Service (NPS) shared in a news release that Dancer fell 60 feet off a cliff to a ledge below. The dog’s owners spent hours searching the area but were unable to find the dog and were convinced that she didn’t survive the fall. Rangers at the nearby Pictured Rocks Park received a message about the lost pooch and decided to enlist the help of Superior High Angle Rescue Professionals (SHARP), a local rope rescue team, to search for the dog. The following morning SHARP members Erik Olsen, Westley Shaffer, and Tyler Davis went to the area and were able to find Dancer, who was cold, but alive. “Though she has spent the night trying to keep warm, she was excited to see the rescuers,” the service wrote. Dancer, who was described as a “professional troublemaker” didn’t have any reported injuries. The lucky pooch has since been reunited with her family and is recovering well after spending the night alone in the wilderness. The park service noted that Dancer was extremely lucky and although her story has a happy ending, her fall should serve as a reminder to everyone that areas of Pictured Rocks can get very cold and extremely slippery.“With this year’s mild start to winter, many areas of Pictured Rocks are more accessible than they are most years,” Chief Ranger Joe Hughes explained. “It is still important to remember to be prepared for slippery, cold conditions that can change quickly.”Whether you’re planning to hit a local trail with your pooch or are planning a trip to a state park, keep your pooch on a leash. Make sure that your pup’s harness is fitted properly so that your pooch can’t wiggle out of it, even if it tries. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Scientists Finally Identify Mystery Dog Illness Sweeping America
If you are a dog owner in the United States, you have likely already seen the news reports about the mystery illness responsible for the deaths of several dogs, prompting veterinary professionals to caution pet parents about taking their pets out to public spaces. But we may finally be able to spot the light at the end of the tunnel… Dr. David Needle, pathology section chief at the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at the University of New Hampshire, reported that scientists have finally identified the cause of the illness. While this doesn’t mean that life for our dogs can return to normal immediately, it does mean that they are one step closer to finding a cure and moving past this nightmare. The research article has yet to be published, but the team is sharing their initial findings to provide hope for pet parents and the veterinary community. The pathogen responsible for the mystery respiratory illness is described as “a funky bacterium.” “It’s smaller than a normal bacterium in its size and in the size of its genome,” explained Needle. “Long story short, it’s a weird bacterium that can be tough to find and sequence.” Searching for the cause of this illness wasn’t easy for researchers. Initially, there were no known bacterial, viral, or fungal pathogens, meaning they were searching blind. However, after testing 30 samples from New Hampshire, genetic material from an atypical bacterial species was discovered. The next step in understanding the cause of the illness and working towards a cure (and possible preventative) is to compare these findings to samples from dogs in other states to verify that it is, in fact, the same pathogen in all reported instances. States with possible cases of the disease include: CaliforniaColoradoFlorida Georgia IdahoIllinois IndianaMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireOregonPennsylvania Rhode IslandVermontWashingtonOne challenge faced by veterinarians is the fact there is no test to confirm that all reported cases are, in fact, the same illness. What Are the Warning Signs?Common symptoms resemble respiratory infections like canine influenza and kennel cough, conditions usually seen in higher numbers at this time of year. Luckily for the human members of our family, there are currently no reports of the illness being transferred to humans. Veterinarians recommend watching out for the following symptoms: Coughing or sneezing WheezingDifficulty breathingNasal or eye dischargeDehydration Loss of appetite Weight loss FeverLethargyHow Can You Keep Your Dog Safe? Until a cure has been identified, dog parents are encouraged to focus on preventative measures. Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are current, protecting them against known respiratory problems. Avoid public spaces like dog parks, doggy daycare, and grooming establishments where dogs may be exposed to the illness. If you must go to a public space, steer clear of shared food and water dishes. Your dog will be just as happy to spend this time playing with you as they would with another dog!If you notice any signs of respiratory trouble or illness, don’t panic. Contact your veterinarian to share your concerns and make an appointment.
Dog Finds A Forever Home After Spending 1,007 Days at Delaware Shelter
Tessy, now a 5-year-old black Labrador retriever mix, spent 1,007 days at a Delaware animal shelter before being adopted into a forever home. This cute pooch arrived at Humane Animal Partners (formerly Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA) on January 17, 2021, hoping to be adopted in no time.Unfortunately, finding her people proved challenging for Tessy. Days, weeks, months, and years went by, and Tessy was still living at the shelter with no prospective adopters in sight. “Tessy is loyal, goofy, snuggly, and remarkably smart,” said Leigh McKinley, a director at the Humane Animal Partners, according to PEOPLE. Like many other shelter dogs, Tessy had some trust issues and was wary of new people and experiences. These problems were the reasons for Tessy’s longer stay at the Humane Animal Partners shelter. “Tessy exhibited fear-reactive behaviors in the form of lunging, barking, and growling towards unfamiliar stimuli. Our goal was to help her overcome those fears and learn to trust humans and her surrounding environment, essentially changing her emotional response from a negative to a positive,” McKinley explained.The shelter used a behavioral modification plan, which consisted of positive reinforcement training techniques to help Tessy overcome her fears. Fixing a problematic behavior takes a lot of time, patience, and effort, but the shelter’s staff didn’t give up on Tessy.“Changing an involuntary physiological behavior takes dedication and consistency to be successful, and while we were determined to see this through, the nature of being in a shelter, with different staff members working with her on any given day, and for varying amounts of time, means the change would take time,” said McKinley. “We also needed to make sure her adopters were the right fit for her. We took a very thoughtful and careful approach to introducing her to people, and it took time for the right family to find her.”Then, almost three years later, all of Tessy’s hard work paid off! After 1,007 days at the shelter, this cute pooch has finally found her forever home. The family who adopted Tessy, met her several times to help her feel at ease. For the adopters, it was love at first sight, and Tessy instantly felt safe around them. “When her adopters Jeanine and Jeff first met her, we all tried to keep a level head about it, not getting our hopes up too high. After their third meeting, though, we could tell Tessy had already established a level of trust with them that we had never seen so quickly before,” said McKinley. Jeff and Jeanine adopted the pooch shortly after the third visit, and the shelter’s staff was ecstatic that Tessy had found a loving home.“It was a rollercoaster of emotions leading up to the adoption day, everything from celebrations to disbelief to sadness, excitement, a bit of anxiety, and everything in between. Mostly, though, we felt proud. Proud of her, proud of everyone who helped get her to this point, and proud of the results,” McKinley shared. “We all know she’d do okay, we are also quite aware that going from three years in the shelter into a loving home is a big adjustment, and it will take her a while to fully acclimate. We tried to instill in her adopters to be confident and patient but never to be complacent.” the shelter’s director added.It’s important to know that not every visit to an animal shelter ends with ‘love at first sight.’ A lot of adoptable dogs have experienced some level of trauma and neglect, and are generally more anxious inside the shelter. Keep an open mind when visiting your local shelter and remember that each of these pups deserves a loving family and a forever home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
How Do I Choose the Best Muzzle for My Dog?
With the news of the recent American Bully XL ban in the UK, conversations around dog muzzles have been popping up all over social media. The growing discussion has opened the door for dog owners in the United States to consider the benefits of using a muzzle for their own dogs for many reasons, including scavenging, reactivity, and even short-term use for veterinary and grooming appointments. But with so many different styles of muzzle on the market, how do you choose the best muzzle for your dog? We have you covered! In this guide, we will discuss the different muzzle types available, what each type is best suited for, and the proper fit of a dog muzzle. Plus, I will share which muzzle we currently use with our reactive dog, Lucifer, and why. Let’s get started… Things to Consider When Shopping for a Muzzle for Your Dog When selecting a muzzle for your dog, there is no singular “best option” that will work for every dog and situation. On one hand, this can be frustrating as it leaves you feeling overwhelmed navigating the wide assortment of options. On the other hand, it means you can purchase a muzzle uniquely suited for your dog’s needs. Here are a few key factors to consider when making your decision: MaterialThere are several materials to consider when shopping for a muzzle, including metal, plastic, rubber, vinyl, leather, Biothane, fabric, silicone, and more. To determine the best option for your dog, there are a few critical deciding factors: Do you need a muzzle that can prevent a determined dog from biting? Will your dog be wearing the muzzle outdoors in the elements? Is weight a factor for your dog? Does your dog engage in “muzzle punching” when wearing a muzzle (ramming into people with the muzzle)? Will your dog likely shove the muzzle into the dirt while trying to smell the ground? It is important to note that most muzzles are not considered “bite-proof.” This means they shouldn’t be relied on to prevent a bite from occurring. If you are muzzling as a safety precaution due to a bite risk, the best options are vinyl or wire basket muzzles. Ease of Use Like harnesses and collars, some dogs make fastening a muzzle easy, while others can make the process a challenge. This doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike the muzzle or aren’t properly conditioned to the muzzle. For example, if our boy Lucifer is overly excited about going somewhere, he sometimes gets the zoomies. He usually will stand still to let us buckle his muzzle, but it’s hard to control the zoomies when they hit! A muzzle with a quick-release buckle will be your best option if that sounds familiar. This is faster to secure than a traditional threaded buckle. Airflow One primary concern for those considering muzzling their dogs is the airflow that they will offer, and for good reason! This is especially important if your dog is going to be active while wearing the muzzle. Wire basket muzzles are often a favorite for high-energy dogs, allowing for uninterrupted airflow and making it easy for your dog to drink while wearing it. In comparison, leather and Biothane muzzles, especially those designed to prevent scavengers from being able to pick up “goodies” on their walks, generally limit airflow. Carefully consider your dog’s lifestyle and the situations where a muzzle may be needed.
How Can I Reduce My Dog's Environmental Pawprint?
In today’s day and age, with the climate and environment at great risk, we want to do anything we can to minimize our own carbon footprint and the damage we do to Mother Nature. Of course, our pets also have an environmental impact – and eco-conscious pet parents are always on the lookout for simple ways to reduce their pet’s carbon footprint (or pawprint if we’re being precise). Luckily, there are a lot of small but important steps that you can take in order to make your pet’s lifestyle and care much more eco-friendly without compromising the quality of life they are used to. Here's where to start if you want to become a more eco-friendly, sustainable dog owner!5 Ways You Can Reduce Your Dog's Environmental PawprintCaring for your pet can be challenging, and that’s no secret. However, the things that make it easier are not often very good for the environment, and can make your pet’s environmental pawprint significant. Luckily, it does not take too much of a change to turn that completely around and start improving that environmental impact, day by day. What follows are just a few of the basic steps you can take as a caring and responsible owner.#1 Be Responsible About Your Pet’s Waste Disposal:
Latest Studies Find That Aging in Dogs Can Mirror Aging in Humans
In the United States alone, pet owners spend around $1,500 a year on veterinary care. To be precise, people tend to spend more on dogs than on any other pets – up to 41% of Americans spend $2,000 per year caring about their cherished canine friends. Of course, this is all in the hopes that their pet reaches their senior age with minimal issues and that they get to spend as many years enjoying their company. While providing veterinary care is an important factor that contributes to a pet’s longevity, it’s not always easy to determine when a certain procedure or treatment will help prolong your pet’s life and not their suffering. By comparing the concept they labeled “frailty” in humans and in dogs, a team of researchers hopes that they can help owners make better decisions about their pet’s care.Scientists behind the “ Dog Aging Project” are studying how they could improve your dog’s quality of life for many years to come. The team from the University of Washington is conducting extensive research, based on dogs of all ages, in their attempts to determine how their quality of life is impacted as they age. Dr. Anya Gambino, one of the chief veterinarians working on the project, says: “There's a quantity of life. It's amazing to have a long life, but you always want to have quality of life." The team’s UW Biologist and the Co-Director of the Project, Daniel Promislow, quickly drew a parallel with humans. "Dogs get the same kinds of diseases that humans get. They also show the same kinds of frailty that we see in humans," he said.The so-called “frailty” of dogs, which is the object of the study, is already studied in humans. Dr. Promislow firmly believes that through this study, researchers can gain a much better understanding of life expectancies in dogs and potential disease risks as well. "We hope we'll be able to figure out the relationship between frailty and the disease," Promislow says. But what exactly is this “frailty”? Researchers describe it as "a complex syndrome associated with aging. Because it considers physical, mental and emotional changes associated with aging, it is a better indicator of the body’s condition and overall health than age alone.""If we can do that, we can help vets treat dogs earlier before those diseases are apparent and can also help dogs enjoy their later years to the best degree possible," said Promislow.The study is on a very grand scale and already enrolls over 46,000 dogs across the United States. What is best, researchers believe that humans can also benefit from this extensive study. "The other thing about aging in dogs is that aging in dogs looks a lot like aging in people," said Promislow. "What we learn about aging in dogs is going to help us learn about aging in people, as well."Hopefully, this would mean that many more dogs would get a chance to enjoy their golden years, right by their owner's side. "They provide us with so much unconditional love, joy, and humor," said Dr. Gambino. "We can do something for them that gives them the best chance for living a very happy life with us."
New Study Shows Which Dog Breeds Are Most Likely to Get Cancer
When it comes to humans, early detection is key when dealing with different types of cancer, and the same is true for canines. Naturally, a healthy diet, daily exercise, and regular veterinary checkups can all help keep your four-legged companion in tip-top condition.But, wouldn’t it be great if you knew in advance that your pooch is more predisposed to cancer? A new study published in Royal Society Open Science shows that there is a strong link between the dog’s size and their likelihood of getting cancer.Leonard Nunney, a biologist at the University of California, Riverside, and the lead author of the study wanted to understand how cancer starts and how it is initiated in different dog breeds. Nunney explained that while humans have an increased risk of developing cancer as they get older, the same isn’t true for dogs.This new study looked at dogs ranging in size from a tiny Chihuahua up to a mastiff, and a giant Great Dane. Despite the popular belief that larger dog breeds are at a higher risk of cancer, it turned out that bigger dogs are at a lower risk of developing any type of cancer simply because they tend to have shorter lifespans compared to smaller dog breeds, which typically live longer. Breeds like golden retrievers, German shepherds, and Labrador retrievers are considered large dogs and usually live up to 12 years. This study showed that smaller dog breeds, like Chihuahuas, terriers, and Pomeranians are at a higher risk for developing cancer because they tend to live longer, typically around 15 years or more. While doing their research, Nunney and his team made another discovery. They learned that certain dog breeds, regardless of their size, are more predisposed to developing certain cancers.Nunney lists terriers, specifically West Highland terriers, also known as Westies, as having a higher likelihood of developing bladder cancer. Flat-coated retrievers are prone to a rare type of cancer, called sarcoma, which is found in soft tissues and bones. In addition to these two breeds, Bernese mountain dogs are also more likely to develop cancer than other dog breeds. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, one in four dogs will, at some point in their life, develop cancer. Furthermore, almost half of dogs over the age of 10 will develop some type of cancer. But before you rush to get your dog to the vet for a full checkup, know that just because smaller breeds are more likely to develop cancer, that doesn’t mean they will. According to researchers, only a few dog breeds tend to be predisposed to cancer, as this illness is caused by genetic mutations. The researchers also discovered that while ancestry-based interbreeding reduces the breed’s life expectancy, it doesn’t increase the risk of cancer. Thanks to this new research scientists and animal experts can better understand dog breeds and how their genetics play a role in developing cancer. “Dogs are an extremely good model for understanding the genetic changes that may lead to a higher susceptibility of specific cancers,” added Nunney. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
10 Pet Industry Trends at SuperZoo 2023
Last month, nearly 18,000 pet professionals gathered in Las Vegas for North America’s largest pet retail event – SuperZoo! Here, brands showcased their newest and most innovative product lines, new products were launched, and connections were made that would help shape the pet industry as we know it. As a member of the media, we have a unique opportunity to discover the latest trends (as well as those starting to fall from the limelight). Are you interested in learning about what you can expect to see in the coming weeks and months from your local pet stores and favourite pet brands? I’m going to break down some of the biggest pet industry trends I identified while walking the show floor at this year’s show! Let’s get started… Opening the Door to Travel for a Wide Range of PetsWe are all familiar with the many carriers, crash-tested harnesses, and other products available for travelling with our cats and dogs. This isn’t changing! Brands continue to bring new travel gear to the forefront for our furry friends, making travel safer, more convenient, and more comfortable than ever before. But this wasn’t the most exciting shift that I noticed…A growing number of brands are focused on making travel accessible for ALL pets. It was great to see backpacks and harnesses for birds, carriers designed specifically for travelling and road trips with rabbits and other smaller animals, and more. Pets are such a special part of our lives. I love that so many more opportunities are being created to embrace this and make more memories together. Of course, disclaimer: this comes with training, conditioning, time, and understanding of your pet’s personality. Not every pet, including dog and cat travellers, will be interested in heading out on a car ride or jet-setting across the country. But they make the best travel companions if they are comfortable with it. Enrichment for Pets of All Shapes and SizesAnother trend that isn’t entirely new is the push for enrichment for our pets. But I noticed two key differences in the products this year. First, there were more products for birds, small animals, and reptiles than in previous years (although I first saw this trend emerging at the show in 2022). For example, foraging toys for rabbits were once difficult to find, and when you did, they all looked the same. Now, there are a variety of different shapes, sizes, styles, and puzzle types to keep your bunny interested and engaged. This reflects our growing understanding of the importance of mental enrichment for the health and well-being of our pets. Another trend that was clear in the enrichment space was the need for new types of enrichment for our pets. Dog puzzle feeders have been around for quite a while, but this show introduced puzzle feeders with additions, interchangeable parts, or multiple challenges in a single feeder. This lets you change the puzzle from use to use, keeping mealtime interesting.
How Do I Train My Dog to Wear a Muzzle?
Introducing a new tool to your dog can feel like uncharted territory. While some dogs will readily accept whatever is thrown their way, others will become stressed or anxious when presented with something new. Unfortunately, if you are in a position where a muzzle is necessary for the safety of your dog or others around you, forgoing a tool because your dog appears to be uninterested in it isn’t an option. So, what do you do? How do you train your dog to wear a muzzle? This guide will dig into the importance of conditioning when planning to muzzle your dog. This includes explaining what conditioning is, walking you through the process step-by-step, and sharing some helpful tips to set you up for success. What is Muzzle Conditioning? Before expecting your dog to wear their muzzle, it is recommended that you take the time to focus on muzzle training, also referred to as muzzle conditioning. This is the process of introducing the muzzle alongside positive rewards. If each time your dog sees or interacts with the muzzle, they get “good things,” it will create a positive association. Over time, they will not only tolerate the muzzle but happily accept it. Why? They recognize that wearing their muzzle means they will receive good things like verbal praise, pets, and their favorite treats. How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Get Used to a Muzzle? There is no one guaranteed timeline when working on muzzle conditioning. While some dogs will quickly take to the muzzle, adjusting in just a few days, others will take longer. Some factors that can impact this include your dog’s personality, trainability, previous experience (positive or negative) with a muzzle, and their trust/bond with you as the person introducing this tool to them. It’s important to keep in mind that the time it takes does NOT mean you are doing better or failing at your training efforts. We have three dogs, all of which have been muzzle-trained. While two of our dogs took to the muzzle relatively quickly, Lucifer’s nerves and anxiety made the process more challenging. This doesn’t mean it was impossible. With time, patience, and consistency, he is now the dog that is most comfortable in a muzzle out of the three. We just had to move at his pace.
What Size of Cage Does My Hamster Need?
Final Thoughts: The Best Hamster Cage SetupWhen setting up your hamster’s habitat, consider the floor space available. They are active and energetic creatures that need to be able to run, demanding more freedom to move than is often available in the overly hyped commercial cages. Instead, ensure the cage offers at least 24” by 12” of floor space on the main floor. Several cage styles are available, including wire cages, glass aquariums, and plastic pens. If you want to extend their habitat with a second floor, be cautious about the risk of injury. A long fall can be catastrophic. Include all necessities on the main floor of your hamster’s cage. This includes plenty of bedding to burrow into, clean hay, chew toys/enrichment opportunities, an appropriately sized exercise wheel, and access to fresh food and water. A proper habitat is the foundation for a happy, healthy life for your furry friend! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
