Pet Health Care | Fayetteville, AR Animal Doctor

Northwest Arkansas Exotic Pet Care

January 8, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

If you own any exotic pets such as birds, reptiles, ferrets, rabbits, hedgehogs and other pocket pets, it is good to know where to go when they become sick or injured. Establishing a good working relationship with a veterinarian can be a challenge for any pet owner, but is a special challenge for the exotic pet owner. The exotic pet owner must find a vet who is willing to see their pet, knows something about their pet, and has the facilities, equipment and materials to treat their pet. Not all vets see exotics, and not all the ones who say they do know what they are doing.

At Animal Medical Clinic in Fayetteville, Arkansas we have been taking care of exotic pets and have been accepting exotic pet referrals from other veterinarians for many years. We have veterinarians and staff who have the experience and the training to take care of your special pet. We receive exotic pet clients from all over Northwest Arkansas.

It is important that you bring your pet in for annual exams. It is very easy to not recognize symptoms of illness in your exotic pet when your pet exhibits them. Often, exotic pets don’t get to the veterinarian in time and sometimes that can result in a very sad ending. We can give your pet a full exam, monitor your animal’s weight, detect slight onset of disease, give you nutritional, behavioral, and husbandry education, and develop a relationship with you and your pet that may one day save its life.

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Filed Under: Featured, Veterinary Tips Tagged With: Animal Medical Clinic, exotic pet healthcare, exotic pet veterinarians, exotic pet veterinary clinic, fayetteville ar veterinarian, fayetteville arkansas, Northwest Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas Exotic Pet Care, pet health care

Join the Fayetteville AR Veterinarian V.I. P. (Very Important Pet) Club

October 5, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

The Fayetteville, AR Veterinarian V.I.P. (Very Important Pet) Club was designed to give great content to our community about pet healthcare in fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas.

To officially join the club, simply enter your information in the join now box. This will entitle you to all of our club benefits and special membership only privileges. We are passionate about pets and that’s why we have developed this club to share valuable and interesting information through videos and articles that we hope you will find helpful and enjoy. We also wanted to build a friendly community where people who share in our passion for pets can discuss their pet comments and questions.

CLUB Benefits

Notification when new videos and articles are released
Free valuable content related to your pet
Have a question or concern? Leave us a comment and let us know so we can address it in a video or article
Updates and reviews on top pet products
Contests – Be on the lookout for some great contests
And so much more

Who can participate in the club?

EVERYONE can participate in the V.I.P. club. You don’t have to be a member of Animal Medical Clinic in Fayetteville to participate. Whether you live in Fayetteville or the surrounding areas of Springdale, Farmington, Elkins, Prairie Grove, West Fork or anywhere in Northwest Arkansas, we welcome you to our club. Maybe you live in another state or country. We are always excited to hear where our members are from so make sure you drop us a comment.

Just complete this simple form to the right of the arrow below. As a FREE Bonus when you sign up, you’ll receive The First Aid Handbook For Dogs And Cats. A $19.97 Value, absolutely FREE!

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Filed Under: Featured, Veterinary Tips, VIP Club Tagged With: fayetteville ar veterinarian, Northwest Arkansas, pet health care, VIP Club

Veterinary Dental Care – A Must For Your Pet

June 22, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

One area of veterinary medicine and pet health care that is often overlooked is the importance of the oral cavity and teeth. In fact, nearly two thirds of all dog and cat owners are not providing essential dental care to their pets as recommended by their veterinarian.

The mouth is a major source of disease and poor health. Dirty, cruddy, decaying teeth cause many more problems than just bad breath. In some forms of heart diseases and other systemic diseases that effect the liver and kidneys, the condition of the teeth are often the root cause.

If you have ever experienced a tooth ache or an abscessed tooth, you are well aware of the kind of pain and discomfort that it can cause and if left untreated can only get worse. The same is true for your pets, a small problem left unattended can easily develop into a costly major condition.

Every veterinary examination should begin with a close inspection of the mouth and teeth. Prevention is the best policy. Today, most veterinarians will encourage a pet owner to brush their pet’s teeth. Brushing can be accomplished with most dogs and cats and it does several things. It develops a trust between the owner and the pet, it keeps the teeth and oral cavity cleaner and reduces harmful bacteria, and it makes it more likely that the pet owner can discover a minor condition before it becomes a costly major problem.

You will need a few things to brush your pet’s teeth. First get a pet approved toothpaste. Do not use human toothpaste, as these can contain too much fluoride for your pet, plus pet toothpastes come flavored in flavors like poultry and beef that your pet will actually like. It is a good idea to find which flavor your pet prefers as this will make brushing that much easier. You will also need a toothbrush designed for pets and one that is the right size. Your veterinarian can offer recommendations. Apply the paste to the brush and begin brushing in a straight side-to-side path. Concentrate on the outside facing part of the teeth as 97% or tartar occurs here. Your pet will usually be able to use their tongue to keep the inner side clean. Most veterinarians recommend daily brushing, or at least regular and consistent brushing.

At Animal Medical Center we can also recommend other helpful products such as dental gels, dental diets, water additives and even some chew toys that can aid good dental health.

Our small animal clinic in Fayetteville, Arkansas is equipped with an ultrasonic dental unit and a technician trained to clean and polish your pet’s teeth. Even if you brush your pet’s teeth every day this procedure should be performed annually or more often if needed. We are also equipped to do extractions as well as fillings and root canals.

Your pet needs dental care and not just for the health of their teeth and gums. An unhealthy mouth can lead to problems of other major organs which can quickly shorten the life expectancy of your pet. Regular, professional care from your Fayetteville veterinarian, as well as care at home from you will help keep your pet feeling good and healthy.

For more information on our dental procedures and to schedule an appointment visit our website:
animalmedicalclinicfayar.com/

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Filed Under: Featured, Veterinary Tips Tagged With: AAHA, American Animal Hospital Association, brushing your pet's teeth, cat health, dog health care, dogs, oral hygiene, periodontal disease, pet dental care, pet health care, pet teeth, vet, veterinarian, veterinary care, veterinary dentistry, veterinary hospital

The Growing Pet Obesity Problem

June 22, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Obesity does not only affect humans. In North America, our pets are putting on the pounds and more and more animals are developing weight-related medical conditions that were virtually nonexistent 20 years ago. Our pets are getting osteoarthritis, diabetes, pancreatitis, anterior cruciate ligament injuries, and heart and respiratory disease.

Today, obesity is one of the fastest-growing health problems in our canine friends. A 2008 study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimated that 44% of American dogs, or roughly 33 million, were overweight or obese.

According to veterinarian Dr. Jody Kincaid, commercial food is one of the major causes of obesity. He does not recommend most commercial dog foods as these are corn-based, and dogs are not designed to eat corn.

“They digest it very poorly,” he says, “so what happens is much of the calories turn into fat, and yet the dog remains hungry because they are not getting the nutrient they need.”

Dr. Kincaid suggests raw meat and gluten-free food. He says raw is better because meat contains enzymes and minerals that are destroyed when cooked.

A lot of dogs become overweight due to improper diet and lack of exercise.

According to Dr. Jean Hofve, a holistic veterinarian and published author, an animal is the right weight if you can feel the ribs when you touch his sides. “The skin should slip easily, and there shouldn’t be a big wad of skin between the fur and the ribs.”

In addition, your canine friend should have a waist. He shouldn’t look like wrapped candy – skinny on both ends and round in the middle.

A lot of pets’ eating habits become irregular when it’s the holiday season, as owners tend to feed their dogs table scraps during this time of the year.

Dr. Hofve cautions against fatty foods. While you can let your pooch have turkey and ham in moderation as a treat, she advises pet owners not to overfeed their animals during the holidays.

“Chicken skin, turkey skin and the fat off ham is very dangerous for dogs. Based on what they are eating, if they get an extra dose of fat, they can develop pancreatitis, which is incredibly painful and could be fatal.”

It is every dog owner’s job to keep dangerous foods such as onions, chocolate, grapes, and raisins away from their pets. Also, don’t give your pooch outdated foods, or those that have been in the fridge for a while.

“If it’s relatively healthy for you and me, it will be relatively healthy for your pet in most cases. If it’s not good enough for us to eat, don’t give it to your pet,” Dr. Hofve says.

Canines are not designed to live on the same food every day. According to Dr. Kincaid, “When you give them the same dog food all the time, their body gets really accustomed to that, and their digestive system loses its ability to take on new foods without too much trauma.”

And this is why there can be trouble during the holidays. Dogs can get sick easily when they suddenly get a bunch of turkey fat, for example, so Dr. Kincaid recommends giving scraps in small quantities.

Like humans, dogs also need proper diet and sufficient exercise to live a long and healthy life.

We can help you develop a nutrition and exercise program to keep your pets healthy.

animalmedicalclinicfayar.com/

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Filed Under: Recent Posts Tagged With: Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, cat diet, cat exercise, cat health, diet pet food, dog exercise, dog health care, fat cat, fat dog, obesity, obesity epidemic, overfeeding, overweight pets, Pet Food Manufacturers Association, pet health care, pet health crisis, pet obesity, vet, veterinarian, veterinary care

Boarding Your Pet – Give Your Pet A Safe and Happy Experience

June 21, 2011 By admin 3 Comments

As pet owners, most of us will at one time or another need to consider boarding our dogs and cats. Travel, illness or family emergencies can sometimes disrupt our normal pet care and require us to have an alternative plan.

Some pet owners prefer to bring their pets along while they travel, but traveling with your pet is not always a good solution. Many hotels, motels and campgrounds do not allow pets. Traveling by car means that at times, pets may need to be left unattended in the vehicle, a potentially dangerous situation. Even a car with a window cracked open can get very hot, very quickly. if you leave the window open too much, just enough for a head to squeeze through, your pet can escape.

Other pet owners prefer to ask a neighbor, relative or friend to watch their pets while they are gone. This can also produce unsatisfactory results. Your pet can exhibit different behaviors while you are away and may make it difficult for those looking after it. These behaviors can include aggression, not eating, withdrawal and more.

Many pet owners have found that leaving their pets in the care of a competent professional, whether that be a boarding kennel or a veterinary clinic, is the easiest and safest way to provide care while away.

It is important to do your research and to ask the right questions in order to give your pet a safe and happy boarding experience. First, ask for referrals from friends, family and work associates. Where do they board their pets? Why did they choose this facility?

You can learn much about a boarding facility by checking online. Do they have a website? Are there pictures? Do they have a Facebook page and what are their clients saying about them on that page? Check out review sites such as Google Places, Yelp, Merchant Circle, Insider Pages and other review sites online to see what previous customers said.

Be sure and ask questions before you make a boarding reservation for your pet. Where will your pets stay? Ask for a tour of the facility. Is the environment clean and odor free? Are your pets going to be in runs or cages? How often will your dog be walked and exercised? How are your pets being monitored? Are feeding times being recorded as well as when your pets relieve themselves? What happens if your pet becomes ill?

It is not uncommon for pets to not eat as much while boarding as they do at home. Your pets can feel much more stress being in a strange environment and being away from you, therefore changing diet at this time is not a good idea. A good practice is to bring your pet’s food with them and ask the facility to feed them only their food.

It is good to be clear about all boarding costs before you make your reservation. Ask about the base boarding fee per day and about any other fees, such as fees for feeding a special diet or administering medications. Your boarding facility should be able to provide a written estimate in advance.

Most facilities require that your pet is up to date on vaccinations and will require proof. Find out exactly what is required so you have what you need before boarding your dog or cat.

Doing your research and asking the right questions can help you find the right facility to take care of your pet and make it that much easier for you and your pet to enjoy your time apart.

For more information on our boarding services visit us at Animal Medical Cinic in Fayetteville, AR. http://animalmedicalclinicfayar.com/services/

Courtesy of Brian Jones

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Filed Under: Recent Posts Tagged With: boarding a dog, boarding a pet, boarding tips, boarding your pet, bordetella, cat health, choosing a veterinarian, dog health care, dogs, finding the right veterinarian, kennel, kennel cough, pet health care, pet vaccines, questions to ask your veterinarian, vet, veterinarian, veterinary facility, veterinary hospital

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

June 18, 2011 By admin 1 Comment

All canines wild or domestic eat grass, this includes wolves, dingoes, coyotes and of course our pet dogs. Eating grass is perfectly normal behavior and dogs have been doing this for thousands of years. A nursing mother’s grass eating traits can even influence similar behavior in her puppies according to a March 2009 article from the Journal of Veterinary Behavior.

So why do dogs eat grass?

There are two answers to this question that you need to understand; 1). Dogs eat grass so they can purge their system or vomit and 2). dogs like to eat grass.

Let’s look at the first answer, why do dogs want to make themselves vomit?

Sometimes dogs voluntarily consume large amounts of grass when they have a gastrointestinal problem. They seek a substance to mechanically irritate the lining of their stomach to induce vomiting. Dogs eat large amounts of grass when they feel nausea, gas, bloating, are dealing with virus or bacteria, or they may have just consumed something that they should not have. Upon eating these large amounts of grass they will soon vomit.

They will exhibit often frantic behavior to get outside to eat the grass and begin consuming non-selectively, large amounts of grass once they are outside. This is because your dog is trying to rid themselves of something that is toxic or at least making them not feel well.

This infrequent behavior is not usually anything to worry about, if your dog, however, is doing this on a consistent basis, then you need to take a look at the most likely solution, changing their diet. Your dog is most likely trying to compensate for a dietary deficiency. Consult your veterinarian and find a new diet that may be best for your pet. Some owners achieve success in deterring their dog’s grass grazing by adding fresh, green. and or fibrous vegetables or fruits to the diet. Even if your dog has been on the same food for years, they may need a change in diet as their bodies and nutritional needs change over time.

Why do dogs enjoy eating grass?

This behavior is quite different from the first behavior. Here your dog will often be quite selective, often picking the tallest grasses or certain grasses and enjoying much smaller quantities. Your dog is not frantic and will usually select a few grasses and go about his way. Dogs know what they need to eat and perhaps your dog is seeking nutrients or fiber that he might need.

It is perfectly fine to let your dog eat small quantities of this grass in this way, as long as the grass is not being treated with chemicals, toxins or insecticides.

Some dogs will also eat grass due to boredom and lack of stimulation. In these cases, usually the dog is confined to a backyard or a particular environment and seeks stimulation by eating different objects in the environment. This is known as pica, a medical disorder characterized by an appetite for substances largely non-nutritive. This behavior can usually be altered by providing your dog more companionship and having plenty of chew toys available.

Eating and chewing on grass is just something dogs do. As pet owners we need to monitor their behavior and make sure any grass being consumed is safe to eat.

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Filed Under: Recent Posts, Seasonal Pet Health Problems Tagged With: dog behavior, dog health care, dogs, eating grass, nutritional deficiency in dogs, pet health care, Pica, questions to ask your veterinarian, vet, veterinarian, vomiting

Give Your Pet a Safe and Happy Summer

June 12, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Summer can be a wonderful time to spend with your pet, enjoying the outdoors, going for long evening walks or playing in and around the water.
Summer can also be dangerous for your best friends with an increase in parasites, brutal temperatures, too much exposure to the sun and dehydration or a lack of sufficient water.

Be Safe While Traveling

Traveling with your pet can be enjoyable but requires some preparation. First, make sure your pets have a secure and safe place to ride. Cats and small dogs travel best in pet carriers, large dogs do well with a dog bed, large towel or blanket. It is important that your pet understands where they are to be while in your car. Don’t let them just roam about and possibly interfere with your driving and driving safety. They are much safer in a back seat.

Don’t leave your pets in the car. An automobile on a hot day, even with the windows cracked, can reach 120 degrees fahrenheit. Your dog and cat do not have sweat glands like we humans do, panting is their only way to cool themselves and it can take them longer to cool down. The problem is even more acute in areas of high humidity as panting becomes less effective in cooling your pet down. The heat is not the only danger to leaving your pet in a car, most pets, if they can work out a way to squeeze their heads through a partially rolled down window, can escape. This can be especially troublesome if your pet is in a strange neighborhood or city and is disoriented. They can quickly become lost.

Make sure that wherever you are going, that you can take your pet with you. Many hotels, motels and campgrounds do not allow pets. Don’t assume that friends or relatives that you are staying with will welcome your pets either. Plan ahead and do your research.

Protect Your Pet from the Sun

Your pet needs sunscreen too, some with light skin or fur need even more. Overexposure to the sun’s rays can cause the same sort of problems we get as humans including sunburn, peeling and even skin cancer. Try to keep them out of direct sun during the middle of the day, and when you do venture out, rub a bit of sunblock on unprotected areas like the tips of their ears, the skin around their lips and their nose.

On a hot day or during the hottest part of the day, it is good to bring your pets inside. Pets can become ill very quickly when they become overheated. Make sure they have access to plenty of water and check often to make sure their water bowl is not empty. If you must leave your pet outside, make sure they have a shady place and check on them often.

Pay Close Attention to Your Pet’s Paws

Have you ever walked across a hot, sandy beach? Your pet’s paws feel the same heat extremes. Their paws can become burned or at least irritated. Signs include blisters, loose flaps of skin and red ulcerated patches. For minor burns, apply antibacterial wash and cover the paw with a loose bandage. For serious burns, visit you vet immediately. Be careful where you walk your pet on a hot day especially on asphalt, sidewalks, gravel and sand.

Protect Your Pet From Parasites

Fleas and ticks can be a problem all year long, but they are more active in hot weather and get worse as summer progresses. Check with your veterinarian for the best defense for your pets against them. Mosquitoes also present many dangers and their presence is increased with heat and humidity. Mosquitoes can carry diseases that are very serious to the health of your pet such as Encephilitis Virus, West Nile Virus and, particularly threatening to dogs and cats, heartworms.

Heartworms are less common in cats, but both dogs and cats should be on a preventive program. Your vet will be able to help you find the program that is the best fit for your pets. Treatment for heartworms is very expensive and in 25-30% of pets who become afflicted, it is fatal.

Keep Your Pet Safe From Heat Stroke

When a pet is exposed to higher temperatures hyperthermia or heat stroke can happen. Hyperthermia is an elevation in body temperature usually triggered by an inflammation in the body or a hot environment.
Heat stroke is a very serious medical condition needing immediate treatment from your veterinarian. Once the signs of heat stroke are detected,there is precious little time before serious damage, or even death, can occur.

Make sure your pets don’t over exert themselves while playing, exercising or even on long walks. If your pet is panting a lot, wants to be carried or acts exhausted, it is time to stop. Be especially cognizant of elderly, young, overweight or sick pets who may not be able to regulate their body temperature as well as stronger, healthier dogs and cats, and make sure they stay out of the sun on hot days. dogs with snub noses such as Pekingese, Pugs and Bulldogs have a hard time staying cool because they can’t pant as efficiently, so they also need to stay out of the heat.

If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, you must act quickly. Have someone call a veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, lower the animal’s body temperature by applying towels soaked in cool water to the hairless areas of the body, especially around the head and foot pads. DO NOT use ice or very cold water, this can actually have an adverse effect, constricting the blood vessels and actually raising the temperature. Often, the pet will respond after only a few minutes of cooling, only to falter again with his temperature soaring back up or falling to well below what is normal. With this in mind, remember that it is imperative to get the animal to a veterinarian immediately even if your pet seems OK. There could be internal damage not easily noticeable.

Knowing what to look for and how to prevent certain dangers can make summer a special time for you and your pets.

Visit us at Animal Medical Clinic in Fayetteville, AR. http://animalmedicalclinicfayar.com/services/

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Filed Under: Dogs and Cats, Featured Tagged With: heatstroke, hyperthermia, keep pets cool, mosquito born diseases, pet health care, pet travel safety, summer pet care, summer pet emergency, veterinarian, veterinary hospital

Fleas & Ticks / How to Beat Them And Protect Your Pets

June 10, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

The scourge of fleas and ticks is one of the biggest problems that pets and pet owners face.

So how do you beat these parasites and protect your pets?

Fleas are perhaps the biggest nemesis your dog or cat has. A single flea in one day can bite a dog or a cat 400 times, consume twice it’s weight in your pet’s blood and cause disease and skin problems. Fleas can lay hundreds of eggs at a time and very quickly a few fleas can become a few hundred, causing great stress and irritation to your pet and your household.

Pets who constantly scratch to get rid of fleas can cause permanent hair loss or other skin irritations, some fleas can also cause flea allergy dermatitis…an allergic reaction to proteins and flea saliva. In addition, fleas can give your pet a tapeworm, cause anemia and in rare cases, even death.

Fleas can be controlled much more easily if you take prevention measures before things get out of control. In most cases, newer “spot ons”, liquid drops placed between your pet’s shoulder blades, are effective in preventing and eliminating fleas. These products kill adult fleas, and some also prevent flea eggs from hatching and kill adult larvae. Oral medications are also available. Your veterinarian can advise you on which preventive product or combination of products is best for your pet.

If you are using a preventive product and are continuing to see fleas, then your problem is much more serious. You have an infestation. Managing an established flea problem in your home is not an easy feat and requires thorough treatment of your pet, your home and your yard.

Unfortunately, fleas are not your pet’s only nemesis. Tick bites can give your pet such infections as lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and ticks can give those same infections to you.

About 200 species of ticks live in the United States. Some species are extremely difficult to eliminate once they have been introduced into your home. Although not nearly as numerous as fleas, ticks do tend to gather in clusters. If you see a tick on your pet, use fine point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull gently. Avoid squeezing the body of the tick, clean the site of the bite, your hands and the tweezers with disinfectant.

Conveniently, many of the products recommended for flea prevention, are also effective against ticks. Work with your veterinarian to devise the most effective, preventive regimen for your pet.

One of the most successful ways to keep ticks off of dogs is with a Preventic collar. The collar kills ticks by interfering with the tick’s ability to feed on dogs. It contains the insecticide amitraz, which paralyzes the tick’s mouth parts. Amitraz should not be used on dogs that are sickly, pregnant, nursing or with certain drugs that may interact with the insecticide. The manufacturer Verbac Corporation, Ft. Worth, Texas sells the collar through veterinarians who can insure that a dog is healthy and can use the collar safely.

It is very important that you read the label and follow the instructions when using any flea or tick product. Don’t use products meant for dogs on your cat and vice versa. If used correctly and regularly, preventive products can keep your dog or cat safely protected from these menacing parasites.

We can help you with flea and tick prevention. Visit us at Animal Medical Clinic in Fayetteville, AR. http://animalmedicalclinicfayar.com/services/

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Filed Under: Dogs and Cats, Featured, Seasonal Pet Health Problems Tagged With: cat skin, dog health care, ehrlichiosis, finding the right veterinarian, flea allergy, flea and tick prevention, flea infestation, how to remove a tick, lyme disease, parasites, pet health care, preventic collar, rocky mountain spotted fever, tick, vet, veterinarian, veterinary hospital

Pet Insurance, Should You Buy?

April 30, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

One question every pet owner should ask themselves is “should I buy pet insurance?”

Pet health care costs, like human health care costs, have skyrocketed in recent years. Just as people purchase insurance to protect themselves from the cost of catastrophic illness, pet owners can do the same for their furry friends.

One reason for the soaring costs of veterinary care is that veterinarians can now offer treatments, such as radiation therapy or kidney transplants, that just a few years ago were unavailable. Vets also have access to many new sophisticated and costly diagnostic tools. The biggest single reason for the costs of veterinary care continuing to rise can be directed at the pharmaceutical companies whose costs have annually increased at 2 and 3 times the cost of inflation, even for drugs that no longer carry patents.

So health care costs have risen, just like everything else, do I need pet insurance?

That really depends on what kind of pet owner you are and what you are willing to spend on the care of your pet. If you are the type of person who will spend thousands of dollars on medical care for your pet and do most anything to save them, then pet insurance may be a wise decision.

Pet insurance can cost you anywhere from $2,400 to over $7,000 over your pet’s average lifespan and pets are living longer. Veterinarians say that it is not unusual for many dogs and cats to reach 15 years or more, and they’re seeing more and more pets that do.

Pet insurance premiums vary from one company to another as do the levels of coverage. One can usually expect to pay monthly premiums of $15 to $20 for a cat depending on age and $22 to $35 for a dog depending on both age and breed.

In fact, your dog’s breed should be a major factor in your decision to purchase pet insurance. Some breeds have known issues such as hip displaysia, an abnormal formation of the hip socket that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. This condition is most common in medium and large pure bred dogs such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers Rottweilers, Mastiffs and German Shepherd dogs. Some smaller dogs such as Cocker Spaniels and Pugs also see many occurrences. Other breeds seem to have more common occurrences of cancer and other expensive health issues.

Some pet insurance companies do not cover for congenital conditions such as hip displaysia. Pet insurance companies also do not pay for pre-existing conditions, the pet owner would be responsible for all such related expenses.

What is generally covered is an array of illnesses and injuries – usually up to a predetermined amount per year with a pre-condition cap. A few examples of conditions usually covered include diabetes, pancreatitis, cancer, intestinal obstructions and fractures.

Although pet insurance usually is recommended for pet owners who do not have readily available funds to pay a large veterinary bill, the pet owner always pays the veterinarian at the time of service, then files a claim and is reimbursed by the insurance company, usually within 30 days.

Self-insuring, putting the premiums you would pay for pet insurance into a savings account is another alternative and may be the most practical for those who can manage it.

Like any insurance coverage, compare plans, consider additional costs, deductible and coverage and make the best decision for you and your pet.

Ask us about Pet Insurance at Animal Medical Clinic in Fayetteville, AR. http://animalmedicalclinicfayar.com/services/

Courtesy of Maggie Roe

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Filed Under: Featured, Pet Insurance, Recent Posts Tagged With: cat health, cat health care, dog health care, health care, pet health care, pet insurance monthly premiums, questions to ask your veterinarian, vet, veterinarian, veterinary care, veterinary care is expensive, veterinary facility, veterinary hospital, veterinary misconceptions

Northwest Arkansas Exotic Pet Care

Join the Fayetteville AR Veterinarian V.I. P. (Very Important Pet) Club

Veterinary Dental Care – A Must For Your Pet

The Growing Pet Obesity Problem

Boarding Your Pet – Give Your Pet A Safe and Happy Experience

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

Give Your Pet a Safe and Happy Summer

Fleas & Ticks / How to Beat Them And Protect Your Pets

Pet Insurance, Should You Buy?

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