Pets are known to be a favorite companion of humans. They serve as a family member, best friend, or even just a toy to cuddle with everyday. To be able to do this, pets need to be taken cared of. Having a pet is a big responsibility, because like humans, they need to be in perfect shape to be able to perform their most basic functions.
However, responsibility comes with a price tag. Personal time, as well as the financial aspect of having your pets taken to the veterinarian to undergo basic tests are one of the few reasons why having a pet is a huge responsibility.
Studies show that majority of veterinarian visits are unscheduled because of emergencies. Doing so creates a feeling of frustration to its owners because of the added expense of these unforeseen instances. In addition, new government mandated tests for pets are continuously being implemented, which leads to a more expensive health care industry.
Recent changes have revolutionized pet care industry today. Veterinarians now have access to different human diagnostic tools such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) and CT scans.
Diagnoses made for humans 20 years ago are actually diagnosed in animals today. Given these changes, owner-pet care expenses have increased dramatically. These later on reflects to the increasing pet care insurance acquisitions for the past ten years.
Pet care insurance helps subsidize pet care expenses through reimbursements on veterinary fees, diagnostic exams and diagnostic procedures. However, similar to human insurance policies, pet care insurance have their exclusions such as the type of pet, breed and age.
Dogs are actually more expensive to look after rather than cats. This is because they tend to be sicker, and visit veterinarians twice than that of cats. Pure breeds are given higher premium by most pet care insurance companies because of their special needs, rather than cross breeds.
Also, similar to human insurance policies, the older your pet is, the higher the premium for your pet. It is advised that you get a pet care insurance policy as early as possible.
One needs to do research to get the most applicable pet care insurance to ones own pet. Doing research can lead to cost savings and knowing what is the most comprehensive plan for you and your pet. Here are some tips in choosing a customized pet care insurance:
1) Compare pet care insurance providers. This would help you find the most cost efficient pet care provider for you.
2) Set aside an amount for pet care. Setting aside a reasonable amount for healthcare will shield you for unexpected incidents of your pet.
3) Scout around your area for low cost veterinarians which provide the same services of the more expensive veterinarians. The important thing is the service that you need is done.
4) It will not hurt if you ask for samples. As with human insurance care, pharmaceutical companies give out free samples to see if their products work. Check with your veterinarian if there are free samples.
5) Diet. Same with humans, it is less expensive for pets if their weight is considered as healthy, rather than being underweight or overweight.
6) Carefully review your policies before signing. You need to know the fine print in pet care insurance policies for you to fully understand the inclusion and exclusions of the policy.
Posted in Pet Insurance
Check out some great recipes:
Frozen Doggie YumsIngredients: 1 cup water 1 cube chicken or beef boillion (dog’s favorite) 4 small pieces of chicken or beef Directions: Disolve boillion in water and tear meat into smaller pieces about 1/2 inch squares. Freeze for about 12 hours or until solid.... [Read more]
Dog CookiesDog Cookies 1 c Beef, chicken, or vegetable stock 1 c Bread or all-purpose flour 1 c Whole wheat or rye (or other-dark) flour 1 c Bulgar wheat 1/4 c Non-fat dry milk powder 1/2 ts Salt 1 1/2 ts Yeast Use dough cycle. Roll dough to 1/4″ thickness.... [Read more]
Dog BonesDog Bones 2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk 1 egg 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 beef bouillon cube 1/2 cup hot water 1 Tablespoon brown sugar Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, stirring until... [Read more]
An Apple a Day Dog TreatAn Apple a Day Dog Treat 2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup unbleached flour 1/2 cup cornmeal1 apple — chopped or grated1 egg — beaten 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed 3/8 cup water Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cookie... [Read more]
Darlene’s Favorite Dog CookieDarlene’s Favorite Dog Cookie 2 cups rye flour 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2/3 cup warm water 1/2 cup white flour 1/4 cup cornmeal Mix well. I usually add about 1/4 tsp. either vanilla or mint flavor. Roll out to 1/4″ thick. Cut into shapes (I usually... [Read more]
Dog Biscuits For Your Favorite DogDog Biscuits For Your Favorite Dog 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 cup cornmeal 2/3 cup Brewer’s yeast 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 egg yolks 3 beef bouillon — or chicken 1/2 cup boiling water Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix well.... [Read more]
Dog Cookies With Chicken BrothDog Cookies With Chicken Broth 2 cups whole wheat flour 2/3 cup yellow cornmeal 1/2 cup sunflower seeds — shelled 2 tablespoons corn oil 1/2 cup chicken broth 2 eggs 1/4 cup low-fat milk 1 egg — beaten Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large... [Read more]
Dog Biscuits #5Dog Biscuits #5 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup white flour 1/2 cup powdered milk 1/2 cup wheat germ 1/2 teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons shortening 1 egg — slightly beaten 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1/2 cup cold water Stir dry ingredients well and then cut... [Read more]
BARF Breakfast (med size dog)BARF Breakfast (med size dog) 1/4 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup yogurt 1/4 cup vegetables — *see Note 250 mgs vitamin C — for dogs. Crushed 1 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon kelp seaweed powder — *see Note 1 teaspoon... [Read more]
Beef TwistsBeef Twists 3 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose 1 cup cornmeal 1 package unflavored gelatin 1/4 cup milk 1 egg 1/4 cup corn oil 1 jar Baby food, meat, beef, strained 1 beef bouillon cube 3/4 cup boiling water — or beef stock Dissolve bouillon cube in... [Read more]
