Tag Archive for: Pet

Is a Guinea Pig Right for You?

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Is a Guinea Pig Right for You?

Guinea pigs can make great companions! But is a guinea pig right for you? Here’s some things you need to consider before adopting a guinea pig. If you don’t think a guinea pig is the right fit for you check out our which pet to adopt post.

How much time do you have?

Guinea pigs require time out of their cage every day to stretch their legs, cuddle in your lap, or explore new environments. Daily interaction and attention are a must for a guinea pig’s well-being.
Guinea pigs need regular grooming, at least once a week for shorthaired breeds and daily for longhaired breeds.
Cages need thoroughly cleaned on a weekly basis with spot-cleanings every few days.

Do you have young children?

Young children may unintentionally drop a guinea pig, squeeze them, or frighten them into biting. Guinea pigs require a gentle touch and can easily be startled by sudden movements and loud noises.

What’s your budget?

Over their lifetime, guinea pigs cost significantly less than a dog or a cat but you will still need to spent a few hundred dollars a year (excluding veterinary costs) on supplies. There’s also the initial cost of equipment if this is your first guinea pig. Make sure you have a veterinarian that takes care of guinea pigs as well.

Are you considering adding another guinea pig?

If you already determined that a guinea pig is right for you, maybe you’re considering getting a second guinea pig. Guinea pigs are social creatures and to help prevent a solitary pig from becoming lonely you may need to adopt a second guinea pig.

Who will watch your guinea pig when you’re on vacation?

Guinea pigs need fresh water and food daily. When you’re on vacation you can rest assured a Wet Noses pet sitter will take excellent care of your pig.

So, is a guinea pig the right pet for you?

Think a guinea pig is right for you? See guinea pigs for adoption in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Guinea Pig Infographic

Does somebody you know have a guinea pig? Or maybe you have a fun guinea pig story. Let us know in the comments!

How Do I Figure Out Which Pet to Adopt?

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If you are looking for a new pet, figuring out the right one to adopt can be a hard choice. Here I walk you through the questions you need to consider in order to make the right decision for you!

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Pet

  • What is your lifestyle like?
  • Do you have allergies to fur/dander?
  • Do you travel often?
  • Are you looking for a low maintenance or high maintenance pet?
  • What is your personality like?
  • How small/big of a pet would you like?
  • What can you realistically afford in terms of animal care?

We discuss details on each aspect and what to consider in the video. Once you have had time to think about all of these questions you will have a much better idea of what type of pet is a good fit for your household!

 

More Ideas When Adding a New Pet

Why You Should Adopt 2 Kittens

Getting a Dog – Complete Checklist for New Dog Owners

Getting a Cat – Complete Checklist for New Cat Owners

Commonly Asked Questions About Pet Insurance

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Pet insurance can be confusing but we’re here to answer the common questions about pet insurance. Our video on pet insurance is one of our most viewed and we get a lot of questions so I felt it was worth revisiting to help you navigate the world of pet insurance. If you did not watch our first video, go watch it first.

Here are the most commonly asked questions:

Do they cover preexisting conditions?

No. If a health issue has already been diagnosed with your dog or cat, they will not cover it. Usually, after your first claim, they will request all past veterinary records and base their decision on what is covered from those records. There are some companies out there such as PetAssure, that will pay towards pre-existing conditions. For PetAssure your vet must be in network. This is not the same as insurance.

Is there a wait time?

Yes. There is a wait time before coverage starts, generally 30 days. Some companies offer gap coverage which covers any health problems that arise from the time you get your pet until your normal policy begins. If you are offered this, take it!

Which is the best company?

This is probably the most common question about pet insurance. Each company has a slightly different policy that appeals to different people. Research them to find the one that is best for you. Check with your current home, rental, auto, or other insurance company to see if they offer pet insurance as well. Companies like Progressive and State Farm have pet insurance programs that you can get a discount on if you have other services by them.

Do they cover 100% of costs?

Generally no. Most pet insurance policies cover 90% or less of the cost of your veterinary expenses. There are policies that offer less coverage for a lower cost, which is more affordable for some people.

Do they cover preventative care?

Generally no. Normal preventative care, including dental care, is not covered under most policies. Again, companies like PetAssure work for preventative care as they are not insurance and more of a discount card. Think of it how GoodRx works for humans.

Do costs increase over time?

Yes. Generally, the premium for a policy will increase each year as your pet ages.

How do the veterinary bills get paid?

Unlike human policies, veterinarians do not submit bills to insurance. You pay the veterinarian and then you submit the invoice to the insurance company for reimbursement. If you do not have the money upfront, some programs like Care Credit can help bridge the gap until you get reimbursed.

Pet Insurance Infographic

Overall I highly recommend pet insurance for any people who do not have the disposable income to be able to pay out of pocket for large veterinary expenses. It is a terrible thing to have to decide between your pet’s care and our finances. Avoid that situation if possible!

Houseplants That Are Toxic to Pets

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Houseplants That Are Toxic to Pets

Before bringing in a new plant it’s important to know which houseplants are toxic to pets. Do you have houseplants, or are thinking of adding some to your home? Then check out these tips!

Many common houseplants are toxic to pets. These include:

  • Aloe Vera
  • Caladium
  • Eucalyptus
  • Ivy Plants
  • Jade Plants
  • Lilies
  • Mistletoe
  • Poinsettia
  • Pothos

You might even have one of these and didn’t even realize it. We have them around anyway and most of the time our pets are fine with them, but there are times when we should be more concerned.

Times when you need to worry about pets and plants:

  1. When you get a new plant: New things are always exciting and worth investigating. This can lead to accidental ingestion.
  2. When you have a new pet or have a pet visiting your home: These animals aren’t used to your plants (or maybe being around plants in general) and should be observed before being left alone with them. Never leave a pet alone with a houseplant that is toxic to pets.
  3. When you move a plant around in your home: Same thing as the new plant, except your pet thinks it’s a new plant even when it isn’t.

How to keep your pets safe:

  • Know which of your plants are toxic.
  • Keep an eye on your plants for any evidence your pets are messing with them.
  • Put plants out of reach if possible – either on a high to reach shelf or in a locked room your pets can’t get into.
  • Call the pet poison helpline if your pet has eaten or chewed on one of your plants.

Houseplants that are toxic to pets Infographic

Did you know that there are some plants that are poisonous to cats but not dogs? Check out our guide for what plants are poisonous to cats.

Travel Safely With Your Pet

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After the recent winter storm surge, you’re probably ready to get out of the house and into the sunshine. That means it’s a perfect time for a road trip. And one of the best parts of a good road trip is that the whole family can have fun, Fido included. Of course it takes a little extra planning to make sure they are safe, but it is worth it.  So, if you’re going to travel with your pet this summer take some of these safety tips along with you.

Get them ready for the trip

If your dog isn’t acclimated to car trips, it’s a good idea to slowly get them used to it. Take them out in the car either in the crate or harness.  Start with little trips at first, then gradually increase the length of the trip.  This gets them used to their carrier and the car ride as well.  

Keep them safe in the car

Make sure that they have their own proper secure spot.  There are a few options you can choose from when it comes to car seat safety.  You can put them in a well ventilated crate or carrier if they get anxious or car sick, or just like to feel safely confined.  They need to have enough room to turn around and stand up in, plus it needs to be secured with a seat belt or strap. You can also use a harness and belt them in the back seat.  We like to put our dog on little booster bed with a harness that is belted into the seat.  This way he can be part of the action, but is still safe.

Pack a travel kit

Create a kit that  includes their papers (especially if you’re going over state lines), extra food, water, a travel bowl or two, grooming supplies, medicine, and waste supplies. Pack their favorite toy and blanket as well to give them a sense of home.

Update ID’s and/or microchips

Any time your pet is going out and about. It’s also a good idea to pack a spare collar with ID’s just in case they lose it while romping around outside of the car.  Take a recent pick of them and save it on your phone just in case.

Never leave them alone in a car

No matter how long or if the windows are open, don’t leave them alone.  It only takes a few minutes for a car to reach scorching temps which could cause heat stroke. Do not let them ride with their head out of the window, it may seem fun and carefree, but it could turn deadly if they get hit from debris on that can fly up off the road.

 

There is nothing quite like a road trip with your favorite four-legged family member, keeping their safety and comfort in mind will make sure everyone has a great time while traveling.

Looking for a great road trip this summer? Check out these 10 Unforgettable Road Trips in Colorado!

Pet Care Options For When You’re Out of Town

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Pet care options are one of the hardest decisions you will make when leaving town. You want to choose a service that is right for you and your pets. You want to return home to fur kids that are happy and relaxed. You want the peace of mind knowing that your pets are well cared for and happy while you are gone, so you can enjoy your trip! So how do you pick the right pet care options for you?

  • Pet Sitting

Hiring a pet sitter can be a great option for your pet, especially if they older or anxious. The get all the comforts of home, get to stick to their normal routine and do not have any exposure to diseases.  A pet sitter can also double as a house sitter and bring in mail, water a few plants and turns lights on and off.  You get the benefit of regular updates from your sitter and knowing that everyone is cared for in your absence. A good pet sitter will spend as much (or more) time and attention focused on your pet as you do!

The main downside of a professional pet sitter is that it can be a more costly option if you only have one pet and are requiring multiple visits per day.  If you have more than one pet, then the cost for pet care is usually similar to boarding.

  • Overnight sitters

Does your dog have a nighttime routine that cannot be disrupted? Does your cat sleep with you at night?

If you have a puppy, a dog or a cat that desires extended company, or a pet that has medical concerns, then you may want to hire an overnight sitter.  Your fur kid will enjoy the benefits of keeping their same routine, including night time cuddles.  You home will also look more lived in, and for many pets, this type of pet care is similar to your regular routine if you work during the day. Often your sitter will also recommend, or require, an additional visit for dogs during the day for a potty break.

  • Boarding kennels

Some pets actually enjoy a boarding kennel versus staying at home while their owner is away. Young, energetic dogs who socialize well with other dogs can be great candidates for a boarding facility where they are allowed to play during the day. They are taken care of all day, can have walks and playtime, and some facilities even send you updates or have cameras for you to watch. Plus you can usually bring their own food and a few toys for them for comfort. Each kennel has different schedules and policies, so be sure to find one that provides the services you (and your pet) desires.

Cats can also be boarded on occasion. It is not generally recommended, due to the levels of stress a new environment cause for your cat, but some cats are well suited to the change. There are cat kennels that provide playtime and access to common areas.

Spa Boarding – Pet spas are popping up all over the place. You can choose packages that include grooming, play groups, and gift baskets for your dog.  It’s almost like they are on vacation too!

Vet Boarding – A lot of vets also have boarding services with vet techs there for them around the clock.  This option is perfect if your pet has health issues that require 24 hour observation or care that a pet sitter would not be able to provide. Think of a cat that is not easy to medicate.

Pet care should be the part of your trip that is the least concerning! Choosing the pet care option that is right for you is the first step, then you decide on the company (pet sitting or boarding kennel) that best fits your needs. If you make these choices correctly then both you and your pet will have a wonderful vacation!

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