Feb 23

What’s All the Fur About?

General No Comments »
14 Ways to Keep Yourself Fur-Free
 
Do you arrive at the office looking like you rolled over on your dog? Do your dinner guests politely pick dog hair from their food before eating it? Nothing says "I have a dog" more than hair clinging to our clothing, hair wafting through the air in our homes, or hair burrowing into the butter. Frequent vacuuming is one of the best ways to cut down on hair buildup, but if you don’t always have time to drag out the vacuum cleaner, try some of these quick and dirty suggestions for cleaning up the piles of pet hair.
 
1. To sweep up loose dog hair from hardwood or vinyl floors, use a dampened mop.
 
2. Wall-to-wall carpeting holds down the hair more than hard-wood or vinyl floors, so adding a carpet to a room may help keep dog hair from wafting through your house.
 
3. To pick up loose dog hair that is attached to upholstered furniture, wear a dampened rubber glove or use a damp sponge.
 
4. Use a sticky roller to lift dog hair from fabrics and upholstery. Washable sticky rollers enable you to recycle instead of dispose of the product.
 
5. Purchase a washable Furniture Magnet Pet Hair Remover to help you wipe off the dog hair from clothing, furniture, or pillows. Place it under your furniture cushions for easy access.
 
6. To pick up dog hair from your carpet, use a window squeegee.
 
7. Choose furniture made from smooth fabrics such as leather, faux leather, or other fabric to which loose hair won’t stick as readily.
 
8. Place a washable towel or blanket over your dog’s favorite sleeping spot to keep hair from clinging to cushions.
 
9. Use washable window coverings if your dog likes to watch the world go by from the floor in front of a picture window or patio doors.
 
10. Draperies made of smooth fabrics won’t attract as much hair as heavy textured ones, so if you’re in the market for some new window furnishings, purchase ones that are less likely to become filled with your dog’s hair.
 
11. Keep a lint brush near your favorite easy chair. Then, after your dog sits on your lap, you can roll off the hair before you get up.
 
12. Use a feather duster or device to clean between slats of mini-blinds to remove deposited hair.
 

13. Change the furnace and air conditioner filters more often during shedding season to prevent blockage.

Feb 11

Mix Things Up a Little Bit

Health, Homeopathic No Comments »

What is Integrative Medicine?

Without going into details that are far too complicated for the general public, it is important that we understand the nature of veterinary medicine, and some of the current trends that are upon us, in this ever changing world.  It is almost as though everything old is once again new, and the very same holds true for medical practices, especially for our canine companions.

Feb 05

Ensuring Good Insurance for Your Dog

General, Health No Comments »
Dog Insurance – How to Shop for the Right Dog Insurance Policy
 
Did you know that you can purchase health insurance to cover your puppy or dog? It is absolutely true! You can get a health plan for all of your dogs. Health insurance for pets is growing in its appeal for dog owners who view their dogs as family members. However, just like shopping for insurance premiums for things like car insurance, rental insurance, etc., shopping for dog insurance takes a little research to find the right company.
 
Below are a few basic questions that can help you get a better understanding of the type of insurance plan a company can offer for your dog.
 
1. Find out if the insurance company covers any pre-existing health conditions. This is very important because should your dog become ill or have an injury that stemmed from a previous condition, and the insurance company does not cover pre-existing health problems, you may be paying the expense out of your pocket.
 
2. Be sure to ask if the company is licensed to offer their services in your state. You generally will not have a problem with this issue, but there is the occasional rogue insurance company that covers pets but is not fully legal to do so. In that case, you may come out on the loosing end of an insurance claim.
 
3. Ask how many years the company has been in business and how long they have offered insurance plans that cover dogs. A fairly new company may not have the experience or the coverage that an older, more experienced service provider would.
 
4. Ask what the insurance policy does NOT include, such as checkups, heartworm tests, dental care, worms, etc. Obviously these items are important so you know what to expect to pay if a particular health condition with your dog springs up.
 
5. Find out if the insurance for your dog will cover bone scans, medications, reconstructive surgery, and CAT scans. If your dog gets seriously injured and is suspected of having a major condition as a result from the injury, he may need the above mentioned procedures and tests. These can be quite expensive if the insurance plan does not include them in the service.
 
6. And of course, be sure to know what your deductible will be. In addition, ask if there is a cap on any specific type of illness or accidents your dog may possibly be in.