Author: Guest Author

“This book rules” — Seth Rogen

Seth Rogan knows what’s up! This handy life-saving book, “For Dog’s Sake!” is by our co-founder at Red and Howling. It’s a goldmine of information that all dog parents need, from how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver on a dog who is choking to understanding the hidden dangers that lurk in our homes. Best of all, purchase the book between now and the end of June and 20% of the author’s proceeds will go directly to helping sick and injured shelter pets through Adopt-a-Pet.com’s Veterinary Care Fund.

For a limited time you can download 3 Free Chapters of For Dog’s Sake! Get the book! www.ForDogsSake.Rocks

Pilots N Paws is a pet rescue support organization that works with private pilots who volunteer their time and planes to fly animals in need to their fur-ever homes! Russ Landau is a pet owner and pilot from Los Angeles, CA, and Kate Quinn is the Executive Director of Pilots N Paws. Purina’s Petcentric caught up with both of them to find out more about how these volunteers make a life-changing difference for rescue animals. Click here to learn all about Pilots N Paws and how and why they to help fly animals from overcrowded shelters to new homes and families in other states.

by Katie Kirnan

“I’ve always wanted a diagram to evaluate Zelda’s poo, and now I’ve got it.  And although I hope we’ll never use it, I now feel very well-versed in the doggy Heimlich maneuver.  This book rules.”—Seth Rogen

What could easily be an inaccessible, tedious read is instead a thoroughly entertaining reference guide thanks to Adopt-a-Pet.com co-founder and lifelong animal advocate, Amy Luwis, who has created one of the best dog books on the planet:  For Dog’s Sake!: A Simple Guide to Protecting Your Pup from Unsafe Foods, Everyday Dangers, and Bad Situations

“This has to be the cutest serious book I’ve ever seen. The cartoon dogs on every page are a riot and engaging and worth the price of the book alone. The actual information inside is equally good.”—Top 1000 Reviewer Vine Voice

While many dog health resources are already out there, none of them are like Amy’s book. Sure, some of us may own a sturdy, 400-page veterinary tome (that we’ve never opened), and while these are full of excellent information — and guaranteed to impress any guests in your home — they’re also long, difficult to read, and devoid of illustrations.  More importantly, their inaccessibility makes it less likely that a dog parent will pick it up and read it.

Amy’s book is the opposite and will most likely be dog-eared from day one. For Dog’s Sake! covers a lot of vital topics, from the Heimlich Maneuver, to rescue breathing, to dressing a wound, to toxic substances and somehow Ms. Luwis manages to make it all so adorably cute and easy to understand!  Luwis also tackles unsavory, but crucial topics like poop and yes, she makes poop look cute, too. There’s a Review Quiz at the end of the book for the studious and an excellent section dispelling the myths of shelter dogs.  I think it’s safe to say that Amy’s book is a treasure trove of life-saving information.

While dog parents seem like the go-to audience for this book, For Dog’s Sake! is really for anyone in the dog world — vets, dog-sitters, shelter employees, pup lovers, and hey, why not, any dog out there who can read. (And if you are a dog and you’re reading this, wow. Just… wow.)
As if all of this wasn’t compelling enough, a portion of the book’s proceeds will help sick and injured homeless pets through Adopt-a-Pet.com’s Veterinary Care Fund. So, by purchasing this book, you’re not just helping your dog — you’re helping other dogs and animals in need, too!

Amy’s book is published by Andrews McMeel.  For more information, visit:  ForDogsSake.Rocks and be sure to follow Amy for more dog tips and cartoons @RedandHowling.

Bringing home a new pet is an exciting time. But it can also be overwhelming. You want to be sure that you’re prepared for the unexpected. Pet insurance is the smart way to make sure your dog or cat is covered with the best veterinary care without worrying about the cost.

We asked Nationwide your top questions about pet insurance — from what it covers to how it works — so that you can feel confident about living a long and healthy life with your pet.

Question: What does a pet insurance plan cover?

Answer: Nationwide offers nose-to-tail coverage for:

• Accidents, including broken bones, sprains, lacerations, and poisoning
• Illnesses, including allergies, ear infections, arthritis, cancer, and more
• Preventive care, including checkups, vaccinations, and flea/tick prevention

Question: Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Answer: Unfortunately, pet insurance companies generally don’t cover pre-existing conditions. (That’s why it’s important to enroll your pet when they’re young!) However, Nationwide does allow members to request reviews of pre-existing conditions that have been cured, in which case an exception may be made to cover the condition.

Question: What are pre-existing conditions?

Answer: A pre-existing condition is any condition that began or was contracted, manifested, or incurred up to twelve months before the effective date of your policy or during any waiting period, whether or not the condition was discovered, diagnosed, or treated. A chronic condition is a pre-existing condition unless it begins after the effective date of your policy.

Question: What does pet insurance not cover?

Answer: Nationwide wants to make care accessible to as many pets as possible, which is why they try to keep exclusions to a minimum. Please see your policy for full details. Plans generally don’t cover:

• Pre-existing conditions
• Waste disposal
• Boarding/grooming
• Tax

Question: Are hereditary conditions covered?

Answer: Yes, depending on the type of coverage you select.

Question: Are there any caps on payouts?

Answer: The annual limit for reimbursement depends on the product and coverage level selected. See policy documents for details.

Question: Is routine care covered?

Answer: Wellness coverage for routine care is available based on the plan you select, including physical exams, vaccinations, flea/tick preventives, and more.

Question: Is there a waiting period after I sign up?

Answer: Yes. A 14-day waiting period applies, starting from the time your application is approved and payment is received. If you’re enrolling as part of a group or organization, effective dates vary.

Question: What is the annual deductible for medical insurance?

Answer: Nationwide offers annual deductible options as low as $100 on some plans. Most pet parents choose a $250 annual deductible.

Question: Can I add a policy for a new pet to my existing policy?

Answer: You’ll need to enroll your new pet in a separate pet insurance policy but will be able to manage all your pets under one account. And you may be eligible for a multi-pet discount.

Question: Does insurance cover prescription dog food?

Answer: Prescription food is covered under certain plan types or can be added to other plans with the purchase of an optional rider.

Question: Can I cancel my policy before the term is up?

Answer: Absolutely. You can cancel anytime. Your state may also have a Free Look Period (a.k.a. Right to Examine and Return a Policy) in which you would have a limited time to get your money back. To qualify, you must not have filed a claim under the policy. Participating states require you to notify Nationwide of your choice to exercise the Free Look option within a specific time frame. Please read your policy for details. Terms may vary by state.

Question: Can I change my pet insurance policy later?

Answer: You can add or reduce coverage during your annual policy renewal period. Note: Certain coverage or product upgrades may require underwriting review.

Question: What are the limitations on coverage and medical costs?

Answer: Depending on the plan you select, there could be an annual maximum on the reimbursement amounts received for your pet’s health conditions. Some plans are built with pre-set benefit allowances for line items that will only reimburse up to those amounts. Please review your plan details for more information.

Question: Will you drop my pet from coverage because of age?

Answer: Never. To get the best coverage options, enroll your pet before age 8, and be sure to keep your policy continually in force (translation: don’t let it lapse or expire). Nationwide promises not to drop your pet because of age. After all, they’re pet lovers, too!

Question: How are my premiums determined?

Answer: Monthly premiums for new enrollments depend on your pet’s breed and age, the type of coverage selected, and your ZIP code.

Question: Can I use any veterinarian?

Answer: Yes. You’re free to use any licensed veterinarian, including specialists and emergency providers.

Question: How do reimbursements work?

Answer: Once you’ve met your annual deductible, Nationwide will pay you back for covered veterinary expenses according to the reimbursement percentage you chose for your plan, up to the category maximum you selected.

Say you have a $250 annual deductible with $5,000 in accident coverage at 90% reimbursement. Now let’s say your dog broke a leg and the vet bill was $2,500, of which $2,400 was covered. After your deductible and 90% are applied, Nationwide would reimburse you $1,935, leaving you with $3,065 in remaining accident coverage for the remainder of your policy term.

Question: How do I file a claim?

Answer: File a claim in just three easy steps:

• Visit your vet: Visit any licensed veterinarian in the United States or anywhere else in the world.
• Submit your claim: Quickly and easily submit claims online for things like illnesses, injuries, or emergency care.
• Get reimbursed: Receive reimbursements for eligible vet costs covered under your policy terms.

Question: Why do I need insurance for my pet?

Answer: As a pet parent, you want to make sure providing the best care possible for your dog doesn’t become a financial burden. Pet insurance policies reimburse you for your pet’s medical care so you can focus on keeping your pet healthy — not on what it costs.

Question: When is the best time to buy pet insurance?

Answer: It’s a good idea to enroll your pet in a pet insurance plan as early as possible before chronic conditions develop or your pet needs any medical care that could put limitations on your coverage. If you have an upcoming veterinary appointment, make sure you factor in the waiting period before coverage begins.

Question: Can a senior pet still get pet insurance?

Answer: It’s always a good idea to have a pet insurance plan, no matter your pet’s age. If you’re enrolling your older pet in a medical plan for the first time, certain things may be excluded from coverage as pre-existing. However, preventive care coverage is available without exclusions and is a great way to keep up with your older pet’s annual checkups and wellness care.

Adopt a Pet and Nationwide believe that every pet deserves pet insurance. To give you a leg up on getting a policy, Nationwide has a suite of offerings for Adopt a Pet parents like you.

 

GET A PET INSURANCE QUOTE WITH NATIONWIDE

 

How Nationwide can help protect your newest family member for a longer and healthier life together.

Is pet insurance necessary? Any pet parent who’s taken a surprise trip to the emergency room and found themselves staring at a bill ending in one too many zeros knows the answer is yes, your pet needs coverage. Pet insurance from Nationwide is the smart way to ensure your newest family member gets the best care without worrying about the cost. Here’s everything you need to know for when your dog or cat needs more than snuggles.

Why You Need It

1. Accidents happen. You’ve got a healthy diet, exercise, and plenty of love covered. But the truth is, no matter how proactive you are about your pet’s well-being, life happens. Your dog could tear their ACL at the dog park. Your cat could chew on those Valentine’s Day flowers. Or worse, your newest friend could be diagnosed with cancer.

   • One in three pets will need urgent vet care this year.
   • Every six seconds, a pet owner faces a vet bill of more than $1,000.

2. To get ahead of pre-existing conditions. Your dog or cat’s genetics are also something to consider. Many breeds (especially purebreds) are predisposed to hereditary health conditions that you may want to get ahead of. Pre-existing conditions typically aren’t covered by any pet insurer. Enroll your newest family member when they’re young and healthy now to help ensure maximum lifelong coverage.

3. You deserve the chance to make the best health decisions for your pet. Veterinary care has never been better or more accessible. But all great care comes with a cost. Some common issues your pet may face that can cost thousands to treat:

   • Hip Dysplasia: $4,000 – $6,000
   • Stomach Issues: $200 – $5,000
   • Torn Ligament: $3,000 – $6,000
   • Cancer: $5,000 – $20,000
   • Broken Bone: $200 – $5,000

   No one wants to be in the position of making an important decision about their pet’s care based solely on cost. When the unexpected happens, you shouldn’t have to hesitate to make the right call for your friend. Enrolling in a pet insurance plan will ensure that your pet will get the treatment they need based on what their veterinarian recommends, without you having to tap into savings or risk going into debt.

4. To keep your family together. It’s heartbreaking that dogs and cats are surrendered to shelters because their parents are unable to afford care costs. Insuring your newest family member means that when you receive an estimate for your pet’s critical care, you can address it right away and keep them with you.

5. To invest in your peace of mind. Some people are fortunate in that they have the resources or the willingness to go into debt for their pet’s care if necessary. They are, in effect, opting for self-insurance. Others (who may want to sleep better at night) prefer paying a monthly pet insurance premium in the hope that it will cover expensive vet bills down the road.

How It Works

With Nationwide, using your pet insurance policy is easy.

1. Choose the right plan. There are two basic categories of veterinary care.

   • Medical includes illness, injuries, chronic conditions, surgeries, and hospitalizations.
   • Wellness includes exams and tests, preventative care, and vaccinations.
   • All nationwide plans allow you to visit any vet – including specialists and emergency providers – so your pets can get the best care.

2. Know what’s covered. Different pet insurance providers will cover some treatments but not others. Nationwide offers pet insurance plans that cover more than any other pet insurance provider, including:

   • Accidents and injuries
   • Common illnesses
   • Serious illnesses
   • Chronic illnesses
   • Testing and diagnostics
   • Procedures
   • Holistic and alternative care
   • And more

   Remember, pre-existing conditions aren’t covered by any pet insurer. Enroll pets when they’re young and healthy to ensure maximum coverage.

3. Visit your vet. Using your Nationwide pet insurance plan is easy.
   • Visit any vet, anywhere
   • Send Nationwide your claim
   • Nationwide will reimburse you for eligible expenses once you’ve met your deductible.

   A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket for a claim. At Nationwide, eligible expenses will qualify for reimbursement once your deductible is met.

Learn more about how it works here.

Adopt a Pet and Nationwide believe that every pet deserves pet insurance. To give you a leg up on getting a policy, Nationwide has a suite of offerings for Adopt a Pet parents like you.

GET A PET INSURANCE QUOTE WITH NATIONWIDE

By Dr. Dan Carey, Bayer Veterinarian

Be it a road trip, a cross-country move, or even just a short trip to see friends or the vet, it’s almost inevitable that your cat or dog will need to be in a car at some point. Follow these tips as you prepare for and set off on your journey to help ensure a safe and comfortable ride for your pet.

Continue reading “Pet Travel 101: In the Car”

By Dr. Dan Carey, Bayer Veterinarian

Collar technology (yes, flea collars have technology now) has come a long way. And just like mobile phones, cars and even vacuums, new improvements can enhance performance that might surprise you.

Today’s pet owners have new choices that result in effective, long-lasting flea prevention that’s as simple as attaching a collar. Newer technology can include flexible designs, non-greasy applications and adjustability for a comfortable fit. Applying a collar takes only moments and protection can last for months. It is important that the collar be applied and fitted according to its instructions.

Continue reading “Do Flea Collars Work?”

By Dr. Dan Carey, Bayer Veterinarian

While many owners still lovingly refer to their dogs as “puppy” or “baby” at any age, we know each day together is another day that time progresses. As they mature and change,

how we care for senior dogs changes, too. Help support their changing activity, health and nutritional needs with tailored vitamins and supplements for older dogs.

When is a dog a senior dog?

There’s no pre-set age that determines when your dog is a senior dog, although many dogs are considered seniors when they reach the last 25% of their projected lifespan. In general, smaller dog breeds live longer than larger dog breeds, but genetics, diet, and overall care throughout your dog’s life play a role in how your dog ages.  Most large and giant breeds should be managed as seniors beginning at about six years of age while medium and small breeds can use special support starting at eight. Regardless of how your dog is acting – puppy-like or not – her system is changing. Continue reading “Caring for Senior Dogs”

Photo by: Freddie Marriage on Unsplash

New kittens are sweet, snuggly, and downright irresistible! If you already have a resident cat or dog, though, you might hesitate: Will all of the animals get along? What if your newest furry friend gets hurt by a territorial cat or a rambunctious dog? What if your older pet feels slighted by the interloper? These are all common questions, and we can help ease your mind by giving you some tips on introducing your kitten to your current pets.

Continue reading “Top Tips on Introducing Your New Kitten to Your Current Pets”

By Dr. Dan Carey, Bayer Veterinarian
Lights, camera … adoption! There’s nothing like changing a life, unless it’s saving a life. The photos are taken, social updates are posted and you’re finally on your way home.

 

 

First steps

Playtime, mealtime, downtime: Your shelter’s staff interacts with your cat, gets to know his temperament, daily habits and, most importantly, checks on his health and well-being. The shelter knows that when it comes time to call “Here kitty, kitty,” you don’t want fleas, ticks heartworms, intestinal worms and ear mites to come, too. Checkups, vaccinations and preventives prepare him for your home.

Behind the scenes

When your cat first arrives at the shelter, it’s an overwhelming experience for everyone. By following strict rules and guidelines, the veterinarians and staff move into action. Shelter professionals understand the need to immediately identify, treat or help prevent fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms and ear mites. After all, many shelter animals bring some unwanted guests along at check-in, and it doesn’t take much for a few tiny nuisances to spread into a large shelter-wide problem. You may adopt your cat on her very first day in the shelter, or it may take some time to find each other. Regardless of how long her shelter stay is, your cat has already begun to receive the care, treatment and prevention she needs to be healthy. The staff ensures she has effective treatment or prevention products to help reduce the risk of fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms and ear mites. Your shelter staff and volunteers spend time learning more about her unique personality and needs. They look for opportunities to keep her stress level low and increase her chances of adoption. Kittens receive proper care for growth and senior cats are given special attention, too. This can include giving supplements to support joint and digestive health.

Bringing home your new cat

You may be searching for a specific breed or personality, and you’ll know when you’ve found that perfect cat match. You’ll treat him like a new family member, with plenty of scratching toys, windows for gazing and under-the-chin rubs that build your strong bond. Making good health a priority is another way to show your love. Long after he leaves the shelter, the risk of suffering and disease due to fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms and ear mites remains. These troublesome trespassers can be found year-round, even inside. Without protection they can easily cause your new cat discomfort. As a new cat owner, you can establish an ongoing prevention and wellness routine as an essential part of doing your best for his health and happiness. Learn more about caring for your cat here.