By CAT Tieger A longer version of this article was first published in Old Naples Living magazine. Diagnosis: Lung cancer Total claims:  $7,929 Reimbursed:  $6,735 Policy options:  $200 deductible | 90% reimbursement Miss Kirbie is an 11-year-old Welsh Terrier and the whole world to CAT Tieger and her husband Elliott Brown, who live in Naples,… Read More

Much of the West Coast is on fire and that has resulted in smoky conditions and unhealthy air in many cities and communities. Just as people need to protect themselves from hazardous air pollution, pets need special care as well. The historically devastating fires – in California, Oregon, and Washington – were still spreading rapidly… Read More

Diagnosis:  Cystic brain tumor Total claims:  $12,753 Reimbursed:  $10,003 Policy options:  $100 deductible | 80% reimbursement Haley is a six-year-old mixed-breed poodle who would be the class valedictorian and the star athlete if she were a person. She’s a highly active little dog who loves long walks and outings with the family, where she’s known… Read More

Key Takeaways The common belief that a “dog year” is seven human years is not very accurate. Researchers have found that dogs age at different rates throughout their lives, so younger dogs age fast, while older dogs age more slowly. The research may help to prescribe age-appropriate care, and even lead to longevity improvements for… Read More

Key Takeaways Caring for your dog’s teeth is as important as other preventative care, and will keep your pet from developing related health conditions. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly is key to their oral health. You can save money and trips to the store by making your own homemade dog toothpaste, with just a few… Read More

Diagnosis: Torn cruciate ligament (CCL) Total claims: $9,325| Healthy Paws reimbursed: $6,848 Policy option: $250 yearly deductible | 80 percent Blossom is a three-year-old yellow Labrador who loves going with her pet parents Toby and Cheryl to a big off-leash dog park on a river near their home. It was their usual Saturday ritual to go to… Read More

Diagnosis: Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) Total claims: $664 | Healthy Paws reimbursed: $597 Policy option: $250 yearly deductible | 90 percent Ragnar is a 3-year-old male French Bulldog, who pet parent Adrian said is funny and unusually athletic for a Frenchie. “If he’s not sleeping, he wants to play, or is following me around to help me with… Read More

Ask any person with osteoarthritis and they’ll tell you that it hurts. Dogs would tell you the same thing if they could talk. Even if your best friend can’t tell you he’s in pain, you’re pretty likely to notice if your pooch is acting like his joints are aching. One way you can help him… Read More

Reviewed for accuracy on December 10, 2019 by JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM Ear infections in dogs are common. There are three main types of canine ear infections: otitis externa (infection of the external ear), otitis media (infection of the middle ear), and otitis interna (infection of the inner ear). Otitis externa is especially common in dogs… Read More

There’s been a lot of buzz about telemedicine in the human health world. As a departure from the typical approach to receiving medical care, telemedicine offers patients a way to “see” a doctor without having to take time out of a busy day to go to the doctor’s office. Wouldn’t it be nice if our… Read More

While Chihuahuas have a reputation as nervous, shaky dogs, they typically only shake if they have a good reason. That reason can be physiological or emotional, so if you notice that your tiny friend has a case of the shivers, take stock of both his environment and his general behavior. By giving him the care… Read More