As people pay attention to their own healthcare, they should not overlook the well-being and health of their pets, too. Dogs are men’s best friends. In this regard, they also deserve the kind of care and affection that most people do. Thus, what do you do when your dog needs to undergo a $5,000 hip surgical procedure during its senior years? Some pet owners are right to assert that most of the time, veterinary costs for dogs, and other pets, are much higher than actual healthcare costs of their owners. This is not surprising because dog treatment and surgical operations could be more complicated, tedious, and demanding.

Your canine companion would not be young and in the pink of health forever. During times of financial difficulties like today, overall dog care is also compromised. Veterinary clinics in the United States have revealed that overall dog checkups and treatment procedures have been declining since the onset of the current economic crunch. Would you find it alright to know that your best friend would be suffering from an illness or an accident and you would not be able to give him proper treatment because it is just too expensive to do so? Your pet’s overall protection would be a pet insurance policy.

Experts assert that the best time to buy a pet insurance for your dog is the moment you purchase it. It would be cheaper if you would secure an insurance product while the dog is still a puppy than to secure one when the dog is already several years old. Premium costs would also be comparatively more affordable. Make sure the insurance policy you buy is something that would be best and most appropriate for the dog. For example, some insurance programs do not cover several pedigrees or cross breeds due to scientific reasons. But there certainly would be insurance products that fit those dogs.

Aside from the costs and the type of insurance, it is also important that you check the terms and conditions of the product. Is there an expiration period? What is the method of filing for claims? Are there additional charges? Find an insurance product that would cover third-party damages your dog could incur to other people.

For instance, if your dog accidentally bites an individual, you must cover the medical expenses. If your pet has incurred damages to properties, it would also be your responsibility to cover the damage costs. Some insurance products are extensive to also cover such provisions. Find such products and prefer them over others as much as possible.

Check the overall coverage of the pet insurance. In most cases, pet insurance policies only cover illness and accident recoveries. Some include coverage for hospitalization, while others until death. Usually, regular and periodic checkups of the dog are not covered. Basic health and physical care is not also covered like fur trimming or nail clipping. Vaccination against viral infections and diseases are also not usually included in the pet insurance coverage as well as food supplementation.

However, medicines and other treatment materials that are prescribed for recovery against ailment or accident could very well be included in your filing for claims. It is important that you know which items and health actions are covered and which are not.

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With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking of gifts to give your friends and loved ones. Finding unique gifts can present a challenge, and most people never consider giving pet-related gifts. Since the chances are good that more than one person on your holiday gift list has a pet that he or she adores, why not give a distinctive gift that your recipient will treasure? Here are five great gift ideas to get you started:

1. Fine Art Animal Prints

Dogs may come in many shapes and sizes, but each has a personality all its own. One of the most delightful gifts you can give to a pet lover is a fine art print of his or her breed. One of the most notable artists offering fine art animal prints is Lorena Pugh. Her print, “Princess,” for example, depicts a white toy poodle laying atop a stack of twelve colorful pillows, while “Angel Face” showcases a gorgeous pug who has just snagged a cluster of grapes off of a dining room table. In “Chocolate Craving,” she realistically captures the yearning of a chocolate lab as he reaches for a tennis ball against a beautiful background of blue sky. These limited edition animal prints are sure to be treasured, as each comes with a consecutively numbered dog tag to match the tag in the print.

2. Crystal Animal Statues

Whether your gift recipient has a dog, cat, horse, or rabbit, he or she is sure to enjoy an elegant crystal animal statue. Typically made from 24 percent lead crystal, hand-finished animal statues are beautiful yet whimsical. Crystal animal statues can depict a wide variety of pets, from a sitting cat to a dog with a bone; from a turtle to a frog; from a horse to a mouse; and from a duck to a dove.

3. Stone Animal Statues

Who wouldn’t love a playful stone animal statue depicting their beloved pet? Animal garden statues are perfect gifts, as are stone animal statues for the home and office. While some statues – like a sleeping spaniel puppy or an eager dachshund – make you feel warm inside, others – like a cat holding a pair of binoculars up to his eyes, ever watchful for a bird – make you chuckle. Stone animal statues are available for virtually any type of pet, and are certain to be cherished.

4. Animal Posters

If you’ve ever owned a pet, you know how funny they can be. Animal posters depict pets in a variety of outlandish situations (remember the cat in “Hang in There”?), and are eminently affordable. An animal poster is sure to bring a smile to your recipient’s face.

5. Entertainment

When it comes to gifts for pet lovers, there’s nothing more unique that pet-related entertainment. There is actually a music company that creates music for animals, so consider giving a gift of music about and for cats, dogs, or birds. Another great gift idea is to buy a DVD or video that is designed to entertain your recipient’s dog or cat. Your friend or loved one can play the DVD or video while he or she is at work or out running errands – guilt free!

It’s both original and thoughtful to give a gift that acknowledges your recipient’s pet as a central part of his or her life. Pet lovers will appreciate and treasure your gift, whether it’s a fine art animal print or an entertaining DVD.

When a dog is incontinent (this often happens in paralysis) several newspapers arranged under his hindquarters will help to keep the bed dry. Cotton wool arranged between the thighs and under the tail is a great help and a gentle sponging with very weak Dettol and warm water two or three times a day is advisable. Talcum powder used regularly helps to prevent soreness on the abdomen, and zinc ointment should be used for the same purpose in cases of diarrhoea. The dog must not be made wet but he must be kept clean. Long-haired dogs should have the hair cut off round the tail and hindquarters or the tail can be enclosed in a muslin bag which can be burnt when soiled.

Any treatment, simple or complicated, must be carried out with the unhurried speed which characterises the good nurse. To ensure this, have everything ready beforehand. For example, for cleaning the animal you will need cotton wool, lint (for washing), a basin with Dettol and warm water at the correct temperature, a receiver for soiled material, talcum powder, zinc ointment, scissors (for long-haired dogs) and a thick towel to arrange under the hindquarters to keep the bed dry. These articles should be placed on a tray, the home equivalent of the hospital dressing trolley! The window should be shut if any process is likely to chill the patient, and a covered hot water-bottle afterwards is very comforting in cold weather.

Handle the dog gently but firmly, supporting him if necessary for feeding and drinking, and be especially gentle in your care of the paralysed patient. Remember that the patient unable to protect himself is easily bruised and injured just in the same way as a dog under anaesthesia. These animals are particularly subject to bed-sores and must be turned every two hours or so, and their beds kept smooth and soft.

It is important in nursing a sick dog to do what is necessary and no more. In other words, leave the animal to sleep between food and treatment; undisturbed quiet is an essential part of recovery. Of course this does not mean neglect, such as leaving a dog for hours and hours in a wet bed with a cold bottle and a raging thirst. But there is always a great temptation to be over-attentive to the patient, especially if dearly loved, and self-control must be exercised by the nurse. Try to keep calm and cheerful, even if feeling the reverse, as dogs are very sensitive to the tone of voice.

Diet, taking temperatures, post-operative care, and so on, will be found under specific headings.

The pulse is best felt in the femoral artery which crosses the thigh. The normal rate is between seventy and ninety beats per minute, smaller dogs having a faster rate than the bigger breeds.

After feeding, the mouth should be swabbed out with a weak solution of permanganate of potash and water, and this can be repeated every two or three hours during the day if the dog is feverish and thirsty.

Sponging the face and head is very refreshing in hot weather and helps to reduce a high temperature. Try to put yourself in the dog’s place and foresee and prevent discomfort. To take a tiny example—bright sun shining into the dog’s eyes. Understanding, imagination and common sense are all qualities valuable in the canine nurse. Quiet is essential with nerve cases and, indeed, in any serious illness; if you have ever been ill yourself you will remember how irritating you found the banging door, the clattering footsteps and the loud voice.