Need to go to the vet?  Take your dog to the dog park?  Go to the pet store?  How about a drive on a nice day?  Many of us have all of our family get into the car for that trip somewhere.  Is Your Pet Covered While in Your Car?

Some auto insurance companies in states extend coverage to your pooch or feline while in your car.  Pet injury coverage is a new variety of supplemental auto insurance.   Some auto companies believe that they should be treated as part of the family.  Collision coverage can extend to the owner’s cat or dog.  If a cat or dog is injured in an accident while riding in a vehicle, the insurer will pay up to $500 to help with the veterinary bills and medicine.

This coverage is usually offered with collision coverage and there is no extra charge for having it.  Having pet insurance is like a health insurance program for a  pet.  The way which most plans work is that the owner initially pays the vet bill, and then the insurance company reimburses it.  Even though each plan is different, as some have deductibles or a maximum amount, along with miscellaneous variables.  It is wise to get all of the facts about any type of insurance.  Pet insurance typically covers only dogs and cats riding in the vehicle, and is not available in all states.

If the accident was not the pet owner’s fault, the at-fault drivers insurance will cover the pet under property damage liability coverage.  Under most insurance policies, the pet’s injuries will only be covered if the pet owner was not a fault in the accident.

So…is your pet covered while in your car?

.

Is It Love?

Here is what animal therapist Warren Eckstein says.   

Your Dog –  What does it mean when you come home after work and your dog licks your face?   It means food, not affection.  Although your dog is happy to see you, the essence of his behavior is saying ” Feed Me!”  This is something ingrained in domesticated dogs from their wild ancestors.  Out in the wild, when the leader of the pack returned from the hunt, the other dogs would lick his face to taste his food.  Of course, you’re not returning from a hunt, but your dog doesn’t know this.

Your Cat –  Why does she rub herself against your furniture?  It’s her way of saying  “I love you.”  Cats instinctively rub each other to say hello and to show they like each other.  However, since you are not always around, your cat will rub herself against your furniture or anything else that smells like you.

Lastly –  Why does your cat drool when it sits on your lap?  Because they feel safe with you.  Your comforting lap reminds them of being safe with their mother and it triggers the same reaction:  a drooling reflex just like when your cat was a kitten and nursing.

Want to know more, try these two books:  Good Owners, Great Cats  or  Good Owners, Great Dogs.

.

On November 17th in Oregon, a cat was diagnosed with H1N1, which took it’s life.  This is the first fatality of the three cases diagnosed.  The other two were in Iowa and Nebraska.  Statements by professionals said this is no reason to panic.  They also said to the symptoms and the treatment is similar to humans.  The state veterinary association said it is not known yet, if dogs are susceptible to the virus.  We will look forward to this virus diminishing soon.

.