Lady Gaga Goes Goo-Goo For New Puppy

What Do Pet Rabbits Eat? Basics of Rabbit Diet

Unlike many pets, rabbis are strict herbivores, which means that they only eat plant-based foods, and not all types of it, to be exact. As grazers, rabbits eat continuously throughout the day rather than having one or two meals like cats or dogs do, as they have somewhat unusual digestive systems. You see, rabbits are so-called “hind-gut fermenters” (like horses), with an organ called “cecum” at the end of their digestive tract that contains microbes that digest the food they ingest. This means that they need a diet very high in fiber, as it will support their digestive health and nourish their gut flora. But, what type of fiber do rabbits need – and is it all rabbits eat, or do they need other types of nutrients to thrive?What Food Should You Give Your Rabbit?The most important food in a rabbit’s diet is high-quality timothy hay or another grass hay of their choice, and it should make up for about 75% to 80% of their diet. Hay should be offered freely, in unlimited amounts, so your pet can graze on it throughout the day and get that much-needed fiber the healthy way. In addition to roughage being nutritionally optimal for bunnies, it also supports their dental and gastrointestinal health. By snacking on hay all day long, rabbits slowly file down their teeth – which continue to grow as long as they live – as hay causes the most wear on teeth when compared to other rabbit foods, which is a most desirable trait for a bunny. It minimizes the chances of malocclusion and helps keep their teeth at an optimal length.What’s more, timothy hay is essential for preventing the formation of trichobezoars, or hairballs, which get lodged in a rabbit’s digestive system and can cause a deadly condition known as GI stasis. Rabbits who don’t have enough roughage in their diet are at a much higher risk for this serious condition, as fiber promotes good intestinal motility and allows the hair your pet ingests through self-grooming to pass normally through the stool, rather than becoming stuck in their intestines. As for the remaining 25% to 20% of a rabbit’s diet, it should consist of fresh vegetables and a small amount of pellets – which are usually rich in nutrients but too calorie dense to be given freely. Vegetables rabbits can and should eat include leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, carrot tops, parsley, collard greens, kale, watercress, spinach, swiss chard, etc – as well as other types of veggies such as carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprout, zucchini, and a few others. Some fruit is OK for rabbits (such as grapes, melons, or bananas) but only once in a while and in very small quantities, as it is too high in sugars for rabbits to properly digest – if you really want to give your pet some fruit, consider it only as a sparse, occasional treat and not as a regular part of their diet.Foods that Are Toxic to RabbitsNow that you know what your bunny needs to eat to stay healthy and happy, you should make sure not to mistakenly give your pet any food that could make them sick, or even worse, prove to be fatal for your rabbit. You might not even be intending to feed your pet certain foods but leave them at their reach – and they’ll surely try to get a bite, so it’s important to know what you need to keep out of their greedy paws at all times. Iceberg lettuce – this might be a surprise, but iceberg lettuce contains a substance called lactucarium which is harmful to rabbits.Avocados – it contains a substance called persin, which is highly toxic to rabbits and could cause breathing problems and heart failure.Chocolate – theobromine and caffeine which are commonly found in chocolate are seriously dangerous for bunnies, and when ingested could lead to seizures, arrhythmia, overheating, and respiratory issues.Pits of fruit or seeds – they can contain cyanide or be a choking hazard.Onion or garlic – both are highly toxic to rabbits and can cause hemolytic anemia or anaphylactic shock.Mushrooms – various species can be poisonous to rabbits, causing symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to organ and neurological damage.Beans and peas – they cause bloating and gassiness, and can seriously disrupt a rabbit’s digestion.Rhubarb – all parts of this plant contain oxalic acid, which is highly toxic to rabbits and can negatively affect their health, and in rare cases, even be fatal.Meat, eggs, dairy products, processed foods – rabbits are herbivores and their digestive system isn’t designed to break down such foods – at the very least, their digestion will be affected, but even a small bit of any of these foods can create serious health problems. ConclusionTo make sure your rabbit stays healthy and that they are getting all of the nutrients they need from their diet, opt for high-quality grass hay, such as timothy hay. Rich in fiber and good for their dental and digestive health, hay should make up for about 80% of everything your pet eats and should be provided in unlimited amounts. Include a small amount of vet-recommended pellets to up the nutrient intake, and regularly offer rabbit-safe vegetables that will contribute a variety of vitamins and minerals to your pet’s diet. Last but not least, don’t forget to always provide fresh water at all times as rabbits need to drink a lot of it – it hydrates their body, helps with digestion, and flushes out excess calcium out of a bunny’s system.

GI Stasis In Rabbits: Symptoms, Causes, and How To Prevent It

Even though they are beloved as family pets all across the world, rabbits will undoubtedly present a few challenges for all owners – just like all pets do. And when these challenges present themselves, you need to be ready and well-informed, in order to tackle them quickly and efficiently. One of these challenges that your rabbit can potentially come across in their life is GI stasis, better known as gastrointestinal stasis. Somewhat common in rabbits, and potentially quite dangerous, GI stasis occurs when the digestive system slows down or stops completely. When this happens, bacteria and gasses are released and cause bloating. If left untreated, this condition can quickly deteriorate your rabbit’s health, causing them to starve and dehydrate, and potentially lead to their death. Needless to say, it’s a condition that should be taken seriously – from keeping an eye out for symptoms to taking all necessary steps to prevent it.Symptoms of GI Stasis in RabbitsAs a bunny owner, you will have to know exactly what to look for as clear indications of GI stasis. One of the common indicators is the loss of appetite. This can appear all of a sudden, or gradually over a period of time. Eventually, you might even notice the complete lack of poop or some sort of abnormality of the same – such as soft stool or diarrhea instead of round pellets. Still, the most obvious symptom is the complete lack of movements from your bunny: this is the lethargy that occurs because of starvation and dehydration which are a direct result of gastrointestinal stasis. It can also instigate teeth grinding, a sign that your rabbit is in pain and discomfort.What Causes GI Stasis?Rabbits are gentle beings, and their delicate nature might require some special care on a day-to-day basis. Neglect some of the crucial parts, and your bunny might become ill. A common cause of GI Stasis is a bad diet. If it contains too many carbohydrates (carbs for short), or too few digestible fibers, the condition can begin to form. This diet is formed when a bunny eats way too many commercial pellets – which are full of carbs – and too little hay, which is the main source of fiber for rabbits. A diet optimally rich in fiber should mean that at least 70% of what your bunny consumes in a day is hay.Other causes of GI stasis are painful conditions that affect the teeth, such as malocclusion, and in turn, prevent the rabbit from eating properly. With the loss of appetite, the digestive system slows down. General loss of appetite is another cause, and it can occur when the rabbit is too stressed, scared, overheated, in pain, dehydrated, and so on. How You Can Prevent GI Stasis in RabbitsIn order to prevent GI stasis in your pet rabbit, the foremost thing to do is balance their diet. It should contain plenty of high-fiber grass hay and some moisture-rich leafy greens. Supplement this with carbs-rich pellets, but only in small amounts. This will keep their gut flora in check and keep their digestive system in top form.Furthermore, make sure that your rabbit is not stressed in any way, whether it’s due to environmental or social and emotional causes. Keep your bunny healthy and happy by catering to their needs to avoid lethargy and loss of appetite, and you can be sure that gastrointestinal stasis won’t affect them.

Study: You Can Sniff Out Your Dog By Smell

It’s not new information that our dogs’ sniffers are pretty incredible and they have the ability to sniff out everything from new lotion we wear to cancer, diabetes and even COVID. But now new research suggests that WE can sniff our dogs out, based on their smell, and it just goes to show that the noses know. Dogs are known for their ability to sniff out (almost) all the stuff. We as humans have used their magnificent ability to do so for many years in many ways–from disease detection to truffle hunting. And why wouldn’t we? We mere humans have about 5 million olfactory receptors in our noses. On the other hand, our best furry buds have on average 225-300 million. No wonder our dogs can sniff those treats in our pockets out a mile away! But while we’re far less superior in the sniffing game than our dogs, it turns out there is SOME aspect of our olfactory receptors that tends to know our dogs as our dogs know us. No, we’re not sniffing butts as they do (we hope?) but while scents are processed differently in our brains–we’re still prone to scents bringing emotional response and even being able to accurately (mostly) identify items based on scent. Including the scents of living things, like our pups. While our sense of smell is not necessarily a strong one in the repertoire of sensory systems, it does play a role in our lives. We all have individual odors that are influenced by everything from diet to hormones to disease. And studies have shown that we’re able to tell our own family members based on their individual smells. So researchers wondered if we could do the same for our dogs as they’re furry family to us. The group was headed by Lucie Přibylová of the Department of Ethology and Companion Animal Science at Prague’s Czech University of Life Sciences. It looked at 53 dog owners (40 female and 13 male participants of different ages). They used sterile gauze pads to rub down each dog and then placed them in separate glass jars with a twist-off lid. For each trial, six glass jars were randomly placed in a line up in front of the human participant. One was their dog’s scent; the other five were form other random dogs. Neither experimenters nor the participants knew what was what. The participants were allowed to sniff for as long as they wanted before telling the experimenter which jar they thought contained the pad of their dog’s scent. Interestingly, considering there were six possible dog choices from which to choose, the odds of choosing accurately should have been only about 17%, give or take. Men were actually able to correctly guess 89.5% of the time, while women were accurate 64.7%. That’s nine out of ten times for mean and nearly two out of three times for women. Not too shabby for a bunch of humans! What Made The Smell Stick? The researchers found that neutered dogs were easier to identify, as were dogs who were housed outside full-time. They hypothesize that living inside with a dog full-time may bring on olfactory fatigue–a situation where you can smell something immediately but after a few minutes, your scent receptors adapt and you don’t smell it anymore. Something odd that was found was that dogs who were fed dry kibble were more easily identified than dogs who were on raw diets. The researchers suggest that because the bulk of their sample participants were women, and studies show women prefer the scent of men who eat plant-based diets over meat-based, perhaps they could respond better to the scent of their dry-kibble fed dogs better. Not surprisingly was the finding that the older the human, the harder it was to identify based on scent. Getting older isn’t for sissies, and it shows even in your ability to detect scents. The best dog identification skills were in young, male participants. So there you go. Give yourself a pat on the back for not being quite as inept with our sniffers as our canine pals.

10 Most Popular Rabbit Breeds

If you’ve decided that a rabbit is a perfect pet for you or your family, you might be wondering which breed is the most compatible with your lifestyle and preferences. The world of rabbits is diverse, with 50 rabbit breeds recognized by ARBA and many more in development, so it might be difficult to narrow down your choice. Luckily, there are more than a few rabbit breeds that have consistently been the most popular choices, both for first-time owners and seasoned bunny parents, as they combine lovely looks with an even lovelier personality, making them a favorite choice for a pet rabbit for years – or decades– back. Take a look at our selection of the 10 most popular rabbit breeds for pets, and you might just meet your new best friend!

Why Feeding Your Feline the Right Food Is Important

If you’ve gotten your first kitten, you’re probably wondering when to transition them to the right food, what the best food for kittens actually is, and how to know if their nutritional needs are met. Stick around, because we’re going to go over all of the basics of the kitten diet.Developmental Stages and Kitten Growth Rates

Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds According to the AKC

Every year the American Kennel Club analyzes their registrations for the previous year, revealing the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Today, the numbers for 2021 were released with some old favorites and some surprising additions to the list.For the 31st year straight, the Labrador Retriever has taken the top spot! For many dog lovers, this comes as no surprise. Here’s a little more information about 2021’s top 10 dog breeds:The 2021 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. list#1 – Labrador RetrieverTheir family-friendly nature and eager-to-please personality make the lab a great choice for families across the country. They are incredible family dogs, bonding with the whole family and socializing well with any friends that may visit.#2 – French BulldogDon’t let the small stature of the French Bulldog fool you. These little pups are bursting with playful, happy energy that will add joy to your life. They are highly adaptable and well-suited for smaller spaces if they are given daily walks and outdoor exercise.#3 – Golden RetrieverThe Golden Retriever gets its name from its long, beautiful golden-colored coat. But this dog is a lot more than just a pretty face! Goldens are friendly, intelligent, and energetic. They enjoy being part of the family and are always up for an adventure with their people.#4 – German Shepherd DogBest known for their work with the police K-9 units and the military, the German Shepherd is a highly intelligent and driven breed. When brought into a family setting, they are loyal and confident.#5 – PoodleBoth smart and athletic, the poodle is a highly versatile dog that can be trained without too many challenges. They are gaining in popularity in recent years as potential pet owners learn more about their low-allergen coats.#6 – BulldogOften portrayed as the tough guy and the bully in cartoons, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Bulldogs are kind, friendly, loyal, and docile. They approach life with an easy-going nature, allowing them to easily adapt to different situations.#7 – BeagleEnergetic and clever, beagles make for lovable companions. They are very curious dogs, excited to take on whatever may come their way. The combination of their playful nature and loving personality makes them a great choice for many families.#8 – RottweilerThe large, muscular build of the Rottweiler can make them look intimidating at first glance, but these playful and loving dogs are often completely unaware that they aren’t a toy breed. They are calm and confident but will also protect their family if needed.#9 – German Shorthaired PointerWith an unwavering level of enthusiasm and energy, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a great companion for those with an active lifestyle. They are incredibly friendly dogs and are highly trainable in a positive, loving environment.#10 – DachshundThese spunky and independent little dogs are often completely unaware of their small size. While they aren’t built for distance running or leaping, they are energetic, smart, and stubborn. They will bravely face whatever life throws their way and take on the world with their family by their side. Other Popular Breeds in the USThe Flat-Coated Retriever, often referred to as the Peter Pan of the Sporting Group for their happy-go-lucky, fun-loving personalities, climbed the list over 10 spots in a single year. In 2020 they held spot but they finished 2021 in spot 103.Some other notable breeds that didn’t make the top 10 list, but are known for their popularity on social media, include:Pembroke Welsh Corgi (Yorkshire Terrier (Siberian Husky (Pug (Chihuahua (English Cocker Spaniel (What is your favorite dog breed? Did it make the list?

Hay for Rabbits and Why It’s Important

Rabbits are grazing herbivores, which means that they only eat plants and eat them throughout the day – and the plant they eat most of is hay. In fact, at least 75% to 80% of a rabbit’s diet should consist primarily of high-quality grass hay! Their digestive systems are perfectly adapted to hay, as a high-fiber diet is optimal for their complex needs. As avid self-groomers, rabbits tend to ingest a lot of hair when cleaning themselves, but unfortunately, their gastrointestinal tract cannot properly break down and pass hair. That’s why they need a lot of roughage in their daily diet – it helps pass the hair through the intestines safely where it is expelled in the stool. Additionally, if a rabbit isn’t eating enough hay – and mind you, they should be eating their body’s weight in hay per day – their gut flora will change, and it can lead to a deadly condition called GI stasis.In addition to helping keep their digestive system functioning properly, hay also helps file down rabbit’s teeth and prevent overgrowth or malocclusion. Rabbit’s teeth grow throughout their life, and if left unchecked, they can grow too much and cause health issues. On average, a rabbit’s teeth will grow as much as 2 mm each day, and it quickly adds up – in a year, they can grow up to 12 cm! When a rabbit eats a lot of hay, the coarseness of it will gradually grind the new growth, keeping their teeth in check.What Type of Hay Rabbits Eat? There are various types of hay for rabbits available, so you might be wondering which type of it is the best for your pet. While hay is basically just dried grass, it doesn’t mean that any dried grass will do – it has to be safe for rabbits to consume and contain the right amount of fiber and nutrients. The most common choice is timothy hay, which is a mix of leaves and stems of the perennial Timothy grass – it’s thick and coarse, which is optimally suited to a rabbit’s digestive system, and has the right amount of protein and fiber as well. Next, you have orchard grass hay. This type of hay has a softer texture than timothy hay does and contains less protein even though it’s exceptionally rich in fiber, but it has a sweeter smell and taste, which is why some bunnies prefer it. Meadow grass hay (or pasture hay) is not “real” hay, but rather a mixture of various types of grass that have been gathered from meadows and pastures (hence the name) and then dried in a kiln. The combination of different textures and tastes suits picky bunnies, but it might be more calorie-dense than timothy hay, which is why it should be fed in moderation.Oat hay is grown as a specific crop and harvested before the seed heads form, to ensure its digestibility. It is rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Rabbits tend to love it mostly because of oat husks which have a crunchy texture they appreciate.Alfalfa hay is technically neither grass nor hay but rather a legume in the pea family – it’s also called lucerne. As a result, it is quite rich in protein and can be too nutrient dense for adult bunnies, and could lead to obesity if fed often or exclusively. However, when it comes to kits and growing bunnies, alfalfa hay is an excellent choice as it will help them grow into strong, healthy rabbits.Herbal hay can be a fun treat for an indoor-only rabbit, as it introduces certain herbs that bunnies would normally eat when foraging outdoors into their daily meals. It mixes timothy hay with dried chamomile, dandelions, or marigolds to give your pet a taste of what they would normally eat on the outside.ConclusionHay is the primary food source for rabbits – it contains high amounts of fiber, which helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome and wear down constantly growing teeth, which in turn prevents common health issues for rabbits such as GI stasis or malocclusion. You should offer high-quality hay in unlimited amounts, as your rabbit needs to eat their body weight of hay on a daily basis, combined with occasional rabbit pellets and rabbit-safe vegetables to introduce essential vitamins and minerals to their diet. The best choice is timothy hay, for its coarseness and high fiber content, but if you have a picky bunny, you can mix timothy hay with some tastier, richer hay such as oat hay or orchard grass hay.

What is Canine Liability?

It isn’t just about bitesIf your dog bites, scratches, scares, trips, knocks someone over, runs out in front of a car causing property damage or injuries another domestic animal, you will likely be sued.ClaimsGone is the day when people say “my fault” and take care of the injury or damages themselves. There are 4.5 million dog bites in America 800,000 of those require medical attention. The average claim now closes after payment of $49,025. A recent claim settlement for a dog just approaching someone in a menacing manner paid out $171,000. My dog would neverUnfortunately, because a dog has never injured a person that does not mean that given the right circumstances they will not. Many Americans now feel that the dog is family and do not understand that all dogs can bite!What to do, what to doFirst, never lie to an insurance company about the fact that you have a dog/dogs or even the breed of those dogs. Simply put, not only is that fraud, but your policy will be voided - meaning no coverage.Second, assuming your company knows you have the dogs, review the exclusions in the policy and look for “animal liability” exclusions, that means you have no coverage for injuries caused by any animal not just dogs. If the exclusion is not there then you may have coverage.Third, confirm that you have off premises coverage. If you dog gets out and runs to the street injuring someone that will not be covered without off premises coverage about half of the homeowners and renters polices currently have the coverage.Fourth, please take risk management precautions. Make sure that the fence is in good shape, make sure everyone in your household knows that dogs slip out of doors, windows and fences. Put locks on your fences, if a child goes into your back yard to get their ball and they are injured chances are that you will have no defense and will be sued.Finally, if you are not covered you need to seek out Canine Liability insurance. It is a policy that stands alone and provides protection in the event you are sued for your dogs’ actions. Be aware that many of the policies that are available have large deductibles, so be sure that your quote includes no deductible, off premise coverage and coverage if the leash or collar break.Should there be an incident the insurance company will pay for the medical and veterinary charges, an attorney to defend you and pay the settlement up to the policy limit. Even if another dog starts a fight and your dog is larger, most courts will find your dog is guilty of injuring the other dog, No one ever said that life is fair. You can find a most comprehensive policy through Dean Insurance Agency, Inc formed in 1994 the agency is licensed in all states (except AK and KY). The policy can be purchased online in minutes at www.dogbitequote.com the policy is issued within minutes of the purchase. They cover your dog for injuries to people, other domestic animals and property.If you are trying to rent let your potential landlord know that they can be added as an additional insured protecting them if you dog injuries a person or other domestic animal.Employers may also allow you to bring your dog to work with you if they are added as an additional insured.So don’t be the one trying to figure out how to handle an incident with a policy from www.dogbitequote.com - they will step in to help with the medical, defense and settlement costs.

Top 10 Best Rabbits for 4H

Participating in 4-H clubs and programs can be an experience that will be cherished for life – especially when a child gains a pet best friend thanks to it. One of many programs that 4-H has is the so-called rabbit project, which is supposed to provide experience with “the selection, feeding, husbandry, and exhibiting of rabbits” to young people. There are various rabbit projects within the 4-H, including breeding, pet, and market projects, but we’ll focus on the best rabbits for 4-H programs that are meant for raising pet rabbits.While bunnies might seem like an easy animal to care for, that might be misleading – rabbits require care, love, and attention as much as any other pet. Even within 4-H guidelines, it is emphasized that the bunnies that are raised for the project should be well taken care of, or the so-called five freedoms rule: freedom from hunger and thirst, from discomfort, from pain, injury or disease, from fear and distress, and freedom to express normal behavior. With that being said, the 4-H rabbit program can be an excellent way to introduce your kid to the responsibility of taking care of a pet. What starts off as a project, can become a beautiful friendship – but only if your child is serious about keeping the rabbit and providing them appropriate care. When it comes to the choice of rabbit breed for 4-H projects, any of the 50 rabbit breeds officially recognized by ARBA are accepted. Here is our choice of the 10 best rabbits for 4-H in terms of ease of care, personality, and showmanship potential.Top 10 Best Rabbits for 4H

Joined in Meowtrimony: Woman Marries Her Cat to Prevent Eviction

There are almost no limits to what pet owners would do to prevent losing their pet – including marrying them. In an effort to prevent future landlord(s) from imposing no-pets-allowed lease conditions when renting, Deborah Hodge, aged 49 from Sidcup, United Kingdom, married her cat India in a civil ceremony run by a legally ordained friend. The ceremony was attended by a small circle of close friends and family, with Debora wearing a tuxedo-style outfit to keep it formal – and to match India, whose coat is spotted with black and white markings. The two said “I meow” and “I do” on April 19th, making their union official. While marrying a pet does sound unusual – to say the least – Deborah’s decision wasn’t made from whimsy but rather motivated by past traumatic events. After being threatened with eviction because of her pets, she’s doing everything in her power to make sure she’s never in that situation again. As a renter through the years, Deborah has been forced to rehome her two huskies, Siri and Starshine, and then, in her current home, her cat Jamal – so she’s decided that enough is enough. Not being able to bear giving up any more pets due to strict (and sometimes absurd) landlord rules, Deborah tied the knot with her cat, sending a message that yes, she is a part of the family, on paper and in their hearts. A single mother of two, Deborah says that her pets are as important to her as her children and that it broke her heart to have to rehome her previous animals. This way, she hopes, landlords will have to accept that India is a part of the package and that where Deborah goes, she goes. In the end, Deborah adds, she’d rather live on the streets than have to give up her cat, if her idea fails to have any effect on future landlords. Renting with pets as a part of the family can be tough, with strict lease conditions and a lack of understanding from landlords, but hopefully, Deborah’s and India’s wedding will not have been in vain. One can only hope that, regardless of the extreme measures she’s willing to take, Deborah won’t have to part with India to be able to rent an apartment for her and her children – and that landlords will be more open to the idea of having a pet on their property once they realize how devoted Deborah is to her cat. After all, it seems ludicrous that pet owners are forced to try and come up with things such as marrying their pets just to be able to have one while renting an apartment in the first place – so it might not be as ludicrous to believe that it will work.

Cranberry Almond Dog Treat Recipe

Is your dog gluten sensitive? It can be tough to find gluten free treat choices at the pet food stores. Your best bet, to ensure a gluten-free experience, is to make some at home. Even if you’re hapless in the kitchen, this Cranberry Almond Dog Treat Recipe is easy to make! Cranberries for dogs, when fed in moderation, offer a slew of powerful antioxidant boosts. Not only are they good for your dog’s immune system, but they can help prevent some cancers, improve cognitive health, and enhance bladder wellness, especially if your pooch suffers from frequent urinary tract infections.

How to Transition Your Pet to New Pet Food

Transitioning your pet to new pet food doesn’t have to be stressful and nerve-wracking – check out our step-by-step process of switching your pet to a new food for a fuss-free experience.Pets are creatures of habit and big fans of their daily routine, so when it’s time to change their diet, you might be in for a challenge. Your cat or dog might have a health condition that requires them to transform their meal plan, or you might have realized that the food you were giving them is not the healthiest option out there. Either way, the process of transitioning your pet to a new food can be daunting when it’s your first time (or you have a particularly stubborn pet), but with some insider tips, the process can be as smooth as possible!How to Transition Your Pet to New Pet Food: Step-by-Step Process

How Do Dog Insurance Companies Check for Pre-existing Conditions?

With the costs of veterinary procedures and services only going up, more and more pet parents are looking into pet insurance to help soften the blow on the budget in case of emergencies or unexpected illnesses. But what about coverage for dogs with pre-existing conditions? Can you insure your dog for an illness or health issue that they had before the policy came into effect? Here’s what to know about pre-existing conditions and dog insurance, from what is considered as such to how dog insurance companies check for pre-existing conditions.What is Considered Pre-existing Condition In Terms of Dog Insurance?Any illness or health issue that has occurred before the set waiting period passes is considered a pre-existing condition. The waiting period is usually up to two weeks for most dog insurances, so if something happens to your pet in that time period, it won’t be included in the coverage. The same goes for conditions that they’ve had for weeks, months, or years prior to being insured, as these won’t be included in the coverage either. Still, it’s important to read your specific policy, as each dog insurance company can have a different definition of a pre-existing condition. How Do Dog Insurance Companies Check for Pre-existing Conditions?To identify any potential pre-existing condition, dog insurance companies will require your pet’s medical history, including records from your vet, and some might even require a full medical exam to determine your pet’s health status. They will check not only for an official diagnosis but also for symptoms that could be a clear indicator of a developing disease. Needless to say, pre-existing conditions are not something you can hide from a dog insurance company.It’s also worth noting that pre-existing conditions can be considered curable or chronic, and they are treated differently by dog insurance companies. If your pet had a health issue that is considered to be curable, e.g. ear infection, and it has passed at least 6 to 12 months (depending on the company’s policy) since the symptoms occurred, the condition will be considered cured and will be covered by your pet’s policy. Unfortunately, there usually is no coverage for diseases classified as chronic or uncurable (diabetes, cancer, allergies, arthritis, etc) that have developed prior to your dog being insured.Do Pre-existing Conditions Affect the Monthly Premium Costs of Dog Insurance? Pre-existing conditions do not affect the monthly premium costs of dog insurance directly – they are simply excluded from the coverage. Let’s say your pet has asthma: it won’t make their premium higher, but any health issue that arises and is related to their asthma won’t be eligible for reimbursement from the insurance company. Of course, this means that the sooner you insure your pet, the better deal you’ll get. Insuring a puppy doesn’t just come at a lower premium, but it also ensures that any future conditions will be included in the coverage. If you wait until your pet starts showing symptoms or develops a health issue before considering insurance, you’ll miss the opportunity for the dog insurance company to cover the costs of treatment – which can be quite a lot, especially if the issue is chronic.

French Bullhuahua

French Bullhuahua Basics Spunky and compact, the French Bullhuahua is a relatively new designer dog breed that is becoming increasingly popular, especially with singles, apartment dwellers, and active seniors. As the slightly unusual name suggests, the French Bullhuahua is a mix between two purebred dogs, a French Bulldog and a Chihuahua. The result of this cross is a dog that’s small in stature but has a big attitude – and a lot of love to give! Despite being small, these dogs tend to have a lot of energy – they are not too high maintenance, but they still love going on walks and need lots of playtime, both to burn off energy and to keep their keen minds sharp. Thanks to their big personality and tendency to prefer being in the spotlight, these pooches do best as only pets in the household, but they can be socialized to get along with other four-legged roommates (as long as they can remain the star of the show!). While endlessly cute, this designer dog breed is not the best choice for families with small children, both because of their fragility and a bossy attitude. French Bullhuahua has plenty of attitude and loves being in the center of attention – and having in mind their antics and huge personality, they often are Origin When it comes to designer dog breeds, their past is often a mystery. Not many crossbreeds can boast of having a detailed history that documents their origin, and the French Bullhuahua is no exception. However, what we do know is that this is a fairly recent designer dog breed, which probably means that the first intentionally bred French Bullhuahuas in the United States came to be in the 1990s. Of course, they were probably rare then, as they are still fairly rare today – but the breed has seen a significant increase in popularity in the last couple of years. Pedigree A French Bullhuahua is a mix between two purebred dogs: a French Bulldog and a Chihuahua. This is a so-called F1 or first-generation designer dog, which means the puppies are always a result of crossbreeding two purebreds. While this can produce inconsistent results – you can never know with certainty how a litter will turn out and which parent will they favor – some think that F1 designer dogs are healthier than crossbreeds that are second or third-generation mixes. This is because the more they are crossbred, the higher the chance is for hereditary health issues from original parental breeds to appear in puppies. As for an official pedigree, French Bullhuahuas won’t have any. This designer dog breed, not unlike all other crossbreeds, is not recognized by AKC so it doesn’t have an official set of breed standards and pedigree like its purebred parents do. Food / Diet To stay happy, healthy, and fit, your little French Bullhuahua will need a complete and balanced diet tailored to their unique needs. As a small breed dog, this pooch doesn’t need a lot of kibble to stay full, but it has to be high-quality and nutrient-rich to meet their dietary needs. Most pet owners opt for dry food, which is perfectly fine for a French Bullhuahua, but be sure to go for premium brands, formulas that are made from wholesome, natural ingredients, and tailored to suit your pet’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). French Bullhuahuas need kibble formulated for small breeds that are moderately active. Due to their petite stature, French Bullhuahuas are prone to obesity – without plenty of exercise and with one too many treats, that extra fluff will stick right to their body. Needless to say, obesity can become a serious issue that triggers a range of health problems for your pet, so be sure to stick to the recommended dosage of food and don’t go overboard with yummy snacks in between meals. Despite being small, these dogs tend to have a lot of energy – they are not too high maintenance, but they still love going on walks and need lots of playtime. Training With French Bulldog and Chihuahua being their mom and dad, it doesn’t come as a huge surprise that these designer dogs can have a bit of a stubborn streak, making them a bit difficult to train. Your best bet is starting early on and using positive reinforcement methods – a few treats and some praise can go a long way. While you should never be harsh to your pet, especially not when you’re training them, if you want to make progress with your French Bullhuahua, you will have to be assertive and firm. They will sniff out a softie and try to get their way whenever possible so stick to your guns if you want to be successful in training. In addition to basic training, you should also make sure to socialize your French Bullhuahua puppy in their early days. This breed can be a bit bossy and they don’t tend to get along well with other dogs or small kids, but if you make some gentle introductions while they are still young, you can make them friendlier and more relaxed around other pets and strangers. Weight Both the Chihuahua and the French Bulldog are small breed dogs, so their offspring fit the same category, too. However, the weight and size of this crossbreed can vary depending on which parent they favor – anything between 10 and 30 pounds can be expected for this designer dog. Temperament / Behavior With two feisty small breed parents, it goes without saying that this crossbreed dog is one sassy little pooch! French Bullhuahua has plenty of attitude and loves being in the center of attention – and having in mind their antics and huge personality, they often are. French Bullhuahua are smart but stubborn, so you might have your hands full if you are a first-time owner that doesn’t have experience with training. And you will have to train and socialize a French Bullhuahua from the get-go: it’s what makes the difference between a cute and sassy dog and a pet with a small dog syndrome that’s yappy and nippy. Overall, French Bullhuahua is sweet, smart, and playful and when socialized on time, can be a great pet for families of all shapes and sizes. Still, this breed will do best in smaller families with no children or older children in their teens – small kids and French Bullhuahuas don’t really mix well. Common Health Problems When getting a designer dog, it’s of utmost importance that you get your puppy from a reputable breeder, if you are not adopting. This will eliminate the possibility of illnesses caused by neglect which is often present with backyard breeders, as well as mean that the parents were chosen with care in order to prevent potential hereditary issues from being passed on to their offspring. Some common health issues for Chihuahuas and Frenchies, which, in turn, can appear in their crossbreed offspring, include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, hydrocephalus, collapsed trachea, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Apart from breed-specific issues, you should be on the lookout for oral health problems and obesity, as all small breed dogs are prone to it. Luckily, this can be prevented with healthy habits. Brush your pet’s teeth regularly, offer dental treats, and make sure they eat a complete and balanced diet. Add regular exercise to the mix and your French Bullhuahua will be fit as a fiddle with a sparkly white smile to boot! Life Expectancy An estimated lifespan for this designer dog is between 12 and 18 breeds, which makes it a long-lived breed. However, this is just a guess based on the longevity of its parents as there still isn’t enough data on French Bullhuahuas specifically. To make sure that your pet reaches the higher end of the lifespan spectrum, make sure you get a puppy from a responsible breeder and provide them with the best possible care throughout their life, including a balanced diet, plenty of exercise, and regular vet checkups. Exercise Requirements French Bullhuahua isn’t as active as a large breed or a working breed, but these tiny doggos do pack a lot of energy inside their petite bodies. A lot of it stems from their sharp minds, which means that they often get bored and start looking for trouble unless you “tire” them out with playtime and activity. If you are looking for a couch potato pooch, this breed is not the one for you – nor is French Bullhuahua a good fit if you want a hiking buddy. Their energy levels fall into the category of moderate, which includes daily walks (at least for 30 minutes) with spaced-out time during the day for some mentally engaging playtime. Interactive toys and puzzles are a great choice for these dogs as they will entice them and keep them occupied – and away from mischief. French Bullhuahua are smart but stubborn, so you might have your hands full if you are a first-time owner that doesn’t have experience with training. Recognized Clubs Even though French Bullhuahua isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), it is recognized by clubs and organizations run by designer dog breed enthusiasts and owners. American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), and International Canine Association (ICA) recognize this mix as French Bullhuahua, while International Designer Canine Registry® (IDCR) recognizes the breed under the name Mexican Frenchie. These clubs and organizations could be of help when it comes to finding reputable French Bullhuahua breeders in your area, as well as help you connect with other French Bullhuahua owners and lovers of the breed so you could trade experiences and learn more about these designer dogs. Coat As both of the parental breeds sport a short coat, so does the French Bullhuahua. They have short and sleek hair which can appear in any color common for Chihuahua or the Frenchie, which includes cream, tan, golden, white, black, or brown when it comes to solid colors, and in some rarer cases, merle or brindle. When it comes to grooming, the French Bullhuahua is a low-maintenance dog. With a few brushings throughout the week, their coats will always look their best. Throw in a bath every month or when the nose test tells you it’s time (pooches can get stinky in no time), and that’s everything their coats need to stay smooth and luster. Although very rare, long-haired French Bullhuahuas exist – when breeders cross a French Bulldog with a long-haired Chihuahua. This type of coat does require a bit more work as those luscious locks need to be brushed every day to prevent matting and tangling, but they are still far away from high-maintenance coats of breeds such as Poodle, Bichon Frise, or Afghan Hounds. Puppies Nothing is more adorable than puppies – especially teeny tiny French Bullhuahua puppies. French Bullhuahua litters usually range from 2 to 4 puppies, and all of them could look nothing alike – some could look more like a Chihuahua and others could favor the Frenchie parent more. This is important to have in mind when getting a puppy: surprises are possible but that only means that your designer dog is one of a kind! In those early days, French Bullhuahua puppies will be very fragile and should be handled with great care, which means no other pets or small children until they grow up a bit. Mishandling could lead to injuries and endanger your pet, so it’s best that you are gentle and careful around them. As soon as your puppy reaches 7 to 8 weeks of age, you can begin with some light training – nothing too complex yet, as they won’t have the attention span for it. It’s best to start basic training and socialization while they are still young so they can grow up to be well-behaved, friendly dogs. Photo credit: Deep Desert Photography/Shutterstock

Rocki Robot Review

Before we get into the Rocki review, let’s take a look at the specifications and what you actually get with your purchase.Specs:· Weight: 3.3 lbs· Dimensions: 7.28x8.07x7.28 inches· Wireless Connection: Bluetooth ver 4.1· Battery Type: Li-Polymer 7.4V 2600mAh· Working Time: Continuous Play Time: 5 hours; Waiting Time: 5 days· Input Power: DC 5V USBWhat it offers:· Real-time HD video and audio and recording· Speak and Audio· Treat tosser· All-wheel drive and 360 degree all directional movement· Long standby and operational time· Multiple toy mounts and laser toyWhat you get in the box:· Robot· Data line· Feather attachment· Laser attachment· User ManualSet Up:Before you can play with Rocki, you need to set him up on your cell phone. And the process is easy. First, you install the app by scanning the QR code found in the user guide. Next, you sign up by creating an account that includes your email address, then confirming registration. When you turn Rocki on, you’ll have to make sure the Bluetooth on your device is on. Rocki will let you know that you’re on track by saying “Starting” – after that, you press the Pair button on the app and connect to WiFI. Before you start, load the snack feeder by holding the two buttons on the side of Rocki. When you’re finished, simply close it by locking the two buttons. Now, it’s time to introduce Rocki to your pet.

Belgian Malinois Abandoned by the Russians Switches Sides

The three-year-old Belgian Malinois originally arrived in the area with the Russian invasion. A member of the Russian special forces, he served alongside Putin’s forces as they occupied the area. When the Russian forces were driven out, they left behind many dangerous objects including unbroken shells, mines, and ammunition. In addition to the explosives, they abandoned Max. “The shepherd belonged to the occupiers who captured one of the villages of the Nikolaev region and when during the liberation of the territory they were crushed by Ukrainian defenders – all the dogs ran into the village. One of the families took in Max,” the National Guard of Ukraine shared in a Facebook post. During the time that he was left to fend for himself, the highly trained dog survived on rotten food that he found in the area. His identity was revealed by a camouflage collar around his neck with the inscription “5.45 Zashchitnik” (Defender), signifying his role with the special forces. The family that cared for him released Max into the care of the Ukrainian forces where he could put his special training to use for the country that showed him such care and compassion. Belgian Malinois dogs have a long history of serving in military and police roles, dating back as far as World War 1. Today they continue to serve with law enforcement personnel and even work with the elite Navy SEALS. Their strong and muscular build makes them a highly athletic and versatile breed. At the same time, they are highly intelligent, confident, and fiercely loyal.Max has been partnered up with a Ukrainian National Guard dog handler. “Max is in excellent physical shape. He knows all the basic commands. So far, he understands teams only in the language of the occupiers, but Ukrainian language classes have already begun,” explained Dmytro, a National Guard fighter. “So far, he understands teams only in the language of the occupiers, but Ukrainian language classes have already begun.”The trophy dog has quickly found his place among the guards. He is now proudly serving as a dog sniffer of unexploded mines. It’s an important role as the Ukrainians work to clear their land of the dangerous Russian explosives. Max will join other hardworking dogs in this mission including Patron, a Jack Russell terrier that was recently awarded a medal for his services by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. At the young age of two and a half years, Patron is credited with helping to identify and clear more than 200 devices. The small hero has gained a lot of attention and even has his own official Instagram page with over 270,000 followers. When he’s not sniffing out undetonated explosives, Patron can be seen doing other important work such as greeting children from Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv. Both Max and Patron demonstrate that dogs truly are “man’s best friend.”

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Winnie

A big girl with an even bigger heart, this sweet pooch is looking for a family to love and cherish her! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Winnie, a year old Pitbull Terrier and Great Dane mix from Dayton, Ohio. She is spayed and working on her training with Dayton Dog Training Club volunteers. Winnie is a young, friendly dog, but due to her size, she’d do best in a family without young kids she could inadvertently knock down during playing. As for cats and dogs, it’s best to inquire more directly from her rescuers about her previous experiences – and maybe arrange a meet with your pet, if you already have one. Winnie’s TaleUnfortunately, at just one year of age, Winnie is the shelter’s longest resident – through no fault of her own. This gal is sweet as they come and will charm you right away, you only have to give her a chance! She loves running around the yard, leaning on you for snuggles, giving big sloppy kisses, and generally being around her people – she’ll shower you with love, for sure. A smart cookie, Winnie is also working on her training and commands, so she’s getting the ropes of some basics. Ideally, her training would continue in her new home, to ensure she truly achieves her potential.Her ideal home would be with only adults in the family, preferably people that have previous experience with large breed dogs – somewhere where she could run around and play and have someone to pamper her as she deserves. Not much to ask for, especially when you’re as cute as this!If you’re interested in giving a home to Winnie, contact the Humane Society of Greater Dayton to learn more about her and the adoption process. Fingers crossed – she’s a dream of a dog!

Japan Invents Wearable Fans for Dogs Due to Rising Temperature

With so many countries experiencing extreme heat waves this year, pet parents all over the world are concerned about the well-being of their pets amidst the scorching temperatures. It’s no different in Japan, where they are having record-breaking temperatures over 40 degrees celsius this summer – but Rei Uzawa, a passionate animal lover and an entrepreneur, figured out a way to help pets stay cool even in the unbearable heat.Uzawa first noticed the toll that summer takes on dogs while walking her own pet, a chihuahua named Swan. She would start panting excessively and struggle on walks, so it was clear to her that something had to change as, due to her work schedule, she couldn’t get up to walk her earlier or too late in the evenings to avoid the hottest parts of the day. That’s where her creativity kicked in and she came up with ‘ Cool Dog’, a wearable fan that can be worn by both cats and dogs. View this post on Instagram A post shared by おねこさま/ONEKOSAMA　おいぬさま/OINUSAMA (@onekosamaofficial)‘Cool Dog’ is essentially a mesh onesie that’s breathable and pleasant against the skin, but its main feature is the small, wearable fan that is located on the pet’s back. It’s very light, weighing only 80 grams, and is powered by two small AAA batteries, so it’s light enough even for the smallest of breeds to carry on their backs. Needless to say, this innovative cooling outfit for dogs became an instant hit with pet parents, with 100 orders fulfilled just last month when ‘Cool Dog’ was first unveiled. Currently, it’s available in five different sizes with a price of 9,900 yen ($74) per onesie, and the company is working on two other cooling designs to complement their original product. The first will be a portable cooling fan that is attached to the leash for dogs that are squirmy when wearing clothes, and the other is all about marrying aesthetics and functionality into a single product – a dog version of yukata, a traditional Japanese summer kimono, which will ensure your doggo feels and looks cool.

Lady Gaga Goes Goo-Goo For New Puppy

Popular Pet Guide

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Marvin

Popular Article

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Chloe

Lady Gaga Goes Goo-Goo For New Puppy

Popular Pet Guide

Popular Article

Related articles