Dogs are especially prone to injuries and accidents because they are so active, yet most people are reluctant to get premiums for their dogs because of the high prices. In a time when veterinary costs are skyrocketing, it is important that dog owners get some type of dog insurance. The question is – how much dog insurance is enough?

Even getting one of your dog’s teeth pulled, with anesthesia, x-ray, infection prevention, etc can easily run up into the thousands of dollars. Knowing this, is the bare minimum of dog insurance coverage even enough?

How Much Dog Insurance Do You Need

The average, monthly premium ranges from $20 – $40 twelve times a year. The younger your dog is when you purchase the policy; the cheaper the rates are. The required deductibles will vary based on the type of insurance you choose to get.

When deciding how much you want to pay for your premium (which will determine your coverage), remember that most serious veterinarian visits cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per incident. Over the life of your dog, your policy itself will cost you no more than $6,000.00

The Different Types of Dog Insurance

“Catastrophic coverage” or major dog insurance is what you want to have in the event of serious accidents and unpredictable conditions. With this policy, there is a low monthly payment but a very high deductible.

Comprehensive policies are affiliated with this type of coverage. It is a combination of routine coverage and catastrophic coverage. The deductibles for this type of policy usually begin at $500.

Wellness and Routine coverage applies to all normal procedures that dogs need to stay healthy. This includes standard care such as teeth cleaning, annual checkups, and vaccinations. This type of dog insurance offers the most economical coverage.

Chronic Condition coverage helps dog owners when their pets develop such long-term conditions as diabetes or osteoarthritis. The coverage amount depends on the insurer, and the insurance firm may even place limits on the payout amounts.

Genetic Condition coverage is only provided through a few, dog insurance firms. It is extremely expensive, and it covers a broad spectrum of genetic conditions that may affect dogs.

Now that you know more about dog insurance coverage, you should be able to choose the right plan for your favorite canine.

Potential causes of cat aggression include:

Rough playing

Biting and scratching are instinctive to cats. Your kitty doesn’t need to defend herself like she would in the wild, but she still feels the natural urge to pursue and pounce on her prey—even if she’s playing. If you want your cat to behave around other people, don’t encourage or ignore this behavior. Clap your hands or rattle a coin-filled bottle in front of her when you notice her stalking you. Then redirect her attention with an interactive cat toy. If she manages to scratch or bite, grasp the scruff of her neck—like mother cats do with their kittens—and firmly push her downward while saying no.

Fear

If your cat wasn’t properly socialized as a kitten, she may be fearful around other animals and people. You can’t miss the standard scaredy-cat stance: crouched with her ears laid back, her tail curled inward, and her body leaned away from the potential threat. Her hair may even stand on end. Teach your cat to be less skittish around strangers by having a friend hold her favorite treat in front of her when she’s hungry. Make your cat come to your friend, not vice versa. This way, she learns to trust the people you bring into your home. If she won’t come, have someone she trusts hold the treat while your friend stands by. Do this repeatedly, moving your friend closer each time.

Over-attention

Your cat might enjoy being pet for a while and then all of a sudden attack. In this case, you should look for signs that she’s reached her limit. Those signs include: tail twitching, flattened ears, and head movement toward your hand. Once you notice the signs, stand up and remove her from your lap. Many experts recommend using desensitation to treat petting-induced aggression. Ignore her for several days, then if she initiates affection, pet her for a few minutes, give her a treat, and then back away. Gradually extend the time so she learns to increase her affection threshold.

Dominance

Your cat may treat you and guests in your home like other cats, attempting to dominate you to show where she stands in the hierarchy. She might growl or hiss when you approach, or stand in your way when you try to enter another room. You need to teach her she’s not the leader when it comes to people. The best way to do this is to leave the room she’s in, and withhold attention, affection, and treats until she relaxes. Reward good behaviors with treats to show her people are in control of rewards, and that she’ll only get them by behaving.

Maternal Aggression

If your cat just had kittens she will likely be very protective. Your best bet is to disturb her as little as possible when the kittens are young—especially while they’re nursing. With the right rewards and desensitation, she may allow you to handle the kittens, but this will likely be a challenge.

Medical Problems

If you have no idea why your cat is displaying aggression, you should book an appointment with your vet as there may be a medical problem. Possibilities include distress from mites or fleas, a hormonal imbalance, arthritis of the spine or limbs, dental disease, or a neurological condition. This would cause your cat to growl or hiss when handled.

As with any training technique, consistency is crucial. It may take a while to change your cat’s aggressive behavior, but you can do it if you stick to your guns!

• Boredom or loneliness
• Lack of attention
• Lack of toys
• Too much energy
• Feeling trapped; if he digs near the fence maybe he wants out
• Instinct to seek prey; maybe looking for bugs
• Nesting instincts (for mother dogs)
• Protection instincts, if he’s trying to create a den or hiding bones
• Feeling too hot; the dirt underneath is cooler than the hot surface

The first thing you need to do is pay attention so you can figure out what’s causing the problem. Once you identify the problem you can take the appropriate steps.

If your dog is bored, lonely, looking for attention, or has too much energy:

• Don’t give him negative attention for digging.
• Dedicate time to spend with him daily.
• Teach him some new tricks; this way he gets to interact with you and gets the positive attention he needs for learning them.
• Walk him twice daily.
• Make sure your dog gets lots of exercise.
• Keep him busy in the yard by rotating through a series of toys, including kongs.

If his digging is instinctual, provide for those needs in other ways:

• Give him a protected place outside, perhaps a dog house.
• Look around to see what he may want to escape. Is he outside for too long? Do neighborhood kids tease him outside the fence? Is your garbage right outside the fence, luring him with the scent of meat?
• Create a designated “digging area” covered with loose soil (maybe with treats and toys hidden underground). You’ll need to supervise his outside time for a while so you can train him to use it. If you see him digging somewhere else, make a loud noise and move him. Reward him when he digs in the right spot—that way he gets to dig and gets positive attention!
• Make his usual digging spots less attractive. Spread rocks, or temporarily cover the area of plastic or wood. Place partially developed rocks along the fence
• Make sure he has water and shade to relax if he’s feeling overheated—maybe even a small children’s pool or sand.

No matter what the cause, remember not to scold him. This won’t help anything because it will only increase his fear and anxiety. If possible, supervise him whenever he’s outside so you can redirect him when he starts digging. It might be a challenge to curb this behavior, but it’s not impossible!

There are a lot of brands and varieties out there. While the higher-quality ones are more expensive, they provide more nutrition per serving—meaning your cat won’t need to eat as much. Since every cat has unique needs, you should ask your veterinarian for food recommendations during your cat’s last checkup before adulthood.

Some cat food basics to keep in mind:

• Although you can feed your adult cat once a day, leaving him dry food to “free feed” on after that, it may be better to give him two daily servings to prevent overeating.
• Consider a combination diet of moist and dry food. Wet food provides a good water-to-protein balance, while dry food helps keep your cat’s teeth clean.
• Cats need taurine—an essential amino acid found only in animal-based protein. A vegetable-based diet is inadvisable.
• Consider rotating your cat’s moist food selection so that he doesn’t get bored.
• Clean your cat’s water bowl daily, and make sure it is always full.

If your cat isn’t getting the nutrition he needs, you very well may see changes in his coat—matted and faded hair, for example. Consult your veterinarian before supplementing his diet to ensure you don’t do any further harm.

General Statistics: Insurance companies keep a close watch on the pet trends around the country. From these numbers, they determine how much of a risk factor each discovery actually carries.

Location, Location: Where you live can be a big factor in how much you pay for pet insurance. City dwellers can find themselves paying up to three times as much as their country counterparts on most policies. Some companies calculate their premiums based on zip code while others use city and state as their guideline.

Older, Wiser, and More Expensive: Most pet insurance companies add a few extra dollars to the policies of cats and dogs over the age of eight. Puppies and kittens also tend to carry high premiums, as they tend to be more accident prone.

Genetic History: Certain breeds can be more expensive for insurance companies, which leads to higher premiums for pet owners. For example, Chihuahuas carry five times the risk of congenital portosystemic shunt than mixed breeds.

Cat vs. Dog: The war rages on! In this case, cats win, as they are cheaper to ensure than the average Fido. This is because cats have fewer unexpected illnesses and accidental injuries than dogs.

Spayed vs. Neutered: Neutered dogs carry a lower risk of prostate cancer and no risk of testicular cancer. Spayed females are much less likely to get mammary cancer and have no chance of getting a uterine infection.

10. Eosinophilic ulcer: a lesion that can occur near the upper lip. Diagnosis requires a skin sample or biopsy to rule out cancer. Small lesions may heal themselves; if they’re more extensive, your vet may prescribe antibiotics, steroids, or antihistamines.

9. Eosinphilic granuloma: raised red circular plaque on the abdomen or inner thighs. Causes include hypersensitivity to flea bites, reaction to food, and environmental allergens. Diagnosis and treatment are the same as above.

8. Feline acne: much like human acne, it’s caused by stress, poor grooming habits, and overactive sebaceous glands. For mild cases, treatment involves cleaning and topical vitamins; more severe cases require antibiotics.

7. Feline cowpox virus infection: an uncommon skin condition that affects cats that hunt small rodents. It enters the skin through a bite wound from the rodent, and shows a few days later as an ulceration. The lesions usually heal within weeks of appearing; but a secondary infection will require antibacterial therapy.

5. Harvest Mites: a larvae that feeds on cats’ skin, most commonly on the ear flaps or on the area between the toes. Your vet may need to perform a microscopic exam of a superficial skin scraping to identify them. Insecticides are a highly effective treatment.

4. Impetigo: an inflammatory skin condition that causes pus-filled blisters on the abdomen and hairless areas. These blisters break easily, causing the disease to spread. To treat, dust the area with an antiseptic powder. If the impetigo persists, contact your vet.

3. Ringworm: a highly contagious fungal infection that can affect the hair, skin, or nails, creating scaly lesions. It’s transmitted by direct contact with fungal spores on an infected animal, or an area where the animal’s visited. Treatment usually involves topical creams; but you may need to shave your cat for it to be effective.

2. Stud Tail: an over secretion of the sebaceous glands near the base of the tale. You’ll notice greasy, matted hair, or worse, hair loss near the infected area. To treat stud tale, you’ll need to apply a tar and sulfa shampoo twice daily. Consult your vet if the hair follicle is infected.

1. Squamous cell carcinoma: a type of cancer that affects the skin, mostly around the facial tissue. Symptoms include patches of missing hair; lesions or sores; vomiting and diarrhea; and bleeding from the ears, nose, and mouth. Although squamous cell carcinoma is incurable, chemotherapy and radiation can help ease the pain.

When it comes to feline skin and hair problems, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If store-bought treatments are ineffective, consult your veterinarian for further direction.

There is a brewing battle between the manufacturers of Natural Balance Pet Food and independent pet supply owners. The main crux of the conflict is all about the implementation of the Minimum Advertised Price or MAP. Admittedly the market leader when it comes to the premium pet food products, the manufacturers of Natural Balance Pet Food would want to streamline the distribution structure by rationalizing the pricing scheme all the way down to the end users. This is probably the main strategy of the company in maintaining a distinctive branding that will distinguish their premium lines from other brands.

Unfortunately, this pricing strategy is perceived to be too rigid by a considerable number of retail pet food chains. Its imposition seems to run counter to the pricing strategies being adopted by these retail outlets. Worse, this high pricing level is construed by the smaller players in the market as tacit accommodation and protection of corporate clients by the company. Rightly or wrongly, the imposition of MAP is turning out to be a flashpoint in the relationship of the company with independent pet food outlets.

Most owners of retail pet food outlets see the 10% upward adjustment in the price of Natural Balance Pet Food as a form of encroachment on their business independence. Definitely, any form of meddling will not sit well to them. The price differential imposed on Natural Balance Pet Food is even considered by many as onerous. While most of these dog and cat food retail outlets agree that Natural Balance Pet Food are a notch above the rest in terms of quality, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they can unilaterally impose high prices for their products.

This pricing scheme is such a sensitive issue for retailers as it is seen as their single most significant differential advantage over corporate distributors and retailers of the premium pet food lines. They are willing to go the extra mile to protect their business interests.

• Get referrals from friends and family. Word of mouth is always your best bet when it comes to choosing your cat’s future veterinarian. Call around to friends and family members and ask for their local recommendations. Keep in mind that some pet insurance policies require you to choose an in-network veterinarian. If this is the case, ask your insurance provider for a list of qualified vets in your area before you start asking for personal recommendations.

• Find out how many vets are available in each office. While many clinics choose to employ only one veterinarian, you might want to consider a clinic with at least two to three vets. In the case of an emergency, clinics with one veterinarian are less likely to provide the type of care that you need, simply because their resources are limited.
• Ask potential vets for a list of client referrals. Vets with positive client relationships often post happy letters and thank you notes around their lobbies or on their websites. If you don’t see any obvious signs of satisfied customers, you might want to consider looking elsewhere.

• Make sure your vet understands alternative medications and supplements. A vet who does not take the time to have opinions on the new trends in pet science may not be progressive enough to ensure your cat’s future health happiness.

• Visit your top two choices. After you’ve narrowed down your list of potential veterinarians, make an appointment with your top two choices for your cat’s routine checkup. While in the office, observe how the vet interacts with your animal to help make your final decision.

As a result dog itchy skin cases have gone up three fold over the past 5 years. In fact dog dandruff, dermatitis, and even severe cases of canine eczema are now as common as they in us. Dog Allergies are also on the rise, again a direct result of chemicals in our environment.

So how do we treat our pets who are experiencing skin irritations and dog skin allergies? Perhaps the best long term solution is to begin providing your loved one with dog enzymes specifically formulated for pets. These digestive enzymes will act as a catalyst in the animals digestive system allowing them to better absorb and process the needed nutrients and supplements in the food they eat. You see, as dogs are animals by nature, there systems are designed to process raw foods and items found in the wild. There systems have a hard time digesting processed foods, and as a result they often pass the nutrients they need. The result is a weak immune system leading to dog dandruff, dermatitis, and a host of other skin problems. These enzymes will allow the dog to naturally defend itself better against allergies and skin conditions. Interestingly enough, the first place a dog shows signs of a weak immune system are on his skin and coat – in fact, next time your pet is agitated notice that will quickly see dogs dandruff and dander form on their coat.

Another treatment and preventive measure for itchy dog skin is to use a quality medicated dog dandruff shampoo at least once every other week to treat and nourish the skin. Using a dog shampoo with zinc will eliminate any bacterial growth, at the same time replenishing the skins deficient zinc.

To wrap it up, dogs itchy skin, as well as many other skin conditions, can effectively be eliminated by providing you pet with a daily dose of dog digestive enzymes. Also be sure to use a medicated dogs dandruff shampoo to eliminate the dander and dermatitis on their coat and skin.

Homeowners and renters insurance policies that cover dog bite liability provide between $100,000 and $300,000 in coverage—which may not be enough. Since you are personally responsible for the remainder if the claim exceeds the limit, you may want to purchase supplemental coverage through a personal excess liability policy. This will provide between $1 million and $10 million additional coverage. The first $1 million costs $150–300 per year; the second million about $75; and each million after that, about $50 annually.

Dog bite coverage provides the victim compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement
• Disability

Many insurers charge a higher premium after a dog’s first attack or exclude him altogether since he then poses an increased risk. Some companies will maintain coverage providing you enroll your dog in behavior modification classes.

If you have difficulty obtaining dog bite coverage because of a prior attack, you have a couple options:

• Check to see if you have the right to appeal under the law that determined your dog to be dangerous. Be sure to do this right away, as you only have small window in which to do it.
• Look into purchasing an umbrella policy to cover what your homeowners or renters insurance won’t. Let your agent know you need coverage specifically for canine liability, and explain the circumstances of your dog’s history.

If you cannot insure your dog against bites, you may need to surrender him to a rescue organization or a shelter. Keeping an uninsured dog with a history of aggression opens you to almost certain financial loss. Bear in mind, you must disclose his history or you’ll still be liable to future victims.

Love Pets?
Did you know that a veterinary technician earns an average of $30,000 per year taking care of injured and sick animals? This is especially true here, in America, where pet owners spend more than $18.5 million annually on veterinary care and medications. The nation’s love affair with its pets translates into a great deal of employment opportunity as the need keeps rising for educated, well-trained veterinary medicine professionals working in animal clinics and hospitals that are sprouting up across the land. You could be part of this explosive growth.

Opportunity and Demand are Rising
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for qualified veterinary technicians will increase by a whopping 36 percent through 2018 at a rate much faster than many occupations. This is due to an increasing occurrence for people owning household pets that in essence become members of the family. In turn, this love affair with animals increases the need for veterinary medical care. In every animal medical practice, animal doctors – DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) – rely upon the necessary assistance from trained professionals – the veterinary technician.

Qualifications
The minimum education required for an entry-level position is to obtain an Associate’s degree from an American Veterinary Association (AVMA) accredited program. This education teaches students the necessary clinical and laboratory skills preparing for a professional career in veterinary medicine equivalent to becoming a registered nurse administering to humans. Greater responsibilities are accompanied by greater personal and financial reward for students studying in a four-year program that leads to a Bachelor’s degree as a veterinary technician.

Consider securing your future with an education turning what you love into what you do.

According to PR Newswire, there are ten animals that provide an immediate threat to your dogs, should they be actively involved in your outdoor environment.

1. Snake
2. Coyote
3. Raccoon
4. Squirrel
5. Scorpions
6. Javelina
7. Porcupine
8. Ground Hog
9. Skunk
10. Rats

The best pet insurance will cover anything from lacerations to bite wounds. In contrast, treatment for these types of injuries can run several hundred to thousands of dollars if you don’t have coverage.

Dog Bite Law can be a little complicated since it is a combination of state, city, and county law. The outcome of a case in San Francisco, California could be entirely different than an identical case in Dallas, Texas. The key determining factor is whether or not the jurisdiction follows the “one-bite rule.” This essentially gives a pet owner a “one bite free” card—meaning he will not be held responsible for his dog’s first attack. Many scholars and judges have fought to repeal this rule across the board since it absolves an owner of responsibility and ignores the victim’s suffering.

Eighteen states observe the one-bite rule. They include: Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming. In these states, you must prove the animal had a dangerous propensity to win your court case.

If you can establish the dog’s behavior indicated he’d eventually attack, you have a decent chance of winning. In the remaining states, dog owners are generally liable for bites, assuming the victim did not trespass or provoke the animal.

Since jurisdiction plays a large role in determining your rights as a victim, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney before taking action. Most cases are as simple as filing an insurance claim; and 99 out of 100 of them are settled out of court.

Lawyers who represent dog bite victims do not charge anything upfront. They take their fee from the settlement, usually between 25 and 35 percent. If you act as your own lawyer you’ll avoid paying this fee—but you could take home up to 90 percent less in your settlement.

If you’re a pet owner, be sure your home or renter’s insurance provides coverage for injuries inflicted by dogs or animals in general and has a limit of at least $100,000 for personal liability.

Other common poisonous plants include:

1. Marijuana
2. Sago Palm
3. Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
4. Azalea/Rhododendron
5. Oleander
6. Castor Bean
7. Cyclamen
8. Kalanchoe
9. Yew
10. Amaryllis
11. Autumn Crocus
12. Chrysanthemum
13. English Ivy
14. Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)
15. Pothos
16. Schefflera

It’s important to know the signs of poisoning so you can take action right away. If your cat starts vomiting, drooling excessively, staggering, struggling with breathing, or losing consciousness, call your veterinarian. He’ll want a thorough description of what your cat ate as well as what symptoms you noticed. If you can’t get in touch with your vet, call the National Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You’ll have to pay $60 on your credit card as a consultation fee. Be prepared to share the species, breed, age, sex, weight, symptoms, and information about the poison ingested.

To be safe you should have a first-aid kit handy:

• A bottle of hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent USP to induce vomiting

• Turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe to administer peroxide

• Saline eye solution

• Artificial tear gel to lubricate eyes after flushing

• Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid for bathing an animal after skin contamination

Many big insurers are trying to exclude this coverage from their policies to save money because a third of all claims involve dog bites. Some go so far as to remove it from a plan that previously included it so it’s important to inquire about this when your purchase a plan. Also, ask whether the plan:

• Excludes certain types of dogs
• Limits the number of times it will pay out for dog bits claims
• Limits the amount of money it will pay out
• Limits the household residents or other people who are covered

An insurance policy generally covers you and others in your household who are your relatives or dependents (under 21 years old). A person covered by your insurance policy cannot file a claim as a victim—so you will not receive compensation from your policy if your dog bites your daughter. Your insurance company may also cover your hired help, including pet sitters and walkers, meaning they wouldn’t be able to file claims, either.

If you need to purchase dog owner liability insurance separately because your plan does not include it, contact one of the following companies:

Lester Kalmanson Agency, Inc.

P.O. Box 940008

Maitland, Florida, 32794-0008

(407) 645-5000

Eva Reed

The Ohio Insurance Exchange

117 West Main Street, Ste 103

Lancaster, OH 43130

800.473.1215 Phone

740.681.9945 Phone

Evolution Insurance Brokers

Rick Lindsey, President / Underwriter. Phone: (801) 304-5510 Fax: (801) 304-5595