Surprising Health Benefits for Pet Owners

Did you know that there are key health benefits that can

result from owning a pet? Having one can enhance your

physical, mental and social wellbeing.

1. How can a pet help your physical health?

Owning a dog, for instance, will encourage you to get more

exercise. With your faithful friend at your side, you're

much more likely to go for a walk. Walking is one of the

best health activities you can do. While walking you're

also more likely to socially interact with your neighbors

because your special pal often acts as an ice-breaker.

Research led by Dr. Karen Allen at the State University of

New York at Buffalo shows that pets can help lower blood

pressure. Stockbrokers with high blood pressure were

studied to see what happened when they adopted a pet dog or

cat. Researchers concluded that having a pet nearby helps

control increases in blood pressure due to stress.

In his studies Alan Beck, ScD (Professor of Animal Ecology,

Purdue University) found that the simple act of petting

your dog slows your heart rate and causes your blood

pressure to drop.

An added health advantage from pet ownership is that

patients may live longer after heart attacks. Some doctors

recommend that a heart attack survivor adopt a dog because

research has shown that a faithful canine companion can

help prolong an owner's life.

2. How Can A Pet Improve Your Mental Health?

Sharing your life with a cat may help your mental health. A

study conducted at Australia's University of New England

found that people who own feline friends may experience

fewer psychiatric disturbances than those without cats.

Pets can help their owners overcome depression through

their companionship and unconditional love. They seem to

possess the natural ability to help you relax and enjoy

life more.

Pets can also help when you experience times of loneliness.

English poet, Alexander Pope, has stated that histories are

more full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of

friends. According to a Chinese proverb, dogs have so many

friends because they wag their tails, not their tongues.

When you take care of a pet you have to develop a routine

of getting out, buying food and providing exercise. This

can help fight off depression and loneliness. The simple

responsibility of pet care can help you get your mind off

yourself and your problems.

3. How can a pet enhance your wellbeing in the area of

relationships?

American Animal Hospital Association President, Link

Wellborn, believes that pets are more than just a member of

the family - they're central to a healthy lifestyle.

Pets help lessen tension between family members and add a

lot of fun and unconditional love to the homes where they

live. When pets do cute and funny things - which they often

do - family members react by laughing and being more

relaxed.

If you don't have a pet yet, consider making one part of

your family, but make sure you have the time and resources

necessary to provide a stable loving home for your new

friend.

If you choose a dog as your new pal, remember this wise old

saying. "A dog is man's best friend." That's true in more

ways than one. You'll get unconditional love,

companionship, loyalty and relaxation in return for your

investment of time and material resources.

What a bargain!

Patricia Wagner offers informative tips and a f^ree newsletter to help you live a more more energetic lifestyle. Check out http://www.a-to-z-wellness.com. She is also an artist and you can view her original paintings at http://www.artbywagner.com

Local Online Classified Sites for Buying, Selling Or Adopting Pets

Local online classifieds like Savannah pet classifieds are a great source of buying, selling or adopting pets. Over four million cats and dogs are put down in U.S. homes each year and Savannah is not an exception to the rule. The city has very high pet loving population; however, owining a desired cat or dog is not an easy task. Pet services can also make the best use of online classifieds to gain immense popularity and penetration among pet lovers.

The pet market is not so organized; hence, it poses a number of difficulties for pet lovers to buy a quality pet of their liking. At times, pet owners they prefer to adopt a good quality pet from people who are willing to offer their pet for adoption, pet shelters or pet rescue groups. Here comes the role of online classifieds like Savannah pet classifieds that helps people with the right information and the link to get connected to the right source.

The growth in internet technology has given birth to a number of useful options. There are a number of forums, social media and free classified sites like Savannah pet classifieds available on the net for pet lovers. Thousands of people search the classifieds for puppies, dogs, kittens, cats, birds, horses, exotic animals, bunnies, rabbits and other animals. It's a great source for people who intend to buy or put their cats or dogs for adoption.

Online classified sites like Savannah pet classifieds are not only helpful but also offer great opportunity for pet services firms to advertise their products and service for absolutely no costs whatsoever. No wonder online classified sites have come a long way in helping people to fulfill their requirements.

Rebecca Walton has a professional writing experience on various subjects from the world of advertising and has special interests in writing on subjects such as online marketing, classified ads and so on. Rebecca now specifically writes for Tell-N-Sell.com a premium classifieds website offering free Savannah classified ads service, Savannah Pet Classifieds and more.

Pet Medicine - Is This Field Progressing?

Pets are not toys to be taken out and played with occasionally and otherwise ignored, they're living creatures that are dependent on our love and devotion throughout their lifetimes.

As with humans, a pet that is ill and left untreated is being denied the right to enjoy life. For that reason it's crucially important that a pet's health needs are taken seriously, something that can sometimes prove costly.

Should you pet's health falter, you'll probably find yourself standing between a choice of natural remedies and mainstream pet medicine as an increasing number of owners are starting to question the side effects that some medicines are having on their pet's health .

There's no doubt that scientists around the world are struggling to come up with appropriate pet medicine that doesn't have any adverse side effects but, as of yet, a lot of ground's still left to be covered.

What's important is that you discuss your pet's health with your vet and together come to a decision as to how your pet should be treated. By all means discuss alternative - natural - treatments and, should your vet prescribe medication, make sure you fully understand why your pet's medicine is necessary and exactly how it works, including the possible side effects. Only then can you decide whether you also believe it's the right choice for your pet.

The Internet is a wonderful depository of information, allow pet owners to meet others with similar problems, look up symptoms, find alternative treatments (to be discussed with a vet, remember), buy pet medicines and much, much more whether the problem's a simple as dental care or something far more serious.

Whether or not there's been any major progress in pet's health care over the past few years is a matter of discussion. Some would say no, that there are far too many side effects to conventional medicine while others would argue that the side effects are worth risking if their pet's health can be improved.

ForPets.com - Your resource for information and articles relating to pet health. Stop searching for your animals pet medicine and visit us today!

The Issue of Homeless Pets

The number of pets that are homeless have been consistently growing in number over the years and finally reached an all time high. Pounds and shelters are full and overcrowded, turning away and killing pets weekly because there are few alternatives. Still more suffer abandoned, unwanted, and unfed. The problem of homeless pets is one that must be addressed.

Millions of dollars are being poured into the care of homeless pets each year. It is sad and disgusting that such money must be used to care for an issue that could be resolved if the majority of the people would resolve to do their part in controlling it. What is your part? Read on to discover.

If you have a pet of you own, care for it properly. Make sure it has tags and could be easily identified and returned to you in the unfortunate event that it did become lost. Spay or neuter it to help control the issue of overpopulating. Also, take care to train your animal properly, as best as you can.

If you do not have a pet, or if you are capable of caring for more than one, adopt it instead of purchasing it from a breeder or pet shop. If everyone would adopt one pet, we would not be dealing with the current problems we have today.

Encourage your friends and family to do the same are you are doing. Talk to them about the importance of caring for animals properly and share your pleasurable experience with an adopted pet. The further the message is spread, the more it will be taken seriously and acted upon by others.

If it is within your means, donate to the pet shelters. They are all highly under funded and struggling to support the few animals they have. The more people take this to heart, the easier it will be for pets to be brought off the streets and put into caring loving environments.

When you are looking for a new pet, please always make your first stop your local pet shelter. There are millions of great dogs looking for a home. If you need assistance in finding a great shelter near you go to Busters Links Page and you will find Links to many pet shelters and directories. When you have found that special new addition to your family, come on back to Busters, and we can provide you with products and helpful information for you and your pet.

Foster to Find Out If Owning a Pet is Right For You

How do you know if owning a pet is right for you? You've read the pamphlets on how to prepare for a dog or cat -- you might even have bought all the supplies you'll need -- and you think it's going to be fun and rewarding to walk the dog or have a cat purring in your lap every day.

Pets do, indeed, provide us with these and other expected rewards; however, there can be some surprises once you get the little guys home. How you deal with these can tell you if you're really suited to having a pet. There is probably no such thing as a completely surprise-free pet.

Possibly the best way to determine if you are really pet-owner material is to "test the waters" by becoming a foster home. Given the desperate need for homes, overburdened shelters are usually very happy to find willing foster homes. And it gives you a perfect opportunity to find out if you will be able to handle the variety of problems that can arise.

These are the most common reasons pets may be returned to a shelter or abandoned by frustrated owners:

Behavior issues often top the list, especially anything related to the animal's need to eliminate. Cats might urinate in all the wrong places, and sometimes even an adult dog will need to be house trained. Suddenly, you're scrambling to figure out what's wrong and how to fix it, not to mention being on your hands and knees cleaning up things you didn't expect.

Time can turn into a larger problem than expected, too. Do you have time to walk a dog? Do you have time to work with a cat? Do you have time to keep their areas clean? If not, you can't expect good behavior from them. Bored pets can sometimes do the most damage.

Finances can turn into a larger responsibility than was planned, too. Not only can pets get into something that might require a costly trip to the vet, but they can damage things in your home, leading to untimely repairs or replacement. Preventing these things takes some preparation, such as restricting a pet's access to your possessions. Setting up a separate area for them in your home often solves this one. Be sure you have the room to do this.

Fortunately, most fostering arrangements include financial help if the pet needs veterinary care. After all, it's still their animal. However, you will be expected to buy food, litter and most incidentals, as a rule. But if you get in a bind, most shelters will provide food, too. Although, if you find you aren't able to handle the expenses, perhaps pet ownership is not for you after all.

It's also essential to keep the animal safe (cats inside, dogs in a secure yard or the house) to avoid the potential hazards of being outdoors, such as poisoning, injury and theft. (Yes, there are people who snatch pets from yards.) While it might break your heart to lose your special companion, you need to ask the shelter what the consequences are for losing their animal.

Another problem that crops up is the issue of family agreement. It's amazing how many pets are returned because a family member doesn't like animals, or wasn't expecting one. Never give anyone a pet as a gift, unless you know for sure they are truly ready for one. Bringing an animal into the home is a family affair, so be sure everyone is going to be happy about it. Fostering a pet can help those who are not sure about it to discover how they will get along with one.

Finally, becoming a permanent foster home can have some great advantages: You get to work with many animals over time (provides variety, so you can decide which kind of animal suits you best), and you will be helping the shelter socialize the animals to make them suitable for adoption (plus helping the mental well-being of a pet who might go crazy in a cage). Also, it gives you the freedom to leave home without kenneling or finding a pet sitter, since you can take them back to the shelter for a few days or weeks. Just be sure to let them know so they can prepare a space.

Check with a local shelter or humane organization to explore this great way to test your desire to become a pet parent. And who knows? If everything goes well, you may find yourself adopting that animal yourself.

Visit Dr. Peters at http://www.theproblemcat.com for more articles and information about pets.

Pet Health Is Our Responsibility

I want to past on a disturbing fact, there are no assurances of quality in pet food.

I am certain at some time you have noticed a change in your dog after feeding him or her different batches of the same brand of pet food. Your pet may have diarrhea, increased flatulence, a dull hair coat, intermittent vomiting, or may scratch more often. These are the most common symptoms I have observed over the years, and they are all associated with commercial pet foods.

Mr. Eckhouse, an investigative reporter, writes: "Each year, millions of dead American dogs and cats are processed along with billions of pounds of other animal materials by companies known as renderers. The finished products -- tallow and meat meals -- serve as raw materials for thousands of items that include cosmetics and pet food." There were the usual denials by pet food executives. Yet federal and state agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration and medical groups such as the American Veterinary Medical Association and the California Veterinary Medical Association, confirm that pets, on a routine basis, are rendered after they die in animal shelters or are disposed of by health authorities, and the end product frequently finds its way into pet food.

Prior to World War II, most slaughterhouses were all-inclusive; that is, the livestock was slaughtered and processed into fresh meat in one location. There was a section for smoking meats, a section for processing meats into sausages, and a section for rendering. During the years after World War II, the meat industry became more specialized. A slaughterhouse just slaughtered and dressed the carcasses; the making of sausages was done in a separate facility; and the rendering of slaughter waste also became a separate specialty -- and no longer within the jurisdiction of government meat inspectors.

The condemned livestock carcasses treated with these toxic chemicals can then become meat and bone meal for the pet food industry. Worse yet, since rendering facilities are not government-controlled, any animal carcasses can be rendered, including those of cats and dogs. Eckhouse quotes Eileen Layne of the California Veterinary Medical Association: "When you read pet-food labels and it says meat or bone meal, that's what it is -- cooked and converted animals, including some dogs and cats."

Some of these dead pets -- those who were euthanized by veterinarians -- already have sodium pentobarbital in their bodies before being treated with the denaturing substances. In veterinary offices most cats and dogs are put to sleep with this chemical. According to Eckhouse, veterinarians at the University of Minnesota warned that the sodium pentobarbital used to put pets to sleep "survived rendering without undergoing degradation," but they concluded that the residue amount would be too small to cause problems if the carcasses of euthanized pets were mixed with other raw materials during a day's production run. No mention was made of the cumulative effects on a cat or dog from ingesting this small amount daily for years. Thus far we have come across the denaturing chemicals and the sodium pentobarbital, and I have only just begun.

Lead also shows up frequently in pet foods, even if they are made from livestock meat and bone meal, simply as a result of our environment. A paper from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, titled "Lead in Animal Foods," had two frightening conclusions. First, a 9-pound cat is ingesting more lead daily than what is considered potentially toxic for children. Second, since some commercially prepared pet and laboratory animal foods routinely contain lead, feeding these preparations to laboratory animals could add a significant, uncontrolled variable to experiments and may lead to uncertain experimental results (James G. Fox, et al., Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Vol. 1, 1976).

One last word of caution, not for pets this time but for their owners: meat and bone meal from sources not fit for human consumption has found its way into poultry feed. This means that the animal products rendered under questionable conditions are being fed to birds that may wind up on your table. Remember this when you are eating your next piece of chicken or turkey. I have to add, however, that the bone meal sold as a calcium supplement is from carcasses graded for human consumption; it is not from condemned animals.

The author is a long time pet lover and is concerned on what we put into our pets. He has put together a blog to discuss some ways we can improve the life of our pets at Wellness Pet Food [http://vazdot-wellness-pet-food.blogspot.com/]

Tips On Moving Pets

A pet like a child is a great responsibility and the animal or bird is dependent on you to care for it and protect it. And if a move is stressful for children the pressure is ten -fold for a pet that cannot quite comprehend what is happening. Often a house filled with strangers, boxes, and din is not just frightening for a pet it can be quite intimidating.

Before you move you must:

o Take the pet to the vet and check whether his health will stand the move. Ask the vet about preventive health care and whether the pet will require any vaccinations.

o Make a file containing the pet's health records and registration details.

o Pack all personal possessions belonging to the pet in an easily identifiable box.

o Set aside things the pet will need while traveling and when you reach your destination.

o Find out what the law regarding pets is in your new town or area. Ask about whether dogs or pets are allowed in your new home or apartment block and whether you need to apply for new registrations or permits.

o Do a bit of research and locate a new vet in your new home. Choose one recommended by your old vet but make sure he suits your needs.

o If you are moving fairly close then consider driving down with your pet and kids. Otherwise you will need to take care of details like flying with pets and the rules that apply.

o While the movers are in the home packing or unpacking either keep the pet close to you or in a separate room in a crate with a few toys and plenty of water. Of course if you crate the pet you will need to remember to release him and take him for a walk ever so often.

o If the move requires an overnight stop then choose a hotel that welcomes pets. This makes the move much easier on the pet as dealing with wary strangers can add to the stress.

o Always carry an old sheet, a few toys, medicines, medical files, water for drinking, a little food, a sponge, plenty of plastic bags, paper towels, and a crate, cage, or leash. If it is fish you are transporting then you will need special containers sold by aquariums.

o Get the pet a new Id tag and microchip in case he gets lost.

o If you are nervous about transporting your pet there are professionals who will undertake to do the job for you.

o In case you are moving to a new country and the climate is not suitable for your pet then consider finding the pet a new home. It is kinder than killing the pet.

While transporting pets remember that you cannot ship them in moving vans. And, except for "seeing eye" dogs pets are not allowed on buses and trains. So, you will either have to take your pet by plane or by car. If your pet appears agitated ask the vet to prescribe a sedative. Check carefully about interstate health certificates and vaccination requirements. Be a vigilant pet-parent and find out all the pros and cons of moving a pet well before the actual moving date.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for [http://www.1888MovingCompanies.com] , the premier website to find help on Moving including topics on moving companies search, compare movers, moving insurance, auto transport, moving tips and more. He also freelances for the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Pet Site http://www.1888Discuss.com/pet/

Organic Pet Food

Pets should be happy and healthy too and one way to make this happen is by giving them organic pet food. First and foremost, read the labels carefully and make sure the food you buy is really organic and not just labeled that way. Make sure that it is certified and contains at least 95% organic ingredients. If you want t give your pet the best life possible so it can live a long productive life with you, you do not want to feed your pet any cheap food that will not provide them with the nutrients they need. There are many types of organic health pet food available so there will be something out there your pet will love.

Once you do find something your pet enjoys I would buy it in bulk so you don't have to keep running back and forth buying one bag at a time. Especially if you have a large dog and it eats like a horse you should buy a few bags at a time. Like for humans, organic food has many health benefits. So ideally, eating this type of food, your pet will become more healthy over time.

Over time you will see the side effects of organic pet food. If you own a dog or cat, which are the most common pets, their fur may become softer, their teeth will look whiter, and even the dog's bark may become louder and healthier. I have been giving my dog organic food now for a year and he has so much energy now that sometimes I don't know what to do with him! He was always in good condition with no major health problems but now he is in the best physical condition possible. Organic pet food may cost more but when you see the results you will be glad you made the choice.

CLICK HERE for important information about organic pet food.

Important Vitamins For Pet Health

There is not necessarily one magic vitamin for pet immunity rather a group of vitamins that when implemented can be very effective in promoting health and wellness. Most veterinarian and natural health experts agree that without a doubt nutrient deficiency is the most frequent initial cause of a depressed immune system. For years it was thought that only malnutrition could weaken a pet's immune defense system but now research has revealed that a deficiency in any one vitamin or mineral can negatively impact the immune systems ability to do its job.

Vitamins fall into two categories, those that are fat soluble and those that are water soluble. What this means is that fat soluble vitamins can be stored whereas water soluble cannot. Common sense leads us to the conclusion that a deficiency in a water soluble vitamin for pet immunity is much more likely, especially in the short term. Fat soluble vitamins important for pet health are vitamins A, E, K, and to a slightly lesser extent D. Water soluble vitamins important for pet health are vitamins C, biotin, and all B complex vitamins including B6 and B12. Let's take a closer look at three of these.

*Vitamin A - Vitamin A is a very important vitamin for pet immunity. Primary it plays a role in maintaining the surface of the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and other body tissues as well as their secretions. These surface buffers are considered the first line of immune defense against microorganisms. In addition vitamin A has been shown to boost and/or stimulate numerous immune mechanisms, including induction of anti tumor activity, enhancement of white blood cell function, and increased antibody response.

*Vitamin C - Most people recognize the benefits of vitamin C as a primary vitamin for pet immunity. But what is often overlooked is the fact that it is water soluble, which means continually supplementation is needed to reap its benefits. Among the proven ways that vitamin C has been shown to help with immunity is it improves white blood cell response to threats, increases certain agents in the blood that fight off viral infections and cancer, and improves the linings of mucous membranes. A very important point to remember is that vitamin C levels are rapidly exhausted during the stress of an infection.

*Vitamin E - A vitamin E deficiency normally results in significant impairment of immune defenses, especially in older dog and cats. It has shown to be effective both as a preventative tool as well as to prop up an already compromised immune system. 

In summary, we have just scratched the surface on important vitamins for pet health and would encourage you to do some additional research, especially in the area of the B vitamins, to learn more about vitamins for pet immunity. Additionally, many pet owners have found success in combining vitamins for pet health with natural homeopathic remedies containing astragalus and echinacea. This powerful one two punch can be a potent tool in both preventing illness and reducing recovery time when sickness does strike.  

R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural pet health products and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field.
Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at Purchase Remedies.com

Pet Wellness Is Up To You

I can tell a few things about you already, "you love your pets". Your dogs, your cats, your gerbils, your pythons, and your birds. I'm not here to judge you on your choice but your a loving person with lot of compassion. I've put together a few tips in making sure you and your pet have a long life together.

Simple Steps Ensure a Long Life for Your Pet

As a responsible pet owner, you can take a few simple steps that will go a long way toward keeping your pet healthy and happy.

Make your home a safe environment

Unfortunately, making your home pet, as opposed to the outside pet, safe often is a job that is overlooked. We mostly think they will take care of themselves. We made an environment of us but they must be thought of. Pet proofing your home can lower the risk of a serious pet accident occurring. A pet owner needs to be aware of several potential dangers. Poisons in the home that can kill or seriously injure your pet include some kinds of house plants (dieffenbachia, philodendron, hyacinth, and mistletoe), pesticides, and medications. Low electrical cords are extremely hazardous when chewed. Keep harmful objects out of your pet's reach. A little prevention may be just enough to avoid a pet tragedy from happening in your home.

Make sure your pet receives a complete check-up

Just like us "A regular physical is the most overlooked pet health need today," says Dr. Bill Swartz with the American Animal Hospital Association. "Most people only take their pet to a veterinarian when a health problem already exists or for routine vaccinations. Preventive vaccinations and early detection of diseases are the keys to successfully treating your pet," he added. Your veterinarian can conduct a comprehensive exam that includes a lab analysis, heart check, and dental exam.

Perhaps most importantly, design a diet and exercise plan to meet your pet's specific needs

Obesity leads to serious dog and cat health problems such as heart disease. Exercise is important, but a pet will only exercise if there is an incentive to do so. Your veterinarian and you should consider what stage of life your pet is in, the amount of activity your pet enjoys, and the time of year before outlining a specific plan. The right kind of food and physical activity can add to the quality of your pet's life.

Following are ten general pet care tips:

1. Mmm... all that chocolate! None for your pets, please! Chocolate contains a toxic substance, theobromine, which is harmful to pets. So, just say NO!

2. Is it an emergency? A pet exposed to bitter cold that becomes lethargic, depressed, and weak, could be hypothermic. Call your veterinarian immediately.

3. Did you know that by shivering, a pet that is cold or recovering from anesthesia is trying to warm its body back to normal temperature?

4. The sweet, lovely green pool of antifreeze on the driveway is an often deadly drink for dogs and cats. Even a small lick by a small pet is enough to poison it. Clean up those spills fast!

5. Did you know that some caged birds are afraid of the dark? Try a night light or leaving the front of the cage uncovered.

6. Before traveling with your pets, make sure they have all required vaccinations and health papers. If they are on medications, have enough to last through the trip.

7. When traveling by air, be aware of airline restrictions regarding outside temperature and number of animals allowed per flight. Someone may have already booked a pet and there are no more allowed. Check with the airline reservationist or travel agent.

8. Remember that even the most gentle and trusting pet may bite when in pain. If you must muzzle, use a soft towel or cloth strips and remove it as soon as possible so the pet can breathe more easily.

9. If you must transport an injured or ill animal, a blanket, vinyl mat, and even a door make excellent stretchers. The trick is to immobilize the animal to avoid further stress.

10. Moving from a cold climate to a warmer one? Don't forget to have your dog tested for heartworm disease BEFORE beginning preventive medicine. Ask your veterinarian for more information about heartworm disease.

The American Animal Hospital Association asks you to provide a safe environment, quality diet, exercise, and adequate veterinary care for your pet. Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions regarding your pet's health care.

The Author is a Past Pet Owner and with a son/daughter on the way and soon to be reintroduced to the Joy and Pain of Dog Ownership, you can read more on his quest at Wellness Pet Food [http://vazdot-wellness-pet-food.blogspot.com/]

What to Look at When Getting Pet Insurance

Medical advancements in the area of pet health have come ahead in leaps and bounds over the last 10 years. Vets are able to perform life saving surgery today that a number of years ago was just not possible. However, along with the medical advancements, the costs have also raised considerably. When you think of it, vets are required to have expensive equipment to perform the surgery, access expensive drugs for the operations, and cover all the other costs to run the practice.

What to consider when getting Pet Insurance

So you can now get start of the art medical attention for your pet, but due to the high costs, many people are turning to Pet Health Insurance cover, just like personal health insurance, car insurance or house insurance. It is smart to cover your risks.

There are a number of important factors to consider when getting health insurance for your pets.

Payment of Excess to reduce your Premium

It is standard for insurance providers to ask you to select an excess level. The excess level is the amount that you pay toward the vet bill, which helps spread the risk, and also results in you paying a lower premium. The higher the excess you pay if you need to make a claim, the lower your premium payments will be. If you believe you will be making a number of claims, a lower excess will probably be the way to go.

Pet Age Limits

Check that you can cover you pet based on its age. Some policies restrict how early you can get coverage and if your pet is too old, you may not be able to get coverage. The typical restriction is under 8 weeks old and over 9 years old. Also, most policies will guarantee coverage if you have your pet insured with them before a certain age and continue your cover with no breaks after the cut off age.

Pet Insurance Exclusions

With most types of insurance policies, there will be exclusions. Check these out in the policy document. Typical exclusions include pre existing conditions that had clinical signs before you took out the policy, pregnancy and elective procedures.

Waiting period

Check the waiting period before you can make a claim. Most policies will allow you to make a claim the next day after approval for most conditions, except for illness related conditions. Also some policies require a 6 month waiting period for cruciate ligament type conditions.

Pet Insurance Routine Cover

Some pet insurance policies offer routine cover which allows you to claim up to an annual benefit limit for things like prescription diets, worming treatment, de-sexing, tick treatment and a number of preventative medications.

Cooling Off Period

Does the pet insurance cover offer a cooling off period, so if you later realize you have made a mistake you can cancel and get your money back? A majority of policies I have reviewed offer a 14 day cooling off period. Again, check the policy document for conditions.

Conclusion

A lot of people are getting pet health insurance cover to cover both routine health costs and emergency surgery if required. When choosing pet insurance, look at the level of cover you need combined with the amount you want to spend in premiums. Also, compare the different benefits that each offer, as there is so much competition and a huge variety of benefits within each pet health insurance policy on offer.

If you are looking for the best cheap pet health insurance and want to easily review differences in benefits of some of the top policies check out this pet health insurance comparison. Good luck in your search.

Information About Online Pets

Online gaming is a major activity in the virtual world, and fortunately for you, if you have children who also enjoy online games, they can actual do a virtual pet adoption online! This can be done quickly and safely! I know how important it is for a parent to care for their children and ensure their safety and the use of "virtual pets on-line" websites can actually take all your fears away! These sites are not only reliable and fun but, they are also free. A virtual pet adoption allows your child to visit the site and pick an animal that he or she might want to adopt. This isn't just about fun though (which is terrific) but it also teaches the child responsibility to a certain level because you need to brush, feed, walk and take care of the animals!

Examples of different animals are, dogs, cats, frogs, fish, squirrels, birds, snakes, almost anything under the sun that your son or daughter might want to adopt! These websites are also a great learning tool for your children because sometimes you may have to do things like buy food for the dog, or clothing and, of course, which comes in such situations ions such as these, but the money! Your child will learn to count money, subtract, add, etc. This is a good way to get them into learning math early on without making them feel force fed or pushed into it. Unfortunately I never had anything like this growing up but my dad would play money games with me and I think that's one main reason I am not only good at math but, I can also appreciate the value of money!

Regarding the work on these sites, there are usually two different options. You can play on the website along with some other options like chat rooms and forums or if you want you can also give your child the opportunity to download an interface that will allow them to play without being on a website. Really, you as a parent, has the deciding vote on this factor! In fact, if you feel it absolutely necessary, not only can you create an account for your child, but you also can check the website and see exactly what happens, what the other online people are like, and so on. All in all these details on the websites are actually a great idea if you want to have fun, learn things, and if your kid really wants a puppy or a kitten, but is not allowed to have one just yet. Of course, nothing is as good as cuddling with a real animal, but in the meantime your son or daughter can actually have a lot of fun with a site such as this!

This author is a HUGE fan of adopt a virtual pet

Benefits of Adopting an Older Cat

There are countless things that get better with age, and your furry feline companion is one of them. While everyone loves a kitten -- let's face it, a kitten is cute, cuddly, and a never-ending bundle of energy -- an older cat can make an ideal companion for some people. Each year, millions of cats are euthanized in shelters all across the country, and while cats of all ages are victims of this practice, it is often the less frequently adopted older cats that are put down in order to make room for cute and highly adoptable kittens. If you're considering adding a cat to the family, why not consider one that's already been trained, has lived through the growing pains stage, and is more interested in keeping you company than in chasing birds or tearing apart your furniture?

Who Should Adopt An Older Cat?

For a single person living in an apartment or condominium, a retired couple, or a household without children or other pets, an older cat can be the perfect companion. In particular, choosing an older female cat means you'll be adding a family member that's litter box trained, spayed, and happier to stay inside on the couch than to go outdoors. An older cat has usually had all of their shots, and is responsible and calm enough to be left home alone. If you're looking for the sort of companion that's well behaved, self-sufficient, a homebody, and always happy to see you, then an older female cat may be the best match for your household.

If you live in a larger space and your family includes children, it may be a better choice to adopt a young and energetic adult cat, rather than a kitten. While kittens are undeniably adorable, children have a tendency to play rough and, just like the kitten, have relatively short attention spans. It's inevitable that your kids will get bored with paying attention to the kitten once the novelty wears off, and vice versa, leaving you not only with kids to keep out of trouble, but a mischievous kitten that needs frequent supervision. A young adult cat is still fresh and energetic enough to entertain your kids, is better suited to handle rough play than the small and fragile kitten, and is also self-sufficient enough to entertain themselves when nobody's paying attention to them. If you're really brave and have the space, consider adopting two around the same age, and your new furry friend will have no shortage of playmates.

Ideal Companions For Life

Senior citizens are often wonderful pet parents to older cats, especially if both the cat and the pet parent are around the same age and stage of life. Many times, older cats end up in shelters because their owners have passed away, leaving the cat without a friend and without a home. Adopting a cat that's been rescued from this situation is perfect for a senior citizen, who may often have too much free time and find him or herself feeling lonely. For both the cat and the owner, it can be the perfect partnership that lasts the rest of their life.

Knight In Shining Armor

An older cat that's given a home is more likely to adapt easily to the situation, and to be grateful and appreciative. Much like human beings, cats collect experiences with age, both of the positive and negative variety. Even after months living in a cage or on the street, an older cat can remember the benefits of living in a comfortable, safe home with loving owners, and will be ecstatic to have returned to that situation. Particularly if the cat has been de-clawed and lost means of survival in the wild, they will look at you as their own personal savior.

In many cases, older cats that were raised in homes that had multiple pets, particularly other cats, will feel sad and depressed at the loss of companionship. If your home already includes an older cat, or even a young adult cat, it's a good time to consider adopting an older cat that's not only lost his human family, but his feline friend, as well. Similarly, older cats that are disabled or have medical issues need love and care more than any other, and yet have the most difficult time finding homes. While not appropriate for homes with kittens, puppies, or small children, giving an older or disabled cat a place to call home and live out his final years in peace makes all the difference in the world, for both of you.

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6 Smart Tips For Adopting A Canine For Your Kids

Choosing a dog for your children is not a decision to take lightly. Selecting the wrong pet can cause headaches and heartache down the road. The good news is that most canines are naturally well-suited for kids since both enjoy games and exploring new ground. They usually get along well from the moment they meet. In fact, many kids eventually look to their canine companions as their best friends, and even confidants.

That said, taking a few precautions is important. With this in mind, we'll share six tips for choosing a dog that makes a perfect complement for your family.

1 - Adults Should Choose The Pet

Many parents allow their kids to choose the canines they want to adopt. This is a bad idea since few children have experience with dogs. Fewer still will research the various breeds and the known disorders (e.g. ear infections, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, etc.) from which each suffers. Hence, they won't know about each breed's personality quirks, grooming needs, or temperament around kids.

Take it upon yourself - along with your partner, if applicable - to select the canine you adopt for your children. Doing so will help you avoid adopting a pet that poses future problems.

2 - Consider The Size Of The Animal

The Humane Society recommends waiting until your kids are at least six years of age before you adopt a dog. Even at this age, however, a large breed can easily knock a child over. If a large pet is especially active, he may inadvertently harm your child. For example, a Saint Bernard or Old English Mastiff can become too aggressive during play, exposing your son or daughter to injury.

3 - Avoid Adopting A Puppy

A lot of parents adopt puppies for their children, believing they present less danger. After all, puppies are small. The problem is, they are more likely to scratch, bite, and behave in a rambunctious manner, than adult canines. Unless they have received training at an early age, they have yet to learn which behaviors are undesired and inappropriate.

Adult dogs are usually more relaxed. If they have received training and socialization, they tend to be gentle around children. Many will instinctively position themselves as their protectors in the presence of strangers.

4 - Choose A Personality That Complements Your Kids

We noted earlier that most breeds are naturally friendly toward children. But some have personalities that are particularly well-suited for young people. For example, Standard Poodles are smart and moderately active dogs. While they have large frames, they seem to understand their size presents a danger. Boxers are known to enjoy the company of their families, establishing close bonds with each member. Beagles are even-tempered, an important trait when exposed to active kids. They also enjoy playing games.

Think of the personality of the canine you adopt. The American Kennel Club maintains a useful database that includes temperament and related characteristics for each breed.

5 - Train The Dog

Once you adopt a canine, enroll him into professional training classes, or invest the time to train him at home. If you choose the latter route, manage the sessions yourself. It's fine, and even recommended, to involve your kids, but do not leave them alone with the dog.

6 - "Train" Your Children

As important as training is for your canine, it's equally important to teach your kids how to treat their new pet. Young children often lack the experience to know what is appropriate and what is not. Consequently, they might pull the dog's ears and tail, or play too roughly, all of which may test the animal's patience. Teach them to handle the canine humanely and gently. This will encourage respect from their pet as well as help them form a stronger bond.

Kids and dogs can quickly establish friendships that last a lifetime. The suggestions above will support this process while preventing unnecessary problems.

Find the best dog treats and Odor Free Bully Sticks from the eco friendly dog company Pawlux

Doggy, Doggy, Needs a New Home - Adopt Your Pet

Your family finally agrees it's time to bring home a new friend. Your family pet of fifteen years is sorrowfully missed and you can't imagine ever finding brown eyes like his again. Visiting the pet stores, reading the pets for sale ads, and talking to friends, you wonder; what's the best way to add a new member to your family?

Pet adoption is an option pet lovers should definitely consider. Although it may not be for some, it's a true gift. Not just for you to be able to find that special pet, but for little 'Rover' whose only crime was being too furry. Pets like Rover are looking for a family who will just love him as he is. Even if he's not perfect, they want the love of someone willing enough to teach them what is best for the family. With love and gratitude, your little adopted friend will want to do all he can to make you happy.

Seeing the row of big brown eyes in a shelter is enough to break your heart. You would love to take them all, but your place can only hold one. Knowing that by helping just one little friend find love and comfort is a great place to start.

Pet adoption centers and shelters typically let you know which pets are good with kids or other pets and which ones wouldn't be. They will give you a small history of what the pet has been through. Giving hope to a dog can be all he needs to be the greatest friend you'll ever have!

Often you will see a display of mixed breeds and mutts, but they can be incredibly fun. They usually have their own look, and like many dogs, just want to be loved. Better yet, they just want to love you and make you happy. Whether you adopt a young pup from a shelter or whether you decide to give an older fellow a place to grow old is up to you, but the choice to love one of these dogs can be more rewarding than you can imagine.

Don't count them out. A dog in a shelter isn't there because he was bad so much as he just had a bad start or someone who did love them simply couldn't care for him the way he needed. Give this friend a chance, it may be the greatest decision you'll make for you and your family.

Ruth is actively involved with the internet. Her passions are people and pet health. She is a wife, a stepmom a dog owner and a business person. She is married for almost 30 years. One of her dogs is a Certified Therapy Dog. Her passions are pet care, pet adoption, and dog training: Her Home Page

Her Adopt A Dog Blog

And Her Pet Blog

Effective Pet Classifieds Advertising Tips

According to Jupiter Research, by 2007, Online Classified Advertising will reach 3.5 Billion Dollars annually. Pet classifieds are expected to triple in numbers every year as more and more Internet users seek classified listings online for their pet needs. Pet and pet services classifieds online are creating new marketplaces where non-profit pet organizations, pet service providers, pet breeders, and pet owners are meeting and doing business 24 hours a day, seven days a week using the internet.

Currently, there are thousands of online websites that offer Pet classifieds services that can help you find new homes for Pets, showcase your pet products or pet services. However, not all of them are effective and you can end up getting nothing out of them. After being extremely successful running a Pet classifieds website for over two years, we know what works and what does not.

With online Pet classifieds, the more information you provide the better it is. People who are serious about pets have already done their research before making a decision to adopt or buy a pet. Most people looking for pets know exactly what type of pet would be a good fit for them. Information you include in your pet classifieds description can help them make decision quicker. As an example, keep your ad title very specific. For example, if you have a Golden retriever that you like to advertise in Pet classifieds, use titles such as:



Golden Retriever For Sale or Adoption


Golden Retriever for Sale or Adoption in Miami, FL


Six Months Old Golden Retriever For Sale or Adoption


Post a Picture Of Your Pet

Pictures talk more than words. Pet classifieds with pictures receive approximately 5 times more responses than classifieds without a photo. People interested in your pet will almost always ask for pictures of the pet before making a decision. Always, keep extra pictures of your pet ready.

Your location information

The first preference of anyone looking for pets would be from the region close to them. So always provide the location of your pet. This also helps to bring your pet ad rank higher when someone searches on a specific location; thus giving your ad more exposure.

Shipping Information

Advantage with online Pet classifieds is that they get people interested in your pet or pet product from coat-to-coast. So be very clear if you would be able to ship the pet or if it is a local pickup only. If you ship, be specific about your shipping policies.

Choose Pet classified sites that can get results

Today, there are millions of classifieds sites where you can advertise your available Pets, Pet Services or Pet Products. In fact, as of writing of this article, Google returns more than 29 Million links for a search on the keyword "Pet Classifieds". Visit Google.com and enter keyword "Pet Classifieds" to check for yourself.

According to the Search engine statistics, most people do not go beyond 3 pages to find what they are looking for. In fact, majority of people don't go beyond the first page of search result. What does that mean to you? It means, you should only advertise your on websites that ranks high on the three major search engine that drives more than 80% of Internet traffic. These search engines are Google, Yahoo and MSN in no particular order. The sites that rank high on these Search engines can provide a wider exposure to reach highly potential people who can purchase or adopt pets, pet services and pet products. Your return on investment is much greater and faster by advertising on sites that rank high.

Beware of Online Classifieds Scams

While online Pet classifieds offers the most cost effective and convenient ways of advertising your Pets, Pet Products and Pet Services,

it also attracts more and more scammers who pose as potential buyers. Always remember that not all inquiries you receive are from the

legitimate buyers who are interested in what you offer. Always be careful online, especially if the transaction is long distance.

For more information on Online Pet Classifieds and how you can protect yourself from such scams, read our Scam Alert.

Petboro.com was established in 2004 and has been serving the pet needs of its members proudly for over 2 years. With a continuing commitment to excellence in the pet classified listing services and a strong desire to prevent pet classified advertising fraud, petboro.com remains a ?safe haven? for advertisers of pets for sale ads, pet adoption ads and pet services ads.

Pet Health Awareness - Walking Pets During the Summer Months

We like to take our pets on daily walks. After all, we are concerned with their health and should want them to remain in good shape. But beware of the unseen health risks to your pet that can be associated with the summer heat.

Presently I have 4 dogs in our kennel that are being watched this month. They range in age and their general health conditions vary, and each must be considered when taking these dogs for their walks.

The current makeup consists of 2 puppies only 3-4 months of age, an 8 year old but overweight German shepherd, and a 13 year old mix breed.

A single walking session shows the effects that summer plays on each dog's individual condition. The two puppies are young, vibrant and full of energy, and do not hesitate at the prospect of a 20 minute walk through the woods. The 8 year old shepherd and the 13 year old mixed are also looking forward to the same walk.

Within a few moments of walking into the woods, (the woods are about 100 yards from the kennel), you can notice a considerable change form the harsh daily sun to a much cooler shaded area of the woods. At this point each dog is holding their own on this simple and short walk.

At the halfway point, now 10 minutes of walking, we take a momentary rest, more for my sake then that of the dogs. Each dog is panting quite regularly at this stage. None of them look at all tired, and none have stopped to drink any water from my bottle.

Due to a recent rainstorm the night before, we have come across an occasional puddle or two for them to wade in. This has helped them stay a little refreshed.

As we head past the 3-quarter mark of this trail, there is a considerable difference in the overweight shepherd's desire to lead the pack. At this point, the older 13 year old mixed dog, is actually keeping a stronger pace then the young puppies, even though the puppies have stopped a number of times to rest and take on water.

By the time we reach the stretch of trail back to the kennel area, the fours dogs are showing signs of being both tired and thirsty. The last 10 feet lead straight to a waiting pool filled with fresh cold water. The older dogs take a few moments to grab a quick drink while the puppies play and splash around happily. All four dogs are taking a well deserved rest.

By and far they all show some signs of being tired. But keep this in mind that they each have reacted differently to the same walk, under the same conditions. The puppies did tend to pull more on their leashes, which will cause them to put additional stress on their collars and breathing. The overweight 8 year old, while younger showed more signs of fatigue then the older 13 year old. The mixed dog is not carrying around a lot of excess body fat. The extra weight and fat is putting additional stress on the larger dog's legs, chest and his heart.

Be careful of walking your pets in the hot summer months. Take then out during the early morning or later evenings when it is cooler. Make sure to take water with you, for the pets and yourself, if you're going to be walking any kind of long distance. When they get back, give them fresh clean water from a hose or kiddies pool. They have thick fur coats and only cool down through their tongues so please let them relax in the shade and take a break during the walk to make sure they are not getting to overheated.

Be careful to avoid heat strokes or other conditions that can be avoided with a few simple steps. Bottom line is that you should not risk your pet's health simply because it is the summertime and you went for a walk.

Derek Wood breeds and trains large breed dogs through the use of healthy and humane techniques. He is a life-long pet advocate and animal friend.

Visit his website for more pet health care tips and articles. Canine Health Care

Love Your Pets and Keep Them Healthy

Pet health is very important to the world. The whole world caters to their pets, some places more than others. No normal person wants to see animals not live a full, happy life. Of course, this life should be pain free and as comfortable as possible.

The pet health business is a booming business. As with our human children, our pets must have the best of everything we can afford. This is why there are hundreds of pet foods to choose from, hundreds of toys to choose from and hundreds of veterinarians from which to choose. It makes it very difficult for us humans to know what to buy and who to select to take care of our pets. Today there are all sorts of fancy vitamins and minerals to help our pets stay healthy and beautiful.

Things have changed from many years ago. Today, we also have the option of selecting grooming facilities where many luxury treatments are available, not just wash, groom and dry. Today, you can get special shampoos, special conditioners, special manicures, special hairstyles and special teeth cleaning options.

As for boarding and grooming, you can get one or both. Today, you can board and groom or even groom and then board, so you pet is beautiful for the other animals. There are spas that are fancier than human spas. You can swim, sauna, run, jump play and then enjoy a gourmet meal and rest in a luxurious pet bed or especially prepared sofa or chair.

And of course, today, there is doggie day care, just like camp for children. These little doggies can play with their peers, tire themselves out and then go home and be ready to sleep the rest of the evening. This gives mom and dad a break.

Pet health is very important to all kinds of pets today, not just dogs, cats, horses and birds. Today, people love their hamsters, lizards, iguanas, snakes, bats, rats and spiders. Parents should advise their children to become veterinarians because the pet health care business is booming and there is no end in sight. Today, there are even health insurance plans to help you pay for your pet's care.

When your pet's health is no longer good and you know the end may be near, there are plans to help you with funerals and cremations for your beloved creatures. Many of us have to give them the best good-bye possible; to thank them for all of the good times they have shown us.

Yes, we are all very grateful for the advancements in pet health.

Sara Tolle is very interested in pets. She has a dog (Daisy) who suffered from dog arthritis before she found natural and gentle remedies that have completely cured Daisy's arthritis. Thank heavens. If you'd like to find out more about dogs with arthritis and how she managed this visit http://petarthritishelp.com

Joint Health for Our Pets

Joint health for our pets is just as important as it is for their human. The joints of our dogs and cats work in the same manner as humans. They can get arthritis in their joints the same as humans. Over weight, over use and injuries are all contributing factors in causing osteoarthritis in our pets. Our senior pets are susceptible to osteoarthritis. Arthritis is the most common problem that dogs and cats too during their lifetimes.

We take nutritional supplements to help us stay healthy. Our beloved pets need the same type nutritional supplements to help them with joint care. Damage to the cartilage, bone and joints can be reduced with the use of supplements. One ingredient supplements may not be the most effective method of treatment for our pets in helping them stay mobile, flexible, ensuring their overall joint health.

Some breeds of dogs are more susceptible to health problems than others. Joint distress accounts for the more serious health problems for these animals. We love our pets, more often than not; they are considered part of our immediate family. So we want to do anything we can to prevent them from pain and discomfort. We want to provide them with nutritional products to help them maintain a long and healthy life.

Magnetic therapy is also a method used to treat a pet's painful joints. Even though they cannot tell us where they hurt, usually we know. We want them pain free and well adjusted, using a magnetic pet bed or pad, we can ensure that they get will get a good night's sleep or resting environment during the day. Magnetic wraps can also be used on your pet.

Magnetic therapy has been around for centuries and is gaining popularity and effectiveness in today's world. Magnetic therapy is a safe, effective, alternative source of pain relief for muscle and joint discomfort. Magnets are non-invasive ways of helping the body heal itself with out adverse side effects. This is an excellent choice for everyone.

Magnetic therapy works by helping the chemicals within the body to move to the affected area. For a body part to heal the site must be restored to its natural state. Pain and inflammation is removed from the area and oxygen and nutrients are moved into the affected area.

The Benefits of Pet Adoption

There are many reasons why adopting a pet from a pet adoption agency, such as a shelter or rescue, is a good idea.

Pet Stores

There has been a lot of negative press about pet stores, especially in their treatment of puppies, and a lot of this is merited. Many pet stores are still buying their puppies at a discounted price through puppy mills, where the puppies are inbred, mistreated, and not given adequate veterinary care, food or shelter.

It's not only puppies that have been reported to be abused. Just recently an employee of Petland, a pet store back east, was charged with animal cruelty after a picture was taken of her holding two dead wet rabbits on Facebook. She said that the manager took the picture after she drowned the rabbits because they were fighting too much with each other.

We cannot continue to support such stores. Though not all of them are bad, there are no guarantees on how your future pets have been bred and treated, and stopping support will be the only way to stop them.

Breeders

Many people also want to get their animals through breeders, especially if they want purebred animals. The problem with breeders is that while they are certainly more legit than most pet stores, they still practice inbreeding, and just like in humans, this can lead to less intelligent animals. And they are also often overpriced. In addition, purebreds are more often more susceptible to diseases than mixed breeds.

Pet Adoption Agencies

There are pet adoption agencies all over that offer adoptable pets that need good, loving homes. Most animals are already housebroken, they are usually mixed breeds and are therefore have higher immunity against diseases, they are more affordable (sometimes free!), and they really need your help, sometimes even to save their lives. It is always worth it to adopt a pet as the additional to your family that you are looking for.

There are pet adoption agencies [http://www.cherokeepetparade.com] all over that offer adoptable pets that need good, loving homes. Most animals are already housebroken, they are usually mixed breeds and are therefore have higher immunity against diseases, they are more affordable (sometimes free!), and they really need your help, sometimes even to save their lives. It is always worth it to adopt a pet as the additional to your family that you are looking for.

Pet Health Care - 5 Things To Consider When Insuring Your Pet

Pet insurance is a very important part of pet health care as it protects both your finances and your beloved pet. Here are some important factors to consider when purchasing your pet insurance.

1. Do your research as there are plenty of pet insurance providers out there. By going for a recommended insurance provider you are less likely to experience nasty surprises compared to going for the cheapest option. This could seriously affect the type of coverage you receive in the event of serious pet health care problems, so read the small print before you buy.

2. Another thing to consider is the probability of your pet developing conditions that will require medical care. Perhaps your dog's breed has genetic weaknesses that might affect your dog later in life, or maybe your cat was born with a condition that doesn't bother her now but might lead to related illnesses in the future. Check that the policy you intend to buy covers any of these potential conditions, and do let the insurer know about any previous or existing conditions. If you fail to provide that information there could be a hefty bill for you to pay out.

3. Check that the policy covers ongoing conditions such as diabetes or arthritis as some providers don't offer this as part of their insurance product. You may have to buy lifetime cover in order to secure coverage for this type of condition. There are many common ongoing conditions that pets can suffer from, so it is worth looking into in more detail.

4. Consider the age of your pet. Some insurance providers have age limits on their policies while others provide lifetime coverage. Common age limits for cats are 10 years while it's normally slightly less for dogs (8 years).

5. Ensure that you are aware of the maximum payout for single claims and total annual claims. There are large differences in policies so check that you get most value for your money.

There might be a few lucky pet owners who rarely need to take their pets to the vet, aside from the usual check ups, though most of us will have had some experience with pet health care issues such as ear infections, fractures and other serious illnesses that can't necessarily be foreseen. In the event of injury or accidents it is important to act preventatively and protect your pet in the best possible way.

For specialist information on a range of pet health care issues visit the Pet Health Information website. We offer a wide range of informational articles on pet health care information.

Adopt a Dog

Giving a dog that has no home a place to live is one of the best things you can do for the Adopt A Dog Foundation. Maybe you want a pet that will play with your kids as well as keep them safe then you should consider getting a dog for them that will be suited for your home.

There are various ways in which you can select your future pet but it is nice to think of adopting a dog first. Adopt a dog is a foundation that provides homes for dogs that are either been abused and kicked around as well as stray and homeless dogs. They also find lost dogs which they reunite with their owners.

When adopting man best friend you must consider whether you wasn't a dog that stays in the house which most people do. Next step is what size it is and how you are going to care for it. Adopting a dog is the best thing and the best place to go to if you are looking too take a dog with you.

While adopting you can ask for any variety of breeds they may have or you can go to the kennels and walk around too see which dog connects with you the most. While choosing consider that some dogs are really suited for patrolling grounds and if you do not have enough space they will feel confided. You will also have to be preparing to care for the animal and consider the food according to the dog you are planning to adopt.

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Ferret Adoption - 10 Steps for Successfully Adopting Pet Ferrets

Ferret adoption is increasingly common. It is much cheaper to adopt one than to buy one. It is also less risky as most ferret-adoption organizations are excellent resources for information. So if you think you're ready to bring home a fuzzy, here's what to do.

Read everything you can. If you've never had a ferret, you will be surprised at how much there is to know about them. Even if you think you know all about them, read some more. There are many books and websites that offer a lot of information. Really consider what you read and how to put the information into practice in your real life. A ferret is a commitment, so make sure you can handle it.

Budget your money. Any new member of the family costs money. Can you afford to take in a ferret? An adopted ferret will cost about $75. On average, a cage costs about $200, depending of course on the size, the materials, and whether it is new or used. One cost that really is not optional for ferrets is spaying/neutering. Spaying costs between $75 and $300, depending on the veterinary practice and whether the ferret is also descented. Neutering costs between $50 and $250, again depending on the practice and whether the ferret is also descented. These are the one-time expenses. Now, you will need to consider the repeat expenses. Most experts estimate food for one ferret will cost about $200 per year or about $16.66 per month. Naturally, if you have two or more, you will need to multiply that figure accordingly. You will also need to have regular vaccinations, which could cost up to $100 per year. Your community may also require a permit, the fees for which vary. Add up all those costs and compare it to your income and other expenses. Can you afford a fuzzy?

Designate a space in your home for a ferret. It will need a cage that is at least 2 ft. by 3 ft., so you will need a space to contain it. In addition, you will need a designated space for your new family member to run around freely as it was not meant to live solely in a cage. Many people designate a spare bedroom for their fuzzies.

Ferret proof your home. Just as an unsupervised human baby can get into anything, so can a ferret. Ferrets love to squeeze into any nooks and crannies they can find, as well as squeeze through pipes, under doors, etc. Block up those openings. Ferret proofing also includes putting away knickknacks and other items that could be damaged. This includes clothes, food, books, wires, silverware, keys, etc. If you want to keep an item in its current condition, get it out of your ferret's way. A good way to be sure you're prepared is to crawl through the area on all fours. If you can reach it, so can your ferret.

Buy your supplies. If you've definitely decided to adopt, it's time to get a cage and some ferret food. You can generally find these at most pet shops or online. You will also need bedding material - old T-shirts, towels, and blankets work well - non-tippable bowls for food and water, and little toys (like golf balls, tubing, etc.). Many people already have something they can use for these items.

Find an adoption organization. Your favorite search engine will likely steer you to at least one such agency near you. Your local pet store may also have a bulletin board with notices for ferrets needing adoption. It is generally better to adopt through an agency or rescue organization. They can vouch for the ferret's history and provide information concerning its care. A private adoption is risky because you have no way to verify what the seller tells you.

Complete the adoption process. A reputable adoption organization will require you to complete an application. The application is designed for you to show that you would be a good ferret owner. It is also intended to emphasize the responsibility involved in ferret care. The agency may require an interview and an inspection of your home. Some agencies will even visit your home after the adoption has taken place to ensure the relationship is progressing well.

Choose your woozle. Once you are approved, the agency will let you choose your new pet. A good agency will try to match you with the best pet for your needs and experience (e.g., a calmer, older ferret for a first-time owner or a social animal for an owner who already owns one).

Bring home your new fuzzy baby. The fuzzy you choose should already have been vaccinated and examined by a vet. So after signing the paperwork, you will be ready to bring home a new member of the family.

Enjoy your new ferret - and be prepared for some ferrety surprises.

For more tips on ferret adoption and ferret care, as well as some neat pictures and other ferret fun, visit The Ferret Zone. Or, if you already have your fuzzy baby and want to learn more, check out the recently published "Getting Started with Pet Ferrets."

When Does Your Pet Need General Pet Health Supplement?

Choosing to give your pet this general pet health supplement you can increase its immunity, as such resisting strongly in front of the diseases and its health can be improved and sustained in natural way. Throughout this article you will be introduced to the importance of giving your pet the nutritional supplements.

There are many holistic veterinarians to combat the belief that dieting and vaccination are good for the pet's overall health. They will affirm that these measures instead of bringing their healing effect can as well increase the risks of getting chronic sicknesses.

In case you want to improve the pet's health there are two things that you need to do:

1. Change the pet's diet. Switch for instance to a pet food approved by AAFCO and belonging to a well known manufacturer. The certification means that the product contains around 40 components required in order for the pet to have a healthy diet.

Avoid pet food that has fillers, preservatives or artificial ingredients, all the elements that can have a negative impact on the pet's health. These sorts of artificial ingredients have determined many veterinarians to reach to alternative solutions to insert holistic methods to allow your pet to stay healthy.

2. You can begin start giving your pet a general pet health supplement. In case there is a high quality supplements the pet's immunity can be boosted, the toxins can be flushed cleansing the pet's system as well as increasing the energy levels. More than this, the supplements can improve the functioning of the vital organs, all in one the overall health of your beloved pet.

Experts in this field say that natural supplements are better options than the supplements containing animal products, and other substances that can generate side effects. The general pet health supplements are the best when they have 100% natural herbal ingredients. These herbs can be Echinacea, Huang Qi, Mistletoe known to boost the immunity of the pet's system.

Now that all these have been said, and you have gathered plenty of knowledge in this regard, you can go for improving your pet's health feeding it with AAFCO food of high quality. Then proceed into administering a small dose of general pet health supplement per day. In this way you make sure that your pet will stay healthy and will be again active for a long period of time.

If you get a bed bug bite, most likely you have bedbugs in you home and your pet could get them also. Talk to a professional if you feel you have them as they won't just go away.

Discovering A Kitten The Rewards Of Pet Adoption

There are many places to get quality pets, by looking on bulletin boards at your local veterinarian. You can even look in the newspapers; most are giving them away, to place pets in a good home.

Here though is a story, how when I wasn't even looking, I found a friend.

One evening about two years ago after a nice rain storm I went for a walk with my stepson and his friends. The smell after the rain storm was refreshing. Our house is set off in a corn field out in the country, beyond a small creek bed.

There is an old bridge that we across going to the main road, so the boys decided to run ahead to see what the rains had brought down the creek. Normally after the rains the boys would find something, this time it was a plastic bag full of kittens. In the bag were three kittens, very week and tiny and covered in mud, fleas and debris from the dirty water.

We brought the kittens home and gave them all a nice warm soapy bath. The warm bath helped stimulate and reviving their cold limp bodies. Afterwards we wrapped them in towels and used a blow dryer to warm them up.

Out from under the filth were three beautiful white kittens, crying their heads off. We knew at this point they were going to be alright. We took them to our barn and fed them a mixture, which contained some pet milk until the kittens were satisfied.

The neighbors wanted to take two of the kittens and we kept the other one. You might remember, if you have seen any of the Pink Panther Movies, Inspector Clouseau's constant companion named Cato. This name fit the kitten perfectly. He was full of life, playful and was a superb attack cat.

It most likely will give you more pleasure then you may have realized, taking care of God's creatures. Have you ever wondered about the cruelty inflicted by people on pets? How do these pets begin to trust people again after they are rescued by someone who is caring?

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Tips on How to Go About Adopting a Pet

Instead of spending a lot of money purchasing a pet, many people decide to adopt them from families that are looking to get rid of a pet, or animal shelters. Typically, animal shelters have to put pets asleep after a certain number of days if they cannot find a home for them. This is why it is so important to adopt a pet from an animal shelter. While there are some animal shelters that do not euthanize pets, the ASPCA is the largest animal shelter and they find themselves having so many excess animals on their hands that euthanasia is their only course of action.

If you are interested in choosing a cat, remember that even though cats are easier to take care of than dogs, that they are still a big responsibility. There are a lot of reasons why adopting your cat from an animal shelter may be the best choice. First of all, it could very well be saving the cat's life. Next, animal shelters will often spay or neuter the animals before you adopt them. There may be some nominal fees involved, but adopting a pet from a shelter is still the cheapest way to buy a cat. If you have a lot of time for your new cat, then try to adopt when it is as young as possible. This way you will be there to help raise it. On the other hand, if you have a very busy family, an older cat may be the best choice.

If you are interested in adopting a dog, then you are going to have to put a lot more time into your decision. First of all, you have to consider who will be taking care of the dog. If this is going to be a pet for children under the age of 7, then a puppy may not be the best choice. They have sharper teeth and claws, and more brittle bones that could break with rough handling. Therefore, older dogs are recommended for children. Also, if there are seasoned citizens in your household, then you may not want to adopt a dog that is too large or strong.

How about birds? These are fascinating animals that you may be able to adopt as well. They are easy to take care of, but there are some interesting details that you have to take into consideration before letting into your home. First, birds are not domesticated animals. Some avian diseases can be transferred from birds to humans. They may induce allergy attacks as well. You should also know that birds, particularly the parrot family, are loud and messy. They will squawk throughout the day, and when they eat they shred their food leaving bits and pieces everywhere. Birds also have sensitive lungs and need good air quality. Smoking indoors with a bird in the house can be very dangerous to its health. Birds can also live up to 50 years, so make sure that you are ready for the long haul when taking them in.

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Cat Pet Insurance: Deciding If It Will Benefit You and Your Cat

As you may know, cats make wonderful pets. They come into our lives and become companions and beloved friends. For most cat owners they become a special part of the family. They're always there sitting on the window ledge, sleeping on the couch or welcoming us home hoping for some playtime and a treat. We love our cats and they love us back in their own special way.

Our cats mean a lot to us and we can't imagine anything happening to them.

We feed them nutritious food and treats, give them fun toys to play with and watch them as they grow from a playful kitten to lovable, curious cat. We spend our days enjoying each other's company without really worrying about anything unexpected happening.

We've always had cats around. We were the happy owners of four cats up to a year ago. We have two cats now. The unexpected happened to us. Unfortunately we weren't prepared since we thought our cats were well taken care of, well loved and would always remain healthy.

When they became sick, it was too late. What they had was untreatable but we tried anyway and in the end we were left with a huge Vet bill and no cats. The loss of two cats was tough enough and the Vet fees only compounded the situation.

If we had Pet Insurance it might have made dealing with everything less stressful by giving us one less thing to worry about. Do you think an Insurance policy for our cats would have been a benefit to us? Most likely.

Owners that dearly love and care for their cats should consider buying a cat health insurance policy. But what are the benefits? Is it something you must have in order to avoid having the same thing that happened to us, happen to you?

We put together some thoughts that helped us decide whether having Pet Insurance would benefit us and our two remaining cats. These ideas may help you make the same decision for you and your cats.

What are the Long Term Benefits of Pet Insurance?

Depending on the plan you select the cost may seem too high to warrant buying Pet Insurance. It might be better to put some money aside for emergencies. It is an additional expense on your part but it can pay for itself later on down the road. You can also look at it as an investment in the safety, protection and health of your cat.

Like all insurance, cat pet insurance is something you need but hope you never have to use. It's a preemptive measure that you should consider taking early on in your cats life to be able to handle any unfortunate situations, which brings us to our next point.

How soon should I buy Health Insurance for my cat?

It's never too late as long as your cat is in good health. As a rule it is best to start looking for a plan when your cat is young and healthy. This way you can take more time to learn about cat Pet insurance and find a plan that works best for your needs.

If you do buy a policy you can be assured that whatever happens, your cat will get the care they need in a timely manner. In the case of sickness, or even an accident, you know that your cat will get the best medical attention. Having pet insurance will also provide peace of mind knowing that your pet is safe.

What benefit does it have to offer cat owners?

cat insurance provides financial protection for many cat owners and health protection for their cats. Everyone can sleep better at night knowing that they won't need to worry as much about sudden surprises that can inevitably lead to large Vet bills.

Money becomes less of an issue with the right policy and you can focus you attention on your cat. You'll also be able to act without any hesitation and get your cat to the Vets quickly for immediate medical attention.

Is pet insurance worth the cost?

Purchasing a pet health care insurance policy is a great idea from a financial standpoint. This may not be too apparent in the beginning but Vet bills can add up and become expensive. By investing in a cat health care insurance plan, you are protecting yourself from the risk taking on any unneeded debt.

Without pet insurance for your cat money can become one of the main deciding factors when choosing the right medical attention for your cat. Unless you have the funds available you may run into trouble if you simply can't afford treatment for your cat?

Buying pet insurance for your cat is your way of expressing your love for your pet by looking out for his or her well being.

Cat pet insurance will effectively reduce most money concerns when it comes to providing care for your cat. Depending on your cat's coverage you may not have to worry about paying a high premium.

There are many cheap pet insurance plans available out there that you can also consider when searching for a policy. Be sure to do you research as best you can and understand all of the features before deciding if pet insurance will benefit everyone concerned.

Read more about Cat Health Insurance for your Cat and become more informed before you buy. For more information on Cat Pet Insurance and Pet Insurance reviews visit us at http://www.bandofcats.com/CatPetInsurance

Say Woof to Pet Adoption!

A positive relationship between the human being and a pet is unanimous. When the love and care is unconditional it works wonders for the mind body and soul- for the pet and the owner. Pets have always been a source of strength, symbol of understanding and need for us humans to balance the nature around us. Pet adoption of different breeds of dogs, cats, horses, exotic animals are now available even online. Pet adoption has become easier with the help of the internet and now even children can choose the pet they want. Pet adoption can be done through various other ways like approaching the animal shelter, friends, rescue centers and communities that encourage people to adopt. Most people like adopting dogs and cats that are easier to domesticate. It is also easy to look after them and if need be take them along while traveling. They are perfect companions who can be trained to bond with humans. They are particularly easy going with children. But it isn't easy trying to find an animal to shelter especially if one is looking for a 'play thing' for children. Even adults have problems trying to cope up with animals they adopt. Hence a little care and wisdom before adoption helps, especially when it is being done to please children.

What you should know if you are buying a pet for a child.

A 6 year old child sees one of its peer groups playing with a dog or a cat and may want one. But not all children understand the meaning of having a pet to play with. They don't know anything about allergies they may develop, or may not know how to care for the pet either. Hence it becomes the duty of the parents to guide and the best thing is to approach professionals who can prove to be of assistance if the child is adamant on buying a pet. Approaching a reputed animal shelter is essential. There are numerous websites that have listings for pet directories. Find one that will put on leash all the queries that to be tackled. A small puppy or a growing kitten, there are plenty of choices for pet adoption. Read up material on the breed you wish to adopt, if it is your first time and the child needs it badly. Pets need to be trained, inoculated and given their own space too.

For pet adoption Albuquerque, visit Animal Humane.

How to Choose the Health Supplement for Your Pet

Health supplements have grown to be well known methods for people to enhance their health and to assist prevent sickness. A lot of pet owners are discovering that health supplements might have the identical positive results for their domestic pets. Health supplements may be expensive sometimes and owners need to know how to find the very best offers while still performing anything possible to enhance their pets' wellness.

Nowadays, pet shops use a wide array of dietary supplements and nutritional vitamins for cats and dogs. Realizing what type to purchase starts with understanding why your furry friend requires them initially. Today's world discloses us and our animals to numerous contaminants and dangerous chemicals every day. Also, highly processed foods have misplaced most of the vitamins and minerals that organic food offers. Health supplements might help counterbalance the results of these two issues and then leave your family pet wholesome and with more protection against harmful toxins.

In case you are concerned that giving your pet supplements which come from herbs and some other plants might be dangerous, you need to remember that in the wild dogs consume vegetation. Most of the health supplements offer the exact same plants and herbs the dog could have consumed anyhow. Cats and dogs possess a organic sense of just what their physiques require. If you've ever noticed your dog or cat nibbling in your lawn sometimes, then you've noticed a good example of this. Dietary supplements take this to an alternative degree by giving an even broader number of nutrients as compared to any animal could get in a single environment.

There are many plants and herbs which are widespread in pet health supplements and you ought to determine that at least most of them are contained in whatever health supplement you are thinking about. Cat's Claw is an herb that helps with natural immunity. Mistletoe helps with the therapy for problems in the lungs and coronary heart and may enhance blood circulation, along with fighting most cancers. Ginseng, a well known health supplement, enhances immunity and detoxifies the bloodstream. Echinacea is another purifying plant and also aids support defenses. Try to find these components in the health supplements for your pet.

Knowing the kind of health supplement you would like, you have to find the best location to buy them. Maybe one of the greatest and most affordable options is on-line shops.

These types of sources will often provide the finest selection at most reasonable prices. Their reduced expense and large volume sales permit them to pass cost savings to the customer. Just make certain the internet business is trustworthy by looking at their background and searching for evaluations from other clients.

As much as the standard of their goods go, there are the same manufacturers and types on the internet that you'd get in the local pet shop. The sole distinction is they will usually be less expensive on the internet.

A regular health supplement for your own pet is affordable and may cut costs over time. A correct nutrition will go a long distance for both human beings and animals in combating frequent illnesses and preserving us healthy.

If you want to know everything about natural supplements and pet health supplements don't hesitate to visit us and share your information with us!

Troy Shanks is a successful internet business entrepreneur who has concentrated his entire career on promoting health products. He is more than happy to share with you all the information gathered over these years, and also to guide you in finding the health plan that suits you best. The companies working with Troy Shanks are only the top ones, companies which are proven to be the most trustworthy and reliable on the market, and for which quality has always been the main goal.

Choosing Pet Health Insurance

With the escalating costs of health care for pets, pet health insurance is becoming more popular. The most difficult questions that face dog owners are...

Which insurance provider should I choose.
Which plan offers the best coverage for my dog?
Will having pet health insurance save me money?

Let's take a closer look at these questions. I'll try to provide you with some insight as well as answers.

Choosing A Pet Insurance Provider

A search online will yield dozens of companies and organizations that offer health care for your pets. Many offer very similar coverage options and monthly premiums. Not all are reliable when it comes time to pay the bill. You will have to really do your homework before deciding on a provider.

The first thing you need to know is exactly how pet health insurance works. It is not the same as health insurance for people. With pet insurance you'll need to pay the medical bill yourself at the time of service. Only then can you submit the bill to the insurance provider for reimbursement. The amount you are reimbursed by the insurance company varies. It is usually between 80 and 90 percent of the total bill.

When it comes to health insurance for your pet, every individuals circumstances are unique. This makes it impossible for me to say exactly which provider is best for you. As I said, you'll need to do a little research on your own.

I can recommend the pet health care insurer that I use myself. I carry the pet insurance offered by the ASPCA. They offer several affordable plans and your dog is covered anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. The annual deductible for all of their plans is only $100 and they reimburse 80% of the total bill.

Their level 1 plan covers only accidents and in my opinion offers the least value.

The level 2 plan covers;

Accidents
Hospitalizations
X-Rays
Surgery
IllnessesThe level three plan adds additional coverage for;

Spaying and Neutering
Standard Vaccines
Annual Physical ExamThe level 4 plan, which I have, also includes coverage for;

Heartworm Prevention
Annual Dental Cleaning
Advanced VaccinesThere is also optional coverage available to cover ongoing illnesses, like diabetes treatment and other long-term illnesses.

In the end the choice of insurance provider is up to you. Just do some research to find the one right for you and your dog. The main thing is having the peace of mind knowing your dog is always covered.

As to the question of whether or not pet insurance will save you money, the only answer I can give is "Maybe". The whole reason for having pet health insurance, as I said, is for peace of mind. If, heaven forbid, your dog is seriously injured or falls ill, it could save you thousands of dollars.

Hopefully your dog will live a happy injury and illness free life. In that case having pet health insurance will save you nothing. The one thing to keep in mind when deciding to have it or not, is "what if?".

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