Taking care of an aging pet can be taxing, both emotionally and financially. When we bring home the cute ball of fur that is a new puppy or kitten, we hardly ever think about the day (probably several years after enjoying the company of our pet) when we might be forced to make difficult decisions about its care. Yet the reality is that most of the time, we will outlive our pets. As part of responsible pet ownership, it's important to understand the options for care if a pet becomes injured, seriously ill or just experiences the gradual decline that comes with aging. How Much Should You Pay to Save a Pet? One question a pet owner may be forced to consider is cost versus quality of life. To provide an idea of how much specific medical procedures for a pet can cost, consider the article from AARP titled, “How Much You Should Pay To Save Your Pet.” In their article, AARP notes the following: "Diagnostic procedures alone can cost between $1,000 and $2,000," says Baton Rouge, La., veterinarian Carrie Schultz, whose business, Housepet Housevet, specializes in house calls. Schultz knows how jarring veterinary expenses can be — her own cat recently racked up $2,000 in bills after it spent a weekend in intensive care at a small-animal hospital. What Are Common Medical Procedures For My Dog? Understanding the potential medical procedures you'll need to account for is a good place to start when considering long-term plans for your pet. Most common elective dog surgery procedures include:
What are the costs associated with these medical procedures? If you’re Considering pet insurance offset the cost of medical bills for your aging free friend, you may want to consider that in most cases, the out-of-pocket expense for most common conditions is actually less expensive than the annual cost of insurance. Pet insurance is meant to help lower the burden of out-of-pocket expenses when major procedures, like fracturing a limb or cancer treatment must be completed. Like most insurance policies, however, this can be a gamble. According to the website Value Penguin, the top 10 most common medical procedures and average costs associated are as follows: Be Aware That Medical Expenses Can Become ExorbitantEspecially when considering the health of an aging pet, the costs can become quite expensive. Medical expenses such as cancer screening and treatment, as well as vision problems and osteogenesis, come with high price tags. Catey Hill from Marketwatch wrote about this very topic in her article titled, “Don’t let your dog send you to the poor house.” In her article she notes the following: Don’t let your dog send you to the poor house In addition to asking about a senior discount, it’s also important to understand the odds of a successful surgery.
This may be a controversial and highly personal choice, but one really needs to consider how much they're willing to spend on a pet before euthanasia becomes an option. In some instances, such as a renal failure, putting a pet down is the most humane thing to do. Conclusion Medical procedures have come a long way in prolonging the life and happiness of our furry friends. When it comes to being a responsible pet owner, consider the life expectancy of your pet as well as how you like to move forward in the event of significant medical expenses. Contemplating these tough choices before they must be made "in the moment," can save you heart-ache as well as financial distress. Additional Reading:
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Pet dogs and human beings have comparable social systems. At some point in history, pets found out to decode human nonverbal language. It may come as no surprise that dogs are capable of extreme feelings. As extremely social, pack animals they have their social structures and bonding routines, many of which mirror human social structures. To your pet dog, you are family. What you feel, she feels. It is as simple as that. A 2011 study found that contemporary, domestic pet dogs are roughly as smart as a 2-year-old human. They can comprehend the meaning of approximately 165 words and can make sense of body movement. There are numerous human feelings your pet dog understands that you might not know. Sometimes their capabilities can be downright eerie; however, there are strong clinical descriptions for your canine's behaviors. Comprehending how your canine interprets your emotion can assist you to relate much better to your pet. What are the signs your dog loves you? Aside from the obvious sign such as tail wagging, what are other ways that you can tell me if your pet loves you? Dogs are affectionate animals. They tend to show this affection in quite overt ways. In an article on dogster.com, if your canine keeps trying to sit as close as possible to you, here’s what this might mean: What Are the Signs Your Dog Loves You? The Basics“According to Dr. Gail Clark, a canine behavioral psychologist and owner of K9 Shrink, LLC in Colorado, a dog that’s sitting on your lap, leaning on you, nudging you — or won’t even take his eyes off you — is sending a very clear message that they love you. “Staying close to their owners is a major sign in dog language,” she explains. “If your dog is doing everything they can to be physically close to you, his definitely expressing his feelings for you.” Read full article here. A few theories on why dogs sneeze when they're excitedHave you ever noticed that when some dogs get excited they sneeze? While there may be a medical condition aggravating your dog's nose, this is actually a common sign of affection and play with most dog breeds. In fact, according to an article on Purina (yes the dog food company): “Many dog owners notice that dogs often sneeze when they are playing or excited by something. This is called “play sneezing” and it’s normal and harmless. It just means that your dog is having loads of fun! It’s important to note that a dog that sneezes often may also have other medical conditions. Some conditions could include an infected molar, tumors, or a nasal infection. It’s important to note that some breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, are also more prone to getting nasal infections than other breeds. Understanding Your Dog's Other Body Language As outlined, dogs use their body language to communicate. the dog that moves slowly or keeps a distance may not necessarily be interested physical contact. In fact, it could be downright dangerous to approach a dog who appears to be intimidated or scared. Here's a list outlining 7 tips one can use in order to read a dog's body language.
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When it comes to communication, dogs can quite clearly tell us that they love their owner without saying a word. The physical demeanor and mannerisms of a dog can accurately convey their feelings of affection. By being conscious and mindful of a dog's actions, we can better understand and anticipate how to approach them. Additional Resources: The chiropractic industry is filled with misconceptions. One of the most common questions is whether chiropractic adjustments are safe. ACA Today has a fantastic resource outlining some of the most commonly asked questions within the chiropractic industry. Here’s what they had to say about chiropractic care and it’s safety: Why Choose ChiropracticQ: Is chiropractic treatment safe? It’s important to understand that chiropractic treatments do take time. Unlike pharmaceuticals, which can start taking effect in only an hour or two, chiropractic adjustments take time. This begs the question, how many chiropractic treatments should you schedule before you call it “good.” When Should You Stop Chiropractic Treatment?Understanding the pros and cons of chiropractic treatment, as well as the frequency in which you should receive these treatments can save you a great deal of money. For example, are you aware of how many treatments you should schedule? While some chiropractors recommend that you continue treatment for months, even years. However, chiropractor Samuel Homola, D.C. notes that: “Many people have doubts when a chiropractor says they need a series of treatments that must be continued long after symptoms have disappeared, allegedly to maintain spinal alignment and to prevent a recurrence of symptoms. Many patients continue with such treatment, even in the absence of improvement, because they cannot imagine that a licensed doctor would mislead them… There is no earthly reason why you should have had 103 adjustments in one year. Treatment should be discontinued when people are free of symptoms or after a couple of weeks if there is no improvement. You should not undergo regular spinal manipulation for no good reason. You should seek such treatment only when needed and only if it is effective in relieving your symptoms.” Read the full article here. It's interesting that a chiropractor explains this type of treatment should only be used as long as it is achieving results. This is contradictory to what many people commonly think of when considering natural therapies. Why Chiropractic Care is Cost-Effective Now that it’s understood chiropractic care can be scheduled at a reasonable frequency, it's important to understand how cost-effective the treatments are. When compared to surgery or other treatments the results speak for themselves. According to Cool Springs Family Chiropractic, there are several reasons one should consider a chiropractor as a cost-effective solution for improved health and wellness. If you’re still on the fence whether chiropractic treatment is for you, consider the following: Five Reasons Chiropractic Is Cost-Effective Furthermore, Cool Springs Family Chiropractic notes that “...if you go to the hospital and request a surgical operation, there are more charges for you to pay. The accumulative insurance cover from the hospitals can really eat into your pockets. This is besides the normal charges for the outpatient care as well...You will find chiropractic charges to be less accumulative and less costly. The reason for this is because most chiropractic treatments are not risky. As a result, the costs of insurance charges are less expensive. Chiropractic doctors transfer this cost advantage over to you. In addition, with chiropractic treatment, you do not have to pay upfront insurance charges.” At its core, chiropractic treatments are aimed at preventative care and healthy life habits. Understanding this will properly set expectations.
ConclusionChiropractic treatment can provide relief and real solutions for people who suffer from chronic back pain. Whether you plan on scheduling multiple appointments or you’re just gathering information about chiropractic treatment, there are definitely some positive reasons to consider chiropractic care. Need more information? Check out the resources for additional reading below. Additional Reading: We think of our pets as family members. They enjoy walks with us, share family road trips, and sometimes even eat our food. What you may not know is there are certain foods that are harmful, or even poisonous to pets. Do you even know what foods could be fatal for your dog? In an article Beth Sissons on Medical News Today, here's a list of foods the can be eaten, should be eaten with caution or moderation, or foods that should be completely avoided. Which people foods are safe for dogs? Foods that can be eaten, but with moderation Chicken - when your pet has stomach issues, feeding them cooked unseasoned chicken may actually help them feel better. Fish - as long as it's cooked, fish is great to feed dogs. Other Meats - pork, beef, and turkey can all be eaten by dogs. It's important to only allow your dog to eat these in moderation, as these contain high amounts of salt and fat. Side note: If your dog is a possible foodie, you might want to consider some of the recipes from Blogger Kimberly Gauthier. Her blog "Keep the tail wagging" is a great resource for nutritious raw meals for your dog. One item that really caught my eye was the raw recipe for emu bone broth. I'd never thought about using emu, but from the sounds of it, dogs just eat it up (quite literally). You can check out her full post and recipe here: Easy Raw Dog Food Recipe with Emu & Bone Broth Foods that can be eaten, but with caution These will give your dog a stomach ache. Though not fatal, these foods may cause stomach issues or cause your dog to become ill. Carrots - it's important to note that too many carrots can actually become toxic. When feeding your pet carrots, it's important to exercise moderation. Apples - be careful when letting your dog eat apples. While apples themselves can be a healthy treat, allowing your dog to eat fermented apples can lead to alcohol poisoning. White rice - In general, rice is great for a dog as it can be digested easily. It might be worth talking to a veterinarian in the event your dog has diabetes or blood-sugar issues, as rice can cause a spike in sugar levels. Dairy products - in small quantities, dairy products are safe to give your dog. Be sure to consult a veterinarian to determine if your dog might be lactose intolerant and has diarrhea after eating any foods that contain dairy products. Peanut butter - while peanut butter can be a great treat for your dog it's imperative to check the ingredients. Some peanut butter contains xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs when ingested. Blueberries - interestingly enough, blueberries are actually quite good for dogs. They contain high amounts of antioxidants, which can actually help the aging process. Bananas - in small amounts, bananas can be a sweet treat for your dog. Cucumbers - cucumbers are a great treat for dogs is there a source of vitamins and minerals. Watermelon - another sweet treat, watermelon is a great summertime treat for dogs. Toxic foods for dogs
These are a list of foods that your dog should NEVER eat, as they can cause severe indigestion, diarrhea, or can even be fatal. in the event that your dog consumed any of the items below, it's important to call an emergency veterinarian and seek medical attention immediately. Avocado - avocados contain a chemical known as persin, which can cause a variety of dangerous conditions for a dog including vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Cherries - in addition to having pits that can be choking hazards, the seeds of cherries contain cyanide. Obviously, this can be fatal. Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine - these can cause vomiting, abnormal heart rate, and in some cases seizures or death. Tomatoes - while the fruit part of the tomato plant is ok for your dog to eat, the stems and leaves can be poisonous to dogs if ingested. Potatoes - the solanum alkaloids in potatoes can cause stomach issues and vomiting when eaten raw. Raisins and grapes - these items are easily choked on and can cause irreversible kidney damage. Onions, garlic, and chives - depending on the amount your pet ingests, serious medical conditions can arise. In some cases, ingestion could result in irreversible kidney damage. Raw or undercooked meat - bacteria and parasites can often be found in raw or undercooked meats. Xylitol - this sugar substitute is found in a number of human foods, however, for a dog, eating xylitol can lead to liver failure Alcohol - pets can get alcohol poisoning easily. Alcohol can also cause stomach issues, diarrhea, and vomiting. Interestingly enough, the craft brewing market has found a niche when it comes to dogs. There are now "beers" that do not contain alcohol, hops, and are not carbonated, making them ok for dogs. For more on this booming industry, read this article by Cat Wolinski on Vinepair. The marriage of beer and mans-best-friend have also resulted in an increase in alcohol-friendly dog parks. Owners can grab a beer, hang out, and bring their dog to play in a dog park setting. At first, this sounds quite appealing. After all, wouldn't this offer something more inclusive than just leaving your dog at home? Karen B. London, Ph.D. and columnist at the Bark, has mixed feelings about alcohol-friendly dog parks. She raises questions about whether this is a good decision or is it just something that sounds good in theory. She is concerned that people may become distracted: "Who will be monitoring the dogs? What if they don’t get along? Dog parks are famous for the issues that happen there between dogs, and the best prevention is responsible for supervision by all the people. Adding in distractions and potential intoxication is hardly likely to improve upon the typical concerns of a dog park." Read the full article here. It's an interesting notion that clearly deserves discussion, does introducing alcohol at a dog park put others' safety at risk? Or, do these types of specialty dog parks offer new social opportunities for pet owners and dogs alike? Conclusion Hopefully, understanding what foods your pet should and shouldn't eat will help prevent unnecessary health issues. Additionally, if you are taking your pet to a more social dog park, be aware of any foods that could be lying around. Knowing the signs of ingesting toxic foods could save the life of an animal. Additional resources:
It's an unfortunate reality of being a pet owner: you will most likely outlive your pet.
As a responsible pet owner, you will be faced with some very tough choices that may include medical treatments, such as acupuncture, or in some cases euthanasia. I know this is a difficult subject to discuss. With the rise of specialty insurances, such as pet insurance, it makes one wonder if these services are helpful or a scam. NBC columnist, Herb Weisbaum weights in on the pet insurance trend: Pet Insurance: A Good Deal? Or A Rip-Off? Is insurance the answer? When people ask me that question my answer is always the same: It depends. Buying pet insurance is both an economic and an emotional decision that needs to be based on your personal financial situation and what you’re willing to pay for peace of mind.
This is a bit disheartening and probably not the answer you were looking for.
Whether a pet policy is good, depends. Unfortunately, most people considering pet insurance find themselves in a difficult situation to begin with. When most pet owners begin their search for insurance types, they've already experienced some kind of medical issue or problem with their furry friend. For many, having to choose between the comfort of their pet and additional expenses can be a difficult choice to say the least. Pet Insurance Policies Compared Canine Journal did a lot of heavy lifting to provide the top 11 pet insurance providers. Here's a list outlining the rankings.
You might be wondering what were the pet health providers ranked on. That's a great question. Here's what was listed on Canine Journal:
Conclusion If you're interested in purchasing a pet insurance policy, you may want to read the reviews and understand the limitations of each policy. That could save you a lot of headache and heartbreak in the long-run. Additional Resources: |
AuthorHi I am Darleen Hunt from Newton, MA. I am 28 years old, I am housewife and a working woman too. ArchivesCategories |
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