What They Can and Cannot Eat

Jeffersonville, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/19/2015 -- The holiday season provides an opportunity to spend time with family, friends and loved ones, all while consuming copious amounts of deliciously filling food. For dog owners, it can be a challenge to keep ever-hungry pets content amidst a sea of affable relatives and masses of food. The scents can drive a dog crazy with excitement, and resisting the urge to share with a puppy-eyed pal is enough to drive a loving owner crazy, too.

Luckily, there are a few holiday staples that can safely be shared with furry family members. Here are the top five foods that are safe to share with your dog during the holidays.

Safe Holiday Foods for Dogs

Pumpkin: Canned pumpkin is flying off the shelves due to the dessert table staple, pumpkin pie. Though the pie is not recommended, plain cooked or canned pumpkin is a sweet, nutritious treat dogs love. It's high in fiber, low in fat and loaded with vitamins.

Turkey: Dogs love the taste of turkey, and as the centerpiece of the annual Thanksgiving feast, there is always plenty to go around. Just make sure the pieces shared with pets are bone free, as bones can present serious choking hazards for dogs. The best type of turkey for pets is leaner light meat, as opposed to the fattier dark meat and skin.

Green beans: Plain green beans are excellent nutritious snacks for dogs! They contain large amounts of fiber, manganese and vitamins C and K. They're also good for dogs trying to maintain a healthy weight. For a crunchy twist, try freezing green beans and giving them as a healthy-alternative snack.

Corn: As long as it's not on the cob, loose corn is perfectly fine to share with your dog. Dogs are voracious eaters, and a hungry one devouring corn still on the cob could be very dangerous if cob pieces are swallowed.

Sweet potatoes: Dogs love the taste of sweet potatoes, and owners will love their benefits, acting as a good source of dietary fiber, beta carotene and vitamins B6 and C. Keep consumption low and offer only one or two small bites.

Moderation is key when giving pets any food, even if the food is considered safe. A few pieces of boneless light meat turkey, some frozen green beans, or some corn mixed in with a dog's kibble won't hurt, but overindulgence could lead to a slew of issues, including upset stomach, diarrhea and pancreatitis.

Katie Blakeley, chief executive officer of PetFirst Pet Insurance, says even a few extra table scraps can cause quite a bit of damage to a dog, leading to costly vet bills.

"A pancreatic attack can be serious and cause lifelong damage; and, it can also be expensive to have the dog treated by a vet," said Blakeley. According to PetFirst, the average veterinary bill for pancreatitis costs $688.75.

And while moderation is key for feeding a dog holiday leftovers, there are several foods a pet should never ever consume, in any quantity.

Holiday Foods Dogs Should Never Consume

Alcohol: It should go without saying, but one shouldn't ever give beer or any alcohol to any pet. It's extremely toxic and can lead to a number of complications, including death, so avoid it all together.

Stuffing: The best tasting stuffing is usually full of butter, fat and other add-ins like onions, garlic, scallions, leeks and more. All of those things are bad for pets, even toxic.

Mashed potatoes: If mashed potatoes are plain and bland, with minimal fat and salt, they're fine to share with your pet. But, hardly anyone prepares mashed potatoes "plain and bland" for the holidays. Most have loads of butter, heavy cream and gravy, which can upset a pet's stomach and cause pancreatitis.

Cranberry sauce: Many recipes for cranberry sauces contain nuts, sugar, raisins and even pineapple, none of which are dog-friendly. Cranberry sauce also often contains macadamia nuts, which are a known toxin to dogs.

Turkey gravy: Way too full of fat for any pooch. There are plenty of Thanksgiving alternatives that won't upset a pet's stomach and leave them feeling bloated and lethargic.

PetFirst also warns owners to be careful with kitchen wrappings - aluminum foil, wax paper and plastic wrap. A rambunctious pet might lick food left on these wrappings and may ingest some of the wrapper, leading to intestinal obstruction. Similarly, be cautious of toothpicks, skewers and any other sharp items in a pet's reach.

About PetFirst
PetFirst is the fastest growing pet insurer in North America offering easy-to-understand lifelong coverage for dogs and cats. PetFirst's comprehensive coverage is unique in the industry providing simplified policies with coverage for hereditary, chronic and breed-specific conditions with no per-diagnosis limits. PetFirst offers pet insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through animal welfare agencies, retailers, employers as well as other partners. PetFirst polices are underwritten by American Alternative Insurance Corporation (Munich Re) which is rated by A.M. Best as A+. Additional services are underwritten by Lloyd's.

For more information about PetFirst pet insurance, visit http://www.petfirst.com or call 877-894-7387.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Seasonal Allergies

Jeffersonville, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/01/2015 -- Every year millions of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies caused by excessive pollen, flowering plants, or even high mold counts and sudden weather changes. When people think of seasonal allergies, they might think of (and dread) the spring, summer and fall months when their sinuses become irritated, eyes watery and nose stuffy and sneezy. What many people don't realize; however, is cats and dogs are affected by seasonal allergies as well.

"Unless your pet exhibits very obvious reactions, it's one of those things pet owners may not think about," said Katie Blakeley, CEO of PetFirst Pet Insurance. "For many pets, symptoms can be subtle, often unnoticed by owners."

PetFirst, a pet insurance company which reimburses pet parents for veterinary expenses, reports 2.7% of all pet insurance claims are allergy-related, with the average vet bill costing pet owners around $235 for treatment.

Similar to humans, pets with allergies might exhibit any range of varying symptoms, including wheezing, rashes, sneezing, watery eyes and a runny nose. However, unlike humans whose allergy symptoms usually involve the respiratory tract, pet symptoms are most likely to take the form of skin irritation or inflammation. Pets with allergies might scratch their skin repeatedly, or continuously rub their bodies against a rough surface to alleviate the itch.

PetFirst reports that the most common types of allergy-related claims are skin allergies, which make up 26.7% of all allergy claims.

Health concerns can arise due to excessive scratching, which can lead to inflamed and irritated skin, hot spots (for dogs) or even hair loss and bleeding in more severe cases. If untreated, the pet may be at a much higher risk of infection and/or other health issues.

PetFirst recommends pet owners keep an eye on their pet's behavior during allergy season, noting any signs or symptoms that might indicate an allergy. If a dog or cat has allergies, owners should try to understand what is triggering the reaction so they can get proper treatment from their veterinarian.

"Just like humans, severity of symptoms is different for every pet," said Blakeley. "Pets with more intense symptoms might receive annual or even monthly treatments, while minor allergy flare-ups might go untreated altogether. It all depends on the pet and their reaction to allergens."

A health insurance plan for your dog or cat is one way that pet owners can avoid a costly vet visit, and PetFirst offers plans with options that will cover allergy-related vet visits.

For more information on pet insurance, visit http://www.petfirst.com

About PetFirst
PetFirst is the fastest growing pet insurer in North America offering easy-to-understand lifelong coverage for dogs and cats. PetFirst's comprehensive coverage is unique in the industry providing simplified policies with coverage for hereditary, chronic, and breed-specific conditions with no per-diagnosis limits and shortest waiting periods in the industry. PetFirst offers pet insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through animal welfare agencies, retailers, employers, as well as other partners.

For more information about PetFirst pet insurance, visit http://www.petfirst.com or call 877-894-7387.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

How much could you be facing for Fido or Fluffy’s next vet visit?

Jeffersonville, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/28/2015 -- The American Pet Products Association (APPA) estimates U.S. pet owners will spend $15.73 billion in veterinary care for Fido and Fluffy in 2015. Pet owners want the best for their beloved animals, including their health. However, most pet parents are surprised how much a simple upset stomach can cost at the veterinarian's office.

"Sometime it can take several diagnostic tests before you can confirm specific ailments and their root cause," said Becca Spalding, claims coordinator at PetFirst Pet Insurance, a leading pet insurance provider in the U.S. "As a veterinary technician, I saw emergency situations become huge financial burdens for pet parents."

PetFirst Pet Insurance wants to educate pet owners on what they can expect to spend when heading to their vet or nearest emergency clinic. Utilizing their policyholder's claims incurred in 2014, PetFirst Pet Insurance has compiled the average vet cost for common issues facing our furry and feline friends.

Average vet bills for common illnesses and injuries sustained by dogs and cats:

- Foreign body ingestion- $1,286
- Pneumonia- $960
- Parvovirus- $911
- Chemical ingestion- $702
- Tooth abscess- $431
- Sinus infection- $395
- Gastritis- $385
- Urinary tract infection- $295
- Sprain- $267
- Laceration- $227
- Ear infection- $149

Budgeting dog owners and cat owners can anticipate a six percent increase for vet care from last year, according to the APPA study; a trend that doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Since 2004, veterinary prices have nearly doubled with U.S. pet owners spending only $8.3 billion that year, and staggering to $15.3 billion spent in 2014.

"So many pet owners plan to save for any vet bills their pet may have," said Katie Grant, chief executive officer of PetFirst. "The problem with saving is that it takes diligence and time, and unfortunately, our pets' health isn't always on the same schedule."

Grant points out a pet can experience an illness or injury before the owner's savings account has had a chance to accumulate.

Foreign body ingestions, when a pet eats something that is not edible or digestible, are one of the more common accidents experienced by pet parents early into dog and cat ownership. Averaging nearly $1,300, it can take some time to save enough dough to cover the entire bill.

"We've seen claims for pets eating string, rocks, feminine hygiene products, clothes, coins and even razorblades," said Spalding. "You name it, a pet has most likely eaten it."

PetFirst Pet Insurance encourages pet owners to look at pet insurance as a financial tool to help provide their dogs and cats the healthcare treatment they need. Pet health insurance reimburses pet parents for veterinary costs, which helps mitigate the stress of expensive bills and allows those who haven't had the time to ramp up their savings to get their pet on the road to recovery.

About PetFirst
PetFirst Pet Insurance is the fastest growing pet insurer in North America offering easy-to-understand lifelong coverage for dogs and cats. In comparison to other pet insurance providers PetFirst's comprehensive coverage is unique in the industry providing simplified policies with coverage for hereditary, chronic and breed-specific conditions with no per diagnosis limits. PetFirst Pet Insurance offers pet insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through animal welfare agencies, retailers, employers as well as other partners. PetFirst Pet Insurance polices are underwritten by American Alternative Insurance Corporation (Munich Re) which is rated by A.M. Best as A+. Additional services are underwritten by Lloyd's.

For more information about PetFirst pet insurance, visit http://www.petfirst.com or call 877-894-7387.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Tips to prevent heat stroke

Jeffersonville, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/20/2015 -- The summer heat can be scorching and presents a danger to dogs and cats. Hyperthermia claims the lives of many dogs and cats each year, and can also have lasting damage for those who survive.

"Many pet owners take precautions to prevent themselves from overheating, but often forget their four-legged family members can suffer from the sweltering heat just as easily," said Katie Grant, president of PetFirst Pet Insurance.

Dogs and cats do not have the ability to sweat easily, thus making it more difficult to cool themselves. The average temperature of a dog or cat is around 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, but a temperature above 105 degrees Fahrenheit becomes dangerous to a pet's health and well-being.

Prince, who has had PetFirst Pet Insurance since 2008, was playing at a dog park last September when he fell over and began seizing due to heat stroke. His pet parent rushed him to an emergency clinic where Prince was treated and released in good condition, but was left with a $2,378.80 vet bill.

To prevent your pet from having the same experience as Prince, be sure to leave exercising and outdoor activity to early morning and late evening hours when it is cooler. Be sure to provide plenty of shade and water for your pet and never leave a pet in a car, even with the windows rolled down.

Below are some signs your pet may be suffering from hyperthermia:

- Sluggish
- Disoriented
- Panting hard
- Vomiting
- Seizing
- Non-responsive

If you pet experiences any of the symptoms above, seek treatment at the nearest veterinarian office or emergency clinic. If immediate treatment is not available, try to the following items to cool your pet's temperature back to normal:

- Place in cool bath
- Cover with cool towels
- Spray with cool water
- Give ice chips if pet is responsive enough to chew

For more information on ways to protect your pet from heat stroke this summer, contact your veterinarian.

About PetFirst
PetFirst Pet Insurance is the leading pet insurer in North America for animal welfare organizations. PetFirst Pet Insurance offers easy-to-understand lifelong coverage for dogs and cats. PetFirst's comprehensive coverage is unique in the industry providing simplified policies with coverage for hereditary, chronic and breed-specific conditions with no per diagnosis limits. PetFirst offers pet insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through animal welfare agencies as well as other partners. PetFirst polices are underwritten by American Alternative Insurance Corporation (Munich Re) which is rated by A.M. Best as A+. Additional services are underwritten by Lloyd's.

For more information about PetFirst pet insurance, visit http://www.petfirst.com or call 877-894-7387.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Jeffersonville, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/10/2015 -- Animal shelters often have an influx of kittens in late Spring and early Summer and many advertise for new pet parents during this time. If you are considering adopting a cat, you should be financially prepared. Typically, cat owners can expect annual costs to be between $500 and $1,000, more in the first year and more if health issues arise.

Initial costs to expect when adopting a cat include:

- Purchase price- adoption from a shelter is usually the least expensive option (over private adoption), because many cats come already spayed/neutered, vaccinated and micro chipped. These costs can range between $50 - $750.

- Spaying/neutering- if the shelter or person you are adopting from hasn't already taken care of this procedure, this is another important expense to consider. Generally, spaying (for females) is more expensive than neutering (for males). Spaying/neutering can cost anywhere from $150 - $300.

- Pet insurance- pet owners should have insurance the day of adoption, for accidents, injuries or other unforeseen problems. The PetFirst Lifetime 5,000 insurance plan costs $37 per month.

- Initial veterinary exam- a new cat should have an introductory visit to the veterinarian you are planning to use, along with a checkup. If the cat is a kitten, then preventative shots may be given. A basic veterinary visit can cost up to $150 with shots ranging from $25 - $200.

- ID tags, collars and micro chipping- all of these are a good to have in case your cat gets lost. Along with purchasing a tag with your name and number on it, it is also recommended to have your veterinarian micro chip the cat. Tags are inexpensive at around $10 and micro chipping can cost up to $100.

Supplies are also important to consider as part of initial first-year investment in a new cat. Depending on the types of products you purchase and the specific needs and personality of your cat, the cost may vary. Some of the items you will need to consider purchasing are food bowls or towers, water bowls or fountains, litter box, cat carrier, scratching post, a cat bed, etc. Generally, cat owners can expect about $200 annually for these supplies.

In addition to the budgeting for the costs that accompany a cat in the first year, there are many annual fees that will need to be considered for the life of the cat.

- Food and treats- you have a choice between dry food or wet food for your cat, or both. Each has different health benefits, however wet food tends to be more expensive. Annual food costs can range from $125 - $250.

- Litter- there are a variety of litters on the market (including disposable boxes) and extras such as deodorizers and scoops. Litter costs can be as high as $175 per year.

- Routine veterinary care- your cat will need annual exams, a variety of vaccinations and heartworm, flea and tick prevention. These cost can range from $200 - $400 each year.

A consideration to help with annual veterinary costs or emergency medical situations for your cat is pet health insurance. PetFirst offers plans that cover a variety of veterinary expenses for both young and old cats, as well as comprehensive coverage for illnesses, accidents, genetic conditions, and emergency care, including chronic conditions, and breed-specific or hereditary conditions. PetFirst also offers insurance plans multiple pet families.

About PetFirst
PetFirst is the fastest growing pet insurer in North America offering easy-to-understand lifelong coverage for dogs and cats. PetFirst's comprehensive coverage is unique in the industry providing simplified policies with coverage for hereditary, chronic, and breed-specific conditions with no per-diagnosis limits. PetFirst offers pet insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through animal welfare agencies, retailers, employers, as well as other partners.

To see how PetFirst pet insurance compares to other pet insurance companies, visit try.petfirst.com/petfirst-competitive-comparison/

For more information about PetFirst pet insurance, visit http://www.petfirst.com or call 877-894-7387.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm