Pet Assure - Pet Insurance

Get More Than Just Pet Health Insurance With Pet Assure

2010-07-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Pet Assure isn't all about pet health insurance. We're sensitive to the whole experience of having and loving pets, and are pleased to offer discounts for pet lovers in other arenas. One of our favorites? Pet art!

Let us introduce you to a few of the artists who help make Pet Assure so much more than other pet health insurance plans.

Ever find yourself bored by the collar possibilities at your local pet store? Big Paw Designs makes "unique and classic accessories for hip dogs and cool cats." This one reminds us of dogs we know (and it's 15% off with Pet Assure)!

Then there's Colorful Critters. Kitten- and cat-themed everything, for those cat lovers who can't resist socks, clocks, wine glass charms or windchimes sporting depictions of their feline friends. We're amazed by this Deco-styled cat shaped electric fan! 10% off everything with Pet Assure.

Christy!Studios is the home of painter Christy Freeman. See that painting of a dog on the top of this post? That's one of Christy's vibrant watercolor original portraits of animals. Imagine the treasure of having an original portrait of your beloved pet! Commission one now, and with Pet Assure, save 20%.

Pet health insurance is only the beginning of what Pet Assure has to offer you!

4 Common Feline Ailments

2010-06-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

The keys to good pet health are early detection of ailments and prevention by getting them in to the vet early on in their lives. The more aware you are of the most common cat ailments, the better and faster you can respond to them before they become life threatening. Here are 5 of the most common cat health problems and how to detect them.

1) Skin problems: Skin commons are one of the most commonly treatment cat ailments. Itching and hair loss are the tip-offs to most dermatological conditions.

2) Parasites: Also another very common health problem in cats, they usually come by way of fleas and ticks.

3) Hyperthyroidism: The most common endocrine disorder is hyperthyroidism. It occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, and typically occurs in senior cats. Symptoms include increased appetite, unexplained weight loss, increased thirst and urination, vomiting, lethargy, weakness, and a dull coat.

4) Obesity: Recent studies have shown that as many as 40 to 50 percent of cats are overweight. Feline obesity of the common result of free-feeding, high-card dry foods, and a sedentary lifestyle.

All of these cat ailments are affordably treatable with the help of a veterinarian and a cat insurance plan. If you’re looking for an affordable pet insurance plan contact a Pet Assure representative today!

Pet Health Tips: 4 Common Breeds and Possible Ailments

2010-06-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Certain breeds of dogs are predisposed to certain ailments. Although not every dog is guaranteed to develop the diseases that are commonly seen in their breed, it’s always best to have a pet insurance plan in case they do start showing sign of illness, so you can get them in for treatment right away. Here are 4 common breeds and the corresponding health issues that may arise in them over the years:

American Cocker Spaniel: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye condition that afflicts many breeds, especially those with protruding eyes), cataracts, glaucoma, eye abnormalities, skin conditions, hemphylilia, ear infections, heart disease and epilepsy.

Boxer: Conneal ulcers, bloat, tumors, digestive problems, heart disease

Boston Terrier: Respiratory difficulty, heat stroke, eye infections, eyelid abnormalities, cataracts

Dalmatian: hip dysplasia, inherited deafness, skin conditions, kidney stones

Golden Retriver: hip dysplasis, PRA, VWD (a blood clotting condition causing hemorrhaging from a simple illness).

Poodle: Addison’s disease, hip dysplasia, PRA, VWD, bloat cataracts, severe skin disease

If you’re concerned about the health conditions your dog may be predisposed to, you should look into pet health plan from Pet Assure. Only time will tell what the future holds for us and our pets, but it’s best to be prepared for anything.

3 Reasons Why You Should Sign Up for Pet Assure

2010-06-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

We are a country full of people who love their pets. For most of us, our pets are just as loved as any other member of the family. Most people will go to any length to take care of their beloved animal and it’s very important for them to be safe, well-fed, comfortable and healthy. But one thing that many pet owners are on the fence about is a pet health insurance plan. Some are concerned that it’s an unnecessary expense, or that they won’t get the most for their money. If you find yourself having more questions than answers about a pet insurance plan, here are 3 reasons why you should sign up for a Pet Assure plan today:

1) Pet Assure ensures that your animal can get veterinary treatment when they need it, regardless of how tight your budget is. Because you get a 25 percent discount, you can instantly save at the vet’s office.

2) There are no exclusions, pre-existing condition bans, or benefit caps. No matter how old your pet is, you can still sign up and save.

3) You also get many national vendor discounts. A Pet Assure card can save in more places than the vets office. You can get discounts on pet grooming products, food, toys and other pet essentials. Go ahead and browse the list of vendors on our website and see for yourself!

Is Pet Assure the Same As Pet Insurance?

2010-06-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

A Pet Assure plan differs from a standard pet insurance plan plan in a few ways and here’s some info to clear the air:

-With regular pet insurance there is typically a 14 day waiting period to get benefits. With Pet Assure, there’s no waiting period.

-There are quite a few exclusions general pet insurance mandates in terms of coverage some of these include: Elective procedures, Congenital or Hereditary defects, Pre-existing Medical Conditions. Pet Assure coverage has no exclusions.

-Regular pet insurance requires you to fill out and fax complicated claim forms in order to receive coverage. When you have a Pet Assure card, you receive 25% off at the participating vet’s office.

-With Pet Assure there are no deductibles to pay, but with regular pet insurance many people have reported paying $50 per incident.

-Cancer coverage is included with Pet Assure, whereas regular pet insurance has limited cancer coverage.

-Routine care is included with a Pet Assure membership but with regular pet insurance it’s $99 annually.

-Spay and neutering procedures are included in a Pet Assure membership and with standard pet insurance it’s a $65 reimbursement if the policy carries routine care endorsement.

Pet Insurance Gets You Discounts

2010-05-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Yes it’s true—in addition to the savings at your veterinarian’s office and the helpful lost pet recovery program, there are even more ways to save with a Pet Assure pet insurance plan. With your membership card you can end up saving a fortune on everything from pet food to pet books and magazines.
Here is a full list of everything you can save money on:
•    Breeders
•    Grooming
•    Pet food
•    Pet sitting
•    Training
•    Pet supplies
•    Pet Grievance
•    Pet books and magazines
•    Pet art
In addition to these categories, there is a whole category titled, Other Services and Items Deals in which you can save big on various odds and ends. Pet Assure is definitely the best way to save big while getting your pet everything it could ever need. The discounts are another way that a Pet Assure plan really stands out from the rest. Any other pet insurance plan would just cover the vet visits and offer little perks for being a policy holder.

Tips for Older Cats

2010-05-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Cats really begin to visibly show their age by the time they hit the seven year mark. In addition to physical changes, they experience certain metabolic, immunologic, and body composition changes as well. Some of these aren’t preventable as it’s a natural progression of life. When cats age, health issues may arise, including:

- deterioration of skin and coat
- loss of muscle mass
- more frequent intestinal problems
- arthritis
- obesity
- dental problems
- decreased ability to fight off infection

However if you want your cat to live its life to the fullest even in its golden years, there are several steps you can take including altering their diet and taking them to vet regularly using your pet health insurance plan. Here are some tips:

1)    Put your cat on a Senior Diet around 7 years of age.

2)    Talk to your vet about increasing your cat’s Vitamin E intake. This can help boost their antibodies and ward off illnesses.

3)    Routine care for older cats should include regular visits to the vet. Investing in cat insurance, if you haven’t already could be a great way to save and get your beloved pet the care they need.

With Pet Assure, You Have Lost Pet Recovery

2010-05-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

A huge concern for many pet owners is the risk of their pet getting lost. But when you sign up for Pet Assure pet insurance, you don’t have to worry about that ever again. Every Pet Assure member gets a Pet Assure unique ID tag for their animal. The tag has the animals Pet Assure number along with Pet Assure’s toll free phone number, so when someone finds your lost animal, they know exactly who to call. The Toll Free number is Pet’s Assure 24/7 lost pet hotline, where our helpful staff is waiting on the line to reunite lost animals with their owners.

How the reuniting process works is, the operator looks up the contact info on associated with the unique ID on the animal’s tag. They will call your home, work, cell phone and every single emergency contact listing you provided until they can get a hold of someone who can inform you your beloved pet has been found.
Pet Assure makes it easy for you to get pet health insurance, and the lost-pet protection you and your animal need to feel secure.

Cat Scratch Fever: It’s Real…

2010-05-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

When I was 12, we got a new kitten. Like any other 12-year-old girl, I was ecstatic. This kitten and I were inseparable.

About a month before the 6th grade dance (Another thing any 12-year-old girl would be ecstatic about) I started to feel like I was getting the flu. And the week before the dance, a lymph node on one side of my neck swelled up to the size of a golf ball. Being that I was already incredibly scrawny and awkward, I looked like I was dying, and got pitiful stares everywhere I went. It was terrible! Afraid that I had a tumor, my mother took me to the doctor, where after blood work, was diagnosed with Cat Scratch Fever. My mom loves Ted Nugent, so she immediately broke into song after the diagnosis. I didn’t really get the joke.

Apparently, Cat Scratch Fever is a bacterial infection transmitted by cat scratches and bites. So after finding that out, I was concerned about the kitten. Luckily, we had cat insurance and were able to take her in to get treatment, Azithromycin, at an affordable rate. This cat-antibiotic is successful in about 83% of infected cats and luckily was successful for our kitten.

If you are concerned about cat scratch fever, you should look into a pet insurance plan to get your cat a regular check-up at an affordable rate.

Schnauzers and Their Health

2010-04-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Miniature Schnauzer is a friendly, small dog that is loyal and good with children. The word ‘schnauze’ means muzzle in German and while they can be aggressive with other dogs, and bark often, they are lovable and enjoy putting on a show. Originally used for hunting rats, the beard of this dog is a defense mechanism against biting rodents.

The Standard Schnauzer is the mini’s big brother. These pups are very protective and can be stubborn, especially if they aren’t exercised or trained well. Like the mini, socialization is important. They are very smart, but because of this need to engage with people, or else they will be prone to destroying things.

Although they have few health problems, the mini is prone to pancreatitis, which can be very painful. The standard occasionally suffers from a genetic condition called Canine Hip Dysplasia.

These doggies would greatly benefit from having dog health insurance if they have these conditions. Early detection is important but treatment can be expensive. Pills, trips to the vet, and maybe even an operation, are all strenuous on the pocketbook. As a result, dog insurance can be very handy. If you want dog health insurance, visit www.PetAssure.com.

The Great Pyrenee

2010-04-19T05:54:00.000-07:00

The Great Pyrenees dog is a majestic white creature, tall and strong, capable of treading great distances. Descended from an ancestral mountain dog, the Great Pyrenees have herded sheep in the mountains of Europe for millennia.

As a result, these dogs, despite being loyal, have been termed “aloof” or “independent,” since they were once used to being alone for weeks at a time but make excellent watch dogs. While they typically aren’t house dogs, they can be kept inside as long as they have access to a gated area to run around. They also can shed much of their coat during the summer. As such large dogs, it is imperative that they are run for at least a few hours daily.

Many mountain dogs suffer from a stomach condition called bloat, which is a twisting of the stomach resulting from eating too much. These large animals should only eat two small meals daily, otherwise they may feel the repercussions of this condition, which include severe pain, and possibly death if left alone. Surgery is required to fix the problem. Dog insurance is a valuable commodity if your pet is subject to possible afflictions. Dog health insurance can alleviate the high costs of surgery and keep your pet healthy. If you haven’t before, now may be the time to start thinking about dog insurance.

Akita Inus and GDV

2010-04-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

These beautiful Japanese dogs are loyal and intelligent. Besides being good guard dogs, Akitas come in a variety of colors, which can differentiate their breed. As late as 2005, the American Akita became its own breed from the Great Japanese Dog. Characteristic curly tails and short erect ears are the prime features of these furry bear-like canines.

As large dogs, they usually live about 10 years. While they are subject to the same diseases and problems as many other large dogs, they do suffer one particular disease more commonly than other doggies. Gastric dilation volvulus means that the Akita may be subject to bloating from trapped gas in the stomach. Resultantly, Akita Inus usually gag or wretch to show their discomfort, and experience severe pain in their abdomen. Veterinary attention is usually required to alleviate this pain.

Rather than pay for a visit to the vet, it’s much easier to simply have dog health insurance. Dog insurance covers the health problems of your pet and can wind up saving you a lot of money, especially if you have an Akita Inu that has GDV. Dog insurance is a great idea, and you won’t have to worry about paying out of pocket to keep your pup healthy and happy.

Pet Cataracts Nipped Away With Pet Insurance

2010-04-01T05:38:00.000-07:00

We have an Old English Sheepdog who’s very friendly. We bought him before our son was born. He adapted to the baby very well. As Jason (our son) grew, Max (our dog) played with him and let Jason ride him, and even tried herding him along when he was a toddler. In short, Max treated Jason like a baby sheep, and was gentle and kind.

Now that Max is getting older, he’s developed cataracts. Because Old English Sheepdogs are highly prone to cataracts, this isn’t very alarming. A while ago we got Maxy pet health insurance. Big dogs like him tend to have more medical problems like hip dysplasia and glaucoma, so we thought it would be better to keep him healthy with dog insurance rather than have to pay the cost out of pocket if he develops a more serious issue down the line.

Since we already have pet health insurance we decided to help Max. Old English Sheepdogs already have reduced vision due to the protective hair that covers their eyes and filters the sun, so to prevent his cataracts from worsening his vision, we decided to nip it in the bud.
Now Max has a much lesser chance of going blind. He’s happy in his old age, and we hope he will continue to be for a long while.

Be Wary of Pet Healthcare Info on the Internet

2010-03-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

With there being so much information on the internet, a plethora of pet healthcare info is right at our fingertips. But sometimes, finding accurate, credible information on the internet is like finding a needle in a haystack.

When using sites like Wikipedia where anyone can post articles, pet owners should be wary of information posted about pet healthcare, as it probably wasn’t written by a professional. Remember that although it’s convenient to have this abundance of facts easily available, the safety of your pet is reliant on this information so want it to be high quality.

That’s not to say that every thing found the internet is inaccurate. There are plenty of reliable, credible sites out there that do have accurate information. Sites like PetPlace.com have over 5,000 Veterinarian approved articles. Another reliable source is the ASPCA.com. ASPCA is a really great resource with comprehensive and professional pet information and tips.

Instead of using these informative sites as diagnostic tools, use them as a base to educate yourself on certain illnesses that you think your pet may be suffering from. It’s also important to remember that although you may feel you are an expert on pet health and illnesses, you are not a veterinary professional and therefore, you shouldn’t be diagnosing your animal.
Instead, share your findings with your veterinarian and see what they say about your pet’s current state and the illnesses you are concerned about.

Pet Healthcare Info: Heartworms

2010-03-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Lifecycle of a Heartworm: How they Get Around
The first thing that happens in the heartworm development process is the adult female heartworm releases her young or the microfilariae into a cat or dog’s bloodstream. Then, when mosquito’s feed on the infected animal, they become infected as well. In 10 to 14 days, the microfilariae mature to the infective larval stage within the mosquito. The mosquito then goes on to bite other animals, thus passing the microfilariae onto the new animal through the bite wound. It then takes 6 months for the larvae to mature into full blown heartworms and can live up to 7 years in dogs and 2-3 years in cats.

Signs of Heartworm Disease
It’s hard to detect in recently infected animals, however heavily-infected animals may exhibit a persistent cough, fatigue, reduced appetite, and weight loss.

Prevention
Heartworm disease is very preventable. If you are a pet owner you should most definitely talk to your pet healthcare provider about how to protect their pets from this dangerous disease. White treatment for heartworms in dogs is treatable, it’s untreatable in cats, so it’s imperative that cat owners take the necessary precautions to keep their animal healthy.

There are daily and monthly heartworm pills you can give your pet that are widely popular and quite effective in preventing an infection. There are also monthly topical treatments and an injection for dog only, that you can get every six months.

If you are concerned about heartworm prevention, you may want to consider a veterinary discoun t program. This can save you hundreds on dollars on vet visits and prescriptions from your vet, including heartworm medication.

Pre-Existing Conditions and Pet Heath Insurance

2010-03-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

The term Pre-Existing Condition is a big hindrance for many American’s looking for good health care coverage. But unfortunately, pet health insurance isn’t exempt from this often ambiguous term. Pet insurers are pretty unanimous about not covering pre-existing conditions.

Just like human insurance the cost and coverage levels of pet health insurance are determined by the physical condition of the animal prior to purchasing a policy.

Here is a little bit of information on what constitutes as a “pre-existing condition” in the world of pet health insurance.

To some insurance companies, a pre-existing condition is a congenital disorder, or one that the animal inherited through birth and can arise at any time in the animal’s life. For example, Hip Dysplasia, a disease that frequently plagues larger dogs, wouldn’t be covered. Essentially, it’s up to you as a pet owner to research and understand what conditions are specific to your breed. When shopping for pet insurance ask the specific on what won’t be covered by pet health plan providers.

If you’re looking to get around the Pre-Existing Condition nightmare, you should consider Pet Assure’s Veterinary Discount program. This comprehensive saving program can be used toward any vet visit and any dog, regardless of pre-existing conditions can qualify.

My Pet Health Care Plan Story

2010-03-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

I couldn’t imagine life without a veterinary discount.
I have an 8-year-old boxer who, despite her graying face, can still keep up with the youngest pups at the dog park.

She was a hurricane rescue dog that was found waiting on what the volunteers assumed to be the remnants of her family’s home.

She was in pretty bad shape when I got her six years ago from the Boxer rescue program. She had mange, fleas, ticks, and a few tumors that needed to be removed. I was especially concerned about the tumors, and took her into the vet. They told me that boxers were especially susceptible to these tumors, some are harmful and some aren’t.

They’re usually harmless, but can be a little painful for the dog when they burst, so it’s best to take them in to get them removed when they appear.

I decided that if she was going to be getting these growths every few months, I would be going to the vet a lot more than the average pet owner. But I was denied coverage from a big pet health insurance provider because of her tumors, as they were "pre-existing conditions".
I found Pet Assure's member discount program, and realized it was a more affordable and more practical alternative to traditional pet health insurance. And pre-existing conditions or not, I was still able to qualify for the discount.

Thanks to Pet Assure's program and the veterinary discount, I'm able to get her in and get the treatment she needs, without going bankrupt.

So if you’re interested in the advantages of a veterinary discount, check out petassure.com for the best rates.

Pet Healthcare Info: Obesity

2010-02-22T08:46:00.000-08:00

Beagles are fun, cute and energetic dogs. But like most dogs, as they age, they can become more lethargic. In turn this can lead to obesity. When coupled with inactivity, beagles often display signs of arthritis. These two conditions can be linked, but to ensure that your beagle stays as healthy as possible, you need to maintain a healthy diet for your doggy. Beagles tend to eat anything they can, again like most dogs, and especially if they aren’t getting the exercise they need, they can wind up gaining weight. At first you may think it’s cute to see your beagle turn into a little sausage, but in fact, it’s very bad for his health. These dogs are supposed to be hunting and running in fields and forests; if as they age, they don’t get any exercise, they may be prone to obesity.

Fortunately, you can take basic steps like following dietary and exercise routines to prevent canine obesity. If you think, however, that your dog’s weight gain is due to a more serious health issue, it might be time to look for veterinary discounts. While you may think that pet healthcare is expensive, it doesn’t have to be. With petassure.com you can have pet healthcare for an affordable monthly or yearly price that covers all of your pet’s needs. Veterinary discounts don’t add up under most pet health insurance, but with petassure.com you can be sure that your beagle can have a pet health plan that is affordable and can help him be healthy again.

Pet Healthcare Info: Canine Epilepsy

2010-02-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

Affecting as many as 4% of dogs, canine epilepsy is an important part of pet healthcare. Pets with this condition experience frequent seizures, which are caused by either symptomatic or idiopathic epilepsy. Symptomatic epilepsy is the result of a separate disease, such as brain cancer, whereas dogs with idiopathic epilepsy are having seizures from no known cause, except possibly genetics.

Each type of canine epilepsy requires a different treatment course. Symptomatic epilepsy, as it is the effect of another condition, is treated by managing or curing the root disease. Alternatively, idiopathic epilepsy requires antiepileptic drugs, which reduce the frequency of seizures in about 2/3 of dogs. These drugs have some undesirable side effects, such as stimulating appetite and sedating the animal, so they are only recommended for dogs that have seizures more than every two or three months.

Dogs suffering from idiopathic epilepsy can often lead relatively normal lives with the help of antiepileptic drugs, however the need for medication will never go away, which can mean a large financial commitment on the part of the owners. For this disease and others, many pet owners trust a pet health plan to help them afford the necessary treatment.

Save On Your Pet Health Plan With These Tips!

2010-02-08T10:28:00.000-08:00

If you have a dog, you probably know that a pet health plan can help you afford treatment for your pet if medical problems arise. This is a very useful investment, but pet insurance is not the only way to take care of your dog. Check out these three tips for keeping pets safe:

First, you want to make sure that your pet's food and water dishes do not contain any harmful materials. Just like it would be unhealthy for a human to drink out of a container with lead-based paint, this would also be dangerous for an animal.

Next, pay attention to the ingredients in your dog's food. If the first component listed on the can or bag isn't meat or poultry, chances are the food is not as hearty or substantial as your animal deserves.

Now that we've got food covered, it's time to consider a more serious pet healthcare issue: spaying or neutering your pet. Although some pet owners see these operations are “cruel” or “not natural,” what they're really doing is helping your dog live a longer, better life. For example, neutered dogs are not at risk for testicular cancer, a disease that affects many adult non-neutered pets. Additionally, these operations will reduce your canine's hormone levels, so that your dog will not be interested in mating.

A Veterinary Discount for Your Best Friend

2010-02-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

Choosing to buy a puppy is an exciting, happy moment for any family, but it's important to remember that dogs, like people, can become sick and require pet healthcare.

New puppy owners often discover the reality of how expensive it is to own a pet a little too late—when they get to the vet's office, for example. The trouble is, canine surgeries and medicines for diseases are often as much if not more expensive than human treatments, which can have a huge impact on your bank account.

Fortunately, one way to lower the costs is to sign up for a pet health plan that offers a veterinary discount. This is somewhat like pet health insurance for your dog, but less complicated, as pet healthcare provides discounts on prescriptions, doctor visits, and even surgery, all of which can end up saving you a lot of money.

Most pet healthcare services offer veterinary discounts between 15 and 25 percent for every vet visit, as well as discounts on other pet products including supplies, food, books, and even services like grooming and sitting. This way, you'll be saving money on things you would be buying your pet anyway, in addition to medical care!

Pet Healthcare Info: Canine Arthritis

2010-01-25T03:45:00.000-08:00

Just like humans, canines are susceptible to arthritis, a disease that occurs when the cartilage and bone in joints degenerates over time. A surprising one in five mature dogs suffers from arthritis, making the condition an important part of pet healthcare.

Of course, Rover can’t tell you that his joints hurt, but there are certain symptoms you can watch for to determine whether or not your dog has arthritis, including:

Trouble walking, standing, or sitting up
Decreased interest in playing, running, or jumping
Weight gain/lethargy

You should also be aware of any personality changes, like increased irritability or decreased alertness.

If you notice any these symptoms for more than two weeks, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian, who will administer a physical exam and, if necessary, X-ray tests.

Fortunately, canine arthritis can be managed – it’s actually treated very similarly to human cases. For example, both humans and dogs with arthritis can benefit from frequent exercise and a nutritious diet. For optimum pet healthcare, your vet may also prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or advise you to purchase special pills and food available over the counter. These should contain beneficial ingredients like Omega fatty acids or chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine.

Your Portuguese Water Dog Could Be Ailing From These Diseases Without Proper Pet Healthcare

2010-01-18T04:18:00.000-08:00

The Portuguese Water Dog is another really amazing animal. In fact, this dog not only breeds fairly well and has won a few different championships at Westminster, but as of late the President has even decided to get a Portuguese Water Dog. No matter, these dogs can still get all the same health problems that any other dog can get, pedigree or not. The truth is that most dogs - pure-bred, mixed or mutt all seem to have coinciding diseases that affect just that type of dog. For the Portuguese Water Dog its diseases such as hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

All of these disease are quite serious, and can leave your dog in pain, blind, or as unfortunate as it is - dead. Most owners are quite keen to the new preventive medicines and products available to their animals. What a lot of people don't know is that there is now a newer option available one in which has become one of the most essential and fundamental options in pet healthcare - pet health insurance. I'm sure this sounds a little odd to the non-pet lover or for those people that treat their dogs, like dogs. But for those of us who truly treat our pets like they are one of the family - this option could end up being your new best friend.

The pet health insurance plans and pet healthcare plans are similar to human insurance in that they can help you save money, and they can help your dog get specific surgeries and medicines that you might not be able to afford without it.

The pet health plan option is also a good thing to look into if you visit your vet a lot for things like check ups, and vaccinations because you can ultimately get a veterinary discount with the plan which can obviously be very helpful for those of us that know how expensive this can get!

Pet Healthcare Questions: Can A Pedigree Dog Still get A Genetic Disease?

2010-01-07T04:16:00.000-08:00

When most of us think of a Pedigree or pure-bred animal, we automatically assume that it's going to be in perfect health. However, researchers now show that even if a dog’s parents and siblings are in perfect health, this doesn't mean that its predecessors were. Pedigree dog diseases can go back as far as five or six generations. So if you think you're safe and your dog is safe, you are probably wrong! Of course there are two things you can do about this. You can either make sure you check the dogs background thoroughly enough in hopes that the owners of the pups will be honest with you.

Or you could try to prevent these problems by doing what most any other animal lover does - get a pet health plan! A health plan isn't meant to just keep your dog healthy and... alive. It’s also meant to keep you from saving money as well with a veterinary discount. Like people, dogs need check ups, shots, vaccinations and they need to be seen when they get sick. This can end up causing the owners quite a lot of money! No matter how much money you make off of your dog, or how much you love it, it really does pay in the end to have something like pet health insurance, especially if your type of dog is prone to outbreaks, sicknesses and genetic diseases.

Usually if you do own a pedigree and you have a specific type of dog, you are well-aware of the dangers he or she could be facing. Even if your dog isn't a "pedigree", it's still important that you keep up with your pet healthcare, everyday health and keep up with whatever preventive measures you can to ensure a long, happy, and very healthy life!

Pet Health Plan Prevention Of Bichon Frise's And AIHA Disease

2009-12-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

Bichon Frises are one of the cutest dog breeds in the world, I know because I have had four of them! Our first dog Rikki was always in perfect health and so were the two following after him. However, in 2006 when we got a puppy who we named Tank, he got really sick at just 5 months old. We did everything we possibly could do to keep him from getting worse, but it simply was not in the cards for the little guy. He was diagnosed as having AIHA or autoimmune hemolytic anemia which is a disease popular in this breed.

This disease causes symptoms such as loss of energy, lack of appetite, vomiting and unfortunately death as we well know. Tank passed away not too long after he was diagnosed with this horrible disease after which we spent about $10,000 trying to keep him alive. When we visited the animal hospital at first to take him in for a check up, the vet kept trying to tell us how important a pet health plan was, but because he was already sick pet health plan simply could not be incorporated into his life.

What we didn't know back then that there are pet healthcare plans that CAN help your pet, and help you receive a veterinary discount, without checking pre-existing condition, for a very low price. This is the reason we now get ALL of our animals on Pet Assure's pet health plan. Maybe if we had Tank on one, he wouldn't be missing in our lives today.

The Pet Healthcare Tip of the Day: Understanding Cataracts

2009-12-21T03:51:00.000-08:00

Like people, dogs are at risk for developing cataracts, formations that can severely impair their vision. A cataract develops when the protein and cells of the lens (located behind the pupil) start to break down, resulting in a “cloudy” look in the eyes and an inhibited ability to perceive light.

Cataracts are commonly inherited conditions, and certain breeds are at a greater risk than others, such as Poodles, Boston and Silky Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels. The disease might also develop as a result of another eye condition, like glaucoma or uveitis, or as a congenital defect. Cataracts frequently form in older dogs, but they are not always severe enough to warrant surgical intervention.

If your dog’s vision is seriously impaired, you may consider finding a discount vet to perform cataracts surgery. In pet healthcare, cataracts surgery is a common procedure with a high success rate. The doctor will use a machine to generate sound-waves that deteriorate the lens. He or she will then remove the lens and apply a synthetic one in its place.

To avoid cataracts, doctors recommend feeding your dog natural antioxidants or considering the hereditary conditions of both parents before breeding.

Today’s Pet Healthcare Tips: Prevent Plaque and Periodontal Disease

2009-12-14T07:41:00.000-08:00

When my family and I took home a Yorkshire Terrier about ten years ago, I learned from my discount vet about the breed’s increased risk of periodontal disease, an irreversible disorder that causes painful inflammation of the gums and loose or even missing teeth. All dogs are at some risk for periodontal disease, but small dogs are particularly vulnerable, as their tiny mouths mean their teeth are more closely packed together, making it easier for plaque to accumulate.

To protect my Yorkie, I brush her teeth at least once a week with special dog toothpaste (baking soda also works) and feed her a diet of mostly hard kibbles, which are less likely to build up around her teeth. I bought her some rubber chew toys too, which are a fun way for her to clean her teeth herself.

Without proper care, your pet’s plaque buildup can mineralize to tartar in as little as three to five days. If the tartar gets really out of control, it eventually accumulates under the gums, which is when periodontal disease develops.

Even with excellent pet healthcare, it’s often better to stop a problem before it starts.

Pet Healthcare Tips: How to Treat your Dog's Allergies

2009-12-07T13:32:00.000-08:00

Just like us humans, dogs have allergies too… Many pet care-takers often notice that their dogs have all sorts of allergic reactions but luckily, most of the times these are just simple cases that involve sneezing, bumps on the skin or rashes.

Dogs can show allergic reactions to all kinds of substances including stings, different plants, foods and medications.

My wife suffers from severe allergies and so far they did not find a cure for her. Same goes with dogs. Allergies can not disappear due to any kind of medication, but there are several types of treatments that can help ease the problem.

Pet care-takers can use all sorts of natural treatments including specialty shampoos or essential oils, or try the more common drug and medication therapy. The best thing to do is to check your options with your pet’s veterinarian.

Just so you know, there are many researches though that suggested that about third of all dog allergies are caused by foods. So a good idea would be to try and use a different brand for a while and see if things get better.

If you need more info and tips about your pet's health and pet healthcare plan, please visit us at www.PetAssure.com or give us a call at 888-789-PETS (7387)

Pet Healthcare Tips: When your cat won't stop scratching

2009-12-01T10:06:00.000-08:00

Let’s talk about ears. Cat’s ears. Does your cat scratch its cute little ears too often? Well, your beloved pet might have ear mites. Highly contagious, these tiny annoying parasites nestle in your cats and dogs’ ears and cause intense skin irritation and itching.

It’s normal to see your pet scratch their ears here and there, just like we do. But when the itching and scratching becomes too frequent and sometimes even lead to bleeding and ear trauma, this is a serious pet healthcare issue. You should see a vet before the mites spread to other parts of their body.

Treatment for ear mites will begin with cleaning the ear and ear canal to get all the dirt and wax out of the way. Mites live on and hide behind the wax and if the ears are not properly cleaned the treatment will be less effective.

The pet care taker will probably need to apply antibiotic medication into the pet’s ear canal and use flea control products in order to prevent the spread of dust mites to other parts of the body.

If you need more info and tips about your pet's health and pet healthcare plan, please visit us at www.PetAssure.com or give us a call at 888-789-PETS (7387)

Pet Healthcare Tips: When your Dog won’t stop Sneezing

2009-11-27T09:59:00.001-08:00

Pet Healthcare is very important to us, but still, we usually get a kick when our pets sneeze occasionally. They are so adorable when they go atchoo… Indeed, when cats and dogs sneeze occasionally, it’s a good laugh. But when sneezing becomes too frequent, we might face a problem.

Many pet care-takers notice that their dogs will suddenly have a series of weird sneezing, usually very loud and mostly forced by the animal. This symptom, which may last anywhere between a couple of seconds to a couple minutes, is called the Reverse Sneeze Syndrome.

There is no reason to be worried about this syndrome if it only happens occasionally. We’re still not sure of the cause, but most veterinarians believe that dogs are trying to remove mucus that is blocking their nasal passages. Still, when reverse sneeze syndrome occurs frequently or with older dogs, this should be further examined.

Treatment might include massaging your pet’s throat, compressions on the chest area or even blowing air in the pet’s nose. A vet should be notified if the syndrome affects your dog’s health or when the sneeze turns into a cough.

For more information about your pet healthcare, visit www.PetAssure.com today!

Welcome to the Pet Assure Blog!

2009-11-16T13:58:00.000-08:00

If you have a cat or a dog or any kind of animal, you probably treat them just as you treat your family members. Pets are as important to us as anybody living in the house and we always want the best for our house pets! But these days, when vets and insurance bills can come up to a lot of money – how can you make sure that you'll always be able to financially cover your pet’s health costs?

Well, you can, and it’s easier than ever. Pet Assure is the preferred alternative to insurance coverage for your family pet. Unlike pet insurance, all pets are covered; regardless of age, medical condition or any pre-existing condition. There are no exclusions, no deductibles and no waiting for reimbursement.

Oh, and no need for a quote also, as Pet Assure’s minimal cost remains consistent for our members and so do the savings. We are the alternative coverage to pet insurance for every pet! So, you can start now by search for a participating veterinarian and don't forget to visit our blog for news and information about your pet's health!