Before deciding whether or not you should get a puppy or young dog, you must realize there are several aspects of dog training behavior to be addressed in order to have a dog you can enjoy and love. Of course house breaking is a major issue, but there is also leash training, bark and bite control, stopping the whining, dealing with urination when the dog becomes excited, and even crate training.

When it comes to house training you need to be able to follow your dog’s cues, take your time, and understand that a dog is learning bladder control just as humans do when potty training. To start house breaking, leave a large area of newspaper in one area of the house. Take the puppy to the papers whenever you notice them sniffing, and if they have an accident, show them and then take them to the paper. Gradually reduce the amount of paper to make the area smaller, and start taking the puppy outside at regular intervals of time to get the puppy used to the idea of going to the door.

For leash training, you’ll want to quickly let the dog know that you are in control of the leash, or the puppy will try to take advantage of the situation. When he or she goes to a place you do not want them to go, make sure to gently pull on the leash and speak the command of your choice. It is important that your dog is leash trained with you in control for outdoor and socialization purposes.

Bark and bite control is essential to the dog and its owner living in harmony. The neighbors would not enjoy a loud dog barking all the time and dogs must learn not to bite everything or everyone they see. Allowing the dog to spend time with other dogs is key in preventing this as the litter mates and pack will show the animal that these behaviors are not the way to act.

When a dog whines, it is perhaps one of the most annoying sounds for a human. Teaching a dog to control this will help for a better, happier, coexistence as the dog ages. It is a problem that needs to be addressed quickly and handled firmly. Trust the dog to be alone and quiet for short periods of time and reward this before leaving him or her alone for any extended period of time. This is because the whining generally is a result of being away from the family.

To stop issues with excitement urination, you’ll want to stop the dog from being overly excited in the first place by continually exposing him or her to things that excite them until they no longer excite them to that point. If you do not and become angry, it will turn into submissive urination, just another issue you’ll have to deal with.

Though some people are against crate training, it does not have to take the negative spin that most people put it under. The crate should be a place the dog enjoys; it should be a home away from home full of things he or she loves and can keep occupied with. It never be a place for punishment.

Having a puppy or any dog that needs behavior training can be very stressful and requires a great deal of commitment and attention. Remember to stay calm and enjoy the puppy rather than to let it bother you. You’ll have a lifelong companion that way.

When a lot of people think of breeding dogs, the first thought that seems to come into everyone’s mind is that of money. There seems to be a lot of money that is being made by dog breeders, especially for those who are into Shih Tzu breeding.

When profit is the bottom line, the Shih Tzu care is often neglected. It is vital to make sure that you are in it for the right reasons, even though the dollar amount you can make is pretty flashy.

If you truly love getting involved with Shih Tzu care and want to help others receive healthy and loved puppies, then you may be on the right path. Sharing your passion and love with others is an excellent reason to get involved with Shih Tzu breeding. When starting out, in order to ease into things, you will want to start out with just one pair of adult Shih Tzu’s in order to be able to place all of your focus and attention on them.

When you finally decide to begin taking steps towards Shih Tzu breeding, it is suggested that you start with parents who are totally healthy and have an excellent temperament. While this is not a promise that their pups will result with the same characteristics, it is worth every effort to help make it happen.

If the adult dogs you intend to breed were just recently brought into your home, you may want to think about keeping them around long enough so that you really get to know them before beginning any breeding.

With the adult dogs, you need to know about the current health of your breeding pair along with any possible health conditions that they suffered in the past. It is extremely important that you begin your breeding with a healthy set of parents in hopes that this will better your chances at getting healthy puppies, although there is never a guarantee. If the adult Shih Tzus in your home are new to your family, consider not breeding them for about a year so you can better evaluate their temperament and health. Before beginning any breeding, make sure your local vet checks them out.

One of the most stressed issues about Shih Tzu breeding is that breeders will not allow the mother dog enough time to recover from her first birthing experience before trying to breed her again. Puppy mills are famous for neglecting their dogs in this manner. Give her the time she needs before trying again and once you have the hang of Shih Tzu care and breeding, you could possibly bring in another female so that the two take turns breeding. This way, you can continue to share the love of Shih Tzu puppies with others but still keep tabs on the mental and physical well being of your dogs.

Once your female Shih Tzu has produced pups, her care does not end there. She still requires healing time both for her mental and physical health. Puppy mills will often turn right around and try to breed that female right away. This is not safe for her or her future pups. Just as humans need time to recover, so do dogs. Understand that Shih Tzu breeding is an emotional journey and do not be alarmed if you notice your female acting distant or protective of her pups. The best thing you can do to prepare yourself is to read as much Shih Tzu information as possible.

All of us have done it. Our cute, little furry friend is practically smiling at us from beneath the kitchen table. Their ears are perked and their tail is waggling. We know what our dog wants. Just a tiny tidbit from dinner would be fabulous, right? What could it hurt? It is just a snack or two after all.

Hold Fido’s ears he will not want to hear this. A dogs diet really should not contain table scraps. People food is just that…for people. A dogs nutritional needs are not the like as a humans. Sure enough, we eat some of the same things, but giving your pet food from the table is one of the largest mistakes for your pet. A dogs diet does not want all the added goodies we add into our meals.

Individuals have often have weight problems like obesity. Well a dog can have this problem also. If your dogs diet involves mostly table scraps, then the chances are that your dog will not keep a healthy weight. Even a a couple of pounds over weight can make a great difference in the quality of health and length of your pets life.

When you have a dog who is not a picky eater, it can be tempting to let your pet be the garbage disposal in your home, but really, this is not a good idea. Certain people foods can harm your dog and should never be a part of your dogs diet. Grapes, for example, have been known to cause serious problems for dogs, even death. Chicken bones and popcorn can also be a problem for your dog. Permitting significant amounts of chocolate can be dangerous in a dogs diet.

A poor diet even shows up out in the yard. When your dogs diet is not at its best, your pets outputs will be bigger in size, smell, and mess. The benefits of choosing a healthy diet for your dog will be noticeable in your pets health, as well as, during those walks around the block.

There are the odd occasions when a supplement or treat from your kitchen may be okay to use, but never in excess. You should speak to your veterinary surgeon about the use of healthy snacks for your dogs diet. Many veterinaries recommend you give your pet ice cubes or pieces of carrot to snack on between there regular feeding times. By furnishing your pet these healthy choices to people food gives you the chance to select the right healthy and nutritious snack for your dogs diet.

The next time your pet begins eyeing your food, what you want to do is redirect their attention. Do not use your table scraps. Instead give your dog a refreshing ice cube to munch on. A baby carrot will keep your dog happy and make you feel good about the right options you have made for the nutritional value of your dogs diet. If you follow these steps, you will know that you are doing your best to give pet a high quality diet.

Pets are members of your family what is more, they need special attention in the matter of food. There are numerous advantages of feeding natural foods to dogs. All natural dog food is very rich in vitamin E and C, which is very important for their body.

Vitamin E keeps their coat healthy and vitamin C is good for their bone strength. All these vitamins have the same effect on your pet as they do to the human body. Vitamins such as, beta-carotene are a great help to remove toxins commonly known as free radicals, from their body.

Animals normally eat meat, thus their body gains lots of toxic material and the if toxic material is not withdrawn from their body, then there are lots of chances of them getting infected with diseases of the lungs and heart. It is advantageous to give supplements of all natural dog food day-to-day to keep their metabolic system free from infection and diseases.

All natural dog foods are a great source of fiber and antioxidant. Some of the natural food contains manganese, phosphorous, calcium and potassium all these vitamins and minerals are very much needed in their diet. There are many vegetables rich in antioxidant such as, dark leaky greens. By feeding all natural dog food in their meal is just like getting a insurance policy for your loving pet.

There is lots of proprietary natural food available in market for your pet. Yet, it is better to confer with your Vet before feeding canned natural food. The advice of a veterinarian is essential before going for a experimentation because some canned food is filled with bread.

Every pet owner feels his pet should have good breath, brilliant coat sheen, clean teeth, bright clear eyes and be healthy all the time. For this entire thing, the pet should have good quality of all natural dog food, because a complete diet can only bring this affect to your love able pet. One should take care about the health of their dog so that your pet will also live a longer life.

If your pets are properly fed with rich nutrition, then it will help prevent against common diseases. It is always advised that your vet recommends a holistic food diet or a home made food diet, thus, this will keep your pet away from artificial ingredients.

Certain foods should be avoided, these are foods containing a high amount of oil and low budget food supplements. Feed this type of food will lead to digestive troubles and could lead to hair loss as well.

Feeding all natural dog food has numerous advantages and when you visit your veterinary to ask for advice, you will find they will say it is best to give natural food to your dog. By using natural food as a diet you will be rewarded with a positive effect on your dogs behaviour. Such as, you will find they become more active and playful, and if your dog is quite aggressive, you may find it aids to calm them.

So feed your dogs with all natural dog food to keep them healthier.

When you first bring your new baby home, it is only sensible to continue feeding him the same food he is accustomed to. However, if you are concerned about his diet, ask your veterinarian or breeder what he recommends. If you choose to change the diet, do so slowly. For about a week, continue feeding the same food. Then, for the next three days, give him a 50/50 diet: half of the old food, half of the new. Observe his reaction and if all goes well, present him with 75 percent new food, 25 percent old. Eventually, you can move him to the new diet with no repercussions. There is a huge difference in the type of food available on the market. Be sure to check the ingredients list and if you have questions, don’t hesitate to check with a professional. And although your new friend might prefer the taste and texture of wet food, feeding him dry food (at least in combination) is a better solution for tooth cleaning.

Naturally, your little pal needs fresh water — a lot of it. Change the water frequently in his bowl and take care where you place this resource. Shade is a better option because the sunlight can cause the water to heat up rapidly. As for bowls, stainless is probably the best option because they are super easy to clean and therefore, more sanitary.

Grooming your dog is an absolute necessity. Short haired dogs can shed profusely without careful grooming with a short bristle brush. For longer haired dogs, make sure that you are caring for his undercoat by starting in the foot area, using a downward motion and moving up several inches at a time until he is completely groomed. He will love it! When you are ready to bathe your little beauty, please purchase a good dog shampoo — the pH levels in humans and dogs are not the same so he needs his own doggie soap.

Dental health should be high on your list of priorities for your little friend. Purchase a soft dog toothbrush, toothpaste and rinse for him. He may have a preference in flavors (just as you do) so don’t hesitate to try something different if he seems to rebel against the taste. Use a vertical motion when brushing and reward him with lots of good love and pets afterwards. This little ritual will soon become a normal part of his life and healthy teeth and gums will be in his future.

If you choose to trim your dog’s nails yourself, you need to realize that his nails contain a pink area and a white area. Be sure to leave a fair amount of white area when trimming. The pink area is very sensitive and contains blood vessels and nerve endings. If you cut into this segment, an “ouch” is sure to follow. If you are blessed with a dog that has black nails, just take him to the veterinarian or groomer to have his nails trimmed. This task is beyond most of us simply because we don’t really know where the nerves and blood vessels are located.

It is imperative that you find a veterinarian that you can trust — one who will help you keep your friend in optimum health. The first time you bring your new dog home, please take him immediately to your veterinarian for his first check up. If adopted from a kennel, he will definitely be checked for “kennel cough,” fleas, ticks and probably worms. If this is your first experience with a dog, inform your veterinarian of this. He will be more than happy to share his expertise with you, inform you how often your dog needs to be checked and how to keep his vaccinations up to date. Now, your little guy is not able to tell you verbally when he isn’t feeling up to par. But if you take the time to establish a firm relationship with him, you quickly will be able to catch abnormalities in his behavior and make a quick visit with his friendly doctor. A little tip — always keep your veterinarian’s phone number and the number of a 24-hour emergency clinic in an area where anyone who is caring for your dog will be able to see it.

Every dog owner needs to be fully aware of these simple guidelines. If you faithfully adhere to this program, your dog will surely live a long and healthy life, and you will be rewarded with his unending trust and love.

You may not think that it’s possible, but dogs can, and do get arthritis. Usually you will notice that maybe they aren’t as active as before or just don’t seem to be themselves. As responsible, loving dog owners we will of course try our best to help out our furry friends, but most often you will need the help of a vet to relieve their pain and prevent the disease from spreading further.

Arthritis can strike dogs of any age, size, and physical condition. It’s still a mystery as to what causes arthritis, but many researchers suggest it is an autoimmune disease — a disease that causes the body to turn against its own immune system.

This disease affects the cartilage of the joints and causes it to degenerate. Since cartilage connects and projects the joints between bones, when cartilage breaks down it can lead to the bones rubbing against each other which is very painful. In dogs, most owners will first notice arthritis in the major joints such as the hips and knees, although arthritis can affect any joint in the body.

If you suspect arthritis in your dog, consider these major symptoms:

- Problems getting up, sitting or standing
- Keeping weight off a leg
- Tiredness, less active and not interested in playing
- Weight gain
- Behaviour changes
- Appearance of stiffness
- Swelling or warmth around the joints

Glucosamine has been identified as a substance that can help dogs who suffer from arthritis. This compound occurs naturally in the body to help cartilage cells produce the proteins they need to hold the joint tissue intact. As you dog begins to age, they are less able to produce this ingredient themselves, causing their cartilage to begin to stiffen and wear down.

Along with glucosamine you may want to consider chondroitin, which is found in cartilage and can help slow down the enzymes that are causing the breakdown of the cartilage. Combining these two components and giving them to your dog regularly can help them create new cartilage and relieve their arthritis suffering.

By jointly giving your dog glucosamine and chondroitin you are not only slowing down the progression of the arthritis by halting the enzymes, you are also giving them more fuel to create cartilage which can actually reverse the affects of arthritis. Best of all, you should be able to find these compounds as a local health store.

If your dog is stiff or sore as a result of surgery or injury, he may have a form of secondary arthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are also effective on this condition as well as osteoarthritis.

Last, but not least, studies indicate Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplements are a safe and effective supplement to add to your dog’s diet at an early age. However, there are conflicting reports on this topic and it’s best to consult with your veterinarian and determine if this is the best option for you and your dog.

It is very likely that your family friend will not be able to resist sleeping on the cozy and cuddly soft nesting dog bed. Pamper her or him with the nesting dog bed so that he can enjoy every minute of luxury that it provides for a furry little buddy. Getting a good night’s sleep is absolutely crucial to the enjoyment of every animal, but deciding which type of nesting dog bed is suitable for your best friend can be a little harder, as there are a tremendous variety of products to choose from.

Although some people have no idea, your animal companion will very likely sleep 12 hours a day or more, which means that you should make every possible effort to provide them with a comfortable sleeping arrangement. As years go by, nesting dog reds have become extraordinarily popular due to their comfort and the enjoyment that animal companions exhibit with the top-of-the-line products. Considering that they are silent, soft and even chew proof, it is not surprising that they are so popular. Some nesting dog beds even feature Cedar inside to repel insects and eliminate unpleasant odors. Very often, owners of animal companions will take the effort to personalize their nesting dog bed with their own name, ensuring that their four-legged friend knows which bed is theirs.

Nesting dog beds are popular for animals and their owners in order to provide extra room to stretch and roll around. With this high level of comfort, your animal will be fast asleep as they cuddle up and enjoy their nesting dog bed experience. Added to the soft inside is the higher level doughnut outside, making a perfect spot for your favorite companion to rest their head.

In addition to those products that feature poly fill and those that are foam filled, there are all manner of fillings that provide high levels of comfort for your animal companion. With this variety of fill products, you can easily find a nesting dog bed that your furry friend will enjoy and spend their time sleeping on. Generally, the type of fill is predicated on personal choice, although some animals have allergies to certain materials and should be thoroughly considered in order to provide the best products for their comfort.

Naturally, with all the different types of nesting dog beds, it isn’t hard at all to find the type that you and your animal companion will enjoy. With so many different types of textures and coverings, your little four-legged friend will be cozy and warm all through the winter even on the coldest nights. With many shapes and colors to choose from, it will be easy for you to find the type of product that suits you and your little buddy the best.

With all of these types of products continuing to gain in popularity, it isn’t hard to imagine that almost everyone is somewhat aware of the amazingly comfortable doughnut shaped beds. The next time you’re in your local department store, take the time to look over the nesting dog beds and see for yourself how soft they are. The high comfort level that your furry friend can enjoy while sleeping the day away is reason enough to appreciate the product for the rest of their lives. Resistance to odors and stains, the nesting dog beds are extraordinarily soft and durable.

Chances are good that you might have noticed how much time your favorite friend spends sleeping already. It’s important to understand that this is normal behavior for your little buddy, as they have no time clock to punch and no set schedule to maintain. Allow them to remain cozy and comfortable by providing them with a nesting dog bed to enjoy. Sleeping the day away has never been so comfortable for your favorite furry friend.

Affordable and highly popular, nesting dog beds are perfect for any family that has a happy four-legged friend who needs a comfortable and cozy spot to sleep. Featuring high levels of comfort, maintaining warmth in the winter and extremely cozy, the nesting dog bed is a perfect investment for anyone who loves their baby and wants to provide the perfect comfort.

When pets spend hours outside sleeping in houses, porches, patios or on the hard ground, you might think they’re just fine and don’t need outdoor dog beds. But if they stay outside most of the time, they need one even more than an inside animal. There are very good reasons why your pooch should have his own outdoor bed.

The hard ground is tough on bones and joints, so outdoor dog beds cushion your pet from the rigidity of the ground. Wintertime doesn’t just cool the air, but it makes the ground even colder and harder. Being on the cold ground can make bone and joints ache even more, in addition to keeping the animal feeling cold. Some dog houses aren’t very well insulated so having their own cozy outdoor dog beds can make wintertime much more comfortable and warm.

Outdoor dog beds can make your four-legged friend feel more secure. It gives him a special place all his own that’s more comfortable than a house or any spot of ground, no matter how soft. It’s dry, even if the ground is damp, and covered in his scent more than any of his outside areas, to make him feel more at home.

Outdoor dog beds come in orthopedic styles. Quilting and extra support are perfect for pets who might need the extra help, like those who suffer from arthritis, joint pain, stiffness and other injuries. They stay warmer because they’re off the ground, and the warmth helps their joints, and it also relieves pressure off their joints and supports their frame gently but firmly. Dogs who’ve had surgery can particularly benefit from the added comfort found in these models, especially if the surgery involved bones or joints.

Outdoor dog beds have comfortable stain-resistant exteriors that also resist snagging and tearing. They’re also weatherproof, because the weather can change too quickly to give you time to get it inside. Firm units also have waterproof interiors, while softer outdoor dog beds are water resistant outside, but easily cleaned in a standard washing machine.

In extreme weather, outdoor dog beds can give animals special comfort. Heated ones are perfect for winter to keep your pooch warm. They’re good for houses, garages, porches, patios, and wherever your animal might choose to lie down while outside. And units made especially for the hot summer months are designed to keep your pooch cool and comfortable. They can be soaked in cold water for about a half an hour, then towel dried. The interior stays soft and cool thanks to absorbing the cold water, and provides hours of cool relaxation for your friend no matter how high the temperature rises.

You can even find extra-portable outdoor dog beds, that aren’t just mean to be moved in and out with the animal, but are designed for traveling. Whether for a week, or a day, these designs are the utmost in convenience. Sleeping-bag style outdoor dog beds roll up and go in the washer for easy clean up. Cot styles support your pup off the ground with water-resistant nylon. They don’t offer warmth or cushioning, but rather hammock-style support that’s perfect for the on-the-go pooch. And they’re easily carried and cleaned, for your convenience.

Outdoor dog beds can still feel luxurious for your pet. Some come with microfiber suede coverings that feel wonderful to the touch, but clean up beautifully. You can even find imitation lambswool covers that resist dirt and dampness, while adding extra softness to your pup’s sleeping spot.

To find outdoor dog beds in your pup’s size, measure him while he’s asleep. Then buy a size larger than it seems he’ll need. It’s better to have one a little too big than too small. You want him to have plenty of room to spread out so he doesn’t feel cramped in his special sleeping spot.

The ideas on this subject vary greatly. Some think doggies are doggies and being so should be free to express themselves. If this means they need to dig, so be it. Other believe a dog must be taught there are appropriate places for him to be and digging in their garden is not one of them.

My feeling is really both. While it is a dog’s nature to dig and you want to let them be a dog as much as possible, I think you can have both a beautiful yard and a happy dog. This involves you being ready to train him so that this can happen.

If you are reading this piece, you more than likely are having an issue with a digging dog. Telling you that there are breeds, like Malamutes, Terriers, and Huskies, that are just plain diggers isn’t going to be real helpful. If you are only in the looking stage, this is the kind of information you will want to take into consideration when finding a breed that fits your temperament and lifestyle.

Let’s start with why dogs dig.

1. Not enough exercise. Digging gives them a way to burn off all their energy.

2. Being bored. For dogs who don’t have enough to do, they find digging is just the ticket.

3. World travelers. Some dogs want to see what is on the other side of the fence. So there digging is a means of escape. These dogs are much harder to train no matter how much working out and jobs you give them.

So how do you stop this dog digging behavior?

For sure, you can get them more exercise by walking them or letting them out more often. And if they are bored, buying them their own toys. And then best of all play tug of war with them

You can use something repulsive to a dog. And there really is something that works. Dogs despise digging where they have pooped – even if they occasionally eat their feces. (More on poop eating, visit website below) So make cleaning up after your dog interesting and put the poop in the area where they dig.

If this doesn’t work, what next? You’re just going to have to give him a place to dig, and train him to dig there and only there. There are ways to do this, even if you’ve got a very small yard, or the whole thing is just too dear to your heart to let him destroy!

The emotional bond we share with our pets makes us want to do all we can for them. In exchange for all the love they give us, we want to ensure they live long, healthy lives.

Years ago, procedures like MRI’s, specialized therapy, and laser surgery were unheard of for pets. Now, these procedures are increasingly common as veterinary science continues to advance.

Veterinary Care Inflation and the Effect on Your Wallet

Veterinary science has seen remarkable breakthroughs in the past two decades, but just as in the human health sector, costs have risen. Many pet illnesses and diseases are being treated that often went undetected in the past.

While veterinary medical advances extend our pet’s quality of life, the financial impact for pet owners cannot be overlooked.

Recently, our neighbor’s German Shephard “Duke” suffered from hip dysplacia. Duke is now happily on the mend, but not before his owners paid over $2000 in vet bills. Another friend’s cat developed a stubborn kidney infection, requiring extensive diagnostic and follow up treatment. The $1400+ in costs left our friend juggling her finances to pay the vet bills.

What is Pet Insurance, and Does it Make Sense For You?

Pet insurance has been around for decades in Europe, but is relatively uncommon in the United States and Canada. Much like health insurance for us, pet insurance drastically reduces the risk of caring for your pet. Perhaps most importantly, it can eliminate the heart wrenching decision of euthanizing your pet vs. incurring a large financial hardship.

Just like health insurance companies, pet insurance companies differ in what they offer and cover. Some pet insurance policies will only pay for pets below a certain age. Others have numerous deductibles and restrictions, depending on multiple factors.

Anyone considering pet insurance should ask themselves this question: “Will I devote a reasonable amount of time and money to treat and heal my pet?”. If your answer is “yes”, you’re a good candidate for pet insurance. Sadly, many pet owners are forced to choose between finances and their pet’s health. Worse, other pet owners view their pets as disposable, and simply won’t treat the animal if it becomes too ill.

Pet Insurance Specifics

Pet insurance plans cost basically the same for cats and dogs. Most start at $10 per month, with a nominal deductible, usually $50. Senior pets, if insurable, cost somewhat more, typically $25-$35 per month. At this time, we only know of one company that accepts senior pets, normally defined as age 8 and above.

All pet insurance plans offer coverage for accidents and illness, while some offer coverage for routine expenses like annual check ups and flea preventative. Sometimes, pet insurance companies that offer routine care coverage are set up with contracted veterinarians, similar to a PPO or HMO health care arrangement. For policies that cover unplanned illnesses and injuries, you can use the veterinarian of your choice, and these plans may also offer some discount element for routine veterinary services.

The Story Of Two Pets

Another of our neighbors is a pet owner to both a dog and cat. His cat, a 6 year old tabby named Whiskers, incurred a respiratory infection late last year, with veterinary bills totalling almost $1600. Earlier in the year, his 12 year old border collie mix, Diamond, was found to have a small malignant tumor during a routine physical. Fortunately, Diamond was able to be treated and recovered well, but the veterinary bills were large – $1500+.

The veterinarian who treated both Diamond and Whiskers submitted each bill directly to the pet insurance company. Although they were obviously seperate instancest, the total vet bills amounted to roughly $3100. The pet insurance plan covered $2850, the difference being a $50 deductible for Whiskers (adult cat) and a $200 deductible for Diamond (senior dog). Total out-of-pocket costs to treat both pets was a very manageable $250.

Do Your Homework

There are a handful of pet insurers available to you. Do your homework and make sure the policy is right for you and your pet. For example, if you’re comfortable budgeting for routine annual expenses like check ups, shots, and flea preventative, there’s no need to pay a pet insurance company to cover routine expenses. Rather, look for a company that protects you from large, unplanned expenses.

If you determine pet insurance is right for you and your pet, here are some important factors to consider when choosing the right policy for you and your pet:

1. Look for Guaranteed Acceptance, no matter your pet’s age. 2. The ability to use the veterinarian of your choosing. 3. Fixed Premiums/Deductibles: Your premium shouldn’t increase as your pet ages. 4. Unlimited Accident Coverage: Accidents happen, particularly with pets.