Soothing Lovable Lexi: Week 2 of the Sentry Calming Collar Trial

It’s time for a follow up with Joanne Morristo see how Lexi is doing with her new Sentry Calming Collar. Let’s see how it is going so far…

We still don’t know what has caused Lexi to have separation anxiety. Maybe it was being lost and abandoned at a shelter or it could have been the long trip from Kentucky to Pennsylvania and then finally settling in NJ. Regardless, she has turned out to be a wonderful pet, and we are fortunate she can go to doggy daycare each day so she doesn't have to be left home alone. When our family is home and Lexi is not at daycare, we do our best to make arrangements for one of us to stay home with her or she comes along for a ride with us in the car.

Lexi seems more comfortable when she is in the car. This might be because she can easily watch for us through the windows. We are committed to her health and happiness and this is why we are happy to try the Sentry Calming Collar to see if we can help Lexi relax when things get tense.

It has only been a week and the instructions did indicate it could take some time before we see any difference. That seems to be the case with us so far, although we have left her for short periods of time with the new Sentry Calming Collar with little evidence of destruction. We give Lexi a puzzle treat to keep her occupied for those times when she is left alone for a little while. When we do arrive home she has eaten through it, seems very wound up, panting and stressed (this is not her normal behavior when we are home). In the past, she has scratched and dug at the door which doesn't seem to be the case this week. She did manage to find goodies on the counter to enjoy and ripped several papers but that is minimal compared to some of her past escapades.

As previously stated, the collar is a pretty color, matching her holiday themed collar and it has a pleasant somewhat fruity smell to it. We are committed to keep trying and looking forward to progress next week. 

Stay tuned for updates on how Lexi is doing!

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I'm Still Here...But a Slim, Trim, More Active Ginger

It's me, Ginger and I have some good news.... I began the fitness program at Morris Animal Inn on June 4 at 91.6 lbs and 30 inches around the waist. As of today, I am at 82 lbs and a slim 26 inches around my waist. Whoo hoo! Look at me now...

I have so much energy. If you adopt me, I will run with you, play with you, give you kisses and make sure that you know I appreciate you. If you are interested in adopting me, please contact Eleventh Hour Rescue at (973) 664-0865 or visit the Eleventh Hour Rescue website for more information. 

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HOW TO CURE YOUR DOG'S CAR SICKNESS

Photo Courtesy of mysza831

It’s a struggle to get your pooch in the car. When you do, you close the door as quickly as possible. You cross your fingers as you turn the key in the ignition and back out of the driveway. Making sure to take turns at a snail’s pace, you avoid the bumpy potholes as best you can. But then you smell it. Yup, sure enough your precious pooch has vomited all over the upholstery of your backseat. It doesn’t matter if you drive slow enough to make out the eye color of the irritated person tailgating you or if you play soft classical music from the car radio to calm your canine. Every time you get your dog in the car, nausea is sure to follow. Not only do you feel sorry for poor Fido, but your backseat isn’t looking or smelling too great either. Read on for some tips to help you with this unfortunate situation.



Photo Courtesy of thetimechannel

 
Pinpoint the Issue

When your dog is a puppy, their ear canals are still forming and this can cause their balance to be off. Being off balance can cause motion sickness, so it is not unusual for puppies to get car sick. Unfortunately, some dogs struggle to outgrow their motion sickness. For other canines the problem can be attributed to anxiety. Many dogs have limited experience in the car and only take a ride when going to the vet; thus, it can be scary for them.


Condition

Whatever the root cause of your dog’s car sickness, it is important to try and condition your dog so that they become used to the car and grow more comfortable with it. It is especially important to start this conditioning when your dog is still a puppy. Hang out in the car while it is parked in the driveway. Bring your dog’s favorite toy and spend some time playing and petting your pup in the car. Get him or her accustomed to the smells and feel of the car while it is not moving. The next day, do the same thing but turn the car on for a short while. Progress to short drives down the block and always keep a fun dog toy in the car. Each day, go a little bit farther. Make sure to take your dog to places like the dog park or a hiking trail so they begin to associate the car as a gateway to fun activities.

Photo Courtesy of abbynormy

Comfort is Key 

Other things to consider when driving with a dog that gets carsick is to make sure the car is well-ventilated and comfortable. The back of the car or the trunk can be the bumpiest section. Your dog might be better off in the backseat, kept firmly in place with the help of a dog seat-belt or in a crate. Limit your dog’s food intake before traveling if they are prone to vomiting.

Don’t Pull Over

When your dog pukes in the car, don’t make a big deal out of it. Resist the urge to pull over and clean it up because your dog will start to realize that vomiting makes the car stop. Instead, protect your car seats with old towels and just throw them in the wash when you get home.

Medication

If your dog’s motion sickness does not seem to improve with time and conditioning, consider medication like a mild sedative. Your vet can help you choose the proper medication to ease your dog’s car-related tummy problems.

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PAUSE FOR PAWS

They click on the floor announcing their arrival. They chase after squirrels in the backyard and move faster than you ever thought possible when you fill their food bowl. It's your dog's paws! Your dog’s paws are incredibly important, so we think it is time to pause for the paws and understand a little better how these fascinating parts work and what we as dog owners can do to take care of them.

PAW ANATOMY 101

Most dogs are quadruped which is a fancy, scientific way of saying your dog walks and runs on four feet! According to CanisMajor, dogs walk on their toes like a horse, not on their soles like humans. The four pads on a dog’s feet are essential for absorbing the shock of walking everyday on hard floors and cement sidewalks. They provide an element of traction so that Fido doesn’t slip and slide everywhere (though some slick man-made floors are too much for Mother Nature’s natural non-slip socks). Most dogs have dew claws (an extra nail, higher up on the leg) on the insides of their two front legs, a smaller percentage have dew claws on their hind legs and an even smaller percentage have two dew claws on their back legs. Because dew claws no longer serve a purpose, they are considered vestigial digits, though they can sometimes be helpful for holding a bone between the paws. Since dew claws are placed higher up on the leg, they do not come into contact with the ground. But it is important to remember to trim these nails as they can grow quite long and become uncomfortable for your dog. Because of the dew claws location on the leg, they are sometimes forgotten.

SEASONAL ISSUES

When extreme weather conditions plague us, they also plague your dog’s paws. Very hot temperatures can make pavement scalding to the touch and burn the pads of their paws. As a result, it is crucial to avoid walking your dog during the hottest times of day. Stick to early morning walks or late evening walks as the sun is setting. Likewise, the bitter cold of winter with the salt used on icy sidewalks, can all irritate your pup’s paws, not to mention upset their stomach if licked off their paws. When walking your dog in the winter, make sure to wash their paws after your walk with lukewarm water.

NAILING IT

Fido’s nails get naturally filed down from walking on hard floors and cement but some dog’s nails seem to grow faster than others. The longer the nails, the more likely they are to scratch your hardwood floors, your bare legs, or even your face during playtime. Long nails are also uncomfortable for your pet. To keep your pooch comfortable and to protect your skin and the furniture, make sure your dog gets regular nail trims. Trimming your dog’s nails can be tricky especially if you have a dog that despises the procedure, (most dogs do). It is important to be careful not to cut the quick of the nail which is the vein. In clear nails, the quick looks like a darkish line but in black nails it is very difficult to see. To save you the trouble, stop by Morris Animal Inn for a nail trim and a filing.

THE PAW LICKER

Photo Courtesy of luluemon athletica

This issue can easily become every dog owner’s worst nightmare. What starts as a seemingly innocuous habit done out of boredom can quickly turn into an obsessive routine that can turn your pup’s paw red and raw. Unfortunately, the cause of this habit can be attributed to many factors including boredom, irritation, allergies, and stress. If your dog is in an incessant paw-licker, consult your veterinarian to determine the cause.

If you follow some of these paw tips you will keep Fido pawsitively healthy and walking proud!

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Tick and Flea Prevention

Oh no! Not ticks and fleas!

What are two five letter words that pet owners never want to think about? Ticks and fleas of course! Unfortunately, as the weather warms up, flea and tick populations increase and become an unpleasant reality. How can you tell if your pet has fleas or ticks and what can you do when faced with this situation?

Not to worry, Morris Animal Inn has got you covered with the best advice on handling this situation.


Critter Identification
Ticks:

American Dog Tick
Photo Courtesy of jkirkhart35

There are three different types of ticks prevalent in New Jersey: the deer tick, the Lone star Tick, and the American Dog tick. Deer ticks are the smallest and are black in color. The deer tick is a transmitter of Lyme disease. The American Dog tick is much larger in size, looks like a white or grey kernel of corn when engorged, and is the tick that is most frequently encountered. The American Dog Tick can be a transmitter of the Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The Lone star tick can be identified by the white spot on its back but is less common in this area.
Fleas:
Fleas appear as small red or black dots about the size of a pinhead and can be found on any part of the body, but tend to congregate around the neck and tail area of cats and dogs.

Preventative Measures
Ticks tend to favor wooded areas with overgrown grass. After every hike or walk with your dog, take the time to diligently scan his or her body for ticks. Use a brush or a flea/tick comb to slowly comb through the hair. If any fleas or ticks were on your dog’s body, it would get trapped in the fine tines of the comb. It is important to speak with your veterinarian about the best preventative measure but for owners convenience Morris Animal Inn carries Frontline for all size dogs and would be happy to administer the application.

Cures
Ticks:

http://www.dogtipper.com/

What do you do if you find a tick on your dog’s body? Use tweezers to pull the tick straight out, do not twist. Try not to grab the tick’s body but rather the mouthparts attached to your pet. Drop the tick in a jar of alcohol to kill it. If you want to be sure it is not a disease carrying deer tick, bring the tick preserved in alcohol to your local veterinarian to have it examined. Simply flushing a tick down the toilet will not kill it. Clean the bite wound with antiseptic.
Fleas:
Fleas are less dangerous than ticks but are much more annoying. As soon as a flea sucks blood it is able to reproduce and will soon lay eggs. To completely eradicate fleas from your pet and your home it is crucial to wash all bedding where your dog or cat sleeps in hot soapy water. Vacuum the entire house making sure to focus on baseboards and the corners of every room. Seal the vacuum bag in a plastic trash bag and either freeze it or pour flea powder into the bag to ensure the fleas do not return and then dispose in an outdoor trash receptacle. It may take several weeks to entirely wipe out those pesky fleas so continue to wash bedding, rugs, and pillows and become a vigilant with your vacuuming. If these natural solutions prove ineffective after several weeks, it may be time to invite an exterminator over. Just make sure that whatever fogger or spray is used contains an IGR, or insect growth regulator, to exterminate the flea in all its life cycles, from larva to adult.

To remove fleas from Fluffy or Fido, wash them in hot soapy water. There are many natural remedies out there that you may want to try before resorting to flea shampoos which contain harsh chemicals but may later prove to be necessary. Discuss your options with your veterinarian to determine the best and safest solution for your pet. If needed, Morris Animal Inn does provide flea shampooing.
Armed with these tips, you’ll be able to show any tick or flea whose boss!

What tick and flea remedies have you found most effective?

Sources:www.dogster.com, www.petplace.com,

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Everybody in the Pool!

We all know swimming is a wonderful way for people to get fit and stay active and healthy. It turns out the same perks of splashing in water apply to our furry companions. Even if your dog is not a water loving breed   s/he can reap the advantages of swimming!

Swimming is an excellent source of canine exercise that adds some spice to your pet’s fitness routine. It is particularly beneficial to older dogs that suffer from joint problems or hip dysplasia. Consider this the low-impact version of a canine workout. The buoyancy of the water can  also alleviate stiffness and soothe weak muscles or joints. Despite the gentle nature of an aqua workout, propelling themselves through the water provides an excellent cardio routine for dogs.

Other dogs are better suited for an aqua massage, especially if they suffer from hip dysplasia or arthritis. Soothing warm water and strategically placed jets work in harmony to relax muscles, ease tension, and increase flexibility. 

Fortunately for your dog, the neighborhood doggie swimming hole and aqua massage tub is close by--at Morris Animal Inn! Whether your dog prefers to swim laps solo or practice their retrieving skills with pals and our great selection of pool toys, s/he is sure to have an action packed session at the Morris Animal Inn Aqua Center. To ensure your dog's safety, our vigilant staff members monitor all dogs in the pool area and use canine life vests for those who are new to the pool. If your dog wants a new workout or a spa-like day of relaxation, let them opportunity to make some waves in our state of the art aqua center. No matter which activity you choose for your dog or what time of year, they will return to you blow-dried, invigorated and ready for more!

See Bear and his friend Beckett enjoying our pool in this great video clip (the aqua massage tub can be viewed in the background):

Has your dog enjoyed the benefits of our pool or aqua massage services? 

Source: http://www.theswimmingdog.com/benefits/benefits.html

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Brush-a, Brush-a, Brush-a!

When we think of February, groundhogs, roses, and presidents often come to mind. But if you are a pet owner, you should start thinking teeth as well. The American Veterinary Medical Association has decided to add an important topic into the short, but significant month of February. So pull out those toothbrushes and grab your pets, its officially Pet Dental Health Month!

Teeth Trouble
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, “more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop periodontal disease by age 3.” This is a common ailment that plagues our pets since we rarely remember that, just as our teeth need regular brushing, so do Fido and Fluffy’s. Signs of gum disease are brown and yellow tarter build-up, red or inflamed gums, and stinky breath according to the Pet Dental Health website. It is normal for dogs to have bad breath, but if it gets to the point where you no longer want doggie kisses, it might be time to have your veterinarian examine your pup’s chompers. In fact, regular dental exams with your veterinarian are vital to maintaining proper dental health. In addition, it is important to invest in your own canine and feline dental regime.

Plaque Prevention

Begin by introducing your pet to the taste of toothpaste by allowing them to lick it off your finger. Pets have their own specially formulated toothpaste that blends the taste of yummy flavors appealing to cat and dogs, such as beef and cheese. Human toothpaste will only upset their stomachs. When they begin to accept the taste and texture, try putting it on a small toothbrush, piece of gauze, or a finger toothbrush and scrub gently on each side for 30 seconds, or as long as your dog or cat will allow. Ideally, you should make this a daily habit that coincides with your own dental health routine. If your pet resists your efforts, don’t despair. Other options include anti-plaque water additives which can be diffused in your pets’ water bowl, oral hygiene gels, dental chew toys, and crunchy treats and bones that all help to prevent plaque build-up. Just pick up a few of these products at your pet’s next visit to Morris Animal Inn!

Start Today, Don’t Delay
A dog with pearly whites is a healthy dog indeed. Before your pet’s dental health deteriorates, commit to a plan that will keep everyone smiling. In light of Pet Dental Health Month, Morris Animal Inn is providing free, “Fresh Breath” treats with the purchase of any of our TropiClean “Fresh Breath” products!

Need more help? Watch this informative video provided by the AVAM.

Sources:

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=a31082e37c8d5ddfc22af894f&id=217acdfa36&e=02935a26d2

http://www.petdental.com/pd2/displayContent.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302025934&bmUID=1296819689437

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Fitness For Fluffy, Too!

Resting up for the hunt.

When we think of cats, many of us think of lounging and snoozing. But despite this reputation, cats both desire and require regular physical activity.

It is estimated that between 25 and 40 percent of cats seen by U.S. vets are overweight or obese, hindering their quality of life and overall health. For example, an overweight cat might not be able to jump to his or her favorite spots or play as much as they'd like. Obesity in cats is also associated with a variety of medical problems, including arthritis, ligament damage, high blood pressure, diabetes, breathing and liver problems, and urinary tract disease. Reducing food intake is part of combating obesity, but adding daily exercise to your cat’s regimen is equally helpful.

As predators, cats instinctually do a lot of sleeping interspersed with frequent bursts of activity. (Think sprinters rather than marathon runners.) In the winter months, it’s hard for both indoor and outdoor cats to get sufficient exercise, but you certainly shouldn't run out and buy them a treadmill! Morris Animal Inn offers lots of great ways to give cats the exercise and interaction they need, no matter how long their stay with us. Here are just a few examples.

Bingley explores our Kitty Play Room.

1. Our kitty playroom has a cat tree in addition to a variety of climbing, perching and scratching posts. These items encourage our feline guests to jump, reach, stretch and file down those sharp claws!
2. Our staff have become masters at the kitty teaser session, which involves any number of engaging toys such as feather wands, laser teasers and “fishing poles”.
3. Pampered pet sessions are great for getting cats up and out of their lodging and exploring. Cats have the opportunity to interact with our staff, look at our fish tank, get a view of our lobby or just stretch or scratch.
4. The option of lodging your cats together (if they get along at home) is an automatic way to ensure activity. Just the presence of another cat causes greater awareness, incites play and makes for a more social lodging experience.
5. Cat videos, included in some of our luxury cat suites, provide both physical and mental stimulation.

Google enjoying the Fish Tank view.

In addition to helping cats stay fit and healthy, exercise provides mental stimulation that prevents possible destruction of your belongings and makes for more fulfilled felines. To put it simply, a well-exercised cat is a happy cat.

Sources: 

healthypetu.com

pets.webmd.com

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Caring for Giant Breeds

Gentle Giants

Extra large breed dogs or giant breed dogs as they are also commonly referred to, come with a host of unique characteristics. It goes without saying that everything about them is bigger, including their beds, toys, appetites and strength. But here at Morris Animal Inn, no dog is too large for us!

Giant breed dogs are generally considered to be at a minimum of 75 lbs and can get as large as 200 lbs or greater, and as tall as 21 inches measuring to the withers, according to Terrific Pet.com. Some popular giant  breeds include Great Danes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Akitas, Rottweilers, Anatolian Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Bullmastiffs.

Although huge and strong, with the proper amount of training, these dogs can be manageable, and just as sweet as lap dogs. Though their training does not need to be intense, it is crucial to teach them obedience due to their size and potential to overpower smaller dogs or children. For all of your training needs, pop on over to Morris K9 Campus in Randolph, NJ to get your gentle giant under control.

Health

Just like smaller breeds, giant breed dogs are not without their share of health issues. Fortunately, full-time staff at Morris Animal Inn are certified by the Pet Care Services Association and are trained to recognize health issues common to giant breeds. Morris Animal Inn’s goal is to make your pet's stay as comfortable as possible.

Room Service 

For lounging around, it’s no secret that our large friends need bigger spaces. Unlike many other boarding facilities, Morris Animal Inn offers extra-large suites that can accommodate several large dogs in one enclosure, so big-boned brothers and sisters are always welcome. Furthermore, we provide large orthopedic beds that can easily fit two snuggling Great Danes. For their feeding purposes, we realize that the bigger the dog, the bigger the appetite. To ensure that your oversized friend gets all his/her nutrients, we offer large raised bowls, making it easier for them to eat and drink without overextending their necks.

 

Bubbles and Brushes 

Pets with long hair need regular clipping, about every six to eight weeks or so, and should have their coats brushed, to prevent tangles and mats, about twice a week. In addition to daily brush maintenance, Morris Animal Inn’s grooming salon offers extra-large grooming tables, so beautifying your canine giant is no problem for our highly-trained grooming staff. Our large floor tub also makes it much simpler for Beethoven to get in and out.

The Active Life

Large breed dogs do require a decent amount of exercise but this can be managed with daily walks with romps in a large fenced in area. Morris Animal Inn offers plenty of fenced-in outdoor play yards, as well as a scenic nature trail which are perfect for these giant breeds. Our spacious indoor play areas and treadmill ensure no matter the weather, come rain or shine, that your canine companion will get his/her exercise. Furthermore, our staff is highly trained to handle any size dog and regularly rub paws with the largest of the canine breeds.

Besides getting those big bones to move, another important aspect in the life of a giant breed dog is socialization. Though small dogs can be just as dominant towards other canines as giant breed dogs, the repercussions of this trait in a big dog are more noticeable. However, by starting as early as possible in your dog’s life, you can introduce your pet to other dogs in a controlled and safe environment so they learn socialization skills and feel comfortable with other canines. Morris Animal Inn’s daycare and group play sessions provide beneficial interaction with other dogs and members of our staff.

Here at Morris Animal Inn, size is never an issue. We truly do welcome, to quote the veterinarian James Herriot, “creatures great and small”!

Sources:

www.terifficpets.com

www.the-puppy-dog-place.com

www.dog-breeds.net

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New Year, New Options: Canine Influenza Vaccine

Over the last few years there has been a lot of discussion about Canine Influenza.  More recently, a Canine Influenza Vaccine has been introduced to veterinarians. Morris Animal Inn, in an effort to maintain our status as a leader in the industry, has done extensive research with local veterinarians and Schering Plough, manufacturers of the CIV vaccine. We would like to share the following with you as you make the decision with your veterinarian whether to add the CIV vaccination to your pet’s 2011 list of vaccinations.

Morris Animal Inn has not had any cases of the Canine Influenza; however, there have been cases in New Jersey, so we are taking the potential exposure seriously.

The Canine Influenza is highly contagious and can be transmitted by infected dogs prior to their showing any symptoms. Typically, it is airborne, passed by dog to dog contact, or via people's hands or clothing. The disease is usually mild, accompanied by coughing and sneezing similar to the typical Canine Cough. The main concern is for approximately 20% of the dogs that may exhibit additional symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, nasal discharge, fever, and potentially, pneumonia.

Based on discussions with area veterinarians and representatives from Schering Plough, our recommendation is that all our customers' dogs be vaccinated for Canine Influenza; however, we are not mandating it at this time. You should consult with your veterinarian to determine if the vaccine is appropriate for your dog.

Canine Influenza Vaccine

It is important to keep in mind that the current vaccine is not a preventative, and even a properly vaccinated dog, when exposed, will still contract the virus. The vaccine is designed to reduce the severity of the disease, the length of time the dog is sick and the complications that are brought on by secondary bacterial infections. The vaccine is a two injection series and becomes effective after 30 days.

Hopefully, your pet(s) will never contract Canine Influenza, but if your dog exhibits symptoms, it is important that you consult with your veterinarian promptly. Due to the nature of this virus, regardless of how diligent we are in cleaning and screening protocols, it may be impossible to totally prevent in the future. That said, we want to assure you that your pet’s health and happiness is always our main concern.

Morris Animal Inn wishes you and your family a happy, healthy New Year!

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It's the Remedy...

We've all heard that pets can have a positive effect on our health. But what exactly can they do for us? In this post, we provide you with a list of the most common benefits based on a multitude of research conducted on the subject of pets and people. So here goes...

The interaction between people and pets can:

• Reduce blood pressure
• Reduce cholesterol levels
• Raise triglyceride levels
• Decrease feelings of loneliness
• Provide opportunities for exercise and outdoor activity
• Provide opportunities for socialization (both romantic and platonic)
• Result in milder emotional responses
• Allow people to recover more quickly from stress
• Improve mood
• Decrease anxiety
• Provide a friend/confidant for children
• Increase calm and concentration for autistic people
• Fend off or lessen depression
• Decrease the risk of developing allergies or asthma if the person had a childhood pet
• Increase longevity and appetites in Alzheimer’s patients
• Cause patients to report less pain in hospital settings

And just recently, Mars Petcare announced a new people-pets fitness program called The Power of Pets, for which it has partnered with several YMCAs across the county.

The list goes on and on...with a quick Google search, you'll have a whole day's worth of reading about the wealth of benefits pets can have on our lives!

Sources for this post include: 
The American Journal of Critical Care, The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, The Delta Society, newsweek.com, The New York Times, The American Veterinary Association, webmd.com and PR Newswire.

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Pet Health Insurance 101

September is national Pet Insurance Month, making it a perfect time to discuss your options as a pet owner.

If you're reading this, then your dog or cat is probably a beloved member of your family and you want the best for them. If you want to provide your pet with high quality healthcare throughout his or her life, pet health insurance deserves a good look. And since you can't buy health insurance for your dog or cat when  you really need it most, in an emergency, now is the time to examine the options that could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Your Options
There are more and more pet health insurance options available to consumers each day. And like human health insurance, pet insurance coverage can vary widely. Classic pet health insurance is meant to cover expensive, unplanned events. There are monthly premiums and a variety of deductible choices, different coverage levels, co-pays and caps that limit the total yearly or lifelong payouts. These policies may exclude older dogs, certain breeds, genetic conditions and pre-existing conditions. Fortunately, there are often discounts for covering multiple pets from the same household.

Basic types of pet health insurance include:

• wellness (preventative services like vaccines, check-ups, blood tests at set fee)
• prescription drug
• cancer treatment
• alternative therapies
• accidental death. 

There is also a wide range of variations on these basic coverage types. From dental care and catastrophic care to acupuncture and lost pet recovery, pet health insurance options are out there for the taking. Of course, the costs for these plans vary significantly. 

Veterinarian Tim Banker believes that although pet healthcare can effectively mitigate high-tech veterinary expenses, it is underutilized. One possible reason is the persistence of stories about insurance companies that fail to provide expected coverage. The minutia of paperwork involved in properly filing claims can result in missing payments. The good news is that vet offices are becoming more adept at properly filing these claims on their clients' behalf. 

Here are our recommendations for finding the right care for your pet:

1. Consider your pet's health, age, predisposition to accidents and risk of inherited diseases to help determine what level of coverage you will need.

2. Get price quotes from each company that appears to offer the coverage your pet requires. Here are a few companies to consider:

AKC Pet Healthcare Plan, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, Embrace Pet Insurance, Pet Assure Corporation, PetFirst Healthcare, PetHealth, Inc., Petplan USA, Pets Best Insurance, PurinaCare, Trupanion Pet Insurance,Veterinary Pet Insurance

3. Ask your veterinarian which pet health insurance s/he recommends.

4. If your dog is diagnosed with a condition, make sure to renew coverage on time each year so it isn't excluded as a pre-existing condition. 

With some careful pet health insurance research and planning, you and your pet can celebrate many happy birthdays together. 

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