Brian Cosgrove asked:


Tough economic conditions have peaked the prices of all products and services. Pet care is no exception. We all want to pamper and love our pets. They are members of the family and there is nothing more important than their long-term health and happiness. But the escalating costs of dog care and cat care in these worsening economic conditions have forced many families to give up their beloved animals. Dog care and cat care is expensive and individuals or families that need pet insurance are often denied due to their animal’s age or breed, or pre-existing, chronic and hereditary conditions. Even those who do find cheap pet insurance are in for a rude awakening when their claims are denied due to coverage exclusions, benefits schedules and payout limits.

Studies indicate that the pet adoption rate has slowed down very much because of the rising prices of dog care and cat care. Many pet owners around the country are forced to give up their pets for adoption, as they are not able to afford the costs associated with pet care. Thankfully, now there is a perfect solution for this situation – programs that offer discount vet services. Just keep reading to learn more about how discount veterinary care can help you care for your pets.

What Is A Pet Care Discount Program?

You are well aware of the countless pet insurance plans that are currently available. Pet care discount programs are alternatives to pet insurance. When you compare pet insurance to discount veterinary care programs – you will see that pet insurance plans are becoming much more expensive. Pet care programs provide a competitive but cheap pet insurance alternative. Most of these pet insurance alternatives come with a very reasonable annual fee and multiple plans providing discount vet services that accommodate any budget. By becoming a member of such pet health care programs, you are eligible for discount veterinary care; discount veterinary medications and emergency vet discounts.

Becoming A Member Of Pet Care Discount Program

With the huge demand for pet insurance alternatives, various discount veterinary care programs have surfaced. It’s up to you to compare pet insurance benefits to discount vet services. Referring to client testimonials is a great way to compare pet insurance plans to what is available through a pet health care program. Client testimonials often help consumers identify the pros and cons of a given service. Make sure to spend considerable time online researching pet insurance companies or discount veterinary care programs before signing up.

Benefits Of Joining A Discount Pet Health Care Program

As already said, these discount veterinary care programs are pet insurance alternatives and hence will have all the benefits that apply to a pet insurance. However, discount vet services do not cover the entire costs involved in pet care, instead they provide some kind of discount relief. Some of the best discount Pet Health Care Programs offer discounts of up to 65%. Members are eligible for discount veterinary visits; discount veterinary medications and emergency vet discount. Even aging animals, those with pre-existing, chronic or hereditary conditions, are eligible for discount vet services up to 25%. Membership charges for these pet health care programs can be less than a dollar per day.

A discount pet health care program is really a great boon to the pets and the pet owners. Visit www.happytailsmembership.com to learn more specifics about their popular pet care discount program.

D.J.C. asked:


General cat health is also extremely important as a kitten so that they can grow up to be healthy throughout the rest of their life. Cat health care is one of the most important subjects for responsible and loving cat owners to be aware of. It involves prevention, understanding, and sometimes treatment of a possible life-threatening disease. Cat health care is also affected by lack of exercise and poor diet. You can love your cat into a state of being unhealthy without enough exercise and proper nutrition.

Talk to cat owners who have older cats. Ask them about cat health care for their older cats. What are the problems and what are the right foods and nutritional needs that fall under the term elderly care. If your cat does not receive the proper food and nutrition, they may have problems with their health. Talking about cat health care in advance will make it easier for everyone when the time comes.

Natural cat food is always a welcome one for all pet owners. There are brands of cat food that contains no chemicals and has lots of white meat and vegetables. The prices of these products will vary but because of the balanced diet, correct protein, and vitamins you are going to find the priced higher then the “store brand”.

Heat and humidity degrade nutritional value, so do your best to buy fresh food. Once opened, your cat’s dry food should be stored in a sealed pet feeder container to preserve freshness. As for soreness in your cat, heat is a good soother, heated cat beds or a heated throw will give much relief to this painful complaint. Massage is often beneficial but should be administered with care. Your vet will give you complete direction as to how long to do it.

Bad breath is another unhealthy sign. Your cat should have strong white teeth without odor. Dry cat food will give them strong gums, good healthy teeth, and that will give them clean breath.

Symptoms of flea allergy include hair loss, redness, and sometimes sores known as hot spots. Symptoms of diabetes in your cat include excessive ********* and drinking along with weight loss or sudden obesity. If you find that your cat develops diabetes you need to carefully regulate diet and monitor blood sugar levels.

Fleas carry many diseases and can transmit these to your cats. Fleas carry the tapeworm cyst inside them and your cat inevitably swallows fleas during routine grooming .When this happens it is then that the tapeworm hatches and grows in your cat’s stomach. Natural flea control methods and products provide a safer alternative to chemical insecticides. If you cannot reasonably control fleas with this “safer” approach, then consider stronger measures.

Vaccinations (’shots’) can help keep your cat from getting many of the serious diseases which can make your cat sick, or may even threaten your cat’s life. Your cat’s individual lifestyle and situation will determine which vaccinations your cat needs to have and how often these vaccines need to be given. You will need to keep the shots up to date.

Remember that the main reason to spay is to prevent pregnancy, not to eliminate a cat’s normal behavior, however, removing the ovaries also reduces the risk or mammary cancer.

Remember that advice simply can’t be a substitute for proper medical attention. Only your vet can say exactly what is best for your cat. Remember to give your kitty a hug today and be thankful that they are with you!

NOTE: This article is for information only. See your veterinarian for medical advice.

Anthony Higgens asked:


Pet health insurance is very important for pet owners because it will always ensure that they will have financial backup if their pet becomes ill or gets into an accident. Although there are many advantages of pet health insurance, it is wise to carefully research your choice of pet health insurance companies.

To help you choose the best pet health insurance there is, here are some myths and misconceptions that you should keep in mind.

Myth # 1: “Your pet does not need health insurance.” Like people, you will never know when you pet would get sick or get hurt. The main reason why there is a pet insurance policy is because there are times when your pet would need health care and you are not prepared for it. Vet care costs a whole lot of money and your pet also needs routine vet care. If you have a pet health insurance policy you don’t need to choose between your pet’s health and your money when you have a little problem with financial status. You may think you don’t need it today but the truth is everybody needs to make sure that their pets are covered with a good pet health insurance policy.

Myth # 2: “There are a limited number of vets that are accredited by pet health insurance policies.” Unlike some human health insurance policies where there are just some places and doctors that accept patients because of the limited accreditation, pet health insurance policies have more coverage when it comes to the vet of the owner’s choice.

Myth # 3: “You can’t include vaccinations, dental cleanings and check ups.” There are some pet health insurance comprehensive policies that include wellness care and preventive care in their coverage so it is best that you choose those types.

Misconception # 1: “It will cost a fortune to get a pet health insurance policy.” Basic accident policies are very affordable – and the most affordable health care policies cost fewer than 10 dollars a month. You wouldn’t want to take the risk with any of your other family members right? And like it or not, your pets are (for most of us) a true family member. The money that we spend on their food, the shelter that they have, the toys and the other things that we buy for them is part of our investment in them as a family member. Throwing it all away because our pets are not insured is a sure waste. Other pet insurance policies may cost a little more but the policies become more expensive because of their comprehensiveness and inclusions. Think over what policy best fits your pet and remember that peace of mind can be bought!

Misconception # 2 “It’s a drag to apply for one.” There are a lot of online references pertaining to pet health insurance and how to apply for it. If a pet owner wants to apply their pet for a policy they can get all the help they need from a lot of sources and people. The best companies will provide lots of help at the website too. If you are a pet owner and you need first hand information you can always ask your vet.

Misconception # 3: “Pet health insurance policies are complicated.” If there is any health policy in the world that is easy to understand – that’s a pet policy. Unlike a human policy where there is a sub clause for dependents legal claimers etc, pet health insurance policies are actually simplified for the owner’s better understanding.

Trevor Price asked:


Regular health care for pets is a crucial part of their ongoing development, health and well-being. Outside regular exercise and a healthy diet, your pet needs routine health care to ensure it has a long and happy life. Regular, routine health care should include proper grooming, good dental care, parasite prevention and regular visits to the veterinarian’s office. To learn more, read on.

Ongoing Veterinarian Visits

Your adult cat or dog should see the veterinarian at least annually. Puppies and kittens should have a vet visit at least once a month for the first 4 months and then as needed until they’re ready for annual check-ups. Cats and dogs over 7 or 8 years old should see the veterinarian every six months.

During your veterinarian visit, you can expect your veterinarian to look for signs of possible illness, disease or injury. They may also prescribe blood work, prescription drugs, vaccinations or a health care program such as hydrotherapy or physiotherapy.

Parasite Control

The primary intestinal parasites of dogs and cats include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. These worms damage the digestive tract or interfere with absorption of essential nutrients. Intestinal parasites are typically diagnosed after finding worm eggs or actual worms in your pet’s *****.

Fecal samples should be tested periodically – this is typically done at your annual veterinarian checkup or on an as-needed basis.

Heartworm is another type of internal parasite that is almost always deadly. The worms are contracted by mosquito bites, then the eggs later hatch and live in the blood vessels around the lungs and heart. It is painful and deadly, but also preventable. During mosquito season and sometimes year-round, your veterinarian will prescribe preventive heartworm health care for pets in the form of a pill.

Other external parasites include mites, ticks and fleas. These pests cannot only irritate your pet, but also cause infection. So, check your animal regularly for signs of flea bites, and treat for it accordingly.

Regular Tooth Maintenance

Cats and dogs need regular dental care to prevent tartar buildup and tooth decay. Typically, dogs require ongoing dental care, like a light, daily tooth brushing. Cats are typically fine with a few dental treats and the occasional vet visit.

You can help keep your dog’s teeth and gums in good condition by brushing their teeth regularly and providing them with certain toys like flossies or dental bones.

Good Grooming

Loose or shed hair cannot only mat and cause problems, but it can also be inhaled and lead to digestive issues or hair balls. Keep your pet well groomed to avoid skin irritation, which can also lead to bacterial or parasite infection.

Health care for pets is about more than an occasional visit to the vet or treating specific problems. Additionally, it includes ongoing maintenance and a regular health care routine. So, give your pet a long and happy life by practicing good grooming, regular dental care, parasite prevention and appropriate trips to the vet. It’s an investment well worth the time and cost for your beloved pet.

Michael Plante asked:


Man has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. If there is something that he absolutely would like to know, he would use all the means in his grasp to get that knowledge. But the research part can be quite a waste of time. Well, weve done all the hard work for you in order to present this insightful article.

Cats are curious by nature. Because of their curious nature, it is easy for cats to ingest poisons that can cause them to become very ill. Without proper treatment, a cat could die from poisoning.

Cat owners should be aware of the types of items around the home that can poison a cat. Household chemicals, plants, trees and shrubs can all cause a cat to become ill. When you think your cat has ingested a poisonous substance, it is helpful to your vet if you can identify what has made the cat sick. If your cat goes outdoors, sometimes it is impossible to know what the cat has ingested. Here are some common plants and household chemicals that can make your cat ill.

There are certain plants, trees and shrubs that can cause your cat to vomit, become dehydrated and have diarrhea. Sometimes when a cat ingests a toxic plant, they can foam at the mouth or have excessive drooling followed by a be needy to drink lots of water. Their mouth can become red and irritated. In extreme cases, a cat can fall into a coma and die.

Plants inside your home can pose a threat to your cat. Sometimes a cat does not even have to ingest the plant, but can have exposure on their skin, causing irritations. Fig plants, chrysanthemums, poinsettias can all cause reactions in cats. Most of the time these three kinds of plants mania simple cause skin irritation. More serious reactions such as staggering, swelling of the mouth and general weakness are caused by household plants such as Boston ivy, arrowhead vine, caladiums, elephant’s ear, heart leaf, peace lily and dumb cane plants.

If your cat has ingested a large amount of amaryllis, ivy, azalea, spider mum and creeping Charlie plants or flowers, you can expect a more serious reaction. These plants, among others can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, tremors and heart and respiratory ailments. It will be necessary to consult your vet if you cat has ingested any toxic plants.

Outdoor plants can also pose generally of the same risks and some of the indoor plants. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, pain, and weakness, breathing difficulties and seizures and convulsions. Some of these plants and shrubs include larkspur, skunkweed, daffodils, foxglove, castor bean, almond plants, wild cherry, English holly, spinach, rhubarb, Jasmine, and pigweed. Other plants that can cause your cat to experience hallucinations include marijuana, nutmeg, peyote, and morning glories.

Chemicals and cleaners found around the house are also cause for concern. Cats can ingest a toxic chemical and become very ill quickly. A common poison for cats is antifreeze. They like the taste and will lick it off of the garage floor from a puddle. Antifreeze can cause seizures and if enough is ingested, can kill a cat. Other common poisons found around the house are rat poisons, and insect sprays and treatments. If you treat your home with insecticides it is very important to keep your cat away from the treated area for several hours. In addition, if you spray the inside of your home, thoroughly wash the cat’s food and water bowls to clean off any residue from the insecticide. Other common household items that can make a cat ill include bleach, alcohol, gasoline, turpentine, lead, acid, garbage waste and paint. Toads and salamanders can also cause cats to become very ill. If you cat eats a toad or salamander, it will be evident by excessive foaming at the mouth and drooling. Also, it is important to remember that if your cat eats a bird, insect or rat that has been infected by a poison, it is likely that your cat will become ill, as well.

It is always a good idea to contact your vet or the National Animal Poison Control Center if you think your cat has been poisoned. There will be different treatments for different poisons. Most vets will try to induce vomiting in call to eliminate the toxin from the body. If your cat has a toxin on the fur or skin, it will be necessary to thoroughly remove the residue by washing the cat’s fur. Both mineral oil and vegetable oil are effective for removing poisons such as gasoline or turpentine. Cats that are experiencing nervous system disorders from ingesting toxins are in serious trouble. Your cat will love to be taken to medical care immediately. Cat with nervous disorders will experience convulsions, unconsciousness and difficulty breathing.

Now wasnt that interesting? Only an expert can reveal this kind of insider information, and provide facts and trends that are often overlooked or misunderstood.

Andy Rogers asked:


There are some simple things you can get yourself aware of while taking care of your catty’s health. Realize that health problems with pets are a common thing.It doesn’t matter what breed of cat you have but cat health problems are inevitable and will be there. Some may be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented.

Worms such as tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms etc. infect cats and can be fatal. Your cat can become weaker day by day if this is ignored, hence get him tested by a veterinary doctor. Hairballs also cause cats a lot of problems. Usually , cats swallow the loose hair that comes from their coats and this will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cat’s stool. Although most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems but sometimes, a hairball can pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage which can be threatening. Cats can also suffer from constipation because of hairballs and hence it is best to get it solved as soon as possible by visiting your vet.

When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box or when the cat’s urine starts to smell really strong, it may be due to Urinary tract infection which is also a common health problem with cats.Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well. Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.

Cat eye health care is also an important part of the responsibility of owning a cat. Note that your cat’s eyes should be clear and when you see the outer part of the eyeball it should be white. Keep your cat’s eyes free of mucus by gently cleaning his or her eyes.Apply a neutralizing ointment before bathing the cat or before flea treatments.Keep hair out of your cat’s eyes, this is particularly true for long haired breeds such as Persians.

Cat allergies are also serious skin problems. Allergic symptoms can include itchy skin.Cats can be allergic to many things including food, fleas, pollens, plastics, and insect bites. Blood, skin, and food trial testing help to diagnose allergies.

Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can. You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems.

Sylvia Dickens asked:


h care must include regular rabies shots, although many dog owners do not keep their pets’ vaccinations up to date. The misconception is that since the dog doesn’t run free, it’s not important.

Even though you keep your dog restrained on a leash or in a yard, you can never guarantee he will not come in contact with this deadly disease.

Did you know that your dog can pick up the rabies virus simply by licking the ground? If a rabid animal has left saliva or other body fluid shortly before you passed, your dog is at risk.

Much of the focus for many owners is on obedience training. Dog health care is often only an issue when the dog first arrives at the home or when it becomes ill.

Rabies shots are essential if you want to ensure your dog stays healthy. But that’s not the only reason. If your dog comes in contact with a rabid animal, such as fighting with a raccoon, skunk or an infected dog, your pet could be euthanized.

And if that isn’t enough to get you to the vet, consider that rabies is a threat to your family as well.

What can you do to protect your dog and your family?

Rabies vaccines gradually lose their effectiveness over time. The longer it is since your dog was vaccinated, the more at risk he or she will become. In fact, within as a little as six months, your dog could be at risk. The maximum length of time the vaccine lasts is about two years, but by that time it’s effectiveness has deteriorated significantly.

Many people use this two-year point as the period when they give their dogs booster rabies shots. This is an unsafe practice.

For the best protection, you must have your dog vaccinated every year. Any good vet will send you a reminder every year that your dog’s shots are due.

Dog health care is important, but preventative health care is more important. It ensures your dog is protected against dangerous and painful diseases. Rabid animals suffer terribly. The disease affects their entire nervous system causing death. There is no cure.

Regular dog health care measures can protect your family from the rigors of taking the ‘cure’ if your dog does come in contact with the rabies virus.

And rabies dog health care can save your dog’s life.

Recently, two dogs in North Carolina suffered after fighting with a rabid fox. One was quarantined for 6 months, the other was euthanized. That state also had a cat and a raccoon that were rabid.

You can never be sure when rabies will be present. Infected neighborhood cats, raccoons and skunks can wander into any yard without your knowledge and leave rabies-laden saliva.

If you seldom hear about rabies, do not think that your dog is safe. Every year somewhere in the country there are reported cases of rabies in wild animals. Unprotected dogs have been euthanized after fighting with those rabid animals.

Protection is far better than treatment after the fact. There is no reason for your family or your dog to suffer. It takes about 15 minutes a year to get your dog vaccinated against rabies and other serious diseases.

Make sure your dog health care includes regular rabies vaccines to ensure your dog’s and your family’s safety.

Kritthaphat N. asked:


One of the popular pets is the cat. Some people love them because they are sweet and affectionate. But just like any other animal your pet cat also has a wild and vicious side especially when they are attacked or provoked. You will know that your pet cat is angry when he arches his back and his fur is raised. This is a sign that the cat is already angry and ready to attack. Cats attack by using their sharp nails and scratching their enemy. They can also slap and bite. One will usually end up with scratches and cuts after the cat calms down. Only on rare occasions do people get seriously hurt through cat attacks. Yet still one should be very careful in provoking the cat because no one wants a fight. On the lighter side of cats, they are also fond of playing. You may notice that your pet cat is fond of strings the reason behind this is because they see the string as the tail of their mother. Cats look for each other and follow one another through their tails. Sometimes when cats are playing with another it may seem that they are fighting because they make loud noises and they look like they are wrestling one another. But the truth is they also play the same way. The only difference is that when they are angry they bite and scratch.

Now when it comes to the nutrition of your pet cat they need essential vitamins and minerals like carbohydrates, protein, fiber and fats. Cat foods are available in the market and can be bought any time you need one. Just make sure that you read the label of the cat food before purchasing it, check if it has all the essential nutrients your pet cat needs. Another important consideration is the recommendation of your veterinarian. Since vets know the specific food that your cat needs he will be a lot of help when it comes to deciding what to feed your cat. Cats need different kinds of food depending on what stage they are in. Kittens have special needs that are different from those senior cats. Just to be sure better to consult the vet. Cats also get infected with different diseases like urinary tract infection, upper respiratory infection, kidney failure and diabetes. Diseases are usually transmitted through viruses from other cats. When you have two or more cats living in one place it’s best to bring them to the vet regularly so as to prevent problems. Another problem with the cat is fleas. We all know that fleas can be dangerous and it can lead to anemia, and tapeworms. One thing you can do to prevent fleas from infecting your pet cat is to make sure that the cat is always clean. Good grooming is the answer.

All in all caring for cats require a lot of effort on the owner’s part but once you’ve done it you’ll see that it’s very fulfilling.

Levi Quinn asked:

Animal lovers would love to be able to take their pets along on trips. However, the whole activity can be nerve wracking especially with the cats when they begin hissing, clawing and even moaning. Nevertheless, there are ways that individuals may comfortably travel with their cats.

When traveling with cats planning well in advance is imperative. When making the travel itinerary and before embarking on a trip cat lovers need to ensure that they are conversant with rules related to pets; especially where they are allowed in motels and hotels.

The cats should be adequately prepared for the trip. It is important that the cat’s shots are updated. So this would involve a visit to the veterinarian where the cat is vaccinated in preparation for the journey. When traveling with pets such as cat, pet owners are required to provide the animal’s health certificate. The veterinarian may provide this on request. Traveling may expose pets to health risks which is why a visit to the vet is recommended. Cats may appear nervous and distressed about leaving familiar environments. In such a situation the pet owner may request the vet to administer a mild tranquilizer.

While traveling, it is advisable that the cat is confined, thus the need for a cat carrier. This helps to comfort the cat. However, before leaving for the journey, cat owners are advised to acclimatize their cats to their carriers. This involves letting the cat sleep in the carrier and sometimes taking the cat for short drives while in the carrier. In order to make traveling seem like fun, the cat owner may reward the cat by giving snacks. With time the cat is sure to get accustomed to traveling.

It is important that cat owners place some kind of identification on their pets. A harness on a cat is particularly important. An id tag with such information as the owners name and contact information such as address and telephone number should be attached to the harness. Tagging a cat is also a good idea. By fastening a leash on the harness, the cat owner may also be able to take the cat for a walk.

A litter box for use on potty breaks is a necessity when traveling with cats. The cat owner may make the litter box from a small card board box that contains clay litter, old newspapers, cloths or towels. The litter box should be placed in the cat carrier. Absorbent towels come in handy in case of potty accidents. Nevertheless, having out door breaks comes highly recommended.

Cat owners should refrain from feeding their cats just before embarking on the drive. A full bladder is likely to make the cat even more uneasy. Consequently, potty accidents may occur. In some instances, the cat may vomit. Cat owners are also advised to carry drinking water from home. Traveling may bewilder the cat; consequently it may refuse to drink water that has a strange taste resulting in dehydration.

Through careful planning, cat owners may make traveling with cats stress free and more enjoyable.

Alison Grimston asked:


(c) 2008 The Naturally Healthy Pet.com

Animal health care is so vast and complex, and the central nervous system in particular is still largely uncertain territory. Diseases of the nervous system are rare, but sadly often severe.

The commonest neurological problems in cats and dogs are due to road accidents and other forms of head injuries, chemical poisoning, and infections such as rabies. Any of these can induce fits (seizures).

Seizures (fits) tend to be seen as uncontrolled shaking, although other sorts of fits with the dog going vacant can also occur.

It is important to try to find the reason for the fit. There may be signs of injury from car accident or fight. Evidence of having ingested poison may or may not be obvious – antifreeze with ethylene glycol is particularly dangerous, causing seizures.

Always call or take your animal to a vet. Your vet is essential in helping you to work out what the cause of the symptoms are. Neurological problems are so complex that even they may not be able to find the cause. Be guided by your vet on management.

If your cat or dog has a seizure: Keep away from your cat or dog’s mouth, as he or she may bite you accidentally. Try to move your animal away from hazards. If electricity is involved, use a stick or some other non conducting material. It may help to put a soft cushion or blanket under its head. If the fit lasts more than 6 minutes, take the animal to the vet immediately. Animals can die during prolonged seizures.

After a fit an animal may be sleepy but also anxious and confused. Comfort it; Rescue Remedy, healing and massage may be helpful here. If this is your animal’s first fit, take it to the vet anyway to try to find the cause. Also see you vet if you have any concerns, or there are changes to the pattern of fitting.

It is important that anyone who spends time looking after your pet for you is aware that he or she may have fits, and how to manage a seizure if one occurs. Make sure that your friend has a list of actions to take, as above, as well as the emergency phone number of your vet, or a nearby vet if your pet is being cared for further from home.

As with most illness, being calm and prepared in a crisis makes it easier for all concerned.