Pet Health Archives - Pet Shield Insurance

7 Ways Your Furry Friend Can Help Your Wellbeing

Jake McCoy — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:19:13 +0000

Pets have always been known for their ability to bring joy and companionship to their owners, but did you know that they can also have a positive impact on our mental health? From reducing stress and anxiety to improving mood and self-esteem, the benefits of pet ownership are numerous and well-documented. In this article, we’ll explore 7 health benefits of having a pet and how your furry friend can improve your overall well-being. Whether you’re a long-time pet owner or are considering getting a pet, you’ll learn how a little bit of animal love can go a long way in promoting mental health and happiness.

1. Reduce Stress

Studies have shown that spending time with a pet can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This can lead to a decrease in feelings of anxiety and depression. You are often the most important person in their life, so they want to make sure you’re taken care of.

2. Improved Mood

Interacting with a pet can release feel-good hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin, leading to an overall improvement in mood. It’s hard to stay in a fowl mood when you have cats and dogs giving unconditional love.

3. Increased social support

Having a pet can provide a sense of companionship and social support, which can be especially beneficial for those who live alone or have limited social interactions.

If you’re feeling lonely, a pet can help provide companionship and care. This can be helpful for seniors, people that live in remote areas, and anyone who is in a place far from friends or family.

4. Increased Physical Activity

Pet ownership can lead to increased physical activity, as taking care of a pet often involves going for walks or playing with them. This can have a positive impact on overall physical and mental health.

Having a furry friend in your life to keep you accountable and motivated to not only taking care of their needs, but also your own can be very beneficial.

5. Improved Self-Esteem

Caring for a pet can give people a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can boost self-esteem and self-worth. There’s also no better cheerleader than an excited pet! They think of you as a best friend, and best friends build each other up.

6. Improved Sleep

The presence of a pet in the bedroom can lead to better sleep quality, as they provide a sense of security and comfort. They also have the added benefit of being fantastic toe warmers and alarm clocks.

Having a pet can help provide comfort as you drift off to sleep.

7. Increased Socialization

Pet ownership can provide opportunities for socialization, as interacting with other pet owners and their pets can foster a sense of community.

Having a pet can be an excellent conversation ice breaker. Everyone has a funny pet story, why not share yours?

Conclusion

It is worth mentioning that having a pet also comes with responsibilities. Pet owners should take care of their pet’s needs, including their physical and mental well-being, and provide them with proper nutrition, veterinary care, and exercise.

If you’re considering getting a pet, make sure you have adequate time and resources to take care of them. Pet insurance can help make sure you have adequate resources to take care of your pet.

The post 7 Ways Your Furry Friend Can Help Your Wellbeing appeared first on Pet Shield Insurance.

5 Key Things to Consider When Buying a Pet Carrier

Jake McCoy — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 22:16:47 +0000

A pet carrier is an essential item for any pet owner. It’s not only helpful for travel but also for everyday use. From vet visits to a simple trip to the park, a good carrier is an important part of pet ownership. Choosing the right carrier for your pet is important for both safety and comfort. Here are some things to consider when selecting a pet carrier.

1.Size

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a carrier is size. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. To ensure the best fit, measure your pet before purchasing a carrier and make sure to choose one that is appropriate for your pet’s size and weight. Keep in mind, if that carrier has a handle, make sure it can support the weight of your pet.

*Note the size of your pet carrier and the size of your vehicle. Make sure you can purchase a carrier that you can transport if the situation calls for it.

2. Material

Pet carriers are made from a variety of materials, such as plastic, metal, and fabric. Consider your pet’s needs when choosing a material. For example, if your pet gets hot easily, a fabric carrier with ventilation may be a better option. If you’re looking for durability and ease of cleaning, a plastic carrier might be the best choice. If your pet is known for being a bit of an escape artist, you may want to consider a metal carrier for maximum durability.

3. Comfort

The carrier should be comfortable for your pet to rest in. Look for carriers with soft padding or a cushioned bottom, and make sure the carrier has adequate ventilation. If the carrier has a hard base, consider adding a blanket or portable bed for your pet to rest on comfortably.

4. Safety

Safety should be a priority when choosing a pet carrier. Look for carriers that have secure doors or latches, and ensure the carrier is sturdy and well-constructed. If you’re going to be traveling short distances, a fabric pet carrier that can be attached to a seatbelt is an excellent option. It should be noted that fabric carriers should only be used for small dogs and cats, large dogs will require a hard shelled carrier. All carriers should have the ability to be secured in a vehicle to prevent injury in case of accidents.

5. Convenience

Consider the ease of use and transportation. Carriers with wheels can be more convenient for traveling, and carriers with handles can make it easier to carry your pet around. Consider the reason you might need to take your pet in a carrier. Would you be able to lift them and carry them in the carrier it currently is?

Conclusion

When choosing a pet carrier, it’s important to consider all factors that impact both you and your pet. By taking the time to select the right carrier, you can ensure that your pet stays comfortable and safe during travel or everyday use. Remember that investing in a good quality carrier will be beneficial in the long run, as it will make your pet’s trips more comfortable and secure.

The post 5 Key Things to Consider When Buying a Pet Carrier appeared first on Pet Shield Insurance.

A Common Misconception of Inside Cats

Jake McCoy — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 23:29:40 +0000

The Misconception About Inside Cats

A fairly common understanding that we hear about pet insurance for cats is that inside cats is sort of pointless. We can all appreciate the perils that an outside cat faces. Between vehicles, wildlife, and exposure, outside cats have a lot of aspects in life that could cause them harm. However, when most people think about inside cats, they can probably acknowledge the greatest peril in life is staring down the barrel of a vacuum cleaner.

When you think about an inside cat, you might be imagining a vaguely lazy or sleepy pet that only awaits their next meal. While this reputation has certainly been earned, it’s not to say that indoor cats are immune to illness or injury. While they are not exposed to the same risks as outdoor cats, indoor cats can be susceptible to illness and injury also.

Indoor cats can suffer from dental problems, intestinal distress, arthritis, diabetes, kidney dysfunction, eye health problems, and many others. While outdoor cats are more susceptible to parasites and infections, the same issues can impact indoor cats. With all of this mind, it is important to keep an eye on your cats behaviour.

Signs Your Cat May Be Sick:

Signs your cat may be sick
Weight loss or weight gain
Going to the bathroom outside the litter box
Decrease in food and/or water consumption
Vomiting
Irregular stool or urine

If your cat’s behaviour has experienced a sudden change, you may want to consider taking them to the veterinary clinic. It is important to note that emergency vet visits usually start at around $500 in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Without pet insurance, you’ll be on the hook for the entire bill.

Get a free quote from Pet Shield insurance. With multiple plans and deductibles available, there is probably a plan that can work with your budget.

The post A Common Misconception of Inside Cats appeared first on Pet Shield Insurance.

Should I Brush My Dog’s Teeth?

petadmin — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 21:09:34 +0000

I brush my teeth daily... what about my dog's?

This may be a surprising fact! To prevent periodontal disease, which affects 80% of dogs, it’s ideal for pet owners to brush their pet’s teeth as often as they would their own: 1-2 times per day. Dental disease is the most common clinical condition in pets, and it is totally preventable. For most dogs, once brushing becomes part of their daily routine, they will reach a point where it’s expected, and even enjoyed.

To learn the steps to follow for teaching your dog to accept tooth brushing, as well as additional tips, visit VCA Animal Hospital’s webpage regarding brushing your dog’s teeth.

Unlike other pet insurance companies, Pet Shield’s coverages include exam fees, taxes, and comprehensive dental coverage. If your pet needs any kind of dental work, as well as related procedures: full incubation, anesthetic, pain medication, X-RAYS, etc., Pet Shield has them covered! We’re also one of the only pet insurance providers that covers dental cleanings!

To learn more about dental coverages for your pet, give us a call at 1-844-421-2121 to chat with one of our pet insurance experts!

The post Should I Brush My Dog’s Teeth? appeared first on Pet Shield Insurance.

How to Submit a Pet Insurance Quote Online

petadmin — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 21:07:41 +0000

Interested in getting a FREE quote with Pet Shield?

If you’re looking into a Pet Shield policy for your dog or cat, we highly recommend giving us a call at 1-844-421-2121 to chat with one of our pet insurance experts. That way, you can have a full understanding of your possible coverages, as well any other questions regarding the claims process. That said, if you’re looking to do a quick & easy pet insurance quote online, you came to the right place! Watch our video below to follow our step-by-step process.

Here are the steps:

Click the get a quote button.
Enter your pet’s information: name, breed, and birthdate.
Enter your postal code and email.
Choose a plan, and make sure to select your deductible amount before attempting to proceed.
State your pet’s gender.
List your veterinary practice. You can search the name, or find it by map.
You’ve reached the checkout page! This contains a summary of your pet’s information and the plan you’ve selected. Now, all that’s left is to fill in your information: address, phone number, email, and payment information.
When selecting that you’ve read and agree to our terms and conditions, as well as our declaration, you MUST click the hyperlink found at each point, and read and/or scroll down to the bottom. This will allow you to check that you agree, and proceed with your payment.

And that’s it! Click here to get started on your online quote.

The post How to Submit a Pet Insurance Quote Online appeared first on Pet Shield Insurance.

How to Keep Your Pet Warm in the Winter

petadmin — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 21:15:39 +0000

Cold Weather Tips for Pet Owners

Winter is the harshest season in Canada, and each year, we all take steps to prepare for it. That leaves some of us wondering how to keep our pets warm in the winter, especially when taking them outside. We at Pet Shield have chosen our favourite tips for keeping your pet warm and healthy during the winter!

Limit Time Outside

No dog is meant to spend huge amounts of time outside in the winter, and thick coats don’t protect all body parts. Ears, paws, and noses are left exposed. Lowering your pet’s exposure to harsh winter conditions is very important for their health. Don’t leave dogs outside unattended for any length of time on cold days. You should really only take them outside in conditions like that if they’re going to be active and exercise. Even then, you should shorten your time spent outside.

Don’t Leave Them in the Car

Just like with hot weather, leaving a dog in the car for extended hours is not a good idea in the cold. During the winter months, cars can get cold fast when left outside. For your pet’s safety and comfort, try to avoid situations where you have to leave them in a cold car.

Wipe Their Paws

When you take your pet for walks, there’s more than snow on the ground to be worried about. Dirt, salt, and other toxic chemicals like antifreeze can build up on their feet. Licking them to clean them off could cause your pet to ingest something toxic, especially antifreeze. Wipe your pet’s paws with a towel once you arrive home, and monitor their feet for any injuries caused by ice. You can also trim the hair between their toes to prevent an ice buildup.

Shelter Outside

We at Pet Shield highly recommend not leaving your pet outside for extended amounts of time, but if you have no choice but to leave them out for an hour or two, make sure they have a dry, roomy shelter out of the wind. To keep your pet safe, the shelter’s floor should be raised a few inches off the ground, and the floor should be covered with straw of another soft covering. Make sure they have plenty of food and that their water hasn’t frozen over, and remember, try not to leave them out for too long.

Winter Dress

We don’t recommend dressing up your pets for fun, but smaller, short-haired dogs can benefit from a little extra covering when the air is chilled. Just make sure to leave their head bare. If it’s so cold that you feel you should be covering their head, it’s probably best to not spend much time outside.

Know the Warning Signs

If your pet starts experiencing these symptoms, get them inside, and considering contacting your vet:

Whining, acting anxious
Constant shivering
Snow or ice on their hair or body
Slow movement, little to no movement
Looking for places to burrow

These can be signs of severe chills and/or hypothermia. Wrap your pet up in blanket to keep them warm once you get them safely to shelter, then reach out to your vet for further instruction. Sometimes, frostbite symptoms take a bit longer to appear, so make sure to keep an eye on your pet throughout the week to notice anything unusual. Keep an eye out for any painful or pale areas.

Pet Shield is Here!

Make sure your pet remains protected throughout the harshest season of the year, and always. Get a free quote today to discover how easy and inexpensive it can be to provide coverage for your best friend!

The post How to Keep Your Pet Warm in the Winter appeared first on Pet Shield Insurance.

Benefits of Adopting a Senior Dog

petadmin — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 19:36:23 +0000

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month

We at Pet Shield thought that sharing our top benefits of adopting a senior dog would be a great way to celebrate! For many pet owners and families, a senior pet is the best possible addition to the family. Here’s why:

A Good Home for a Good Dog

Older dogs are adopted at a much lower rate than pups. It’s disheartening to think about these animals spending their golden years in shelters without human companions. When you adopt an older dog from the shelter, you can have a feeling of pride knowing that you’re changing a dog’s life, and offering a heart and home to someone who may not otherwise receive one. Many people are quick to adopt puppies and often won’t consider dogs over the age of five. The love you give your new, older dog will be reciprocated even more than you may realize. Shelters are usually overcrowded, and older dogs may be first to be euthanized. When you adopt a senior dog, you are not only providing it with a better life, but you’re also saving it from being put down.

Their Personality Has Developed

With an older, dog, you’re able to better understand the personality you’re adopting. A puppy not only requires training, but also time and effort to develop an understanding of the best training methods for them, as well as their likes/dislikes. When it comes to older dogs, you have a better likelihood of having this information right away, which can help both you and your dog bond with one another. You can do things like take your dog for walks without having to worry about leash training, or proper socialization. Adult dogs make great workout partners, snuggle buddies, and loyal companions. Not only that, but when you’re adopting an older dog, you can often learn their entire medical history in advance. Vaccinations have been taken care of, and trips too the vet are less frequent than with a new pup.

You Have an Easygoing Companion

With age comes a more relaxed state for most dogs. Less exercise is needed and they are less energetic throughout the day. For seniors living a more relaxed lifestyle, adult dogs can make perfect companions. If you’re interested in adopting but you’re used to a slower lifestyle, or don’t have hours of time to spend on training, walking, and visiting the dog park, a senior pet could be the right choice. Dogs with calmer temperaments will usually have better manners than youthful pups. This comes in handy when the delivery truck arrives, you have guests, and so on. Older dogs often have been socialized previously with both other dogs and humans, so they’ll be more likely to have positive interactions in the future.

They’re Already Trained

While puppies require a great deal of effort training in the early stages of your relationship, an older dog is ready to go for a walk, play fetch, etc. It’s also rare to find an adult dog that still needs to be housebroken. You can spend your early days with your new dog simply bonding and enjoying each other’s company. It’s much more stress-free. There’s a good chance simple commands like “sit” and “stay” will already be in your dog’s vocabulary. And believe it or not, older dogs can be more receptive to learning new commands due to their prior training.

Pet Shield is Here to Help

Pet Shield covers dogs (and cats) of all ages and the coverage does not change based on age. All we ask is that you provide us with your pet’s older pet test medical records before the policy underwriting is completed. This includes a complete exam, urinalysis and blood tests. Get a free quote today to discover how easy and inexpensive it can be to protect your pet!

The post Benefits of Adopting a Senior Dog appeared first on Pet Shield Insurance.

Natural Remedies for Your Dog

petadmin — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 22:18:51 +0000

Homeopathic Remedies for Dogs

Sometimes, the natural way is the best way! When your pet experiences minor bodily disturbances, a natural, at-home solution can be the easiest and most effective remedy. Here are Pet Shield‘s top natural remedies for dogs:

Poison Control

It’s very important to contact your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately to help determine the level of toxicity affecting your pet. Poisonous substances are 100% no joke, and can cause death or other serious health issues. You may consider using hydrogen peroxide, a gastric irritant, to induce vomiting, but first make sure to ask about doing so during your consultation. There are some situations where inducing vomiting can make things worse by increasing damage to your pet’s esophagus. For mild cases of toxicity, Milk of Magnesia can help induce bowel movements.

Stomach Issues

Canned pumpkin with no added spices can help with your pet’s constipation. You can also add a bit of extra fiber (like Metamucil), broccoli, or diced prunes. For more severe cases, add a tablespoon of Milk of Magnesia to pet food. For muscle spasms and cramps, try Chamomile, which helps soothe the stomach. Chamomile tea can be added to dog food or your dog’s water bowl, or given by mouth with a syringe.

Minor Wounds

We at Pet Shield suggest using lavender oil for minor cuts or sores. It’s one of the most popular essential oils around the world, has a long list of benefits, and is gentle enough to be applied directly to the skin. Make sure to clean the wound first with mild soap and water, then keep it dry before applying the oil. More severe wounds, like bite wounds, will likely require a trip to the vet, antibiotics, or even surgery.

Cracked Paws

Shea butter and beeswax are great solutions for soothing and smoothing cracked skin, and locking in moisture. Rubbing wither of these into your pet’s cracked paws should provide some relief. Another option is Vitamin E cream for paws, or, if your pet doesn’t mind baths, try adding Vitamin E oil to the bath. Just make sure that your pet doesn’t drink the water.

Anxiety/Stress

Many of us can recognize the unpleasantness anxiety brings to our physical and mental well-being. Lightning storms are a common fear for pets, but helping to lessen that fear can make the situation much easier on your furry friend. Some dogs suffer extreme thunderstorm anxiety. If this is the case for your dog, contact your vet to discuss their options. Safe, natural supplements like Zylkene can be very effective during thunderstorms, and can be given whenever you think a storm is coming.

Rough, Dry Coat

You can add some Omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet to restore their coat’s natural oils. Look for liquid Omega-3 products that are free of mercury and other possible toxins. We at Pet Shield recommend checking with your vet for best type and dosage for your dog. Applying a dab of Vitamin E oil can also help soothe your pet’s dry skin. For a more persistent itch that doesn’t seem to be caused by fleas or ticks, try using a chamomile tea spritz. Prepare the tea as usual and allow it to cool before transferring to a BPA-free spray bottle and refrigerating for 3-5 days.

Bee Stings

You can treat bee stings by removing the stinger, then applying a baking soda paste consisting of one teaspoon of baking soda, cold water, and vinegar, to the affected area. Leave the paste on for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. If you have difficulty initially removing the stinger, try running a card or against the area to uproot it. If your dog has an allergic reaction to the sting, consult your vet, then you may administer one dosage of Benadryl every six hours.

Bad Breath

This one is short and sweet (literally)! After ruling out any serious dental issues like gingivitis or a broken tooth, you can add a couple drops of peppermint or spearmint oil into your dog’s water bowl to freshen their breath.

The post Natural Remedies for Your Dog appeared first on Pet Shield Insurance.

Finding the Best Vet for Your Pet

petadmin — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 19:25:21 +0000

How to Find the Best Vet for Your Pet

Whether it be a new pet, a new home, or something else altogether – if you have to find a new veterinarian, this can be a process. Most pet owners want to make sure they can fully trust their pet’s medical care. Not only that, but proximity to home, parking/accessibility, and other factors also come into play. Read on to learn Pet Shield‘s suggestions for finding the best vet in your area, for you and your pet!

Ask around

Don’t wait for an emergency to start looking for your vet. Talk to other pet owners in your circle: family members, friends, your Facebook connections, etc. Take the advice of those you trust, and look into reviews for the suggested vets and clinics. High ratings are important, but so is location/accessibility, and other factors like parking and hours of operation.

Another way to discover some of the best vets in your area is by using healthypet.com, hosted by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), This site offers an online search for accredited animal hospitals anywhere in Canada or the United States. Accredited practices have completed the application process of the AAHA, which includes an on-site visit to evaluate the facilities and staff.

Visit the clinic

Getting a visual of what might be your pet’s new clinic can greatly impact your decision. Assess the waiting room and overall feel of the clinic. Note the number of people in the waiting room and ask about wait times. But remember that a full waiting room could just be the sign of multiple emergencies at the time.

Ask any questions

It makes sense that you’ll have questions for the person who may provide medical care for your fur baby. Make sure to ask:

What are your qualifications?
What equipment is found on site (such as ultrasound of endoscopy)?
Are any tests or treatments outsourced to a different clinic?
Does your clinic provide emergency care?
Are there multiple veterinarians? If so, who decides which vet will treat my pet?
What are your hours?

You should feel completely involved and in charge of the decision-making process, and well-versed on what could be offered to your pet by this vet and clinic. If you have any concerns, make sure to express them. You will want a vet who is understanding and considerate of these concerns. Knowledge and ability to diagnose disease is important, but communication with clients is equally important.

Veterinarians all have different personalities. Some may try to bond and establish more of a relationship with your pet, while others are more business-like and to the point. Ask yourself what type of vet will be best for you.

Watch Your Pet

Bring your pet down to the clinic during your visit, especially if they’re comfortable with short trips. You may be able to tell a lot from your pet’s body language. You’ll want to see your pet react to the vet they way they might with a friend at home.

A comfortable pet should demonstrate these behaviours:

Eager to enter the building
Relaxed attitude
Moderate alertness, interest in surroundings

Whereas an uncomfortable may demonstrate these behaviours:

Clung to your side
Stiff or jolted movements
Whining
Ears pinned down
Refusing food
Excessive panting

Try your best to make the vet’s office a fun place for your pet. Try taking extra trips to the clinic throughout the year for things like weigh-ins, or just a treat, so not all experiences involve uncomfortable prodding or needles.

Cost VS Value

When comparing prices with other clinics, remember that one vet’s price may include things that others don’t. For example, one may include painkilling medication and monitoring, while another vet’s price may not include these necessary treatments. Specify that you are asking for the total price of a procedure. Clinics will also have overhead costs that vary – practices in urban areas may have higher prices than those in smaller towns.

The easiest way to ensure your pet is receiving the best care for your money is having pet insurance! Check out Pet Shield’s Plans & Coverages page today to see what pet insurance could help cover.

Trial and Error

The first veterinary clinics you look into might not be the right fit for you or your pet. That’s okay! Don’t let the process discourage you. A little trial and error can end up with the best
result – a clinic where you are getting your money’s worth, and that you and your pet both feel happy visiting.

The post Finding the Best Vet for Your Pet appeared first on Pet Shield Insurance.

Signs You Should Take Your Dog to the Vet

petadmin — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 22:06:00 +0000

Should I take my dog to the vet?

This can be a tough decision. Many pet emergencies aren’t subtle, but some problems that can be potentially life-threatening, like bloating, can begin as symptoms that seem minor. We at Pet Shield are here to help navigate through this gray area and make sure your pet gets the care they need, when they need it.

Emergency Symptoms

First thing’s first – if you notice your pet demonstrating any of these symptoms, this is cause for concern, and you should take them to the vet right away:

Seizures
Difficulty breathing, stopped breathing, or unconsciousness
Repeated vomiting, or vomiting blood
Bleeding from the mouth, nose, or eyes
Hard, swollen abdomen
Open wounds, or possible broken bones
Visible shaking or whining from extreme pain
Poisoning from eating something toxic

Abnormal Change in Eating Habits

It’s normal for your pet’s easting routine to change slightly from time to time, but a total loss of appetite can be a sure sign to visit a veterinarian.

Vomitting

If your pet vomits more than once within a 12-hour period, it’s best to take them to the vet. Though they may not be experiencing life-threatening symptoms, frequent vomiting is a sign of a health issue that needs attention.

Excessive Thirst

Make sure you have an idea of just how much water your dog drinks each day. If your dog is drinking a lot more than usual, this could be a developing kidney disease or diabetes. Pay attention to how often you’re refilling their water bowl or taking them out to pee.

Major Change in Energy Levels

A major lack of energy and enthusiasm is a sign that something could be troubling your dog. Regular fatigue can often be related to high temperatures, but you should see a vet if these symptoms last more than two days.

Rough or Dry Coat

A healthy dog’s coat will be thick, shiny, and soft. If your dog’s coat is rough, dry, or shows bald patches, this could be an indicator for a health concern. The cause of this could be an allergy, dietary concern, skin disease, etc.

Unusual Stool

Your dog should have small, firm, moist stools. Dry, hard stools may be a sign of health dietary problems or dehydration. Take your dog to the vet if they show any of these symptoms:

diarrhea for 24 hours or longer
worms in stool
blood or mucus in the stool
straining

If you notice your dog is scooting or dragging their behind, they may have worms, diarrhea, infected anal glands, or a urinary tract infection.

Sudden Weight Loss

Regardless of your dog’s initial weight, rapid weight loss is cause for concern, and should be examined by a vet. If your dog is losing weight quickly, this could be due to a serious health concern.

Cloudy or Red Eyes

An infection or injury to the eyes can result in cloudy or red eyes, discharge, or constant squinting from your dog. If this happens, take your dog to the vet right away – some diseases affecting the eyes can progress to blindness. Your vet should be able to offer medication to cure an infection.

Don’t forget pet insurance!

If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, a trip to the vet is necessary, but it can be costly. Pet insurance makes sure you and your pet can always be prepared for the worst. To learn more about Pet Shield’s coverages, give us a call at 1-844-421-2121.

The post Signs You Should Take Your Dog to the Vet appeared first on Pet Shield Insurance.

Pet Health Archives - Pet Shield Insurance

7 Ways Your Furry Friend Can Help Your Wellbeing

1. Reduce Stress

2. Improved Mood

3. Increased social support

4. Increased Physical Activity

5. Improved Self-Esteem

6. Improved Sleep

7. Increased Socialization

Conclusion

5 Key Things to Consider When Buying a Pet Carrier

1.Size

2. Material

3. Comfort

4. Safety

5. Convenience

Conclusion

A Common Misconception of Inside Cats

The Misconception About Inside Cats

Signs Your Cat May Be Sick:

Should I Brush My Dog’s Teeth?

I brush my teeth daily... what about my dog's?

How to Submit a Pet Insurance Quote Online

Interested in getting a FREE quote with Pet Shield?

Here are the steps:

How to Keep Your Pet Warm in the Winter

Cold Weather Tips for Pet Owners

Limit Time Outside

Don’t Leave Them in the Car

Wipe Their Paws

Shelter Outside

Winter Dress

Know the Warning Signs

Pet Shield is Here!

Benefits of Adopting a Senior Dog

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month

A Good Home for a Good Dog

Their Personality Has Developed

You Have an Easygoing Companion

They’re Already Trained

Pet Shield is Here to Help

Natural Remedies for Your Dog

Homeopathic Remedies for Dogs

Poison Control

Stomach Issues

Minor Wounds

Cracked Paws

Anxiety/Stress

Rough, Dry Coat

Bee Stings

Bad Breath

Finding the Best Vet for Your Pet

How to Find the Best Vet for Your Pet

Ask around

Visit the clinic

Ask any questions

What are your qualifications?

What equipment is found on site (such as ultrasound of endoscopy)?

Are any tests or treatments outsourced to a different clinic?

Does your clinic provide emergency care?

Are there multiple veterinarians? If so, who decides which vet will treat my pet?

What are your hours?

Watch Your Pet

Cost VS Value

Trial and Error

Signs You Should Take Your Dog to the Vet

Should I take my dog to the vet?

Emergency Symptoms

Abnormal Change in Eating Habits

Vomitting

Excessive Thirst

Major Change in Energy Levels

Rough or Dry Coat

Unusual Stool

Sudden Weight Loss

Cloudy or Red Eyes

Don’t forget pet insurance!