What You Need to Know About Dog Insurance

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Getting dog insurance for your beloved best friend can help you out of a very sticky and expensive situation. But aside from the costs, you can rest easy knowing you will have less of a burden at one of the worst times if your dog is hurt. Here are some things you need to know.

You Get Cover for Doggy Damage

Depending on your policy, you might be able to get third-party cover. This means you can claim for the recovery of any costs you have paid out if your dog damages something. Often, but not always, this also covers any costs incurred from a dog bite your pet might have done to somebody. However, this is often very dependent on the situation. So it's best to not expect a payout for this automatically. The claim you make for this goes towards the costs you might incur. These include medical expenses, legal costs, and damages made by a claimant.

An Epulis is Often Classed as Dental

An epulis is a non-cancerous tumor that can pop up all of a sudden. Some breeds, like Boxers, are more susceptible to these. As such, many insurers won't cover them as standard, if at all. This is because some of them class an epulis as preventable dental treatment. Although your dog can get one through no fault of yours or their own. So if you notice an epulis on your dog, be prepared to make a payment, which can be expensive. And once the work is complete, just be aware that you might not be able to recover the money you pay to a vet for this treatment.

Dog Insurance Isn't Expensive

Given the cost of living at the moment, you might put off getting insurance. However, this is a mistake that can cost you big. And it isn't as expensive as you think. For example, the average cost of insuring a dog in the UK is around £30 per month and $37.00 in USD. Yet it's likely you will pay much less than this. Yet even at the most expensive range, the cost of insurance more than offsets the costs you will incur if your dog needs expensive surgery, injures someone, or becomes very ill. For example, dental surgery alone can run into the thousands at a typical vet practice.

The Breed and Age Can Affect the Price

While you probably won't pay too much for your coverage, the cost of dog insurance can vary quite a bit. This is mostly because the health needs of different dog breeds are very different. Some breeds are more susceptible to certain illnesses than others. And this can increase costs. However, these are usually very specific, and your dog's cover will probably be lower than you think if it is in good health. However, you should also be aware that the age of your dog can also affect the cost. And many insurers have a maximum age range that they will allow on a policy.

You Can Claim When Your Dog Dies

Not all, but some insurers will allow you to claim for the sudden death of your dog. However, this is very dependent on the circumstances. For example, you probably won't be able to claim if your dog has been unwell, is old, or is predisposed to a specific illness. In a nutshell, the death of your dog has to be largely unexpected. Such as being run over by a vehicle, attacked by another dog, or even purposefully killed by someone. And to make a claim for reimbursement, you will have to provide evidence of the cost of your dog at the time you purchased them.

You Can Recover Costs when Your Dog Goes Missing

Hopefully, your dog never gets hurt or goes missing. But there is some help available if they do wander off or are stolen. When your dog goes missing, you will probably launch a campaign to find them. This often includes making posters and such. Your insurance holder might offer some respite in recovery of costs incurred when trying to ding your dog. Also the cost of a reward might also be included. So always check with your insurer. Although, the cost of the reward will probably be limited to a maximum. So, don't offer more than you can afford or get cover for.

Exclusions to Your Dog Insurance Policy

Having insurance for your dog is the right thing to do when it all comes down to it. However, you need to be aware that it isn't a free pass for every eventuality. And there are many exclusions to most policies. Typically, these include, but are not limited to, the following scenarios:

• The waiting period from when your cover starts.

• Any pre-existing medical conditions.

• Costs of your dog giving birth to puppies.

• Payouts if your dog is stolen.

• Medical issues that occur on both sides of the body.

• Preventable illnesses that are your responsibility.

• Specific conditions your breed is predisposed to.

• Dogs that have gone past a certain age.

• Non-urgent or unnecessary procedures like nail clipping.

• Other animal services such as kennel boarding.

These are some of the most common things that are not covered by your dog insurance. However, there are instances, such as higher rate cover, where you might be covered for something on this list. So make sure you understand your policy as provided by your insurer.

You Can Get Travel Cover

Traveling with your dog can be a great adventure. And the dogs love to get out and about. And the good news is that most pet insurance plans will cover your pet if it gets sick, is hurt, or needs veterinary care while you are traveling. However, you can also claim for money lost after paying for a holiday. Many insurers will also pay for lost travel and lodging costs if you have to cancel a trip because your pet gets sick and could die right before you leave. So it's always worth checking with your insurer if they will cover these costs before booking a holiday.

Not All Insurers Include Dental

Expensive treatments like an epulis aren't usually covered on your insurance policy. However, most pet insurance plans cover some dental care for your pet. In most cases, a few policies will only pay for dental care that is needed because of an accident, not because of illness. And those who do usually only cover your pet if it gets a once-a-year dental checkup. But it might be worth inquiring about dental cover. This is because some insurance providers will offer dental packages with an additional fee or as part of a more extensive dog insurance policy.

Each Insurer has a Variable Cover Range

Your dog insurance can be expensive or relatively cheap. This is because almost all dog insurance companies offer different packages that might suit you. For example, you could choose a policy that covers basic vet treatments. In this case, you probably won't need to pay too much. Or you could opt for a package that covers your dog for thousands worth of complex treatments and surgeries. Therefore, cover is largely variable across most insurers. And often you can always find one that offers the right cover at a reasonable price at the time.

Dog Insurance Can Cover Homeopathic Treatment

Sometimes extra treatments are needed for your dog's recovery. And just like people, this can extend to non-traditional treatments. If your vet recommends them, alternative treatments like homeopathy, acupuncture, and physiotherapy can be covered by your pet insurance. However, these are usually considered as a last resort or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan proven to yield positive results. You should be aware that if you decide to find these treatments for your dog by your own choice, you will not be able to make a claim from your provider.

Annual Injections Usually Aren't Covered

Of course, as a dog owner, you know the importance of your dog's annual vaccination injections. These protect against deadly illnesses like parvovirus. Therefore, they are absolutely essential. However, almost all policies don't provide cover for these since they are considered your responsibility. Fortunately, they don't cost too much. Also individual vet practices might also offer these as a complementary treatment if you also pay for a medical plan. Some vets offer medical plans as part of their business model, like private healthcare for your dog.

You Can Save a Lot of Money

Finally, if there's one thing you need to know about dog insurance, it's that it can and will save you a lot of money in the long run. With vet bills skyrocketing, like everything else, having insurance cover for your dog just makes financial sense. Otherwise, you could be left out of pocket or even have to use up savings and emergency money to pay for treatment. Of course, it's another monthly expense. But the savings you make are considerable when the time comes. So, in a nutshell, it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Summary

There are numerous aspects, clauses, and policies to dog insurance. While every insurer offers different things, there are some commonalities. On the face of it, most insurers cover third-party issues, have the same exclusions, and help you save a considerable amount of money.

Could A Shiba Inu Be The Perfect Dog Breed For You?

The Shiba Inu is a breed of dog that originally came from Japan, and is becoming a lot more popular. They’re a good medium sized breed and they’re very intelligent as well. They’re an adaptable dog and they get on well in both urban and rural environments, which is why they are the most common dog in Japan and they’re becoming more popular around the world.

They tend to be good natured and friendly, which makes them the ideal companion, and they come in a range of different colors as well. If you are looking for a new dog, these are just some of the reasons why a Shiba Inu might be the perfect breed for you.

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Loyalty 

When you are choosing a dog, you want one that will be a loyal member of the family. Shiba Inus are an incredibly loyal breed of dog and you will find that they take to family life very easily. When they are a small puppy, they are very affectionate dogs, but as they get older, they will take on the role of protector a bit more. But that doesn’t mean that they won’t want to play with you as well.

 

High Emotional IQ 

When people say that Shiba Inus are very intelligent, they don’t mean that they’re good at learning tricks. In fact, if you want a dog that will do lots of tricks for you then you should go for a different breed because they’re not that great at it. But they do have a very high emotional IQ. That means that they are very good at reading people and understanding when there is something wrong. 

This makes them ideal emotional support animals because they know if you are upset and they will comfort you. However, if you want to form a good relationship with your dog, it’s important that you respect their intelligence when you are training them and you do not try to use aggressive training methods because they will quickly become angry. 

Good Overall Health 


Certain breeds of dog, like King Charles Spaniels or Pugs are prone to a lot of health issues and as they get older, it is likely that you will spend a lot of time at the vets with them. When you are a dog owner, it’s important that you manage the health of your dog properly, and that can be tough with certain breeds. You also have to consider the financial aspect because vet bills can be very expensive and if your dog needs treatments on a regular basis, it’s tough to manage the cost. But you won’t have that problem with a Shiba Inu because they have very good overall health. They are very active dogs and they have a good build, and aside from a few potential eye issues and a slight risk of hip dyspepsia, they do not have any serious health problems.


The only potential issue is weight gain because they are very active. If you don’t exercise them enough, they will quickly put weight on. But as long as you get the right dog food for Shiba Inu and you take them on regular walks, they should be fine. If you do not have the time to walk them regularly enough, you should go for a different breed that does not need as much exercise.

Cleanliness 

Any dog owner will tell you that owning a dog is going to be messy. Most dogs like to get outside and roll around in the dirt, and they won’t bother cleaning themselves off before they start running around the house when you get home from your walk either. It’s just part of owning a dog and you just get used to it. But if you really hate the idea of a dog that makes a big mess in your home, you should consider a Shiba Inu. They’re often described as being part cat because, unlike most dogs, they love to keep themselves clean. 

When you take them out for a walk, they will avoid all of the muddy puddles instead of jumping in them, and they can often be found grooming themselves. That means that you don’t need to give them a bath quite so often as you would with other breeds. They’re also a low-odor dog so if you don’t like the dog smell that develops in your home over time, they’re ideal. They are also good for people with allergies because, although you will never find a completely hypoallergenic dog, a Shiba Inu comes pretty close.

If you are looking for a new dog and you are trying to decide on a breed, you should definitely consider a Shiba Inu.

My Puppy Can Find Me book and blog

“Does your child know what to do if they are lost?”

“Do you know what to do if they are missing?”

My Puppy Can Find Me picture book is your child’s first step on an exciting learning experience that will teach them what to do if they are lost or find themselves alone.

By reading this picture book with your children the whole family will learn what to do if they are ever separated or missing and how the family dog can be of assistance during emergencies.

This new concept of dog training teaches search dog skills to family dogs for in-home family rescue and missing person emergencies.

Your children will learn valuable lessons by doing these fun exercises that reinforce and teach the pet dog and family to work together during crisis situations to overcome fear and survive.

The whole family learns how to use the family dog to the full advantage regardless of the age, size or breed of the dog.

As a family member and part of the pack your dog always knows where each member of the pack is at, this is natural for the dog to know and we as dog owners only need to learn how to take advantage of this natural instinct our dogs possess.

Illustrations by UK dog cartoonist Helen "Scotty" King

Get a copy of  "My Puppy Can Find Me" by Amber Higgins for every child and parent from Waldorf Publishing so all dogs can help their families.

Pre-order your copy today which helps this book get into the major large bookstores so all children can learn, plus be included in the book's launch and 1st printing!

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You might save a child's life.

Visit Family Disaster Dogs online for more books and lessons that show you how any pet dog can rescue and help friends and family in disasters and emergencies.

Your dog finds you everyday and every dog knows how to find a family members for play,food and walks so why not ask your dog to find a lost loved one?

I show you how easy this is in my books.

Find us on Facebook at Family Disaster Dogs

Twitter at URDogCanFindU

Your Puppy is a Hero Dog

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Unhealthy, But Happy: Making The Most Of Quality Time Together When Your Dog Is Very Old

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As their health deteriorates, we will naturally want to spend more time with our dog as they get older. But as time goes on, the idea of what can constitute as quality time can be quite a head-scratcher. We need to find good ways to spend time with our dog, and in some respects, we can overthink it, but how can we ensure that they are getting the best from us?

If They Want To Sleep…

Let them sleep! They are going to spend more time sleeping now than they were years ago, so make it a bit more comfortable for them. Give them some extra blankets to lie on, or give them a space on the couch. It's at this point where the rules of them staying off the couch might not apply, especially if you want to give them your all.

Helping Them Walk

Yes, they will still want to go for walks, but it will be few and far between. As they get older, their mobility will naturally decrease because of stiff joints, but they will still want to accompany us wherever we go. In which case, do your best to help them get up or down stairs, or if you want to take them out for a walk, make sure it's on terrain that isn't too difficult for them.

Getting Them Outside

They will want to stay active, and there are going to be parts of their body that will not do what they want. As they get older, their bladder will be quite weak, but you can purchase a dog belly wrap to help with this so that they can get outside a bit more. And if you were used to going out for hours on end, playing Frisbee, or hiking up and down mountains, you need to pull this back and make sure the time outside is nice and active, but not overly so. Ultimately, the more active they are, the better they will feel, but there has to be a limit.

Getting More Home Comforts

They will be more sensitive to the changes in the seasons, and we have to be ready to adapt to these changes. Keeping some home comforts to hand will ensure that they are a bit happier despite their failing body. They are going to be more sensitive, not just in terms of their body, but their mind also, so think about the home comforts that they usually like, and get a few more ready!

Providing Extra Nutrition

In their senior years, they will need more in their diet to keep the feeling healthy. Not only will they need different types of nutrients, but they will also need an adequate amount of calories. Fluctuations in weight are very common for dogs in old age, and it can be a struggle to find the right balance. 

Ensuring that they have adequate supplements is something you need to provide for them at the very least, but you may want to think about other approaches to ensure they have healthier functions, such as the gut. 

A lot of dog owners give their dog kefir grains, as the good bacteria benefits their gut in many ways, but be careful not to overdo this, and ensure that their stomach can take this influx of good bacteria. On the other hand, bone broth has been shown to be a great way to improve digestive health as it is very light on the stomach and provides many nutrients.

Taking Those Opportunities To Bond

Even if it's not like it used to be, you can still bond over old activities. Even if they don't get out much, something as basic as grooming time is your opportunity to bond with them. It's the two of you, together, and it's a very simple way to show them how much you care.

Take Each Day As It Comes

It can be very upsetting when your dog isn't able to move around as they once did, and they may not want to do anything anymore, but you need to judge each day on its own merit. As long as you are keeping them as healthy as possible, and you are doing everything in your power to ensure they are comfortable, then there's no telling how they will be tomorrow. They may be sprightly and full of energy, but they might not, and this is something you have to take on a day by day basis.

Keeping Your Medical Knowledge Up-To-Date

Something as simple as keeping in touch with the vets during this difficult time will make sure that you are doing everything you can for them. Old age is one of those things that happen to each and every one of us, and while your vet will tell you that they need to be comfortable and healthy, it doesn't hurt to know the signs and symptoms of a certain illness, so you can act quickly if there is an emergency.

Have Some Fun!

You may feel sad, and understandably so, but you have a lifetime of memories together, and they wouldn't want you to be sad for them, and instead of dreading the worst, give yourself the opportunity to relive some old times. They need you more now than ever, but you can still do the things that you used to do, albeit with a little more care and attention. Enjoy some fun time together, and talk to them. 

They don't want to feel scared or upset, and this is why you should spend quality time with each other. It can be incredibly heartbreaking to see your dog give into old age, and while everyone will say it's a part of life, it can hurt. But it's not helpful at this point in time to dwell on the negative aspects, because they may still have a lot of life in them yet, and it's your responsibility to make the most of their twilight years, and you can still make new memories. 

Your dog is your best friend, so treat them accordingly, and make the most of your quality time together.

The Hidden Rewards Of Getting A Dog

Everyone can appreciate the main incentives for getting a pooch. Dogs truly are our best friends, and their unconditional love is sure to make your home a happier environment for all the family. Likewise, your furry friend will encourage the household to become more active, which can bring a host of rewards too.

The benefits don’t stop there, though. There are many additional benefits to be gained from bringing a dog into your life. Here are just five that you may have overlooked. 

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A dog makes you healthier

 

Not only does having a pup encourage you to be more active, but it can boost your immune system too. In fact, studies have shown that this can begin as early as the gestation period. So, expectant parents may even find that the positive influences are passed onto the kids. As long as you avoid the breeds that are likely to leave lots of hair around the home, you should find that the property becomes cleaner too. After all, you’ll pay closer attention to these issues.

 

A dog can make the home safer

 

Make no mistake; adding Swann home security features is never a bad idea. Nonetheless, a dog can provide an extra sense of security for the home. The pooch will detect movement and alert you to intruders. In truth, the barking alone is likely to deter most prospective burglars. Aside from the direct benefits, this can be an excellent feature for your peace of mind. In truth, being able to fully relax in your home is one of the greatest rewards of all.

 

A dog can brighten up the home

 

The unconditional love is sure to brighten up the atmosphere for all the family, but the benefits don’t end there. Learn to take stunning photos of your pooch. The results can be used as wall art and canvases, screensavers, and other items to improve the mood on a daily basis. 

Meanwhile, as strange as it sounds, some of the dog toys and bedding items can actively make the living spaces feel more homely. 

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A dog can help your child learn

 

Most children are fascinated by dogs, and their desire to aid the pup will lead to a deeper understanding of exercise, nutrition, and hygiene. However, your child will also develop communication skills by merely talking to the pup. Writing stories about the dog can lead to increased creativity and written language skills. Writing Samurai can provide your child with the education needed to express themselves openly. That’s a win in any parent’s books.

 

A dog can aid mental health

 

Stroking a dog is scientifically shown to fight stress and put your body at ease. Meanwhile, the love and companionship can go a long way to battling depression. The dog will always be there to listen to your problems, even when you aren’t ready to speak to another human. This is supported by the simple fact that a dog’s natural personality will encourage you to smile. So, there’s no doubt that having a pet pup in your life could be one of the best moves you’ll ever make.

Spotting the Signs: How to Know if Your Dog is Ill

They say that dogs are man’s best friend, and this is certainly the case. They are so much like humans in every possible way, and they can also contract disease and viruses as well. If your dog is acting a bit strange or if you suspect that there is something wrong with them but you don’t quite know what then there are some things that you can look out for.

Loss of appetite

If your dog always licks their bowl clean then you know that loss of appetite is a clear sign that something is not right. If you try and give them a treat or a biscuit and they don’t snatch it out of your hands then this is another sign. 

The main thing that you can do here is try and figure out if you have done anything to bring this on- for example, have you changed their food? Has the manufacturer of that food changed their formula? Things like this can really make a huge difference. Try and feed them another brand of food and see if that makes any difference.

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Lameness

Another sign that something might be wrong is if your dog is lame or if they seem to be under some kind of strain. This could be down to arthritis or it could be a sign that there is a problem developing. One thing that you can do here is check over your dog’s legs to see if there are any signs of injury and to also see how they react when you handle their leg as well. Ingrown claws can cause a ton of problems, so you really need to make sure that you get this treated if possible.

Lumps
Dogs will take the occasional knock when they are out and about, and they will usually get better in a day or two. If you see any lumps that aren’t getting smaller after a day or two then it may be worth you getting them checked out at the vets. This is one of the best ways for you to keep your dog safe and to also make sure that it is nothing serious.

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Bad Breath

It’s important to know that bad breath in dogs can be a sign of gum disease, and this can make them feel a bit under the weather. When your dog has gum disease, you may find that they are sluggish, that they don’t want to eat and that they also don’t want you going near to their mouth. The best way for you to try and prevent this from happening would be for you to give them dental sticks or to even try and brush their teeth with a pet-friendly toothpaste. This will help the gum disease that is already present and it will also help you to stop things like this from happening again as well.

So there are plenty of things that you can do to try and make sure that your pet is healthy, and by looking out for the above signs, you can be sure to prevent or treat any illness before it progresses into something more serious.

3 Dog Care Essentials Most People Overlook

If you want to make sure you are looking after your dogs as best as you can, then you will need to think about what you need to do in order to make sure that they are being well looked after at all times.

As it happens, there are a few key things which many dog owners overlook, and if you manage to do these then you will already be in the top percentage of new dog owners. But you can only make sure that you are doing the right thing by also researching what you actually need to do for each of these, so you should be sure to spend a little time looking into the ins and outs of these to see what you should be trying to him for. Let’s take a look at what they are, so that you can be an even better dog owner in no time.

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Grooming

Whatever kind of dog you have, you need to make sure that you are using some kind of grooming regime in order to keep the dog’s hair in the best possible condition. This is more important for some breeds of dogs than for others, but all dogs will benefit from at least a little tender loving care from time to time when it comes to their fur. The amount of grooming varies too, but the basic rules remain the same. Brushing at least once a week ensures that knots come out and that the fur isn’t causing any pain - while taking them to get trimmed every few months is good for their ongoing comfort and flexibility. Make sure you don’t overlook this essential, as it really does make a huge difference.

Nail Clipping

Your dog has nails just like you, and like you they would rather that they were not kept long at all times. If you are keen to keep your dog as comfortable and happy as possible, then you will need to think about what you are going to keep their nails in the best condition possible. As it turns out, getting some decent nail clippers from somewhere recommended by www.dogsbynina.com will be a great start, and once you have found the right ones you should make sure that you clip your dog’s nails at least once a month. This will reduce any unnecessary pain and make it easier for them to run around.

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Mental Health

Your dog can suffer mental health issues like any other mammal, and you need to make sure that you are not allowing them to become sad or depressed if you are to really look after them as well as possible. It is actually relatively easy to ensure that your dog does not become depressed; mostly it’s just a matter of keeping them active and feeding them right - and showing them lots of love.

As long as you do that, they should be perfectly happy at all times and you can officially consider yourself a good pet owner as well. See https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/p/pets-and-mental-health for more on this subject.