Battle of the Boxes – MeowBox and KitNipBox Review

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Battle of the Boxes – MeowBox and KitNipBox Review

 by Taylor Malowney

In our quest to pamper our pets, cat subscription boxes are popping up left and right. For a monthly fee, a box of purrfect goodies is delivered to your door. 

As a pet blogger and self-proclaimed crazy cat lady, I know how much cats love their boxes. My recent rescue kitty, Bug, was the perfect test subject, so I reached out to the two main cat subscription boxes, MeowBox and KitNipBox. 

Both companies kindly sent boxes of goodies for my fur baby Bug to review, and the results are in!

MeowBox
Ships to: United States, U.K. and Canada

Price: $32.95/one month, $27.95/three months, $22.95/six months

Now, on to the fun stuff! Packed with purrfection, my MeowBox came with a handy “Goodies Guide,” which lists all the items and their manufacturers. The company carefully researches its suppliers, and all edible goodies are made in the United States or Canada – awesome for my chew-crazy Bug. 

Customer Experience

My MeowBox arrived quickly, and I was pleasantly surprised to see a personalized message on the inside. I’m a sucker for presentation; the box’s informational materials and packaging were nice, professional touches. The company bills themself as “a happy little company based out of Vancouver, BC, Canada;” a vibe I can definitely get behind.

 

Goodies

Six items were included in the February MeowBox – four toys and two treats. Everyone knows feathers are a feline’s best friend; Bug flipped for The Empurrium “Teaser Wand Cat Toy” and Jerry Kurlz “Road Runner,” as you can see. 

A blinking bouncy ball was a little much for the skittish Bug, and she was immune to the charms of a hemp and cork toy “marinated” in an herbal blend. No offense to the Sammy Saturn, she’s just one of those cynical cats unaffected by the thrills of catnip.

Coming off a bad bout of kitty flu, Bug’s been turning her whiskers up at the tastiest (and most expensive) of foods. Blue Buffalo‘s BLUE Kitty Yums are beef-flavored and pretty much the only thing she’ll eat now. The Feelgood Liver Snapz weren't a hit, but she’s a notoriously fickle feline.

KitNipBoxKitNipBox

Ships to: United States, U.K. and Canada

Price: $19/month for the “Happy Cat,” $29/month for the “Multi-Cat”

Based in New York, KitNipBox is a big supporter of local animal organizations and shelters. I received a Multi-Cat KitNipBox, which has six or more items; the “Happy Cat” is designed for single cat households and has four or more items.

Customer Experience

While storms in the Northeast U.S. delayed delivery, the KitNipBox customer service team was fast and friendly. My one complaint would be the bulkiness of the box, which seemed a little overlarge for its contents. I also would have liked more information on the items included, like links to suppliers’ sites.

Goodies

My KitNipBox came with seven items and a bonus, including six toys, a bag of treats, and a bowtie. The “Twinkle Mouse in Motion” was the biggest hit and definitely indulged Bug’s inner lioness. Both Bug and I were baffled by the “Whale Loofah” at first – a bath toy? paw exfoliator? – but it’s now her go-to toy when she’s feeling particularly destructive.

The crinkle ball, billed as a bonus toy, was quickly shredded by Bug’s sharp canines and proclaimed a choking hazard – whoops. 

Bug found the rest of the toys uninteresting and some confused me, too. A “dangly door bouncer” looked like a Chinese finger-trap, while the “roller friend” was a Frankenstein mash-up of cardboard and a disembodied duck head. 

I adored Mauve Moose‘s itty-bitty catnip baguette, but Bug did not share my sentiments, being unaffected by catnip. We also disagreed on the stylishness of a festive bow tie from The Empurrium, which she refused to wear under any circumstances.

The Verdict

It’s hard to tell from only one box, but both MeowBox and KitNipBox had plenty to offer for playful kitties. The MeowBox toys seemed more cat-friendly and crowd-pleasing – I’ve never met a feline who didn’t freak over a feather. 

The catnip toys and most treats were a toss-up, as Bug’s a weirdo. However, it would be nice if there was an option for the one-third of cats who lack the catnip receptor. Overall, more customization would be the key to the purrfect box – preferred food flavors, toy types, etc. 

MeowBox’s sliding subscription prices are also a bonus, and I definitely preferred its overall vibe and look. For a professional, feline-friendly experience, I’d pick the MeowBox. But if you have a multi-cat household, you can’t beat KitNipBox’s price. 

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You, Your Dog and Lyme Disease

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You, Your Dog and Lyme Disease

by Taylor Malowney

 Flickr.com/tudor

When hiking with your dog, stick to trails and avoid thick grass and bushes. As spring and summer approach, you and your pooch are exploring the outdoors more. But with this newfound freedom comes the possibility of Lyme disease, an infection caused by the bite of a tick. Pet parents can also develop Lyme disease – use these tips on you and your dog.

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is an infection caused by a tick bite. Ticks often contain the bacteria Burrelia bergdorferi, which is passed along in their bite and into the bloodstream. Lyme disease tick range Lyme disease tick range

 Who is at risk for Lyme disease?

Several common tick species carry the disease-causing bacteria across the United States. The Blacklegged tick is widespread throughout the East and Southeast U.S., as well as near the Great Lakes. On the West Coast, the Western Black egged tick is a carrier of the bacteria.

Dogs and outdoor cats are at risk of developing Lyme disease when they spend time outdoors in affected areas. Ticks typically catch a ride on pets’ fur after they pass through grassy, wooded or sandy areas. 

Pet parents can also be infected with Lyme disease, but only through a tick bite – you cannot catch Lyme disease directly from your pet! 

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?

In humans, the infection initially presents as a bullseye-like rash, appearing within three to thirty days. However, the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs differ:

Generalized pain
“Walking on eggshells,” or lameness
Loss of appetite
Joint swelling
Fever
Symptoms of Lyme disease may appear and disappear suddenly or recur over a period of time. Difficulty walking has been described as “walking on eggshells,” and may affect a variety of limbs.

How is Lyme disease diagnosed?

A vet exam is the best way to get the ball rolling. If you suspect your pet has Lyme disease, don’t wait! Symptoms can persist off and on for over a year; some pets aren’t diagnosed until several months to a year after exposure.

Your vet will perform two blood tests to diagnose Lyme disease. An antibody test is done to determine the presence of antibodies in the bloodstream, which indicates an infection. However, this test can’t diagnose what infection your pet has. This is where the second test comes in – a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Fluid may be taken from a joint for best results, which is analyzed at the DNA level. 

How is Lyme disease treated?

Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Course of treatment is very long, as all bacteria in the body must be eradicated to cure the infection. Your vet may need to change the prescribed antibiotic, as some bacteria are immune to certain medications.

Flickr.cocm/jimwallace57

To prevent Lyme disease, avoid sandy or brush-filled areas – they’re tick havens. 

How can I prevent Lyme disease?

When you go hiking with your dog, avoid thickly wooded or bushy areas. Stick to marked trails, especially in parts of the country where ticks are endemic.

After an outdoor excursion, thoroughly check your pet for any ticks! Wear a pair of thick gloves and long sleeves to avoid being bit yourself. Ticks can be as small as a pinhead, so use a flashlight for best results. If you find a tick, remove it immediately using a pair of tweezer. Avoid crushing the tick or partially removing it – bacteria can enter the skin through any open wound or cut. 

Over-the-counter tick control medications are widely available, either in collar or 

A vaccine for Lyme disease is also available. If you live in an area where ticks are endemic and spend tons of time outdoors, consider vaccinating your pet! Talk to your vet about the Lyme disease vaccine.

How much does Lyme disease cost to treat?

The price of antibiotics for pets and humans has been increasing in recent years – a two-week dose of doxycycline can cost $400 in some areas. Ask your vet if they use a compounding pharmacy, which can reduce costs majorly.

Blood tests usually run around $80, depending on the methods used. Pet parents also must pay the vet exam fee, which is $40 to $50 and not covered by pet insurance.

Veterinary Careers – Veterinary Technician

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Veterinary Careers – Veterinary Technician

by Taylor Malowney

Animal healthcare is a rising career field; pets are receiving the best medical care now more than ever. Interested in helping animals? Then being a veterinary technician is for you.

What kind of work do veterinary technicians do?

Vet techs’ jobs are similar to human nurses. Tasks they are required to perform include:

Observations, such as taking temperature, pulse, etc.
Cleaning/dressing wounds and applying splints
Preparing and performing tests, such as blood work and urinalysis
Assisting veterinarians in surgery
Inserting IVs, catheters, and feeding tubes

Basically, a veterinary technician does basic animal care and overall assists the veterinarian.

What kinds of places do they work?

Vet techs work in veterinary clinics alongside veterinarians, so wherever there’s a veterinarian, there’s a tech! In addition to clinics, zoos, animal shelters, boarding kennels, and farms may also require their services.

What schooling is involved?

An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a major approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is required. These approved fields include science, occupational science, applied science, and veterinary technology. During this schooling you will be required to have hands-on experience in a veterinary clinic. Most states require veterinary technicians to pass a licensing exam after a degree is acquired.

What is the job outlook for veterinary technicians?

Excellent. The need for vet techs is expected to increase 36% from 2008 to 2018, according to the United States Bureau of Labor.

How much money do vet techs make?

The average hourly wage in the United States is currently $15.56, with the average yearly salary $32,350 (U.S. Bureau of Labor). Texas, California, Florida, Pennsylvania and New York are the top five states with the highest numbers of employed veterinary technicians.

Because of the increased demand for excellent animal healthcare, the number of veterinary technicians needed is on the rise. Job outlook is excellent, and there is not much schooling and an associate’s degree in a science is required, along with a certification test

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Doctor’s Pawscription – Adopt a Dog

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Doctor’s Pawscription – Adopt a Dog

by Taylor Malowney

Science is adding a new reason to the list of why dogs are awesome – they’re good for your health. The health benefits of pets health benefits of pets have been obvious for years, but now the science is finally catching up. Doctors are prescribing pet adoption for issues as wide-ranging as depression, obesity and heart disease.

 I dare you to look at that face and not smile

Image via Creative Commons license on Flikr

Why do pets help health? The short answer is, they make us happy. Pets reduce stress by triggering the release of serotonin and dopamine, brain chemicals that create happiness. Less stress means lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reducing your risk of heart disease.

Pet parents with dogs are more likely to exercise and socialize – both proven to prevent obesity and depression. Pets are great conversation starters and reduce social isolation, which can affect your immune system and mental wellbeing.

Hospitals use therapy dogs to reduce stress and improve health

Image via WikiMedia Commons

The mental health benefits of pets are well-known; therapy and emotional support animals have been helping humans for years. Dogs’ outgoing attitude is due to their fearlessness of strangers, says Brian Hare, co-director of Duke University’s Canine Cognition Center. “We've done research on this, and what we've found is that not only are most dogs totally not xenophobic, they’re actually xenophilic – they love strangers!”

Universities, nursing homes, and prisons all use therapy dogs as a way to reduce stress. If you’re suffering from depression, anxiety or other mental health issues, ask your doctor about an emotional support animal. With a letter from a mental health professional, you can have your pet certified. If you’re a renter, all facilities must allow your animal and all pet fees are waived.

Get moving with your pet to help you both get healthy and happy. The health benefits of exercise are immense – it’s been proven to boost mood and energy, improve sleep quality, and increase self-esteem. Both pets and humans are recommended to get moving for at least 30 minutes daily. 

Hit the beach with your pet to meet other pet parents and get your heart pumping. Image via Creative Commons License on Flickr

Hit the beach with your pet to meet other pet parents and get your heart pumping. Image via Creative Commons License on Flickr.
Jogging, walking, roller blading and bicycling can all be done with a dog in tow. Spice up your routine by moving to the beach or trail – contact with nature has health benefits similar to pets’. 

Dogs are great icebreakers! Whether you’re new in town or going through a breakup, Fido can help you meet new friends, both canine and human. The dog park, beach and even downtown are all great ways to meet fellow pet parents and admiring bystanders. Studies have shown social relationships can add years to your life and reduce cognitive and physical decline in old age. 

Dogs can help kids and teens learn responsibility and reduce their stress.
Kids can also benefit from pets, especially in adolescence. A study found children were more likely to confide in Fido when upset. Research is also debating the benefits of pets and preventing allergies; exposure to pet dander and fur early in life may desensitize kids and stop development of allergies. 

Daily dog-related chores like walking, feeding and potty breaks reinforce responsibility and can be used to teach kids about nutrition and exercise. Teenagers especially can benefit from contact with pets, who help reduce some of that angst and stress.

What if you got a $2000.00 vet bill that you can't afford?  Explore the cost of health insurance for your furry friend at explorecost.com

Controlling your Dog’s Weight

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Controlling your Dog’s Weight

by Steve Siadek

Several years ago, our rather sedentary dog began to pack on the pounds. Gator isn't your average Weimaraner.  He doesn't hunt (anything other than smells, at least), and his separation anxiety keeps him glued to my side at the dog park.  My web-footed “Weimie” is terrified of water, so swimming was out of the question.

Since he was on a healthy, high-grade food, it quickly clear that Gator’s weight issue would have to be addressed with a change in diet.

At the time, I worked for an animal rescue organization whose veterinarian, Dr. Ronald Lott, told me how he controlled his German Shepherds’ weight using canned green beans.  By replacing part of Gator’s dry dog food with the green beans, our boy dropped 18 pounds over 6 months.  The beans provided fiber and contained very few calories, and Gator loves them.

At this point, I should add that before changing your dog’s diet or embarking on any kind of weight loss program, you should enlist the advice of your own veterinarian.  He or she knows your dog’s needs and can point you in the right direction.

That being said, extra pounds do place considerable stress on a dog’s heart and lungs, which can contribute to serious health problems, such as heart disease and high blood pressure.  So canine owners should definitely be conscious of their dog’s weight.

Have you ever noticed the stiffness and obvious limping in some older dogs?  Overweight dogs are more likely to develop osteoarthritis in their joints as they age.  This painful condition can often be avoided, or at least minimized, by keeping Fido’s weight under control.

Think about what your dog eats.  Do you know what’s really in it?  Over the last 4 years, I’ve learned a great deal about pet food, and I’m committed to sharing that information on my own websites.  Both canned and dry dog food can contain ingredients that contribute to weight gain.  Read the label!  If you see any form of corn, a change in diet is in order.  Corn is used by pet food manufacturing companies as a cheap replacement for quality protein.  But corn is a carbohydrate and will contribute to weight gain.  Better dog food won’t contain corn.

Look at the first 4 ingredients on the label.  If you see corn, wheat, rice, potato or any other starch, you may want to shop for something else to help your pup lose weight.  The first 4 ingredients contain the most weight in the product, which means that any carbohydrates included translate to calories, and that translates to weight gain!

You may have to pay a bit more for a higher quality pet food but if it helps your dog lose weight and enjoy a healthier life, it will be worth it.  If budget is an issue, and for most of us it is, healthy pet food can be found at reasonable prices.  You just have to search for it.

Pay attention to other food items that your dog consumes.  During Gator’s “fatty” period, he often ate people food snacks.  If my husband made toast with peanut butter, Gator was right beside him, waiting for a hand-out.  With the change in his food, we changed his treats.  I keep a bag of fresh baby carrots in the refrigerator, just for the dogs.  Baby carrots are the right size for a treat and are low in calories.

Exercise is crucial for dogs.  Not only does it keep the weight off; it also helps the animal retain muscle tone.  If your pet is small, he might do just fine with only a daily walk or two.  But larger animals need more.

Playing ball with you or catching a tossed Frisbee are easy ways to get Fido moving.  Running around a dog park with other canines also provides cardio exercise.  Swimming improves cardio and muscle tone.

Today, our Gator is a healthy 99 pounds and at the height of a female Great Dane, this is a perfect weight for him.  His weight is maintained with a diet of a really good dry kibble and green beans.  No people food, ever, except for baby carrots used as treats!

Through Gator’s weight problems, we learned a valuable lesson about the dangers of pet obesity. Hopefully what we’ve learned with Gator can help inform healthy food decisions for your dog.

About the Author: Carol North is the president of Seniors for Pets, Inc, a 501(c)3 non-profit assisting SW Florida seniors with basic veterinary needs for their pets.  She also publishes FeedingFidoandFluffy.com, a website devoted to the feeding and care of healthy pets.

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Goodbye Doggy Bags: New Law Allows Pets in Restaurants

Affordable Pet HealthCare Insurance - Your Pets Deserve it

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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Volunteering with Pets

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Volunteering with Pets

by Taylor Malowney

Every year, 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters in the United States. Only 4 million are lucky enough to find a forever home. Nationwide, there are only about 5,000 animal shelters to care for these abandoned animals. Animal shelters are often understaffed and without necessary funding. At Healthy Paws, we believe in supporting pet adoption centers with our Every Quote Gives Hope program. If you’re looking for a way to support pets, consider volunteering with pets!

Help save a life. Volunteering with pets saves the shelter countless dollars in wages. This money can then be put towards running the shelter, buying supplies, and providing veterinary care for the animals.

Do some doggone good. Animals in shelters are often confused, lonely, and in need of some TLC. By playing and petting with abandoned animals, you’ll brighten their day and yours! Socializing pets is especially important to help them find a forever home.

Find your passion. You may think you’re just an animal lover, but after volunteering with pets you may be more than that. Volunteering at a pet adoption center can spark your interest and inspire you to take up a career with animals! Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, zookeepers, and zoologists all work closely with animals.

Make new friends. When you volunteer at an animal shelter, you’ll meet lots of people, from fellow volunteers to shelter staff and potential pet parents. You’ll also make new friends, most with four legs, some with two! Getting to know the animals and their personalities can be the most enjoyable part of volunteering.

Get your furry fix. If you can’t adopt or foster a pet, consider volunteering with pets to get your daily dose of cute! Sign up for a weekly shift at your local animal shelter. Make a difference in your community for some serious kitty karma.

Find a shelter near you. Look in the Yellow Pages or use one of the many online resources to find an animal shelter near you. The ASPCA, Petfinder, and Adopt a Pet all have online search features to find an animal shelter near you. Fill out an application or contact the shelter’s volunteer coordinator. Then you’re on your way to making a difference in the world.

Here at Healthy Paws, we believe in taking action to help homeless pets. Our Every Quote Gives Hope program donates to a homeless pet’s medical care with every pet insurance quote. Improve the lives of abandoned animals in your area by volunteering with pets at a local animal shelter.

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Treat Yo’ Dog! – 10 Tips for Love Your Pet Day

Affordable Pet HealthCare Insurance - Your Pets Deserve it

Treat Yo’ Dog! – 10 Tips for Love Your Pet Day

by Taylor Malowney

NorCal GSP Rescue provides its pets with gentle dog massages.  Image via Creative Commons License on Flickr and Steve Cross Photography

 Tomorrow is Love Your Pet Day! While we always try to treat our pets with love and affection, sometimes it’s nice to go the extra mile. After all, who else but Fluffy and Fido would listen to you vent about your ex? And who would snuggle up next to you when you’re sick?

Go above and beyond for your dog this Love Your Pet Day. Try out one of our creative ideas and pamper your pet!

1. Make like a masseuse.

Even dogs aren’t invulnerable to the powers of massage. Start gently at your pet’s neck, moving your thumb and forefinger in circular motions to loosen the muscles. There tons of dog massage techniques used to relieve stiffness, calm pets, or warm up muscles. Feeling extra indulgent? Schedule your pet a massage at a doggy spa.

Even the tiniest pooch can enjoy the great outdoors.  Image via Creative Commons License on Flickr.

 2. Hit the hiking trails.

What better way to show your dog you care than a vacation? To dogs, your local hiking trail is an exotic getaway. Pick a trail according to your pet’s activity level; puppies and senior dogs may struggle with steep hills. Check your trail’s pet policies too! And always leash your pet to prevent runaways or tangles with other animals.

3. Bake some all-natural treats.

Your pet may look longingly into the kitchen, but this time the treats are pet friendly! Human cooking sites and Pinterest are full of DIY dog biscuits. Some are even no bake dog treats, for an easy treat on the go. Make dog treats at home in bulk and freeze to keep extras on hand. 

 Add some pizzazz to your pet's collar with a bow tie! Image via Creative Commons license on Flickr

4. Class up Fido’s collar!

Time to upgrade your pet – no, not like PuppySwap – and get your dog some new duds. Dog collars should be replaced as they become frayed or worn. Pick one that’s size-appropriate, according to your pet’s weight; too tight can cause difficulties breathing, while too loose will just slip off. Get creative with your dog’s collar! Show NFL spirit with a football team dog collar, or make your pet’s life a little more fancy with a bow tie.

5. Plan a lakeside picnic.

If hiking isn’t your thing, take your pet to a nearby park for a picnic. Make dog-friendly sandwiches for a special treat, and bring a comfy blanket to nap on. Some pets love to swim; take your pt paddleboarding or let Fido go for a dip solo. Make sure to bring a towel for the ride back!

Dog training can be a fun brainteaser for pets and less stress for you - a win-win!  Image via Creative Commons license on Flickr

6. Touch up training.

Refresh Fido’s manners with a dog training session. Pet stores offer lessons, and check online for Groupons or discounts in your area. Your pet’s already a perfect angel? Kick it up a notch and enroll in a dog agility course. Some pets have more exercise needs than others; weekly training can burn off excess energy.

7. Lay your pet in the lap of luxury.

Treat yo dog to a new bed for a gift that keeps on giving. The variety of styles and prices is practically endless. Consider a raised bed or one with supportive foam for senior dogs – both can help hip dyplasia and arthritis. If your pet prefers to curl up on a softer bed, look at shearling for extra warmth. Some beds are heated for extra appeal, using either timed heating pads or microwavable inserts.

8. Did someone say car ride?

It’s the little things that make dogs happy. Let your pet ride shotgun and get all the fresh air his head can take. It doesn’t have to be a special outing – Fido is more than happy to accompany you on short errands! Some businesses even allow leashed dogs, especially ini pet-friendly cities like Seattle and San Francisco.

Take your pet to the dog park for some quality butt sniffing and Frisbee catching.  Image via Creative Commons license on Flickr.

9. Visit the dog park!

Another oldie but goodie, no pet will turn down a visit to the dog park. If you’re a regular at one park, switch it up and try something new. If there aren’t any designated dog parks in your area, try pet-friendly beaches or parks to meet other pets. Still no options? Plan a doggy play date in a big backyard or nearby field.

10. Indulge with a dog-friendly dessert.

Pet-safe versions of Hershey Kisses, almond cake and peanut butter biscuits are all easy to make at home, complete with delectable icing and sprinkles. Pet bakeries are also a thing in trendy cities and pet boutiques. You can make an recipe pet friendly by removing ingredients like chocolate and excess sugar. Carrot cake is an easy dog-friendly dessert loved by pets and humans alik.

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Doggie Spa Day – Give Your Pooch the Westminster Treatment

Affordable Pet HealthCare Insurance - Your Pets Deserve it
Doggie Spa Day – Give Your Pooch the           Westminster Treatment
by Taylor Malowney

A bear-like pooch gets groomed before the Westminister DogShow.  Image via www.petsadviser.com

The Westminster Dog Show airs  on NBC, with the finals on USA. The Westminster Kennel Club is hosting its 139th annual All Breeds Dog Show, and dog lovers are in for a treat!

These pooches are considered the best of their breeds, so the competition is fierce. Give your own pet a doggy spa day worthy of Westminster with these easy, at-home treatments.

Set the mood

Human spas are relaxing environments, full of tinkling waterfalls, oddly calming gongs, and pleasantly scented. Recreate a doggy version of this in your own bathroom at home! Dim the lights for a soothing atmosphere and put on some nature sounds. Lavender and lemongrass are pet-safe smells guaranteed to soothe the most savage beast.

Your body language and demeanor are also important to a home dog spa. Move slowly and use gentle movements. Some pets aren’t comfortable in baths, so make sure to give Fido plenty of TLC.

Most dogs love a good old fashioned brushing.  Use a rubber-tipped massage brush for extra luxury.  Image via Creative Commons license on Flickr

Do a pre-bath brush

Most pets find a good brushing relaxing! Removing excess fur before a bath cuts down on shedding as well. Pick a brush best suited to your pet’s coat length or style. Dogs with fluffier fur should use a comb, while flat coated pets can use a wire brush. The Furminator is a miracle brush with rave reviews; however, it is a tad on the pricey side.

When brushing your dog, use long, slow strokes for max relaxation. For the ultimate dog spa experience, invest in a massage brush, which as rubber-tipped bristles that stimulate healthy coat oils.

Test the temp

Dogs are very sensitive to temperature; too cold water results in pathetic shivering, while too hot can scald paws. If your pooch is a temperature Goldilocks, err on the side of caution and fill the tub with lukewarm water. Too chilly? Fill a pitcher or large cup with warmer water and use to rinse off Fido as you go.

Water can cool quickly in a chilly bathroom, so it’s important to maintain room temperature as well. Consider using a space heater to warm small rooms during and after the bath. If you think the room is too hot, your dog probably does too! Again, the key is to follow Goldilocks – not too hot, not too cold, but just right.

The pooch loves to rub a dub dub! Pick an all-natural shampoo for sensitive skin.  Image via Creative Commons license on Flickr.

Select a shampoo

These days, there are almost as many dog shampoos as human ones! The options can be overwhelming, but focus on your pet’s fur type or skin needs. Dogs with sensitive skin should avoid scents and bubbles; hypoallergenic dog shampoos often have oatmeal or aloe in them. 

There are plenty of all-natural dog shampoos in pet stores and online. Recipes for DIY dog shampoo are plentiful on Pinterest and pet lifestyle blogs. An easy mix is one cup baking soda and one cup oatmeal; mix with four cups of warm water and a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Don’t worry, Dawn and similar soaps are very gentle – rescuers often use it to clean sea birds after oil spills.

Toss in the towel

Finish off your at home dog spay day with a gentle yet firm toweling to remove excess water. Beware of your pooch’s own method of drying – the ol’ shake and drench. Even dogs can appreciate a fluffy towel; save the rags for cleaning and put your pet in the lap of luxury! Using a high quality towel also reduces drying time and how much your pet drenches you – win-win.

As an extra amenity, give your dog a dental chew for a minty fresh taste. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, brush your dog’s teeth with a flavored toothpaste. 

Thinking of insuring your furry friend.  Explore the cost at ExploreCost.com

Canine Hip Dysplasia – Could your dog have it?

Affordable Pet HealthCare Insurance - Your Pets Deserve it

Canine Hip Dysplasia – Could your dog have it?

by Oona

          dog hip dysplasia

An x-ray of a dog with hip dysplasia. Photo courtesy of www.dogarthritisblog.info

Has your beloved pooch been limping, hopping or getting up slower lately? If so, he or she might be exhibiting symptoms of canine hip dysplasia, a genetic disease of the hip joint. Dogs with this condition have ball-and-socket joints that don’t fit quite right, causing discomfort when they walk around.

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition, which means that certain dogs are more likely to get it than others. Larger dogs have about a 50% chance of acquiring it, and it usually occurs in purebreds, although mixed breeds can have it too. German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, Rottweilers, Great Danes, and Golden Retrievers all have a higher risk of hip dysplasia.

If you believe your pup is more likely to get hip dysplasia, talk to your veterinarian. She may  recommend the following steps to lessen the chance that your dog will develop it:

Rapid growth and weight gain is thought to increase an animal’s risk of hip dysplasia, as a bigger dog will put more strain on its joints. Avoid overfeeding. Feed your puppy 3 to 4 times a day, but an adult dog only twice per day.

Avoid rough play, such as jumping, long runs, and sliding on floors. These activities put strain on a dog’s hind leg joints.

Even these preventative measures may not completely protect your pet. Since the disease is caused by poorly-formed hip joints, it is present at birth, but symptoms may not be visible until middle or late life. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms of hip dysplasia in both your dogs and cats (yes, they can get it too!):

An altered gait – limping, hopping, etc.
Refuses to jump, run, or walk up stairs
Slow or stiff to rise from lying down or sitting

Your veterinarian is the only person who can determine whether or not your dog has hip dysplasia. Hip x-rays and a physical exam are needed to accurately diagnose your pet’s condition. Veterinarians will choose one of two courses – treatment with medications or surgery. Both options are typically very expensive for pet parents.

As an aside, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance covers hip dysplasia treatments in pets as long as the condition is diagnosed after the pet is insured and as long as the pet is insured by the age of six. Many insurance companies don’t cover this and many other genetic conditions that often develop in pets over their lifetimes, so be sure to read any insurance policies carefully.

Non-surgical treatment is for dogs showing mild symptoms of hip dysplasia, and aims to control and reduce side effects rather than eliminate them. Your dog would likely take medications, often on a daily basis, and could cost more than surgery over time. These medications can range from $50 to several hundred dollars per round of doses, depending on the type and duration. A drawback to this treatment is that even with medication, the disease can continue to progress, and surgical treatment may be necessary.

There are two common major surgical treatments that are used to help dogs with hip dysplasia. A Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) is performed on young dogs with less advanced forms of the disease. The pelvis is reconstructed, which allows the femur to fit better inside the joint and relieves pain. A Total Hip Replacement (THR) replaces your pet’s hip joint with a prosthetic one and costs from $2,000 to $4,000. Even if both your dog’s joints have dysplasia, generally only one will need to be replaced, as it will greatly reduce the stress in the other.

Canine hip dysplasia is a fairly common ailment, but with the appropriate preventative and medical treatments, your dog can live a healthy, happy life!

Thinking of Pet Health Insurance, explore the cost at ExploreCost

Veterinary Technicians Specialists

Affordable Pet HealthCare Insurance - Your Pets Deserve it

Affordable Pet HealthCare Insurance - Your Pets Deserve it

Veterinary Technicians Specialists

Sleuth the Reporter Dog knows that pet owners can be very nervous and concerned when the veterinarian talks about sending their beloved pet to a specialist.  Whatever the problem is, Sleuth has found out that there are some pretty special team members at the specialty hospital who just might be able to help calm some fears!  Meet the Veterinary Technician Specialists!

1)    Like veterinarians who specialize in areas such as dentistry or oncology, credentialed veterinary technicians now have some amazing opportunities for furthering their education and providing a higher level of care for our dogs and cats.

2)    Veterinary Technician Specialists, or VTSs, are instrumental in helping these expert doctors with some of veterinary medicine’s most challenging cases.  From dogs and cats to horses and even zoo animals, VTSs are there to assist the veterinarian, comfort the pets and help with client questions and concerns.

3)    The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) gave accreditation to the very first technician specialty back in 1994.  This was the year that the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians was created.

4)    Since that time, 10 new academies have been created that allow technicians to specialize in everything from anesthesia to dentistry and equine medicine to nutrition and even zoo animal medicine.

5)    The path to specialization is not an easy one though!  Applicants must work thousands of hours in their chosen area and log dozens of cases for review.  This work is then reviewed by the Academy’s certification board.

6)    Even after that work is complete, the applicant must still prove that they have earned enough continuing education credits in their area of specialization and provide two letters of recommendation.  Only then will potential technician specialist be allowed to sit for a certification examination.

7)    Upon passing their exam, the new Veterinary Technician Specialist will earn the credentials of VTS along with a designation of their area of specialty.  For example, technician specialists in anesthesia are credentialed as “VTSA”.

8)    These dedicated individuals, along with the whole veterinary team, are so important to the care that your pets receive while at a veterinary specialty hospital.  Their hard work and advanced education means that you know your furry friends are in good, knowledgeable hands! 

9)    Sites like MyVNN.com can provide you with accurate and unbiased pet health information.

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

February is National Pet Dental Month

Affordable Pet HealthCare Insurance - Your Pets Deserve it

Affordable Pet HealthCare Insurance - Your Pets Deserve it

February is National Pet Dental Month

For more information visit AVMA

Brushing your Dog and Cats Teeth

   While it may seem daunting to wrangle your pet into accepting a toothbrushing, it’s very important to their overall wellbeing. Your pet’s dental health can impact more than just their chompers. 

Gum disease, cavities and abscesses are all very common yet painful conditions both dogs and cats can develop. They can also have far-reaching effects, affecting your pet’s ability to eat, chew and swallow. Without the proper nutrition, your pet may become fatigued or show signs of depression. 

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. 

New Research Shows Dogs Share Humans’ Emotional Connection to Sound

Affordable Pet HealthCare Insurance - Your Pets Deserve it'

New Research Shows Dogs Share Humans’ Emotional Connection to Sound
by Lauren Zanolli

         
Your kids might just yell, “Go get the ball!” or “Want to go for a ride?,” but your dog hears — and feels — a whole lot more than just the words. That’s the gist of a new study that suggests that the brains of our canine companions share an unusually high-level trait with humans: the ability to identify the emotional meaning of sounds.

Researchers at the MTA-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group in Budapest studied the neurological response of 22 humans and 11 golden retrievers and border collies while listening to a variety of sounds — environmental  (cars, doorbells), human (laughing, crying, shouting) and canine (playful barking, aggressive growling) — associated with positive and negative emotions. While the experiment came with challenges (strapping the dogs into an MRI scanner for 8 minutes at a time) the study has impressed animal researchers. We spoke to Attila Andics, the lead researcher, to help pet parents understand a bit more about this dog ability.

Image via faz.net

What was the biggest surprise to you from this research?

Dogs, just as humans, seem to have a so-called “voice area” in their brain. It was first shown in 2000 that humans have a “voice area” — a brain region that responds more strongly to human voices than to any other sound. This, in itself, is not that surprising. The important part is that we seem to find this voice area in the very same part of the brain as humans. This means that this is a brain function that was most probably there in the last common ancestor of dogs and humans, which lived 100 million years ago.

What did you discover about how dogs understand emotion?

We showed that dogs and humans process vocal emotions very similarly. In both the dog and human brain there is a region, close to the primary auditory region, that responds more strongly to positive emotional vocalizations than negative sounds. This means that we, as humans, respond very similarly to dog emotions as to human emotions, and vice versa for dogs. This, in a way, explains what makes vocal communication between dogs and humans so successful. This can help the dog to tune into the owner’s emotions. Or it can help owners understand if the dog is happy or sad.

So what makes a sound more emotionally positive or negative?

Humans and dogs use the same basic acoustic parameters for emotional expression. When you want to show that you are sad, the basic acoustic properties of the sounds you make are similar to what a dog might make if it were sad. There are two important parameters: call length and fundamental frequency, or pitch. Call length is the duration of a small beat in a vocalization (like one “woof” in the “woof woof woof” of a bark). A human laughing like “ha ha ha” is also in short beats. Short beats equals happy. Negative emotions are usually longer beats. Long beats, even if part of a laugh, can sound like crying to a dog. When a dog is aggressive, it tends to bark in longer tones. The pitch is the other important parameter. The higher the voice, usually the more intense emotions are. When a dog or a human is vocalizing higher, it usually means the it is more aroused or excited.

So, the human brain can exploit the fact that dogs play around with the same parameters when making emotional vocalizations. Humans don’t have to develop a new brain mechanisms to understand dogs. You can use the same mechanism that you use for humans — the very same logic and the same brain center.

Lastly, how did you train the dogs to stay still in an MRI machine

We paired up with a group of ethologists that have been working on this training method for ten years that allowed us to put these dogs in an MRI scanner in a way that also makes them really happy. The training wasn’t very complicated and there was nothing special about the dogs that were chosen.

Positive reinforcement was crucial. They were praised and given social rewards for cooperating. Eventually the dogs figured out that to make their owner happy, the only thing they had to do is lay down and be motionless. We trained more than one dog at a time so when the other dogs saw that there was a dog being stroked and praised on the scanner bed, they figured out — oh, that is where I want to be. These dogs would actually compete with each other to be the next one to lie in the scanner. So, what makes this really amazing is that we are not working with sedated animals, we are working with happy volunteers. This is the thing that is quite special about dogs that we don’t see in other species — it is very important for the dog to please its owner.

Thinking of  purchasing pet health insurance, explore the cost at ExploreCost.