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.

• Your pet stops eating on a regular basis. If you haven’t changed your pet’s diet recently, a change in eating habits is a sign that something’s probably up. Wait one to two days before taking action to see if something (unless you notice other significant symptoms).
• Your pet is drinking excessive amounts of water. Baring a serious change in weather (ie: a 100 degree day or two), this is a sign that your pet may be experiencing kidney issues. This symptom is usually accompanied by excessive urination and frequent in-house accidents.
• Your pet’s fur starts to lose its sheen. Pay particular attention to any new bald or dry patches. Changes to a pet’s coat can signify anything from a flea allergy to a skin problem.
• Your pet vomits frequently for more than an hour. If you are able to determine that the vomit isn’t caused by a passing stomach issue, consider your pet’s emotional state. Does he seem depressed or in pain? If so, call your vet right away.
• Investigate your pet’s poop. Keep an eye out for rice-shaped pieces, which can be an indication of worms. Loose stool accompanied by other signs (vomiting, excessive thirst, change in diet) is another indication that you should call your veterinarian right away.

He’s young, healthy, and completely perfect… for now. When you bring your new puppy home from the ASPCA or the pet store, he’s as good as it gets. Problem is, he’s a puppy, which means he can get into anything (and I do mean anything) faster than you can say, “I had no idea a vet bill could cost that much!”

He’s your child’s best friend. Pet insurance for your puppy saves you from having to put down your family pet because you simply can’t afford to pay out of pocket for an unexpected surgery.

You would do it for yourself and your children. Most of us shudder at the idea of going without healthcare. The same sentiment should be applied to your pet. If you take on the responsibility of owning a puppy, you need to protect him in the same way that you protect yourself and your children.

A cheap insurance policy can be almost as costly as having no insurance policy. Make sure to read the fine print of your new pet policy carefully. Many policies offer low monthly rates in exchange for high deductibles. If you can’t afford the deductible, you aren’t protecting your puppy.

These five tips will help you make the call:

1. Learn whether your breed is predisposed to certain illnesses. A lot of pet insurers won’t cover these conditions, but that’s the coverage you’ll need most.  When you speak with the different pet insurance companies, ask if they cover breed-specific, hereditary, or pre-existing conditions. Find out what percentage they’ll cover, and whether both treatments and prescriptions are included.

2. Read reviews online for the pet insurance companies you’re considering. There are a lot of articles weighing the pros and cons of pet insurance, but it can be most helpful to read real scenarios from pet owners. Learn if the company pays out in a timely manner, or if they frequently deny parts of claims.

3. Look at the underwriter behind the policy you’re considering and look at their Best Rating. This shows you the company is able to pay out future claims.

4.Find out whether there are caps per incident, year, or ailment. If you don’t ask this in advance, you may find yourself with insufficient coverage.

5. Ask if you have limitations regarding which vet you can see. Some pet insurance companies let you choose any veterinarian in the country, but they don’t all work the same way.

When comparing companies and plans, make sure to read all the fine print and ask lots of questions. It’s better to take your time than make a hasty decision—especially if you buy a lifetime policy!