The Truth About Heartworms - Part 1

The Truth About Heartworms

By Dr. Jean Hofve, Veterinarian Advisor

For the past two years, veterinarians and pharmaceutical companies have teamed up in a marketing campaign to frighten pet guardians into giving year-round heartworm preventatives to both dogs and cats. The campaign has really ramped up this year. They say they're doing this to improve protection for individual pets, but we need to take a closer look to discover the truth.

How do pets get heartworms?

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Tiny heartworm larvae, called microfilaria, circulate in the blood, and are sucked up by the bug when it feeds on an infected host animal; for heartworms, their natural host is the dog. Once inside the mosquito, the larvae must develop through more stages before they can infect another dog. For that to occur, outside temperatures must remain above 57 degrees F, day and night, for a minimum of 8 days. The warmer the temperature, the faster the larvae will mature. If the temperature drops below that critical level, larval development will stop; but the larvae don't die—development will re-start at the same point when the weather warms back up. Larvae reach their infective stage in 8 to 30 days (the latter being the entire lifespan of the average mosquito).
When an infected mosquito bites a dog or cat, the heartworm microfilaria are deposited on the skin, where they crawl into the bite wound and enter the bloodstream. Inside the body, they get ready to "settle down and raise a family." In dogs, the heartworm natural host, the larvae migrate to the heart and eventually develop into adult worms, reproduce, fill the blood with microfilaria, and pass it on to the next mosquito. The maturation process takes 6-7 months.

"Heartworms have been diagnosed even in cats who spend 100% of their time indoors."

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance offers a 30 Day free look period

Affordable Pet HealthCare Insurance - Your Pets Deserve it

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance offers a 30 Day free look period

30 DAY LOOK PERIOD - If you are not satisfied with this policy within thirty (30) days of the Policy Effective
Date, you may cancel your insurance. We will refund your premium in full, as long as you have not submitted a
claim. 

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Goodbye Doggy Bags: New Law Allows Pets in Restaurants

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Goodbye Doggy Bags: New Law Allows Pets in Restaurants

by Maeghan Ouime

Forget boxing the leftovers and bringing the doggy bag home. Now your dog can enjoy a meal with you.

California Gov. Jerry Brown recently passed Assembly Bill 1965 to make it easier for pet parents to bring their dogs along when they dine out — or even grab some drinks with friends after work. The dogs must accompany their masters outdoors (on a patio, for example) and the business owner ultimately has final say, but AB 1965 (which takes effect next year) is following a trend many cities around the country have already adopted on their own.

What makes the California law so instrumental though, is that it creates a uniform rule for an entire state. Other states, such as Texas, allow dogs at restaurants in some cities, but not in others — creating confusion for patrons and health inspectors.

 The barking Dog Luncheonette via Yelp

“If you were to poll 50 health inspectors in a particular area on whether pets are allowed, you’d get 20 yeses and 30 noes,” Len Kain, who runs a website that lists dog-friendly establishments, told The Economist.

Here are some restaurants known for their dog-friendly accommodations:

     Barking Dog Luncheonette, New York
As with most trends, the Big Apple is ahead of the game. The Barking Dog — a mini-chain throughout Manhattan — allows pet parents to enjoy the American-food inspired menu in the company of their best animal friends. One patron who reviewed the restaurant shared on BringFido.com that, while waiting for her food, her server brought her dog a bowl of water. Drinks all around!

    Rudy’s BBQ, Austin, Texas
Need gas, groceries and some BBQ? Don’t want to leave your dog at home while you run these errands? Well, Rudy’s is your one-stop-shop. Austin is one of the cities in Texas that opens up most of its restaurants to four-legged friends. Rudy’s also offers free samples on your first visit that will have both you and your pooch begging.

    The Patio on Lamont Street, San Diego
At The Patio you and your dog can be foodies. Upon arrival, each dog receives a homemade dog biscuit and bowl of water. The California-inspired cuisine and meticulously crafted cocktails (some are even half-off if you bring your dog) pair well with the ambiance: a huge outdoor patio space that creates a wonderful dining experience for all.

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2015 Predictions for Popular Pet Names

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2015 Predictions for Popular Pet Names

January 28th, 2015 by Taylor Malowney

Naming your pet is no easy task – pet parents want something unique yet pronounceable, and most importantly, it has to fit your pet. While some popular pet names are classics, others reflect human trends in pop culture, politics or celebrities. 

Here are our picks for the most popular pet names of 2015:

Dogs, female
                         
                                         Image via Commercial Creative Commons on Flickr.

1. Leia

We’re huge Star Wars fans, and with the new saga coming out, other pet parents are bound to be too! Leia and Luke are the perfect names for a pair of rambunctious twin pups who will save the galaxy – after they take a nap.

2. Bella

It’s been forever since Twilight was around, yet the name Bella isn’t going away. After the past three years atop the list of names, we’re hoping the latest Star Wars craze will dethrone our favorite whiny vampire.

3. Lucy

Another safe bet on our list of popular pet names, as Lucy was the runner-up in 2014. Scarlett Johansson’s sci-fi thriller will make sure Lucy is still on the lips of every pet parent in 2015.

4. Marley

The only unisex name on our list, we can thank reggae-loving pet parents for this one. Bob Marley may be long gone, but his legacy remains in the names of thousands of chillaxing pets across the nation.

5. Ruby

With the rising popularity of Aussie actress and animal lover Ruby Rose on Orange is the New Black, we’re betting on this gem of a name. In 2014, Ruby was the 22nd most popular pet name – followed by Rosie. Coincidence? Yeah, probably.



Dogs, male

1. Louie

Comedian Louis C.K. is having a moment, and so is this lovably lazy-sounding name. One Direction star Louis Tomlinson may also be to blame for its rise; teen girls everywhere are gaga for the band – and puppies. Although there are many variations in spelling, the “-ie” is favored by most pet parents.

2. Olaf

Following 2014′s Frozen craze, we’re betting some pet parents out there – and their Disney-adoring kids – will dub their pups Olaf. The doofy, buck-toothed snowman is the perfect namespiration for snow-loving pups everywhere.
  

                                        Image via Commercial Creative Commons on Flickr.
3. Bear

Nature-themed names were a bonafide hit in 2014; this classic calls to mind a shaggy, lovable Newfoundland. Or if you’re a fan of irony, a tiny, ferocious Chihuahua.

4. Oscar

Awards season is coming up, and so is this classic pet name. Placing 25th on the list of 2014 most popular pet names, we’re betting it’ll rise up the ranks like Lupita Nyong’o's career.

5. Russell and/or Wilson

Maybe we’re a little biased (Go Hawks!), but we’re convinced the Seahawks will win the Super Bowl, catapulting the pet names Russell and/or Wilson into the top ten this year.

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If your pet needs treatment for any accident or illness and it's not a pre-existing condition, you're covered.  It's that simple.

10 Dogs Pumped It’s Hump Day

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10 Dogs Pumped It’s Hump Day

 by Taylor Malowney

It’s Hump Day, halfway through the work week, and no one is more stoked than these dogs! All photos courtesy of the Commercial Commons license on Flickr

Does your pet have health insurance?  Healthy Paws Pet Insurance provides coverage  with no limits on claims.

If your pet needs treatment for any accident or illness and it's not a pre-existing condition, you're covered.  It's that simple.

Winter and Your Pets – Outdoor Outings

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Winter and Your Pets – Outdoor Outings
 by Taylor Malowney

          
It’s important for your pooch to get exercise to stay healthy, even in winter. But during these cold months, it’s also essential to take some precautions to protect your pet’s health. The temperature, substances on the ground, frostbite, and hypothermia are all concerns to the responsible pet parent.

Watch for Symptoms of Cold-Related Illnesses

When the temperature outside creeps below freezing, your dog becomes susceptible to dangerous illnesses like frostbite and hypothermia. Signs of these ailments include shivering, lethargy, muscle stiffness, and swollen or hardened skin that remains cold. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately. Treatment for these conditions can run to $500 and more, depending on the severity. Keep an eye on your dog during winter walks, and limit time outside to fifteen minutes or less when temperatures are around freezing.

Suit Up During Winter Walks

As ridiculous as they may seem, jackets and sweaters intended for dogs can keep them toasty warm and prevent cold-related illnesses. Smaller dogs, as well as hairless or short-haired ones, can benefit from the insulation a coat provides. When looking for a doggy garment, make sure the fit is correct – too tight or loose can restrict movement or cause your pet to overheat. Booties or shoes can also protect paws from the icy ground and substances on it. However, even with protective garments, in cold temperatures time outside should be limited.

Inspect Paws After Being Outside

After walking your pet outside, it’s important to inspect your dog’s paws for any foreign objects or liquids. Snow and ice can obscure obstacles that your pet could step on, injuring their delicate paw pads or wedging inside paws. Antifreeze and coolant, which are poisonous to dogs, can also be picked up by bare paws and licked off later. Wipe off paws with a damp cloth to remove substances. Booties or doggie shoes are also an option, especially if you are walking your pet in an icy area.

During winter, there are many dangers lowered temperatures and frigid weather pose to canines. Hypothermia and frostbite, as well as antifreeze poisoning, are potential risks from walking your dog outside in winter. Jackets and booties designed for dogs afford protection from the elements and can prevent the aforementioned illnesses. Limit outdoors time to fifteen minutes or less when temperatures rest around freezing. Play safe with your pet this winter!

Does your pet have health insurance?  Healthy Paws Pet Insurance provides coverage  with no limits on claims.

If your pet needs treatment for any accident or illness and it's not a pre-existing condition, you're covered.  It's that simple.

Lifetime Pet Insurance For Kittens to Senior Cats

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Lifetime Pet Insurance - For kittens to senior cats

When your cat gets a little too curious and needs emergency care or develops a diabetes later in life that takes you both by surprise, Healthy Paws can help you give your kitty companion the best medical care.

Kittens to five-years olds

Kittens and younger cats can get sick just as easily as older cats, experiencing illnesses like urinary tract and upper respiratory infections. Kittens are also incredibly curious and have a tendency to eat things they shouldn't, like sewing needles and rubber bands.

Cats six and up

As your cats gets older, they may be affected by a hereditary or congenital condition that could cost you a fortune if you don't have pet insurance. With Healthy Paws you'll be protected for life. Just enroll your "furry" friend up until their 14th birthday.

There's no age discrimination when it comes to the unexpected.  Join today and our Healthy Paws Pet Insurance team will be there to protect you and your cat from all of life's (mis)adventures.

Does your pet have health insurance?  Healthy Paws Pet Insurance provides coverage  with no limits on claims.

If your pet needs treatment for any accident or illness and it's not a pre-existing condition, you're covered.  It's that simple