Human Benefits of Pets

documented studies on human health suggest that pet ownership bestow the following benefits:

• reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
• higher survival rates from heart attacks
• significantly lower use of general practitioner services
• reduced risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis in chlidren exposed to pet allergen than during the first year of their life
• better physical and psychological well-being for seniors

source: http://blog.embracepetinsurance.com/2009/09/the-human-benefits-of-pets-and-pet-insurance.html#comments

10 Things To Know Before Buying Pet Insurance...part 2

6. Pet's treatment determination, choose a plan that doesn't limit your choices with a confusing fee schedule, or benefit schedule

7. Pre-existing condition, meaning those that existed before the original policy effective date, whether or not they were previously diagnosed or treated. These may include the congenital conditions your pet is born with such as patellar luxation, entropion, ectropion and liver shunt. Make sure the policy you choose clearly states what is and is not covered in a way that is easy to understand

8. Lifetime continous coverage, it is important to know that your pet insurance plan will continue to help treat the problem from one policy term to the next.

9. Veterinarian recommendation, they must have have heard all the news, good and bad, from other policy holders. Ask which one they recommend.

10. Experience expectation, when you have a problem, or you need help with a claim, a pet insurance company who employs pet lovers who care, and who understand pets, can make all the difference.


source:
http://www.petsbest.com/TenThingsYouShouldKnow.aspx

10 Things To Know Before Buying Pet Insurance....part 1

each pet insurance company offers slightly different plans. And that's the single biggest reason that you need to carefully compare the options to make an educated decision. To help in your comparison, i've prepared an easy-to-understand description of the most important things you'll need to consider.

1. Deductibility, a higher deductible will lower your monthly premium, but means your out-of-pocket will be higher each time your pet begins a new medical treatment. Choosing a lower deductible will increase your monthly premium, but means your out-of-pocket costs will be lower.
2. Policy limit, The rising cost of modern veterinary medicine can sometimes make a low per-incident limit (or low lifetime limits) unrealistic.
3. Policy coverage, make sure they cover chronic disease like diabetes or cancer. incident coverage should cover for surgical coverages that include removal of swallowed objects and treatment of hernias. as for routine care the policy should cover for annual exams, vaccinations, teeth cleaning, and diagnostics such as blood panels and urine testing
4. reimbursement calculation, generally it's calculated in two basic ways; as a fair and straight forward percentage of vet bill or as a percentage of a benefit scedule which limit the amount the insurance company is willing to pay
5. Veterinary network restriction, be sure you're allowed to visit any licensed veterinarian. the policy should cover 24 hour emergency accident otherwise it'd be useless when your pet got sick in the middle of the night. it also should cover for specialist treatment for a more complicated disease.

to be continued....

source:
http://www.petsbest.com/TenThingsYouShouldKnow.aspx

How Much Does Your Pet Cost You

Lifetime pet costs:

			Large dog	Cat	Guinea pig	Small bird	Fish	Rabbit
Food*			$235	$115	$105	$75	$20	$190
Recurring medical expenses*			$260	$160	$70	$85	$0	$70
Litter*			$0	$165	$415	$0	$0	$415
Toys and treats*			$75	$25	$30	$25	$0	$40
License*			$15	N/A	$0	$0	$0	$0
Health insurance*			$225	$175	$0	$0	$0	$0
Miscellaneous*			$65	$30	$15	$15	$15	$15
Total annual expenses			$875	$670	$635	$200	$35	$730
Typical life span			9 years	15 years	4 years	15 years	5 years	10 years
Setup costs			$560	$365	$40	$70	$200	$325
Total expenses			$8,435	$10,415	$2,580	$3,070	$375	$7,625

*Annual expenses

source:

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/WhatYourPetReallyCostsYou.aspx

History of Pet Insurance in USA

Pet insurance is on the rise in the US as Americans discover the value of protecting their pets.

• 1924

  First pet insurance policy is written for a dog in Sweden.

• 1947

  First policy is sold in Britain, and pet insurance takes off rapidly. Today, the UK has the most mature pet insurance market in the world with over 18% of pets insured.

• 1982

  First pet insurance policy is sold in the US to cover TV's heroic dog Lassie.

• 1997

  The Hartville Group, Inc., the ASPCA's partner for providing ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, begins to write pet insurance policies.

• 2001 - 2005

  Pet insurance continues to gain popularity in the US as veterinary costs rise and more pet parents learn about its benefits.

• 2006

  ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is launched offering pet parents the opportunity to protect their pets with the experts in animal welfare.

• 2007

  The future of pet insurance in the US looks bright. More American pet parents are insuring their pets as they realize how it can help them pay their veterinary bills.

source:
http://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/learn-about-pet-insurance/articles/history-of-pet-insurance.aspx

What Is Pet Insurance?

Veterinary care is becoming more sophisticated and more expensive. In fact, the costs of veterinary care have more than doubled over the past ten years. In light of these rising costs, pet health insurance offers valuable peace of mind. By covering their pets, pet owners can rest assured that they have the financial support they need to take care of their pets – and, in some cases, even save their lives.

Pet health insurance helps pet owners pay their veterinary bills by providing reimbursement for veterinary costs. Pets can be covered for accidents or illnesses, as well as wellness care, like vaccinations and annual check-ups.

The purpose of pet insurance is to mitigate the risk of incurring significant expense to treat ill or injured pets. As veterinary medicine is increasingly employing expensive medical techniques and drugs, and owners have higher expectations for their pets' health care and standard of living than previously, the market for pet insurance has increased.



source:
http://www.hartvillegroup.com/Hartville-pet-insurance.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pet_insurance

10 Most Popular Pets

1. dogs, terrific companions. They seem to sense when a master is feeling low, and they will eagerly stick a cold nose into your hand or lick your face. Dogs lie faithfully at your feet and rarely talk back, except when trained to do so. A canine pal will go anywhere that you do without complaining. He will still love you when you forget to fill the feed bowl, fail to pat his head, or fume over a doggy mess. Few friends are as loyal and dedicated as man's best friend.
2. cats, their aloofness drive most petlovers crazy. they make a perfect teacher of unconditional love. feed them, play with them, shelter them, but don't expect them to notice when you call.
   
3. hamsters, it is a good size to hold in your hand, and when tamed and trained, it likes to be held. It is larger than a mouse and has a prettier face. And, it doesn't have the musky odor of a male mouse.

   It is smaller than a rat and has a less prominent tail. In fact, a male Teddy Bear generally has his tail completely hidden by his long hair.

4. fish, watching the fish in an aquarium bring relaxation and are enjoyable for persons of every age and interest. It is almost like you go into a trance when you watch them. Statistics show that collecting fish is the second largest hobby in the world
5. mice, a sociable animal and needs a home where it will receive attention and affection. Being left in a cage and ignored is a harsh life for the guinea pig. They are affectionate animals that love to be held
6. guinea pig, a friendly temperament with no tendency to bite. They do not jump or climb and thus have minimal caging requirements. They are easy to feed and very hardy with few health problems. Since baby guinea pigs are born fully developed, with fur, teeth and their eyes open, they are easy and fun to breed
7. birds, hardy little jewels come in an array of beautiful colors, and require less space and the aesthetic value of owning a bird should not be underestimated
8. snakes, low maintenance pets, especially in comparison to more traditional species. They require minimal space, as most common species do not exceed five feet in length. Pet snakes can be fed relatively infrequently, usually once every five to fourteen days. Certain snakes have a life span of more than forty years if given proper care
9. iguanas, phenomenal pets. you won't be required to give them long walks outside and potty training will not be an issue that gets you out of bed at 3 a.m.
10. ferrets, one of the most popular pets because they have the same as well as different qualities of both cats and dogs. They are more independent than dogs. They are more playful than kittens and remain playful all their lives. They are very quiet animals and do not make a lot of noise.

Pets and Psychological Health

There is increasing evidence that the emotional and psychological benefits of pet companionship have physiological counterparts as well -- that pets improve not only the intangible "quality of life" but also improve human health. Research has demonstrated that petting and caring for animals - particularly those with whom a bonded relationship has been established - can reduce blood pressure and heart rate and improve survival rates from heart disease.

Elderly people who have pets visit physicians 16% less often than do those who do not, and that dog owners, in particular, make 21% fewer visits. Contemplation of a fish tank during dental treatment and oral surgery can reduce anxiety.

The key to animal-assisted therapy, then, is that animals in general, and companion animals more commonly, are regarded by many as "man's best friends." Dependent, dependable, domesticated animals may provide people with unconditional regard, present perpetually juvenile attributes (neoteny) which stimulate innate nurturing responses, and offer a sense of mastery and constant, non-judgmental acceptance and companionship. They may serve as catalysts to social interaction and as bridges to interpersonal communication and attachment.

source:
http://www.animaltherapy.net/Premise%20&%20Promise.html

Pets and Mental Health

Animals in a home may serve as a talisman against loneliness and depression. They may add a sense of safety and protection. They may encourage physical activity and social interaction with one's neighbors. They can be outlets of hobbies and opportunities for club interests. They may be the substitutes for children absent. The responsibilities and daily rituals of care may provide a touchstone of reality. They may divert one's cares and troubles. They are socially-acceptable conversation pieces and opportunities for touching.

There is greater "plasticity" in pet/human relationships than in most human/human relationships: rules regulating roles in parental, sibling, marital and friendship relationships are more socially structured and codified.

Pets may serve as a "clock," providing a sense of order and a daily ritual for people. Pets may give us a realistic, naturalistic touchstone, a baseline of animal behavior against which we can sometimes compare our own troubles and put our own lives into perspective:

Pets have frequently been described as non-threatening and non-judgmental companions. "The unambivalent nature of the exchange of affection between people and animals differs from exchanges with close family members and other relatives. Pets are a source of comfort that can be scheduled on demand of the owner, in almost any quantity, without bargaining or supplication," argued researchers Aaron Katcher and Erika Friedmann.

"Perhaps the most important health-related aspect of the human-animal relationship is play," said Robert Fagen of the University of Pennsylvania. "Animals that play are healthier and frequently live longer than those that don't. I would be willing to bet that interacting with an animal makes a person more sensitive in relationships with other human

The presence of pets in a household seems to contribute to the development of children's trust and self-esteem. Pets have also been observed to contribute to the development of ego strength in people in institutions.

source:

http://www.animaltherapy.net/Premise%20&%20Promise.html

How To Choose Your Pet

There are many important factors in the choice of a pet. The fact that the person who acquires it can have allergies (like asthma, bronchitis, etc.) is one. If that is the case, the person should opt for an animal that does not provoke allergies, for example, an aquarium with fish or a turtle.
Another important factor is the age of the children that will socialize with the animal. Despite each child having its proper rhythm of maturity, the appropriate age to have a first pet is from six years onward. At this age the child is already familiar with school, is already more sociable and will possibly already understand its responsibilities towards its’ animal. In other words, it will understand that it cannot mistreat the animal and it must care for its’ hygiene and feeding.

Dogs are playful and adapt easily to children, but they need to take a bath once a week and to have a walk at least once a day, even if it is a short walk. Therefore it is necessary to consider if the future owner of the animal has the possibility to provide the treatment that it needs. Cats have better hygiene and are practically independent. They learn to use the catbox on their own and they lick themselves clean daily, thus they only need to take a bath once a month (at the time of the bath their claws should be cut too and in case you don’t know how to, it is better to take the cat to the vet).
It can be concluded that, despite the work and the constant attention animals need, we are always rewarded. They give us joy, company and loyalty like nobody else.




source:
http://www.bianca.pt/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18&Itemid=80

Benefit of Having a Pet

Most people do not doubt that pets are great companions and that they are good for everybody (young and old people). To many adults, especially those who live alone, animals are like family members. They fulfil your need for affection and attention like only animals can do. To children, in addition to being their companions all day, animals also serve to help them learn day-to-day things. Animals show the circle of life in an accelerated way compared to human beings (birth, youth, adulthood, old age and dying). They also show children other things related to life such as having an accident, getting ill and knowing how to take care of themselves. As these phases are more accelerated in animals than in human beings the children learn about them through the animals. Moreover, animals help the children to develop their sense of responsibility, since they need to be taken care of constantly. In a study performed by Robert Bierer it was concluded that children, aged ten to twelve who had animals had more empathy towards others and higher self-esteem. Pets also help children to reduce their anxiety, tediousness and fear and to develop a better capacity to integrate and to be more focused in school.

source:
http://www.bianca.pt/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18&Itemid=80

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