Category: Pets

Is It Worth It To Insure Your Pets?

28/05/2020

You’ve probably heard it before – not once, not twice – that insurance is here to stay. But wait; are you a pet owner? Have you insured them?

Given the significant advancement of the veterinary medicine industry in recent years, it is no surprise that pets can now live a healthy and longer life. Veterinary neurologists, veterinary cardiologists, and veterinary cancer specialists are the people that everyone seemingly looks up to when their pets are feeling unwell, but this comes at the cost of hundreds to thousands of dollars.

For pet owners, it is worth noting that hiring a vet for your dog or cat can go beyond your budget, and sometimes you may give up due to lack of money. However, getting pet insurance reduces the financial stress caused by hefty veterinary bills.

What are the advantages of pet insurance?

1. You can save the life of your pet

There is nothing satisfying than having the peace of mind that your pet is protected against any emergency. Many pet owners make the decision to hire a veterinary specialist based on financial costs, not medical bills. This means that the life of your pets depends on the amount of money you are likely to spend on vet bills. However, pet insurance can make the difference between life and death. You don’t have to worry about losing your loved one to sickness or accidents.

2. Pet insurance allows you to budget for pet care costs

The premiums you pay for pet insurance entirely depends on the type of policy you choose and the animal you are insuring. Top providers allow you to pay your premiums monthly, semi-annually, or annually. This allows you to choose a flexible plan that works for you. You can also enjoy lucrative discounts if you insure more than one pet.

3. You can choose your preferred veterinarian

Unlike medical insurance covers for persons that require you to go to a specific health facility, pet insurance providers allow you to choose a veterinarian of your choice. You are only required to submit a veterinary bill to your insurance provider, and they will dispatch the payments.

4. Pet insurance prevents you from using your family’s emergency funds

Frankly, it is not easy to set up a savings account for a pet. The only guaranteed way to authorize medical treatment for your pet is by purchasing an insurance cover. It is traumatizing to see your beloved dog succumb to death because you fear using your family’s emergency funds or because you don’t have enough money to cater for veterinary expenses. Pet insurance policy could save the life of your dog!

So, is it worth to insure your pets?

It goes without saying that buying pet insurance is worth every cent. Like other insurance covers, pet insurance comes in handy to protect your cats and dogs from the unforeseen. Remember, one of every three pets need emergency care every year, and you risk clearing all your savings for vet fees if you don’t have pet insurance.

What To Look For In A Dog Crate For Your New Puppy

13/12/2018

Congratulations on your new puppy! Your family has expanded to include a lot of love. When choosing the right crate for your new dog, consider the items listed below so you can make the right purchase for now and in the future.

Buy Big and Take It Home

No matter how big your puppy will get, invest in an over-sized crate. The goal with crate training is not to use the crate as punishment, but to provide your puppy a haven when they get over-excited or need to get some rest. When properly used, your crate will turn into a spot that your adult dog may sometimes still want to use as a retreat.

Invest in a Sturdy Crate

Depending on the breed, your puppy will likely go through a chewy phase, and this can last a long time. By investing in a heavy duty dog crate, your puppy is less likely to chew through the plastic portions of the crate, risking escape and internal damage from ingesting plastic.

Large Crates Leave Space For Food

Depending on the amount of time your puppy will spend in the crate, a large crate will leave you more room for food and water. Consider investing in a crate with a wire mesh door so you can hang food and water dishes from the mesh. This reduces the risk of puppy stepping in their water dish and making a mess.

Fabric, Plastic or Wire?

The nice thing about a plastic crate is that they’re very easy to wash out if necessary. In addition, while wire crates allow a lot of light into the crate, a plastic crate limits the light and keep the crate more of a refuge. If you choose to drape a blanket or towel over a wire crate, be aware that very chewy puppies can shred such an object and may ingest the fabric.

Fabric crates are generally collapsible, so if space is at a premium, you may want to invest in a zipper-front fabric crate. Be sure, once zipped up, that the crate opening is not low and in the center but closed up high on one side to avoid puppy escaping and getting into something dangerous. Also, these crates are thought to be chew proof, but your puppy may challenge that claim. Monitor the crate to avoid the risk of injury.

Line It With Old Things

Once you have the right new crate, be sure and line it with something old. An old sweatshirt or towel is an ideal bed to lay down on the bottom of the crate. Your scent will linger on these fabrics and let your puppy know they’re home when they’re in the crate.

Make sure you monitor the soft goods you place in the crate. Dogs can and will chew through fabric and may ingest more string than is good for them. If puppy is chewing through their bedding, you may have to invest in something more durable.

Conclusion

Think of a puppy crate as more of a tiny apartment for your newest family member. Buying a large crate may feel like overkill, but it will give your dog room to grow and allow them a refuge when they get overwhelmed with their world.