
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.
Check out some great recipes:
BARF Dinner (med size dog)BARF Dinner (med size dog) 3/4 pound Raw Meat — *see Note 1 egg — raw 1/2 clove garlic — chopped 2 tablespoons yogurt 1 teaspoon honey 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon flax seed oil — *see Note 1 teaspoon kelp seaweed... [Read more]
Aunt Bianca’s Dog BiscuitsAunt Bianca’s Dog Biscuits 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 egg — beaten Flavoring: Meat drippings, broth or water from canned tuna (enough to make a stiff dough). Combine flour, powdered... [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]
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]
BJ’S Peanutty PupciclesBJ’S Peanutty Pupcicles 1 ripe banana 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup wheat germ 1/4 cup chopped peanuts Mash banana’s and peanut butter, stir in wheat germ. Chill 1 hour. Place in container, store in refrigerator or freezer. Read More →
Cheesy Dog Biscuit TreatsIngredients: 1 cup rolled oats (such as Quaker) 1/3 cup margarine 1 cup Boiling water 3/4 cup cornmeal 1 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons chicken or beef flavored instant bouillon 1/2 cup milk 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 egg, beaten 2 – 3 cups... [Read more]
Baby Food Doggie CookiesBaby Food Doggie Cookies 3 jars baby food, meat, beef, strained — *see Note 1/4 cup cream of wheat — *see Note 1/4 cup dry milk Combine ingredients in bowl and mix well. Roll into small balls and place on well-greased cookie sheet. Flatten... [Read more]
Bread Machine Dog BiscuitsBread Machine Dog Biscuits 3/4 cup Beef stock — *see Note 1 egg 3 tablespoons oil 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/3 cup Bulgur — *see Note 1/3 cup Bran 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder 1 1/2 teaspoons yeast Place... [Read more]
Classic Canine CookiesClassic Canine Cookies 4 cups whole wheat flour 1/4 cup cornmeal 1/4 cup cooked rice 1 egg 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Juice from a small orange 1 2/3 cups water Mix all ingredients together well. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead. Roll... [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]