Ho, Ho, Howl: Petplan Pet Insurance Offers Precautions for Pet Parents to Keep Seasonal Celebrations Safe - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

Ho, Ho, Howl: Petplan Pet Insurance Offers Precautions for Pet Parents to Keep Seasonal Celebrations Safe

This article was originally distributed via PRWeb. PRWeb, WorldNow and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith.

SOURCE: Brian Communications

Avoid holiday pet health hazards with these tips from America’s No. 1 Pet Insurance Provider

PHILADELPHIA (PRWEB) December 10, 2012

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but before you haul out the holly and string up the lights, No. 1-rated Petplan pet insurance reminds pet parents to take some extra precautions to keep four-legged family members happy and healthy this holiday season.

“The holidays can be festive fun for the whole family, including four-legged members. But as pet parents prepare to celebrate, they should also consider the health and safety of their pets,” says Dr. Jules Benson, Vice President of Veterinary Services for Petplan. “Our pets can become just as stressed out by the holidays as we can. In addition to the tips below, sticking to regular mealtime and exercise schedules will help pets avoid illness – and help prevent any anxiety-induced mischief!”

Whether you’re hosting at home or traveling afar to enjoy the company of family and friends, Petplan has put together some simple pet precautions to help the season stay bright:

•     No Figgy Pudding for Fido or Fluffy – According to 2011 claims data, Petplan reported a spike in claims for a number of food-related illnesses in the period around Christmas and Hanukkah, including a 90% increase in claims for poisoning from food; a 43% increase in claims for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and a 33% increase in claims for the treatment of pancreatitis. So be sure to keep the latkes and eggnog on the table, and remind visiting family and friends to do the same. If your pets are begging to be included in the feasting, visit Petplan’s Vets for Pets blog for healthy, seasonal recipes perfect for your pet.
•     Deck the Halls with Care – Carefully consider your pets’ paws’ reach when decking your halls for the holidays. Plants like poinsettias, holly berries and mistletoe, as well as tree water, can lead to illness and upset stomachs. Dangling ornaments and brightly glowing candles draw in curious kitties and canines, while tinsel and ribbon can get caught in pets’ intestines, often requiring surgical removal.
•     Put on Your Paw-ty Dress – When Jack Frost nips at cold, wet noses, it’s tempting to outfit pets in festive attire, but keep it simple. Forego garments with glitter, tassels or bells, which can end up snarling up pets’ stomachs. Make sure coats and sweaters are neither too tight nor too loose to avoid discomfort, overheating or tangled limbs. And if your pet puts up a fight, leave the stress-inducing sweater on the shelf.
•     Dashing Through the Snow – If you’re bringing pets over the river and through the woods for an extended stay this season, be sure to bring copies of veterinary records, extra food, and plenty of your pet’s medications. Use Petplan’s vet finder to scope out local vets, including emergency clinics, in case you need to detour for a vet visit. Make sure pets are microchipped and their collar tags have up-to-date contact information, in case they decide to do some visiting of their own!

For more tips and information on keeping your pet healthy throughout the holiday season and beyond, visit http://www.GoPetplan.com.

ABOUT PETPLAN
Top-rated pet insurance provider, Petplan, is the only pet insurance company to have been included on Inc. Magazine’s list of 500 fastest-growing, privately held companies in America. Petplan’s fully customizable dog insurance and cat insurance policies provide coverage for all hereditary and congenital conditions for the life of the pet as standard, and meet the coverage requirements and budget for pets of all/any age. Petplan pet insurance policies are underwritten by AGCS Marine Insurance Company in the U.S. and by Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company in Canada. The Allianz Group is rated A+ by A.M. Best (2011). For information, about Petplan pet insurance, visit http://www.GoPetplan.com, read the Petplan “Vets for Pets” Blog, or call 1-866-467-3875.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/12/prweb10216000.htm