Pet Health - The Forgotten Sibling of Pet Insurance

Pet health is so often overlooked in our busy lives. While pet insurance is a great way to make sure we can afford whatever operations or procedures our best friends need, often the best answers for an emergency free life can come from keeping the everyday parts of their lives in check.

First off is the food we feed our cats and dogs. One great way to ensure our pets stay healthy is to change the quality of food we feed them. This often comes with a change of price, but considering the negative effects that come as a result of ignoring what we put in their bodies, in the long run you could save that money on vet bills and pet insurance.

Take these small tidbits into account. Cats and dogs do not digest grains very well, and the part of their food that isn't low quality meat is often low quality grains. The one meal fits all mentality we have also doesn't work for them. As many pets get older they start to have joint problems that require supplements in their food to cure. Ask your vet what food they would recommend and remember to try not to switch your animal's food too often or it may lead to digestive problems and an upset animal.

Two other issues often overlooked are mats in fur and cleanliness of paws. Cats are generally cleanly enough to take care of their own paws, but dogs are a different story. A dog's paws are breeding grounds for bacteria and cuts and other sorts of harmful occurrences. To ensure a dog's paws stay clean and well groomed is a sign of a great owner in that it makes sure your pet will be able to continue to stay on its feet as long as it needs to later on in life, a greatly overlooked part of pet health.

The last issue I'll touch on here is fur mats. All I can really say in this area is brush your animal regularly! If you don't feel confident with certain spots, then take your pet in to a groomer. Don't leave it as it will only get worse and often results in having to have it cut out altogether. The more tangled your pet's hair get the more it tugs at its skin, resulting in sores and a great deal of pain. This over the years combined with poor eating habits and battering its paws contribute to a lot of health problems we associate with our pet's old age. Taking these pet health tips in to consideration we can insure our pets have a longer and happier life.

I've made a lot of mistakes over the years with my pets. The worst part about it is that I never knew I was making them until long after the fact, very few of us do. Do you know what mistakes you're making? Come look at my guides on pet insurance at my site and make sure you'll always be there for your pet from this point on.

Protecting the Smallest Member of Your Family: A Step-by-step Guide to Pet Insurance

Let's face it - Fido and Fluffy are an important part of your family. Do you want to have to assign a dollar value to them if they become sick or injured?

That may well be the case if you don't have pet health insurance. Rising veterinary costs mean that pet owners can pay hundreds - and even thousands - of dollars for their pets' health problems. As the bills stack up, uninsured pet owners must determine how much they are willing to spend on their animal friend. It can be a heartbreaking decision to make.

Much like insurance for health, cars and homes, pet insurance helps people put a little money away now to avoid a major payout later. Coverage and cost vary, so it's important to thoroughly research the options if you decide to insure your pet.

Step one: Determine if Pet Insurance is Right for You

When people decide to get a pet, they often don't consider how they will deal with the inevitable unexpected illnesses or accidents. Keeping a pet indoors by no means eliminates all the hazards. They can still swallow foreign objects, ingest a poison or injure themselves. As well, living indoors does not make a pet immune to disease and infection - particularly those that are common to their breed. Pets with access to the outdoors have even more opportunities to pick up a disease or get hurt.

Don't have a dog or cat? Insurance companies are starting to offer plans that meet the needs of a variety of pet owners. Some now offer coverage for birds and exotic animals.

Not all owners are good candidates for pet insurance, however. Pet insurance is ideal for owners who deeply love their pets and are willing to spend a significant amount of money to keep them healthy and extend their life. They buy their cherished companions the best food and care they can afford, sometimes even putting their pets' needs before their own. For this type of owner, pet insurance can be a smart investment that can prevent considerable costs and bring peace of mind.

Pet insurance is not a good investment for owners who don't have a strong emotional tie to their pet. Owners who would rather have their pets euthanized than spend money on vet bills are not good candidates for pet insurance.

Step two: Decide What Type of Coverage You Want

Most pet owners will weigh two main considerations when shopping for pet insurance: budget and coverage. Peace of mind can also be an important factor, but far more difficult to quantify.

Pet health insurance is still relatively new in the United States and Canada, so the options available are fewer than for other forms of insurance. That said, North American pet owners can choose from a variety of coverage choices, ranging from injury/accident-only to all-inclusive.

As with all insurance products, the cost of pet insurance increases as the coverage improves. As a pet owner, you must decide what is the right balance between affordability and the care you want for your pet.

- Coverage

When choosing pet insurance coverage, first consider what kind of insurance customer you are. Do you prefer all-inclusive coverage that pays for everything from routine checkups and vaccinations to accidents and chronic illnesses, or are you comfortable with a lesser degree of coverage that just kicks in during emergencies? Perhaps you prefer a flexible plan that offers discounts on a wide range of services, from veterinary care to training. This decision will lay the groundwork for your final choice.

Some issues to consider:

* Make sure to check for coverage of pre-existing conditions as well as breed-specific genetic ailments, such as hip dysplasia for large dogs. Some plans refuse to cover these conditions.

* Some plans place limits on annual, per-incident, per-illness or lifetime costs.

* How old is your pet? Coverage usually starts at eight weeks, but some plans won't cover pets over a certain age (usually between six and 10 years old, depending on the breed, type of animal and other factors).

- Cost

Payment options for pet insurance include flat fees or deductibles and/or co-payments. Not surprisingly, plans with lower monthly premiums come with higher deductibles and/or larger co-payments.

Some issues to consider:

* Insurance premiums are affected by the age, health and breed of your pet, as well as the type of animal.

* Some plans offers discounts for multiple pets.

* Plans generally require customers to pay the vet bill first and then submit receipts for reimbursement.

* Find out if the insurance premiums will increase as your pet ages.

* Depending on the plan you choose, the monthly premiums can range from less than $10 to about $40.

Step three: Choose an Insurer

You've determined what you can afford to spend and the amount of pet insurance coverage you want.

Before selecting an insurer, here are some final considerations:

* Make a list of your questions and priorities in advance. Make sure to answer or check off each item when reviewing plan options.

* Research the insurer thoroughly. Review its website and sales materials, read its testimonials, talk to other pet owners and look for on-line reviews. How long has the company been in business? Are its customers satisfied? Make sure you feel comfortable about everything you hear or read.

* Compare the plan's benefit schedule with your vet's fees to determine to what degree the plan will cover the actual treatment costs.

* Find out how quickly the insurance company reimburses customers' claim payments and if it has claim deadlines.

* Read the fine print. Make sure you completely understand the plan's benefits and, more importantly, the limitations. If something isn't clear, ask - and get the answer in writing. Otherwise, you might find you don't have the coverage you need if an accident occurs.

* Start a file for your pet. Use it for all receipts and insurance paperwork so you can keep on top of your claims and make sure you are maximizing your insurance investment.

Your responsibility as a pet owner doesn't end with food, shelter and affection. Pet health insurance can give the smallest member of your family a longer and healthier life - and provide you with more time to enjoy the unconditional love it so willingly offers to you.

Burke Jones is a frequent contributor to Pet Health Depot [http://www.pet-health-depot.com].

What Can You Do About Pet Health?

The primary concern of most pet owners is keeping your pet healthy. Pets are more than animals they are a part of the family and you want to keep them healthy for many years to come. However, how exactly do you go about maintaining pet health for your furry friend? With proper diligence, your pet will be happy and healthy and you could extend their lives. In order to provide for their health you are going to know the good and bad effects on your pet's health. Much of their health is dependent on maintenance things like keeping their shots up to date and parasite prevention. There is some controversy over the shots, most vets will insist that your pet receive them annually, however they are only needed once every three years. Do not be afraid to stand up to the vet, you are the pet parent after all.

Look at pet health maintenance much like your own, if the vet prescribes medications look them up and check the side effects. Should the side effects be more harmful than the illness you probably want to deny the treatment and search for another alternative, possibly even natural. Dogs and cats both suffer from stomach ailments from time to time and it can generally be fixed with grass. When they eat grass, it absorbs harmful things that they may have eaten and in most cases makes your pet regurgitate everything, which leaves them feeling much better. For pet owners who live in the city or any place where grass is scarce naturally, you can find pet grass at most pet stores. The planet has provided many natural elements to help with healing for all species; even everyday rosemary can be quite helpful.

Do no misunderstand, vets are a great help when you may have a pet emergency. It is simply better to know when you can treat your pet at home without bothering with a veterinarian. In some situations, pet health can easily be treated at home naturally without harsh chemicals or medications. On the other hand, there will be times when you must see the vet for pet health issues. Compare it this way, you probably have several home remedies you use for different ailments but if you become very sick, you know you have to see a physician. This is the same principle you should use in regards to pet health. It is good to know when you can treat your pet at home and when pet health depends on the intervention of a vet. If you look around you may even find the best of both worlds in a veterinarian who practices holistic medicine and offers you the best pet health care.

For More Articles and Information on How to Care for Your Pet, Check Out http://www.petcareandpethealth.com TODAY!

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.

Pet Health - Pet Escapades of Cat Care

I write these stories to apprise everyone that has a pet to some of the situations we pet sitters run into from time to time while caring for your pets. Each one of us will handle these particular situations differently because we are all individuals.

It seems that I am in the cat cycle of pet sitting as I am taking care of a large number of kitties.

I just finished a client that had 2 cats and both are pretty friendly and very overweight. They are both really adorable and I love to care for them. This was a little trying time for me as we sometimes, run into situations where the homes are unkempt and it causes more time cleaning up than usual, which is the case here. When we enter a home our first priority is to feed and give clean water which is not possible if the kitchen sinks are loaded up with dirty dishes. We do clear and clean up the dishes because we have to maintain our professional services as we see fit. Another situation we run into with cats is a dirty litter box. We try our best to bring them up to par but, sometimes this is not possible because they were never cleaned properly to begin with. All we can do in this situation is to make the best of it by scooping and spraying with whatever is available or to bring some of my essential oils to dispense into the air to eliminate some of the odors. There have been some situations whereby the litter used is ridiculously inadequate for any proper way of eliminating waste or odor for that matter. Make sure you have enough plastic bags available for removal of your cat's waste and have enough litter. Make sure the litter you use does do the job. This will ensure proper care for your cat and anyone else that might be taking care of your cat.

Another thing to keep in mind is if the weather changes abruptly, to have a plan and strategy for your pet sitter to either heat or cool your home. Giving simple directions is only required, to locate and then, show how to turn on/off your heat or cooling. Employing a snow removal emergency plan is applicable and or having snow shovels available will ensure the pet sitter can enter your home. Plan on showing where the circuit breakers are is another great idea for keeping your loved ones secure as sometimes, furnaces have tripped circuit breakers in the dead of winter. Providing as much information as you can makes it easier for us to give great care for all concerned. We sometimes, risk a lot to get to your home so, making sure we can enter is a must.

Letting the pet sitter know how you care for your home is also, a must as some situation arise that we need to know the best and quickest route to maintain a relaxed and comfortable situation for your loved ones.

Mary Varricchio has been a professional pet sitter for over 8 years and an owner for over 30 years. I have taken care of animals that are furry, scaled and feathered and have loved every minute of my time with them. I am a member of Pet Sitters Association and to which I have insurance through. I have many Pescapades or pet stories to tell you which, some will inspire and some will make you sad and everything in between.

Please feel free to visit my website:

[http://www.pet-ex.biz/naturalproducts.html]

Pet Health Insurance - What to Consider Before Purchasing Pet Medical Insurance?

Pet health insurance is not a new idea. It has been available for more than 20 years. But there are still some people that find pet health insurance is still relatively new.

Currently, there are many options. While some pet owners are doubtful, some fear that adding insurance to veterinary medicine will follow the path of insurance red tape and problems found in human health care fields.

Pet health care policies are in some ways similar to human insurance policies. There are annual premiums, deductibles and different coverage plans based on what the owner chooses. Plans are based on species, age, pre-existing conditions and in some cases, even upon the lifestyle of the pet.

According to some experts, the best time to purchase pet insurance is when the animal is still young. Many pet health insurance plans do not cover pre- existing conditions. Insuring early can also provide coverage for certain initial veterinary procedures such as vaccinations and spaying.

When looking for a pet health insurance, consider the company stability. Even if pet health insurance has been available for more than 25 years and has grown to become a strong industry, there are few companies who have been on the market for a while. So, when shopping for pet insurance, do your research about the insurance company. Know how long it has been in business and if it is financially solid.

Make sure that the company has in-depth veterinary knowledge. A quality pet health insurance provider should have knowledge of the veterinary and insurance industries. It should have trained veterinary professionals on their staff. It pays if your veterinarian actually recommends the pet health insurance.

When looking for a pet health insurance, check for the wellness coverage. Preventive care is important for the long-term health of the pet. In order to encourage and remind pet owners to take their pet to the vet on a regular basis, there are pet insurance plans offering coverage for common preventive treatments and procedures like wellness exams, vaccinations, heartworm protection, neutering, teeth cleaning, prescription flea control and many more.

Aside from wellness coverage, also check the broad coverage for illnesses. Policies should include coverage for prescription drugs, dental illness, allergies and diabetes. Also check if your pet has insurance coverage even if it is away from home. A good pet insurance should cover your pet no matter where you are.

Also check if it is possible to have your own veterinarian. Some pet owners would rather have their own veterinarian including veterinary specialists such as oncologists, neurologists, and allergists.

If pet health insurance is not for you and your pet, there are other options that you can choose from to keep your pet healthy.

You can check with your veterinarian. There are some hospitals that offer wellness packages. They offer discount prices on vaccinations, spay/neuters and similar medical attention. Some even have geriatric health check up packages you can check on.

Discount programs like Pet Assure is another option. This national program offers 25 percent savings on veterinary services. They can sometimes offer as much as 50 percent on pet supplies. They have a network of participating veterinarians and pet vendors where you can take advantage of their services and discounts.

Some human and non-profit organizations offer financial aid to pet owners. Some veterinary offices even keep an emergency fund for pets in the event they have an emergency situation. But even if there is an option like this, pet owners should still primarily provide or cover financial cost brought about by emergency situations.

Pet health insurance is something that can help pet owners provide the best possible care for their pets in time of need.

However, health insurance is not the only option that pet owners have. Still the most important thing is tender loving care.

To find a great resource for best health insurance companies [http://besthealthinsurancecompanies.org/] go to besthealthinsurancecompanies.org [http://besthealthinsurancecompanies.org/]. The site offers tips and help for people looking for medical insurance which is both affordable and reliable.

Pet Health Issue - Young Pets, Overweight Pets, and Older Pets, During the Summer

The statistics of pet ownership has been climbing for years. Every day many more people go out and become new pet owners, and some of us have had pets longer then some jobs or even marriages. Regardless of how long you have had your pet, you will have to deal with at least two of the issues I am about to address, that of summer health issues and the age or weight of your pets.

At present we have 4 dogs being take care of at our small kennel. Recently we acquired two new German Shepherd puppies, both are now just over 3 months old, and we are caring for two older German shepherds, one at age 8 and the other at age 13.

Like humans, age and conditioning play an important part of our activities during the summer months. Regrettably we often fail to notice the effects that summer has on our four legged friends.

Pets do not have the same ability to cool down as you and I do. When it is excessively hot, like it can be during the summer months, we can sit in front of a fan, grab a cold soda, or crank up the air conditioners. But your pet must pant and pant until his body temperature is regulated. Even in an air conditioned room, your pet can be too hot if you have been outside running them around for a while. Remember, it will take considerable more time for him to cool down from his exercise, then it will for you.

To avoid putting your pet's health at serious risk this summer, follow a few simple steps that can make a big difference:

Walk your pets early in the morning or late at night. These times of day are much cooler, and they will appreciate not having the blazing sun on their fur coat.

Bring a large water bottle for your pet. Water bottles are not just for you. Get one for your pet. Use one that has a squirt top as they can lick the water out easier, and you will not spill as much.

Take your time walking your pet. If you must walk your pet during the hottest hours, (hey we all have schedules), then make sure you can go at a slow pace. Cut the walk short if you need to and take rest breaks during the walk. Better to walk your dog again later then to overdo it at noon time.

Monitor your pet's health. The more time you spend with your pet, the more you should know about your pet's health condition. Like the four dogs we have, I know the puppies are young, vibrant and healthy. They can walk much longer then the overweight or older dogs. You need to know the limits of the pets you have.

Always consider the weakest pet health link. If you have more then one pet, then make sure you always keep in mind that pet which will have the highest risk factors. The overweight German shepherd is a far greater risk factor in the summer then the older, but lighter dog. Even though she is an older dog, she is not lugging around extra fat.

Keeping your pet healthy during the summer is not hard at all. Simply keep in mind that they are much like us in some regards. They want to relax, have a cool drink and perhaps a dip in the pool. If you are going to walk them, and you should, just make sure that they can handle it as well as you can. Take your time, let them rest, give then a nice treat of some ice cubes when you're done. They will love you for the walk, and love you more for caring enough not to put them in harms way.

Get more free puppy training tips

Learn how to protect your dog from getting sick be reading about dog illness symptoms

Online Pet Heath Offers You Many Alternatives to Explore Easily and Quickly

Online pet health is capable of offering you much more than you can access offline. Often, online pet health practitioners want you to understand a whole new way of looking at health. One that offers you more than is often suggested by the more conventional practitioners.

Let's look at the potential of a good online pet health practitioner can do for you and your pet.

1. Ill health is complicated. Often you are given limited options by your preferred health care practitioner, but the fact is, there is no limit. There are as many options for your pet as there are for humans.

2. All potential causes of your pet's ill health must be examined before an effective solution can be offered. No treatment should ever be offered until a thorough examination of all possible causes has been investigated. This can take time, and an open mind.

3. One of the advantages of online pet health is that it is so easy to compare what different people and different systems do. Although this can be confusing initially, once you recognise that how you feel about each one is probably your most important discerning asset, it becomes much easier.

4. There really has never been, and will probably never be, a human expert on your pet's health. Once you accept that your pet knows far more about what they want than any human ever has, then you will be beginning to understand the best treatment.

Use online pet health information to learn more quickly, to digest the many (and normally conflicting) information. In time, you will know what feels right for both you and your pet. How you feel is more likely to provide you with the best health care, than what the so called experts tell you.

Do you want to learn more about natural good health, in particular diet and homeopathy? Download my free report 'Better Health for Dogs' here: Naturally Healthy Dogs

Madeleine Innocent is a full time consultant homeopath and homeopathic coach. Visit Madeleine here: http://www.naturallyhealthydogs.com

Where You Can Go For Answers to Your Pet Health Questions

If you are concerned about your pet's health and are not sure if it is something that should require a trip to the vet or medical attention, you are not alone. Many pet owners have questions on the health of their pets and it is hard to tell when your pet really does need medical attention. Pets have a way of hiding their symptoms and illnesses from us because they do not want to seem weak or hurt. Because of this, we as pet owners need to be responsible for getting them the care that they need when they need it.

Although you may not always be able to tell when your pet is hurting or not feeling well, there are some indicators that he or she may be sick. If your pet is exhibiting changes in the way they act and the amount of attention that they want from you, it could indicate there is trouble. Pets who are normally very affectionate and suddenly seem to be shying away from you, could be hiding the fact that they do not feel good. Pets who are normally very independent and who suddenly want to be around you more and need more attention could also be showing signs that something may not be right.

Other pet health questions owners typically have are in the eating habits of their pets. While it is common from time to time for pets to have different eating habits and some changes are normal, if your pet is showing extreme changes such as not eating hardly at all, or eating all of the time, this could be cause for alarm. If your pet is eating a lot more than normal but not gaining any weight, it could be a sign of worms or other digestive issue that they are experiencing.

Changes in the elimination habits of your pets can also be indicators that a sickness or problem is present. It is important to always keep an eye on the elimination habits of your pet so that you will be able to tell the difference between normal and when something may be wrong.

Changes in the appearance of your pet such as changes in the luster of the fur, texture of the fur and sudden bald spots could indicate ticks, rashes or other skin lesions that may not be visible to the naked eye. Cats who overly groom a particular area and create a bald spot could be exhibiting signs of sickness or even stress. If you notice any behaviors like that in your pet, you should talk to a vet to find out what could be causing it.

Pet health questions can be confusing, and you may not always know where to turn for accurate and helpful answers. There are many pet sources on the Internet that offer advice and information on anything from pet health to pet behavior. There are also sites that offer answers to any questions that you may have that you can ask a professional vet for a small fee and also catalogue previous questions and answers from pet owners that are relevant to your concerns for your pet. You can also check with your local vet to help answer any questions as well.

Visit the authors website at www.petinsurancepro.com for more valuable information on pets. Also download a free pet health report. Read the latest reviews on pet insurance companies like ASPCA Pet Insurance, Banfield Pet Insurance and VPI Pet insurance.

Got A Pet Rat? Some Helpful Tips About Pet Rats - Pet Rat Health, Pet Rat Training, and Pet Rat Car

Most people misunderstand rats. The idea of rats as pets seems to be self-contradictory to them - rats are dirty, wild, they chew up on everything in their path, they cannot be trained and kept at a home with humans - especially children.

However, more people than commonly thought own a pet rat, or even several pet rats - often nicknamed fancy rats. If you have arrived here you may own one or some already, or thinking of owning one, or simply want to know more about the fancy rat. Whichever is true, you should know that pet rats are more delicate than some might think, and caring for them requires a lot of attention to detail. Here you will learn some tips about attending to pet rat health, which pet rat cages are best and how they should be prepared for your pet rat, and general tips about pet rat care and pet rat training.

In order to house your pet rat, care must be taken to which cage you choose and how to prepare it. The cage should be large enough so that your fancy rat has room to run around. It should be made to provide an environment of different activities for your pet rat - toys to play with and keep your fancy rat interested are very important, for example, because fancy rats can literally get sick with boredom. The cage should also have places in which your pet rat can snuggle and rest, and preferably something it can climb. The cage floor should be properly bedded with newspaper or some fabric. Keep an eye on the cleanliness of the cage as well - clean it on a weekly basis, at least.

Which toys should you use in the pet rat cage? well, pet rats have personalities, and each pet rat is different. An old tennis ball can be good for one, a wooden ring to chew on can be good for the other. At the end of this article you will find a pointer to the source of an abundance of ideas for pet rat toys. However, just like with a child, your pet rat can have all the toys in the world - but nothing would match up to some quality time with you. So make time to play with your pet rats. Pet rats are also good companions for each other - if you put more than one of them in the same cage (if the cage is big enough, of course) they'll be able to play with each other, and that will make their lives much better and more interesting.

Pet rat care begins with what you feed them with. Rats can eat pretty much everything, but in order to keep your pet rat healthy there are certain things you can do with regards to their diet. You can feed them ready-made mouse food that you buy in a shop, but make sure you diversify it with bits of fresh fruit and vegetables (except citrus fruit which are bad, especially to males). Trial and error will tell you which foods your pet rat loves best - like I said, rats have personalities, and each one is different. You can sometimes even spoil your pet rats with a sweet delicacy such as a dog biscuit, if you find they like it. You can also hide food in their cages for them to look for. Water should be given in a drip bottle attached to the wiring of the cage - make sure water never runs out.

A healthy diet, without overfeeding, will generally keep your pet rat healthy. But pet rat health requires attention in other aspects too. For example, pet rats are very sensitive to heat or cold. They should be given worm cloth to snuggle in during cold days, and fed cold food (such as frozen veggies) on hot days.

If your pet rat does not act like its usual self (particularly if it's much quieter or more indifferent than usual), if it does not drink or eat normally, or if it sneezes often or shows signs of breathing difficulty - it may be sick. If you notice a lump in your pet rat's body, that may be a sign of serious illness. Rats may also contract skin diseases or worms in their digestive systems. Whatever the symptoms are, the best thing to do is to when you notice something out of the ordinary is to take it to the vet, the sooner the better.

What about pet rat training? Is that even possible? Of course it is! That is the fun part. Rats are very intelligent animals. They catch on fast, they are curious, and they aim to please.

Don't push your pet rat too much in training or teaching trick. Be patient. This is not a race.

Rats can be trained to litter at particular places in their cage, and save you some trouble cleaning it. You can create a corner with some special bedding for that, place older litter in it so your pet rats can smell it. If there are certain places in the cage your pet rats prefer to litter at their own will, don't fight them. Create that litter tray where they prefer it to be.

Pet rats can be taught many things - to come to you when you call their names, stand on their hind legs and clap the fore paws, and so much more. Their reward is mainly food, and praise from you. Be patient, it takes time.

There is so much more to know about pet rat training, pet rat care, and pet rat health. Click here to get the comprehensive source for everything you need to know about pet rats.

http://www.squidoo.com/care-for-pet-rat

Pet Health Help For the Answers You Need

In these hard times it's no wonder we all worry about our own health, but what about the health of your furry or feathered friend? Will you have to start to cut costs? Even cancel vet visits to keep your budget in check? Well, there is no need to fear, you are not alone. There are millions of people caught in your same bind. Many companies offer types of pet health help in the form of insurance that can cut your vet bill significantly. Also several kinds of pet food can keep your pet from having dietary issues.

VIP pet insurance company is Americas oldest and longest recommended pet insurer, they can cover some medical costs, and ask a low monthly pay for their service, they will cover dogs, cats, birds, and even some varieties of exotics. The offer pet health help in all 50 of the United States of America and the District of Columbia. Coverage for routine care is available, as well for emergency injury and illness.

Iams Pet Food Company offers many good quality pet foods you can buy to keep your pet healthy, strong,supple and feeling young. Different types of pet food are available for different needs, such as joint health healthy digestion, and depending on age, for puppies and kittens.

Headovertails.com offers a wide selection of vitamin supplements for cats, dogs, and birds, these supplements will keep your pets from having a deficiency. If they are on a poor diet, some vitamin supplements can increase joint health and improve digestion. Even more still will help your pets coat extremely brilliant. Pet health help is available on many natural remedies sites.

For instance, Natural pet.com sells a huge selection of herbal remedies. Provided you know what ails your furry friend, you can buy all natural medication. This can help save hundreds of dollars in vet visits and in some cases even multiple visits determining diagnosis. These types of herbal remedies offer pet health help by offering items that will provide relief for everything from a dull coat to an upset stomach. Consult an expert before buying any type of medicine, as using the wrong sort could either harm or kill your pet.

These are just a few of the options in pet health help.

Next, discover how the different types of pet supplies at www.betterpetadvice.com can really save you time and money and keep your pet healthy and happy.

The $41 Billion Pet Products Niche

The term "a dog's life" used to describe a pretty rustic existence for the family pet... Fido slept on the back porch, had an occasional bath in the back yard kiddy pool and for a treat, chewed on a rawhide bone.

Today however, a dog's life often means being toted around in at $400 dog carrier, sleeping in a $1000 dog house, and wearing a collar embedded with Swarovski crystals. Yes times have changed and these days dogs, cats, birds, and the like are living the high life. In 2007, Americans spent a record $41 billion dollars on their beloved pets! All across the globe, pet owners are becoming increasingly demanding when it comes to pet products and not settling for inexpensive, substandard products. These days, only the best in pet products will do and this opens up tremendous opportunity for anyone who is interested in selling in the pet products niche.

Target Market:

Fueling this growing trend in the pet product industry are empty nesters who lavish attention and money on their pets, baby boomers with disposable income and young adults who are waiting until later to have children and instead are putting their time and energy into Fido and Fluffy.

Even families of more modest means are spending money on a menagerie of pets. Families see their pets as a member of the family and are willing to spend big money on them. Additionally, the influence of popular television shows like Animal Planet, have made the family pet more revered than ever.

Product Trends:

These 5 distinct trends drive the market for pet products sales:

1. Luxury pet products. The luxury pet products industry has seen the most growth in recent years and continues to lead the pack when it comes to the sale of pet merchandise. Consumers want the best for their pets and they are willing to shell out big bucks to get the products they want. People who buy luxury pet products are generally more affluent. They also tend to buy a complete ensemble of pet accessories. The pet sweater must match the pet carrier and the very often, that must match what the owner is wearing as well. But it isn't only clothing items that are on every pet owners shopping list - There are now $430 indoor potties, $30-an-ounce perfume, climate controlled pet carriers, jeweled pet collars (with real jewels), $225 trench coats, designer pet beds, dog shoes, Halloween costumes, Zen dining tables, dog spas, even doggie nail polish!

2. Traveling pets. Have pets will travel is the mantra of many pet owners. To do this in comfort and style requires the right kind of products and accessories. Climate controlled pet carriers; pet booster seats and pet strollers enable that traveling pet to ride in style.

3. Eco-friendly pets. Eco-friendly and organic products have been a huge influence on pet products sales in the past couple years. This trend is continuing, in fact the largest growth sector in several pet product categories has been that of eco-friendly and organic products. If you sell pet products you must give your buyers some eco-friendly versions of popular pet products.

4. Exotic pets. While dogs and cats are certainly the most popular pets, we're also seeing a trend towards ownership of more exotic pets. Today there is a demand for products for birds, reptiles, fish, ferrets, mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, pot belly pigs, rabbits, chinchillas, aquatic turtles and more.

5. Fashion pets. Today's pets are so well dressed with coordinating accessories that they could easily grace the cover of Pet Vogue magazine. Pet owner fashionistas are snapping up designer style pet products at a frenzied pace. Pink-a-holic pet? There's a slew of hot pink fashion pet products out there. More into the preppy look? Outfit your pet and his products so he looks straight out of the Ivy League. Is Bowser a rock- and-roll dog? He'll look and act the part with today's pet fashion products. Pets and fashion have merged in a big way!

Product Categories:

There are literally hundreds of categories of pet products. The following 5 umbrella categories offer a lot of opportunity to drill down and look for sub-niches and micro-niches.

1. Pet Transportation. Pets are on the go! And pet strollers, pet carriers and pet booster seats, all help your pet get there safely, soundly and in style. A recent pet lover's blog featured 16 reasons your pet needs a pet stroller! Pet ramps and stairs help older pets remain comfortable in the event of health issues. Liners and barriers for automobiles help to keep your car clean and fresh (and your pet safe) while he rides around the town.

2. Pet Housing and Home Decor. A pet's home is his castle and one of the best selling pet product categories is that of pet houses, beds, kitty condos, pet couches, chairs, pillows and the like! Blankets, bowls and feeders all round out the home décor needs of a happy and well-nested pet.

3. Pet Clothing and Accessories. The possibilities are endless in the pet accessory market! Dog toys, grooming accessories, pet shoes, pet eye ware, pet safety products, grooming products, art work, pet exercisers, pet treadmills, pet games, and pet jewelry are just a small sampling of the products that are being snapped up by today's pet owner.

4. Pet Health. Pet owners are very concerned about their pet's health and the sale of pet health products are on the rise. From pet treadmills to grooming products, lotions and potions, to shampoos and nutritional supplements, people are paying as much attention to their pet's health as they are their own.

5. Pet Products for humans. A consistent trait of pet owners is that they not only like to purchase products for their pets, they also like to purchase products for themselves that represent their pets. Consider the 38 year old Chicago executive who owns two Golden Retrievers. Her home is filled with pieces of artwork, figurines, t-shirts, books and jewelry all representing the Golden Retriever breed. Pet lovers who can't own pets due to allergies or logistical reasons but still want to feel connected with a pet are also buying these types of pet products in droves.

Founder and CEO of What Do Sell®, Lisa Suttora is a noted eBay authority. An internationally known product sourcing and trending expert, Lisa has coached thousands of eBay entrepreneurs in building a successful eBay business. Lisa is the co-author of the best-selling product sourcing book "What to Sell on eBay and Where to Get It" from McGraw-Hill publishers and the Product Trending Editor for the Product Sourcing Radio Show. WhatDoISell.com, the oldest online private membership community for eBay Sellers has been serving eBay sellers since 2004. An eBay Certified Provider and a member of the Better Business Bureau, whatdoisell.com is your all-in-one solution for starting or expanding your eBay business. http://www.whatdoisell.com To receive your free Product Trends 2008 report, please go to [http://www.producttrends2008.com]

Health Care Tips For Your Older Pet

Pets are living longer due to advances in veterinary care, diagnostics, and earlier intervention. Even so the key to enjoying our "older" pets lies not only in increasing their life span, but also in helping them enjoy their later years to the fullest. Just like people, cats and dogs can be vulnerable to incapacitating health conditions as they grow older. Kidney failure, heart disease, arthritis, oral disease, malignant tumors, and cognitive dysfunction can take place through the typical maturing process. In earlier times, simply because quite a few health conditions weren't recognized until the pet was in the advanced stages, veterinarians could do nothing more than make a pet's golden years a tad bit more comfortable by caring for the symptoms of age-related health issues. If the pet was lucky, the issues could advance slowly. Most pet owners merely accepted the fact that their four-legged buddies were only able to survive a relatively brief life, get old, and pass on. Yet breakthroughs in technical advancements in modern day veterinary medicine, surgery, diagnostics and nutrition, not only do pets survive longer but their quality of life has increased enormously as well.

One example follows human medicine in the development and use of the new generation of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs.Because our older pets often develop arthritis and joint disease, these newer drugs help alleviate the aches and pains of many senior pets while keeping unwanted side effects to a minimum. Chondroitin and glucosamine supplements also seem to help older dogs with their arthritis. Advanced veterinary technology includes MRI's, cat scans, radiation treatments, chemotherapy, advanced surgery with laser scalpels, laparoscopy, hip replacements, orthodontics, root canals, crowns, and much more. Physical therapy, water treadmills and even acupuncture can help pets recover from surgeries and gain their mobility quicker. More and more veterinarians are pursuing specialty practices to address the needs of those pets whose owners want the best treatment available.

Several age related problems will still be viewed as unavoidable, however the attitudes of both veterinarians and pet owners have changed. The belief now is the fact that "age is not a disease", and veterinary medicine is adding greater emphasis on senior pet health through preventative health plans.

The sooner we can detect a problem, the more likely we can manage or even correct the problem. Lumps and bumps if surgically removed when they are small may prevent the tumors from spreading throughout the body. Advances in oncology now makes chemotherapy and radiation therapy almost a normal course of treatment for pets that do have cancer. By addressing dental disease early on, you can extend your pet's life span by nearly 3 years. Diabetes can be managed with insulin and special diets and heart disease also has newer medications available to help the heart pump better. Cats with renal failure can benefit by many of the newer drugs released and fluid therapy to help them reduce the build up toxins that their kidneys can no longer flush out. There are even drugs that can help with cognitive dysfunction in dogs. These dogs seem to get "lost" or whine for no reason. There are specialists that can even remove cataracts so your pet won't go blind.

At what age is a pet considered a senior? Generally, smaller breeds of dogs live longer than larger breeds, and cats live longer than dogs. Life spans vary with individuals, and pets, like people, grow older at different rates, some more gracefully than others. A few smaller breeds of dogs, like Bones, are considered geriatric at fifteen. Large and giant breeds like Labrador retrievers and rottweilers are considered seniors as soon as seven years old. Cats, especially if they are kept in the house, frequently live to their early twenties and do not attain their golden years until their teens.

The single most crucial way a pet owner can take to keep their pet happy and healthy as long as possible is to pencil in regular veterinary exams. As pets age, these exams tend to be more critical than ever, because as with people, quick detection is essential for disease and problem intervention. Younger pets need routine examinations once or twice yearly. However as dogs and cats approach middle age, these exams should be much more frequent because each year in a pet's life is equivalent to 5-7 people years.

To detect potential health problems earlier,veterinarians recommend routine lab work, electrocardiograms, blood pressure monitoring, and x-rays to detect early conditions like thyroid, kidney, heart, and liver disease. With early detection, pets with organ function conditions can be treated with prescription medication along with specific doctor prescribed quality diets that not only prolong their life span but the quality of their lives. Sometimes, health conditions could even be reversed.

In general, quite a few early warning signs that your family pet might be having a problem are:

* drinking more water than usual and urination

* urinary incontinence or having mishaps in the house

* recurring throwing up

* terrible breath, drooling or difficulty eating

* excessive panting or tires more quickly when exercised

* lumps, bumps, nodules or alterations in areas of skin color, bumps that bleed or are ulcerated

* change in appetite - ingesting more or less than normal

* changes in behavior for example "spacing out" or increased whining

* abnormal bowel habits - diarrhea or constipation

* fluctuations in body weight - gaining or reducing weight

Watch pets closely and convey any abnormal behavioral or physical problems to your veterinarian without delay. Veterinarians also recommend purchasing pet insurance so that if problems are detected in your pet, you will be able to afford the advanced therapies that are available. Talk with your veterinarian and develop a specific senior wellness strategy for your pet's special needs so that your precious pooch or kitty can enjoy getting old gracefully.

Dr. Debra Garrison is a small animal veterinarian. Her primary practice is the Treaschwig Veterinary Clinic in Spring, Texas.. Learn more about senior pet care at Senior Pet Care

Health Insurance For The Whole Family, Including Pets

Nobody would dispute the fact that in these days, you need health insurance for your whole family. But do you also have pet health insurance for those "other" members of your family which are your pets?

That question is not as ridiculous as it may sound. Your pets are a part of your family and you can protect them with health insurance. After all, they are living and breathing animals, and are prone to have health problems just like you are. So it only makes sense to protect them with pet health insurance, and you would undoubtedly agree that this is true after you pay the bill to the vet after your last visit there where Rover had a problem, right? When Rover starts throwing up all night or Kitty gets in a brawl with the neighborhood tomcat, you don't just let them suffer and get over it, do you?

Obviously, pet health insurance is different from the health insurance you get for your sons or daughters. But it still provides you with a level of financial protection when your pet develops a health problem that needs to be treated.

Most of the companies that offer pet health insurance limit their insurance to the most common pets such as dogs and cats. If you want to get health insurance for your pet snake, iguana, alligator or hamster, you may have to look a bit deeper but health insurance, even for more exotic animals is available out there.

Typically, your pet's veterinarian probably has health insurance policies available. This makes the most sense because assuming you have been taking your pet to the same vet for years, they likely have historical records about your pet, which can be very valuable when trying to diagnose a health problem. It is worth your time and effort to compare costs and coverage for the various plans that are available, since the costs and coverage vary widely from policy to policy.

Most of the pet health insurance plans cover the basics, such as the annual shots, and perhaps an occasional checkup. Most also cover things that the vet will need to do in case of injury to your pet. The insurance plans are usually significantly less expensive than human health insurance plans, typically under $20 per month, and some with very basic coverage even under $10 per month. As with human health insurance, the amount of the premium and coverage varies according to what is covered and how much of a deductible you elect with a given plan.

Some of the pet health insurance plans also cover things like baths, grooming, and nail clipping, so you need to decide how much coverage you need, how much of a deductible you are willing to have with the policy, and make a decision accordingly. Like with people, the cost of the insurance is going to cost more for 15 year old Rover than it will for your new puppy Spot, simply because Rover is likely to have more health problems than Spot.

Even with all these different options, you can do the math and easily determine that the cost of the pet health insurance is probably going to cost you less than paying your vet on an "a la carte" basis per visit.

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Pet Health

Pets today are so much part of the family that they're treated the same way when it comes to healthcare as well. Whether it's preventing illness, nutritional concerns, or treatment for a particular ailment, pet healthcare has evolved into a highly organized and lucrative business.

First and foremost, a pet needs a lot of tender loving care. A happy pet is usually a healthy pet. Then, it needs to be protected against certain ailments. As such, there are vaccinations and six-month or annual checks. And there is a continuous need for a nutritionally balanced diet - one that will keep your pet active and yet not overfed. The more energetic the pet, the greater the requirements for protein as well as fats for a stamina boost. For every pound, a dog needs 26% protein and 1,650 kilocalories. A less active pet could do with a lower-calorie diet.

Though the maximum lifespan of a dog is close to thirty years, pets rarely live beyond twelve or thirteen years. This could be due to improper nutrition; more importantly, less protein. Like humans, pets are also susceptible to food additives. Dyes and chemicals could cause harmful side effects in their bodies. In fact, there is a growing group of believers in the back-to-nature rearing for pets. This means feeding your pet raw food, and giving a dog a bone would mean an uncooked one. Processed foods, according to studies, could be the reason for a number of diseases like obesity, arthritis, cancer, etc.

Some pets may not need to exercise at all, but pets like dogs do need to be taken for their daily run. For working couples, an electronic containment fence could be very useful. The pet is free to roam within the safe confines of the garden without the fear of it straying away, or indoors, it can keep your pet away from certain areas in the house.

Pet Health [http://www.e-PetHealth.com] provides detailed information on Pet Health, Pet Health Insurance, Pet Health Care, Pet Health Advice and more. Pet Health is affiliated with Pet Care Products.

Seven Easy Steps For Pet Urinary System Health

The other day I was paying my weekly visit to my local pet superstore to pick up a bag of dog food and a few cases of cat food and couldn't help but notice how few products were actually formulated for pet urinary system health. I even went so far as to ask one of the employees, who acted as if he had just been told the aliens had landed and they were all dogs.

But why is this the case? Why does all the focus seem to be on omega this and omega that, along with vitamins and minerals rather than pet urinary system health? Quite honestly it is hard to say, but perhaps the fact that something has to go wrong first may be at the core of our query.

Your pets urinary track consists of the two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and the urethra, all working together to collect and dispose of impurities and promote optimal health. In order for pet urinary health to be impaired the kidney's have to had lost 75 percent of their effectiveness, the bladder is no longer draining well, an obstruction such as a calcium or struvite stone must have formed, or your pets immune system no longer is able to keep the urinary tract free from bacteria.

While there is little that can be done to restore kidney function, or turn back the clock on a old worn out bladder, there is a great deal that can be done to make sure pet urinary system health is the best it can possibly be.

Urinary tract problems, especially bacterial infections, tend to occur in older or aging pets. Younger pets tend to have strong immune systems capable of fighting off any bacteria that may have accidentally gained access through the urethra. But just like their two legged masters, as pets age their immune systems weaken, opening the door for many different types of urinary bacterial infections. But by implementing a few simple steps you can provide your pet with that little extra bit of help that will kept them from being included in the 15 percent of animals that will contract a urinary tract infection.

Seven easy steps for pet urinary system health:

*Regular veterinary checkups: By taking to your pet the vet a couple of times a year you will be able to catch potential problems before they turn serious.

*Provide adequate water: Keeping water flowing through your pets urinary tract sends any freeloading bacterial right out the old back door before it has a chance to multiply.

*Add juice to your pets water: Blueberry and cranberry juice make it difficult for bacterial to adhere to the wall of the urinary tract.

*Regular exercise: Exercise boost your pets immune system and promotes voiding. It also help clean toxins from the bloodstream and promote healthy blood oxygen levels.

*Reduce stress: Stress reduces overall immune system health. Too much stress can be particularly damaging for older pets and those who are have a tendency to be nervous anyway.

*Don't overdo the dry food: Dry pet foods absorb moisture thus reducing the number of times they void. Hot weather, reduced water intake, age, and a lot of dry food is a formula for disaster. Balance is the key here.

*A natural pet UTI supplement: Supporting pet urinary system health with a natural homeopathic urinary tract supplement can be a very effective tool in preventing one of a number of potentially serious and expensive pet health conditions.

R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate of alternative natural health products and supplements with over 10 years experience. To learn more about natural remedies for better health visit Purchase Remedies.com

The Myth of 100% Complete Processed Pet Foods

Every day, people by the millions pour food from a package into their pet's bowl. Day in and day out, meal after meal, pets get the same fare. This strange phenomenon is not only widely practiced, but done by loving owners who believe they are doing the right thing. Why? Certainly because it is convenient, but also because the labels state that the food is "complete and balanced," "100% complete," or that the food has passed various analytical and feeding test criteria.

Furthermore, manufacturers and even veterinarians counsel pet owners about not feeding other foods such as table scraps because of the danger of unbalancing these modern processed nutritional marvels. The power of the message is so great that pet owners en masse do every day to their pets what they would never do to themselves or their children -offer the same processed packaged food at every meal.

Think about it: Our world is complex beyond comprehension. It is not only largely unknown; it is unknowable in the "complete" sense. In order for nutritionists and manufacturers to produce a "100% complete and balanced" pet food, they must first know 100% about nutrition. However, nutrition is not a completed science. It is, in fact, an aggregate science, which is based upon other basic sciences, such as chemistry, physics, and biology. But since no scientist would argue that everything is known in chemistry or physics or biology, how can nutritionists claim to know everything there is to know about nutrition, which is based upon these sciences? This is the logical absurdity of the "100% complete and balanced" diet claim. It is the reason a similar venture to feed babies a "100% complete" formula has turned out to be a health disaster.

Claiming that anything is 100% is like claiming perfection, total knowledge, and absolute truth. Has pet nutrition really advanced that far? Does a chemist make such a claim? A physicist? Doctor? Professor? Did Einstein, Bohr, Pasteur, Aristotle, Plato, or any of the greatest minds in human history make such claims? No. Has the science of pet nutrition advanced to the point where everything is known about the physiology, digestion and biochemistry of animals, or that everything is known about their food?

Certainly not.

The fact of the matter is that the "100% complete" claim is actually "100% complete" guesswork. At best, one could say that such a claim is the firm possibility of a definite maybe.

Each time regulatory agencies convene to decide how much of which nutrients comprise "100% completeness," debate always ensues and standards usually change. This not only proves that what they claimed before was not "100% complete," but this should also make us highly suspicious about what they now claim to be "100% complete."

Additionally, consider that in order to determine the minimum requirement for a certain nutrient - say protein - all other nutrients used in the feeding trials must be adequate and standardized. Otherwise, if vitamin E, for example, is in excess or is deficient, how would you know if the results of the study were because of the effects of protein or due to something amiss with the level of vitamin E?

If the minimum requirements for all 26+ essential nutrients were all set and absolutely etched in stone, then there would be no problem. But they aren't. They are constantly changing. This means each time any nutrient requirement is changed, all test results for all other nutrients using the wrong minimum for this nutrient would then be invalid. Most nutritionists simply ignore this conundrum, feeling like cowboys trying to lasso an octopus - there are just too many loose ends. But they continue to perpetuate the "100% complete" myth, and excuse themselves by saying they make adjustments when necessary.

The point is, don't believe the claim on any commercially prepared pet (or human) food that it is "100% complete and balanced." It is a spurious unsupported boast, intended to build consumer trust and dependence on commercial products - not create optimal health.

Unfortunately most people think animal feeding is a mystery. It is not. Animal nutrition is not a special nutritional science to which common sense human nutrition principles cannot be applied. Use the same common sense in feeding your pets that you use for feeding your family. Nutrition is not about some special ingredient or the absence of some boogeyman ingredient. Fresh foods fed in variety are always superior to processed food artifacts.

If you feed processed foods, use discernment since just about anyone can create a commercial pet food. The pet food industry has hundreds of brands with officious and beguiling labels, all stamped with the approval of the FDA, USDA, State Feed Regulatory Agencies and the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Business profiteers and the occasional movie star are the most common force behind the labels. All one needs is a little money and they can go to any number of toll manufacturers and have them slightly modify a shelf formula. Dress it all up with a fancy package, a clever brochure and some advertising and voilà, another brand is added to the 20-billion-dollar pet food industry.

Nutrition is serious health business. The public is not well served by exclusively feeding products from companies without any real commitment to health ... or knowledge of how to even achieve that.

For the past 25 years I have been a lonely voice in the wilderness trying to get people to understand the deadly health consequences of feeding processed pet foods exclusively. People want convenience in a bag and the industry wants the flow of billions to continue uninterrupted. In the meantime the scientific literature offers compelling proof that millions of animals have been maimed and died as a result of feeding thoroughly tested "100% complete" foods with the full imprimatur of government regulation. (Exactly the same thing that abounds in the FDA-pharmaceutical industry.) Examples of pet food disasters include dilated cardiomyopathy from taurine deficiency, potassium imbalances, fatty acid and carnitine deficiencies and numerous other problems that would be expected on a steady diet of dead, devitalized, carbohydrate-based processed foods. Moreover, the whole panoply of human chronic degenerative diseases such as cancer, obesity, arthritis, autoimmunities, dental deterioration and organ failure are at epidemic levels in the pet population ... as should be expected on such a diet.

Not only is feeding the same processed food day in and day out a formula for disease, it is a cruelty to our pets. We take them from their interesting and active wild setting and confine them. That is one thing, but to not even offer them interesting natural meal variety is really quite inexcusable. The answer, like everything else good in life, is a little attention and common sense. Knowledge is the best beginning point.

To learn more, obtain a copy of my book, The Truth About Pet Foods. I will also see to it that you get a free copy of my CD, "The Thinking Person's Master Key to Health," and the brochure, "How to Apologize to Your Pet," which will give you specific guidelines for how to prepare meals and treats to achieve Optimal Pet Health.

_____________________

Science, Volume 237, pages 764-8

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 199, pages 731-4

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 201, pages 267-74

Feline Practice, Volume 20, Number 1, page 30

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 202, pages 744-51

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 191, pages 1563-8

Journal of Nutrition, Volume 129, pages 1909-14

Journal of Nutrition, Volume 126, pages 984-8

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 203, pages 1395-1400

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 198, pages 647-50

Veterinary Clinics of North America Small Animal Practice, Volume 19, pages 527-37

Veterinary Forum, Volume 9, pages 34-5

Veterinary Forum, Volume 9, pages 26-8

American Journal of Veterinary Research, Volume 62, pages 1616-23

Petfood Industry, May/June 1998, pages 4-14

Journal of Animal Science, Volume 75, pages 2980-5

Veterinary Business, Volume 2, page 1

Waltham International Focus, Volume 3, Number 1, page 9

Dr. Wysong is author of The Creation-Evolution Controversy, now in its eleventh printing, several books on nutrition, prevention and health for people and animals and over 15 years of monthly health newsletters. He may be contacted at Wysong@Wysong.net. A free subscription to his monthly newsletter is available at Wysong.net.

Pet Health Insurance

To many people, their pets are members of their families. They want to be able to care for their health in the same way they would any other family member.

Pet health insurance can help you afford the very best wellness care for your cat or dog, as well as to be prepared for the unexpected emergency visit. Pet health insurance plans can take care of your pet's needs from accident and illness only, to complete wellness care such as annual checkups, vaccinations, and flea and heartworm preventative medication.

The idea of health care insurance coverage for household pets has been around for awhile now. As technological advances in the world of veterinary medicine increase the availability of human level diagnostics and health care to animals, many pet owners find themselves in the heartbreaking position of not being able to afford the care their pet needs. Unlike the world of human health care, there is no government health care plan ready to step in and provide that care.

Just like human health care insurance, pet health care insurance pays for veterinary care and often for prescription medication as well. The cost of pet insurance will vary based on what is covered by the health care policy. Some pet insurance policies will include coverage for annual vaccinations for your dog or cat. Other policies do not cover these routine medical expenses and are there in case your pet suffers a catastrophic illness or injury.

As with human health care insurance, pet insurance pays the health care provider, in this case the veterinarian, according to a schedule worked out by the insurance company. Before you sign up for pet insurance, it is a good idea to make sure your veterinarian accepts the insurance you are considering. You may want to ask your vet for a recommendation. Pet insurance is becoming more and more common, so there is a good chance the staff at your veterinary hospital has at least a passing familiarity with the various pet insurance programs offered in your area.

Also consider the deductible you are required to pay before the pet insurance kicks in. Of course, the higher the deductible, the lower the cost of the insurance policy.

Charlene Mattel is founder of [http://www.insurance-insurance.info] and has worked in the insurance industry for almost 30 years. She understands how confusing all of the different insurance policies can be so she created a website to explain all types of insurance in plain English, to help you buy the policy and coverage that you really need and at the best price.

[http://www.insurance-insurance.info/health/pet%20insurance.htm]

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.

Pet Immune System Health - The Key to Health, Wellness, Longevity, and Vitality

Your pet's immune system is one of the most complex and fascinating systems in your pet's body. An animal who has acquired a strong defense against a disease or series of diseases has specific antibodies in their system whose purpose is to attack and destroy that disease or infection before it can cause a problem. But through years of domestication and vaccination many pets are losing their natural immunity leading to an ever greater dependence on modern medicine to cure their ailments.

One of the immune mechanisms main responsibilities is of course to prevent infection but also prevent sure serious illnesses such as cancer. It is our feeling that often times modern medicine tends to be reactionary rather than preventative in their approach. While there are some marvelous and necessary reactionary treatments, as a pet owner your goal should be to take steps to avoid getting to that point. Support and enhancement of the immune system is perhaps the most important step you can take on behalf of your pet in achieving resistance to disease and reducing susceptibility to infection, recurring or chronic infection, and serious life threatening diseases such as cancer.

Pet Immune System Health Check List

Does your pet get sick easily?

Does your cat or dog get sick more than 2 times a year?

Does your pet have a chronic or recurring infection?

Does your cat or dog experience frequent skin problems?

Does your pet have or has ever had cancer?

If you answer yes to only one of the above questions your pet's immune system health is not what it should be. There are numerous reasons for this including genetics, domestication, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise just to name a few. Let's look a list of steps that will help your pet improve immune system health.

* Reduce stress: Believe it or not pets are very susceptible to stress. Certain categories such as small dogs are particularly susceptible. Things such as being left alone too long, loud noises, changes in environments, fear of being abandoned (often seen in shelter pets), or a new pet being brought into the household are just a few of the stressors than can trigger increased levels of adrenal gland hormones which inhibit white blood cell formation. This process leads to vulnerability to disease.

* Exercise: Research indicated that a sedentary lifestyle reduces your pet's ability to fight off disease. Set aside a few minutes each day for play time, your pet will be happier and healthier and you may benefit as well.

* Balanced diet: Make sure your dog or cat is getting all the nutrition they need to be healthy. Studies show that a deficiency in even one vitamin or mineral can seriously compromise the immune systems ability to fight disease.

* Water with juice: Drinking plenty of water has many benefits but perhaps the most important is that it flushes bacteria out of the urinary tract. Adding a little cranberry or blueberry juice to their water is a good deterrent against the bacteria E. coli responsible for most urinary tract infections.

* Herbal supplementation: Provide your pet with herbs that their ancestors ate in the wild. These would include Milk Thistle and Dandelion for liver health and immune system tonics like Echinacea and Astragalus.

In summary, pet immune system health is perhaps the most important step you can take to keep your dog or cat disease free. The formula for doing this is a simple one; make sure your pet eats well, reduce excessive stress, make sure they drink plenty of clean water, implement a herbal formula to promote immune and cell health and visit the vet a least once a year to identity any potential problems.

R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate of alternative natural health products and supplements with over 10 years experience. To learn more about natural remedies for better health visit Purchase Remedies.com

Pets Benefit Your Health

People love having pets. They are loyal friends that have comforted people for years. But did you know that having a pet can actually benefit your health? For the past 25 years, research has shown that people that live with pets tend to be healthier than those who do not. Pets have been proven to do a number of things to help improve your health - including lowering blood pressure, boosting immunity, and even improving mood.

The Calming Effect

Pets help keep people healthy and active both physically and mentally. Research has reported finding pet owners to be less stressed than non-pet owners. People with less stress tend to also be more physically healthy. For example, pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and be at a lower risk for heart disease.

One study done at the New York State University at Buffalo studied 48 male and female stock brokers who suffered from high blood pressure and no other medical disorders. The participants all lived alone with no pet for at least five years. Half of the participants were given a pet to take home and the other half were not. After six months, researchers found that the group of stockbrokers that now had pets also had significantly lower blood pressure than the stockbrokers that did not.

Allergy Fighters

Many people worry that if they bring a pet into a home where there are allergy-prone children, the children will be more likely to develop a pet allergy. However, recent studies have proved just the opposite. Children who grow up in homes with animals tend to be less likely to develop allergies and asthma. The results of one study claimed that children growing up with a dog were 14 percent less likely to develop pet allergies. They were also less likely to develop eczema, a common skin allergy. Researchers suggest that this may prove that pets help boost childrens' immune systems.

Alleviating Loneliness

Dogs have proved to be great companions for the elderly. Even if the dog is just a walking partner, they provide exercise and companionship for its owner. Research has also shown that Alzheimer patients that have pets tend to have fewer anxious outbursts. One insurance company even asks its clients over 75 if they have a pet as part of their screening process.

Pets have also been proven to help people with depression and diseases that commonly cause depression. For example, people with AIDS who have pets reportedly have lower levels of depression. Playing with a pet can raise the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These are neurotransmitters that are known to have a pleasurable and calming effect on the body.

While it has always been known that having a pet can be enjoyable, it is now also known that pets benefit your health. If you are debating if owning a pet is a good idea, use your health as a reason why a pet may be the best new addition to your life!

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Keep Your Pet Healthy With Pet Medicine

Wild animals hide their injuries and illnesses to avoid drawing the attention of predators as a matter of survival. Your domestic pet has this same natural instinct to conceal an injury or illness even though they do not have to worry about predators. Because a dog, cat, bird, or other family pet often suffers silently and without exhibiting obvious symptoms of distress, you must take charge of safeguarding your pet's health for them.

Uncovering hidden injuries, detecting medical conditions early, and vaccinating pets against diseases, are good reasons for your pet to have routine visits with your veterinarian. Another good way to look out for your pet's health is to examine them for fleas and ticks, small cuts or abrasions, or soreness in their joints, while grooming or petting them. You should also keep an eye on your pet's food and water intake as well as checking stools left in the yard or litter box, as changes in these are often the first signs of health issues with your pet.

A number of prescription and nonprescription medicines can enhance pet health, too. These are safe for use with your pet for treating a variety of conditions and in preventing others. Your vet can explain what a medicine prescribed for your pet is supposed to do, as well as any side effects to watch for should you agree to place your pet on that medicine. It is wisest to discuss with your veterinarian whether any nonprescription medicines you are considering for your pet are the right choice for his or her health needs.

Dogs and cats are susceptible to the misery caused by biting fleas and ticks, whether they live primarily indoors or out. These biting pests are unrelenting in the pain and itching they inflict on your pet, and left untreated, can cause your pet anemia and other serious health issues. Treating your pet regularly with flea and tick medicine kills adult fleas, eggs, larvae, and ticks living on your pet quickly, and repels new fleas and ticks from hitching a ride on your pet. Households with multiple pets will need to treat each animal with flea and tick medicine to protect them, and to prevent a large infestation of these pests in the home. Frontline and Advantage are two popular brands of prescription flea and tick medicines with solutions made for both dogs and cats.

Heartworm is an insidious disease that kills many dogs and cats each year. You can help prevent heartworm from attacking your dog or cat by giving him or her heartworm medicine. Typically, you give your dog or cat heartworm medicine once a month in the form of a chewable tablet that is often liver-flavored to make it more palatable to your pet. The successful treatment of many heartworm cases is possible when detected early enough. That is why annual heartworm tests for your pet are very important.

Cats spend a good portion of their waking hours grooming themselves. Cats have rough tongues and this habit of continuous grooming introduces loose fur hairs into their bodies. A small amount of fur usually can easily move through the digestive tract and to the bowels for elimination without much problem. However, larger amounts of ingested fur hairs can cause blockages that may lead to severe intestinal and bowel distress for your cat. Pet medicines with laxative properties can prevent fur from balling-up inside your cat so that it can move through the intestinal tract to the bowels for eliminating before causing your cat difficulties.

Proper dental hygiene for both cats and dogs can prevent tooth loss and gum disease. Dental brushes for dogs as well as canine toothpaste helps make it easier for pet owners to clean and care for their dogs teeth. Many cats are not fond of having a dental brush placed n their mouths. You may find it easier to give your cat "dental chews" which taste good to the cat, and are designed to clean your cat's teeth. A weekly cleaning of your pet's teeth can help keep their teeth healthy. This will also help you to avoid more costly teeth cleaning by a veterinarian for severe tartar build-up on your cat's teeth.

Cats and dogs have ailments and diseases that are unique to them. They also have behaviors that their human companions want under control. There are many prescription and nonprescription medicines to aid in keeping your pet healthy physically, and behaviorally. Online pet pharmacies are a convenient and money-saving way for you to get the medicines your pet needs for optimal health. Many of them are also a good resource for more in-depth information about your pet, and the pet medicines that can help keep your pet healthy. Safeguard your pet's health today so that they are with you and your family for a long time to come.

Brian Jenkins is a freelance writer who often writes about topics pertaining to the care of pets and health options for pets such as pet meds.

Pet Health Insurance - General Information On Pet Health Insurance

Purchasing pet health insurance can help save you a lot of money on veterinary bills during your pet's lifetime. It is estimated that one in three pets need veterinary treatment each year. Here are some general information on pet health insurance.

Pet Health Insurance and Veterinary Care

Pet insurance does not pay for preventive veterinary care or elective veterinary care. Veterinary costs have sky rocketed and even a simple problem can cost you thousands of dollars to fix. Depending on the treatment needed, the cost can leave the you with huge veterinary bills.

Pet Health Insurance Coverage

The idea of health care insurance coverage for household pets has been around for awhile now. The same fees, deductibles, coverage rates and plans are all in place. Different plans are based on the age, species, and general health of your pet.

Like human healthcare plans emergency coverage begins right away, but you might have to wait a month or so for the other benefits to kick in.

If you are looking for pet insurance to provide cover for routine treatments such as teeth cleaning, vaccinations or nail trimming: forget it. Policies which provide that are very rare.

Pet Health Insurance Policy

Pet insurance is similar to a health policy. If the pet is ill or injured, then the pet is cared for by the vet and claims are sent to the policy provider for disbursements. The policy assists the owners financially, thus saving them steep expenses when visiting the veterinarian. Generally a pet insurance policy pays for unexpected illness, accidents, injuries, or some other emergency.

Pet Sitter's Insurance Policies

Pet sitters and dog walkers around the world are coming to see that it is essential to their business (whether part-time or full-time) to have pet sitter's insurance. The insurance industry has risen to the occasion and now offers policies to those who care for pets.

Pet Health Insurance Companies

There are many companies that offer pet health insurance and you should ask your veterinarian what companies he or she recommends. Pet insurance is currently offered by several different companies in North America.

By doing a simple Google search, you may find companies that provide pet insurance online. If you have more than one pet to insure, many online companies will often offer discounts for multiple pets.

Pet Health Insurance and Pet Illness

Pet health insurance plans can take care of your pet's health needs such as annual checkups, vaccinations and heartworm preventative medication.

Basic accident plans don't cover expenses related to illness or disease.

A number of leading pet insurance providers now offer pet owners travel pet insurance. This can give pet owners the comfort of knowing that their pet will be insured against any illness or mishap that may occur while they are away from home.

Would you be able to find the cash for major veterinary work should your pet be in desperate need for it? If your answer is no, then you might consider pet health insurance.

Copyright 2007 - Dan Theron. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, give author name credit and follow all of the EzineArticles terms of service for Publishers.

Pet Wellness - Natural Pet Health Care for Sore Muscles and Joints

People living on the wellness side of life, and health professionals will be the first to tell you that exercise plays a major role in health and fitness for people and pets. It has so many benefits with one of the best being that helps tremendously in having a longer more productive life. And this is true for pets as well. Strong pet wellness practices require that pets get regular exercise and that their treatment for sore muscles and joints is one of natural pet health care.

Instead of using drugs to help your pet with sore muscles and joints consider this natural pet health care avenue to soothe, heal, and strengthen.

Here are some of the natural pet health care remedies for soothing sore muscles and delay cartilage break down.

Glucosamine Hydrochloride

An important supplement to add to your pet's diet. It helps to rebuild the cartilage and delay further cartilage breakdown.

Dosage: 1/4 of a 500 mg tablet once daily per 10 lbs of body weight.

Methylsulfonymethane. MSM

A supplement found in some plants such as Horsetail. It acts as an antioxidant and reduces inflammation in the joints.

Dosage:

50 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.

Keep the Joints Mobile

Joint fluid will lubricate them helping with pain. To get joint fluid keep your pet mobile. If your pet is reluctant to move then manually flex and carefully and gently stretch the sore joint (s) for 5 minutes. Gradually increase daily exercise.

D-L Phenylalanine (DLPA)

An amino acid that works as a pain reliever. Use as directed

Vitamins

Vitamins C and E may reduce some joint pain.

Dosage:

Vitamin E is dosed at 100 IU per 10 lbs of body weight.

Vitamin C is dosed at 100 mg.

Acupressure

Perform gently circular motions on the top inside of the ear. This stimulates the back legs. Your pet will also love it, especially dog and cat. You can administer this technique several times a day.

People practicing pet wellness techniques and administering natural pet health care for illness and injuries are top doggies if you ask me. When it comes to sore muscles and joints, these type of injuries have a high response to natural health care without the high cost of medicines and the toxins they include. If you have a sports injury try acupressure instead of medicines and judge for yourself. For your pet consider natural pet health care for a more vibrant, healthy, stronger and longer life.

Michel's family and pets live on the wellness side of life. She carries out her mother's tradition of people and pet wellness including natural home remedies, home cooked healthy meals, and an all around healthy lifestyle. People and pet wellness is life's passion for Michel, who relies on Pet Natural Health care for healthy, happy, long life pets.

It Is A Decision That Will Affect Their Health - Pet Food

Over time, it has become increasingly apparent that we need to watch what we eat in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce the effects of aging and diseases in the body. Our pets are in the same position as we are. By eating foods that are hard to digest, full of chemicals or contain little nutritional value, we are reducing the quality and the length of life of mans best friend.

Just imagine if we were to live on a diet completely made from synthetic materials and empty calories, or what we would call junk food. Because of this lifestyle, our health would suffer. We would be more likely to suffer from disease and reduce our lifespan considerably. The same applies to our pets, and often without our knowing it, we are the main cause of this problem.

Buying dog foods from the supermarket shelf is much the same as buying junk food for us; many dog foods contain chemical and flavor enhancers, the food which is often poor in quality, and most definitely not suitable for human consumption.

The process in which many dog foods are made includes rigorous cooking techniques, which destroys the natural colorings and flavors in the food. The result is that your pet may be eating artificial colors and flavors as well as missing out on the nutritional value of quality wholesome ingredients needed to live a healthy life.

The best way to find out what it is you are feeding your pet is to investigate the ingredients that are in the dog food; the first five ingredients listed on the label are the main content of the food. If the dog food contains by-products this is usually parts of animals that are low in protein and not really good for your pet, for example, ground feet, bones and intestines.

Look out for chemical preservatives used to keep the food from spoiling; these are often called BHA and BHT. Grains, such as corn, wheat, gluten, and soy are also very difficult for your pet to digest, and are used as a protein source, instead of meat products.

Ideally, a pet food should contain wholesome ingredients that are easy for your pet to digest; the main ingredient should be meat, quality meat that is fit for human consumption. Vegetables, anti oxidants, bacteria cultures, and protenated minerals should also be high on the list. Grains are not ideal for pets, with the exception of whole grain brown rice, which is easy for your pet to digest as well as helping to promote a healthy coat.

All of these impressive ingredients are useless, unless a proper technique free of colorings and flavorings are used. Pet food should be cooked in a way that locks in the protein, minerals, and fibers right from the start, without the need for artificial ingredients to be added.

Your pet deserves the chance to live a healthy lifestyle, just the same as its owners do. By providing nutritional, healthy wholesome premium dog and cat food for your pet, you can show your best friends how much you really care for them.

Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and wellness. Enjoys writing articles on health for both people and pets. Please visit Lifes Abundance Premium Pet Food for more information.