Most Americans remember to brush their teeth regularly. Their pets’ pearly whites, however, don’t always get the same kind of attention. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so why not schedule a check up for both of you?

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From floral arrangements to fall feast, the dangers posed to pets around Thanksgiving are as bountiful as the bread stuffing. Even though it is a time for giving thanks for family, friends and four-legged companions, there are a few things every pet owners needs to be aware of, look out for and avoid – no matter how much the pets purr or paw.

In general, pets’ stomachs are not accustomed to handle the heavy seasoning we use to cook and prepare our foods. Raw or undercooked turkey may contain salmonella bacteria and fat trimmings or very fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis in dogs and cats. Even if it is just a scrap from the table, it may be enough to cause an upset stomach in our pets, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea.

Some of the foods commonly found on the Thanksgiving menu are toxic to pets and may result in pet owners giving thanks to a veterinarian rather than for passing the cranberries.

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Georgia Roose struggled over buying insurance for her adopted Border Collie, Bella. Most things she read said if you could afford to pay for the treatments and money was not a problem then pet health insurance was not for you. Georgia’s previous dog, Anni, was 13 when she died. It wasn’t until the last year of Anni’s life did the veterinary bills start adding up as Anni battled cancer. When Georgia adopted Bella in 2009, she couldn’t help but wonder ‘what if’.

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A few months back I talked about the terrible skin issues my little girls were having. Well, its back. But, just on Maizie this time. It is either a skin allergy or premature balding. I don’t know which I would rather her have.

I noticed it a couple weeks ago, the small hairless patch in between her shoulder blades. I didn’t think anything of it, I actually just thought it was where Marleigh pulled some of her hair out during a wresting match. It didn’t seem to be bothering Maizie, so it wasn’t bothering me.

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Summer is a time to enjoy soaking up the sun with your family, two and four-legged. The warmer weather is when our pets are busy exploring the great outdoors and when some parasites become especially active.

You don’t have to take your pet hiking, camping or even through the woods to expose them to fleas. Anywhere animals come into contact with each other – boarding facilities, pet daycare, the park or in your backyard – you can find fleas. They jump on pets and then take a free ride inside where they quickly make your carpet and furniture home.

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In the aftermath of a tragedy, finding a sense of normalcy can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Especially when in addition to the scattered belongings, a friend, family member or loved one is no where to be found. That is where Ronnie Rhodes and Saibra come in.

Ronnie and Saibra, a German Shepherd Dog, are a Virginia State Certified Search and Rescue Dog Team. Their job is to search for lost persons such as kids, Alzheimer and dementia subjects, mentally challenged, hikers and hunters across the Mid-Atlantic region. With this very active working life and the possibility for injury, Ronnie felt it was imperative to have insurance for Saibra. Choosing PurinaCare was one of the best decisions Ronnie says he ever made.

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For April's Claim of the Month, I want to share a very common situation many pet owners are finding themselves in. Elizabeth Martin, like most pet owners, was no stranger to the rising cost of veterinary care. About 10 years ago, her Golden Retriever, Cessna, had to have Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery, a procedure that carried a $3,000 price tag. At the time, it was a price she was willing, and able, to pay.

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There may be no greater fear for a pet owner than the thought of their little furry loved one lost in the big, scary world. This week is the American Humane Association's National Pet Identification Week. Pet identification has evolved over the years, from collar tags to tattoos and, more recently, implanted microchips.

Continue Reading "This seasons hottest accessories: tags, tattoos and chips" »

There is no doubt that Spring has sprung. As a pet owner, I am sure you can tell by your pet’s sudden craving to be outside, active – and inquisitive. When the weather is nice, our pet’s have a natural tendency to want to explore. Even predominately indoor pets will become more active and more eager to play.

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This week many of the posts on the blog have discussed hidden household hazards for our pets. Some household poisons, like rodenticides, insecticides and household cleaners, are more obvious due to the danger they pose to humans as well. However, some of the things pet owners love the most can be potentially fatal for our four-legged vacuums.

Continue Reading "The Dark Side of Chocolate" »