PetFirst Healthcare

Smarty Paws! How smart is your breed?

- Posted May 7th, 2010 — No Comments

It would seem fairly obvious that not all dogs are created equal. They come in such a variety of shapes, sizes, abilities and temperaments, from the itty-bitty teacup yorkshire terrier to the frightful and massive Irish Wolfhound! 163 breeds in all are officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. It’s easy to use these differences and traits to choose a companion to bring into your family, but mama always told me not to judge by outward appearances alone! What about what makes a particular dog tick? Have you ever wondered what goes on behind your puppy dog’s big brown eyes?

One particular researcher, Stanley Coren, PhD, set out to gain a little insight in this area. He believed that dog breeds vary consistently by intelligence. In other words, some breeds are smarter than others. In order to prove it, he surveyed hundreds of professional trainers for both their expert opinions and quantifiable data in two areas: How many times a trainer must repeat a command for a dog to learn it, and the % likelihood that once learned, the dog will perform the task on the first command given. The survey covers 80 breeds. We thought you would be interested to know the results:

Brightest Dogs

Understanding of New Commands: Fewer than 5 repetitions.
Obey First Command: 95% of the time or better.

Excellent Working Dogs

Understanding of New Commands: 5 to 15 repetitions.
Obey First Command: 85% of the time or better.

Above Average Working Dogs

Understanding of New Commands: 15 to 25 repetitions.
Obey First Command: 70% of the time or better

Average Working/Obedience Intelligence

Understanding of New Commands: 25 to 40 repetitions.
Obey First Command: 50% of the time or better.

Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence

Obey First Command: 30% of the time or better.

Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence

Understanding of New Commands: 80 to 100 repetitions or more.
Obey First Command: 25% of the time or worse.

The thing to note about this study is that it is weighted heavily toward obedience, but not necessarily ingenuity and understanding of the dog’s situations and environment. This could technically mean that a beagle knows exactly what you’re asking it to do but is stubborn or perhaps simply unconvinced (I’ve known some beagles…)! What do you think? Do you own a dog that bucks the trend? Tell us why in comments.

For more on the subject, check out Dr. Coren’s book, The Intelligence of Dogs.

Celebrating Family on National Kids & Pets Day

- Posted April 26th, 2010 — No Comments

Family Budgeting

When we welcome pets into our homes, one thing is for sure: they quickly become part of our families. Instead of human kids, many PetFirst members have furry kids (you know who you are)! Though the group that perhaps best recognizes the value offered by our pet insurance is families with both human and furry kids. Budgeting can become pretty important with so many mouths to feed, and the most important things our pet insurance products provide are consistency and peace of mind in managing your pet’s healthcare costs. We’re here to make pet-related financial surprises as stress-free as possible. That means we never want you to face a sudden situation in which you have to choose between the life and health of your pet, and bills and groceries. There’s a plan to fit your budget here. Check it out!

“A Boy and His Dog”

Parents with both children and pets will agree it’s undeniable: kids and pets form an incredible and special bond. Especially from a young age, dogs in particular can become attached to, and even protective of young children. And that bond that begins early can last a lifetime, the strength of which is portrayed in literature and pop culture in children’s stories like Shiloh, Where the Red Fern Grows, and Old Yeller. If you’re looking for a new family member who can bring that kind of love to your home, check out www.petfinder.com, and also read our helpful tips for which breeds are best with children, here.

If you’ve got kids that might be newer to the family than your dog, you’ll want to make sure everyone gets along great. Read all about good HUMAN behavior for kids to engage in around dogs. You’ll be making a great investment in love and family.

Tell Us About Your Family!

If you’ve got stories to share about a loving bond between your kids and pets, we would love to hear them! Share them below in comments, or post stories, pictures, or video on our Facebook page!

“Spork the Vicious?”

- Posted April 21st, 2010 — 3 Comments

Does he look vicious to you? This 10 year old miniature dachshund did to Lafayette, CO officials who cited him as such, a legal designation that typically leads to the “kenneling” or destruction of dogs who are deemed to be a danger to the community!

Is Spork really vicious?

During an unusually high-stress visit to the Vet, little Spork, apparently in a state of extreme agitation and fear caused by a chaotic environment, bit a vet tech in the face when she leaned in to greet him.

While Colorado state law prevents bites involving veterinary professionals from being considered toward vicious dog status, interestingly Lafayette city statute does not. The vet tech was so traumatized by the bite (multiple plastic surgeries, having lost chunks of her lips) that she felt it was necessary to pursue this designation for spork in order to protect the community. Spork’s owners, the Walker family, were shocked to receive the citation.

Soon after, local media picked up the story and put the spotlight on Jasper Animal Hospital in Lafayette. The result was an immediate perception of a poor, persecuted pooch. Inevitably, the tale found its way to the internet and quickly went viral. People were lighting up comment posts, enraged that the hospital had apparently, in retaliation, targeted Spork for a cruel fate, while others argued that the Vet tech had suffered more than enough. As the battle raged, the Walkers began their own campaign to save Spork using the sheer power of social media. They needed a way to show the courts that their community supported Spork, and they certainly found one as their facebook group, Save Spork grew to over 25,000 members strong! The support seemed overwhelmingly in their favor.

And the judge did not turn a blind eye to this pouring out of support. The ruling was made, after much legal sparring on both sides, that with six months good behavior (no more biting), Spork’s name would be cleared. ‘Atta boy, Spork!

But what do you think? Was the vet tech justified in seeking this designation for Spork? Did Spork do anything wrong?

For more on the story, visit this local article that includes an interview with the vet tech. You might change your mind!

Homeward Bound, thanks to HomeAgain

- Posted April 15th, 2010 — No Comments

Too many pet owners know firsthand the pain and anxiety of a lost pet. Not knowing whether your family will ever see your pet again, hearts jumping every time the phone rings, fliers written in crayon adorning telephone poles for weeks and weeks — it’s all too familiar. It’s more than enough that we should realize that losing a beloved pet is a serious reality. In fact, on average, 1 in 3 pets will become lost in their lifetime! Of course if it were up to us, we would never allow such a fate to befall our furry friends. But it isn’t always in our hands. It’s for that reason that we at PetFirst are proud to partner with HomeAgain, pet microchip experts.

Having your pet microchipped allows any vet or shelter to instantly recognize who your pet is and who he or she belongs to, even without a collar or tags. But HomeAgain goes a step further. They’ve teamed up with PetFirst to offer Lost Pet Medical Insurance, adding a little extra peace of mind to the greatly increased chances that your pet will be returned to you. With Lost Pet Medical Insurance, if your pet is injured or becomes ill while lost, then PetFirst will cover up to $3000 in veterinary costs. We never want you to have to worry about cost if you find your pet in distress.

Lucky for Maggie, her owners didn’t delay. It is hard to imagine but little Maggie the Boston Terrier was actually stolen (Pet Theft is a growing problem in America, but is fortunately covered by Lost Pet Medical the same as wandering away from home)! How and why she was taken, we don’t know. But we do know that she managed to escape and embark on a harrowing journey home sometime during a period of 8 whole weeks!

Piedmont Triad Omnium Crit 26 by Team Traveller.

Photo Credit: Team Traveller

Maggie returned home a very distressed doggie. Her owners found her limping with multiple scrapes and bruises, and road rash suggesting she’d had a run-in with a car! Her mom and dad were able to whisk her to the vet without thinking twice. Thanks to their quick action, this story has a happy ending. After a big vet bill for such a little dog, this is the outcome:

Total bill for Maggie’s X-rays,
Blood work, Analysis and Meds: $523.21

PetFirst Coverage Level: 100%

Deductible Applied: $50

Paid by PetFirst: $473.21

Return from Hiatus & One Eyebrow-raising Claim!

- Posted April 15th, 2010 — No Comments

Gentle Readers, we are excited to announce that after a brief period of inactivity here on the PetFirst blog, we have returned, ready to share more with you in the pet community than ever before! So stay tuned to this page for some of the things we’re planning to serve up fresh on a weekly basis:

Plenty of tips for healthy pet lifestyles
News and intrigue from the world of pets, vets and pet insurance
True tales and testimonials from lots of satisfied PetFirst members
Last but not least, Fun!

Our goal is to have fun writing this blog, and we wouldn’t expect you to read it if it wasn’t fun! That said, allow us to share with you an interesting little claim that caught our eye this week…

Bo is a young bullmastiff pup (who looks something like the photo below) hailing from Las Vegas, NV, who has wasted no time in getting into trouble. At only 16 weeks old, his new mom noticed a sudden decrease in his overall energy and attitude, and then a little vomiting, so she made the right call to take Bo to the vet. The vet examined him and performed an x-ray but didn’t find any red flags at first. So Bo was sent home with some tummy meds and a watchful mom.

But mom didn’t have to wait long before Bo, er… “gave up” his secret: the poor little guy had ingested no less than 4 thongs! And we’re not talkin’ sandals, people! I suppose you could say it’s a good thing that what happens in Bo does not stay in Bo

.

367983349 c251f4e763 Return from Hiatus & One Eyebrow raising Claim!

Total bill for Bo’s X-rays and Medication: $277.87

PetFirst Coverage Level: 100%

Deductible Applied: $50

Paid by PetFirst: $227.87

Photo credit: Rob and Stephanie Levy

Holiday Gifts for Your Pets

- Posted November 12th, 2009 — No Comments

The holidays are just around the corner, and many of us are saving a special spot under the tree for pet toys. There are many toys to choose from, so these guidelines may help you to narrow down your list.

· Playtime isn’t just about fun and games for pets. Besides relieving the boredom that may come from being left at home while their parents are at work, playing with toys and exercising is also important for their health. Specifically, active pets are less likely to have behavioral problems, obesity and joint problems. Toys that your pets can enjoy while you are away will keep them occupied, and more importantly, keep them out of trouble!

· Keep in mind that toys are meant to be fun, not dangerous. Plastic eyes, strings or bells will most likely be ripped off and swallowed at some point, and although your cat may be intrigued by the sound of a plastic bag, they are not safe for play. Rawhide chews can cause major problems if ingested, so it’s best to only give these to your dog under supervision. Using common sense will go a long way to prevent potential problems with pet toys.

· Getting involved in your pets’ playtime is good for you and your pet. A game of fetch with your dog can be great exercise and reduce stress, and it can be very entertaining to watch cats follow their natural instincts when a toy mouse is introduced! Making time to give your pet the love and attention they need is the best gift you can give to them.

So, when you’re doing your holiday shopping this year for the rest of your family, don’t forget to buy some toys for your furry friends!

Halloween Dangers

- Posted October 28th, 2009 — No Comments

Dogs, cats and birds can get in trouble eating trick or treat offerings, exploring decorations and fleeing from ghouls. Beware of the following treats that can turn your Halloween into a real-life nightmare:

1. Diet treats: It may seem like a nice health-conscious idea to offer sugar-free candy, gum and cookies flavored with Xylitol, but don’t. And be sure to check your child’s bag for such treats and make sure they’re out of your pets’ reach. Xylitol can cause a radical drop in blood pressure, liver damage and death, and it doesn’t take that much. A 22-pound dog that eats just one gram of Xylitol needs veterinary treatment. Its effects in cats and birds have not been reported, but don’t be the one to find out.

2. Chocolate: Chocolate, especially dark and baker’s chocolate, contains theobromine. Theobromine has a small stimulant effect on humans, but a huge one on dogs, causing shaking, seizures, increased heart rate and death. Milk chocolate has approximately 44 mg of theobromine per ounce, semisweet chocolate about 150 mg per ounce, and baker’s chocolate about 390 mg per ounce. A lethal dose for dogs is considered about 50 to 100 mg per pound; cats and birds are even more sensitive, but tend to have less of a taste for chocolate.

3. Raisins and grapes: Some dogs appear to be able to eat raisins and grapes with no ill effects, but in other dogs, they can cause kidney failure and death. The reason isn’t understood, but as little as 0.3 ounces of grapes per pound and 0.05 ounces of raisins per pound have caused kidney failure. In other words, a 50-pound dog could be poisoned by eating two ounces of raisins. A few cases have been reported in cats, probably because cats aren’t big grape and raisin eaters. Birds appear to be unaffected.

4. Macadamia Nuts: You probably won’t get too many of these in the treat bag, but you never know, and if you do, you don’t want your pet eating them. They’ve been known to cause vomiting, diarrhea, hind-leg weakness and temporary paralysis. No reports of macadamia poisoning with cats exist. Birds can eat the nuts without problem.

5. Pennies: You spend enough on your pet without feeding him money, but pennies can be the most expensive money he eats. Some people give out coins instead of candy, and some dogs will eat anything. The problem with eating pennies is that they are made of 99 percent zinc, and when the penny sits in the dog’s stomach, the zinc is dissolved and enters the bloodstream, where it causes severe anemia and kidney problems.

6. Foil wraps: Those shiny wraps around some candies can cause intestinal problems, and are particularly dangerous to birds, which may be attracted to them.

7. Scary visitors: Nobody told your pet that those costumes are all in good fun. He could be frightened and try to flee, or if he’s the protective canine type, he could bite trick-or-treaters. It’s best to keep him in a secure room away from the door during peak hours.

8. Jack O’Lanterns and candles: Flames can burn your curious pet or containers could be knocked over, starting a fire. Birds are especially endangered by Jack O’Lanterns that they can fly into, and perhaps get stuck inside.

9. Electrical cords: Those cords snaking all over the place to power all those special effects can be tempting to chew. And then zap! Keep them out of pets’ reach!

10. Artificial spider webs: What sense does it make to clean your house and then hang spider webs all over the place? If you have birds they can become entangled in them or even eat them, causing intestinal problems. Just leave the real ones up.

11. Polyurethane Glue: Often used when making homemade decorations, dogs in particular have been known to eat it. Once in the stomach, it absorbs moisture and expands into a huge rock-like mass that may need to be removed surgically.

12. Costumes: It’s fun to dress up your pet in his very own costume, but don’t let him wear it unsupervised. Chances are he’s not thrilled with your fashion statement, and he can knock things over trying to rub it off, or he could get tangled in it or eat it, in some cases choking. Be sure no rubber bands are left on him when the outfit comes off. Birds should not be part of your pirate costume, either. It’s too easy for them to get frightened and injured.

13. Sinister humans: Bad people pose the most frightening threat of all. In the weeks before Halloween, some steal animals, particularly black cats, so they can use them in rituals in which the animals are sacrificed or tortured. Take special precautions to safeguard your pet from thieves during this time. And while you should never let your pet roam, you should particularly not let him roam on Halloween.

Age is Just a Number

- Posted August 18th, 2009 — 2 Comments

Many pet owners would agree that we grow to love our pets more with each passing year. As they are an integral part of our families, we want to ensure an excellent quality of life for them as they age.

The most important thing you can do for your aging pet is make sure they get regular veterinary exams. Early detection of common diseases like diabetes, arthritis and cancer can make a huge difference in the toll they take on your pet’s overall health. Another way to prevent health problems is to make sure your pet isn’t overweight and gets enough exercise. Dogs especially are apt to gain weight as their activity level decreases. Daily walks and playing with your pet are great ways to keep them active. Also, dental cleanings and exams should not be neglected. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, 70% of older cats and 80% of older dogs have gum disease. This causes bad breath as well as other health problems.

Veterinary medicine has made many advances in recent years to combat common aliments afflicting senior pets. With new treatments for cataracts, heart disease and more, pets are able to live healthier, happier lives.

Caring for a senior pet can be expensive, so check out PetFirst’s Senior coverage for savings!

June is Adopt-A-Cat Month

- Posted June 23rd, 2009 — No Comments

According to the American Humane Association, approximately 4 million cats end up in animal shelters every year in the United States. If your family could use one more addition, consider adopting a cat from your local shelter. You’ll not only be saving a life, you’ll be enriching your own as well.

People of any age can benefit from owning a cat. Taking care of a cat is an easy way to teach young children responsibility, while cats also make wonderful companions for the elderly. The companionship of a cat can ease feelings of stress and even decrease blood pressure. Compared with dogs, cats require very little care. They bathe themselves, entertain themselves and don’t take up much space. Shelter cats are usually trained to use a litter box, so virtually no housebreaking is needed.

After you’ve adopted your new feline friend, the veterinarian’s office should be your next stop. Some shelters spay or neuter animals as part of the adoption process, but if this isn’t the case your vet can perform this procedure during your first visit. They can also install a microchip that could identify your cat if it ever gets lost. Groom your pet often and clean food and water bowels daily. Most importantly, set aside time each day to give your cat the love and attention it needs.

To find an adoptable cat near you, visit www.petfinder.com.

Common Household Dangers

- Posted June 8th, 2009 — No Comments

There are many potential hazards for our pets around the house. Please review the following list of dangerous household items and make the necessary changes in your home to keep your pets safe.

Chemicals

Cleaning products containing phenol (Pine-Sol and Lysol) are especially toxic to cats. When ingested, they can cause muscle twitches, coma and respiratory distress. De-icing salts are not only toxic when ingested, but they are paw irritants as well. Also, anti-freeze containing ethylene glycol is extremely poisonous. Symptoms include panting, vomiting and convulsions. Look for anti-freeze with propylene glycol as a safer alternative. All chemicals should be stored so that pets can’t open them or tip them over. If a spill occurs, be sure to clean it thoroughly according to the instructions on the label. If you suspect poisoning, contact your vet immediately.

Human Food and Medication

Foods that should never be given to pets include chocolate, onions and grapes. Even a small amount of chocolate can cause excitability, tremors and even seizures. Onions can cause anemia, and grapes are known to cause kidney failure in dogs. Leftovers that contain bones are a choking hazard and can puncture the stomach or intestines if ingested, so be sure to discard them. Pain killers, cold medicines and diet pills are dangerous for animals and should be kept sealed and stored in a cabinet or on a shelf away from pets.

Plants

There are several plant varieties that are toxic to dogs and cats. For a list of toxic plants visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/. Plants should be kept out of reach, and if you believe your pet is having a reaction to a plant, see a vet immediately.

Objects

Rubber bands, string and yarn can cause strangulation and should be kept off the floor at all times. Also, small toys and rawhide chews can pose a choking hazard, so allow your pets to have these only when under supervision. Electric cords should be kept hidden or covered so that a curious dog or cat can’t chew through them.

Taking steps to “pet-proof” your home is the best way to prevent accidents and emergency trips to the vet.

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