Advantages of Pet Insurance For Dogs

Although the health of our best friend worries us and we always want to provide the best care for their welfare, sometimes, unforeseen events arise that require veterinary care and that suppose a great expense that we did not count on. Having an insurance policy can help you on those occasions. Therefore, today we talk about the advantages of having pet insurance.

Advantages of having pet insurance

You will save on your visits to the veterinarian

Visits to the veterinarian are very important for the health of your dog. You know that, at the very least, he should have his mandatory vaccinations up to date.

The problem can arise when an emergency visit arises and even more so if it requires surgery.

With pet insurance, you can rest assured that these consultations will be covered without causing a shock to your pocket.

It is also true that a check-up from time to time is not superfluous, and it has been proven that people who take out pet insurance take their best friend to the vet more frequently in the event of any symptom.

You will have liability insurance

Although not all breeds require liability insurance, it is not superfluous to have it.

In case of any incident against third parties, this insurance will protect you against possible damages caused.

Permanent assistance, regardless of day or time

Trouble never warns. Sometimes, your dog will need help, even if it's the middle of the night on a Saturday morning.

That's why with pet insurance you will be covered and have veterinary assistance by phone 7 days a week, every day of the year and at any time of the day.

Choosing your trusted veterinarian

With pet insurance you will have access to a wide range of clinics as well as professionals.

Sometimes, visits to the veterinarian can cause stress for your pet. That is why it is very important that you find a good professional who becomes your trusted veterinarian and that you gradually get to know each other.

In addition, in case of possible diseases, it is better that your veterinarian has access to all the medical history of your pet, to know what could have caused the ailment. With your insurance you will be able to find the most suitable professional.

The possibility of choosing among several insurance options

The best thing about taking out pet insurance is that you can choose between different types, depending on what best suits you and your pet.

Normally, you can find insurance with a basic benefit modality and a much broader one. This is the case of:

• Healthypaws
• ASPCA
• Embrace
• Pet Assure
• Lemonade
• Figo

As great animal lovers we want the best for them and, when selecting a pet insurance, what better than to put them in the hands of a totally trustworthy company backed by its experience and professionalism.

With a good pet insurance you will have all the benefits mentioned above and the peace of mind of leaving the health of your best friend under the care of great professionals.

Can Dogs Eat Artichokes?

Dogs require a balanced and varied diet in order to enjoy good health. Normally, high quality feeds contain all the necessary nutrients, but there are owners who opt for natural diets in which vegetables must be present. In that case, can dogs eat artichokes?

Can dogs eat artichoke: yes or no?

Within the list of vegetables suitable for dogs, artichokes are a good consideration.

In the case of humans there is no doubt and the main reason is the high amount of nutrients it possesses:

• Lots of vitamin C.
• Folic acid.
• Magnesium.
• Lots of fiber.

However, although this is also true for dogs, it must be taken into account that their organism differs from ours. Therefore, is it equally beneficial for dogs?

Let's be clear: dogs can eat artichokes, but in moderation.

However, when including natural foods in our pets' dishes, it is important to take into account whether all parts are edible or not, as well as the quantities to be offered.

In the case of this vegetable, heart, stem and leaves are not harmful to the animal's health. The existing danger would be if a very high quantity is offered.

Risks of giving a lot of artichokes to dogs

If you overdo the amount of artichokes you give your dog, it can suffer from different problems:

• Blockage of its digestive system.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.

In addition, although it is not common, there is always the risk that the dog suffers a food allergy if it is the first time in its life that it consumes artichokes.

How do I give artichokes to my dog

Now that you know that dogs can eat artichokes, it is time to clarify how they should be offered to them so that they are beneficial and not harmful.

• Wash the artichokes well.
• Cut them into small pieces.
• The first time, give him a few pieces and wait a while in case you notice any strange reaction.
• If not, you can give him some more.
• The best way to feed it is raw, after removing the outer leaves.
• However, you can also steam it or prepare a canine recipe. However, be careful, as these recipes should not include garlic, onion or any other food that is toxic for dogs.
• Do not give your dog artichoke more than once a week. It is better to alternate with other vegetables.

Benefits of artichoke for dogs

As mentioned, dogs can eat artichoke in moderation and this will have benefits for them.

• Eating this vegetable is appropriate to reduce canine cholesterol levels. Artichoke is a low-fat food.
• Artichokes help to reduce gas.
• It is a vegetable that helps to relieve problems such as stomach and colon irritations.
• The intake of artichokes provides a great amount of vitamins such as A, B1, B3, C and K.
• It also provides minerals to the animal's organism: potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium.
• It is a food that contains antioxidants. Therefore, it helps to increase defenses against some diseases such as cancer, premature aging, heart problems and other genetic pathologies.

Other vegetables that dogs can eat

In addition to artichoke, experts recommend the inclusion of certain vegetables in the diet of dogs if they are offered food naturally or as a sporadic reward in case they are already fed with quality commercial feed.

Among these vegetables recommended for dogs are:

• Celery.
• carrot.
• Pumpkin.
• spinach
• Green beans and peas.

Have you taken good note of these tips? Then it's time to give your dog a taste of artichoke.

5 Dog Breeds That Don't Grow Big

Choosing between so many dogs as a pet is a decision that you have to think carefully, since it is an animal that requires a lot of care and responsibilities. Therefore, assessing the size of the pet you are going to have is usually a relevant fact to take into account.

It is important to take into account the characteristics of our dog and reflect on whether we will be able to make him feel comfortable in the home, either because of his size or different traits.

The 5 dog breeds that don't grow up

There are people who value a small dog to keep it in an apartment, or simply because they believe it will be better for its handling. Here are some of the dog breeds that do not grow, so that you can take them into account if you want to adopt a new pet.

Toy Poodle

This very common breed has several sizes, but the Toy look like puppies all their lives, as they do not grow at all. Their height does not exceed 11 inches and their weight does not reach 17 pounds. Their affectionate and cheerful character makes them easy to train and they are perfect to live with the little ones.

Pomeranian

This dog has a maximum height of 12 inches. The weight of puppies is 3 pounds and adults do not exceed 7 pounds. They are usually very intelligent and show a lot of love towards their owners and distrust towards strangers.

Brussels Griffon

This dog measures a little more than 11 inches and weighs about ten pounds. They are wide and thick dogs that have a striking, very fixed and long hair. They are a perfect breed to be guardians and are very obedient and affectionate towards their owners.

Chihuahua

This cute dog is considered the smallest dog in the world, measuring from 6 to 10 inches and weighing only four or six pounds. They are affectionate and very sociable animals.

Yorkshire Terrier

This breed measures approximately 8 inches and will weigh at most seven pounds. They are characterized by their coat and by their lively and faithful character. They tend to bark a lot and are quite stubborn.

When Can a Puppy Go Outside For a Walk?

Vaccinations are essential for puppies to grow up healthy and strong. The first thing to do is to take him to the vet to find out what vaccinations he needs (depending on the breed and the place where he lives) and to deworm him. Until he has finished his first cycle of vaccinations, he should not go out in the street.

How many vaccinations do puppies need before they can go outside?

Mandatory vaccinations are those that protect your dog against diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza and rabies. The first vaccine is given between six and eight weeks of life and at nine weeks of age the second vaccine is given. At 12 weeks, booster vaccines are given, at which time the puppy will be ready to go outdoors and be in contact with other dogs.

Is it necessary to implant the microchip?

It is very important to put it on before it goes out for the first time, because in case of loss the veterinary clinics will be able to identify it more easily.

How do I know when a puppy can go outside?

Your veterinarian will be in charge of explaining when your puppy can go out for a walk and what risks and preventive measures you should follow. As a general rule, after the third vaccination, puppies can go out of the house (between three and four months of age), but they should be carefully watched so that they do not eat anything from the street and try to keep them in contact with dogs whose health status we know, that is, ideally with dogs that we know have been fully vaccinated, since the puppy's immune system is still strengthening and could catch a disease.

To take your puppy out without any risk, you have to know that it is at five months when they acquire 99% immunity. When you decide to take him out, do it little by little, increasing progressively the time of the walk. Taking him out in your arms or in a basket is a good way for him to get used to noises, people and everything new around him.

How Do i Know if My Dog is Cold?

Some dogs are more sensitive to cold than others. And this generally depends on the thickness and length of the coat, age, health and weight of your pet.

Short-haired dogs and small breeds are especially sensitive to cold. Puppies, older dogs and dogs with health problems may feel cold faster than other dogs.

The normal body temperature of dogs is higher than that of humans, so they should be at a temperature between 101° and 102° F.

Temperature tolerance varies from animal to animal, so it is important to know the signs that a dog shows when it is getting cold. Pay attention!

Signs that your dog is cold

How to tell if your dog is cold? Here are a few things that can give you clues:

• Shivering or trembling. Dogs react to cold just like we do - shivering and trembling are ways the body reacts to try to stay warm!
• Cold ears or body. Feeling your dog's ears is a good way to know his temperature. If the ears are cold, particularly at the edges. You can also touch his body. If it is cold instead of warm, your dog is probably too cold.
• Curl up. Is your dog curled up in a ball or is he hunched over with his tail tucked between his legs and shivering? He is probably doing this in an attempt to warm himself with body heat.
• Whining. If your dog is uncomfortable, he may try to let you know by whining, whimpering or barking - one reason is that he's cold!

How to keep your dog warm during the coldest days?

Remember to keep a close eye on your dog during extreme temperatures. If your dog shows any of the above signs, take precautions to keep him warm.

1. If you have a dog that is more sensitive to cold, buy him a dog sweater or a good dog blanket.
2. Keep his paws warm when you take him out in extreme cold and wet conditions. You can protect your dog's paws with boots.
3. If your dog needs to be outdoors for extended periods of time, find him a good doghouse to better protect him from the weather conditions. And of course install a fluffy bed with a blanket inside!

Most importantly, don't hesitate to take him to the vet if he shows any signs of chilling.

Why Does My Dog Look at Me When He Poops?

Who is not in love with the gaze of his dog? It is impossible not to fall in love with those eyes! Of course, there are looks... and looks. There is, for example, the look of love when you come home... or the look he gives you while defecating. Have you ever wondered "why does my dog stare at me while pooping"? There is a good reason for that and it will surprise you.

Why does my dog look at me when he poops?

If your dog looks at you when he poops, it doesn't mean that looking at you inspires him to such a task. Not at all, so we can rest assured. The reason is much more basic: survival.

It turns out that the moment of pooping and the posture that the dog must adopt when defecating gives him a very great feeling of vulnerability.

For this reason they usually look for a place as sheltered as possible to do their needs. But they will also look for your gaze as a way of protecting the pack.

This is something that has been integrated into their genes since their wolf ancestors. In the wild, wolves are in danger of becoming prey to predators. That's why they protect each other.

For your dog, you are his pack, his family, and he will seek your gaze with his eyes to make sure you protect him while he is doing his business, because in that position it is impossible for him to defend himself or run away.

So if you thought that when your dog looks at you while pooping what he was asking for was privacy, rather not, on the contrary!

What you should do in this situation is to remain calm and not make unexpected noises or sudden movements. It is not necessary to look back at your dog during the whole moment, but stay close to him for his peace of mind.

Another motive: seeking permission and its reward

There are other secondary reasons that experts are also giving as valid reasons why our dog may look at us while pooping.

On the one hand, a theory has gained strength that says that they do it to seek our approval.

This is especially true in dogs that were raised as puppies to relieve themselves in a specific place and at that moment they are not doing it there (for example, because you are walking down the street).

On the other hand, there is the search for a reward.

Also related to this teaching, it may happen that what they are looking for with that look is that reward (positive reinforcement) that you gave them after finishing the task successfully.

However, it is true that, once the learning process has been completed, this attitude should not be permanently rewarded. That is, as long as the reward was a treat. If the reward was a good petting and head scratching, you can always continue to do so.

Of course, don't forget to pick up his poop from the street afterwards!