trustedpalsblog - Tumblr blog

[trustedpalsblog]

Home safety guide for pet parents

 Even pets can run into situations that can put their life at risk. But with a bit of effort, you can ensure that your furry friend will always be safe. We are sure you are very cautious about your pets outside safety; but what about inside your home, where pets are prone to accidents too.

One way to ensure your pet's care while at home is by getting a pet medical insurance plan to cover the medical costs of unintentional nicks and bumps. Still, as a pet parent, you should always look for ways to prevent or avoid accidents before they happen.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of your home's most dangerous areas where you need to be extra vigilant as many things can put the life of your pet in danger.

Food dangers

First, you should be aware of foods that can cause illness in your pet and put their lives in danger. E.g., alcohol, xylitol (artificial sweetener), macadamia nuts can cause kidney and liver failure in dogs.

Make a list of these dangerous foods and share it with your family members or housemates to help keep your pets away from them and dispose of if necessary.

Be prepared for any emergencies. Since we all know how sneaky the pets can be, make sure to get pet health insurance as a responsible pet owner.

Other dangers in the kitchen

Installing a gate or a door to keep your pets out of the kitchen will help you keep your pet from off-limit areas while cooking or when they are home alone.

Also, get a garbage can with a lid to keep your dogs away from the trash as you throw out anything that may be dangerous for your pet’s health. Similarly, storage cabinets should be always be closed, and knives and utensils should be inside the drawer at all times.

Bathroom, Laundry Area, and Closets

The next areas on our list are the bathroom, laundry area, and closets, where the pet owners have reported several hazards. One way to keep your pets away from these areas is by keeping the door always shut.

Usually, the pets run off to these areas when they get frightened of any noise or storm. So, make one of these areas pet-proof space; that way your pet has a safe place to go when they are feeling nervous or afraid.

Common hazards in these areas

Because they are curious, your pet may get into and ingest some everyday items such as cleaning supplies, fabric softeners, detergents, vitamins, medication, or other things found in these areas. This can make them sick and possibly poison them.

Make sure these harmful items are stored away from the reach of your pet. Other materials can present choking hazards such as dental floss shoes, socks, and other fabric and might cause severe gastrointestinal problems. Make sure you are keeping them away.

If your furry family member is alone for long periods of time, take pet insurance just in case something misfortunate happens. Also, make sure you are draining sinks, tubs before leaving the room.

Keep the washer, and dryer's door always closed and put a child-safety lock on all the cabinets.

Bedroom

Some pet owners gladly welcome their pets into their bedrooms, where sometimes, unsuspecting chemicals are kept. For example, your beloved pet can ingest dangerous makeup items or medications or they might chew on clothes left out which might present a choking hazard.

Make sure you are keeping things that may entice your pet out of reach.

Living room

The heart of any home poses a significant risk to your pets. Since your pets often spend most of their time in the living area, make sure it is pet-proofed. Some of the common accidents that your pets might run into are;

The heart of any home poses a significant risk to your pets. Since your pets often spend most of their time in the living area, make sure it is pet-proofed. Some of the common accidents that your pets might run into are:

- Accidents caused due to phone cords

- Electrical wires

- Heating or air vent

- House plants

- Some breakable items

- Fireplace

- Firestarter sticks and more.

Utility and outdoor areas

The garage, basement, porch, and backyard are places where many things are stored, including some equipment or chemicals. You should monitor your pet in these areas and make sure you are keeping everything away from their reach.

Since no one can be 100% sure each time, it’s always good to go for the best pet insurance that covers everything, from the regular checkups to emergencies alike.

Also, since you would love to leave your pet out for a little leg stretching, you must know certain plants are dangerous for pets.

Make sure you are not growing any one of those. If you have a pool area, keep it covered or at best empty it when you are done swimming or the party is over. Never let your pets come into these areas unsupervised.

Wrapping up

We have pretty much covered all the areas and accidents in which your pet might get into. Just in case your pet still finds a way to get into these troubles, have an emergency kit and your emergency veterinary contact number ready.

When your pet is in the care of a friend or relative, they should be aware about these potential hazards as well. Finally, always secure pet insurance to help you meet any medical expenses and ensure your pet's best care.

Source by:https://www.trustedpals.com/guides/home-safety-guide-pet-owners.html

[trustedpalsblog]

TrustedPals recognized for best flexible deductibles and co-pay options

When we developed TrustedPals, we had simplicity and flexibility in mind. One simple plan, with easy options to fit all budgets. We are honored that Money.com has recognized and rated TrustedPals as the best pet insurance for flexible deductibles and co-pays and #8 overall for 2020.

Different pet insurance plans offer different choices. With TrustedPals, you can choose from a 0%, 10%, 20% or 30% co-pay and select from annual deductible options of $0, $100, $250, $500 or $750. Along with customizable co-pay and deducible options, you can select annual benefit limits of $4,000, $8,000 and $15,000, as well as an unlimited benefit option.

Secure coverage today to help pay for unexpected medical expenses at the vet. Select a TrustedPals Wellness Plan for $750 annually to pay towards routine care like annual wellness exams, vaccinations, dental preventative cleaning and preventative flea/tick medicines.

Comprehensive pet insurance is just a few clicks away. It takes less than 5 minutes to get a quote.

Source by: https://www.trustedpals.com/guides/best-copay-reimbursement-options.html

[trustedpalsblog]

How to keep your cat healthy with exercise.

https://www.trustedpals.com/guides/keep-cat-healthy-exercise.htmlLow maintenance’, not ‘no maintenance’

Unlike dogs, who love going for regular walks to stay healthy and burn off excess energy, cats can be a bit more challenging when it comes to exercise.

But that doesn’t mean we don’t need to stay active!

Why do cats need exercise?

There are plenty of motives for keeping your cat inside for some or all of the time. You might want to protect them from hazards, stop them terrorizing the local wildlife , or simply keep them safe when the weather’s bad. And if they do go outside regularly, make sure you’ve got cat insurance in place – just in case anything happens.

Regardless of how much time your pet spends outside, each and every cat needs exercise to maintain an appropriate body weight and keep their muscles strong. If your cat does spend most of its time indoors, then this is particularly important. They won’t get any of the exercise they’d otherwise have from running around outside.

Similarly, special toys like scratching posts help your cat maintain healthy claws. And they’ll stop your pet from going to town on that new couch you’ve just bought!

But, exercising your cat isn’t just about keeping them in shape. It’s also a great way to bond with your pet, and relieve any stress or anxiety they might be dealing with.

How much exercise do cats need?

This is a tricky question. Cats can be notoriously difficult, and you might struggle to get us out of bed, let alone play with us for an extended period of time every day.

However, if you do start to introduce scheduled ‘playtime’ sessions, your cat will slowly get used to them. Younger, more energetic cats may even take the initiative and request longer or more frequent periods of activity.

As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to play with your cat for between 20 minutes and an hour each day, split into a few short bursts of activity. This will stop your cat from getting too tired and losing interest.

Cat exercise equipment

Helping your pet stay healthy with play isn’t just about letting them loose on a scratching pole. Cats need different types of stimulation, and a range of toys that they can play with either by themselves, or with their human (that’s you!).

One of the easiest and healthiest ways to engage your cat is to bring out some of its predatory instincts. Stalking, chasing, and pouncing are all great exercises, and a remote-controlled cat toy is the perfect way to get your pet moving. Just be prepared to replace it every now and then. We won’t show any mercy when we finally get our claws on it.

We’ve already talked about the benefits of scratching poles, but there are also special toys that are good for your cat’s teeth. The most common ones are chew toys that clean when they’re bitten, removing leftovers and keeping teeth and gums healthy.

Cat exercises to lose weight

If your cat is a little bit on the heavier side, you might need to pay more attention to an exercise regime. If they don’t get enough physical activity, cats can become overweight, and while it might be cute, there can be serious ramifications for their health. These include diabetes and osteoarthritis, so it’s important to act quickly.

Of course, it is not always easy to tell if a cat is overweight. Some of us are just a bit fluffier than others! If in doubt, there are cat health check tools you can find online, but the final call should always be your vet’s. They’ll be able to tell you exactly how healthy your pet is, and if they need to get more exercise to shed some of those extra pounds.

When it comes to actually losing the weight, you might need to start small. After all, your pet may not be used to long periods of activity, so a few minutes here and there is a good way to ease into a healthier routine. Other than that, the best types of exercise are the same as other healthy cats. You just might need to be a bit more proactive in initiating playtime.

Don’t forget about diet

Just like humans, staying fit and healthy for cats is a combination of exercise and diet. If your pet keeps gaining weight even with regular playtime sessions, it might be time to cut back on the treats. (And it really hurts us to say that.)

Whatever you do though, don’t put your pet on one of those fancy diets that humans are so obsessed with. That means no skipping mealtimes or only eating certain types of food. We still need all sorts of different nutrients, so focus on portion control.

If your indoor cat is overweight, it might be a good idea to think about letting them spend part of the day outside. They’ll naturally move around a lot more, which can be a great way to stay healthy. Just don’t forget about that cat insurance!

Finding a pet insurance program

When you’re looking for a pet insurance program, make sure you keep in mind the costs of keeping your cat happy and healthy. That doesn’t just mean covering illnesses or accidents, but everyday costs like regular check-ups.

TrustedPals’ Wellness Plan gives you an annual allowance for these extra bits and pieces, to make sure there’s never any reason to give your cat anything other than the best.

Source by:https://www.trustedpals.com/guides/keep-cat-healthy-exercise.html

[trustedpalsblog]

The best pet insurance and the best Pet Advisors

Our humans are here to help

Pet insurance plans can be complicated – even when you’re dealing with a program like TrustedPals that puts you and your cat or dog first.

Claims can be particularly challenging, which is why we’ve got a specially trained team of humans that can help you with the process. They’re our Pet Advisors, and they know exactly how you can get the most out of your coverage and maximize the benefits that you get with a TrustedPals plan.

Cheaper doesn’t always mean better

Cost is one of the most important things to keep in mind when trying to pick the right pet insurance plan. Affordable pet insurance is important, but not if that low price comes at the expense of quality.

After all, you wouldn’t want a life insurance plan that cut corners and left your family unprotected. So why would you want a pet insurance plan that doesn’t take care of all the details and give your pet the full coverage they need?

Not to mention, cheaper plans are usually cheaper because something’s been left out. A lot of the time, that something is customer service.

Great customer service in pet insurance means having access to a team of experts whenever you need them. No matter whether that’s when you’re trying to sign up, renew or make a claim.

TrustedPals – more than just insurance

You get an awful lot with your TrustedPals pet insurance plan. And that doesn’t just mean coverage. For example, when you sign up, you’ll get a free pet tag, which isn’t just fashionable – it’s also a way to keep your best friend safe.

If your cat or dog ever goes missing, there’s a special code on the tag which other humans can use to let you know that they’ve found your pet, and to get them back to you.

You also get access to our Pet Advisors, who’ll work with you to make sure you’re getting the very most out of your plan, and never paying more than you need to.

Pet Advisors are benefit maximizers

Our dedicated Pet Advisors focus on maximizing your pet insurance benefits and making sure you’re claiming properly. Other pet insurance companies out there are more focused on maximizing their pet insurance processes, to make more money.

Not us! Our job is to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Part of that is making it as easy as possible for you to sign up, renew, and make a claim. But sometimes you’ll need a bit of extra help, which is where the Pet Advisors come in handy.

Not every claim goes to plan

We do our very best to make sure every claim runs smoothly, but sometimes things can get a little bit more complicated. With a traditional pet insurance program, that probably means getting a letter telling you your claim’s been rejected. Or worse, hearing nothing at all. After all, why would they make it easy for you to claim when it means they have to pay out?

That’s the difference between a ‘customer service representative’, who looks after their company, and a Pet Advisor, who looks after you.

With TrustedPals, if there are ever any issues with a claim, a Pet Advisor will get in touch with you right away. That means no rejection letters out of the blue, and certainly no waiting for days or weeks with no response. You’ll get personalized contact and support within 10 working days.

If the problem can be fixed (and your claim can be processed with a few changes), a Pet Advisor will work with you throughout the process. In some cases, your Pet Advisor will even help you get certain documents from your vet, if you need them to make your claim.

The result? If your claim can be resolved, we’ll help you do it.

A claims process that works for you

It’s not just our Pet Advisors who are on hand to help you make claims easily and quickly. We’ve designed the entire process to be simple and intuitive. And most importantly, to take minutes instead of weeks.

Here’s how it works, in four easy steps.

1) Pay your vet just like you would normally. Don’t worry, we’ll organize the details of your payment as soon as possible.

2) Don’t forget your bill at the end of your appointment. All you need to make a claim is a digital copy of it. You can either ask your vet to email it to you, or just take a photo with your phone.

3) Make your claim online by answering a few easy questions. This is also when you’ll upload that digital copy of your bill.

4) We’ll get back to you within ten working days, whenever possible. Our team will take care of all the details, so just sit back and relax.

It’s that easy. But if you do need help, just get in touch and a Pet Advisor will make contact to help guide you through the process from start to finish.

How we stack up

As you might have guessed, we’re not afraid to show you how far ahead of the curve TrustedPals is – especially compared to the chasing pack of other pet insurance programs. To see exactly how we stack up on everything from coverage to the little extras that can make a not-solittle difference, take a look at our pet insurance comparison chart.

Ready to sign up? It’s just as quick and easy as making a claim. All you need to do is enter a few details about your pet, and we’ll see you in the TrustedPals pack soon!

Source by: https://www.trustedpals.com/guides/best-pet-insurance-best-advisors.html

[trustedpalsblog]

Does pet insurance cover MRI scans?

 Common health issues for your pet

Although veterinary medicine is constantly evolving, some of the procedures are too expensive because of the slow adaptation of these advancements. Expensive or not, one thing is certain – good medical care can bring your pets out of life-threatening situations. One such medical advancement is diagnostic tests like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

MRI testing allows veterinarians to evaluate the inside of your pet’s body in a non-invasive way. It plays an important role in the detection of diseases and injuries in animals to provide the right treatment for them. However, the cost of an MRI test can run you about $2000 or more. And unfortunately, that is not affordable for many people.

So, should you completely avoid it? No, here are some things you should know about MRI testing, why it may be necessary, and what pet medical insurance covers MRI scans.

How does an MRI work?

An MRI machine is a large tube-like machine that uses radio and magnetic waves to create images for the veterinary specialists to evaluate the inside of a pet. A dog MRI is like a human MRI machine and is conducted just like it is performed on a human being.

Now since a pet cannot be expected to sit still for this long, general anesthesia is administered by the vet in order for the procedure to be carried out.

How do you prepare your pet for an MRI?

MRIs can help detect some of the underlying medical conditions in your pets such as cancer or cysts. Due to its importance in detecting medical maladies, this is a test you shouldn’t skip. Rather find the best dog and cat health insurance that covers it.

Also, you should prep yourself and your pet prior to undergoing an MRI procedure by following these recommendations:

- Consult with your vet regarding why your pet needs an MRI, and if it is necessary what can be the advantages and disadvantages of anesthesia and cost of it.

- Make an appointment with neurology consultation at a specialty hospital.

- Plan for blood work prior to the MRI.

- Free up an entire day for the procedure as it can take a significant amount of time and your pet may need hospitalization.

- Also, like a good pet owner if you have taken a pet insurance plan, you are advised to submit a pre-authorization request to verify the coverage before the MRI is performed. This way you can avoid any surprises in the coverage afterward.

What does an MRI show the doctors?

MRI scans can help doctors to review soft tissues such as the brain, spinal cord, tendons, ligaments, and abdominal organs. It provides a detailed internal picture compared to other imaging diagnostics such as radiographs.

Usually, a doctor would prescribe your dog an MRI scan in case it is facing symptoms such as seizures, lameness, joint pains, limping, back pain, paralysis, or behavioral issues. Pet health insurance not only comes in handy in getting a diagnostic test but also for their treatments such as:

- Brain diseases detected by an inflammation, tumor/mass, or abscesses.

- Spinal cord diseases such as herniated discs, tumor/mass, and stenosis.

- Diseases of the abdomen caused due to muscle enlargement or tumor/mass.

- Musculoskeletal diseases like a rupture in ligaments, or injuries in the shoulder causing instability.

- ….and more.

Finally, does pet insurance cover MRI scans?

A comprehensive pet insurance plan would usually include all the diagnostic tests such as MRIs and CT scans for the detection of neurological or musculoskeletal conditions. Included in the policy documentation, you will find all the details about what things and tests are covered in the insurance plan.

As a pet insurance buyer, we suggest you choose a plan that offers maximum coverage and is affordable to suit your pet’s medical care needs.

[trustedpalsblog]

Sugar Rae's bout with gingival hyperplasia

Scott and Susan are like many pet parents who want nothing but the best of everything for their adorable boxer pup, Sugar Rae. This desire rang true when Sugar suffered an unexpected knee injury as a young pup. While they cared for Sugar’s injury and it healed well, Sugar’s parents kept thinking about her normal high level of energy and how another injury could certainly happen.

Recently, they made the decision to be more prepared to care for Sugar’s well-being through a TrustedPals Pet Insurance plan. Fast forward a few years, Sugar faced another medical concern.

Sugar’s gums were inflamed and at first thought, it may be due to normal dog chewing of that wrong “thing” in the yard. However, Sugar was not her playful self and something was definitely wrong. Sugar’s pet parents knew advanced care was needed, therefore, sought out a consultation with one of the top canine oral surgeons in Georgia.

While this first appointment was only a consultative visit, their veterinarian immediately recognized Sugar needed emergency surgery to care for a painful condition called gingival hyperplasia, which is commonly found in boxers.

This condition leads to overly inflamed gums, allowing debris, dirt, hair and other particles to become trapped in her gums, therefore exacerbating the condition. The vet explained the procedure to Scott and Susan, along with the related costs. 

The vet thought he would let them think about the decision for the surgery and unplanned expense. However, Scott and Susan didn’t hesitate, immediately advising the vet to start surgery to make their precious Sugar better.

Scott and Susan both exclaimed to each other “Thank goodness we have TrustedPals…it made our decision very easy to provide Sugar the advance care she needs.” Sugar’s surgery was successful and after a couple of days on the mend, she was back to her very playful, happy puppers!

Scott and Susan were so thankful TrustedPals covered $5,315 of the total vet bill of $6,576.

[trustedpalsblog]

How does multi pet medical insurance work?

We think that two heads are better than one.

And that three heads are better than two. And so on.

When it comes to pointed ears and tails, we think it’s a case of ‘the more, the better’. And we’re sure you feel the same.

But as your pack or pride grows, it might not be a bad idea to start thinking about pet medical insurance. Because if a couple of your buddies get sick at the same time, you could be looking at a vet’s bill beyond belief.

Not good – but there’s good news too. Multi pet insurance can help you look after every single member of the family, day in, day out.

Medical insurance for everyone

Let’s hold up a sec – just to avoid any confusion.

‘Multi pet insurance’ is (sorry!) a bit of a misleading name. We’re don’t mean to muddy the waters by using it ourselves, but you’ll find it used pretty widely, so we want to quickly clear up any misunderstandings.

Each pet you insure actually ends up with its own plan – it’s not actually a single, shared, insurance policy, as the name might seem to suggest.

One account, many plans

You’ll manage everything from one single account in your name. And each of your pets gets their own plan, with its own monthly payment, limit, deductibles, and reimbursement. (If this lingo’s making you feel lost, read our FAQs for quick answers.)

This works the same way in every pet insurance company in the USA. Because although all dogs are great at giving the puppy dog eyes, and all cats know how to let you know it’s dinnertime, different breeds have different needs. And the humans over here tell us that covering a cat and a dog on the same plan is more than a little bit tricky.

But you’ll make regular payments for every pet at the same time, to keep things simple.

Sound good?

To jump right in and set up your multi-pet insurance, you just need to give all the details of every pet when you get a quote. Don’t forget anyone! Or keep reading if you fancy getting a few more details first.

What’s covered by multi-pet medical insurance?

In short – the same as the norm.

Unexpected accidents and illnesses are the big things to think about. That means cover for things like trips to the vet if something’s gone wrong, prescription pet medication, and food or supplements the vet says your pet needs.

But, being unexpected, we don’t think it’s fair to make you play a guessing game when it comes to thinking about what conditions you’d like your pets to be covered for.

We just cover most accidents and illnesses and ask you to pick out an annual limit for your plans – and these can be different for each pet. Then you’ll be able to make claims up to those limits every year.

Since each plan’s separate, the limits, deductibles, and reimbursements are all separate too. Which, we think you'd agreed, makes things a lot easier to follow.

What about wellness?

Haven’t come across wellness plans before? They can be a handy way to budget for your pet’s ongoing healthcare.

They’re an add-on you can pick up to cover the cost of things like check-ups at the vet, vaccinations, blood tests, and anything else that’s to do with their everyday health.

But it’s not for emergencies (that’s what accident and illness cover helps you out with) or for spending on food, toys, or treats. 

You pay a certain amount each month into the best pet insurance plan and it pays out when your pets need it to, up to a fixed annual limit.

And with multi pet health insurance, you can add it to certain pets’ plans and not others, depending on what you think’s best. (Though be careful not to make anyone jealous.)

Can I add a new pet in the future?

Absolutely. As time goes on and your family grows, you can take extra plans out as and when you need to.

And with us, you can keep on managing all the details from our Portal, so you’re spending time with the friends who matter most – not fending off paperwork.

Does it matter if I have cats and dogs?

Not a jot. You can look after all their plans from the same account, no problem.

And we give all cats and all dogs the same coverage, because we don’t play favorites – in our eyes, every pet deserves the same great care. You take care of them on the good days, and we’ll be there for them on (most of) the bad. Deal?

In fact, if you have more than one pet, you’re better off. And not just because you have more than one pet…

Fancy a discount too?

One of the best bits about multi pet insurance plans are that with most providers, you’ll get a discount for signing up more than one pet.

If you cover more than one pet with us (using the same account), you’ll snag a 5% discount on all their plans, to help keep things affordable. It doesn’t matter how many pets you have, the discount keeps rolling – so if you’ve got loads of friends with paws, you could be looking at some serious savings.

Ready to go?

Now you’re fully clued up, you can go right ahead and get your multi-pet medical insurance quote.

Or, if you want to hang around and find out a few more things first, we’ve got your back. There are more useful guides right here to help you out.

And if you have any questions for us, just get in touch. Our humans are always happy to help you out.

Source by: https://www.trustedpals.com/guides/multi-pet-insurance.html

[trustedpalsblog]

Crate training: essentials dos and don'ts

Your puppy may (and should!) be the center of your world. But sometimes you might need to make sure they’re secure while you’re out of the house. That’s where crate training comes in handy, getting them used to a safe space that’s familiar and comfortable.

Just like the best pet insurance plans, having a comfortable crate for your pet will keep them protected. And make sure they can’t do any damage to themselves or your home.

Do: Make the crate appealing

Crate training might seem like it’s all about you, but it can be really helpful for your pet as well. Like a lot of animals, dogs prefer comfy, ‘cave-like’ environments where they can curl up and rest without any distractions.

A crate is a perfect place for this, and you can make it even more appealing by fitting it out with a few home comforts. A bed inside and a blanket on top are great places to start, and a few toys or treats inside won’t go amiss either. You may even find your dog prefers hanging out inside the crate after a while.

Just don’t be offended if they decide it’s a better option than curling up next to you on the couch!

Don’t: Overuse the crate

When your puppy’s young, it’s really important not to leave them in their crate for too long. Crating a dog while at work can be tempting, but young puppies won’t be able to hold their bladders for a full day. And that means you’ll have a mess to clean up when you get home.

A rough guide is to add a one to their age (in months) and use that as the most time your dog should spend in a crate.

For example, a four-month-old pup shouldn’t spend more than five hours in their crate. This might mean you need to get up once or twice during the night when you first start crate training. But as time goes on, your dog will be able to spend longer and longer periods snuggled up inside without getting distressed.

Do: Prepare your pup for their crate

Before you start crate training, it’s a good idea to let your dog get used to the crate on their own terms. You might want to simply leave it in the corner of the room with the door open and a few treats inside.

This will let your pet come and go as they please, and will create a positive association between entering the crate and being fed.

If you want to take your crate training to the next level, you can also start using the word ‘in’ or ‘out’ whenever your dog enters or leaves the crate. This will start to build up an association between those words and the crate, which makes things a lot easier in the long run, if you ever need to put your pet into their crate quickly and leave home in a hurry.

Don’t: Use a crate that’s the wrong size

If it’s your first-time crate training a dog, you might think that a bigger size will work better, and give them more space. In practice though, this doesn’t work as well as a slightly smaller dog crate, because your puppy might decide that one area of the crate is their bathroom!

And it goes without saying that you never want a crate that’s too small, because it will stop your a dog from being able to stand up and stretch.

Of course, dogs can grow quickly, and it can be expensive having to change to a bigger size every few months. If you’re worried about cost, you can always get a slightly oversized crate while your puppy is young and block off part of it with a crate divider. Or, you can rent a crate, rather than buying one. Alternatively, you might want to splurge on an expandable crate that can grow alongside your dog.

Do: Remember exercise

Your dog is a lot more likely to enjoy time in their crate if they’re not still full of unused energy from the day. If they haven’t been walked or played with, they might become a bit overexcited and struggle to calm down and curl up – especially when it’s time for bed.

To make sure they’re ready to settle in for the night, it’s important to allow for the right amount of activity during the day. This might just mean a short walk for older pets, but a young puppy will have a lot more energy, which you’ll need to keep in mind before you get them ready for bed.

Don’t: Use your crate as punishment

Last, but certainly not least, you should never, ever use your crate as punishment, no matter how mischievous your dog’s been. The crate is a safe space for them to relax in, and if they start to associate it with being in trouble, they’ll be a lot less likely to want to spend time inside it.

Always make sure that your dog associates their crate with positive things, whether that means giving them treats when they go in, or plenty of love and attention when they spend time inside.

Settled on a pet insurance program?

Just like crate training, finding the best pet insurance for your new puppy is one of the most important steps in settling them in and making sure they’re well taken care of.

At TrustedPals, we make it quick and easy to sign up for comprehensive coverage, with a single plan that has a premium that can be tweaked to suit your budget.

It only takes a few minutes to get a quote, so what are you waiting for!

[trustedpalsblog]

Everything you need to know about leash training

Puppy training tips from pet insurance that cares

New puppy? If they’re anything like us, he or she will need plenty of exercise, and it’s your job to make sure they get it, which can be a great way to bond while you both stay !t and healthy.

But exercising with your pup isn’t all fun and games.

You’ll need to make sure you spend plenty of time making sure they know how to walk, run and play in a way that’s safe. If you don’t, you might mind that you get pulled around by an overenthusiastic sprint, or get stuck when your pet decides they just don’t want to move.

Don't leave leash training too late.

Leash training is just as important a part of getting a new pet as looking for the best pet insurance and making sure the house is well-stocked with snacks and treats.

As you’d probably guess, it’s a lot easier to train dogs when they’re young. There’s a reason they say old dogs can’t learn new tricks! That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to leash train an older dog though. With the right pet health insurance program, those hard to train moments, like behavioral training could be covered (But more on that in a minute.)

Prepping for leash training

First things first – you can’t start leash training without a leash and collar. The most important thing to keep in mind is a comfortable !t.

We don’t want anything that’s too tight and hurts us, but if you pick a leash that’s too big, we might get excited and slip out of it.

As for the leash itself, it makes sense to use a thinner one for smaller dogs and a thicker one for bigger, stronger dogs. Four to six feet is the most common length for a leash, because it gives your pet room to explore without wandering too far. But you might want to think about a shorter leash for busier areas.

Let's get comfortable with the leash.

Got your leash? Perfect! You’re ready to get started. When you’re leash training a young pup, the most important thing to keep in mind is patience. If your puppy won’t walk on a leash, remember that the process can be a bit strange for us. We might need a bit of time to get used to the idea that the leash is our friend.

Start by getting your dog familiar with their collar around the house – especially during breakfast, lunch, or dinner if you want to speed things up. That will create an association between the leash and food. And nothing’s better than food. Although you can achieve the same effect by putting on your dog’s collar while they’re having fun playing around the house.

How to train a dog to walk on a leash beside you

Once your puppy’s comfortable with their collar and leash, it’s still a good idea to give them plenty of positive reinforcement when you’re out walking – particularly when it comes to the golden rule of not pulling on the leash.

A treat for good behavior (like walking beside you with slack in the leash) goes a long way. And so does stopping immediately if they get too excited and try to bound away. If you don’t stop, your dog will think they’re in charge and won’t learn to follow your lead.

If everything goes to plan, after a while, your dog will come to realize that the leash is there to help them and keep them safe.

But don’t stress if it takes a while. Just like humans, some of us are more stubborn than others, and there are a few different ways that you can help dogs get used to walks.

How to leash train a dog that won't walk

If you’ve got a stubborn pup (or an older, untrained dog) that just can’t get to grips with their leash, you may want to mix up your training a little bit. And as always, remember to be patient. The whole point of leash training is to help your pet realize that their leash means fun times out and about with you.

But if they do need a bit of extra help, here are five top tips to keep in mind:

1. If your dog keeps pulling on their leash to chase after bugs or birds, it might be easier to walk them in the middle of the day, when there are fewer around.

2. Got a puppy that’s a bundle of energy? Playing with them at home before you go out for a walk is a great way to tire them out a bit and stop any overexcitement.

3. If your dog is too strong for you, you might want to use a full harness instead of a leash – especially if they’re fully grown rather than young pups.

4. You might find that sometimes your dog sits down and just won’t move. Don’t get frustrated. Just make sure you’ve got a treat close at hand and walk a little way away. They’ll be back on their feet in a flash.

5. Avoid unfamiliar areas if they excite your dog. Stick to an area they know well at first, to get rid of any distractions.

The best pets deserve the best pet insurance

Before you get your puppy (or stubborn adult dog) out and about for some leash training, make sure you’ve got the best pet insurance plan for dogs in place to protect them.

You never know if they might get overexcited and end up scraping themselves if they’re not used to being out and about.

Going to the right dog health insurance program makes managing any little bumps or bruises easy.

With a TrustedPals pet medical insurance plan, you can take your dog to any licensed vet, and you don’t need to provide medical records or have an exam to sign up, so the whole thing is stress-free for you, and your new best friend.

Keen to learn more? Just get in touch!

Source by,

https://www.trustedpals.com/guides/dog-leash-training-101.html

[trustedpalsblog]

Your dog’s safety is of utmost importance and you would do anything to protect your pet. Thus, to ensure receive the best medical care in the event of injury due to an attack, it is wise to invest in a comprehensive pet insurance plan to cover your pet’s healthcare and recovery needs.

An attack, whether provoked or unprovoked, can be a scary event for both you and your pet. Despite all of the necessary precautions you take, an attack may be instantaneous and unexpected. Your first instinct may be to panic, however, staying calm and cautious can lead to better outcomes in these types of situations.

Sometimes, people may be too preoccupied to notice their pet’s movements, thus causing them to be slow to react to a potential scuffle. And sometimes an attack can come with no prior warning.

Here are some tips you can use if you find yourself and your pet facing a possible attack:

1. Look out for signs:

There will surely be signs if your pet is upset. These signs may include:

Growling Barking Snarling Snapping Baring Teeth Lunging

When you observe these signs, retreat gradually without turning your back. Make your dog secure by taking him close. Walk away calmly but, quickly. Deescalate the situation. 

Don’t get aggressive or exhibit fear. Don’t punish a dog for growling because this is their way of trying to communicate. Most importantly, ensure your pet is secured, remain assertive, and give your pet the space required.

2. Stay calm:

Yes, it’s tough to stay calm and not react amidst a crisis. However, you should do your best not to panic or have any negative emotions. Your energy and emotions affect your dog. When you panic, get angry, or fearful, it instigates your pet towards aggression. You can disarm the situation if you remain calm. Try to meditate for a few minutes a day to practice staying controlled and restrained.

3. Don’t pick up your dog:

Interrupting in a dog fracas can directly harm you. It is hard to resist bending down and picking up your dog. But you might get bitten or scratched. Resist the urge to jump into the situation and physically save your dog. You invested in pet medical insurance for your pet to take care of the health expenses. Along with this, your responsibility is to not get over-excited in case your dog is attacked.

4. Do not hold direct eye contact:

A dog responds negatively to held eye contact. Claim your space by making yourself big and remain calm. If your dog is trying to bite you, let it do so on something that is not part of your body and then slowly remove it. When the attacking dog becomes fierce, continue to be big and assertive. When the other dog observes an imposing figure protecting your pet it will flee.

5. Other things you can do:

Don’t step in to separate fighting dogs: It will be hard to pull your dog out of harm because you might be seriously injured and your dog might get further injured if another dog initiated the fight.

See a vet: Even if your dog looks calm, visiting a vet is essential. Dogs are good at masking their pain and you do not really know about the injuries they might carry until the vet is able to perform a thorough examination.

Recuperation:Even if your pet has not been physically harmed the stress of violence stays. It affects future interactions with other dogs and people. So, engage in recuperative training and get back to socializing again so your dog feels happy and calm.

If you are interested in securing your dog’s healthcare insurance needs, connect with the TrustedPals pet health insurance team. We are always happy to assist and guide you with securing a pet insurance plan to fit your needs.

Source by, https://www.trustedpals.com/guides/dog-involved-attack.html

[trustedpalsblog]

Everything you need to know about mixing up your dog’s diet

Variety is the spice of life

You might like to think you’re the center of your dog’s universe. And you are. But you’ve got to share that precious real estate with something just as important – food!

It doesn’t matter if it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, your dog needs plenty of healthy, nutritious food to stay in proper shape. But that doesn’t mean we like eating the same thing over and over again.

Could you eat the same thing every day for a month? Didn’t think so.

Mixing different types of dog food

If you think you’ve got the best dog food for your pet, you might want to think again. The best dog food might just be a mixture of different brands and types!

This is rotation feeding, and it just means feeding your pup different things at different times. That could be different brands, a mixture of wet and dry dog food, or a combination of the two.

The key is variety, and the benefits of rotation feeding go far above and beyond simply giving your pet something new to look forward to when it’s time to eat.

The benefits of rotation feeding

Just like humans, dogs benefit from a full, balanced diet that gives them all the nutrients they need.

In the long term, this can reduce the risk of your pet developing any food sensitivities – where they become intolerant to certain ingredients. On a rotation feeding schedule, they’ll be exposed to all sorts of different things, which will give them a stronger and more stable digestive system.

And the benefits aren’t just for your pup! Rotation feeding is flexible and affordable, giving you the freedom to mix things up instead of sticking with the same expensive products every time you go to the supermarket.

You might even find that rotating brands and food types let you buy higher-quality products. And that’s nothing but good news for your dog’s health.

What to watch out for with rotation feeding

The main drawback of rotation feeding is that it can be complex at first, and does take time and effort to implement. Your pup will thank you for the effort though, and they’ll be healthier as well, which means fewer trips to the vet.

Because even if you’re with the best pet insurance program around and don’t have to worry as much about the costs, vet visits can be stressful for your dog. So it’s always best to limit them to regular check-ups.

Another common issue that you might hear about rotation feeding is that it can lead to digestive trouble and upset stomachs. This is true if you’re changing dog food too quickly.  But if you plan carefully and take things slowly, there should be no reason to worry.

Starting a rotation feeding schedule

The golden rule of rotation feeding is that your dog will need a bit of time to adjust to changes in their diet. If you’re new to the process, it’s a good idea to start slowly, and change things up gradually every month or two.

No matter how quickly you switch between brands and products, it’s important to transition in the right way. When you feed your dog, slowly increase the amount of new food, and at the same time decrease the proportion of the old food.

If you want to give your dog even more variety, you might want to consider rotating a mixed diet. And as an added bonus, mixing dry and wet dog food can give your dog an even greater range of nutrients.

A mixed diet can also help fussy eaters enjoy the benefits of both types. For example, if your dog only eats wet food, they’re missing out on the dental benefits of some nice, chewy kibble!

Picking the right dog food

No matter whether or not you’re starting a rotation feeding schedule, it’s crucial that you know what type of dog food is best for your pet.

This can vary more than you might think. Just like humans, some dogs are allergic to certain things, and you’ll need to make sure you buy dog food that doesn’t include them.

Even if your dog doesn’t have any issues, make sure you’re feeding them food that contains all the vitamins and minerals they need to stay energetic and bound around the house. You’ll notice that certain products are labeled as ‘formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles’. AAFCO stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials, and this label means the product has been tested and contains the minimum amount of nutrients required to be certified.

Check with your vet

Of course, if you’ve got any questions or concerns about the best type of dog food for your pet, your first port of call should always be your vet. They’ve seen it all before and will be able to give you expert advice.

Just in case your dog has any special dietary needs, it’s always best to talk to your vet before you start a rotation feeding schedule. You can do this as part of a regular check-up, which is covered as part of our TrustedPals wellness plan.

This is a special add-on that can be combined with your pet insurance, giving you a budget for extra expenses to do with keeping your dog happy and healthy.

Here at TrustedPals, we’re not a dog health insurance program that only cares about claims and coverage.

We care about dog medical insurance for pets, by pets, and about taking care of the little details, every day.

Especially when those little details involve food!

Source by, https://www.trustedpals.com/guides/mixing-up-your-dog-s-diet.html