Pet Insurance Tips

I was talking to a customer the other day whos dog has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. Of course all of us pet lovers treat our dogs and cats like members of the family, and if there’s a serious illness that can be treated, we do whatever we can. What got me to thinking is the customer mentioned it sure would have been great if they had purchased pet insurance when the dog was healthy.

For the past year we at Aussie Pet Mobile have offered discounts with VPI, the nation’s largest pet health insurer. We feel that this is a great option for those who want some peace of mind that comes with having insurance. You can find the discounts at www.petinsurance.com/apm, or you can find a link to VPI with our discount on our website.

For an unbiased view on pet insurance, I recently read a news release put out by the Illinois Department of Insurance. They offer some tips to consumers thinking about this type of insurance:

• Review your options and compare benefits among policies

Insurance can be split into four general categories: accidents, illnesses, wellness, and additional benefits. Make sure your policy has the benefits you are looking for.

• Ask about pre-existing conditions to see if they are covered

• Continuing coverage for long-term conditions when policy is up for renewal

• Understand if there are any exclusions for certain breeds or treatments

• Reimbursement – how does the policy make payments? Will they pay you or the vet?

• Choosing a veterinarian – most policies let you visit any licensed veterinarian, but you should check the policy to make sure.

Of course, you can set aside money each month and essentially self-insure your pets. If you are well disciplined that may work out great. For many of us, however, an insurance policy can be a great option because we don’t need to worry about it. If and when you are faced with an illness it’s great not to have to worry about all of the cost when deciding what treatment options your pet will receive.

Like I said, they’re a part of the family.

Rescuing Special Needs Dogs in Chicago

October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Pet month and more and more people are discovering the wonderful opportunties shelters give us to find a special pet.  One shelter that really impressed us was Found Chicago, a shelter on the northwest side that specializes in dogs with special needs - the one's that other shelters don't want to take.  These dogs often become great pets after being rehabilitated.  Some dogs just need medical care, behavioral training, and a lot of love to become the dogs they were meant to be.  It always amazes me how a dog can go through so much pain and come out the other side as a loving pet with the right people working with them. Found Chicago is based out of Stay, a Chicago pet hotel and training facility.  There's a great article in the Chicago Sun-Times, dated Oct. 21, 2010, that tells all about the work of Found Chicago and it's owner, Michael Heltzer.  Check it out at   http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/easy/2821190,ESY-News-EasyDogRisk21a.article

In our area, in the southwest suburbs, there are also excellent shelters.  If you are looking for a pet and can give it the love and attention it deserves, check out these local groups:

PAWS Animal Shelter
8301 W 191st St.
Tinley Park, IL 60487

TLC Animal Shelter
13016 W 151st St.
Homer Glen, IL 60491

Animal Welfare League
10305 Southwest Highway
Chicago Ridge, IL 60415

South Suburban Humane Society
1103 W End Ave.
Chicago Heights, IL 60411

Remember, a pet gives back so much more than it gets. 

For a special coupon for grooming your adopted pet, click the facebook button in the right column.

Does your pet have bad breath?

It seems to be a common problem with our pets, bad breath.  But with a little effort, bad breath does not have to be a problem. The best way to keep your pet's mouth smelling nice and fresh is to brush their teeth. At Aussie Pet Mobile we use a dog-friendly, specially flavored toothpaste.  You can buy dog toothpaste at your local pet store.  If brushing doesn't eliminate the odors, there could be a medical problem. Just like in people, bad breath is a sign of dental disease and requires treatment. Some may believe that pets' mouths naturally clean themselves, but this is not the case. There are some natural enzyme systems in your pets mouth that help, but it will not keep your pet's mouth clean. Debris builds up on the teeth and requires brushing and rubbing.

Cats are also at risk for dental disease and it's not the smelly foods that they are eating that are causing the odor. It is reported that 85% of adult cats have periodontal disease, and that dental disease is the largest single cause of health problems in cats.

Signs your pet maybe suffering from dental disease:

• Bad breath and red gums (healthy gums will be a shrimp pink color)
• Pus oozing from gums
• Facial swelling
• Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
• Pain when eating or chewing

Daily oral hygiene rinses, dental diets and safe chew toys can also help keep your pet's mouth clean, but be sure to call your vet to discuss your pets dental health. Your vet can make recommendations to keep your pet free of periodontal disease.

Surviving the Dog Days of Summer

If you’ve ever sat in your car with the windows rolled up on a hot day, you know how sweltering it can be even for a few minutes. Of course, most of us don’t do that; it’s too uncomfortable. It’s hard to believe, then, that every year so many pets die needlessly because of being kept in a hot car. Temperatures inside a car can easily go over 110 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows cracked. Never ever leave your pets in your car, even for a short time. It’s just not safe.
We travel with our two dogs, but we know that when the weather gets warm, they cannot be left alone in the car. We carry water with us to give them a drink, and our car has an electrical outlet so we have a fan blowing in the back, but even then we never leave them locked in the car. When we stop for lunch on a trip, we choose a restaurant that has outdoor seating, so we can eat with the dogs. There are a lot of fast food places out there that don’t mind dogs on their patio. Sometimes we pack a picnic and find a nice spot for lunch outdoors. If neither of those options are available, we get food to go and eat it in our car with the engine running and the air conditioning on.
During the hot weather, your dog can suffer even just playing outside. Some dogs just don’t know when to stop and rest, and it’s up to their owners to watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and make sure their dogs are safe.
Heatstroke can happen really fast, and can be very serious. Symptoms to watch for are heavy panting, a dark tongue, rapid heartbeat, excessive thirst, vomiting, and a dog that is listless and unsteady. If your dog gets heatstroke, get him out of the sun immediately. Not only give him water to drink, but pour cool water on a towel and wrap it around your dog to lower his temperature. You can even get the dog in a bath if one is handy, but use lukewarm water, not cold water. Call your veterinarian right away, as heatstroke can be a deadly condition.
We saw a dog locked in a car this summer at of all places, a dog show. The windows were cracked, but the temperature outside was in the 80’s, so the temp in the car must have been pretty high. We asked one of the officials at the dog show to make an announcement over the loud speaker, and we saw the owner go outside and let her dog out and give it water. I don’t know what would have happened to the dog if it had been left much longer in the car, but I’m glad we didn’t have to find out.
Just like humans, dogs can also get sunburned. For that reason, our groomers never shave a dog all the way down to the skin. If you have a short-haired dog with a risk of getting burned, you can use a sunblock with a rating of at least SPF 15 around their face and ears. Also, watch out for hot asphalt. Pads of the feet can get burned just like our bare feet do. And finally, it’s a good idea to use the early or late parts of the day for outside activities when possible. The hottest part of the day is a good time to go inside and take a nap!
Keep an eye out for overheated dogs this summer, and remember to enjoy the warm weather responsibly. The dog days of summer can be a great time for you and your pet, but only if we all stay safe.

Dogs and Fireworks

Every year many dog owners are faced with the issue of their dog freaking out over fireworks. The loud noises send them running for cover or cowering in the corner, and it can be a real headache for their owners. With the upcoming Independence Day festivities, this is a good time to consider how you are going to handle your dog if loud noises are an issue.

Fortunately, there are some common sense things you can do to minimize the problem. First of all, leave the dog home when you go to the fireworks show. Try leaving him in the crate, if you use one, with his favorite toy to keep him busy and happy. Use the TV for normal “background” noise. Don’t make a big production out of leaving, as this will tell him something big is happening. Make sure your dog is secure. NEVER leave him outside or tied up unattended. Dogs can hurt themselves trying to escape. Animal Shelters always see an increase in dogs after July 4th because so many of them run off trying to get away from the noise and find their owners. Make sure your pets have identification tags or microchips in case they do get away.

If you have been through this before and know your pet is seriously distressed by the loud noises, talk to your vet for ways to help alleviate the anxiety. It’s a good idea to exercise your dog a few hours before dark so they release some energy and hopefully get more tired later on.

With a little planning you and your pets can have a happy, safe holiday.

Dog Dining in Chicago

With the beautiful, warmer weather in Chicago we all want to be outside enjoying the season. I really love to dine 'al fresco' when the weather is nice. Of course, I also like to have my dog me as much as possible, and thankfully, there are many places in Chicago where I can do both. In fact, Chicago is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country, with dog parks and dog beaches and some truly fantastic restaurants that allow dogs in the summer when dining outside.
If you want to take your dog to the big city, I recommend you check out either http://www.bringfido.com/ or http://www.dogfriendly.com/ for more information. I have enjoyed the lakefront many times and dined at Navy Pier with our two dogs. Riva's, Charlie's Ale House, and Harry Carey's all have outside seating and allow dogs. They may ask you to wait for a table near the entrance or away from other diners, and of course you must have a well mannered dog that is under control at all times. Your dog should know the "down" and "stay" commands. Our dogs have either lain under the table or in one case stayed on the other side of the railing next to our table. Never give your dog table food or let him beg.
Here's a partial list of other restaurants in the city, many of which I have tried and enjoyed, although not always with my dogs:

• Brasserie Jo, on W Hubbard


• Four Moon Tavern, W Roscoe


• Bar Louie on Polk St.


• Boston Blackies on Riverside Plaza


• Orange, N Clark


• Adobo Grill, W Division


• DOC Wine Bar, N Clark


• Julius Meinl, Addison and Southport


• Crepe Town, N Sheridan


• Lou Malnati's Pizza, N Wells


• Wishbone, on Washington and on N Lincoln


• Southport Lanes on Southport


• And for a great Chicago steak, Sullivan's on N Dearborn

Remember to check with the restaurant. Being listed on these websites is no guarantee. Also, a well mannered dog doesn't bother other guests or make the restaurant rethink their pet friendly policy. So get out there and enjoy being near one of the world's most beautiful cities. And let me know of other dog friendly places you discover.

Foster a Deployed Military Member's Dog

I saw this article in Dog Fancy (July 2010) and thought it was a great way to help our service families, especially with Memorial Day coming up. The article explains how military families often get moved around a lot and may not get a lot of notice when they are deployed overseas. While pets are a great source of comfort and enjoyment to service people, just as they are to the rest of us, it can be difficult to find someone to take care of the pets when the service member gets deployed. Fostering a military member's dog or cat is one way we can give back for their sacrifice. The last thing they deserve is to have their pet put in a shelter. The magazine goes on to give information on three national groups that help arrange foster care for military family pets. Check them out if you would be able to help. They are:

• Guardian Angels for Soldiers' Pet, at www.guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org
• Military Pets Foster Project, at www.netpets.org/netp/foster.php
• Operation Noble Foster (for cats), at www.operationmobilefoster.org

Also, if you would like to volunteer to foster a pet, check with your local shelter and rescue groups.

Dog Beach and Park Tips

Going off leash? Heading off to the dog park or beach? Dog parks and beaches are really popular in our area. We have a new park in Homer Glen and a great park in Frankfort that is sponsored in part by Aussie Pet Mobile. When you let your dog play, keep in mind some basic tips we got from our partners at VPI Pet Insurance:

Sprains - Playful, excitable dogs are prone to accidents at the park - they can trip in a hole while running or maybe play a little too enthusiastically with a pal who's a bit too much to handle, resulting in sprained joints. Be sure to keep a watchful eye on your dog to avoid these types of incidents.

Lacerations - Sometimes even the friendliest wrestling match between dogs can turn into a tussle. Cuts and scratches are common dog park injuries, so keep your pooch away from agressive dogs and look out for foreign objects like fallen branches that could cause harm while dogs are at play.

Toxins - Be aware of any chemicals used by park maintenance crews, like fertilizers, snail bait or pestisides. It's a good idea to use a damp towel to thoroughly wipe down your dog's fur after a romp in the park in order to get rid of any residue that could be licked off.

Parasites - Shield your dog from fleas and other bugs before visiting the park by using a topical preventive product. Also, be a good park patron by picking up after your dog and reminding others to do the same; worms and other internal parasites can be easily transmitted if fecal matter is injested.

Overheating - No matter what time of year, always be sure to have plenty of water on hand to quench your dog's thirst and prevent overheating. Be sure to take frequent water breaks so your dog can stay hydrated. If your dog shows any signs of overheating such as excessive panting, vomiting, or sluggishness, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Bug Off! - Dogs and cats of any age need protection from fleas and ticks. Aside from being a nuisance, they can also cause skin problems and spread disease. It's easier to prevent fleas and ticks than it is to fight them after they've already infested your pet - and your home.

Tall grass and weeds are very inviting to flease and ticks, so be sure to keep your yard mowed and trimmed. Outdoor flea sprays are also a good tool for keeping bugs at bay. Inside, clean and vacuum your home regularly, and wash your pet's bedding each week.

Remember, if you're interested in pet insurance, call VPI at 800-719-1303 or visit www.petinsurance.com/apm to get the Aussie Pet Mobile discount!

Earth Day 2010

Earth Day is Thursday, April 22. This year is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, a day to celebrate the birth of the modern environmental movement and a chance to reflect on how we can better care for our planet. Every day we hear about "going green" and ways to do our part for the environment. As pet lovers, we already have a special bond with the natural world. We can do more by being responsible pet owners. Some obvious ways would be to spay and neuter our pets to decrease the population of homeless and unwanted dogs and cats. We can look for more natural pet foods and pet products, and keep our pets clean and healthy. At Aussie Pet Mobile Southwest Chicago, we only use safe, biodegradable, nontoxic grooming products. We have a full line of natural, specialty shampoos that provide specific solutions to pets with various types of coats.

The Earth is our home. Let's take care of it.

Shave-down Season

Now that the day's are getting longer and (hopefully) warmer, we are starting to get calls for shavedowns. If you are considering getting your dog shaved, you should understand some of the issues regarding shaving. Remember, dogs sweat from their paws, so having a shorter coat doesn't significantly affect the dog's body temperature. Also, if you are shaving due to the excessive shedding, you should know that shaving will make the hair shorter, but it will not completely stop the shedding. If shedding is your only reason for the haircut, you may want to consider a de-shedding treatment such as the FURminator, which we offer.

Still, shaving can make life easier if you dog is a swimmer, has a skin condition or fungus, is matted or the coat is in bad shape. When we shave a dog, we are careful not to go too low. You don't want to shave all the way down for a couple of reasons. First, dogs can get sunburn and even skin cancer, just like people do. It is important to protect their skin. Secondly, some breeds may not regrow their fur if it is shaved too short, a condition called alopecia. Also, with double-coated dogs such as huskies, fur protects against biting flies and mosquitoes.

And remember, Spring is a busy time at your groomers so call as soon as possible to get your appointment set.

February is National Spay and Neuter Month

Spaying and neutering your pet is an important decision for all pet owners. Unfortunately, there are too many homeless animals all over the country, many ending up in shelters. The Humane Society of the United States estimates about 7 million homeless animals end up in shelters every year. Half of these animals are adopted, but the other half are euthanized. Many of the pets that never get adopted would have been loving companions if they only had a chance.

As a pet owner, you should know that the only reason not to spay or neuter is if you intend to be a responsible, knowledgable breeder. Otherwise, the pet is much better off being spayed or neutered, from both a health standpoint and for your own piece of mind. It's not true that females need a litter before being spayed, or that males will somehow be less of a dog if they are neutered. It will not make them less protective or fat and lazy. This procedure is safe, inexpensive, and the right thing to do. It's an easy way to save lives.

For more information, go to the Humane Society of the US at www.humanesociety.org

Labrador Retriever Remains America's Most Popular Dog

From the AKC website:
German Shepherd Makes A Move For The Top Spot
For the 19th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, but could this be the last year for the Lab's reign?

According to AKC 2009 registration statistics, the German Shepherd Dog overtook the Yorkshire Terrier last year and is now ranked second most popular in the nation for the first time in more than three decades. Read more at www.akc.org

A Happy Way to Get Fit

I saw a great little article in last weekend's Parade magazine about a happy way to get fit. This time of year we hear a lot about getting fit and losing weight, since weight loss is a very popular New Year's resolution. And after the holiday's, who can't afford to lose a little weight? Even the dog probably needs some help, and that's the great news about the article. It's called "A Happy Way to Get Fit" and it concerns a study done in Great Britain that surveyed 5000 people and found that those with dogs exercised up to six hours more a week than those who worked out at a gym or on their own. It goes on to say that according to the study the average dog owner walks his pet for less than 30 minutes twice daily and longer a few times a week. Those short walks add up to more than eight hours of physical activity a week, a lot more than the average gym-goer.

Researches also found that the difference in these groups is based on enjoyment. It's just more fun walking with your dog! Most people said they walk the dog even when pressed for time, while those going to the gym are more apt to skip the workout when they're busy. So get yourself and your dog fit and go for a walk.

Wintertime Grooming

In most parts of the country, the winter months are really tough on skin and hair - not just for humans, but for pets, as well. A lot of people are surprised that we at Aussie Pet Mobile groom this time of year. You should know that grooming right now is a good idea to keep your pet healthy and comfortable.

Contrary to popular opinion, your pet actually needs regular shampooing during the winter months to keep his skin and coat healthy. In fact, done properly, a bath can help to reduce dryness, matting and related skin problems. After the shampoo, a treatment of our aloe re-moisturizer is a great idea.

If your pet is a breed that requires regular trimming, it's important to maintain his haircut schedule year round. Allowing his hair to "grow in for the winter" can result in increased matting, which is a major cause of skin problems. If you decide to leave his coat longer for the winter, be prepared to brush him daily to prevent matting. If you're concerned about your pet being cold when he's outdoors, a sweater or fleece coat is a better option than leaving his coat long.

With the furnace on and the house closed up, low humidity indoors can make your pet's skin dry and itchy. Regular brushing stimulates the natural oils in the skin and helps to counteract dryness and keep your pet more comfortable. Also, regular brushing will prevent matting, a major cause of skin problems during winter.

Salt used for de-icing roads and sidewalks can cause your dog's pads to become cracked and sore. If your pet won't wear booties, be sure to wash toes and pads with warm water after walks to remove any salt residue. Dry them thoroughly, and apply a protective product like Protect-A-Pad (similar to Chapstick, for paws).

Also, keep the hair on your pet's feet trimmed. Long hair can form uncomfortable mats between and under the toes and can cause snow and ice to become packed in the pads of the feet, causing irritation. Your groomer will trim the feet as part of your pet's regular groom.

Don't neglect your pet's grooming just because it's cold outside. Our mobile grooming vans have heated water and are specially designed for all-weather grooming.

Upcoming Event - International Kennel Club of Chicago Dog Show

Next month is the 2010 International Kennel Club Cluster of Dog Shows

International Kennel Club of Chicago (Benched)
February 27 & 28 * McCormick Place Lakeside
Bring the family to see the one of the largest dog shows in the country, where more than 10,000 purebred dogs from 161 breeds will demonstrate their skills in a variety of competitions.
Meet the dogs and their handlers, visit dog-related vendors, and experience special events and demonstrations like Earth Dog, Search & Rescue and the Puppy Spectacular!
Tickets are just Adults $17 ● Seniors $10 ● Children under twelve get in FREE.

Dudley is getting older

My dog Dudley is getting older, as are we all. For me it's the toughest part about being a pet owner, having to see our pets age so much more quickly than we do. But even with the inevitable outcome of aging, I will always have a dog around. The joy they bring to us every day more than makes up for any of the bad times.

I'm mentioning Dudley because he has been fighting cancer. In his case, he has lymphoma, which is the most common cancer in dogs. He's feeling great right now and getting wonderful care from his vet, but we know that cancer will eventually win. In the mean time, he gets all the extra snacks he wants and still goes to work with me everyday. I bring this up not for sympathy, because I know that most dog owners will have to deal with this at some time. I mention it because there is great work being done in cancer research for our pets, just as there is in research for human cancer. If you would like to learn more or make a donation to help with the research, I recommend taking a look at the Canine Health Research Center at the American Kennel Club website. The link is www.akc.org/doghealth

Also from the AKC, here's the early warning signs of cancer in our pets. If you have questions or suspect your dog has a problem, please make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Early Warning Signs of Cancer in our Pets:

1. Lump present more than 1 month
2. Open wound-with or without bloody discharge
3. Bad odors-especially bad breath
4. Loss of interest in food
5. Difficulty swallowing
6. Weight loss
7. Lack of desire to exercise or weak when exercises
8. Persistent lameness
9. Difficulty breathing or persistent cough
10. Difficulty urinating or defecating

From the AKC: If Dogs Could Talk: A Dog's Top 10 New Year's Resolutions

New Year's Eve traditionally is a time to reflect on our past, and more importantly, look forward to the changes we want to make in the coming year. In addition to your own New Year's resolutions, your dog might have a few of his own. The American Kennel Club® (AKC), the dog's champion, reflects on some resolutions your dog might be thinking about for 2010.
Top 10 Resolutions by Dogs include:
10. Owner on floor, dog in bed.
9. Stop begging and actually get a seat at the dinner table.
8. Give up the dream of ever catching my tail.
7. Bark like a big dog but still get cuddled on lap like a little dog.
6. Get back at cat for litter box incident.
7. Find every bone I ever buried.
4. No more haircuts! (come fall, I can go as a Komondor for Halloween).
3. Become alpha dog in my house. Well, at least stop letting the cat push me around.
2. Invent goggles that allow me to see the electric fence.
1. Finally pass that darn AKC Canine Good Citizen test.
Additional information on responsible dog ownership can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site at www.akc.org.

* Of course, we don't recommend the one about no more haircuts!