Pet Health Plan Prevention Of Bichon Frise's And AIHA Disease

Bichon Frises are one of the cutest dog breeds in the world, I know because I have had four of them! Our first dog Rikki was always in perfect health and so were the two following after him. However, in 2006 when we got a puppy who we named Tank, he got really sick at just 5 months old. We did everything we possibly could do to keep him from getting worse, but it simply was not in the cards for the little guy. He was diagnosed as having AIHA or autoimmune hemolytic anemia which is a disease popular in this breed.



This disease causes symptoms such as loss of energy, lack of appetite, vomiting and unfortunately death as we well know. Tank passed away not too long after he was diagnosed with this horrible disease after which we spent about $10,000 trying to keep him alive. When we visited the animal hospital at first to take him in for a check up, the vet kept trying to tell us how important a pet health plan was, but because he was already sick pet health plan simply could not be incorporated into his life.

What we didn't know back then that there are pet healthcare plans that CAN help your pet, and help you receive a veterinary discount, without checking pre-existing condition, for a very low price. This is the reason we now get ALL of our animals on Pet Assure's pet health plan. Maybe if we had Tank on one, he wouldn't be missing in our lives today.

The Pet Healthcare Tip of the Day: Understanding Cataracts

Like people, dogs are at risk for developing cataracts, formations that can severely impair their vision. A cataract develops when the protein and cells of the lens (located behind the pupil) start to break down, resulting in a “cloudy” look in the eyes and an inhibited ability to perceive light.

Cataracts are commonly inherited conditions, and certain breeds are at a greater risk than others, such as Poodles, Boston and Silky Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels. The disease might also develop as a result of another eye condition, like glaucoma or uveitis, or as a congenital defect. Cataracts frequently form in older dogs, but they are not always severe enough to warrant surgical intervention.

If your dog’s vision is seriously impaired, you may consider finding a discount vet to perform cataracts surgery. In pet healthcare, cataracts surgery is a common procedure with a high success rate. The doctor will use a machine to generate sound-waves that deteriorate the lens. He or she will then remove the lens and apply a synthetic one in its place.

To avoid cataracts, doctors recommend feeding your dog natural antioxidants or considering the hereditary conditions of both parents before breeding.

Today’s Pet Healthcare Tips: Prevent Plaque and Periodontal Disease

When my family and I took home a Yorkshire Terrier about ten years ago, I learned from my discount vet about the breed’s increased risk of periodontal disease, an irreversible disorder that causes painful inflammation of the gums and loose or even missing teeth. All dogs are at some risk for periodontal disease, but small dogs are particularly vulnerable, as their tiny mouths mean their teeth are more closely packed together, making it easier for plaque to accumulate.

To protect my Yorkie, I brush her teeth at least once a week with special dog toothpaste (baking soda also works) and feed her a diet of mostly hard kibbles, which are less likely to build up around her teeth. I bought her some rubber chew toys too, which are a fun way for her to clean her teeth herself.

Without proper care, your pet’s plaque buildup can mineralize to tartar in as little as three to five days. If the tartar gets really out of control, it eventually accumulates under the gums, which is when periodontal disease develops.

Even with excellent pet healthcare, it’s often better to stop a problem before it starts.

Pet Healthcare Tips: How to Treat your Dog's Allergies

Just like us humans, dogs have allergies too… Many pet care-takers often notice that their dogs have all sorts of allergic reactions but luckily, most of the times these are just simple cases that involve sneezing, bumps on the skin or rashes.

Dogs can show allergic reactions to all kinds of substances including stings, different plants, foods and medications.

My wife suffers from severe allergies and so far they did not find a cure for her. Same goes with dogs. Allergies can not disappear due to any kind of medication, but there are several types of treatments that can help ease the problem.

Pet care-takers can use all sorts of natural treatments including specialty shampoos or essential oils, or try the more common drug and medication therapy. The best thing to do is to check your options with your pet’s veterinarian.

Just so you know, there are many researches though that suggested that about third of all dog allergies are caused by foods. So a good idea would be to try and use a different brand for a while and see if things get better.

If you need more info and tips about your pet's health and pet healthcare plan, please visit us at www.PetAssure.com or give us a call at 888-789-PETS (7387)

Pet Healthcare Tips: When your cat won't stop scratching

Let’s talk about ears. Cat’s ears. Does your cat scratch its cute little ears too often? Well, your beloved pet might have ear mites. Highly contagious, these tiny annoying parasites nestle in your cats and dogs’ ears and cause intense skin irritation and itching.

It’s normal to see your pet scratch their ears here and there, just like we do. But when the itching and scratching becomes too frequent and sometimes even lead to bleeding and ear trauma, this is a serious pet healthcare issue. You should see a vet before the mites spread to other parts of their body.

Treatment for ear mites will begin with cleaning the ear and ear canal to get all the dirt and wax out of the way. Mites live on and hide behind the wax and if the ears are not properly cleaned the treatment will be less effective.

The pet care taker will probably need to apply antibiotic medication into the pet’s ear canal and use flea control products in order to prevent the spread of dust mites to other parts of the body.



If you need more info and tips about your pet's health and pet healthcare plan, please visit us at www.PetAssure.com or give us a call at 888-789-PETS (7387)