Pet Blog Up and Running

I would like to let everyone know that Bark, Purr and Insure is finally back up and running. Visit our pet blog at www.barkpurrandinsure.com

Mini-Physical Exam
Make the home checkup an extension of the normal attention you pay your dog, and he will not even know that he is being “examined.” It doesn’t matter where you perform the exam, as long as both you and your dog are comfortable.
Skin and Coat
Weekly grooming provides a good opportunity for evaluating the health of the skin and coat. Pass your hands over your dog’s body, feeling for swelling, asymmetry, or sensitive areas. Call the veterinarian if you discover patches of hair loss, the black flecks that signal the presence of fleas, scabby or reddened areas, or skin bumps. With your dog facing away from you, gently lift the tail and take a quick peek at the rear end. If you see tan-colored rice-size objects, you are probably looking at packets of tapeworm eggs, which require veterinary treatment. Next, use a moist paper towel to clean away any feces. In long-coated dogs in particular, feces can get caught in the fur and, if trapped against the skin, can cause serious problems. If the hair has become matted, use scissors to carefully cut out the mats yourself, or, better yet, take your dog to a vet or groomer, who can use clippers to remove them.
Ears
With our dog facing you, gently pull up on the earflap and look at the inner surface and down into the ear canal. The ears should be clean and light pink in color. Any discharge, redness, swelling or odor is abnormal. Never insert anything into your dog’s ear canal- doing so can aggravate an ear condition or even cause trauma or infection.
Eyes
Face your dog head-on and examine the eyes. They should be bright, and both pupils should be of equal size. There should be little if any tearing at the corners of the eyes, and the inner eyelids should not protrude. Gently roll down the lower eyelid with your thumb; the tissue lining the lid should be pink, not white or red. Be sure your dog is not squinting with either eye.
Mouth and Nose
With your dog facing you, lift up the lips to examine the gums and teeth. The gums should be pink, not white or red, and should show no signs of swelling. The teeth should be clean, without nay brownish tartar. Sniff your dog’s breath; while a dog’s breath is never pleasant, a strong, fetid odor is abnormal and may indicate a problem. Excessive drooling can also be a sign of oral disease. There should be no nasal discharge.
Information courtesy of ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs

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For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com

10 Ways to Prevent Zoonotic Diseases

In light of our pet blog being down for repairs I would like to post this blog and remind everyone that Mars Insurance does right pet insurance.

10 Ways to Prevent Zoonotic Disease Threats to Your Family and Your Pet
Zoonotic diseases are illnesses which can be transmitted from pets to people or infect both animals and humans. Here are some ways to protect your loved ones from Zoonotic diseases:
1. Wash your hands often when touching, playing with or caring for pets.
2. Never handle the stool of any animal without wearing disposable gloves or using a plastic barrier.
3. Avoid kissing your pet or letting your pet lick your face.
4. Do daily “tick checks” on yourself, your kids and your pet. If you find a tick, use tweezers to slowly pull it out. After removing the tick, immerse it in rubbing alcohol. Wash the tick bite would and your hands with soap and water.
5. If you are pregnant, ask someone else in the family to clean the cat’s litter box. I you must do it yourself, wear gloves and immediately wash your hands after changing the litter.
6. Wash your hands after gardening or working in soil where pets may have relieved themselves.
7. If you are scratched or bitten, wash the area with soap and water right away and administer first aid. I you are concerned, contact your healthcare professional.
8. Make sure your pet is protected against disease threats in your area.
9. Baring your pet to a veterinarian for a wellness exam at least twice a year, so problems can be detected or prevented.
10. Talk to your veterinarian and visit www.NPWM.com for more information about preventing Zoonotic diseases.

Information courtesy of the American Veterinarian Medical Association

For all your insurance needs contact Mars Insurance or visit our website at www.marsinsurance.com