Reducing Dog Insurance Rates With Multi-Pet Insurance

by Lauren Corona

Published: January 24th, 2015

reducing dog insurance rates with multi pet insurance

More pets means more savings, when you choose multi-pet insurance

We all know that dog insurance is a reliable way of keeping on top of any veterinary bills, should your beloved pet get sick or injured. However, if you have enough animals at home to fill a small zoo (even an extremely small one) then the cost of all these insurance policies can seem daunting. This is where multi-pet insurance can help to reduce your dog insurance rates. Now you can rest assured that your dogs are covered in case of an emergency, without having to spend your entire paycheck on insurance fees.

What is Multi-Pet Insurance?

Multi-pet insurance is exactly what it sounds like: a policy for insuring multiple pets at one. Each animal will get his own insurance policy, but the rates will be cheaper than if you insured them all separately. This is beneficial for anyone who owns two or more pets.

What Are the Benefits of Multi-Pet Insurance?

The main benefit of multi-pet insurance is obvious: it saves you money. However, it also has another key positive point, in as much as it makes life simpler for you. If all your pet insurance policies are with the same provider, you only have one company to deal with, one monthly or yearly payment, and one place to contact if you want to make changes to or claims on your policies. After all, isn’t life complicated enough already?!

How Does it Work?

The exact way that multi-pet insurance works varies between insurance providers, so you’ll need to check with each company to sort out the specifics. However, the basic principle is that the insurance provider wants your business, and so is willing to cut you a special deal so that you’ll do all your insuring with it. Sometimes you’ll be given a reduction in the form of a percentage, whereas other times the second (or third, or fourth…) policy will be given at a reduced rate. The best thing to do is to contact the company, let them know how many dogs you want to insure and see what the process entails.

Does it Only Work With Dogs?

No, multi-pet insurance isn’t just for dogs. If you also have a cat, rabbit, hamster or any other pet you want to insure, then you can still get a discount if you insure the animal in conjunction with your dog insurance. This is great for anyone who has a diverse range of animals at home, and wants them all to be covered.

Related: Dog Insurance Dos and Don’ts

How Much Could You Save With Multi-Pet Insurance?

Once again, the amount you could save will vary between companies and will also depend on the kind of coverage you’re taking out. Be sure to shop around to check which company can offer you the biggest discount with the best terms and coverage type for you. As a rule, the more pets you insure, the more money you’ll save. That’s not to suggest that you should go out and get more dogs, just to save a few bucks on insurance, but if you already have quite a menagerie, it will make things just a little more affordable.

If you do have more than one dog or have another pet in the house, in addition to your dog, then multi-pet insurance is clearly the way to go. Not only will it save you money, it also makes things a lot simpler in the long run. So, you can relax and hope you don’t have to make a claim at all.

Lauren Corona

Lauren Corona is a freelance writer from merry old England. She specializes in writing about dogs and other critters. Lauren lives near Oxford, with her gorgeous Doberman, Nola. When she's not tapping away at the keyboard, you'll find her walking in the woods with Nola-dog, raising money for the Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary, cooking vegan food, making zines and writing about herself in the third person.

More by Lauren Corona

How Do I Stop My Cat From Waking Me up at Night?

View Article

Reducing Dog Insurance Rates With Third Party Insurance

An option for pet owners, third party insurance may cover just what you need If you’re not keen on the idea of spending a huge annual or monthly sum on pet insurance, you might be looking for a way to get the lowest rates. If you want to pay the smallest amount possible, then you might want to consider taking out third party liability cover only. But, is this a good idea and is it right for you and your pooch? Only you can find out! What is Third Party Insurance? Third party insurance, sometimes known as third party liability insurance, is a policy that covers damage caused by your dog to a third party. As a dog owner, you’re deemed responsible for your dog’s actions, so if he causes damage of some kind, you’re the one who has to cover all associated costs. This damage could come in a range of forms. It could just be some good natured high jinx, such as digging up the neighbor’s lawn, or it could be something more serious, such as biting someone or getting loose and causing a car accident. These kinds of costs can mount up quickly, especially if someone is injured and has to take time off work. While it’s unlikely that your darling dog would intentionally cause damage or injury, it’s better to be prepared for anything. Related: What Is Dog Bite Liability Insurance? What Are the Pros of Getting Third Party Only Dog Insurance? The main benefit of exclusively getting third party dog insurance is that it’s much cheaper than any other option. It’s likely that you could get an annual policy for well under $100. It’s sometimes even included as an extra with your home insurance! The other benefit comes if your dog does end up doing any damage. Depending on what the situation is, you could be liable for millions of dollars (although obviously that is a worst case scenario). Bad doggy! What Are the Cons of Getting Third Party Only Dog Insurance? If you’re only going to opt for third party liability insurance, you have to be aware about what it doesn’t cover. It won’t cover the costs of any kind of veterinary treatment for your dog. If he should get ill or injured, you won’t get any kind of financial help and will be left to foot the bill yourself. You should also be aware that some dogs may be excluded from some third party insurance policies. This could be because they’re considered a dangerous breed (how well-behaved your dog really is won’t be taken into consideration), such as a Cane Corso or a Pitbull. Working dogs may also be excluded. That is, dogs who actually perform a job, as opposed to dogs who belong to a working breed but who are strictly kept as pets. Related: Are Some Breeds Of Dog More Expensive To Insure? What If Your Dog Gets Sick? For many people, getting third party insurance only is too much of a risk. If you get a more comprehensive form of dog insurance, your pooch will be covered both for third party liability and for veterinary fees. However, if you have your heart set on getting third party insurance exclusively, then you need to have a plan for paying your four-legged friend’s vet bills. If you have enough money to cover veterinary bills yourself, then great! But, not many dog owners would have enough money to pay a $10,000 vet bill if their dog had a serious accident. At the very least, you should start a doggy medical fund, which you pay into each month. That way, you’ll have some spare cash ready should disaster strike.

Different Dog Insurance Rates And Coverage Types

Looking for the right coverage for your pooch? Chances are, there’s an dog insurance type to fit your needs. If you’re looking for a lower rate on your dog insurance, you might be wondering about the different types of coverage available. Some types of coverage do have cheaper rates than others, but it’s important to note that it won’t be as comprehensive, and might end up costing you more in the long run. However, if you want to know about the different types of coverage and their associated rates, this guide will help you out. Third Party Liability Coverage If you really want bare bones coverage, consider third party liability insurance. This kind of dog insurance is by far the cheapest, but won’t cover too much at all. If your dog happens to cause an accident, injure a person or another pet, or cause damage to somebody’s property, third party coverage will pay for the damages and any associated fees. This kind of coverage is important, but usually comes bundled with other kinds of pet insurance. What you need to remember is that, if you just have a third party insurance policy, your pet won’t be covered for any vet fees or any illness or injury to himself. Related: Get the Right Dog Insurance Coverage Without Overpaying Annual Coverage Annual or yearly coverage is the next cheapest form of dog insurance. This is when a policy covers illness or injury on a strictly limited basis and only pays out within a set time limit. So, for instance, if your pet got sick with an ongoing condition 10 months into your annual policy, the insurance would only pay out for any veterinary bills accrued in the remaining two months of your policy period. If your dog needed treatment for an additional six months, you would have to pay for it yourself, as it would now count as a pre-existing condition. “Per Condition” Coverage This type of coverage is considered mid-range. It’s not the most expensive, but is more costly than an annual coverage type of policy. With a “Per Condition” package, the insurance policy will give you a limited amount for each condition. This is usually sufficient for most people’s needs, but problems can arise if your dog gets a severe chronic illness. Let’s say, for example, that your dog had an accident and then had two separate, unrelated illnesses. If you had a policy that would pay up to $5,000 per condition, your insurer could pay up to $15,000 for these ailments combined. However, if your pet got a chronic illness that required ongoing treatment, they would only pay a maximum of $5,000 and then you’d be on your own. Related: Types Of Dog Insurance Policies Lifetime Coverage Lifetime cover is designed to cover your pooch for the entirety of his life, no matter what. Understandably, this is the type of cover with the highest premiums. Some insurance companies will give you truly unlimited coverage, but it’s more common for some restrictions to be imposed. This is usually in the form of a “per condition, per year” amount, such as $10,000 per condition, per year. So, if your dog does suffer from a chronic ailment, you’ll have up to – for instance – $10,000 to spend on his condition each and every year. It’s actually quite unlikely that your dog will suffer from that kind of chronic complaint, so some owners prefer to go for a lower level of coverage. However, if you’re the worrying type and you have enough spare cash to fork out for the most expensive coverage, then you should probably go for it. Better to be safe than sorry, so they say!

Here is Why Pet Insurance Costs Are at an All-Time High

Many pet owners decide on getting pet insurance for their cat or dog as a way of ensuring their four-legged bestie can get the best help there is in time of  need – even if the budget is tight. However, costs of pet insurance have been rising considerably in the United States, with some insurers experiencing rate increases of up to 20% and more, all in the past year. According to the latest insights by  Consumer Reports, the average monthly cost of pet insurance is roughly $47 per pet, which can be a hit on some pet parents’ budgets.For example, users of Lemonade Insurance in California received a 22.9% rate increase, while Trupanion – one of the largest pet insurance companies – was authorized to increase premiums in New York up to 25%! In fact, Trupanion officials stated that they were working to raise the rates even more, all in order to offset inflation.It shouldn’t be a surprise to know that dogs represent up to 80% of all pet insurance policies, and they cost more to insure, compared to cats or other smaller pets. And with the costs soaring, owners are asking themselves where it all comes from – and so suddenly at that. But the increase might not be as sudden as we think. Pet insurance is regulated by state government agencies. And when they authorize a rise in insurer costs, there is often a gap period until the rise occurs. Companies need to seek approval to increase their prices, and the entire process takes time.  And, of course, there is always an underlying reason for the increase. In the year behind us, insurers have been facing higher costs, which they are now trying to pass along to the customers. The main issue at hand is the rise of veterinary service prices, which are rising at an annual rate of 10.6%. According to the latest consumer price index, the rate far outpaces the overall inflation in the economy. But why are the veterinary cost prices on the rise? One of the main reasons is the recent COVID pandemic – it caused a real pet adoption boom, increasing the demand for veterinary services, resulting in higher labor costs, and so on. Still, not all insurance companies offer the exact same prices and packages. There are at least 20  pet insurance companies in the United States, allowing you a greater freedom of choice. You can always compare prices and conditions, finding the choice best suited for you and your family’s budget. You don’t have to settle for an expensive premium if there’s a better option out there!

What Factors Influence Dog Insurance Rates?

A number of factors will determine how high or low your dog insurance rates are So you want to know how much you can expect to pay for dog insurance. Although we can’t give you an exact amount, we can let you in on some of the factors that can affect how much you’ll be paying for coverage. These issues can often be found in the small print of mixed in with policy jargon you may not understand. They can raise or lower your premiums, so be sure to see if the following conditions apply before choosing a dog insurance policy. How old is your dog? The younger your dog is when you apply for coverage, the cheaper your monthly costs will be. If you wait until your dog is older, you can expect your dog insurance rates to rise. This is because senior dogs have more health related illnesses. And some insurance companies have a cap on age. This means that they won’t accept new dogs over a certain age for a new policy.Has your dog been neutered or spayed? Did you know that undergoing these operations prevents a variety of health conditions? Just a few include testicular cancer, prostate disease, mammary gland tumors, ovarian cancer, pregnancy complications, caesarean section births and injuries resulting from animal aggression. And if your dog has been spayed or neutered, you can expect your dog insurance rates to go down.Have you had your dog microchipped? Going the extra step to ensure your pet gets back to you in case he gets lost can lower your premiums. In fact, some dog insurance companies will factor this into your premium or arrange to have it done for you.Do you have a pure breed dog? Some pure bred dogs come with predisposed health conditions. Just a few of the more common ones include hip dysplasia, joint conditions, retinal problems and skin diseases. And some dog insurance companies factor this into the premiums. In fact, there are some insurance companies won’t accept certain pure bred dog breeds once they reach a certain age.Do you have an indoor or outdoor dog? If your dog lives outside of your main residence, your premiums will probably be higher. There is good reason – your dog is subjected to the elements and it has a greater chance of escaping and getting into an accident or a fight with another dog.Do you have an active dog? It’s common for an insurance provider to ask how much activity your dog receives. Your dog may have to be really motivated in order to get off the couch, while other dogs never seem to stop. Inactive dogs are prone to problems associated with obesity and poor diet, while over-active dogs can injure a bone or muscle, or get into scrapes that become infected. There will always be factors that will determine the final outcome of your premium, and the ones listed above are just a few. Dog insurance rates vary depending on where you live and what company you decide to go with. Make sure you have all your facts straight before making a final decision.

How To Get The Best Rate On Dog Insurance

If money is tight, but you’re after peace of mind, we’ve got a few tips on finding the best dog insurance rate Money might not be your first consideration when it comes to insuring your precious pooch, but it’s always nice to get a bargain. After all, with all the money you save, you can buy your dog that special toy she’s had her eye on or a comfy new bed. You’ll find various ways of getting a good rate on your dog insurance premiums; it just takes a little bit of thought and planning. Shop Around The number one rule for finding a good deal on your pet insurance is to shop around. Never take out the first policy you come across, as you never know whether it offers good value for money or costs hundreds of bucks more than some of the competitors. Either call around to various pet insurers, or look for a price comparison website. The latter is obviously the easiest option, because it does all the legwork for you, but sometimes the cheapest companies don’t put themselves on price comparison websites, as they have to pay a fee to be listed. Therefore, the money they save can be passed on to their customers. Related: Why I Think It’s Worth Pet Insurance Is Worth The Cost Set Your Deductible High If you’re willing to take the risk, it might work out cheaper in the long run to set your deductible as high as you can. A policy with a high deductible generally costs significantly less per month or per year than a policy with a low deductible. If you end up claiming on the insurance infrequently or never end up claiming at all, then it may end up costing you less overall. However, it is a bit of a gamble and you should make sure you can afford the cost of the deductible should disaster strike and your dog gets ill or injured. Give Accurate Breed Information If your dog isn’t pure bred, make sure that your insurance company knows this. For instance, if you own a pug mix, let the insurers know that she’s a mixed breed; don’t just list her as a pug for convenience sake. Pure bred dogs are generally more likely to suffer from all sorts of congenital and hereditary conditions. They’re also more likely to be stolen. As such, premiums for insuring pedigree dogs tend to be significantly higher than those for insuring mixed breed dogs. Related: What You Need To Know Before You Buy Look Out for Deals Many insurers will offer better introductory rates or discounts for certain things, such as taking your policy out online or paying the full year as a lump sum. Be on the lookout for these kinds of deals and other special offers, as they could end up saving you a decent chunk of cash. Multi-Pet Discounts If you have more than one dog in the household, watch out for insurance companies that offer multi-dog insurance. Rather than having to take out two separate policies, both for, say, $30 a month, a multi-dog policy will allow you to take out a $30 policy for one dog, then add your other pooch to the policy for an additional fee per month; $10, for example. This can end up saving you a large amount of money, especially if you have a small menagerie at home. As you’ll see, there are many ways that you can save on your pet insurance. While it’s tempting to go for the very cheapest policy, it’s also a good idea to look at the quality of the coverage they offer. There’s no point saving $20 a year, if the company won’t pay out when you really need it.

A Former Elvis Impersonator Adopts Elvis, the Dog Who No One Wanted

Elvis, the only dog who didn’t get adopted at Anti Cruelty’s Fall in Love adoption event, finally found a forever home with an owner who used to work as an Elvis Presley impersonator. A three-year-old pit bull terrier mix was the only pooch out of 22 dogs and 39 cats who didn’t find a forever home at the November 11 adoption event. After the event, Elvis had to be sent back to his kennel which served as his home for around four months.Shortly after the event, the shelter took to social media to ask for help finding this handsome boy a forever home. The post that has gone viral said: “Elvis is the only dog that didn’t find a home during our Fall in Love adoption event. He met a lot of potential adopters but sadly did not get adopted. Help us find Elvis a family to love!”In the post, the shelter described Elvis as a “three-year-old meatball” with “the silliest personality.”“His giant smile lights up every room he enters. Elvis is a snuggler, so he hopes you’re okay giving up your personal space.”Elvis arrived at the shelter as an injured stray dog. Since the pooch didn’t put weight on his hind leg, the shelter took X-rays which showed a fractured pelvis. Although the fracture healed completely during his stay at the shelter, Elvis might be prone to arthritis in the future. A few days later this handsome boy found his forever home! And this is where things get really interesting. The couple who adopted the cute pup has a special connection to him - one of them used to be an Elvis Presley impersonator.Loren Agron, one of the pup’s new dads, worked as an Elvis-impersonating waiter at Ed Debevic’s, a 1950s-themed diner where staff entertained customers with choreographed dance routines. Agron dressed up as Elvis Presley and called himself Elvis Parsley.“I wore a black cowboy shirt and quintessential giant Elvis sunglasses, I had long sideburns and my hair was all pumped up and slicked back,” Agron told The Washington Post.“Elvis has always been a big part of my life because I’ve always loved music from that era,” he added.First, Agron went to the shelter to meet Elvis alone, and then he came back with his partner, Drew Wilhelm. “While we were sitting in the waiting room to meet him, I felt like a father waiting for his newborn son to arrive,” said Wilhelm. “As soon as I saw him, I knew that was our dog,” he added. “He couldn’t stop jumping on us, he was so excited we were there to see him.”The couple adopted Elvis that day and took him to his forever home.  “Elvis has left the building,” the shelter wrote alongside a photo of the happy family. “His adopters have been waiting for the right time to welcome a dog into their family, and once they saw Elvis on the news, they couldn’t deny that it was fate.”The couple plans to keep the handsome pup’s legendary name and smitten with their new four-legged companion. “The couple is head over heels in love with their new family member and already has a dog bed and tons of toys waiting for him at his forever home,” the shelter wrote in a post. “Loren is a dedicated ACS supporter and has hosted many of the ACS’s fundraising events at Chicago’s fabulous drag queen, Debbie Fox. We couldn’t be happier for Elvis who finally got his happily ever after!”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Has a Fever?

High fever is no joke, and can be quite serious – both for people and their furry four-legged friends. Yes, dogs can have a fever too, and it can be a much more serious condition for them than it is for us. Unfortunately, fever is not an ailment you can spot with your bare eye. Because of this, you will need to thoroughly observe your pet’s behavior and learn how to spot those little details that indicate a fever. Read on as we go through the basics of dog fever and just how to tell if your pet needs your help.Symptoms of Fever in DogsDogs, like humans, can develop a fever as a response to illness or infection. It’s the body’s natural way to fight off the “intruders” in the body. Fever comes in many forms and for various reasons. You can tell if your dog has a fever by observing their behavior and checking for physical signs. Here are just a few of the most common indicators.Increased Body Temperature: 

Blue Ridge Beef Recalls Kitten and Puppy Food Due to Bacteria

Blue Ridge Beef, one of the foremost pet food companies in North Carolina, decided to recall their 2-pound kitten and puppy food because of a serious potential threat of listeria and salmonella in their kibble. The pet food in question was distributed to locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.Unfortunately, North Carolina Department of Agriculture discovered a serious issue when analyzing their product, realizing that one lot of each of the food products was positive for salmonella and listeria, on December 15th. This included kitten food lots “N24 1114-N24 1224”, of 2-lb logs of “Kitten Grind” (UPC 8 54298 00101 6), and “Kitten Mix” (UPC UPC 8 54298 00143 6). Also included was the “Puppy Mix” (UPC 8 54298 00169 6).The action was swift to pull these products from the shelves, as both listeria and salmonella can be very dangerous to pets who consume the contaminated food. It can also be harmful to humans who touch the food as well, especially pregnant women and children. Pets who get infected can suffer from vomiting, fever, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite, so if you notice any of these symptoms and your pet has been eating the food that is now recalled, make sure to take them to a vet for treatment ASAP.Luckily, the Blue Ridge Beef company announced that so far it has not received any reports of illnesses that are connected to this recall of food. Likewise, the company is not facing any legal action because of the recall. Pet owners who purchased this food are encouraged to contact Blue Ridge Beef company at  blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com for a full refund. Consumers can also get in touch with Steven Lea, from 8 am. to 5:30 pm. ET Monday-Friday at (704) 880-4500. 

These Dog Foods Are Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Owners should always be careful about the food that they give to their pet – and it’s only natural that every caring owner will naturally want the best for their pet. But sometimes, even getting the best of the best is not a guarantee as accidents can happen anytime. In this case, the issue is that several popular dog food brands got potentially contaminated with salmonellla. Recently, owners had been shocked to find out that three brands of pet food were recalled - having tested positive for salmonella. And in fact, the past year saw at least seven recalls of dog food brands that were either contaminated with this nasty bacteria, or had harmful elevated levels of vitamins. And, to make matters worse, 2019 saw several dogs get seriously ill after consuming the food. And our dear four-legged friends are not the only ones at risk - handling the contaminated dog food, we too are exposed to salmonella. In 2012, up to 49 people in the United States and Canada fell ill after an outbreak of salmonella that was traced to dry dog food. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 persons were so ill that hospitalization was required.According to the CDC, the pesky salmonella bacteria causes “an estimated 1.3 million infections in Americans every year, resulting in 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.”As for the latest recalls, a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, released on October 30th, includes the following foods: “one by Mid America Pet Food of Mount Pleasant, Texas, involving three lots of Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula after random sampling found salmonella, which can sicken pets as well as people who come in contact with it.” Furthermore, it is stated that the food was “Sold by retailers across the U.S., the recalled products come in five-pound, 15-pound and 40-pound bags with a best-by-date of June 12, 2024, and contain one of the following three lot numbers on the back of the products: 1000016890, 1000016891, 1000016892.”The second recall involves TFP Nutrition of Nacogdoches, and their Retriever All Life Stages Mini Chunk Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food, in 50lbs bags, with best-by-dates of October 2024 and production codes of either 3277 TFP or 3278 TFP. Lastly, the third recall in the latest wave is Blue Ridge Beef of Statesville, North Carolina, which is recalling Breeders Choice dog food with the UPC code 8 54298 00193 1 due to possible salmonella contamination.In case you suspect your pet has eaten any potentially infected foods, it is important to know the  symptoms of salmonella poisoning in pets: they can be lethargic, listless, or have diarrhea that is followed by fever and vomiting. If you recognise these in your pet, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. And, if you suspect that the dog food you have is contaminated, make sure to destroy it in a way that children, animals, or people cannot get in contact with it.

Wish Your Dog Could Understand You? New Study Says They Can!

You don’t have to be a dog owner to know that dogs can learn and understand commands like “sit” or “come”. But, a new study has made a groundbreaking discovery that dogs also know that certain words stand for specific objects. This finding won’t come as a big surprise to any dog owner who has ever asked their pup to “go get your toy” and, a minute later, been handed a chewed-up rubber ball or slobbery stuffed animal. Scientists have long been interested in learning whether dogs can truly associate words with objects. However, researchers couldn’t figure out whether dogs and other animals get a mental image when they hear an object's name. This would suggest that dogs have a better understanding of language than believed before. Researchers in Hungary have discovered that in addition to being able to respond to commands such as “sit”, “roll over”, or “stay” dogs can also grasp the essence of nouns. This relationship with language is called referential understanding, and it has been unproven in dogs until now. “When we are talking about objects, objects are external to the dogs and dogs have to learn that words refer, they stand for something that is external to them,” explained the study’s co-lead author, Marianna Boros, of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.To get some answers about what is happening in the dog brain when it processes words, Boros and her colleagues asked 18 dog owners to bring their pooches to the lab along with five objects the dogs knew well. The objects included balls, slippers, leads, rubber toys, frisbees, and other items.Researchers instructed the owners to say the words for the items before showing their dog either the correct object or a different one. For example, the owner might say “Rover, look, the ball”, but hold up a lead instead. During the tests, the researchers measured the dogs’ brain activity using non-invasive electroencephalography, or EEG. The idea was to see whether EEG could offer a better insight into dogs’ understanding of language. The brain recordings showed different patterns in the brain when the dogs were shown an object that matched or didn’t match the owner’s spoken word. The difference was even greater for the words owners believed their dogs knew well.The same results were seen when humans performed these tests and are widely accepted as people understanding the word well enough to form a mental image of the object they were later shown. “We expected that if a dog really understands the meaning of the object’s word, it will expect to see that object. And if the owner shows a different one, there will be a so-called surprise reaction in the brain. And this is exactly what we found,” said Boros according to ABC News.Lilla Magyari, also of Eötvös Loránd University, and the other co-first author, said that although some other animals have shown some degree of referential understanding of language, they have typically been trained to do so. In dogs, she explained, such capacities seem to be inborn and don’t require any particular training or talent. Researchers stress they aren’t claiming that dogs understand words as well as humans. Future studies are needed to determine whether dogs can generalize in the same way humans learn to as children.This study raises an interesting question of why, if dogs understand nouns, more of them don’t show it. One possible answer is that dogs know more than they are willing to show us.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

This Special Camera Reveals How Our Pets See the World Around Them

Have you ever wondered how your pet  sees the world around them? We all know that the eyes of dogs, cats, and all other animals are not the same as ours, and they often see the world in a very different way. While all we could do is imagine and theorize up until now, thanks to a new breakthrough in technology we will be able to take a peek through the eyes of animals!Scientists have  invented a special camera that uses a unique combination of state-of-the-art hardware and software, in order to create videos and images that show us exactly how certain animals see. For example, with this latest tech, you will be able to see the vivid world of colors that are seen through the eyes of birds and bees. One of the recent demonstrations revealed how a UV-sensitive vision of a bird renders an orange sulfur butterfly - the result is more than striking, as it doesn’t look like anything related to human vision.

“One-of-a-Kind” Cat With Two Noses Searches for Her Forever Home

As rescue cat parents and rescue advocates, we know firsthand that every cat has a unique story to tell. But some cats truly stand out and make their mark on the world. Nanny McPhee, a rescue cat who recently came into the care of the Cats Protection Warrington Adoption Centre. It’s not the way this sweet girl came into the shelter or her life before that has everyone talking… It’s a VERY unique physical feature – her nose, or “noses,” in her case! The sweet kitty lived in a loving home for the first four years of her life. Unfortunately, her previous owner had to make the difficult decision to contact a rescue due to health and financial reasons. When Nanny McPhee first arrived at the rescue, volunteers and rescue workers noticed a few things about the tuxedo kitty. First, she was a very gentle lady with a love for attention.“She has proven to be a gentle lady who adores a fuss and a cuddle, and we are hopeful her new-found fame will mean she will have no shortage of potential adopters,” shared shelter manager Lindsay Kerr. “She really does deserve a home where she can settle down and become the center of a loving family.” Second, they noticed she had a surprisingly large nose. It was this unique feature that led to her being named after the popular children’s character. But that signature sniffer was hiding an even bigger secret. A check-up with a local veterinarian revealed that the cat had not one but TWO noses, creating the appearance of one large snout. When asked about the discovery, senior field veterinary officer Fiona Brockbank explained that it was the first time they had seen this but that the cat’s unique appearance resulted from a congenital malformation. Other more common examples of this include cleft palates or cleft lips. These conditions can be inherited or caused by an incident during development in utero.

Why Do Some Dogs Have Bad Body Odor?

Dogs are cute, no doubt about that, but most of them are not winning awards for their lovely BO – in fact, if we’re being honest, most pooches are a bit stinky. Of course, if you make sure to keep them clean with regular baths, grooming, and teeth brushing, you can eliminate or at least significantly reduce any unpleasant smell. But sometimes, even if you are very attentive about your dog’s hygiene, they can still smell a bit funky. Why does this happen? And what should you do in that case? Lastly, is there a way to prevent unpleasant body odors in your dog? Let’s try and answer all these stinky questions.Why Does My Dog Smell Bad?Are you catching a whiff of something foul whenever your dog enters the room? Are you struggling to keep them clean and smelling fresh? There could be a number of reasons why your pupper is stinky, and it is important to go over everything in order to properly address this issue. Firstly, you want to consider their hygiene. Lack of regular grooming and bathing can lead to a buildup of dirt, oils, and bacteria on a dog's skin and coat, resulting in a bad odor. Make sure you are giving your dog a regular wash or a bath, and that you are using  special shampoos that are safe for pets and smell nice.

42% of Pet Parents Feel Caring for Pets is More Stressful Than Kids!

Pets can be an incredible addition to any family, but they can also come with a bit of stress. In fact, a recent study revealed that nearly half of pet parents shared that caring for their pet was more stressful than caring for their partner or even their children! What is it about our pets that worries us the most? That was the goal of the recent survey conducted by OnePoll and ElleVet Sciences. They polled 2000 pet owners, asking them questions about their relationships, their pets, and the stress that they experience in their role. The answers revealed that the top three sources of stress in most people’s lives include their finances (54%), their job or career (49%), and their ability to care for their pets (42%). The survey went on to discuss reasons for being stressed about our pets, and there was one concern that the majority of respondents shared – as pet parents, we worry about our ability to provide the care our pets will need in their senior years. As our pets get older, their needs often change. We can see this in the way they act and the activities they engage in. A once hyperactive, high-energy dog may start to slow down and sleep more. A dog that easily jumped onto the couch most of their lives now requires stairs or a ramp to get up for cuddle time. Not all changes that come with aging are inherently bad, but 68% of parents say watching their pet age and suffer would be more hurtful to them than losing their job (61%) or breaking up with their partner (61%). “Supporting your pet through all stages of life can minimize their stress, allowing you to create more happy memories together,” shared Amanda Howland, co-founder and CCO of ElleVet Sciences. “As your pet gets older, it’s important to be proactive in identifying the signs of aging, such as difficulty moving, trouble sleeping, and social isolation. It’s all about more time, and more quality time with your pet, and for them, aging and stress are intertwined so taking care of discomfort-related aging and cognitive decline can reduce their stress significantly.” The concern shared by the survey respondents (and other pet parents nationwide) clearly illustrates how important our pets are in our lives. While 73% of those surveyed described their pet as their “protector,” they serve many other vital roles in our lives – our best friends, sounding boards, cheerleaders, motivators, and companions. Your senior pet may require some changes around the home. Throw rugs can be used to provide traction on slippery floors. Safety gates are key for blocking off unsafe areas like staircases that could lead to injury. Caring for our senior pets may be stressful, but it’s also an opportunity to repay our pets for everything they have given us throughout their lives. Even just setting aside time in your schedule each day for a walk around the block followed by a short cuddle on the couch can positively impact their lives, reducing stress and promoting better health. “Just like us, pets’ needs can change as they age, so their daily routines, diet, and exercise may need to be adjusted to improve their quality of life, as well as adding high-quality supplements,” Howland explained. “Small adjustments can ensure your pet’s golden years are less stressful for both themselves and their human companion.”

According to ASPCA, These Are The Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2023

No matter how careful you are, accidents happen – this is particularly true when it comes to pet  poisoning cases. Not only that cats and dogs have some uncanny ability to get into stuff that they’re not supposed to get into, but you also can’t always know what things could be a potential toxin to them. And believe us when we say, there are a lot of potential pet toxins in an average household!The annual report by the  ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC)  only goes to prove this. Each year, they examine all the compiled data to determine which are the most commonly encountered pet toxins each year. It helps keep owners aware of the threats, and to keep vets always one step ahead. In 2023, the APCC was extra busy, having received hundreds of thousands of calls about items and substances that pets were exposed to. Incredibly, these substances totaled over 351,000!Even though they were contacted about such an imposing number of potentially hazardous substances, they managed to narrow down the most common culprits and compile the list of top 10 pet toxins in 2023, which will serve as a great reminder of what to look out for.Over-the-counter medications, including cold and flu medicines, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and vitamins and supplements. With 16.8% exposure, these medications are the number one threat in 2023. Almost every home has some sort of medications stored, and they aren’t always expertly hidden. Accidentally, pets can discover them and suffer many dire consequences if they ingest them. Human food and drink are almost equally as dangerous, with 16.2% reported calls. A lot of what we consume daily is toxic to pets. This can range from common items such as raisins, onions, garlic, grapes, or sweets, to more rare items such as protein drinks and bars, xylitol gums, and energy drinks. If your pet gets their paws on any of these, it can end up in an emergency vet visit. Prescription medications for humans are very dangerous to pets, and many reports were made in regard to inhalers, ADHD medications, heart medications, and similar. Prescription medications are often strong drugs and definitely not meant for pets.Chocolate is the number 4 threat for 2023. A staggering 13% of calls were related to this sweet. Dogs are mostly found consuming it as cats do not have sweet taste buds or the appetite of dogs. Still, chocolate is not meant for pets and can cause many side effects.Veterinary products are at number 5 with 8.3% reported exposures. Callers reported ingestion of chewable tablets or soft chews, many of them used for calming pets. Owners are urged to keep medicines locked away, as pets can like their sweet taste and go after them when you are not looking. Plants and fungi accounted for 8.1% of exposures. Dogs are inquisitive and can find these plants on their outdoor adventures. But many plants can cause a threat to dogs, so make sure to acquaint yourself with a list of toxic plants to look out for.Household products are also on this list, with 7.1% of exposures reported. Pets consumed various dangerous items, such as deoxidizer packets, batteries, and various miscellanea lying around the house. Be aware of what’s lying around that’s easy to reach.Rodenticides are a major threat to pets. People can use poisons to get rid of pests, but our pets don’t know that. If they ingest them, it can be extremely dangerous, leading to kidney failure, bleeding, and even death. When you are out on walks, always be careful what is lying around. Insecticides are almost the same. People use bug sprays, ant baits, and poisonous powders all over the place. Always make sure that the area you are in is free from anything that can be a threat to your pet. Recreational drugs are last but not least. With substances such as marijuana becoming increasingly legal, pets can come in contact with them as well. But there are also hallucinogenic substances such as mushrooms, especially psilocybin, and muscarine, which can be very harmful to pets. 

Top 10 Best Indoor Dogs

View Gallery

Do Dogs Cry Tears?

Perhaps you spotted tears streaming from your pet’s eyes and wondered: do dogs cry tears as an emotional response? Or is there a different explanation for this phenomenon? Well, the answer is pretty straightforward – dogs don’t produce tears because of their emotions like we humans do. They produce tears primarily to lubricate their eyes, and remove dust and other irritants. But, this does not mean that they don’t express emotions in other ways – here’s what you need to know about your teary-eyed furball.Do Dogs Cry Real Tears?If you spot tears running from your dog’s eyes, you are not deceived – they are real. However, they are not tears of sadness or emotion, as dogs simply don’t express feelings the same way as we do. The role of those tears is more of a bodily function. They are there to lubricate the eye, making sure it functions as it should. After all, dogs can just rub their eyes or place a few drops inside when needed. So, their body does the job for them, and hence the tears. Of course, an excessive amount of tears is not natural. And neither are dry and tearless eyes. So, in either one of these cases, you should schedule a visit with your vet. Dry eyes in dogs are also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or "dry eye syndrome," and can lead to discomfort, irritation, and potential complications if left untreated. In many cases of dry eyes, veterinarians prescribe artificial tears or  lubricating eye drops to help moisturize the eyes and relieve discomfort. These drops can help supplement the natural tear production and provide relief from dryness. 

Let's Talk Turkey... and Why the White House Pardons One Each Year

It’s now a Thanksgiving tradition… and we’re not talking about the Macy’s parade, the Black Friday sales or that cranberry chutney Aunt Sally whips up each year. We’re talking about the turkey pardon that according to the White House Historical Association, is rumored to have begun back in 1863 with then-President Lincoln. Whether this tale is fact or fiction is debated. What we know is that more recent history confirms the big bird officially began as a gift made to the White House by The National Turkey Federation back in 1947. Alas, no details on his outcome.This year, President Biden pardoned two 42-pounders, preventing them from being on the wrong side of the Thanksgiving feast when he gave Liberty and Bell, a pass and a certain cushy future.As mentioned, this fun seasonal practice began in 1947 and over the years tended to be rather on-again/off-again depending on the whims of whichever administration was in place. It wasn’t until the Kennedy era in the early ‘60s that Tom Turkey was formally spared and lived to see another day. Since then, the support to spare this fine feathered fowl has ramped up considerably and his well-being post-pardon was carefully tracked by both the media and animal rights groups throughout the country.Was it just for show? Did he really make his exit from the White House intact versus being basted, carved and covered in gravy?Before I answer, let’s just say that the fun spin on this tradition is how it has evolved. Not only did Liberty and Bell enjoy a stay in a suite at the luxe Willard Intercontinental Hotel the night before their widely shared pardon, but following their moment in the spotlight, they returned home to Minnesota where the state’s College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences will oversee their care.So, yes. Beginning with the Bush administration in 1989, the turkey pardon became a tradition that sees one lucky bird truly pardoned and destined for a life of ease and indulgence.In fact, past White House pardons have typically resulted in said turkey being relocated to a local children’s farm where they can live out their remaining years being adored by the junior crowd and noshing down on kibble from a cone. BTW, did you know that a turkey can live to 10 years of age?Of course, now we’re all feeling warm and sentimental about turkeys, the inevitable question arises: Can a turkey be kept as a pet? The short answer is yes, these highly social critters enjoy the company of humans and can be curious, vocal, and entertaining.  So much so that they’re a top pick for hobby farmers and those who have already ventured into keeping chickens.Just a little food for thought!

Top stories

Reducing Dog Insurance Rates With Multi-Pet Insurance

How Do I Stop My Cat From Waking Me up at Night?

New Bill Will Eliminate Housing Barriers for Pet Owners In California

Top stories

Reducing Dog Insurance Rates With Multi-Pet Insurance

Related articles