Pet insurance will compensate you for the costs associated with having emergency treatment abroad. Pet insurance may pay up to a specified amount per trip, although you may find that you can only make a maximum number of trips in any period of insurance. You should then be protected against the cost of additional accommodation, repatriation costs and expenses for you and your pet if:

> Your pet requires emergency treatment and you miss your scheduled transport to the United Kingdom as a direct result.

> Losing your pet’s health certificate directly results in you missing your scheduled departure back to the UK

> Your scheduled departure is delayed by the carrier in order to get tick and worm treatment repeated

Additionally, if your pet is lost during a trip abroad, pet insurance may cover reasonable additional travel, accommodation costs and expenses whilst you try to find your pet before your scheduled return date. This will usually be valid for a maximum number of days and you’ll need to check with your provider to see if they offer cover.

If your pet does need veterinary treatment abroad, there is certain documentation you will generally need to provide for your insurance company. This includes receipts, proof of purchase or bills for all costs incurred in order to substantiate your claim. If your pet is held back for worming treatment, you should also provide documentary evidence that your pet received the initial tick and worming treatment in the time-scale required by the pet travel scheme. You must also provide evidence that the repeat tick and worming treatment was necessary to comply with the pet travel scheme.

The RSPCA recommends that you vaccinate your pet regularly, especially if you are going abroad.[1] This means your dog will be protected against canine parvovirus disease, canine distemper virus, leptospirosis or infectious canine hepatitis. The RSPCA also suggest that dogs travelling abroad may require a rabies vaccination.

Once you have your pet’s paperwork in place and you have secured pet insurance to protect yourself financially, you should be able to enjoy your time with your pet abroad. If your pet does contract an illness or is held up with international travel, you can feel safe in the knowledge that your pet insurance will assist you.

The post Pet Insurance – Financial Protection Outside The UK first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Cats love to groom themselves, and will often spend hours preening and cleaning their fur. Cats even have small hooks on their tongue which are especially designed to preen their fur and keep themselves clean.[1]

At times, however, your cat’s coat may get into such a state that no amount of preening will resolve the situation. You will want your cat to look good and feel good – but it is worth knowing that bathing, grooming or de-matting your cat’s coat is not usually covered by pet insurance unless a vet has confirmed that only a vet or a member of a veterinary practice can bath or groom the cat. You will usually find that this insurance condition is in place regardless of your personal circumstances.

Since your cat’s grooming or de-matting isn’t covered by your pet insurance, you should keep an eye on your cat’s coat to ensure that it doesn’t get into knots or become matted in the first place. If you regularly stroke your cat all over, you will not only make him or her purr with delight, but you will be able to monitor the fur’s general condition on a regular basis. If a knot begins to form, you will detect it earlier and be able to comb it out before it gets too bad.

Not all breeds need the same level of attention for their coats; longhaired cats usually require a lot more grooming and bathing as their fur tends to get matted more easily. You may find your longhaired cat even requires daily grooming with a steel comb to keep the coat in order. Shorthaired cats on the other hand may only require the occasional brush through with a fine-toothed metal comb to remove dead hairs and keep their fur looking good. If you’re not sure what kind of attention your cat might need for grooming, then you can always ask the shop or breeder where you bought the cat, or just ask your vet.

The RSPCA recommends that cat owners ensure their cat’s coat is kept in good condition by grooming it regularly. Even though grooming isn’t covered on your insurance, you should still take responsibility for it as a loving cat owner.

The post Grooming – Keep your Pet in Good Condition first appeared on Puppy Blog.

The UK has a wide variety of pet insurance plans available. When making a comparison it can be tempting to go for the cheapest policy, but cheap pet insurance doesn’t always offer the extensive cover included in more comprehensive pet insurance plans. It is well worth investigating policies in depth before your pet becomes ill; an illness such as urinary tract problems should be dealt with as quickly as possible as if it develops it can be life threatening -and you would not want your insurance plan to delay your pet’s treatment.

Triggers:
The most common trigger for conditions such as FLUTD is stress. Cats are sensitive animals and changes within their immediate environment can leave them feeling anxious. Social change can also have an impact on your cat; the loss of a family member or a new addition to the household can shift the social dynamic. Cats can find readjusting to these social changes just as challenging as adapting to physical disruptions.

Symptoms:
If your cat has a urinary tract problem, they may go to the toilet more frequently, and could even have blood in their urine. They may have difficulty urinating, only passing small amounts of liquid at any given time.

Cystitis can be very painful and your cat may come to associate this pain with the litter tray itself and look for other places to relieve themselves. Thick rugs and piles of clothes or laundry are often popular spots.

Blockages:
If FLUTD is left untreated, it can become extremely serious; the backup of toxins can lead to kidney failure and death within 72 hours.[1] Therefore, if you notice that your cat is displaying the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to act quickly.

Treatment:
Most vets will put your cat on a course of antibiotics; some of these have anti-inflammatory or pain relieving effects.

There is also a wide range of complementary therapies available and as FLUTD is often stress related, some people believe treatments that attempt to address the underlying causes can be extremely effective. Reputable pet insurance plans will often pay for complementary therapies as well as clinical treatments.

Whichever course of treatment you go for, clinical, complementary or a combination of the two, if diagnosed quickly your cat should make a full and speedy recovery.

[1] – merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/130615.htm

The post Prevent Your Pet Become Ill From Feline Urinary Tract Problems first appeared on Puppy Blog.

I first heard about pet insurance almost six years ago when I saw a magazine ad which directed me to a website for a quote.

I can’t remember which company it was for, but I remember the pet insurance rates listed were about $20 per month, per pet. Being a broke graduate student at the time, I didn’t make the purchase.

It surprises me today how many pet owners have faced daunting vet bills, yet how few have heard of pet health insurance. And now that I work for Pets Best Insurance, people always ask “How much would it be for my 8 year-old Great Dane?” or “Would your plans cover my cat’s urinary tract problems?”

There are a few things to consider when shopping for a pet health insurance company. While excellent customer service, fast payment and easy online account maintenance is a plus (Pets Best Insurance offers all of these), for many of us, it comes down to monthly pet insurance rates. When I adopted my dog Jayda last spring, I was pleased to discover I would’ve chosen Pets Best Insurance even if I didn’t work here. One company offers 45 days of free coverage and a discount the first month after that, but after I did a little research, switching to Pets Best Insurance was a no-brainer.

For me, it was important to have a variety of deductibles to choose from, in order to get the perfect monthly pet insurance rates. I also didn’t want to be nickled-and-dimed to death with things like extra cancer coverage. (Pets Best Insurance plans cover cancer, so long as the cancer isn’t pre-existing.)

I was surprised to see some companies require a full 30-day waiting period, so you’re paying for an entire month with no coverage—which didn’t seem very fair to me, and didn’t seem to make sense for my dog’s health care.

Other factors in my search included age limits and continuous care. Some companies won’t insure older pets. Still others start their policies fresh every year, meaning that anything previously covered can be regarded as a pre-existing condition. That defeats the entire purpose of dog health care insurance, if you ask me. And what if my dog were to get sick just before our policy renewed? We wouldn’t have much coverage at all. Thankfully with Pets Best Insurance, we don’t have to worry about any of that.

When you’re comparing pet insurance rates, make sure you consider all the above. It’s also important to determine what you can afford each month, and how much you can comfortably part with as a deductible. All Pets Best Insurance plans cover 80% of covered expenses after a deductible is subtracted. Additionally my company’s pet insurance rates are all inclusive and include some of the highest payout limits in the industry.

The post Shopping For The Best Pet Insurance Rates first appeared on Puppy Blog.

UK pet insurance offers different levels of cover, so if you compare pet insurance online, it’s worth taking an in-depth look at the policy documents. The cheapest insurance does not always offer the most extensive cover and if your pet becomes seriously ill you could find that your pet insurance is limited.

Malignant melanomas are one reason to take out pet insurance, as some dogs are more likely to develop malignant melanomas than others. The condition seems to be most prevalent in male dogs and dogs with black coats. Middle aged and older dogs (usually between the ages of nine and twelve) are also more at risk.

Some breeds also seem to have a genetic predisposition to malignant melanomas. Poodles, dachshunds, and golden retrievers are more likely to develop melanomas in the mouth whilst Scottish terriers, Boston terriers, Airedale’s, cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, Irish setters, Irish terriers, chow chows, Chihuahuas and Doberman’s are most often affected by this condition on their skin and toes.

It is worth being especially vigilant if your dog fits into one or more of these categories, especially as oral malignant melanomas are quite common; in fact they account for 30-40% of all malignant tumours in dogs.[1] Dog’s suffering from this condition can present a variety of symptoms including bad breath, facial swelling and loss of appetite. They often drool excessively and occasionally bleed from the mouth.

If your dog shows clinical signs of an illness, it is best to arrange for a vet to examine and treat your pet as soon as possible. If you delay a veterinary examination you can jeopardise the terms of your pet insurance policy.

If your vet is able to confirm the presence of a malignant melanoma they may refer you to a national specialist. Your pet insurance may be able to cover your travel as well as your healthcare expenses. In fact, some pet insurance policies pay up to 150 in any period of insurance for travel and accommodation expenses if your usual vet recommends another vet to treat your pet, and you have to make a long journey.

Reputable pet insurance should be able to protect you financially if your pet develops a malignant melanoma, allowing you to focus on your dog’s wellbeing. With early treatment and a bit of good luck your pet should make a full recovery to good health.

[1] – angio.org/pets_and_wildlife/pet/canine_cancer/oralMelanoma.html

The post Pet Insurance – Covering The Cost of Malignant Melanomas first appeared on Puppy Blog.

In the UK a wide variety of companies provide pet insurance, helping people to manage the costs of keeping their pet healthy. The pet insurance plans available vary in quality and scope so when making a comparison between different policies, you should always check that your pet insurance can accommodate your pet’s needs.

Some dogs suffer from lick granulomas which are lesions of thickened, firm plaque that develop if a dog repeatedly licks the bottom half of their leg. Sometimes a secondary infection can develop on the lesion which complicates the condition and can lead to further discomfort.

Causes tend to be psychological and canine lick granulomas often results from a form of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in dogs. However, excessive licking can also be triggered by physiological factors such as allergies, nerve damage, bacterial or fungal infections and joint disease.

A visit to your vet should determine whether the cause is mental or physical. If a dog is bored or stressed, they are often more prone to psychological disorders; for this reason lick granulomas seems to be most common in large, active breeds of dog which are left alone for extended periods of time.

One of the central problems with lick granulomas is that, whatever the cause, once the habit is formed it can be extremely difficult for the dog in question to break it. The excessive licking leads to irritation, pain and itching which in turn triggers the dog to lick the lesion even more.

As soon as you notice a problem it is worth consulting your vet. If your pet suffers from allergies, then the vet might recommend a hypo allergic diet, fatty acids or antihistamines to help relieve the lick granulomas. If the root cause is deemed to be psychological, then extended walks or more general interaction in the home could make all the difference.

Whatever the cause, your pet insurance should be able to cover the costs of vet’s fees. Most reputable pet insurance plans can protect you financially from the cost of treating conditions that have psychological as well as physiological causes.

A large number of us are pet owners – in fact there are currently 24 million pets in the UK.[1] With such a large number of us sharing our homes with animals, understanding their needs is of the utmost importance.

The post Pet Insurance And Lick Granulomas first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Your pet dog could accidentally cause damage or injury which you could be liable for, you should therefore have pet insurance to protect yourself financially against personal liability.

With pet insurance, you may be covered for up to 2,000,000 per incident of personal liability to cover compensation or legal costs. You could face a personal liability claim for a variety of reasons: one main cause of personal liability could be if your dog causes bodily injury, death, illness or passes a disease to any person who is not in your employment or who is not a member of your family or household. You would also be held personally liable if your dog causes loss of or damage to property that does not belong to you.

If your pet is involved in an incident which means you could be liable for a claim, you should take action with your insurance company immediately. You should call your insurance company as soon as possible to give them full details of the incident, so be sure to keep an accurate record and even take photographs if possible. You will also have to send your pet insurance company copies of any court claim form, summons, letters of claim or other document as soon as you receive them.

During the incident, you should be sure not to admit any liability to the other parties. You should also not pay, offer to pay, or negotiate any claim without speaking to your insurance company or obtaining permission in writing. You may find that you are not actually at fault and offering money before the incident is settled could complicate the claims process.

If your dog is particularly boisterous, please ensure your dog is able to be covered by pet insurance in the first place. Some dogs, especially those registered under the Dangerous Dogs Act, may not be insurable under standard dog insurance, as they are deemed to be more at risk of causing injury. Many breeds of dogs can benefit from behavioural training; however, as it will encourage them to temper their enthusiasm and make them more relaxed around humans. You may find that your dog gets nervous around new people or new situations, which could cause them to behave erratically and cause personal injury to someone else.

If you take care of your pet dog with good pet insurance, you should be financially protected against personal liability in the future.

The post Pet Insurance – Personal Liability first appeared on Puppy Blog.

If your dog is having sneezing fits your vet should be able to identify the root cause of the problem. Reputable pet insurance policies will protect you financially from the costs of these visits.

Healthy dogs breathe 16-20 times per minute however this figure is often disrupted by a wide range of respiratory problems, including sneezing.[1] Canine sneezing can have a number of underlying causes. Here are four of the most common:

Allergies:
Like people, dogs can develop allergies to a wide range of substances including pollen, food, fleas, mites, and even dust. Your vet may be able to carry out an allergy test, but if they are unable to undertake tests in their own practice, they will probably refer you to a specialist who can help.

Whether these tests are carried out by your vet or by the specialist they recommend, your pet insurance should be able to cover the cost.

Tooth root problems:
Dental problems are as common in dogs as they are in people. If the root of your dog’s tooth becomes infected, the pain they can suffer is extreme. Deep infections of the root, and even the surrounding bone, can leave no visible trace on the exterior of the tooth so don’t be too hasty ruling out dental problems as a possible cause of breathing problems.

Foreign objects:
As dogs spend a lot of time sniffing around, they can get foreign objects such as grass, wood chips and other debris stuck in their airways, which can cause sneezing.

Nasal infections:
Fungal infections are a relatively common cause of nasal diseases in dogs. If this is the cause of your dog’s sneezing it will probably be accompanied by a nasal discharge.

Whatever the underlying cause, there is plenty your vet can do to investigate. In addition to a thorough physical examination, they can take x-rays of the tooth roots and nasal passages and, if necessary, examine your dog’s airways under anaesthesia for a foreign body.

Reputable pet insurance should cover the costs of treatment, whichever course of action you and your vet decide on. Once your dog is rid of their incessant sneezing, the contented calm of your home will be a breath of fresh air for you both.

[1] – vetinfo.com/dognorm.html

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Prior to last weekend, I had no idea there was such thing as a doggy exercise wheel. A hamster running in a wheel, I get. A dog running in a wheel seems silly.

Why not just ensure Fido’s dog health by taking him for a walk?

Before last weekend I also had no idea there was such thing as a T-shirt that purports to aid pet health by reducing a dog’s level of anxiety. I contemplated buying one for my neurotic Chihuahua, but quickly determined strapping her into a tight, form-fitting doggy tee would likely make her neurosis worse.

The creative pet health items noted above were just a few of the many booths I sauntered by at the AVMA convention last week in Atlanta, Georgia. Some of the Pets Best Insurance team made the trip to participate as exhibitors.

We received a fantastic response from the veterinary community, including vets, vet technicians and others.

It’s always nice to hear that our pet insurance is preferred by veterinarians and their staff because of the way we pay out claims. It’s even nicer to hear that they refer us because we “always do what we say we will,” to quote one veterinarian.

Visitors to our booth happily filled out quick pet insurance surveys and also used this time to get a better understanding of how our three accident and illness pet insurance policies work, and what our BestWellness plan covers.

Each day of the convention introduced our product to new and returning pet health insurance advocates.

Overall, it was great to spend a few days mingling and chatting with the very people who see the benefit of our product on a daily basis—although I have to admit I was glad to get home to that excited, tail-wagging, neurotic Chihuahua.

The post Pets Best Insurance Promotes Pet Insurance at AVMA Convention first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Susan Mikels takes extra care to ensure her 12-year-old Siberian Huskey is in prime dog health.

“He’s a big dog, and he’s also my best friend,” Mikels told the Pocono Record of her dog who suffers from severe joint problems and painful arthritis.

“Every once in awhile he’ll have a little burst of energy lasting only for a minute or so, reminding me of his younger puppy days,” she told the news provider.

The Pocono Record reported that Mikels’ pooch has other dog health issues too, including vision problems and trouble walking.

“I see him struggling to get out of his bed, but then again, so do I,” she told the news source.

According to the news provider there are numerous things pet owners can do to keep their pets in optimum dog or cat health, such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regime and ensuring elderly pets sustain their body weight.

“Studies show that being overweight puts more stress on the heart and increases organ inflammation,” Dr. Jeremy Wentz of Barton Heights Veterinary Hospital told the news source.

Dr. Martha Franklin of Mountain View Animal Hospital in Scotrun told the news provider that owners ought to feed their older pets healthy pet food and try to limit the amount of table scraps.

“Each species has specific dietary needs that are provided within pet food,” she told the news source.

Franklin told the Poconoo Record that pet health insurance may also be a good idea and help with finances when a pet eventually needs medical attention.

“When shopping for (pet) insurance, ask a lot of questions,” Franklin told the news provider. “Insurance can also help with the expense of having important diagnostics done that might be skipped if paid out of pocket.

Wentz told the news provider that he agrees that pet care insurance is a good idea.

“Vet care is more expensive now because we are catching up to human medicine with diagnostic tools that we use,” he told the news source.

Franklin told the news provider aside from a healthy diet and getting insurance for pets, it is also important to exercise your pet.

“Swimming and frequent walks are ideal to maintain weight and healthy muscle tone,” Franklin told Poconorecord.com.

The post Owners Have Pet Health Options For Older Pets first appeared on Puppy Blog.