Our Pet Insurance Community

Exercise is important for animals all year round.

Trupanion notes an increase in pet insurance claims for cruciate ligament damages and ties this to warm weather.

(PR.com) August 16, 2010 - Trupanion, a pet insurance company, reports a 29.76% rise in pet insurance claims for cruciate ligament damage between January and June of 2010. The company regularly sees an increase in claims in the summer months, due to a spike in physical activity during warmer weather.

Cruciate ligaments are criss-crossed over the knee, stabilizing the joint while allowing for a very large range of motion. The damage occurs when the ligaments are ruptured or torn, usually from excessive physical activity, resulting in instability or a limp.

Cruciate ligament damage is most often treated with surgery. Veterinarians will determine what type of surgery is most suitable for the pet, based on size, lifestyle, and other factors. The option most commonly seen by Trupanion is Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy. During this procedure, the knee joint is opened and the damaged portion is removed. Then, the tibia is cut and rotated so that the knee joint stabilizes as the animal puts weight on it.

Cruciate ligament repairs are among the most expensive claims Trupanion receives. One such claim saw a total veterinary bill of $4,005.40. The policy holder had a zero deductible policy, and since Trupanion covers 90% of actual costs, the company reimbursed a total of $3,604.86.

The most common breeds that are prone to this injury are Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, Australian Terrier, and Mastiff, but Trupanion has seen claims in a wide variety of breeds.

There are a few things pet owners can do to decrease the chance their pet will suffer from cruciate ligament damage:

• Monitor the pet’s weight. Overweight animals have a higher chance of injuring themselves due to the added weight placed on their joints.
• Give the pet plenty of exercise all year round. If the pet is used to exercise, he will be less likely to strain himself if playtime becomes more strenuous.
• If the pet is older or has another structural issue such as a luxated patella, pay close attention to him as he plays, as he is at greater risk for a ligament injury.

If you suspect your pet has an injury, be sure to take him to your vet as soon as possible.

About Trupanion™
Trupanion™ pet insurance offers cat insurance and dog insurance in the United States and Canada. Trupanion™ is self-underwritten by the American Pet Insurance Company, allowing Trupanion™ to offer a simple, customizable pet insurance policy with no payout limits and 90% coverage of veterinary bills. Enrolled pets receive lifetime coverage for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if they get sick or are injured, with no incident, annual or lifetime limit. Trupanion’s mission is to deliver fast, simple and user-friendly financial support to pet owners. For more information about Trupanion™, call 800-569-7913 or visit http://www.TrupanionPetInsurance.com.

About the North American Pet Health Insurance Association
Trupanion™ is a founding member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).  Founded in 2007, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association is committed to educating and promoting the values and benefits of quality pet health insurance to North American pet owners, the general public, and the veterinary community.  As an association, we are committed to high standards and transparency in all of our actions and products.  To learn more, visit the North American Pet Health Insurance Association website at http://www.naphia.org.

The Mountain Mail said it well, “It’s a great time to take your dog for a hike”!

Because the weather is warmer, it’s a great idea to get outside with your dog and get some exercise and explore the great outdoors. Even if you live in the city or suburbs, you can usually find some good trails (whether flat or mountainous) within a short drive.

When planning a hike with your dog, be sure to consider a few things:

• Is your dog in good physical shape? If you’ve got a small dog, a fat dog, and old dog, etc. be sure not to take them to a trail that might be too strenuous.
• Bring plenty of snacks and water. Dogs exert lots of calories when hiking as well and would enjoy a good snack for energy.
• Bring a leash, poo bags, and first aid supplies such as tweezers and bandages.
• Be sure your dog is equipped with a visible ID tag in case he should become lost.

Have fun with your dog as you get in touch with nature together!

Summer’s here and that means more time spent outdoors and barbecues! This also means that our pets will be spending time outdoors with us, and there are a few safety precautions we need to consider when bringing pets along to summer BBQs.

Dallas News recently posted an article with some awesome tips that I include along with some other important facts.

Keep Fido away from the picnic table. Human foods such as chips, candy, and other snacks can upset your pup’s stomach. Other foods like chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, and avocado can be toxic to dogs and cause serious health affects if they eat too much.

No meat. Greasy grilled steak can also cause stomach upset. Dogs should never be fed cooked chicken bones as they can break apart and splinter your dog’s insides.

Hot grills. Keep your dog away from the grill while it’s being used. Dogs like to linger because of the enticing smells, but they can easily get burned or injured, even after the grill has been turned off.

Keep him leashed and tagged. If you’re going to a place that is unfamiliar to your dog, be sure that he is microchipped and/or wearing his ID tags should he become lost.

Be safe in the sun. If you’re outside during a bright, sunny day, be sure to equip Fido with some sunscreen on his nose, ears, and other parts where the fur is thin.

See more sunny day pet tips to be fully prepared!

The weather’s getting warmer and more folks are headed to the beach (yay)!

If you decide to bring Fido a long for some beachy fun, let him romp in the sand and water and chase the waves, but please remember these top pet safety tips when bringing your dog to the beach.

1. Provide plenty of fresh water. Your dog may easily become dehydrated on a hot day, and especially at a saltwater beach. Be sure he has plenty of cold water to drink to keep his thirst at bay and also cool him down.
2. Make sure your pet has a shaded area to lay. Dogs can’t take off their coats when they get hot, so be sure that they have a sanctuary to go and cool off.
3. Never leave pets unattended in the car. You should know this by now! Even on a mildly warm, 70-degree day, a car can heat up to over 100 degrees.
4. Use pet-friendly sunscreen on pets with short hair or bald spots, ears, nose, and belly. Pets can get sunburns too, so be sure to keep their skin protected.
5. Best to find a spot on the grass – sand can get very hot to walk on and burn animals’ paw pads. On really hot days, it might be best to leave Fido at home rather than making him trudge through scalding sand. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for his paw pads.
6. Buy a pet life jacket if your pet plans on going in the water. Though many dogs are capable of swimming, it doesn’t mean they enjoy it. Give them a rest (swimming is tiring!) and put on a life vest so that they can enjoy some smooth sailing if they go into the water.
7. Thoroughly rinse pets who have been swimming in salt water. Licking the salt water off himself can cause dehydration to your dog and even make him sick. Keep Fido clean and fresh after a salty bath.
8. Opt to take pets to the beach in the morning or late evening or on cooler days. Your dog will have an easier time enjoying himself if the temperatures are more comfortable.
9. Allow pets to stay home or in a cooler/air conditioned place during the heat of the day. If temperatures are high outside, it may be best to leave your pets at home.
10. Lastly– HAVE FUN! Encourage your dogs to chase, fetch, romp, swim, splash, play, run, and enjoy themselves!

*Photo of Tiki from Georgina M. via Trupanion’s Facebook page.

As some of us (though not us here in Seattle, sigh) welcome the sun and the heat that accompanies summertime, we begin to think about our pets’ safety in the heat.

Though we should all take the appropriate precautions for our pets, we should also be aware that some pets are more vulnerable to heatstroke than others. Overweight pets and pets with long hair, lots of fur, or double coats are all at a greater risk of experiencing adverse health affects from hot weather because they have more insulation.

Signs of heatstroke in pets include excessive panting, a rapid pulse, gastrointestinal issues, and a lack  of coordination. To prevent your pet from any danger, be sure to provide plenty of water and shade and always be conscious of bare paws on hot pavement when going on walks during the day.

*Photo courtesy Paw Prints the Magazine

Do you or someone you know have a brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog?

Flat-faced breeds have more difficulty breathing and cooling down because of the anatomy of their heads. The design of the head actually allows water to evaporate more quickly off the tongue than it does for the traditionally shaped dog’s head, leaving an inefficient system for the body to cool down.

You may not have known, but they actually require extra special care, especially in the hot summer months.

To prevent your dog from overheating and risking heatstroke, try some of these tips:

• Walk your dog in the cool of the early morning or late evening and not during midday when the temperatures are the highest.
• Keep your dog at a healthy weight– extra fat adds more insulation for heat.
• Limit strenuous exercise and play.
• This is important for all dogs: Try to stick to shady areas, and consider walking your dog through a grassy (or dirt or gravel) park rather than the hot asphalt on the really hot days. We don’t always remember, because we’re wearing shoes, but hot asphalt can burn poor pups’ paw pads.
• Provide a cool, shady spot for your dog to spend the hot hours of the day.
• Be sure your dog has plenty of cool, fresh water throughout the day.
• Never leave your dog in the car; even on a 70° day, temperatures inside the car can reach over 100°!

Got more tips to keep hot dogs cool? Share them in the comments!

*Photo from Crystal M. via Trupanion’s Facebook page.

I love the beach!  Running around with the wind in my hair.. Getting dirty.  I love walking up to all the other dogs Mom’s and hearing what a handsome boy I am.  I don’t understand how all the other dogs don’t like me.  Sometimes the smallest dogs are the meanest!  I go running with my nubbin in between my legs and hide behind my mom.  My sisters go with me.  They all love playing with the other dogs.  Since I won’t play fetch they throw balls for other dogs, Miss Piggy lays in the sand and we all have a good time.  I love the water even though everyone says Bulldogs shouldn’t be able to swim. 

I don’t like it when people get scared of me.  I’m just a big love!  When we are done with the beach I’m so tired.  I wish my mom would carry me back to the car!  It’s a fun day and I am always up for another adventure.

A claim recently rolled in for a dog who was poisoned by the Sago Palm (The claim was paid, by the way). This inspired a reminder to all pet owners that the Sago Palm and many other common plants are extremely toxic to pets when ingested.

The Sago Palm is particularly toxic to pets causing vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and leads to liver failure. An estimated 75% of animals die from ingestion of any part of the plant despite medical treatment.

Other poisonous plants include (but are not limited to*):

• Amaryllis: Causes vomiting, depression, drooling, and tremors
• Azalea: Causes abdominal pain and irritation, vomiting, and severe cases lead to coma and death
• Castor Bean: Highly toxic, causing drooling, thirst, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, convulsions and coma
• Chrysanthemum: Causes drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, can lead to loss of coordination
• English Ivy: Highly toxic, causing vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, and can lead to coma and death
• Lilies: Highly toxic to cats, can cause kidney damage
• Oleander: Highly toxic, causing stomach irritation, cardiac problems, and can lead to death
• Rhubarb: Moderately toxic, causing breathing difficulties, weakness, diarrhea, and can lead to death
• Tulip bulbs: Causes stomach irritation, drooling, anorexia, and convulsions
• Yew: Highly toxic, causing breathing and cardiac problems, weakness, stomach irritation and can cause sudden death

Be sure to take all the correct safety precautions in your garden, especially if your pet is a chewer! Though Trupanion can help you pay for the $1073.22 vet bill for Sago Palm toxicity, it’s best to prevent these illnesses in the first place and keep your pet’s life out of harm’s way.

*Read the complete list of toxic plants.

With summertime in full swing, it’s time to get out there and take advantage of it. Here are some ideas for activities to do with your furry companion.

1. Be social! Your dog, that is. Take your pup to a dog park; it’s cheap entertainment for your dog and also a great way to keep him socialized. Visit www.dogparkusa.com to find local parks.
2. Explore the terrain. Take your dog on a hike. Hiking is a great way to get in touch with nature and is both mentally and physically stimulating for your dog. Check out www.trails.com for hiking trails in your area.
3. Take an outdoor vacation with your pet. Camping is a fun summertime adventure on which you can get away for a few days and bring your pet. Explore the wilderness and lay beneath the stars with your pet by your side.
4. Stay local. Go on a walk or jog with your pet around the neighborhood. It helps with their orientation in case they get lost. Enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise!
5. Fetching! Whether it’s a fancy Frisbee or a tattered tennis ball, a nice game of fetch is a fun, anytime activity that you can do just about anywhere that has open space.
6. Go for a bike ride and bring your dog. Biking will give your pet a nice jog without over-exerting yourself if you’re not up for a run. Of course, be safe and don’t make a dog run farther or faster than he is able.
7. Jump in the water. Water sports like fetching or swimming are good for cooling a hot dog in the summer heat. Don’t forget to bring a pet life preserver if you’re taking your pet out on a boat.
8. Dine out. The trend for pet-friendly dining is really catching on. Many establishments offer outdoor seating so your pet can join you. Find a local restaurant at Dog Friendly and take the whole family. Be sure to feed your dog before going out, or bring treats along and be courteous of others by keeping your dog out of the way of servers and other diners.
9. The cat’s meow. You can include your cat in the action, too. Some cats will allow you to leash them, while others might be more suited to some backyard exploring. After all, cats deserve outside playtime too. Be sure to supervise cats that aren’t accustomed to the outdoors.
10. Take a nap! Pets know the value of a good nap, and they make great snuggle buddies. Cuddle up under the sun on a warm day for an afternoon nap. Just make sure it’s not too hot out for your pet.

As with all activities, be sure to provide your pet with plenty of water and resting time. Consult your veterinarian before starting a serious workout program with pets that are older, injured or have other medical problems. The best time to exercise your pet outside is during the cool of the morning or in the evening after the heat of the day to avoid heatstroke. Stay safe and enjoy the summertime!

As we get closer to summer time with Summer Solstice officially on June 21, we get more sun and spend more time outside. It’s important to prepare ourselves and especially our pets for the summertime heat. Here are some tips to keep in mind for those hot days with your pet.

• Dogs can only cool down by panting and sweating on their paw pads. To help cool an overheated animal, provide cool drinking water, apply ice packs to the head and neck, or give the dog a lukewarm (not cold) water bath.
• Never leave your pet in a parked car. Even if the windows have been left open, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes. Learn more at mydogiscool.com
• Salivation, excessive panting and vomiting can be a sign of heatstroke which can cause brain damage and even death. Remember that your furry friend doesn’t get to take off his coat when he gets too hot!
  
• Make sure to provide your pet with lots of cold, fresh water when headed outside with your pet or leaving him out on a hot day. Make sure he has a nice shady spot or bring your pet inside when temperatures are high.
• Try to keep walks and playtimes to early mornings and evenings and not during the heat of the day. High temperatures can heat up your dog’s body very quickly and hot asphalt can burn paw pads.
• If your pet is accompanying you to the beach, make sure he has plenty of fresh water and shade. Water play is fun, but give your dog a good, clean rinse after swimming in salty water.
• Don’t use sunscreen or bug repellents on your pet that aren’t labeled for animal use. Ingesting these products can cause harmful side effects to your pet such as diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy.
• Watch out for fleas and ticks! A good flea and tick control medication is especially important during the summer. They don’t just bug our dogs, these parasites can also be dangerous to humans.