PREDICTING YOUR PET'S ILLNESSES

This past week has been full of disruptions related to a renovation project Desperado and Helpful Buckeye have going on.  Then today, Sunday, AOL chose to have their software get corrupted beyond comprehension and I had to spend a lot of time with their online help trying to get things resolved...which I finally did.  However, the delay ate up a bunch of time that otherwise would have contributed to more creativity to this week's blog.  For that, I humbly apologize and promise that next week's issue will get back to more of what our readers normally expect.  A special thanks to our friends who have given us help, suggestions, a kind word, and/or a place to crash this past week...we really appreciated it!

Your pet's illnesses can be predicted

By Emmet Pierce, Insure.com

As one of only a handful of full-time pet insurance actuaries in the United States, Laura Bennett's job is to determine what ailments or injuries are most likely to drive medical costs for your cat or dog.

Her goal is to use medical data to establish accurate policy risks for Ohio-based Embrace Pet Insurance, where she is CEO. Pet insurance rates, just like rates for humans, are determined by the mathematics of risk. Insurance companies must keep their rates low enough to remain competitive but high enough to cover claims and be profitable.

If insurance actuaries know your pet's breed, age and place of residence, they can estimate the cost of medical treatment during the animal's lifetime. They base predictions on medical data, but location also is important, since treatment is more expensive if you live in a large urban center.

One of the keys to saving money on pet insurance is to buy it while your pet is young and free of disease, Bennett says. "People should buy this when their dog is healthy."

With growing databases of information to work from, actuaries have become very important to pet insurance companies, says Carol McConnell vice president and chief veterinary medical officer at Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the largest and oldest pet health insurance provider in the U.S.  "It definitely is a niche," she says of pet actuary work. "We have a woman who came from auto [insurance] and has been doing it with us full time for five or six years. We work very closely with her."

Anticipating illness and injuries

Bennett, whose company insures only cats and dogs, uses breeds to determine the likelihood of certain illnesses and injuries, particularly among dogs. "Purebred dogs have a lot of breed-specific conditions," explains Bennett. "A Golden Retriever is prone to hip dysplasia. It is more common in a Golden Retriever than a Labrador. German shepherds are even more prone than Golden Retrievers."

If you were to count raw numbers of insurance claims for cats and dogs, "ear infections would be very high on the list," as would diarrhea, gastrointestinal issues and skin allergies, Bennett says.

VPI found that the most claims for dogs in 2010 were ear infections, followed by skin allergies, skin infections, gastritis and diarrhea. For cats, the top illnesses were lower urinary tract disease, gastritis, chronic renal failure, hyperthyroidism and diabetes.  Among exotic pets, the most frequent ailments were bowel obstructions, followed by gastritis, bladder infections, upper respiratory infections and eye infections.

Medical advances drive the demand for pet insurance

You might expect that recent advances in the treatment of animal illnesses would reduce medical costs, but the opposite is true. Pet insurance is becoming increasingly important for pet owners, says Bennett. As treatments once available only to humans are extended to pets, costs are rising.

Kristen Lynch, spokesperson for the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, agrees.  "Pets are living longer, healthier lives," she says. "They can do almost anything for a pet [that doctors] can do for a human. They can treat them for cancer. They can replace their hips and knees. Things that would have caused a pet to pass away at one time can be treated."

Medical doctors and animal care professionals are sharing knowledge, says McConnell. "Our medicine is much more sophisticated than it was even 10 years ago."

Before deciding that a pet insurance quote is too high, consider what your costs could be without pet insurance. Despite the financial risks that go along with having uninsured pets, "We estimate that less than 1 percent of pet owners [in the U.S] have their pets protected." says Curtis Steinhoff, a spokesperson for VPI.

The human factor

Although insurance actuaries are skilled at predicting veterinary costs, one thing they can't work into their calculations is the human factor, says Bennett.

For example, one of the most important things you can do to prevent pet injury is to secure your pets with harnesses when you drive with them in your car, she explains. How well you care for your pet plays a big role in its health.

"The ideal pet parent is someone who pays attention, feeds the pet well, keeps an eye on the pet's weight . . . and knows their pet well," she says.

Top 10 pet medical conditions

Dogs

1.      Ear Infection

2.      Skin Allergy

3.      Skin Infection/Hot Spots

4.      Gastritis/Vomiting

5.      Enteritis/Diarrhea

6.      Arthritis

7.      Bladder Infection

8.      Soft Tissue Trauma

9.      Non-cancerous Tumor

10.  Hypothyroidism

Cats

      1.    Lower Urinary Tract Disease

      2.        Gastritis/Vomiting

     3.        Chronic Renal Failure

     4.        Hyperthyroidism

     5.        Diabetes

     6.        Enteritis/Diarrhea

     7.        Skin Allergy

     8.        Periodontitis/Dental Disease

     9.        Ear Infection

     10.    Upper Respiratory Infection 

Exotics

1.      Bowel Obstruction

2.      Gastritis/Vomiting

3.      Bladder Infection

4.      Upper Respiratory Infection

5.      Eye Infection

6.      Cancerous Tumor Requiring Surgery

7.      Arthritis

8.      Skin Inflammation

9.      Skin Abscess or Pressure Ulcer

10.  Inflammation of Hair Follicles

Source: Veterinary Pet Insurance Co., 2010 data  

Adapted from:  http://www.insure.com/articles/petinsurance/pet-illnesses-can-be-predicted.html?WT.qs_osrc=fxb-33668110

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~

10 MOST COMMON DOG CONDITIONS

Ever since David Letterman popularized his "Top Ten" lists, just about everybody with any kind of a forum of interest has jumped into the fray.  Some of these lists are merely derived from someone's personal impressions of what should be on their list, while many others are based on some sort of factual database.  This week's issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats is adapted from an e-mail I received from "Dr. Jon," a small animal practitioner who writes a regular publication which I will reference a bit later.  Dr. Jon presents data that were accumulated by Trupanion, one of numerous pet health insurance companies.

As you read through this list, many of you will recognize these conditions as ones you have had experience with through the course of your dog ownership.  As any dog owner is well aware, dogs can get themselves into all sorts of trouble, depending on the nature of the dog, the amount and quality of supervision by the owner, and whether or not the dog has just been plain unlucky enough to be exposed to an infectious disease beyond the owner's control.

This issue won't be as long as a normal one since Helpful Buckeye is taking Sunday off (my normal publishing day) so that I can drive down to Phoenix to pick up Desperado at the airport.  We will then spend a few days in the Phoenix area...I've planned these days to include several surprise venues for Desperado's enjoyment.

One bit of house-keeping left over from last week's issue on "What NOT to feed your dog":  A long-time reader in Florida (my Aunt Cathy, Sam's lovable "mother") e-mailed me a question about the bread dough problem for dogs.  She wondered if the problem was with raw or already baked bread dough.  Well, that was a good question because the article I referenced didn't say which it was.  The article should have specified that the concern is with raw bread dough.  Good question!

How to IDENTIFY the Most Common Dog

 Conditions

From: Dr. Jon’s Dog Crazy Newsletter

When your pet is sick, it's hard not to think the worst. Not every condition that affects dogs is a rare and unusual disease though. In reality most of them are very common and we vets see them nearly every day. They're the first things we look for and ones that we get a lot of practice treating. Today I'd like to talk to you about some of these common conditions and how to recognize them.While I was researching for this article I wanted to ensure my data was the most accurate so I talked to my friends over at Trupanion. As a pet insurance company they see and pay a lot of claims so they get an idea of trends and common problems. They filled me in on the most common canine conditions from their list of claims submitted over the last year.

The following is their list of the 10 most frequently diagnosed health problems in dogs (along with any related information on that health problem as it was discussed by Helpful Buckeye in previous issues). Read it for some really helpful information and pay special attention to the tips on recognizing these conditions.

1.      Otitis Externa - Commonly referred to as an "ear infection", otitis externa is a condition characterized by inflammation of the external ear canal. It is particularly prevalent in dogs with long, floppy ears such as beagles. Ear infections represent one of the top 10 reasons dogs are brought to veterinarians and these infections may affect up to 20 percent of dogs. Common signs of an ear infection are scratching at the ears or shaking the head, as well as odor, inflammation and discharge in the ear.
http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/search/label/Ear%20Problems

2.      Skin Allergies/Dermatitis - Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy in dogs and is caused by flea bites, specifically the saliva of the flea. The disease typically results in excessive itching and it predisposes dogs to the development of secondary skin infections in the irritated areas. Another common skin allergy is caused by “atopy,” an allergy to environmental substances. Signs of skin allergies are itching, redness, and hair loss.

3.      Diarrhea - Acute diarrhea is a common clinical problem in veterinary practice. It is characterized by a sudden onset and short duration (three weeks or less) of watery or mucus-filled diarrhea. Occasionally the fecal material is also obviously bloody.

4.      Vomiting - At one time or another your dog may have a bout of vomiting. Usually he'll have eaten something disagreeable, eaten too much or too fast, exercised too soon after eating or is affected by any number of noncritical conditions. Vomiting may be a sign of a very minor problem, or it may be a sign of something very serious.

5.      Pyoderma – This refers to a bacterial infection of the skin. Superficial infections (those within the top layer of skin and the hair follicles) can cause intense itching resulting in discomfort.
http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/search/label/Pyoderma
 

6.      Urinary Tract Infection - Inflammation of the urinary bladder, sometimes called a urinary tract infection, is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Most cases of bacterial cystitis are "ascending," meaning that the offending bacteria arise from the dog's own intestinal tract and "ascend" to the bladder, beginning at the perineum (the skin around the anus), proceeding to the urethra and ultimately the bladder. Common signs are increased urinary frequency, straining to urinate, accidents in the house and/or blood in the urine.
http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/search/label/Urinary%20Disorders

7.      Conjunctivitis – Another common condition is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the tissue coating the eye and lining the eyelids. Conjunctivitis is a common eye problem in dogs. It may be the only eye disease present, or may be associated with other diseases or eye problems. Common signs are redness of the conjunctiva, squinting, eye discharge or scratching at the eyes.

8.      Skin Masses - These lumps of tissue are within the skin or can be felt under the skin. The characteristic lumps and bumps are fairly common occurrences, especially in the older dog. A skin growth or mass may be a malignant or benign tumor, an abscess, a cyst, a hematoma (blood-filled mass) or a reaction by the skin to an allergen (hives).

9.      Giardia – A highly contagious condition, Giardia is a protozoan parasite found all over the world. Giardia lives in the canine intestinal tract and infection may result in gastrointestinal symptoms or present no symptoms at all. Common signs are stomach upset and diarrhea.
http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/search/label/Giardia

10.   Foreign Body Ingestion (Stomach) - The ingestion of a foreign object can cause serious health problems including laceration and trauma of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. This condition is preventable with the correct precautions. Keep all items that your dog might ingest out of his reach. Observe his behavior when playing with toys to ensure he doesn't try to "eat" them.

Adapted from: http://view.ed4.net/v/8M7W90Q/QIT0/P3LHEF6/9LV71/FORMAT=H

Web site home page for Trupanion: http://trupanion.com/dog-insurance?pc=PP001-DOGFULLHT-20120821

Helpful Buckeye has addressed the topic of pet health insurance in several previous issues and those can be found at:
http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/search/label/Pet%20Health%20Insurance  This reference includes 10 different issues in which the topic of pet health insurance was discussed, so...you should be able to find whatever you're looking for in the way of pet health insurance.

SPORTS NEWS

     The LA DODGERS pulled off one of the biggest trades in the history of baseball last night with the Boston Red Sox.  Whether or not this will help us overtake the SF Giants remains to be seen.  However, it does serve as a message to the rest of the National League that the Dodgers are again going to be a major player.


PERSONAL STUFF
Helpful Buckeye was treated to a very nice dinner last night, while Desperado was out of town, by the coconut cream pie lady and her husband...thanks for that!

A couple of positive and forward-looking quotes for this week...how can you lose if you follow these thoughts?:

"Set your life on fire; seek those who fan your flames."  Rumi

 

and 

“Dwell on the beauty of life.  Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”  Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor and philosopher

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~

 

INSURANCE?...INSURANCE, ANYONE?....PT. 2

Did all of you make it through National Dog Bite Prevention Week without being bitten or, even worse, having your dog bite someone else?  I say even worse because that could possibly leave you exposed to a liability claim.  Most dog owners think their dog will NEVER bite someone and, unfortunately, some of you will find out that is simply not true.  Under the right circumstances, even the best trained dogs can act in an unpredictable manner.  This week's issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats addresses the topic of dog bites and liability insurance concerns.

But first, a little house-keeping is in order.  Helpful Buckeye really appreciates all the e-mail messages received about our 3rd birthday of this blog.  Thanks for taking the time to send those!  The poll questions from last week on pet health insurance provided answers that were pretty much in line with published numbers.  About 15% of respondents said they carry some form of health insurance for their pets.  Of those having used pet health insurance, about 75% said their experience was good and 25% said their experience was bad.  Be sure to answer this week's poll questions in the column to the left.

To begin, let's take a few minutes to listen to a noted animal behavioral specialist as she explains various dog bite prevention strategies: http://www.avmamedia.org/display.asp?sid=354&NAME=National_Dog_Bite_Prevention_Week_2011_(May_15-21)?utm_source=smartbrief&utm_medium=email

As you can tell from the above information, children and mail deliverers suffer more than their share of dog bites. Here is a review from the conference this year:


The American Veterinary Medical Association hosts this year's National Dog Bite Prevention Week to help stop the nearly 5 million dog bites that happen every year. Internationally recognized dog trainer Victoria Stilwell, from Animal Planet's "It's Me or the Dog," joined AVMA veterinarians, the United States Postal Service (USPS), pediatricians, plastic surgeons and representatives of the insurance industry in offering tips to prevent dog bites.


At the Houston, Texas kick-off for 2011's National Dog Bite Prevention Week, the USPS announced the top-10 cities in which letter carriers were attacked most often. Houston ranked number one out of 1,400 cities. More than 5,669 postal workers are attacked by dogs across the country.


"Veterinarians recognize, while there are 72 million good dogs in the United States, any dog can bite if it is frightened or feels threatened, even the family pet. Unfortunately, children are most often the victims," says Dr. Larry M. Kornegay, AVMA president.


A passionate advocate for science-based, force-free training methods, Victoria Stilwell joined the National Dog Bite Prevention campaign to help support studies from board-certified veterinary behaviorists and behavioral scientists suggesting that forcing dogs into submission (e.g., leash yanking, rolling them on their backs) as a means of preventing and correcting behavioral problems, may have potentially dangerous consequences for owners. Because fear and anxiety are common causes of aggression, the use of dominance techniques and/or punishment can directly exacerbate the problem by increasing the animal's fear and anxiety.


"Dogs need and want us to provide effective leadership, but the most effective leaders do not simply impose their will on their followers," says Stilwell. "And I firmly believe the only way to truly ensure that we are successful in achieving the necessary balance with our dogs is by using positive reinforcement and treating them with the same respect that we ask of them. It's not the breed of the dog that causes the bite, but rather how well the dog is trained and controlled."


Injury rates are highest among children between the ages of 5 and 9 years old. The dogs biting these children are not strangers. In victims younger than 18 years old, the family dog inflicts 30 percent of all dog bites, and a neighbor's dog is responsible for another 50 percent of these bites.


"The AVMA urges all families to start early in educating children about safety around dogs, even if you don't own a dog," Dr. Kornegay says. "We have numerous engaging educational programs for children starting as young as preschool to teach children the right and the wrong way to interact with dogs."


Joining the AVMA and the USPS to spread the word that dog attacks are preventable are: the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Prevent The Bite, and the Insurance Information Institute.

This press release is from: http://www.avma.org/press/releases/110512-NDBPW-prevention-campaign.asp

Most of us are aware of the damage that a large, uncontrolled dog can cause but...we all need to remember that:

Experts warn that any dog can bite

When Courtney Nelson heard that 7-month-old Annabelle Mitchell had been killed Tuesday by the Mitchell family’s Rottweiler, her first reaction was the same as that of many Mainers: shock and sorrow. “I cried. I can’t even talk about it right now. It tears me up,” the assistant director at the Houlton Humane Society said Thursday. “I can’t even fathom what that baby went through.”


But then Nelson got back to work. For the past 11 years, she has been caring for animals at the no-kill shelter and trying to find them adoptive families, including the dogs that can be harder to place, such as pit bulls and Rottweilers. “I think it’s great for kids to be brought up around animals. It teaches them responsibility. It teaches them kindness,” she said. “But it can turn in an instant, and you just don’t know. They can be very scary, and they can be your best friend.”

Two days after the tragedy in Frankfort, which state officials believe to be the first dog bite-related fatality in Maine in at least 40 years, dog experts like Nelson cautioned against demonizing the breed of dog involved.


“Everyone is making this a Rottweiler issue, which is a huge mistake. Any dog can bite,” said Don Hanson of Green Acres Kennel in Bangor. “Any breed of dog can behave inappropriately, can be aggressive and can kill someone.” He said that one of his colleagues in Florida had a case where a Pomeranian, a toy dog, killed an infant.


After Wednesday’s attack in Frankfort, a Waldo County deputy shot the Rottweiler at the request of Annabelle’s father. An autopsy that was begun Wednesday on the baby’s body was expected to be completed Friday afternoon, said an official at the state medical examiner’s office in Augusta.


The Rottweiler, a type of dog originally bred for its guarding and herding traits, was listed as the second-most-likely breed of dog to be involved in a human-dog bite-related fatality, according to a 2000 special report from the Journal of the American Veterinary Association. Pit bulls were involved in 66 bite fatalities reported between 1979 and 1998. The Rottweiler was involved in 39 bite fatalities in the same time period. Although the report lists the dogs involved in fatal human attacks, it does not identify specific breeds that are most likely to bite or kill.


The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, resulting in 16 deaths on average.


The state CDC does not keep track of dog bites in Maine, said Dr. Stephen Sears, the acting director of the agency. “I think fatalities are very unusual, but they happen,” he said. “You hear about small people with big dogs. The pit bulls and babies. Those tend to be pretty intense in the media, and they’re terrible.”


Hanson, a certified dog behavior consultant and certified professional dog trainer, said that he works with dogs with a wide range of behavioral issues, including aggression, fear and phobias.

“It’s really tragic,” he said of the baby’s death. “People really need to supervise their dogs and kids. And people need to learn about dogs.” One thing people might not know about dogs is that they’re not just like us, he said. “A dog is not a furry little person that understands right from wrong with our same moral compass,” he said. “They’re a very different species.”


Another thing is that dogs and kids are not automatically the best of friends. “It’s a lot of work to have dogs and kids and do everything right and keep everyone safe,” Hanson said. “Timmy and Lassie is an extremely heartwarming story. It really makes us all feel good. It was also an incredible piece of fiction.”


The behavioral expert said he doesn’t know enough about the Frankfort tragedy to speculate about what caused the dog’s aggression. But what often can cause aggression is a dominance and punishment based approach to training, he said. Instead, he encourages reward-based training, careful management and building up a bond with the dog. He also urges people to recognize that each dog is an individual, and not all dogs will be friendly extroverts with all other animals and people. “We see a lot of people who seem to think that their dog should be like every other person and dog on the planet,” Hanson said. “That’s not a realistic expectation.”
Sometimes those expectations of dogs can belie the fact that, as experts repeated, any dog is capable of being vicious.


Nelson said that she has seen a great number of Rottweilers come through the Houlton shelter in 11 years, and 95 percent of them are “the best dogs." “They’re gentle giants, they really are,” she said.


On the other hand, the shelter once took in a golden retriever that had had a litter of puppies and had attacked a little girl that approached the puppies. “It took her by the throat,” Nelson recalled. “It can be any breed of dog … I’ve dealt with pit bulls that would lap your face and I’ve dealt with poodles that would rather rip it off.”


Although the girl in that instance was not greatly harmed by the retriever, the lesson that Nelson has learned is that you must always supervise kids and dogs, which she practices at her home. “I never leave my dogs alone. I know they’d never do anything. I just never give them the chance to make that mistake,” she said. Nelson also has taught her 4-year-old son to be very gentle with the family pets. “We teach him you don’t wake a sleeping dog. You don’t run up and jump on them,” she said. “Just like anybody, people have their space and dogs have their space.”
Another tip is to get animals spayed and neutered, which she said can minimize problems with aggression. “I can’t praise it enough, especially in males,” Nelson said.
But should a dog snap, and attack, she recommends grabbing it by the hind legs. “It breaks their stance and their stability, and it’ll break their lock,” she said. “You don’t want to go in and grab them by the collar. If they’re overstimulated, they’re overstimulated. They just see red.”


Hanson said that the hind-leg technique can work, and throwing water at a dog also might cause it to disengage. “To be really honest, I think everybody acts instinctually, and does what they think they need to do,” he said. “But anytime you intervene in such a situation, there’s a high probability you’re going to get bit. Obviously, in a situation where another living thing is being hurt, you need to do what you need to do. People need to know there’s nothing that’s guaranteed risk-free.”

This article calls attention to the potential danger from any breed of dog and was taken from: http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/04/14/news/state/experts-warn-that-any-dog-can-bite/?ref=latest

What would you do if you became involved in a dog fight? Here are some good suggestions from the folks at Pawnation.com:

It's not something we want to think about, but it happens from time to time -- a dog fight. They can happen at the dog park, when you are out for a walk, or in front of a crowded patio restaurant. Our reaction is often to freak out, yell, grab for the dogs' collars -- which, it turns out, may be all the wrong ways to react, putting ourselves in harm's way without even realizing it.


Getting involved in a dogfight is dangerous and it's not something we recommend. But we also know that when your dog is at risk, protective instincts kick in. That's why we asked dog safety expert Melanie Monteiro, author of "The Safe Dog Handbook - A Complete Guide To Protecting Your Pooch, Indoors and Out" to find out what she does to prevent and deal with dog fights.


1. Know the Dangers--The first thing Monteiro notes is that you must understand that it is likely you will be hurt. "You're always putting yourself in physical jeopardy when you go in to break up a dog fight," she says. "I've been injured doing it and several of my friends have been injured doing it." But there are general ideas to consider that will make you more informed if you do wade into a fight.
2. Be Alert--When you're out in public with your dog, be very aware of your surroundings. "Pay attention to your dog. If you're out walking and distracted by texting, or talking on the phone, you might not be prepared when a dog jumps out of an open garage door, or comes around the corner," says Monteiro.
3. Watch Body Language--A key to avoiding a fight it to learn to read what the other dogs are trying to tell you, says Monteiro. Signs a dog might be about to act aggressively include a still body posture, hackles being raised, growling and exposed teeth, to name a few. Other potential signs of concern include if the dog is behaving in a dominating way such as standing over the other dog. If you see a dog behaving this way -- or if your dog starts acting up -- it is time for you and your dog to move away.
4. Acknowledge Minor Skirmishes--Sometimes a little dust-up happens and it is over as quickly as it began. "Most dog grievances resolve themselves in a matter of moments," notes Monteiro. It is good not to overreact when these happen.
5. Understand What Happens During a Fight--When dogs go into a full-fledged fight, however, explains Monteiro, they go into a whole other zone. Your sweet little pooch can change as it gets into something that is deeply primal. "When they're in this other zone, the usual human reaction of yelling, grabbing collars and stuff isn't going to work. Your normally responsive dog is not going to respond to you. Yelling and screaming is only going to further charge the atmosphere. If you shove your hands and arms into the dogs' faces to grab the collars, your arm is now part of the fight and the dogs will more than likely bite you."  You should also think of how to diminish your risk. "If you're walking your dog on a leash and your dog gets attacked, the first thing you should do is drop your leash," Monteiro says. "You could get tangled, your dog will get tangled, and you could get injured."
6. Consider the Old Standby --Water.  "If you have access to a garden hose you can turn it on and spray the dogs in their faces with the hose. You're getting water in their mouths and faces that way," Monteiro explains. "You can also dump a bucket of water over their heads." However, since these two options aren't always readily available, this following tip is only a promising possibility.
7. Lift and Pull Fighting Dogs Apart by Their Back Legs--As already mentioned, Monteiro does not recommend grabbing two fighting dogs by the collars. Instead, Monteiro suggests, "If you have someone to help you, you can grab the hind legs of the each dog and pull them backwards away from each other and off to the side. The theory here is that you'll knock them off their balance and change their focus." The hope is that they go from attack mode to wondering, "What the heck is going on here?" If you have no one to help you, you can try just grabbing the hind legs of the most aggressive dog and pulling him backwards."
8. Try Using a Physical Barrier--Another option is to put something between the fighting dogs. "Use a trashcan lid, chair, or any kind of large object that you can wedge between them," says Monteiro. This is very helpful at the dog park, there are often lots of trashcans around with lids and you can grab one and insert it between the fighting dogs."
9. Out of Sight, Out of Mind--If you are able to break up the fight, the next step is to put some distance between the dogs. "Get the fighting dogs on leashes and take them in opposite directions immediately. Go behind a car or something, just get them out of each other's view." Once they can't see or easily reach each other, stop and tend wounds and make sure everyone is OK.
10. Always Always Always Keep Yourself Safe--"You have to protect yourself or you're a worthless rescuer to your dog," reminds Monteiro. "You're not going to be able to help your dog if you're in the middle of the fight or become part of the fight. Your priority is to keep yourself safe."

This advice from: http://www.pawnation.com/2011/04/18/how-to-avoid-a-dog-fight-and-what-to-do-if-it-happens-anway/

Here are some dog bite prevention tips from the U. S. Postal Service:

"Don't worry, my dog won't bite'' is heard all too often by postal service employees, but any dog will bite. That's according to the U.S. Postal Service, whose carriers are experts on the matter. They want to help stamp out dog bites, and offer these tips.


• Spayed or neutered dogs are less likely to bite.
• Dogs can be protective of their territory and may interpret the actions of letter carriers as a threat. Please take precautions when accepting mail in the presence of your pet.
• If a dog threatens you, don't scream. Avoid eye contact, remain motionless until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.
• Never turn your back to a dog and run away. A dog's natural instinct will be to chase and catch you.
• When accepting mail at your door, place your dog in a separate room and close the door.
• If you believe a dog is about to attack you, try to place something between you and the dog, such as a purse, a backpack or a bicycle.

Postal workers aren't saying they're the most likely targets for biters. Children and the elderly are ranked No. 1 and No. 2. The Insurance Information Institute says 15,770 claims were paid out for dog bites last year to the tune of $412 million, up slightly from the previous year.
The U.S. Postal Service does track where bites occur, though, and Houston led all cities last year with 62 followed by San Diego and Columbus, Ohio with 45 each. Finishing out the top 10: L.A. (44), Louisville (40), San Antonio and St. Louis (39), Cleveland and Phoenix (38), and Minneapolis and Portland, Oregon (35).


Last year, 33 people died from dog bites.

This information from: http://yourlife.usatoday.com/pets/pawprintpost/post/2011/05/dog-bite-prevention-tips/169931/1

Some interesting information from the Insurance Information Institute:


Dogs in Illinois take the second-biggest bite out of State Farm’s claim expenses nationally, accounting for the most bites and total payouts nationally after California.


Florida, meanwhile, has among the most costly incidents on average.


For the first time ever, the nation's biggest home and auto insurer released the top 10 states for dog bite claims and the amounts paid out as a result of chomping pooches.

Illinois – the nation’s fifth most populous state -- ranks second in the number of dog-bite insurance claims and highest total payouts, after population-leading California. Bloomington-based State Farm had 369 dog-bite claims in California in 2010 and paid out $11.3 million. The insurer had 317 claims in Illinois in 2010, and paid out $9.7 million.


But among the states in the top 10, Florida’s claims are the highest per incident, at $38,356, according to an analysis of State Farm’s numbers by the Chicago Tribune. The average claim for both California and Illinois, in contrast, was about $30,600.


State Farm’s top 10 didn’t particularly reflect the size of the states. Minnesota, which ranks 21st in population, ranked eighth in dog bites. Similarly, Indiana, the 16th most populous state, ranked 10th.


State Farm, which paid $90 million nationwide as the result of nearly 3,500 dog bites in 2010, also said that the dog-bite rankings weren’t particularly indicative of how much business it did in particular states. State Farm, the nation’s leading home and auto insurer, doesn’t refuse insurance based on dog breed, but does require policyholders to answer questions about their dogs’ history on homeowners’ insurance applications. One exception is the state of Ohio, which has determined that pit bulls meet the definition of a “vicious dog,” and therefore State Farm doesn’t provide coverage under its homeowners’ policies in Ohio for that breed. Nonetheless, Ohio, the nation’s seventh-most populous state, ranked third in the number of claims for dog bites, with State Farm paying out $5.7 million for 215 claims.


Other states rounding out State Farm’s top 10 were Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York.


The Insurance Information Institute, a trade group, estimates that U.S. insurers paid $412 million in dog bite claims in 2009.

Dog bites caused 33 deaths last year, including two in Illinois.

The source for this review was: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chibrkbus-illinois-no-2-in-dog-bite-claims-20110510,0,7292528.story

Even though pet health insurance and pet liability insurance would seem to occupy the opposite ends of the insurance spectrum, they both might be important considerations for many pet owners when they sit down to think about the risk of a particular problem happening and the resulting financial consequences of that event. As pointed out at the beginning, a pet owner considering these two forms of insurance is gambling on whether or not certain things might happen...a financially devastating disease for their dog or cat or a big financial settlement for a neighbor child who has been bitten by their dog. The only other realistic option for a conscientious pet owner would be the "self-insured" route, in which you would put away a certain amount of money into a dedicated account to be used only for a necessary large financial outlay involving your pet. Everyone looks at these choices in a different light...how do you view the situation?  In addition to health insurance for your pet, you might also need to talk with your regular insurance agent concerning liability insurance if you have a dog that might be a biter...remembering, of course, that even your little "Fifi" or "Muffin" can inflict some damage.

Any comments or questions about either type of insurance will be welcome at: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com

SPORTS NEWS

Not much to report this week...the Dodgers are still playing at half-speed and their record reflects that.  The Dallas Mavericks are 3 games into their series with Oklahoma City, holding a 2-1 edge.  The NFL situation hasn't changed.  Ohio State football is still involved in an apparent pack of lies.  Basically, Helpful Buckeye's spectator sports world has ground to a screeching halt.  It's a good thing I have my 2011 Quadathlon to keep me occupied!

PERSONAL STUFF

Congratulations to Bobbie, in Louisiana, for sending in the correct answer to Helpful Buckeye's question last week about what animal, other than humans, can contract leprosy.  She correctly reported it is an armadillo and went on to say that they have their share of those in Louisiana...with most of the ones she's seen lying dead along the interstates.

Desperado and Helpful Buckeye completed our field research this week for the first event of Quadathlon 2011.  The event will take place on the first day that offers acceptable weather conditions...my road crew is prepared and ready to go, on short notice, when needed.  They heard about our post-event celebrations last year and I think they are looking forward to that more than anything!  Can you say, "Una mas cerveza?"

With this being the time of year for a lot of graduations, consider these words:
"Graduation is only a concept. In real life every day you graduate. Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you'll make a difference."
--Arie Pencovici

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~

INSURANCE?...INSURANCE, ANYONE?....

If you've ever played blackjack at a table with a dealer, you've heard that question.  When the dealer draws an Ace for their up-card, the first thing they say is, "Insurance?  Insurance, anyone?"  Do they have a "10 or a face" card buried?  It's up to you to determine if buying the insurance is worth the risk of the dealer's hand beating your potential "Blackjack" hand. 

Actually, buying insurance of any kind is really a form of legalized gambling.  You've got to evaluate what you are trying to protect and make a judgment as to whether you can afford to take the financial risk that the event in question might just happen.  All sorts of calculations enter into such a decision but, in the end, it's still a gamble on your part since you don't know the outcome ahead of time.  Another example of legalized gambling would be buying shares of stock on the stock market...you don't know the price per share in the future...so, you're gambling that it will make you money instead of losing it. 

Most of us carry insurance on things that we would find it difficult (or, at least, very expensive) to replace or to fund.  Life insurance (benefits those who perhaps depended on the insured), home insurance, auto insurance (collision and liability), and health insurance (especially for high-priced forms of medical care) have been pretty standard considerations for individuals and families for a long time.  Now, a big newcomer to the insurance scene is Pet Health Insurance.

Pet Health Insurance has been around for about 25 years but really didn't become a big business until around the turn of the century...that's the 2000 one, not the 1900 one!  There are now a lot of companies from which to choose.  As to which of these companies a pet owner should consider, a little research and judgment will help make the answer a little more clear.  Pet health insurance is not meant for every pet owner, just as other forms of insurance aren't advisable for everyone.  Each pet owner needs to look at their own situation, their goals for their pet, their financial capability to meet unexpected expenses, and their concept of what constitutes appropriate health care for their pet.  Only then can you make an informed decision as to which pet health insurance company best suits your needs.  This week, Helpful Buckeye will attempt to unravel your questions and curiosities about pet health insurance and, hopefully, by the end of this issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats, you will be able to determine if your financial risk justifies the premiums one of the companies would be charging you.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has collated some guidelines they would like to see followed by any company offering pet health insurance:

The AVMA endorses the concept of pet health insurance that provides coverage to help defray the cost of veterinary medical care.



The AVMA recognizes that viable pet health insurance programs will be important to the future of the veterinary profession's ability to continue to provide high quality and up-to-date veterinary service. These programs should comply with the following guidelines.


Pet health insurance programs should:


1. Require a veterinarian/client/patient relationship in which the veterinarian monitors health maintenance of the animal.


2. Be acceptable to organized veterinary associations, individual veterinarians, insurance providers, the animal owning public, and others interested and involved in promoting the welfare and well being of animals.


3. Have clearly specified protection for the animal owner. The animal insurance provider should disclose to the consumer the coverage provided which may be of most benefit in reducing the financial burdens resulting from medical problems requiring extensive veterinary medical care, as well as the option for coverage for routine and/or wellness health care.


4. Allow animal owners the freedom to select a veterinarian of their choice, and allow for referrals.


5. Meet the rules and regulations of the insurance commission of the state in which the insurance is sold, be readily available to the public, and provide coverage using ethical standards that are approved by the insurance industry.


6. Be consistent with the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics.


7. Allow each veterinary facility to establish its own fee structure.


8. Reimburse the animal owner, in a timely manner, for fees previously paid to the veterinarian.


9. Commit to assure that animal owners are aware of how the terms and conditions of their policy will impact their coverage and reimbursement. This includes the type and amount of monetary coverage and concurrent financial obligations such as co-pay, deductible, and other risk-management charges (e.g. surcharges, exclusions) that are integral components of the insurance contract.

The AVMA has also put together some basic considerations which should help you decide if pet health insurance is for you:

Do you need pet insurance?

As veterinary medicine becomes more technologically advanced, the cost of care increases because of the higher costs associated with the equipment, facilities and training required to provide these higher-quality services. For some, the cost of care can cause some anxiety. Pet insurance can help by offsetting some or most of the costs of diagnosing, treating and managing your pet's illness or injury.


But pet insurance isn't for everyone, and there's no magic formula that will tell you if it's right for you and your pet. If you're considering pet insurance, talk to your veterinarian and do some research on your options. Here are some basic considerations:


• Regardless of the insurance provider, your veterinarian should be monitoring the health of your pet as part of a valid Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship.

• The insurance provider should clearly spell out to you the details, including the limitations and exclusions, of coverage for routine and/or wellness care as well as emergency treatments and conditions that require extensive care. Find out how your premiums will be increased as your pet ages or if you make any claims.

• See if they have add-on options to provide any specific coverage (e.g., dental care, travel insurance, etc.) you may want.

• Find out how they define and handle pre-existing conditions (diseases or conditions your pet already has – or has had – prior to purchasing the insurance plan).

• In some cases, insurance providers will not insure a specific pet or breed of pet, or may limit the number of pets you can insure, if they consider them "high risk."

• Some providers will give multiple pet discounts.

• All of the charges, including co-pays, deductibles, add-on charges and other fees, should be clearly explained to you so you fully understand the policy and its limitations.

• You should be allowed to choose the veterinarian who will provide veterinary care for your pet.

• Pet insurance plans are generally reimbursement plans – you pay the bills up front and are reimbursed by the insurance provider. Ask the insurance provider how claims are processed as well as the time frame for reimbursement of your expenses so you know what to expect. If you're concerned about covering the expenses up front, ask your veterinarian about payment options that will work for you in case you need to make arrangements. (It's best to find out your options ahead of time so you don't have the added stress of trying to make payment arrangements on an emergency basis.)


Your veterinarian may be able to provide you with a recommended pet insurance company based on their experience, but it's ultimately your decision whether or not to purchase pet insurance (and what coverage and from what company you purchase). Below is an alphabetical list of companies that provide pet insurance. The list may not be complete and is intended to provide information and links to help you investigate and decide if pet insurance is right for your pet. The AVMA does not endorse or recommend any one provider over others.


24PetWatch, http://www.24petwatch.com/petinsurance/


AKC Pet Healthcare Plan, http://www.akcpethealthcare.com/


ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, http://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/


Embrace Pet Insurance, http://www.embracepetinsurance.com/


Healthypaws, http://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/?utm_source=PIR&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=reviews


PetFirst Healthcare, http://www.petfirsthealthcare.com/


Pets Best, http://www.petsbest.com/home_il.aspx


Petplan, http://www.gopetplan.com/


PurinaCare, http://www.purinacare.com/


Trupanion, http://www.trupanionpetinsurance.com/


VPI, http://www.petinsurance.com/

Faced with the increasing costs of veterinary medical care, more pet owners are now considering whether the premiums for a pet health insurance policy might be worth the benefit when visiting the veterinarian's office.  The St. Louis Post-Dispatch recently ran a very informative article on the surge in interest in pet health insurance:

Elizabeth Brown spared no expense in seeking treatment for Maggie, her yellow Labrador retriever who was diagnosed with cancer in 2003. Radiation treatments and surgeries added up to more than $4,200 before Maggie died in 2008.  The experience prompted Brown, who is retired and lives in south St. Louis County, to buy a pet health insurance policy for $90 a month when she later brought home a puppy named Caramel.


Pet health insurance has been available in the United States for nearly 30 years, but expanded veterinary treatments and changing attitudes toward the family pet have bolstered the number of policies over the last decade, even during the economic downturn.  "The humanization of pets is driving it, as people are more likely to treat pets as four-legged members of their family," said Grant Biniasz, a spokesperson for VPI Pet Insurance based in Brea, Calif., the largest pet insurance provider in the nation.


The growth has drawn several new insurance providers into the market in recent years, including St. Louis-based Nestlé Purina PetCare. The company started its PurinaCare insurance subsidiary in 2008 and has since expanded coverage to all 50 states.  Pet insurance has grown at a glacial pace in the U.S., but it has gained speed in the last decade. Three percent of the nation's 78 million dogs and 1 percent of its 93 million cats are now covered, according to a recent American Pet Products Association estimate. That's up from 1 percent of dogs and virtually no cats covered in 1998.  How much could this industry grow? Insurance has gained wider acceptance in some European countries, such as the United Kingdom, where 20 percent of pets have policies, and Sweden, where it's estimated at least 30 percent of pets are covered, according to New York-based research firm Packaged Facts.  PurinaCare believes that eventually 10 percent of U.S. pets will be covered by insurance.


Changes in people's social support systems — higher divorce rates, fewer children and people living farther away from their families — has helped drive this trend, said James Serpell, a veterinary ethics professor at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine.  "We're using animals to replace what we're losing in human social relationships," he said.  With that evolution, pet owners now expect medical care for their pets to match medical care for themselves.  "People ask now, 'Why can't my dog get dialysis?' People increasingly think health care they get from their vets should be like what they get for their children," Serpell said.


Yet, veterinary care isn't cheap. It's second only to food in the amount people spend on pets. Of the $50 billion expected to be spent this year on pets, $14.11 billion will be for vet bills, up from $13 billion last year.


GROWING MARKET


In 1982, VPI Pet Insurance issued the first pet insurance policy in the United States. VPI has long dominated the industry, but it has lost market share in recent years as more providers emerged. VPI had 52 percent market share in 2009, according to Packaged Facts, down from 68 percent in 2005.  "They sort of had the party to themselves until 2004-2005, when new companies started entering the market with new plans and pitches," said David Lummis, senior pet market researcher for Packaged Facts.


The number of pet insurance providers in the nation doubled over the last decade from six to a dozen in 2010.  Among the newcomers is Nestlé Purina. After studying the pet insurance market for three years, the company felt it could be competitive by drawing on its experience and research in pet health.  According to company executives, a void existed in the market for people to access information about what pet policies covered. Nestlé Purina posts copies of its policies online for customers to view. The potential exists for Nestlé Purina, which is owned by Swiss-based Nestlé, to grow its insurance business globally.  "Other Purina subsidiaries around the world have expressed interest in pet insurance, but our current focus is limited to the North American market," said Dr. David Goodnight, a veterinarian and president of PurinaCare, based in San Antonio.  Nestlé Purina wouldn't disclose PurinaCare's revenue or market share. But Packaged Facts estimates it has less than 1 percent of the North American pet insurance market. Pet insurance revenue in North America totaled $354 million in 2009, up from $310 million in 2008, according to a Packaged Facts estimate.  The emergence of a global consumer products conglomerate of Nestlé's size in the pet insurance market is a sign of the market's strength and growth potential, Lummis said.  "Nestlé Purina is a very cautious, conservative company, and they really look before they leap," he said.


Its rivals include pet retailer PetCo and the financial services division of grocery chain Kroger. There's speculation that Wal-Mart will introduce a pet insurance product at its Canadian stores this year.


"I think that the tipping point will be when big retailers get into it, and we're right on the verge with retailers exploring it," said Kristen Lynch, executive director of the nonprofit North American Pet Health Insurance Association, whose members include pet insurance providers.


PRICE SHOCK


Monthly pet insurance premiums can start at around $10 but can exceed $100 for some older dogs. Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded, and pet owners are reimbursed after submitting claims.  Providers' policies vary. Some of the higher-end preventive plans cover heartworm and flea medications in addition to vaccines and annual exams. Some of the lower-cost plans just provide coverage for unexpected accidents and illnesses.


A $1,180 vet bill for a dog's broken leg under VPI's Super Plan, for example, will reimburse the pet owner $1,002. With a lower monthly payment, VPI will reimburse $626 of the vet's bill.


Nestlé Purina tweaked its offerings last year to include a plan that allows pet owners to pay lower premiums in exchange for bearing a higher percentage of the bill, between 30 percent and 40 percent of eligible expenses.


Despite the cost, more pet owners are taking out insurance policies to avoid price shock at the vet's office.


"Nobody's expecting a big pet bill, and then all of a sudden, they have a big problem like a car accident (involving the pet) or illness," said Dr. Wayne Hause, a veterinarian in Bridgeton who specializes in clinical oncology and neurology.  Visits to his office start at $120 but can quickly add up to several thousand dollars when multiple procedures are performed. More people are coming to his practice with pet insurance policies, although pets covered with insurance still total less than 10 percent of his clients, he said.  "The people that walk in with pet insurance are much happier, because they can take the financial aspect out of decisions relating to their pets," Hause said.


Dr. Noelle Miles, a veterinarian in Millstadt and president of the Greater St. Louis Veterinary Medical Association, said treatment for some chronic diseases such as cancer can cost pet owners more than $300 a month. Many pet owners are willing to pay the cost, with or without insurance.


Consumer Reports' Money Adviser newsletter published an article last fall with an analysis of four pet health insurers — VPI, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, 24PetWatch QuickCare and Trupanion — and concluded that for generally healthy animals, pet insurance isn't worth the cost. For most owners, establishing an emergency fund for unexpected pet bills is a better choice.


Still, for young pets that develop a chronic condition or illness after the policy is in place, having the policies paid off, according to the report.  "The main thing is, whenever you're shopping for those plans, it's important to look very carefully at the fine print and look at all of the exceptions," said Tobie Stanger, a Consumer Reports senior editor and author of the report.


For Brown, who paid several thousand dollars out-of-pocket for vet bills, the peace of mind in knowing she won't face unexpected veterinary expenses is worth the price of a monthly premium.


"I like that it pays for shots, and when Caramel did need to seek treatment for a dog bite, I was reimbursed promptly," she said.

This article from: http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/article_620b5930-ada0-58fe-8c6d-b5be86f98aed.html

Not only is pet health insurance becoming more popular with pet owners, it is also becoming a more popular offering by many companies as an employee benefit.

More companies offering workers chance to insure animals

With the bill for veterinary care of dogs, cats and other household animals growing, more companies are offering pet insurance as an employee benefit or discounted perk.



Veterinary Pet Insurance, the largest provider of pet insurance in the U.S., said that in 2010 it added almost 400 large companies and associations to its list of 2,200 groups that offer pet insurance as a voluntary employee benefit.


Among those now offering voluntary pet insurance to employees is Menomonee Falls-based Kohl's Corp (Wisconsin).


"Five years ago, the group channel represented 12% of business," said VPI spokesman Grant Biniasz. "Today, the group channel represents 21% of business."


The American Pet Products Association Inc. projects that pet owners will spend $12.2 billion on veterinary care in 2011. That is up from $11 billion last year and $8.2 billion five years ago.


The rising tab for vet care hits consumers directly in the pocketbook unless they have insurance to cover part of the cost the way health insurance does for humans.


"Veterinary costs are growing faster than inflation and people are aware of that," said Chris Middleton, director of sales and marketing for Pets Best Insurance. "The sophistication of veterinary medicine is growing. Caught early enough, a dog or cat with cancer - if you have the resources to take it to the vet and get appropriate treatment - stands a really good chance of having a normal life span."


Some companies offer pet insurance to employees as a voluntary benefit that includes a payroll deduction. In the case of VPI, the premiums for the employee are 5% lower than if he or she had purchased the policy independently, Biniasz said. The group insurance discount is higher for people with multiple pets who enroll through an employer.


"The average monthly premium for a dog will be between $30 and $40 a month," Biniasz said. "This may be lower for a young dog with a high deductible, or higher for an older dog with a low deductible, but the majority of policyholders fall within this range."


Cats, on average, cost $20 to $30 a month to insure, he said.


Employee perk


Some companies offer pet insurance as a discounted employee perk, similar to the way they would offer a group discount for membership in a health club or to buy merchandise from particular retailers. The monthly premium is paid directly to the insurer via the employee's credit or debit card.


That's how most PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance policies have been offered to workers.


"In most cases, it is a 5% discount if they enroll one pet, 10% if they enroll two pets or more," said David Goodnight, president and chief operating officer of PurinaCare.


According to the American Pet Products Association, cat owners spent an average of $423 on surgical veterinary visits last year, up from $278 in 2008. Dog surgery costs roughly the same on average, but can be expensive depending on the problem.


In one claim example cited by PurinaCare, the cost of surgery and care to a 4-year-old mixed breed dog that tore her anterior cruciate ligament amounted to $1,433, of which about $946 was covered by insurance.


Employers who offer pet insurance as an employee benefit or discounted perk do it for a variety of reasons.


"Companies usually add VPI pet insurance to their benefits package because employees have requested the benefit and/or a human resources executive has been exposed to the benefit through advertising or at a trade show and thinks it would be a good fit for his or her company," Biniasz said.


Said PurinaCare's Goodnight: "We have found that more and more companies are offering it as a means to provide as many benefits as possible to their employees while still controlling costs. Pet insurance allows them to offer a benefit at virtually no cost to the organization."


Know what's covered


The American Veterinary Medical Association said pet insurance is increasing and welcomed by the profession.


"It certainly is growing in popularity, and we do endorse the concept of pet health insurance, most notably because it does defray the cost of some veterinary care," said spokesman David Kirkpatrick. "If consumers/pet owners have an opportunity to improve the health of their pet while also saving money, that certainly is a good thing and can translate into doing what they have to do to make sure that their pets stay healthy."


But he added that "pet owners really need to do their homework to find out what the different companies and policies offer and don't offer."


"The health insurance program, we feel, should honor the veterinarian-client relationship," Kirkpatrick said. "In other words, let the veterinarian and the client make the calls as far as what types of treatments the animal needs. We haven't heard issues related to that, but that certainly is one of our primary concerns."


Overall nationwide, pet insurance for dogs has been growing, but there still are a lot without insurance, according to the American Pet Products Association pet owner survey. Last year, 4% of dogs - about 3.1 million - had health insurance, up from 1% in 1998. But only 1% of cats, or 800,000, were insured - the same percentage as in 1998.

This information from: http://www.jsonline.com/business/121472104.html
 
For another point of view on the subject of pet health insurance and whether it benefits the pet owner as well as the veterinarian, consider this opinion from "The Irreverent Veterinarian":

Pet insurance – is it a good thing or a bad thing?

I believe pet insurance is a good thing for pet owners at this time. And I say "at this time" because that may not always be the case. I don't have a crystal ball to see into the future, so it's safe to say I can't predict how the pet insurance industry may change in the future.


Before I go any further, let me introduce myself for those of you that don't know me. I'm the Irreverent Veterinarian. I speak my mind and give you my honest opinion. I won't sweet-talk you or sugarcoat the truth. I tell it like it is – to you, the drug companies, the pet product manufacturers, professional breeders and pet owners. Some might say that I'm truthful to a fault. Some of the pet owners, drug companies, pet product manufacturers and breeders who read my columns get really angry. It is hard hearing the truth.


So back to the topic of "insurance".
In many ways – human health insurance companies have nearly ruined human medicine. The question is – will pet insurance change the practice of veterinary medicine?  I know several physicians that hate their jobs – and it has everything to do with HMO's and insurance companies. And many people who have health insurance agree that it is less than ideal. Insurance companies have gone as far as dictating the care a patient receives for a given condition. This has caused frustration amongst human medical staff and reduced quality of care (in the opinions of many). Instead of doing what is BEST – physicians find themselves doing what is covered. Instead of taking their time with a patient – the insurance coverage per exam is so low – they are forced to see many patients in an hour.

So there are really two questions.  First - is insurance good for pets and vets? At this time, I believe that pet insurance is a good thing and that this will continue to be the case, at least for the next several years. So if you have pet insurance, or if you're thinking about getting pet insurance – don't worry.


Second – is insurance good for the veterinary profession. This is what I'm not sure about.


Every February there is a large veterinary continuing education meeting in Las Vegas called the Western Veterinary Conference. It is a very good and big meeting that veterinarians and veterinary support staff attend to learn what's new in veterinary medicine and practice management.  At the last meeting, there was an open forum and discussion about insurance and that discussion led to speculation about what pet insurance could do to the profession of veterinary medicine.  Many old school veterinarians have been VERY reluctant to sign up with insurance – as they have seen the bad changes that have occurred in human medicine.


So the real question is – is there a chance that the veterinary profession could one day find themselves under the control of insurance companies as human physicians are now? There is. But it is not even close – years and years away as far as we can tell.  This is a concern amongst veterinarians. But right now this is definitely not the case. Insurance companies do not currently dictate how veterinary cases are managed.


My Final Thoughts on Pet Insurance


Nobody knows what the future will hold, but the pet insurance industry, as it exists today, is a good thing. It gives pet owners the ability to provide the veterinary care their pets needs. And many pet insurance companies allow the pet to be treated by any veterinarian their owners choose. There is no approved "network". So you can continue to see your current vet and your pet insurance will help pay for your pet's treatment. In many cases, pet insurance even covers well care visits and vaccinations to help keep your pets healthy.

Irreverent Veterinarian's opinions come from: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/pet-insurance-good-or-bad-for-the-veterinary-profession-the-irreverent-vet-speaks-out/page1.aspx?utm_source=dogcrazynews001et&utm_medium=email&utm_content=petplace_article&utm_campaign=dailynewsletter

Now that we have pretty well covered pet health insurance, there is another area of insurance consideration that is becoming more important, almost by the day.  That would be liability insurance for any injury caused by one of your pets.  Since most of these claims are related to dog bites, it would be appropriate at this time to remind all of you that this coming week, May 15-21, has been proclaimed National Dog Bite Prevention Week by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the U. S. Postal Service.  Helpful Buckeye will cover this aspect of pet insurance in more detail in next week's issue.

SPORTS NEWS

The LA Dodgers are playing as if they are not responsible to anyone, least of all their owner.  They're all just putting in their day at the office.

The NBA playoffs have advanced to the conference finals.  Of the teams remaining, Helpful Buckeye only has any interest in the Dallas Mavericks.  If they can beat Oklahoma City, they would take on the winner of the Chicago/Miami series for the championship.  Also, the owner of the Mavericks, Mark Cuban, has been mentioned as a possible buyer of the Dodgers franchise.  That would be a positive for the Dodgers because he would plan on putting a winning team on the field.

PERSONAL STUFF

Don't look now, but tomorrow, May 16th, is the 3rd birthday for Questions On Dogs and Cats!  How quickly those 3 years have gone by!  How many years would that be in "dog years?"  Helpful Buckeye has really enjoyed the production of each weekly issue (159 of them) and it looks like I'm ready to sign on for at least another year.  Thanks to all of our readers who have been with us from the beginning and to those who have jumped on along the way.  Many of you have sent e-mails with very interesting and thought-provoking questions...thanks for those contributions!  Remember, you can always contact Helpful Buckeye at: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com

Helpful Buckeye and Desperado are going out "into the field" this week to do a little research into the vital statistics involved in the first event of Helpful Buckeye's Quadathlon 2011.  Once this information gets configured into my database, I'll be ready to take on that first event.

Helpful Buckeye came across this interesting bit of trivia this week: "What is the only other animal, besides humans, that can contract leprosy?"  I'll give you 2 hints...it's a mammal and, if you've ever seen one, it was probably dead.  Send your answer to helpful Buckeye at: dogcatvethelp@gmail.com

Be back here next week for the start of our 4th year....

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~