Pet Healthcare Insurance What is That

Pet Healthcare Insurance What is That
Caring, responsible pet owners have pet health care insurance Recent surveys reveal an interesting demographic which explains the increase in the purchasing of pet health care insurance Statistics show that 63% of our population are pet owners and the majority of these own dogs or cats Of these pet industry consumers, over 60% do not have children, over 50% make in excess of $70,000 per year and 68% are female That means that the majority of pet owners are female, without children, who make above average income and are inclined to nurture their pets . .Many of these pet owners include their pets in their exercise routine, either outdoors or at a gym especially designed for this purpose! There may be a pet treadmill right next to the human treadmill so that you can both walk or run together . .Also, many are choosing vacation strategies which include taking the pets along to hotels and resorts with services which include dog walking, grooming and pet sitting as well as the exercise facilities already described This option is great if you are on a road trip where you will be cooped up in the car all day . .Pet daycare facilities are very popular for business people who do not want to leave their pets at home alone all day This is great for younger animals who are inclined to get into mischief when left alone too long Also, socialization is very important to the health of your pet . .All of these scenarios provide opportunities for unanticipated accidents which might require emergency care for your pets You’ll be so glad to have that good pet health care insurance policy! . .Pet health care is now about much more than just annual exams and inoculations Better screening and tests as well as preventive treatments are available A better educated public is aware of increased treatment options which are available due to advances in veterinarian medicine Some new and interesting areas can even include drugs and diets for pet obesity, pet liposuction and therapy for separation anxiety Good pet health care insurance certainly helps to offset these rising costs . .One million pet owners now have pet health care insurance Due to this huge increase in awareness and pet ownership, the pet health care insurance industry is one of the largest future trends in pet spending The growth rate for pet health care insurance grew 21% between 2006 and 2007 Clearly, current pet owners are taking advantage of the coverage available to allow them to provide such progressive care .
Source: www.rsstnx.com

Animal Assisted Therapy
The term “animal assisted therapy” is to be distinguished from the more familiar practice of “animal assisted activities”, which refers generally to pet visitation at hospitals and residential care facilities. Animal Assisted Therapy is part of a formal and carefully designed treatment program with specific and measurable objectives that matches one animal to one patient. Under the guidance of a trained medical professional, patients with severe mental and/or physical disabilities are encouraged to interact with a “therapy dog” under the supervision of a trained dog handler. The patient’s interaction with the dog is increased gradually. Initially, the patient may merely observe the dog or touch it. As the patient becomes more responsive and confident, activities may include brushing, attaching collars and even walking the dog. Progress records are maintained as milestones are met and exceeded. Studies have shown that therapy pets motivate people to participate in therapeutic interactions. Dogs are not judgmental, they don’t hassle or pressure their partner and they have endless patience. Further, simply because they are animals and require care, the patient grooming them or walking them is made to feel useful. The benefits and expectations of animal assisted activities, or pet visits, vary according to the needs and conditions of the patients being visited. Pet visits are less formal; they do not follow a particular treatment plan or schedule and they are not usually set up on a one pet to one patient scenario. Pet visits are common to hospitals, assisted living homes and nursing homes. They are often nothing more than a way to entertain people or to change their routine and brighten their day. On the other hand, when visited by a pet some people who have basically shut themselves off from human interaction will begin to work their way back to reality. Apparently the pet stirs emotions in them that have been lying dormant. Examples have been given where patients who have not spoken a word in over a year will begin to talk to the visiting dog. Now that pet therapy has become a proven and documented reality, institutions are beginning to capitalize on this phenomenon with the “resident pet.” This term refers to a cat or a dog that becomes a permanent resident of a particular facility and is usually given free run of the place. Each resident benefits from a proprietary interest in the animal and looks forward to assisting in its care. In some cases, a full course of therapy has been designed around the care and feeding of a resident pet. The residents meet to discuss what must be done and develop their own charts and schedules to accommodate the pet’s needs. However, staff must be constantly on the alert to avoid problems of jealousy and feuds over the pet’s affections. The attributes and characteristics that comprise a good visiting dog or therapy dog have more to do with temperament than training. Not to say that the dog will not need training in basic obedience, but that is normally sufficient except in extraordinary situations. Patients and residents react to the dogs in a variety of ways. Some are effusive, some impulsive and others are shy. Therefore, the dogs must be ready for anything. It surely wouldn’t do for a dog to lunge away or growl if a patient makes a loud noise or reaches for them abruptly. When selecting a dog for these purposes you would not necessarily want an animal that is high strung or one that is too laid back to get up and socialize. Numerous studies have documented the benefits of pet therapy. Pets have been used in treating AIDS patients, cancer patients, the elderly and the mentally ill. One study determined that petting a dog can lower blood pressure and another found that pets can reduce stress related illnesses. A study at City Hospital in New York noted that heart patients who owned pets lived longer than those without pets. Owning a pet was found to be more significant to long term survival than the presence of even a spouse or friends. Pets make us feel good. They comfort us, allow us to be ourselves and give those of us that need it a reason for living. Please visit my website for more great information at http://www.free-online-veterinarian-advice.com Chris Suckow lives and works in Los Angeles CA http://www.free-online-veterinarian-advice.com
Source: www.ArticlePros.com

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