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Trupanion Mentioned on MORE Good Day Oregon

On January 27, 2012, in In The News, by Articles by Heather

Yesterday, Trupanion was mentioned on MORE Good Day Oregon, Oregon’s premiere lifestyle news show. Dr. Jason Nicholas is a veterinarian who is the resident pet health & safety expert for the MORE Good Day Oregon team, appearing twice monthly (the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month) and talking about a wide range of topics. Yesterday morning he discussed pet insurance and mentioned Trupanion as his provider of choice!

Dr. Nicholas can be found at www.thepreventivevet.com.

View the video clip on the MORE Good Day Oregon website and tell us what you think!

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This Week in Testimonials – 1/27

On January 27, 2012, in Testimonials, by Articles by Stacy

Thank you Trupanion for helping me support my 11 month old chocolate lab, Violet, through her recent recovery – your team and service are amazing!!! -Allison D.

 Because of Trupanion Pet Insurance my best friend is well taken care of,last July 2011 Charlie got a stick caught in his throat and needed surgery and because of Trupanion I had no worry,Thanks Trupanion for saving my best friends life. -Patricia M.

I have insurance with @Trupanion and they are the best. Amazing coverage for $50/month. #wortheverypenny -@thenuttytruth

Dear Trupanion, Thank you for making it easier for people to get the care they need for their pets. We’ve seen a lot of lives saved at our vet clinic because people with pet insurance didn’t have to worry about treatment costs. -Jennifer D.

My beagle mix Ripley recuperating in the sun from her knee surgery a few weeks ago. Very grateful I had Trupanion! -Seamus C.

Ripley

Thanks Trupanion for helping me get my cherry eye fixed -Tina S.

I thought a lot about purchasing pet insurance when I first brought my beautiful Shiloh Shepherd Lupa home, but when I stopped to think about it, the cost seemed comparable to what a couple of cups of coffee would be. I just didn’t want to be in a position where I had consider having her put down because I couldn’t afford her medical costs. Today I am so thankful that I made that choice. Lupa was recently diagnosed with EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency), which basically means that her pancreas is not working. She was literally starving before my eyes, despite my best attempts to save her. Thankfully, there are products out there to cope with this condition, and she’s quickly becoming stabilized. My sincere appreciation to Trupanion and to your staff, who have been there every step of the way. You definitely have a believer in me. -Maureen E.

Lupa

This is Charlie now, he’s feeling great and he looks like a Champion, Thanks to Trupanion Pet Insurance, too all pet owners if you don’t have trupanion for your pet insurance , get on the phone and call, i promise you it will be the best thing for your pet, they saved my bestfriend Charlie , look at this photo and see how strong he has become. -Patricia M.

Charlie

They did what they said they would do, paying 90% of Clara’s emergency vet costs. If you need pet health insurance, I would recommend them. -Natalie G.

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Feeding Your Pet: 10 Tips

On January 27, 2012, in Pet Tips, Top 10, by Articles by Stacy


Pets, just like humans, have different tastes, allergies, and sensitivities to foods. With the growing obesity epidemic in the US, it’s important to pay close attention to what our pets are eating on a daily basis and it all starts at the pet food dish.

Here are a few tips for pet feeding, adapted from a list by Dr. Patty Khuly, DVM.

  1. Choose a nutritionally balanced pet food. Be sure to check the ingredients on the label and try to avoid foods with fat listed within the first four ingredients. Speak with your veterinarian for suggestions of good foods.
  2. Moisten your cat’s food. According to a 2010 study at the Waltham Center in the UK, cats on moistened diets (even if it’s just adding water to their kibble) tended to be more active and weighed less.
  3. Check for allergies or intolerance. If you recently brought home a new pet or are switching your pet’s current food, it is important to monitor them on their new diet to make sure they don’t have any allergies or tummy aches caused by the food.
  4. Measure your pet’s meals. Free-pouring or “eyeing” the amount of food you feed your pet can make a big difference over time. Be sure to use measuring cups or a scoop with marked measurements so that you can be consistent and ensure that you’re not overfeeding.
  5. Determine whether you are feeding the correct amount of food. At your next veterinary check-up, ask your vet if your dog or cat is too thin or too fat to ensure that you are feeding the proper amount.
  6. Be consistent. Frequently changing the brand or type of pet food can upset your pet’s tummy so it’s important to generally stick to the same food, prepared the same, each day. If you decide to change foods, it should be done gradually by mixing in small amounts with your pet’s current food.
  7. Watch the treat intake. Pet treats can be high in calories and quickly add up. Be sure to moderate the amount of treats given to your pet each day.
  8. Take exercise into consideration. Did you recently start a new jogging routine with your dog? Are your kids spending more time playing with the cats? If your pet’s exercise habits have changed, it might also be time to adjust his food intake.
  9. Age is a factor. As your dog or cat gets older, his metabolism (and likely activity level) slow down. Be sure to take your pet’s age into consideration when choosing a food (is it time for a senior diet?) and the size of the scoop.
  10. All pets are different. Each pet has its own nutritional needs based on his individual age, breed, activity level, lifestyle, etc. so be sure to look at each pet as an individual when determining their food needs.
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5 Tips to Keep Pets Safe in Snow

On January 26, 2012, in Pet Tips, Tid Bits of Fun!, by Articles by Stacy

Winter is in full force and many areas are already seeing lots of snow! Here are a few tips to help keep your pets safe and warm through the cold winter blizzards.

  1. Stay warm! Be sure to keep kitties inside and make dog potty trips short and quick.
  2. Wear a jacket. If you plan on being outside for longer periods with your dog, be sure that he can handle the cold. Some dog breeds like Huskies have thick coats that are made for cold weather. If your dog has a thinner coat, consider buying a sweater or jacket for your pup.
  3. Wipe off paws after coming inside. Whether your dog’s paws have collected salt, sand, or clumps of snow, it’s important to wipe all of these off before coming inside. Some salts or de-icing chemicals can burn your dog’s paws.
  4. Keep an ID tag on your pets. It is easier for pets to become lost during the winter months when snow and ice cover up scent trails that they use to find their way home.
  5. Never leave pets alone in a car. Cars not only get too hot in the summer, but will also get very cold in the winter. It’s best to leave pets at home where they can stay warm.

Do you have other pet tips to share with us? Let us know by leaving a comment!

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Dogs Are Spreading Happiness

On January 26, 2012, in In The News, Tid Bits of Fun!, by Articles by Stacy

Lily, shared by Trupanion Facebook fan, Jean M.

USA Today posted a wonderful article yesterday about dogs and their benefits to our mental health. It is true that when we pet a dog, we almost instantly become happier, but now, the article states, new research can explain why.

Studies show that when petting a dog, a hormone called oxytocin kicks into high gear. Oxytocin, which is sometimes dubbed “the cuddle hormone,” helps reduce blood pressure and decreases levels of cortisol, a hormone related to stress and anxiety.

Sounds pretty simple, right? Feeling stressed? Pet your dog!

But we can take it a step further by taking our dogs on walks. Not only does the exercise and fresh air have great health benefits, but dogs have been known to break down social barriers and give strangers a reason to say hello. Now you’re providing a wagging tail not only to yourself, but to your neighbors as well!

So the next time you are feeling stressed, give your dog a pat, and then take him outside to spread happiness to others.

Read the full article from USA Today here.

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Dog Skull From 33,000 Years Ago Found

On January 25, 2012, in In The News, by Articles by Stacy

Photos by Nikolai D. Ovodov

In recent news, a 33,000-year-old dog skull recently unearthed provides evidence that perhaps not all dogs are very closely related as previously thought.

The skull was found in a Siberian mountain and dates back to about the same time period as another dog skull which was previously discovered in Belgium. This would suggest,  instead of all dogs being domesticated from one central location, that there were multiple different dog domestication events.

According to a written statement by Greg Hodgins, researcher at the University of Arizona’s Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Laboratory and co-author of the study:

Essentially, wolves have long thin snouts and their teeth are not crowded, and domestication results in this shortening of the snout and widening of the jaws and crowding of the teeth. The argument that it is domesticated is pretty solid. What’s interesting is that it doesn’t appear to be an ancestor of modern dogs.

It is believed that both the Siberian and Belgian dogs went extinct at the last Ice Age which lasted from 26,000 to 19,000 years ago. What is interesting is that the two skulls represent two separate and previously unknown domestication events which suggest that the evolution of dogs may be more complicated than previously thought. And, as Hodgins points out, dogs have been man’s best friend for a very long time.

Read more at the original study published by PLoS One or on Huffington Post.

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Guest Post: Pet-Friendly Camping

On January 25, 2012, in Pet Articles, by Articles by Guest Blogger

The following is a guest post from Django Gold. Django is a writer with Wet Nose Guide, an online dog care directory for pet owners on the go. From dog veterinarians to emergency dog care services, Wet Nose Guide is your canine resource when you’re away from home.

Camping DogAmerica the beautiful! From sea to shining sea, the U.S. is host to more lush outdoorsy spaces than one could visit in a lifetime. For humans and dogs alike, the country is one big playground if you’re looking to get away from the city and into the great outdoors. Pet friendly camping is plentiful throughout the 50 states, but some areas have more opportunity than others for you and your pup to get out into nature. Here are the top five states for dog friendly camping that offer all the perks of the parks.

California
The Golden State is known for its diverse ecology: forests, beaches, mountains, flatlands…California’s got it all! As far as pet friendly camping goes, the state is host to numerous regions that make great campgrounds for you and your canine companion. In the Lake Tahoe region, dog friendly campgrounds abound, with trails and tails aplenty. Head north to the Lassen Volcanic National Park region for pet friendly camping sites in the shadow of Lassen Peak. And dog friendly campgrounds can also be found up and down the California coastline, allowing you a little surf with your campground turf.

Washington
Just about as northwest as you can get before dropping into the Pacific Ocean, Washington’s dense redwoods are home to a variety of dog friendly campgrounds. From Olympic National Park to the various woodlands area adjacent to the Canadian border, Washington offers you and your pooch all the nature you need.

Texas
If you’re willing to brave the heat, Texas offers dog friendly camping options to beat the bank. Canyon Lake, outside of San Antonio, is home to numerous pet friendly camping sites within a stone’s throw of the lake. If you’re looking to get a taste of the Gulf, several dog friendly campsites flourish along the coast near Corpus Christi. Finally, just along the New Mexico border, check out the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which offers a more rugged camping experience for you and your pup.

Massachusetts
The Bay State may not be the first state people might think of when it comes to the great outdoors, but Massachusetts has many dog friendly campgrounds if you know where to look. The Berkshires region in Western Mass. offers a number of pet friendly campgrounds and RV parks, such as October Mountain State Forest and Summit Hill Campground.  And for a true taste of the outdoors, don’t miss the Mohawk Trail region just south of the Vermont border, which offers deep woods and a range of dog friendly camping options.

Florida
Despite its tropical climate, Florida has more than its fair share of dog friendly campsites and RV parks if you ever get sick of the beaches. Ocala National Forest and the nearby Lake George area are thick with pet friendly camping options. And heading south to the Big Cypress National Preserve area, you’ll find dog friendly camping in one of Florida’s most beautiful parks.

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Celebrity Pets: Tom Hanks Loses Dog Monty

On January 24, 2012, in Tid Bits of Fun!, by Articles by Heather

The Dog Files, an online community for dog lovers, posted some sad news yesterday that I thought our readers would be interested to hear as well. Tom Hanks, the admired actor of such classics as The ‘Burbs, Turner and Hooch, and Sleepless in Seattle, announced via Twitter the loss of his beloved dog Monty.

He posted the following photo with the comment: “Monty. Deep brown eyes, noble demeanor, finest dog ever. A sad day. Goodbye Big Boy.”

Tom Hanks dog Monty

We at Trupanion extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Hanks, as we know no matter who you are, the loss of a pet is a devestation that is universal.

Follow Tom Hanks on Twitter at @tomhanks, Dog Files at @dogfiles, and Trupanion at @Trupanion. You can see the announcement on Dog Files here.

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Pet of the Week: Mandy

On January 24, 2012, in Tid Bits of Fun!, by Articles by Stacy

Mandy

I got Mandy when she was about 8 months old. A family member bought her as a pet and after a few weeks realized it was too much responsibility. I was told she was going to be placed on Craig’s list! I loved her and didn’t want to see her end up in the wrong hands or find out she was sent from home to home. So I immediately said I’ll take her. I already had two dogs a Maltese named Max, and a Poodle named Missy. Mandy loved my home and my other dogs and was happy and content from day one! She was a handful but learned the rules fast.. Thanks to Missy my poodle. I’m happy to say she is a good loving and smart dog and I’m so happy to have her! She is also insured by Trupanion!

Mandy is such a cutie pie and I’m so glad to hear that you were able to give her a forever home! :)
To learn more about nominating your pet for Pet of the Week, click here!

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Pet Insurance Claim of the Week: Porcupine Attack

On January 23, 2012, in Claim of the Week, Pet Insurance & Pet Health, by Articles by Stacy

Calypso the 2-year-old Boxer had some unfortunate luck recently. She had a run in with a porcupine and got to experience the frightening and painful quills. Sadly, one of the quills punctured her lung and caused pneumothorax which is a collapsed lung. Calypso spent time at the emergency veterinary clinic where she had surgery.

She is doing better since the attack and we are very glad that we could be there to help during such a scary time.

Total claim amount: $7,852.67
Deductible applied: -$0.00 ($100 deductible already met)
Exam fees: -$165.00
Unrelated charges: -$90.05
10% co-insurance: -$759.76
Trupanion repaid: $6,837.86

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Please note: This blog is designed to be a community where pet owners can learn and share. The views expressed in each post are the opinion of the author and not necessarily endorsed by Trupanion. Always consult your veterinarian for professional advice.