Pet Scan: 9月 2012

2012年9月17日星期一

Pet Drugs Online

Modern pet owners like to purchase their pet drugs online these days. There are many sites on the internet now where one can purchase your pets needs, and usually these are a lot cheaper than purchasing directly from your veterinary surgeon.

Veterinary prescriptions are available by law from your pet's registered veterinary surgeon and the prescription can then be filled by an ordinary chemist, although these tend not to stock a lot of the specific veterinary medicines which our pets require. We thus end up buying our drugs for pets through a variety of websites.

Once you have the prescription in your possession, it may be scanned or photographed digitally, or simply faxed to your chosen provider of pet drugs. At Drugs4Pets they will accept Word documents, faxed documents, Jpeg files, .tif files, .epx files, or any other image format. Posted copies or faxed copies are also acceptable. Most people send their veterinary prescription in one of these electronic formats, to obtain their drugs online.

Buying Pet drugs from an online shop is very simple and secure these days with the advent of credit card secure sites on the internet. Providers such as Thawte and Worldpay, allow greater levels of card security than ever before through triple-checking of credit card credentials before allowing payment to go through... This can give you that important peace of mind while buying your pet drugs online.

Delivery of your pet drugs online is usually by Royal Mail, though for an additional cost, courier services can be used. There is also sometimes a facility to have pet foods delivered to your door by the online pet drugs merchant. This will normally attract an extra cost, but may be well worth it to reduce the hassle of going to your vets or garden centre to go and purchase your Hills or Royal Canin Waltham Pet Foods.

It is worth shopping around when purchasing drugs for your pets online as several providers now exist. Prices can vary widely and it is worth monitoring various sites to compare prices of the drugs online. Sometimes the cheapest is not necessarily the best and some sites have a poor record of customer service. Good providers will usually answer all follow up queries and will be prepared to replace your goods if stolen or lost in transit, subject to certain conditions.

If you are contemplating purchasing drugs for pets online, why not make sure your prescription is ready well beforehand - this will help process your order more quickly, and allow a smooth transaction with minimal delay.

It is also helpful, when purchasing pet drugs online, to make sure that the surname registered on the website as the orderer and recipient is the same name as that which appears on the prescription. Failure to do this can lead to confusion and delays.

Pet Drugs Online is the new way to go about purchasing your pet's medical needs. Drugs4Pets, drugs4pets.co.uk will help you to find your pet drugs online and you will be able to save money over the cost of medications from your regular veterinary surgeon.

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Tips About Dogs, Pet Lifestyle And Their Water Habits

Dogs are amongst the most faithful and adorable pets that one can have. However, you need to take proper care of these wonderful pets especially when they are in water.

Dogs need to be trained

It is not a bad idea to find an expert pet trainer to discipline your pet dog. You must know how to make your dog listen to you otherwise it would be difficult to control the pet lifestyle. You can also get a tip or two through social networking for pet lovers.

Groom them regularly

If you want your dog to stay clean and healthy, you must tend to it regularly the same way as you tend to your own body. It is also good for the hygiene in the house. Your dog's coat should be cleaned well and kept free of debris

Never throw your dog in the water

All breeds of dogs do not swim naturally. So even if your dog needs a bath every day, it is not a bad idea to throw him in the water expecting it to swim. Perhaps getting a life jacket for your dog is a good idea too. If your idea of pet lifestyle is a swim in the pool, you will have to lure your dog calmly and teach it how to swim.

Save your dog from potential hazards

Although a part of the pet lifestyle should include regular walks in the park where your dog can get some fresh air, it is important that you keep it on a tight leash. Your dog might end up being injured by some sharp objects, stones etc.

Pet diet

Your pet lifestyle must include a good diet. Talking to other people to find out what they feed their pet dog and how it is ensured that all the nutrients go in its diet. This is where social networking for pet lovers all comes to good use. Talking to others will let you know which brand of dog food is better and which brand should be avoided all together.

Treat the pet

Your pet dog should be able to respond to your treats, which is a very interesting way of making it follow your orders. That is how even trainers get their dogs to listen to what they order. It will not only make the dog feel comfortable but will also allow you to distract the pet from creating a ruckus especially when you want a quiet moment for yourself.

Give it a safe pet house

You must ensure that pet lifestyle of your dog includes a safe house. You must scan the entire house for a place where the dog might get trapped into like a small hole, cleaners etc. You must also ensure that the dog doesn't get to eat or chew something small that could be dangerous like an iron bolt for example. You must also keep the doors of the bedroom and the bathroom closed when you are not around.

To learn more on topics like pet lifestyle you can visit petsocialonline.com which is also a good site for social networking for pet lovers.

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2012年9月16日星期日

Microchipping a Pet - So a Lost Pet Can Find Their Way Home

Every pet owner's biggest fear is the thought of their pet running away... never to be found again. This is especially scary if your pet doesn't always wear their collar with an ID tag. However, it's possible to put this fear to rest with microchipping a pet! A microchip is a tiny computer chip that is implanted by an injection similar to a vaccine needle under the skin of your pet. The chip is made of biocompatible material that will not rust or cause an allergic reaction. It is completely safe and will not hurt your pet when it is inserted. The procedure is always done by a veterinarian.

All kinds of animals can be microchipped, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and horses. Each chip has a unique code that can be traced with a scanner. Your pet will most likely be connected to you in no time after the code has been scanned. Most veterinarians and shelters have these scanners, making it more convenient for you to locate your pet.

If you are adopting a pet from a shelter, chances are that the animal has been micro chipped. You will have to contact the company that made the microchip and register your new pet in their data base.

The only real downfall to microchips is that they cost a bit of money, most costing between $30 and $45, however, there may be additional costs depending on the company. It's possible to cut the cost if your pet is enrolled in a pet health insurance plan. Another downfall is that each microchip manufacturer maintains its own database. So if you register your pet with one manufacturer, but your veterinarian is registered with another, it may take a little longer to locate your pet. However, all scanners display the name of the microchip's manufacturer, making it easier to identify the animal.

Just because you get your pet microchipped doesn't mean they are completely protected from ever becoming lost though. You should always:

• Make sure he/she wears a collar with identification tags.

• Be aware of your surroundings and new environments.

• Make sure gates are closed and fences cannot be jumped over or... dug under.

Microchipping a pet is the most effective way to locate a lost pet. But as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so make sure to take the necessary steps to keep your pet safe!

We love pets! Probioticsmart.com knows your pet deserves the very best care possible, and we're here to help. Visit our blog for more information, tips and stories on all things pet health. See you there!

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Microchips on Pets - A Chip Trick

Have you ever lost a beloved dog or cat? If you answered yes to this question then you know the uncertain feeling it brings. The feeling that there's a good chance you may never see your lost pet ever again. Not to mention the stress it causes to both you and your lost pet. If you heard of microchips and thinking of implanting one on your beloved pets then here is what you need to know.

Although collars are the first aid of a lost pet, sometimes they are just not enough. They can easily be removed and sometimes are uncomfortable to wear. Microchips on the other hand are very good alternatives to your typical pet collar.

A microchip implant is a very small device - around the size of an uncooked rice - placed under the loose skin your pet, usually on their shoulder blades. This technology is based on a passive RIFD (Radio Frequency Identification). It is implanted by injecting it directly on your pet's skin. It is virtually painless and it's permanent. It works by providing contact information of owners when shelters and vets scan the implanted chip.

A lot of pet organization and vets nowadays recommend micro-chipping. It is said to be one of the most effective ways of recovering a pet. According to studies, the chances that a lost pet with a microchip implant will be reunited with its owner increases by 75%. And in the U.S. it is estimated that only 14% of lost pets are reunited with their owners.

If your pet came from a shelter, it is most likely that it has already a chip implant. What you need to do is to update it by calling the service provider, which your shelters can provide. If your pet still doesn't have a chip, shelters, vets and other pet welfare organizations can help you get one. A regular implant cost from $30 to $50, a cheap price to pay to recover a loved one. Remember to register your information after the procedure, to ensure that your pets can be safely recovered in case of a lost.

Technology is not only for humans, now even our pets can become high-tech. With this innovation, more and more lost pets are recovered each year. The stress of losing a beloved dog or cat can now be eliminated with microchip implants. The benefits are more than obvious. So if you're thinking of getting a pet, think about getting them implants. In a few years microchip implants will the collars of the future.

Rick Condie has been an online trainer for over 8 years now. Specializing in eBay, and website design and marketing. For more information on pet security visit http://www.neverloseyourpet.com/

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Pet Health Insurance Policy - Don't Make a Costly Mistake

What to check before you but a Pet Health Insurance Policy.

Yes the policy will be wordy and everyone knows that trawling through it for small details is a pain. But consider the downside: if you happen to rely on something you thought was in it it could cost you thousands. Then perhaps you'll spare that half an hour going through it to ensure it exactly meets, or surpasses, your needs.

If you were sure that it covered existing ailments and when you came to claim for a course of treatment, found out that it didn't, what can you do about it. The answer is nothing.

So go through the following list and make sure that if you require the item that the policy you're investigating actually covers it.

Ensure they cover genetic or pre-existing illnesses. Many insurance companies will not cover illnesses that your pet had before the policy was taken out. In addition they may not cover associated illnesses. If your breed of pet is susceptible to a certain condition then that could also be excluded from any claims.
Apart from the excess on the policy (which is the amount you have to pay before the insurance kicks in) some policies will only pay a certain percentage of the bill. While this may not be a bad thing as it keeps premiums down, make sure the percentage is one you are happy with.
Make sure that you are happy with the amount of insurance that will be paid out in any one year or for any one illness. There is often a cap on the amount paid out by the pet policy.
Does the policy cover dental problems.
Will you be reimbursed for prescription drugs.
Lab work can be expensive, blood tests, scans etc. is this included.
Some policies will only offer reimbursement of expenses for so long into an illness. For example they may stop paying after 6 weeks of treatment. If you think you'll need more then ask for it before signing up.
Does the plan cover conditions that reoccur.
Make sure your policy does not cover anything that you do not want. Some people may have no interest in the "lost and Found" element of a policy. If you don't want it and it's included then you are paying too high a premium.
How long does the company take to pay a claim.
WIll premiums rise if you do make a claim.

Keep the list above in mind when picking your pet health insurance policy and avoid costly omissions.

Try to get the policy while your pet is healthy and then any decisions to do with treatment can be made on the basis of what is right and not what you can afford.

More advice on Pet Health Insurance Policies [http://essentialcatlinks.com/pet_insurance/pet-health-insurance.html] can be found here [http://essentialcatlinks.com/pet_insurance/pet-health-insurance.html].

Note that we are not attached to any insurance provider and do not sell insurance, we just want to see healthy pets.

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5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Pet's Health

In the current's fast paced world, many animal owners find themselves without the amount time they'd like to spend caring for their pets.

Between work, chores round the house, kids, and so on. There just aren't really enough hours in the day to get it all done. With that noted, KV Supply has come up with a short list of 5 straightforward things you can do to boost the health of your pet.

1. Higher quality Food

Yes, it's easier and potentially less expensive to simply pick up a bag of dog food at the grocery or buy some enormous retailer's store brand. But is that necessarily the best food for your pet? And in the longer term is it actually cheaper? You may be stunned at what you find if you scanned the ingredient lists on your fave big name brand or store brand pet foods. Many of them contain fillers, unnecessary ingredients and by products that can be extremely unhealthy for your pet and can end up in long-term health Problems and increased costs. Changing to an all-natural or holistic brand can help maintain your pet's health and keep your total expenditures on pet care as small as possible.

2. Supplements

Supplementing your pet's diet can be a straightforward way to help improve their well-being and fitness. There are numerous additions available for joint support, digestive support, skin treatment, protection, weight control, heart health, liver support, muscle support and more.

3. Dental Care

Proper dental care is needed for the health of your pet and nothing beats regular brushing and veterinary dental checkups, but there are some straightforward things you can do to help your pet maintain healthy teeth. Dental chews or treats meant to help control plaque and tartar build-up also promote fresh breath. There are dental supplements that may help to control plaque and promote healthy gums.

4. Flea, Tick & Insect Control

Fleas, Ticks and other insects like flies are a few of the major carriers of diseases in pets. Controlling these pests is easy with the various flea, tick and pest control products around. There are a few flea & tick spot-ons and collars which make defending your pet simple.

Plus there are easy-to-use indoor and outside pest elimination products that can help break the reproductive cycle of pests like fleas which may eventually make insect control even less complicated.

5. Regular Exercise

Okay, so you may not have time to walk your pet every day. But there are methods to guarantee your pet gets sensible exercise. Be certain to provide a variety of toys for them to play with. Ensure you let your pet outside for a while every day or if you have got an within pet, give some space for daily play time. An exercise pen could be beneficial, particularly indoors. Of course you need to make the effort to stroll your pet as often as practicable. There are retractable leashes and even hands free leashes that make it easy to exercise your pet at the same time you are exercising.

Bonus Tip Regular veterinary Visits

This could appear like an obvious point, but many animal owners don't schedule regular vet visits.

Regular vet care is a useful way to maintain the health of your pet. Your vet will probably see a potential concern before the owner may realize there's a problem. Early detection can stop plenty of conditions before it's too late.

Mike is an avid pet enthusiast.

http://www.kvsupply.com

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2012年9月15日星期六

Pet Survival Kit - Protecting Your Pets During Disaster - Dog and Cat

Pets can easily be lost in a time of disaster. While they would typically find their way home based on surroundings and scent, it can become difficult when the area has been changed due to weather or other natural disasters and the scent untraceable. That leaves your pet stranded wherever they may be without a lot of help in getting home to their family. A missing pet for many is the same as missing any other loved member of that family, which is why the utmost care must be taken in locating lost animals.

A tag with their owners name, phone number, and address, with the name of the pet clearly on it is a good start to getting your pet home. People are more willing to take in a pet that appears to belong to someone versus a stray looking animal. This is a quick sign that this animal needs help and is not harmful. This method is great for when the pet simply wanders a little too far from home in the neighborhood or on a busy street corner, but may not be best suited for a longer distance.

That is why technology has given us many other ways of keeping track of our pets and helping us locates them wherever they may end up. Microchips have been developed that will assist in identifying your pet if picked up by an animal shelter. It will provide them with your animal's name, as well as the owner's information. This also provides proof that the pet does belong to you in case a conflict arises over ownership. This is a harmless procedure in which a chip is inserted just beneath the skin of your pet in a location behind the neck. This standard location is used as it is easily scanned and consistent. Just next time you take your pet in for a check-up; talk with your vet on if this is a good option for you and your pet.

If microchips or tags just still does not give you a feeling of security about your pet, there is another option that will actually track you pet through satellite. It is practically a GPS on your pet. These can be placed on collars or also inserted into their skin. It will make tracking down your excited pet that made it out of the back yard chasing something of interest a lot easier, and practically double the chances of finding your pet after a serious natural disaster. Many veterinarians have the options readily available and can provide you with more information.

It does not matter which method you choose to identify your beloved pet, it is just crucial that at least one of these are put into action. A pet without identification is harder to track than a Jane Doe without fingerprints or dental records. So if you worry about your family pet, then take the necessary steps to ensure their safety and make the stress on you a little easier.

Get a Pet Survival Kit. Visit Our website http://www.SurvivalPacks.com

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Never Lose Your Pet

Losing a pet must be the last thing that could ever happen to a pet owner. There are a lot of things you can do to prevent this from happening. Follow the tips below to make sure that you are on the right track and recover your lost pet before it's too late.

What's Your Name?

It is every pet owners responsibility to name their pets when they first get them. For a welcome gift, remember to buy them collars with tags. On the tags, put important information that could be vital to their recovery in case they go astray. Name and contact information must be there. Also be sure to update it regularly.

Technology Is Your Friend

Nowadays, technology has replaced the old ways of tracking a lost pet. GPS tracking devices are the way of the future. Some collars are now equipped with GPS transmitters that could easily pin point the location of your pet with one easy look on your locator or a call to your service provider.

Microchip implants on the other hand are cheaper and permanent. Virtually painless when the procedure is done, these devices are placed on the loose skin of a pet above his shoulder blades. It works by providing information of breed and contact information of owners when scanned on shelters or vet clinics. Microchips are more or less what usually tags are for. Some say they are the dog tags of the future.

Take The Train Less Traveled

Sometimes people forget how important training could be to a pet. Learning to do what is said is actually the first thing any pet should learn if you do not want them to get lost. When a pet is focused and trained, it will not wander off when told to stay. To a pet any moving object could be a distraction. When a pet is a well trained, you will have a greater chance of not losing them.

Pet Pictorials

In cases that you do lose your pets, posters will be your best friend. A good poster is only as good as the picture it has. Always keep a recent photo of your pet and use this to create effective posters. Any distinguishable marks on your pets will be very helpful. To you, your pet maybe one of a kind but to everyone else, he will just be another animal on a line.

Success!

Knowing that you have done everything to prevent this from happening is the first step of ensuring that you never lose your pets. Of course, no matter how cautious you are, sometimes you can never really prevent accidents from happening. An open window or door could easily cause a lost pet. But because you have your safety nets in place, the chances of recovery of your beloved companions will much greater. In the end there is only so much you can do to prevent these things from happening. But to a pet owners life constant alertness is required. When you have a pet, you have the responsibility to keep them safe. And to do that, you must at least follow one of these suggestions.

Rick Condie has been an online trainer for over 8 years now. Specializing in eBay, and website design and marketing. For more information on pet security visit http://www.neverloseyourpet.com/

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Adopt Pets - How the Internet Helps You

How do you adopt pets? Everybody has a favorite pet. Some people love cats, others love dogs. Some people even prefer unusual pets like a hamster, parrot, rat, or iguana. No matter what kind they are, all of them are wonderful companions. There are all kinds of people who adore them.

When you are shopping for a new pet to bring into your home, why not rescue one from a shelter rather than buying one from an overpriced pet store? A great way to find these pets is to use a site like PetFinder. You can search for your new friend without ever leaving the house. The great thing about shopping for a pet online is that you can search through a wider selection and narrow down your choices.

For example, at PetFinder, you can search pets based upon age, breed, gender, size, and how many miles they are from your location. Want to narrow your search to a female Shih Tzu close to Montclair, New Jersey? You got it, over 100 listings to be exact.

There are over 200,000 animals listed in the database at any time. These are easily searched and sorted. Most of them have pictures too, so you can see what the pet looks like. You are not restricted to cats and dogs although these are the most popular. You find all kinds of animals here like snakes, alpacas, sugar gliders, and pigs. Just pick an animal you would like and hit the search button.

You may be leery of adopting an animal because they are usually adult pets. But you shouldn't hesitate to adopt a mature pet. Adults have already gone through the difficult puppy or kitten stage. Some adults are fully trained and that makes your job easier. A lot of people want a puppy because they are so cute. Puppies don't stay puppies for long though and if they are to grow into adult dogs with good manners, you'll need to train them well.

This takes a lot of patience and work. Puppies are little bundles of energy and need a lot of attention. If you want the joy and fun of having a pet but would rather avoid the stress and hassle of training him, then mature pets are the best option. Many of the pets on internet pet adoption sites are from local shelters and in desperate need of homes. These are usually adults but sometimes you find puppies and kittens too.

Once you have decided on the type of pet to adopt, then you can start searching and browsing listings. You can quickly scan summaries. These usually have a photo of the pet along with important details like location, age, breed, gender, and name. The pet usually has special icons next to him like if he needs special treatment, needs a home without children etc.

Go ahead and adopt pets. By doing this, then they would have found a home.

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2012年9月14日星期五

The Differences Between Micro-Chipping and GPS Pet Locators

Technology has changed every aspect of our lives and continues to do so at a rapid pace. In terms of looking after your beloved pets, it should come as no surprise that thanks to technological advancements today, you can now track them using sophisticated GPS systems if they go missing. No one wants to lose their pet and by tracking their whereabouts, you can make sure that you increase the odds of finding them as soon as possible.

So what exactly is micro-chipping and what does it do? About the size of a grain of rice, a microchip is a computer chip that stores an identification number and transmits information to a suitable scanner through radio waves. To implant a microchip in your dog, you need to have your veterinarian inject the chip using a pre-loaded syringe between the shoulder blades of the animal. Most dogs feel no pain during this procedure, which is over in a matter of seconds. Once implanted, tissue surrounding the chip forms a casing that prevents it from moving. Most microchips are made of a bio-compatible material that rarely causes any infection. Once in place, the chip can be detected using a handheld scanner that then displays the unique code. It is necessary that you register your pet with the microchip company so that, your name, address, and contact details are accessible when the pet's chip is scanned.

Microchips should last a lifetime and do not need to be replaced or charged. In the rare occasion that the chip migrates away from your dog's shoulder blades, a scanner should be able to pick up the signals from anywhere in the body. Most veterinary clinics and pet shelters have a scanner for immediate identification. However, if your pet turns up in the few that do not, not much can be done in this case. An annual visit to your vet to check that the microchip is still functioning, and making sure your contact information is always current are also highly recommended.

A GPS collar is the latest and most adept form of pet tracking systems. Using the same technology found in automobiles, your GPS pet tracker allows you to pinpoint your missing pet's exact location in real-time. Updates on the whereabouts of your pet are constantly available through your cell phone or Internet. GPS devices can vary in sophistication - some only give you the location of the missing animal, while others will tell you where your dog is and how to get there. Some devices even include a beacon to help spot your pet in the dark. Most of these devices can be attached to a dog's collar and are battery-operated. Make sure that the device you choose has an exchangeable and rechargeable battery, water resistant, and sturdy such as the SpotLight GPS Pet Locator. Created and developed in conjunction with the American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR) team to reduce the number of lost dogs, this includes an exclusive AKC CAR collar tag with a unique ID number that includes lifetime enrollment in AKC CAR's Recovery Service. With this assurance, owners of this GPS Pet Tracking system have access to the AKC CAR call center and the best recovery team available at all times.

In conclusion, a microchip is an excellent option for permanent identification and a GPS Pet Locator is an excellent proactive tracking device for your pet. By protecting your pet with both GPS and a microchip you can rest assure that your pet will be safe and... found.

This article is Co-authored by Chris Newton & Lewis Sheats, from Securus, Inc. For more information about GPS Pet Tracking System, visit http://www.spotlightgps.com/.

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A Holistic Vet's Guide to Pet Food, Part I - Who's in Charge?

In 2007, when thousands of pets were sickened or killed by pet food contamination, and the recalls went on for months, the pet food industry claimed that it was highly regulated and therefore trustworthy. Clearly, that was then and still is not true. There are regulations that apply to pet food, but nearly all of them apply only to the post-production period-that is, labels, marketing, and advertising. What goes into pet food and how it is made is virtually unregulated. And yet, the labels can provide a great deal of information about that very process, tell you about the quality of the food, and help you decide which ones to avoid and which are the best and healthiest food for your pets.

Despite all the "small print" and vague terms on the average pet food label, the rules governing pet food labels are actually quite simple. Once you know these few basic rules, you'll be scanning the label like a pro and actually understanding what it says, what it means, and whether it's good for your pet.

First, let's take a look at who makes the rules. There are two primary groups involved: state governments and the federal government. At the federal level, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are involved. At the state level, the state agriculture department in most states (a different department in a few states) designates one or more of its feed control officials--the folks that inspect all animal feed, including pet food--to participate. The body to which these representatives belong is called the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO is not itself a regulatory body and does not do any tests or enforce any laws.

Every year, AAFCO has meetings to discuss potentially needed changes, and publishes a book containing everything an animal feed or pet food maker needs to know: what nutrient levels are needed in a food, the rules governing labels, and how to conduct tests. These are "model" regulations that can then be adopted by the states, where they then become law. Only about half the states have actually adopted the AAFCO rules; and several others have something similar on the books. However, in order to ship nationally, all major pet food companies follow the AAFCO guidelines in order to avoid problems when the inspectors check out their foods.

There is a lot of confusion about AAFCO, and many writers have accused the organization of being "the fox guarding the henhouse" because their book lists not only the government officials, but also a long list of "advisors" from the industry, including many pet food companies. However, these advisors are basically just lobbyists; they do have some influence with the officials, just like any government lobbyist, but they don't make the rules. The state and federal representatives are the only voting members with power to change the rules. AAFCO takes its consumer protection role seriously and has rejected many attempts by the pet food industry to change ingredient names, label requirements, and other items that would make it harder for the consumer to make informed choices.

So what does this all mean for your pet? First, this knowledge helps you understand how laws and rules do and do not protect your pet. And second--and perhaps more importantly--as a result of this understanding, you'll be better equipped to evaluate other information you might find in books or on the internet. After all, those who have a false concept of how pet food regulation actually works are likely to be wrong about other things as well--so you probably shouldn't take their advice!

In the next article: all the useful information you can get from the label.

Dr. Jean Hofve is a retired holistic veterinarian with a special interest in nutrition and behavior. Her informational website, http://www.littlebigcat.com, features an extensive free article library on feline health and pet nutrition, as well as a free e-newsletter. Dr. Hofve founded Spirit Essences Holistic Remedies for Animals http://www.spiritessence.com in 1995; and it remains the only line of flower essence formulas designed by a veterinarian. She is a certified Medicine Woman within the Nemenhah Native American Traditional Organization who uses holistic remedies as a part of body-mind-spiritual healing.

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Buying Your Pets Christmas Presents Is Becoming a Norm

It is no secret that Christmas is coming round again and all the towns are full of sparkling lights and Christmas banners. You may have got all of your Christmas presents in already, or you may be a last minute person - but do you always buy presents for your pets? It has become a phenomenon that people are spending a lot more money on buying Christmas presents for their pets within the past few years and there has been an up rise in pet products across the market.

In the USA it has been stated that some people are spending more money on their pets at Christmas rather than their own children. Although this may be extremely controversial with the current conditions of the third world countries I believe that there is nothing wrong with treating your pet to a present at Christmas. It is easy to forget that it is also Christmas for your pets too, therefore a treat would not go a miss when everyone around them is receiving presents - no gift or attention could possibly leave them sad over Christmastime. No one should be sad at Christmas.

There are many different presents that you could buy for your pets. Some pet manufacturers actually design innovative pet products especially for the pet season, for example Santa hats for ferrets. Alternatively, pet owners make a habit of kitting their pet out with all of the essentials to keep them healthy and content for the next year at Christmastime.

Personally, giving Christmas presents that will last for life rather than just Christmas is my most favourite form of gift. I then like to get my pets everything that they need with a few extra treats as presents. With the extra advertising and the huge rush around this seasonal time of year it is hard to find an appropriate collection of pet products which are both fantastic quality and affordable. Yet after much needed research and scanning through reviews I have got through the hard part of finding the perfect place to purchase your pet's lovely gifts.

Rosewood pet products are a brilliant brand that manufactures pet products for any pet you can think of. Although I usually prefer to buy the essentials I just could not resist buying a cute Santa hat bed for my cats and I was also mildly tempted to buy a Santa coat for dogs but attempt to squeeze it onto my cat! Rosewood is where I usually buy my pet essentials from and they have a lot of new stock available so I can renew everything for my cats.

It is very important to treat your pets to the attention and care they need especially over Christmastime as they may feel unloved with the pandemonium of the festive period!

Jade Jennison is an enthusiastic writer in subject matter including pets and keeping them entertained during the Christmas period. The websites recommended by Jade have been thoroughly researched and come highly acclaimed from direct experience. Take a look at Rosewood pet products from Millbry Hill today.

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Is Pet Insurance a Good Idea?

Over the years, as technology has advanced, so has the cost of veterinary care. Vets today offer treatments such as MRIs, ultrasounds and CAT scans (no pun intended) that were unheard of just a few years ago. Heart surgery, kidney transplants, laser surgery and even chemotherapy are among the many viable options available to treat ill or injured pets. A veterinary bill can now run you thousands and thousands of dollars, making pet insurance more important than ever for US pet owners.

Pets also need more attention these days simply because they are living longer, a result of better preventative care, medicine, vitamins and food. In 1987, about 32 percent of the nation's dogs were over the age of 6. Now, 44 percent have passed that threshold. As is the case with humans, pets' bodies wear out the older they get, and they're not just experiencing the typical aches and pains of old age. They are also developing chronic diseases, such as cancer and diabetes that require costly medical treatments.

Pet Insurance is not for everyone

Not all pet owners would benefit from pet insurance. One type of pet owner that would not benefit is someone who would put their pet to sleep instead of spending large amounts of money to save it.

Sometimes pet owners with pet insurance will end up paying more out of pocket than they would have had they just put those premiums into a savings account, but this is assuming your pet stays healthy for a long period of time. Pet owners that have the financial resources and discipline can insure their own pets by making monthly deposits into a savings account for future veterinary costs. This allows the owner to save money if their pet does not incur expensive medical bills during its lifetime, but is not recommended for most people.

Choosing the right pet insurance company

For most pet owners, pet insurance is the best way to protect themselves from financial hardship caused by a pet's injury or sickness. The increased popularity in pet insurance has caused a surge in companies to enter the US market in recent years and each pet insurance company offers slightly different plans, making it difficult for pet owners to choose among the different plans.

In July 2008, Illinois Health Agents, an independent insurance agency, reviewed the most popular U.S. pet insurance plans from 12 different companies and ranked them on price, benefit schedule, network availability, and overall value. Surprisingly, the plan from Embrace Pet Insurance was best or tied for best in all five categories based on the following advantages:

1. Claims are based on the usual, customary and reasonable (UCR) method of reimbursement - not a benefit schedule. Most pet insurers pay claims based on a benefit schedule, which are determined by the insurance company and limit the amount of payout. UCR policies tend to deliver more generous payments since UCR takes into account variables such as increased pricing for emergency care and regional price differences. With Embrace the customer - not the insurer - chooses the annual maximum payout. This guarantees fewer surprises when seeking reimbursement.

2. They cover congenital and hereditary conditions. These can cost a lot to treat, and almost all companies exclude them.

3. They cover a chronic and recurring condition, which determines whether the plan will continue paying for treatment of a single illness over several years. Many companies will limit treatment of a single illness (like cancer) to a single year or per-incident claim limit, but Embrace will cover them for the duration of the illness and without a per-incident claim limit.

4. They have received excellent customer feedback. The popular, independent website petinsurancereview.com rated Embrace Pet Insurance the "Best U.S. Pet Insurance Company" for 2008.

Ryan Carroll is an insurance consultant for Illinois Health Agents, an independent insurance agency specializing in health, dental, and related benefits for individuals, families, and small businesses in Illinois.

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2012年9月13日星期四

Pet Insurance

Home, auto, health, life and now PET insurance! Although it has been around for some time, pet insurance is now becoming more common in the US marketplace. This years poisoned food scare has really shown how vulnerable our pets are to illness and disease. With all the advances in veterinary medicine and resulting expense the health care of a loved pet can be as expensive as a child these days. With a comprehensive pet insurance plan in place you can base life changing treatment decisions on your pet's health rather than the costs.

Insurance for pets is available from a wide variety of sources with many available coverage options and plans. Just like your health insurance you can purchase coverage for almost any level of protection you choose. There are plans for basic sickness or injury expenses, deluxe plans to cover nearly every type illness, accident or injury and even routine care and examination plans. The market has become so popular and competitive that some plans even cover dental work, chiropractic care and acupuncture treatments.

The variety of pets covered can be as wide as today's pet market. Dog and cat insurance coverage remain the basis of most companies plans, with many companies now offering Bird and Exotic Pet plans as well. So if you want to insure that parrot, iguana or potbellied pig you should be able to find a plan and insurance company to suit your needs.

Pet insurance has many similarities to our health insurance. There are coverage limits, conditions, exceptions for pre-existing conditions, deductibles, co-pays and lifetime amount limits. One important and beneficial difference is choice of care provider. With pet insurance you can usually use any veterinarian you want or have available. You do not have to choose from 'provider network'. also you do not need to get anything pre-approved; you are free to take the action needed for your pet's health protection then present your claim.

Another and not so beneficial difference is out of pocket expense. Generally pet insurance plans pay you after the claim is made; you may have to pay the veterinarian or caretaker bill prior to receiving reimbursement.

The policies typically have deductibles, co-pays and lifetime limits. The deductible will usually apply to each occurrence which can be an accident, injury or illness. Subsequent treatments for the same condition will not require another deductible. Typical deductibles range from $50 to $250. Most policies also have a co-pay percentage, this is the amount of the final covered expense the insurance company will pay. Co-pays are generally 80% or 90%.

One important thing to watch out for is benefit schedules. You want to avoid companies that have fixed benefit schedules. This means they have set a price for certain procedures/treatments and will only allow that much regardless of the actual charge. This can make a low deductible plan with high co-pay actually cost you much more in the long run than a high deductible with a lower co-pay percentage.

Where to get pet insurance? An easy first step is to ask your current veterinarian, they may have a plan they recommend or work with. But, don't stop there, research the market on the internet. The difference in plans can be dramatic when it comes time to make a claim. Be sure to review the companies' policy, exclusions and benefits as well as their history, reputation and financial standing.

Things to look for in pet insurance policies;

No network of required providers
No fixed benefit schedule
Coverage for:
Diagnostic testing; MRI, Cat-scans, X-rays
Specialists, Hospitalization, Cancer treatments, Prescriptions
After hours/ emergency treatments
Multi-pet discount
Claim processing time
History & reputation of company

Insuring your pet is a great idea and the many plans and options available make it easy and affordable to do. You can take comfort in having a valuable family member covered for injuries, illness, disease and even poisoned food that can happen at any age. After all animals are living creatures and susceptible to having health problems and accidents just as we do.

G Scott Lawrence is a 30 year licensed insurance adjuster and partner in Storm Survivor, LLC.

We offer web sites and products as a consumer resource for information and news about property insurance claims and insurance related topics. Informational original articles, excerpts from industry publications, links to insurance resources, consumer questions and answers.

http://AskTheAdjuster.com - Information on all types of insurance

[http://InsuranceClaimMoney.com] - Source for the Claims Money Kit!

[http://DisasterForum.net] - Insurance topics forum

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Best Chance for Lost Pet Recovery - Plan Ahead

It is estimated that 6-8 million animals enter shelters each year, and sadly about half of those animals will be euthanized; some within just hours of entering a shelter, simply because they have no identifying information and are considered stray. Many are beloved lost pets, whose owners could not be located. Providing your pet with a few simple and inexpensive items can maximize the chances that it will be recovered safely, should it wander away from home.

Tags

All pets, whether they live primarily indoors or outdoors, should wear a collar and tag. Tags provide the necessary information needed for someone to contact you, should they find your pet. A pet with a tag has the best chance of being recovered quickly. All pertinent information should be included on a tag; the pet's name along with the owner's name, address, and/or phone number. If your pet has any medical issues, you may want to include an additional tag with that information as well. If you are annoyed by the noisy jingle of tags on your pet, there are flat-collar tags, and tag silencers available at most pet supply stores that should keep the tags quiet. Animals normally adapt to wearing a collar and tag very quickly, especially if they are placed on your pet at a young age.

More lost dogs are typically recovered because more dogs wear a collar and tag. However, cat owners, especially those who own house-cats, don't find it necessary to place a tag on their cat. Unfortunately, lost cats are less likely to be recovered for this reason. It is just as important to have identifying information on your house-cat, as it is on a dog that is outside daily. It is much easier for a cat to slip through the cracks. They can easily dart out a door left ajar, or squeeze through an open window, etc... sometimes unnoticed until hours later. While you may be able to coax your dog back home, cats are curious and are less likely to run home when you call.

Microchipping

Microchipping has been around for almost a decade; however, in the wake of hurricane Katrina, it has become a growing trend. Should a collar or tag fall off, or be removed, the microchip will provide owner and/or vet information. Microchipping is relatively inexpensive, and causes no more pain to your pet than a vaccine. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice, and it is inserted between the shoulder blades using a syringe. The chip emits a code that can be detected through the use of a scanner. Most shelters and vet offices across the country now scan stray animals in an effort to reunite them with their owners. The drawback right now is that some scanners are not compatible with certain chips. Work is currently being done to provide a universal scanner that will recognize all microchips. However, until then, contact your local shelter, as well as your veterinarian office before having your pet microchipped to make sure that the microchip is compatible with the scanners used in your area.

Bottom Line

Don't assume that your vigilance will prevent your pet from becoming lost. Even the most watchful and careful pet owners have found themselves searching for their beloved family member. While microchipping is valuable insurance, should a tag come off, your pet would have to find its way to a shelter or veterinarian office before a microchip would be detected. This could take time, months or even years in some cases, leaving your pet more vulnerable the longer its away from home. However, a visible form of identification could bring your pet home the same day. Providing your pet with a collar and tag, in addition to a microchip is the best combination for increasing the chances that your pet makes it safely home.

About the Author:

Kim W. Traff owns and operates Kitten Smitten, a cat enthusiast web site which provides cat and kitten health and wellness information, videos and photo galleries for the avid cat lover. Kim is also mom to four spoiled house-cats, and spends a great deal of time researching and writing articles about cats. If you are looking for more cat related articles and entertainment, visit http://www.kitten-smitten.com. You can also find Kitten Smitten on Facebook and Twitter.

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Five Fabulous Tips for Fall (Or Any Time of the Year) for You and Your Pet

The weather is starting to become a bit crispy and the leaves are starting to change color. Kids are going back to school and football season is revving up. Here comes fall - ready or not! To help you and your pet be ready, here are five fall tips that work all year long.

1. Preventatives! Did you know that September is the peak month for ticks? Those nasty little critters love to burrow their heads into your poor pet and can carry Lyme disease. I don't know about you, but I have received a call or two from a pet owner shrieking about the tick stuck in her pup and imploring me to rush over. You need to take care when pulling these critters out so as not to break the head off and leave it behind in your pet. I suggest thoroughly covering the tick (while still on your pet) in liquid dishwashing soap. This suffocates the tick and the nasty little thing tends to slide out easier. But the easiest solution is to keep your pet on flea and tick preventatives - all year long for those that live in warm climates. Warmer climates do not always have the frozen months of winter that usually kill of these pesky little pests.

2. Hazards! Hazards can be poisons, such as cleaning chemicals, many household plants, car products such as antifreeze, mouse or rat extermination products - or if you are lucky enough to have a sixteen year old living at home that loves super chocolate brownies and keeps her room like a pig sty leaving everything, including food, on the floor - well, just shutting the door doesn't always work. Take extra care to make sure anything that poses a hazard to your pet is put up or out of reach.

3. Tags! If - heaven forbid - your pet gets loose or lost - make sure he has a dog tag with your name and number on it, as well as a microchip that is registered with your veterinarian and pet register, such as Home Again. That way if the person that finds your pet is not savvy to the chip, he can easily call the number on the tag. If the tag is lost, the chip is there with the information on it and it just requires the pet to be scanned. Some companies, such as Home Again, send out announcement emails like Amber Alerts to other pet people in the area to be on the lookout for your pet.

4. Come! Help your pet stay safe by teaching her at least a couple very important commands. "Come" and "Leave It" can help your pet avoid trouble. Working on a leash, walk swiftly, allowing your dog to get a little ahead of you. Confidently call out "Nikki! Come!" and jog backwards motivating her to follow you with a doggie treat. Praise her for coming to you. Using her name gets her attention and that is important, particularly if she is in danger. Using positive training is the preferred method of training for the best trainers I have ever worked with. It never ceases to amaze me to watch an owner punish his dog for running from him when the dog returns to him. That dog is being trained to NOT come.

5. Leashes! When not on your own property, please use a leash. Even if there are not leash laws in your area, it is still wise to do so. This is not an insult to your perfectly well-trained pet, but is to protect your pet. Walking your pet on a leash guards against the "never- in- a-million- years" incidents. Consider the rambunctious child running toward your pet, or the crazy cat darting in front of your pet, or that stray ball shooting out into the street into traffic. Unfortunately, no matter what, your pet will be blamed for anything that happens so why take any chances? I can attest to this. Imagine running with your huge wolf-like dog on a leash running beside you in the middle of the neighborhood street. Out of the side yard shoots a two-pound-nothing Yorkie heading straight for me. In a blink of an eye, Nikki scooped that little attacker into her mouth and threw him away from us. The Yorkie yipped back to his yard and the inattentive gentleman dog-owner yelled at me and let me know just how lucky I was that his wife wasn't there. Trust me - take your leash and be watchful! You may even want to carry extra protection for you and your pet - such as pepper-spray or something similar in case you are rushed, and the rusher isn't two-pounds-nothing.

Janus Moncur, The Co-Creative Coach?, and CEO of Co-Creative Coaching, LLC, is a Writer and Certified Professional Coach who works with individuals as well as groups as their trail guide on the ride to recreating personal and professional success. Are you an Aspiring Entrepreneur or Pet-Preneur? Take Janus's free Entrepreneur's Quiz and receive her ebook, "How to Escape from Professional Purgatory" at Personal and Professional Success Coach or connect with Janus@TheCo-CreativeCoach.com for a free 20 minute consultation session.

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Epilepsy in a dog is not that uncommon. However, it is not the only thing that will cause seizures or episodes. Several other conditions can make your pet convulse, including ingestion of poisons, kidney & liver disease, infections and meningitis to name a few. All other sources of seizures have to be ruled out before a diagnosis of epilepsy can be arrived at. There are many tests that may be necessary to rule out other conditions. MRI scanning has become available to help speed up the process of diagnosing epilepsy in dogs.

There are certain breeds that seem to have a predisposition towards epilepsy. Some of the breeds that seem to have a higher risk are Collies, Poodles and German Shepherds. However, it can occur in any breed and mixed breeds as well. The first seizure can happen at any age, but it is usually young to middle aged dogs who acquire this condition.

An epileptic seizure or fit is commonly described as an uncontrolled release of electrical discharge in the brain. It causes the animal to shake, tremble and salivate. Sometimes uncontrolled urination and defecation occurs. After a few episodes an owner will begin to understand and learn certain trigger factors that apply to their pet.

In most cases the episode doesn't last very long, usually it is over before you can take action. There are a variety of medications on the market today which can help to make the seizures less frequent and less severe.

Here are some suggestions on things a person can do for their dog if they have canine epilepsy:

Educate Yourself

A person should learn all they can about canine epilepsy. There are many good and helpful books on this subject. You can search the internet for sites relating to this condition in dogs. There are web support groups and there may be local support groups in your area. These things will help a pet owner to understand the disease and also to give them a support system to lean on.

Record Everything

Keep a journal or diary on your dog's seizures or any episode that you thought was a seizure. Make sure to record the date, time started and ended. Write down the symptoms and any factors that you think may have triggered the episode. These factors could include change in the dog's diet, any loud noises and if the canine seemed stressed. If the dog had been ill or had a recent injury be sure to include that in your journal as well. Try to include as many details as possible because your records may hold clues to enable you to be prepared next time.

Pay particular attention to the dog's behaviour prior to the seizure. Write down things like if the animal started pacing, was sleeping excessively or seemed to be more needy than usual. If you have other animals in the household make sure you pay attention to their reactions to the episode. Pets are often a lot smarter than we give them credit for, and some animals may be able to signal to you when a seizure is about to start.

Be Prepared

Set up a routine to follow when a seizure occurs. A person has to be prepared to have to make an emergency clinic visit in the middle of the night. Make sure there is always fuel in the car and have supplies handy such as towels or blankets. Keep the phone numbers of your vet and emergency animal hospital close at hand at all times. If your pet is having a seizure be sure to keep other pets away and remove any objects that could injure your dog.

Medications

Make sure you keep a supply of daily medication and any emergency medicine the veterinarian supplies. Ensure you have plenty on hand and give the dog its medication at set times every day. It is a good idea to keep on top of the latest research or treatments that become available for dogs with canine epilepsy. Before changing your dog's medication or trying a new kind of treatment it is wise to discuss this with the vet first.

Establishing a pattern is the key to successful management of canine epilepsy. Discuss with your vet the different options available that pertain to your dog. Medications used for controlling seizures in dogs include Phenobarbitone, Mysoline, Epanutin and Potassium Bromide. Your vet will have you closely monitor your dog and will adjust the amount of medication needed to control seizures in your dog. Once you have started a course of treatment it is imperative that you don't run out of medication; this is a well known trigger to restarting seizures.

Canine epilepsy can't be cured but it can be controlled. Even a dog that has its epilepsy under control may have an occasional seizure. This condition can be controlled by medication that is given daily by mouth.

With proper medication a dog with epilepsy can still live a normal life. Dogs with canine epilepsy can live a happy and full life. They can go for walks, play in the park and do almost anything a healthy dog can.

If you are consistent with giving the required daily medication and have your dog seen regularly by your vet you will have many years ahead of you to enjoy your canine companion. You might want to consider getting pet insurance on your dog in case there will be any unforeseen medical expenses in the years to come. This will give your family peace of mind knowing that you will be able to provide medical attention when needed.

Animal Friends Pet Insurance is the UK's only not-for-profit ethical pet and life insurance company. AFI has been trading since 1999 and since then has helped thousands of needy animals all over the world by donating 100% of their net profits to worthy causes. Animal Friends has received several industry awards and is run by former NatWest Businesswoman of the Year, Elaine Fairfax. Buy pet and life insurance online from Animal Friends or simply call our friendly staff if you prefer on 0844 55 70 300; the policies won't cost you more and you won't be disappointed!

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Pet Scan

2012年9月17日星期一

Pet Drugs Online

Tips About Dogs, Pet Lifestyle And Their Water Habits

2012年9月16日星期日

Microchipping a Pet - So a Lost Pet Can Find Their Way Home

Microchips on Pets - A Chip Trick

Pet Health Insurance Policy - Don't Make a Costly Mistake

5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Pet's Health

2012年9月15日星期六

Pet Survival Kit - Protecting Your Pets During Disaster - Dog and Cat

Never Lose Your Pet

Adopt Pets - How the Internet Helps You

2012年9月14日星期五

The Differences Between Micro-Chipping and GPS Pet Locators

A Holistic Vet's Guide to Pet Food, Part I - Who's in Charge?

Buying Your Pets Christmas Presents Is Becoming a Norm

Is Pet Insurance a Good Idea?

2012年9月13日星期四

Pet Insurance

Best Chance for Lost Pet Recovery - Plan Ahead

Five Fabulous Tips for Fall (Or Any Time of the Year) for You and Your Pet

2012年9月12日星期三

Canine Epilepsy - Implications For You and Your Pet Dog

How to Navigate On-line Pet Classifieds and Protect Yourself

Pet Insurance

2012年9月11日星期二

Does Microchipping Your Pet Make Sense?

Pet Insurance - is It a Waste of Money?

Think About Pet Health Insurance Before Its Pet To The Vet

2012年9月10日星期一

Pet Insurance - Helping Our Pets Through an Economic Crisis

Finding a Lost Pet - Why the Dog Catcher May Be Your Best Friend

Pet Picture Star on the Web

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