Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Why You Need Dog Insurance

By: Geraldine Dimarco


Most dog owners never consider dog insurance until they're faced with a large veterinary bill. And the fact is that you can never foresee when you'll need to seek veterinary care, or how much it will cost. Not infrequently, a visit to the vet to treat an injury or an unexpected illness can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. Ouch!

Have you ever suffered a broken bone yourself? Well, your dog is no less likely to do so. Dog bone fractures occur across the spectrum, as well - a dog that stays indoors is not much less likely to break a bone as a dog that spends all his/her time in the backyard. And broken bones of course also occur elsewhere - when you're out walking, or running, with your dog, or if your dog takes off on a jaunt of his own, as many do if they get half a chance. And broken bones are not cheap. The avery vet bill for a broken leg is almost one thousand dollars.

Dog Health Insurance

As with any type of insurance, dog insurance types vary from company to company. Some label their products as pet assurance, as opposed to pet insurance, but it's pretty much the same type of cover. Either way, you can expect most dog health insurance plans to provide coverage for the following:

Spaying or Neutering: Only professional breeders and other dog owners who show their dogs professionally are exempt from the obligation to spay or neuter their dogs. All other dog owners should take it as an absolute obligation, so as to avoid any more unwanted dogs in this world. There are many other good arguments for spaying and neutering beyond the scope of this article, but suffice to say, spaying or neutering your dog is important. And it is likely to be covered by any good dog insurance plan.

Prescription Flea Control: Most dogs remain flea-free with Frontline and similar flea control products that are available over the counter at your veterinarian (or at pet stores or online). But a few dogs have ongoing problems with fleas such that prescription flea meds may be required. Most dog health insurance plans cover these prescription flea control meds.

Annual Exam Costs: Even if your dog is 100% healthy, he should still be taken to the veterinarian annually for a complete checkup. Why spend this money out of your pocket when dog insurance can cover the fees each year?

Heartworm Medication: If you forget your heartworm prevention meds, your dog may contract heartworm. This condition is more prevalent than most people realize. And it's expensive to treat. Your dog health insurance plan is likely to cover this cost also.

Lab Fees: Blood tests and other lab work should also be covered by most dog health insurance plans. Such tests may include blood work for worms, diseases, and abnormalities with pregnancy.

Teeth Cleaning: Having your dog's teeth cleaned probably never occurred to you, but this service is something you can take advantage of by enrolling in a dog insurance plan. It is refreshing to know that you can have your dog or puppy's dental work maintained and keep his gums and teeth healthy for years to come.

Hospitalization Costs: As mentioned previously, accidents do happen and should your dog suffer a broken leg or get diagnosed with a serious illness, the high fees of hospitalization time can be enormous. Instead of paying thousands of dollars out of your pocket, you can be worry-free knowing that these fees are taken care of by your dog insurance coverage.



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Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Rules To Being A Responsible Dog Owner

By :- Sarah McDermott
Close to 45 million American families own a pet dog. As a pet, dogs the number one most favorite pet and just behind them are cats and birds as the country’s preferred pet and companion. With the increasing number of families that choose to adopt a dog of varying breeds, there’s also been an entire industry that’s sprung about to support this demand. But there’s more to owning a dog and caring for it than fancy toys, stylish dog beds and other paraphernalia. A dog owner needs to not only take care of his dog and look after his basic needs, but also be a responsible dog owner.

Here are some things you can do as a responsible dog owner to give your pet the best life he can have, while also making sure that your neighbors aren’t disturbed by him.

Be aware of your dog’s health. This doesn’t mean merely feeding him and taking him to the vet at the first sign of trouble, but also closely observing what he eats, and what he eliminates from his body. Dogs show signs of illness by refusing food or by digestive problems. Keeping watch over these two activities will let you know if your dog is in good health before the vet does.

Invest in his health. Buy an elevated dog feeder if it’s a taller fog, and small feeder for a small dog. Splurge and get him an orthopedic dog bed when he gets older. Just like you need orthopedic mattresses and bedding when your joints start to creak, your dog needs special attention at as he gets older.

This brings us to the next point. Don’t ignore your dog as soon as he begins to show signs of age. Some people tend to immediately fill the house with a new and energetic young dog as soon as the first one gets on in years. If you do decide to have another pet, make sure your dog is still top on your priority list.

Make proper choices for your dog’s health. Don’t change his diet because you saw something TV that appealed to you better. You’re not the one eating the dog food, and if your dog is fine with his present diet, don’t make life stressful for him by forcing him to adapt to your changing whims.

Make sure he has his shots, he’s well groomed and bathed, and his nails are clipped.

Train your dog well. Having him on a leash when you go out is also important even if you feel he can manage quite well without a leash. A responsible dog owner knows that he is solely responsible for the actions of his dog. In addition, being on a leash provides additional security to small dogs and also shows power and control to larger dogs who may need extra discipline. However you decide to raise your dog, be sure to enjoy him and let him be your best friends and companion for as many years as possible. Keep him happy and healthy and he will return the favor.
Author Resource:- This author lives in Flemington, NJ with her husband and 5 month old daughter and is an expert contributing author for a luxury http://www.dogbedsupplies.com/dog-feeders.html raised dog feeders boutique offering variety of http://www.dogbedsupplies.com/ dog beds and http://www.dogbedsupplies.com/orthopedic-dog-beds.html orthopedic dog beds.
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The Coonhound Dog Breed


By : Gerry Ronson
Coonhounds are names because they are used to hunt, especially raccoons. The name was derived in the North American in the southern states. Coon hunting is very popular in that area, which makes the use of coonhounds important. For those who do not live in the southern states you may not understand what wonderful dogs the coonhounds can be. They are powerful, hardworking, and affectionate creatures making them one of the best pets you could have. You will find out about their temperament, characteristics, grooming, and general care in the article below.

First the coonhound is a medium to large dog. They are typically 55 to 75 pounds and 23 to 27 inches in height. Their bodies are sleek, but well muscled in the legs as well as shoulders. Their heads are usually a little large for their bodies with a thick long muzzle. They have floppy ears and no tail. Typically they have medium sized paws that are tan in color with the rest of the fur coat being black. They do have a little tan around their muzzle. The coat is short and very dense. This helps keep them cool while they are out working and is easy for you to groom. Grooming is often checking for ticks and other insects, checking to make sure they have not hurt their paws or gums, and once a week making sure to brush the dead and loose hair away. They don’t usually require baths, but if it is necessary it is okay with a mild shampoo. They do need to have their toenails cut every six months.

Despite some jokes and of course stereotypes you will find the coonhound is actually an extremely intelligent dog. They are hard working in coon hunting as well as other jobs. They are dependable, loyal and affectionate. You will also find they are one of the most obedient dogs. They have stamina and a tenacity that makes hunting with them rather fun. They tend to roust the hunted for you to catch. You will also find they do better in a home with older children rather than infants, but they are quite the family dog. They like attention as well as being outgoing and pleasant to be around. Typically they bark as a watchdog or to alert you to an animal. They do not do well with smaller pets because of their instincts. You will find they are reserved with strangers.

Care of these dogs is usually on a medium scale. They need a lot of exercise and interaction so having a small home and backyard is often best. You can leave them to roam the backyard during the day and spend about an hour walking them daily. You will also find that they don’t require leashes as long as you are in the country they will follow you and come when called. Training should be entered into at an early age to give them proper socialization as well as obedience training. They work best with trainers who are firm and consistent. They can take advantage of a meek owner and develop some unpleasant stubbornness. The coonhound does best when they are given tasks especially hunting, tracking, and as a watch dog. They should not be left alone for long periods of time, especially if you do on vacation. They rely on their owners for attention, but can develop emotional problems if ignored.

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Gerry Ronson writes for the website Dog Beds about general Dog Accessories.

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