At 13, my dog, Beardog, is a healthy and active senior, but is starting to show some of the normal signs of aging. Recently, when I took him in for a wellness exam, the doctor found he has a low thyroid and may need some pills. He also gets hot spots on a regular basis, and needs antibiotics from time to time. And, of course, I keep up with his regular shots and dentals. Although he’s been extremely healthy over the years, I now wish I’d have purchased health insurance when he was a younger dog.

Had I purchased a suitable plan, it would have both saved me money and given me more peace of mind. When you purchase insurance for a puppy, kitten, or a young animal, the monthly cost will be less, and some companies do not raise the monthly cost as your pet ages.

Doggy breath may be a symptom of gum disease!

I was surprised when someone recently told me they have never taken their dogs or cats to the veterinarian for routine teeth cleanings. Many people don’t know that dogs and cats, just like humans, need regular dental care. If you fail to help your pets maintain healthy gums and teeth, they will eventually develop Periodontal or gum disease. The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis and is caused by saliva mixing with bacteria in the mouth and forming a hard substance called plaque. Plaque sticks to the teeth and becomes tartar and calculus which irritates gum tissue and causes painful inflammation, swelling, and infection.

Canine hip dysplasia is a common developmental disease of puppies. It usually affects both hips and is seen in many different breeds. It is considered a multifactorial disease with a strong hereditary component but also influenced by environmental factors.

The underlying disease in canine hip dysplasia is a laxity in the structures that hold the hip joint together. A puppy with the disease is born with normal hips. As the puppy develops however, the support ligaments and joint capsule that keep the normal joint tight become too loose.