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The Cost of owning a Cat

October 2nd, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in eCommerce Associates

The cost of owning a cat in many ways comes down to the personality of your cat. Some cats are much more sociable and home-based than others and this will reflect on the cost of their upkeep. However, although there is not so much expense involved in cat ownership as with dogs, it is still a big commitment and should be considered carefully. It is not unusual for a cat to live for 15 years so you need to be prepared for its care and upkeep for many years to come.  

  • If you get your cat as a kitten the first expense that you will incur will be vaccinations. All kittens need to be vaccinated against flu and enteritis and this costs in the region of £40-£50. It is also recommended that cats have booster jabs when they are one year old. 
  • You will then have ongoing everyday expenses such as cat litter, food, flea and worming treatments and grooming products. Cats don’t eat as much as dogs but you should choose cat food carefully and buy the best quality you can afford. Many of these items can be bought in bulk and if you’ve got storage at home then this is a good way to save money.
  • Pet Insurance is a monthly expenditure that will cover emergency medical care, as well as pet liability and other costs, depending on the level of cover you choose. You’ll have peace of mind that your pet’s medical expenses are covered in the event of a serious illness or accident.
  • Micro chipping is recommended for cats and the RSPCA will do this for around £10. You can also get it done at the vet but it will probably cost more.
  • If you’re traveling abroad and don’t want to leave your cat home alone then you might have to consider a cattery. These vary in price considerably from about £5-£15 a night. You should always have a look round before choosing to make sure you happy to leave your pet there.

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Why Compare Pet Insurance?

October 2nd, 2008 by admin | 1 Comment | Filed in Banking and Insurance, Pet Care, Pet Insurance, eCommerce Associates

Studies note that in UK only 17% cats and 32% dogs have been insured for their health. You may easily have a health insurance for your pet. Pet insurance covers medical costs of your pet such as the veterinarian fees. It reimburses the expenses you bear on the x-rays, dental care, chronic conditions and surgery of your pet.

Whenever you insure your pet with any insurer for its health, you need to find if the insurance is indeed worth the investment. You need to compare the insurance for its terms, premium rates and accompanying facilities, which your pet is liable to get from time to time. Check if the insurance covers homeopathy, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy that you wish for your pet’s physical health.

Few Considerations:

Many insurers might deprive you of third party liability, while seeking pet insurance. It is no wonder your pet might be responsible some day or the other for causing damage to a speeding car by approaching it. The frustrated driver, in an attempt to save your pet from being run over, might change the direction and thus cause harm to self-life and the car. Here, you are liable to make good the loss. If the pet insurance you buy fails to provide the necessary compensation amount, then you individually might have to bear the costs for the damage caused by your pet.

Compare a pet insurance to find out if it takes care of all unforeseen events, which call for major expenses. Different insurers have their own policies regarding pet insurance. The costs vary accordingly and the policy might not cover certain things. When you are browsing online for a pet insurance, see to it whether the insurer is allowing discount on taking the policy. Each insurance company has a unique rating depending on its service. This reflects their reliability of service. An insurer with good rating offers you great benefits on having a pet insurance. Their costs are affordable and they make available on their websites the insurance quote, so you compare it with your budget.

Check these

No matter whether you own a pet cat or a dog, you might feel the need to neuter the pet for avoiding reproduction. For this purpose, you need to take your pet to an expert veterinarian. This process involves a huge medical cost. Compare the pet insurance you buy for knowing whether it covers this cost or not. Some health policies only cover general illnesses under their plans. Find out if the plan you are buying covers pre-existing illnesses or not. For knowing all these things, it is necessary to read the terms and conditions of the policy carefully.

Overview:

Apart from routine care such as diet and grooming, pet owners have to care for their pet’s health too, and having a pet insurance is the most sensible gift that you may gift to your pet, as it attends to the medical emergencies of your pet from time to time. However, before you actually have the insurance, compare it for all the facilities you wish to have for your adorable pet.

Source from http://www.pet–insure.co.uk/ No 1 for pet insurance comparison


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What Is The Age Expectancy Of My Dog Or Cat?

October 2nd, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Pet Care, Pet Insurance, eCommerce Associates

The Life Expectancy of any pet is biological. However, other factors that determine their age are both physiological as well as psychological. It can be the food intake, the stress they are going through or the way their owners take care of them.

Age Expectancy:

Life Expectancy of a dog:

As per the statistics, The North American or European dogs live for around 12.8 years, which is considered as a long life. The reason is its healthy food intake and proper medical supervision. The reasons for large dogs’ shorter life expectancy is that they need to do hard work and stress their bodies a lot in comparison with shorter dogs.

Dog breeds having longer life expectancy are:

Miniature Poodle (14.8)
Toy Poodle (14.4)
Miniature Dachshund (14.4)
Whippet (14.3)
Bedlington Terrier (14.3)
Tibetan Terrier (14.3)

Dog breeds with shorter life expectancy are:

Bernese mountain dog 6.0 to 6.2 yrs
Bulldog 6.7 yrs

Comparison of the dog age with human age:

Dog Age Human Age

6 months 10 years
12 months 15 years
6 years 40 years
12 years 64 years
Dogs experience powerful hormones of puberty from 8 months to 2 years. Though your dog may show optimum healthiness, it is very important to know and observe its aging. A dog can never communicate its discomfort of not being able to run or jump with the same energy level.
Geriatric test:
After screening the symptoms for aging, a visit to veterinary twice in a year is necessary.

Life Expectancy of a Cat:

The life expectancy of a cat varies significantly based on whether it is an indoor or outdoor cat. The longest life expectancy of a cat recorded so far is 36 years and is also inscribed in the Guinness book of world records as the longest-lived cat in the world.

Indoor cats have a life expectancy of nearly 12-28 years and can live up to 20 years. On the other hand, outdoor cats have a very short life span, i.e., around 5-6 years. The reason for their short life tenure is that they are prone to accidents or deadly viruses form other infected cats.

Siamese is the only cat breed that has longest life expectancy. The medical advancement and healthy food intake is the secret behind their long life expectancy.

On an average, one cat year is equal to 7 human years, and hence the average life span of cats that is 10-16 years is equal to 70 – 82 human years.
Geriatric Screening:
The geriatric screenings of cats need to be done at the age of 10-13 years.
Precautions:
You need to be observant towards your dog’s changing habits and moods. This shows the love and security you give them in return for their kindness towards you throughout their lifetime.
Next, protecting your cat from other infected outdoor cats and viruses, a healthy diet and regular visit to veterinary will help your cat to live healthily and longer than expected.

Spurced from http://www.pet–insure.co.uk/


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The Cost of Owning a Dog:

October 2nd, 2008 by admin | 2 Comments | Filed in Pet Care, Pet Insurance, eCommerce Associates

It is not a child’s play to own a dog, as it can end up collapsing your budget. Therefore, go in for buying a dog only, if you are aware of the factual costs involved in owning a dog. Hence, you need to commit yourself both monetarily as well as psychologically.

Cost for the first year:

It includes the costs of:

· Adoption
· Spaying/Sterilizing
· Bed
· Crate
· Toys
· Collar
· Vaccines
· Training Classes

The costs on daily basis also include shampoos, stain cleaner and grooming tools.

If you buy a dog from the local shelter instead of a breeder, it will economise hundred of pounds for you, as some shelters include the spaying/sterilizing costs in the price of adoption costs itself.

Annual and Lifetime Costs:

Dogs may suddenly fall ill, or meet with an accident, or suffer from diarrhoea. For all these reasons you will need to be ready to bear the unexpected costs. This means a visit to the veterinary is any time expected.They can even suffer from diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart or respiratory disease.

Be ready to spend anything from £ 325 to £ 650 per annum for the food costs alone. The food intake can vary in terms of size and breed of the dog. Though cheaper priced food is available, some pets may require special diets. The low-priced foods can cost your dogs health. Apart from this, you need to spend on vitamin supplements also.

According to the American Veterinarian Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs suffer from gum disease at the age of three. The treatment costs depend on the type of dental problems and may range between £ 30 to £ 100. Nevertheless, in some peculiar cases, it becomes necessary to visit your vet unexpectedly.

The annual expenses also include the vaccination, heartworm preventative and flea and tick control. The annual licensing fee is around £ 8 – $ 15 for your dog.

Overall, the total yearly expense of your dog can cost you anything around £ 200 to
£ 1350 approximately.

Lifetime Expenses:

An average of a dog’s lifetime can be around 10 years. Thus bringing up a dog can cost you around £ 2500 to £ 20,000 approximately.

Precautions:

Prescribed medicines can be purchased online for a discount, if the company offering the same is reliable and licensed. Dental expenses can be prevented by taking precautions from your side by visiting the vet once in a year. The main tip to avoid dental issues for dog is to advice is to use appropriate toothpastes made for the dogs instead of human pastes. One smart way to be precautious from veterinary dilemmas and to save on costs is to insure your dog.

Remember, owning a dog may not be as easy on your pockets, but you always have a soothing companionship for a lifetime that give you a lot of love, gratitude and loyalty and is sometimes the best substitute for a kid.

Sourced from http://www.pet–insure.co.uk/


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Pet Insurance Comparison – What Do They Offer?

October 2nd, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Pet Care, Pet Insurance

Pet owners, who look forward to having a pet insurance for their pets need to look for different pet insurance policies available in the country. Each policy is unique and differs with the other. You might wish to own a policy, which offers various benefits to your pet.

If you do not take a health cover for your pet, you might have to bear all the medical costs on its sickness or injury on your own. Even a basic treatment, you might end up spending thousands of pounds. Hence, it is better you insure your pet, as it takes care of your pet’s medical emergencies.

Levels Of Cover:

While seeking a pet insurance for your pet in UK, you may compare the policies with their different levels of cover. This will give you a fair idea about the policy premium. Next, depending upon the breed type of your pet, you may even decide for the level of cover that will be suitable for your pet.

Below are the three levels of covers that insurers generally offer on pet insurances:

Lifelong cover policy: This policy is indeed expensive for pet insurance seekers. However, it offers a comprehensive cover for both the pet and its owner. The policy provides maximum protection, as it takes care of the financial costs for both long-term and short-term illnesses. It usually specifies an amount, which you may claim for any given condition. However, the policy might be reset every year, while renewing. If your pet undergoes diagnosis for any ailment, the policy will indefinitely cover the costs involved.

Limited cover policy: This pet insurance policy covers ordinary treatment costs, such as accidents and short-term illnesses. This policy limits the duration of cover and the amount that is paid out (disbursed). The duration is of twelve months. The policy acts as a great financial support for your pet, if it falls ill. It covers unexpected general illnesses too.

Capped cover policy: This pet insurance policy specifies the maximum amount that it covers for every diagnosed condition. You may claim the policy any time until the validity of its term or duration. The policy is a bit expensive. However, it offers cover for long-term illnesses such as asthma and eczema. Here too, after insurers pay out (disburse) a maximum amount, the policy no longer covers any condition.

After going through the different levels of covers with pet insurances, you may decide a level, which fits your budget and is suitable for your pet. After finding the right cover, you may have it to protect your pet from unforeseen events and expenses.

Overview:

People, in UK, who own pets are nowadays well aware of the fact that pet insurance is indeed a financial means, covering the medical expenses of their pets, from basic to major. Hence, if you own a pet, offer it a protection against illnesses through having a pet insurance. In addition, with different levels of cover available, you are free to decide the policy that is best for you and your pet.

Sourced from http://www.pet–insure.co.uk/


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How To House-Train Your Dog?

October 2nd, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Pet Care, Pet Insurance

In UK, many people face difficulty in handling their pets at home, especially if the pet is a dog. Dogs mostly do not like to bow before people dominating them. They would rather make things worse for the owner by acting unusual and causing damage to household items. When you house-train your dog, it behaves well in your presence as well as absence. It is common for a pet dog owner to find his/her dog’s paws covered with mud, and the furniture having teeth marks of the dog.

Changes you may expect

When you house-train your dog, it learns various behavioural etiquettes. It obeys the commands every time and treats unusual visitors with respect. It no more turns violent, when it feels hungry and uncomfortable. The dog adapts itself to the homely environment and gets along well with your family members. Hence, it is necessary to house-train the dog, if you wish to expect good behaviour from your dog.

House-Training Tips:

Take your dog in the open a couple of times at daytime, so that it gets used to visiting the bathroom for ejecting waste matter. Praise the dog for obeying your orders. You may communicate with the dog, whenever you wish to take it out. Reserve a few words, while you talk to your dog, so each time you ask the dog out, he/she gets to know where actually to go.

Stick to the commands that you give to your dog on different occasions. Support your commands with actions. This way your dog will get to know what you mean exactly, be it going to the lavatory or visiting a park. Do not change the order of putting your dog on leash. Let the dog sit and wear the leash, so it gets used to it.

While leaving your dog alone at home at daytime, put it in a pen and spread newspapers all over the floor. This is a best way to house-train your dog. It soils the floor, which you cover with papers. Clean up the floor on returning and as usual take it for a stroll in the open. You may get frustrated, while you house-train your dog, as some dogs do not give in easily to the orders of their owners. However, once they develop the necessary behavioural etiquettes, they will eventually turn obedient.

Do not scream or yell at your dog. Even if your dog has caused damage to your valuables in the house, do not punish it. Instead, have patience. It takes time for a pet to behave according to your expectations. Pets act violent often times, when people punish them for their misbehaviour acts. As time passes by, the dog is bound to behave well and obey your orders. It will care for the belongings in the house and see to it they are free from damage.

Overview:

Dog owners may expect their dogs peeing in the house everywhere. Dogs often scratch furniture with their paws and break glassware. Do not get frustrated if this happens to your belongings. While house-training your dog, teach every command until the pet understands it well.

Sourced from http://www.pet–insure.co.uk/


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How To Choose A Pet?

October 2nd, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Pet Care, Pet Insurance, eCommerce Associates

People in the UK might have a tough time deciding over and choosing the right pet very often. Each pet animal has its unique needs that you have to understand. Dogs require regular grooming. Cats too seek comfort within a house, where they get enough space to stretch their body fully, while sleeping. Here, space is the factor you need to consider, while choosing a pet.

Ask yourself do you really intend to have a pet forever or is it for temporary enjoyment? Are you ready to bear the periodical medical costs and spend on your pet’s personal care such as oral hygiene? Are all other members of your family pet lovers too, so in your absence, they take proper care of the pet?

There are many breeds, which you may find among pet animals, especially in terms of dogs and cats. Each breed adapts itself to a particular environment. Make sure your home has the necessary atmosphere for the pet’s adaptability.

Factors To Consider:

If you intend to own a cat, do not just fall for its colour, mischievous nature and attractive hairy skin. You need to explore the different breeds found in cats. Besides, if need be, cat owners need to neuter the cat. Before choosing a cat, enquire about its eating habits and lifestyle. Some cats are of reserved nature. Make sure the cat you wish to own gets well along with your family. If the cat breed has characteristics of a wild cat, chances are it may attack your kids every time they try to approach it for caressing.

While you choose a dog, ensure you have enough space for its regular exercise. It is equally important to know the dog’s behaviour. Do not set free your dog, especially when you are away from home. Find out if it turns restless on not getting food on time. Dogs often like to play in the mud. Are you prepared to handle your dog with its mud-covered paws leaving their footprints all over the floor, when you return from a stressful office routine?

Owning fish as a pet

Domestication of fish is even popular with UK residents, as many believe that owning fish as a pet relieves stress and brings blood pressure down. If you prefer fish than dogs and cats for companionship, educate yourself over the marine life first. Fish need a clean environment for growth and adaptability. Have a fish tank according to the size and quantity of fish you have. You may own the tropical fish or goldfish, which adapts to warm water easily. You may even opt for marine fish that adjust to salt water.

Overview:

When choosing a pet, you need to bear in mind many factors to ensure its safety and comfort. Pets are speechless creatures and do not speak. If pet is running down in health, it calls for special care on the part of owners. Hence, before you choose a pet, make sure you know much about it well in advance to avoid major problems in future.

Source from http://www.pet–insure.co.uk/


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Children And The Death Of Their Pet

October 2nd, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Pet Care, Pet Insurance, eCommerce Associates

Imagine how your children might feel on the sudden death of their favourite pet, be it due to road accident or any disease. After years of sharing an emotional bond together, a day comes, when pets depart from their owners forever. This is a plight, when children have no control over their emotions. The very thought of departing from their beloved pets result in tearful eyes for many kids. Children receive an emotional shock, which is obvious on their faces.

Speak the truth

To help your children cope up with this grief, you need to make them realise the bitter truth of death by educating them properly on life and death. Do not lie before children over the loss of their pets. Instead, let them know the fact, so they have a better control over their emotions. To support your kids in their moment of grief, hold a mourning session each year to memorise the pet.

Express Condolence:

Let your children know the natural cycle of life and death. Here, you may expect a heavy downpour of questions from your kids. Make sure you answer each of their queries honestly without lying. Let your children face the ultimate truth of death, so when the day of mourning over the pet’s death comes, they accept it easily. Do not try to divert your kids’ attention by telling them that the pet ran away. Do not give any false reasons as for the pet’s demise.

Inform your children how through mourning, memories of the lost may be relived. Tell them all animate objects have to die one day or the other. This way children value each person, who are close to them. Children need not feel guilty on losing their pets. They need to accept death with great courage. While you take efforts to explain your children all about their pet’s death, have patience, as children need time to understanding things.

If your children witness the death of their adorable pets, try to calm them. While explaining them, avoid using phrases, such as the pet needs sleep. It may develop a fear in the minds of your children regarding sleep. They may even think the pet will wake up after some days and return. While many kids might well understand what you mean to convey, some might react and burst into tears. Console your kids, if this happens instead of shouting at them to keep quiet.

As time passes by, many children overcome the pain of losing their pets through play and games. However, this does not mean they have forgotten the entire incident. It is not even good to remind your children constantly about the lost pet.

Overview:

Children, who lose their pets, need to have patience and understand the reality of death. It is the responsibility of parents to help their children to lift them from such a tragic event. When you hold mourning session in the fond remembrance of your beloved pet, request all close friends of your children to participate, so your children do not feel their pet has left them alone.

Source from http://www.pet–insure.co.uk/


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What Pet Insurance Will Not Cover?

October 2nd, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Banking and Insurance, Pet Care, Pet Insurance, eCommerce Associates

Pet owners generally take insurance for their pets to deal with unforeseen medical costs. You need to be fully aware that what your pet insurance will cover and what it will exclude to avoid disputes, while claiming the policy.

If you own a pet, you need to know that pet insurance does not cover certain things. Below is information on certain things that a pet insurance might not cover.

Exclusions:

1. Age: Pet insurance plans have few restrictions regarding age of pets, while granting health cover. Many insurers cover pets that have reached the age of six weeks at least. There are more restrictions on older pets. Insurers do not offer cover to pets ageing more than eight years. Insurers even avoid giving insurance to certain breeds that are fewer than five years.

2. Breeding: Most of the pet insurance plans have no coverage for breeding, which arises from pregnancy.

3. Alternative therapies: While certain pet insurance plans offer restricted covers for therapies such as herbal medicines, hydrotherapy, homeopathic, physiotherapy or acupuncture, others might fail to offer such covers. If you feel the pet insurance plan you buy has to cover these therapies, then it is advisable to read the terms and conditions of insurance carefully.

4. Diet food: Your pet insurance might not offer cover on clinical foods prescribed by veterinary surgeon. It might even restrict the time for claiming the policy. Pet insurance, usually does not reimburses for clinical diets, which the veterinarian prescribes for your pet for weight loss.

5. Flea control: Pet insurance normally does not cover routine healthcare such as worming tablets, flea control, grooming and castration, neutering and de-matting. So look for this in your pet insurance policy.

6. Pre-existing illness: While you reveal facts about your pet’s health to the insurer, you need not hide anything. See to it your pet is in good condition, while you apply for a pet insurance. The insurance does not cover any pre-existing illness in pets.

7. Hereditary problems: Where cover for hereditary problems are concerned, different pet insurance plans have their own programs. These plans might not offer covers for disorders such as hip dysplasia and heart disorders.

8. Injuries: Pet insurance does not cover accidents that involve spending a huge amount on the treatment. Besides, minor injuries, for which you need to visit the veterinarian many times is not covered by pet insurance.

9. Spaying: Insurance companies refer this as an ‘elective’ treatment. Hence, they do not cover it often.

10. Kennelling: Instead of covering the kennelling costs, pet insurance companies offer cover on hospitalisation costs.

11. Special Vet: You might need a better vet to treat your pet, which might be above your normal expenses. If the cost is within an acceptable limit, then the pet insurance companies might bear it.

Overview:

It is necessary for pet owners to know every detail before taking pet insurance for their pets. Just like other insurance plans, there are some exclusions too. Hence, make sure you are aware of each and every inclusion and exclusion in your pet insurance.

Source from http://www.pet–insure.co.uk/


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The Pros And Cons Of Spaying And Neutering Cats And Dogs:

October 2nd, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Pet Care, Pet Insurance, eCommerce Associates

In recent times, more and more people in UK look forward to spaying and neutering their pets. If you own a pet and think to spay or neuter it, then you need to know the pros and cons associated with neutering and spaying of cats and dogs. As pet owners adore their pets, they fear that a surgery might harm their pets. According to veterinarians, if you do not wish to breed your pet, then spaying it at the age of 6-12 is indeed a good move.

Cats and dogs are of different breeds. Hence, the act of spaying depends on factors such as the type of breed, its body weight and height. You may consider neutering your pet, no matter whether it is a male or female, dog or a cat. Each year, female cats produce three to four litters. If they do not undergo sterilisation, they may exhaust. The number of stray dogs and cats, which spread diseases, is increasing each year. Hence, neutering pets is good for the physical well-being of your pet as well as for the society.

About Neutering Of Female Dogs:

For spaying dogs, veterinarians make use of anaesthetic drugs. The procedure here involves sedation/pre-medication. Veterinarians leave dogs unconscious first. They then pass a gas into the pet’s body through a tube, which they place in windpipe. You may ask what painkillers your pet dog is fed, while neutering.

Pros: Through spaying, the possibility of a uterine infection known as Pyometra reduces. The female dog does not have a risk of developing mammary cancer, if it undergoes spaying at an early age after birth. There will be obviously less chances of unwanted pregnancy and bleeding.

Cons: You may expect changes in the temperament in your female dog after neutering. Your pet might gain weight. Urine incontinence might result any time in future due to neutering the pet, especially if the surgery takes place at an early age. The development of haemorrhage is possible. Next, depending on the recovery process, your pet might experience pain in the body. It might confine itself to a lonely place until complete recovery.

About Neutering Of Female Cats:

Ovariohysterectomy is the name of spaying process done in female cats. The process involves removal of uterus and ovaries. In UK, veterinarians perform this surgery on cats through a flank incision from the left side. It takes around 15 minutes for the surgery to complete. Spay your cat, when it is six or less than that.

Pros: Through neutering, chances of reproduction are reduced. The surgery protects your pet from infections in the uterine, ovaries, and mammary glands. The problem, related to alleged pregnancy and mating, is eliminated, as the desire to copulate is suppressed. They do not behave aggressively and have fewer chances of developing contagious diseases.

Cons: If you do not sterilise your cat, it may develop inflammations in the ovaries and uterus. The cat might grow aggressive and may fight with other female cats or pets for space. They might fall prey to skin diseases due to copulating with outdoor male cats.

Source from http://www.pet–insure.co.uk/


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