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:
Divine Doggy DinnerDivine Doggy Dinner 1/2 pound ground beef — or turkey, chicken, lamb 1/4 cup cooked rice1 small potato 1/4 cup green beans — about 5-8 beans 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder Brown the meat in a pan. When completely cooked, drain the fat. Add the... [Read more]
Cheese N Garlic BitesCheese N Garlic Bites 1 cup wheat flour 1 cup cheddar cheese — grated 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon butter — softened 1/2 cup milk Mix flour and cheese together. Add garlic powder and softened butter. Slowly add milk till you form... [Read more]
Dog Biscuits #2Dog Biscuits #2 1 envelope dry yeast 1 cup rye flour 1/4 cup warm water 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk 1 pinch sugar 4 teaspoons kelp powder 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 4 cups beef or chicken broth 2 cups whole wheat flour 2 cups cracked wheat or 1 c. cornmeal GLAZE:... [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]
Multi-Grain Dog Biscuit TreatsIngredients: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups whole-wheat flour 1 cup rye flour 1 cup cornmeal 2 cups cracked wheat (bulgur) 1/2 cup non-fat dry milk powder 4 tsp salt 2 cups chicken stock 1/4 oz active dry yeast (one package) 1 egg 1 Tbsp milk Directions: Preheat... [Read more]
Barking Barley BrowniesBarking Barley Brownies 1 1/4 pounds beef liver — or chicken liver 2 cups wheat germ 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour 1 cup cooked barley 2 whole eggs 3 tablespoons peanut butter 1 clove garlic 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon salt — optional Pre... [Read more]
Dog Oil SupplementDog Oil Supplement 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup canola oil 1/4 cup cod liver oil 1/4 cup flax seed oil Place oils in brown bottle and shake well. Store in refrigerator. Add two teaspoons to the dogs food each day. Can be add to dry food as well. Safflower... [Read more]
Doggie BiscuitsDoggie Biscuits 3/4 c Hot water or meat juice 1/3 c Margarine 1/2 c Powdered milk 1/2 ts Salt 1 Egg, beaten 3 c Whole wheat flour Mix well – roll in to small logs in your hands and bake at 325 degrees for about 50 mins. Read More →
Carob Cornered CrunchiesCarob Cornered Crunchies 2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour 1 egg 1/4 cup applesauce 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 beef bouillon — or chicken 1/2 cup hot water1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon molasses 1 cup carob bar — about Mix all ingredients together... [Read more]
Biscuits For DogsBiscuits For Dogs 1 cup oatmeal — uncooked 1/3 cup margarine 1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules 5 1/2 cups hot water 1 tablespoon garlic powder — optional 3/4 cup powdered milk 3/4 cup cornmeal 3 cups whole wheat flour 1 whole egg —... [Read more]
