Learn how and why veterinary bills are increasing, and how a Healthy Paws plan can help.
Read stories of how Healthy Paws has protected pets like family and made peace of mind and more happy, healthy moments possible.
Rescue organizations across the U.S. received support for adoption efforts and ongoing care for vulnerable pets.
Make their food irresistible with the freshest nutritionally-balanced ingredients.
The Healthy Paws Community is a vibrant, social-first space for all pet lovers—whether you’re a Healthy Paws policyholder or simply passionate about pets. As a Pack Member, you can share your favorite pet photos and videos, connect with fellow pet parents, and stay informed with the latest Healthy Paws news and tips. It’s a welcoming place focused on connection, positivity, and celebrating the joy pets bring to our lives!
Everyday expenses for a pet now exceed $4,000 a year on average, according to new research. As prices continue to climb, pet owners face tough choices. Pet insurance can be a financial backstop against the unexpected.
A scritch is a deep, soothing scratch and a way to show affection to your pet. Scritching is the act of lovingly scratching those hard-to-reach places your pet can’t get on their own. And it isn’t only satisfying for your pet, scritching is also rewarding to you. Devoting time to petting and scritching your pet will give you a boost of oxytocin—a hormone associated with social bonding, trust, relaxation, and easing stress.
In response to a scritch, your pet might blissfully squint or close their eyes. You might see your cat stretch out her neck, both to give you better access and as a request to keep scritching. During a good scritching, your dog might start thumping his back leg on the floor or lick your hand as a sign of gratitude.
Best places for scritches
Every pet is different, and some areas might be more enjoyable than others, but these scritch spots are popular places to try:
- Behind the ears
- Top of the head
- Chin
- Back of the neck
- Front of the neck
- Chest
- Belly
- Outside of the back legs
- Back of the body, just before the tail
What is your pet’s favorite scritch spot?
Meet Our Writer
Stacy Painter
Stacy has always been an animal lover and has worked in the pet industry and pet insurance specifically for over a decade. As a writer since early childhood, content writing for Healthy Paws pet insurance was a natural career path to combine her two passions. She currently lives in Florida with her boyfriend and Taiwanese rescue dog, Kaya.