Train the Dog Blog

The relationships we share with our pets are often irreplaceable. Their companionship and constant presence can be both soothing and invigorating. Unfortunately, pets suffer health issues and occasionally require costly medical attention in the same way people do. When an emergency occurs and it becomes necessary to visit the veterinarian, many owners are stunned by the costs of performing tests and procedures. If they are unable to afford it, the alternative can be heartbreaking. Pet insurance was created to provide owners with an alternative.

Today’s article will focus on how this unique breed of coverage works. We’ll describe what you can expect after investing in a policy for your dog and how it can reduce the costs of veterinary care.

How It Can Reduce Veterinary Costs

Medical care for canines has come a long way over the past 20 years. Many procedures that are common today were not even possible a few decades ago. As a result, dogs can live longer, healthier lives and receive treatment for a variety of illnesses and disorders that would otherwise have deadly consequences. Of course, as with medical attention for people, the costs of veterinary care have skyrocketed.

For example, a condition called “bloat” (also referred to as gastric torsion) might cost more than $5,000 to treat. Because the condition is life-threatening, an owner who cannot afford treatment may be forced to euthanize his canine. Even a relatively minor leg fracture can cost several hundreds of dollars to set.

To be sure, performing tests and providing treatment for your pooch can be expensive. That is the reasons dog health insurance was created. It allows owners to invest in a policy that helps allay the high costs of veterinary treatment. If your dog becomes sick or is injured, the policy covers the expense.

It works in a similar manner as your health insurance policy. When you visit your veterinarian, he or she will present you with a bill covering the procedures that were performed on your canine. After you pay the bill, you would file a claim with your pet insurance provider. Your provider would then review your claim and send you a check to reimburse you for the treatment provided by the veterinarian.

Is It The Right Decision For You?

Only you can know whether your budget is able to accommodate the premiums attached to a dog health insurance policy. In truth, the premiums are usually slight, especially when compared to the amount of coverage a policy offers. Given that a large portion of veterinary care is attributed to unexpected circumstances (i.e. injuries, sudden onset of illness, etc.), it’s an investment that every owner should at least consider.

The worst possible scenario is to find yourself in a situation that forces you to choose between absorbing a significant veterinarian bill or allowing your pooch to perish. A dog health insurance policy can help you avoid that tragic circumstance.

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No matter what the root cause of an ear infection is, the symptoms are all the same. Here are signs you should watch for at home:

Continous Shaking of the Head

Constant Scratching at the Head and Ears

Continuous rubbing of the head and ears on the ground or floor

A distinct redness or irritation in the ear canal

Liquid leaking from the ears

A brown or yellowish discharge present in the ears

Foul smell emanating from the ear

Severe pain whenever the ears are touched or petted

The Veterinary Visit – Diagnosis of an Ear Infection

When you first notice symptoms of an ear infection, it is important to take your dog to see your veterinarian. You should be careful about putting anything into your dogs ears before a veterinary examination. If your dog has a ruptured eardrum, putting anything in its ears could lead to more severe symptoms including a head tilt, walking in circles, or other neurologic symptoms.

For those dogs that experience frequent ear infections or ear infections resistant to treatment, it is highly imperative to seek out the underlying cause. In most cases, a physical examination can deliver this information. Upon examination, small ear canals, excessive hair in the ear and floppy pinnae can easily be seen. In addition, foreign objects or tumors are also easily visualized with a physical exam.

Food allergies are usually ruled out with a food trial. During a food trial, a special hypoallergenic food is fed for a period of 8-12 weeks. The dog is monitored during this time to see if its symptoms improve.

Blood tests and skin tests are used to rule out Atopy or seasonal or inhalant allergies. These are performed just as they are in humans and can provide specifically what your dog is allergic to.

One or two blood tests may be given to determine if a certain endocrine organ is functioning properly. Usually, other symptoms present themselves besides ear infections to indicate there may be an endocrine problem.

Ear Infection Treatment

Addressing the underlying reason is an important part of treating ear infections. For dogs with food allergies, it is important to avoid those foods that they are allergic to. Dogs with atopy will probably be on a combination of medications to control their symptoms for the rest of their lives. This usually consists of a combination of corticosteroids, antihistamines, omega-3 fatty acid supplements and cyclosporine.

In addition, topical treatments, antibiotics, antifungals, shampoos and rinses may also be required. However, each dogs case is different and will depend on the severity of their allergy.

Most ear infections are treated with a combination of topical medication that you put in your dogs ear and oral medication. While treating an ear infection, it is important to clean a dogs ears once or twice weekly to prevent build-up of medication and debris in the ear. The ear must be dried well after cleaning. Ear infections are usually treated for at least two weeks but may need to be treated for longer. If an ear infection will not clear up, a culture should be done as well.

Preventing Ear Infections

Treat any underlying diseases that might be present.

Dry ears completely after bathing

Dry your dogs ears out every time it swims.

Do not put any water or cleanser in your dogs ears unless you have to and always dry the ears out well afterwards.

Always remember: Keeping dogs ears dry is the key element to prevention and treatment of ear infections.

An experience veterinarian with great passion for writing, Heather Fox loves to share her knowledge about Dog Illness Diagnosis with fellow pet lovers. You can find more of her lessons including Dog Flea Allergy Dermatitis Symptoms on Clivir.com.