Introduction to Standard Schnauzers Standard schnauzers are smart and fearless dogs of medium size, with origins in Germany. This dog breed is reliable but can be stubborn. It resembles the smaller miniature schnauzers and the larger giant schnauzers. A standard schnauzer may be the perfect companion for you if you’re looking for a dog that is full of energy and can go on adventures with you. This Healthy Paws dog breed guide shares information about standard schnauzer dogs, including their size, temperament, physical characteristics, diet, potential health conditions, and care. Size of Standa ..read more

The short answer: yes! Because Healthy Paws pet insurance works by reimbursement, meaning the pet parent pays their invoice up front and then submits it to the pet insurance company for reimbursement, pet parents can use any licensed vet with their pet insurance plan. Pet insurance can be very helpful when a pet becomes sick or injured, and the pet parent is faced with potentially high costs of veterinary care. Insurance coverage can help pet parents feel peace of mind and liberates them to say yes to life-saving treatments with less worry about how much it will cost. On the other hand, withou ..read more

Introduction to Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers The intelligent and eager-to-please Nova Scotia duck trolling retriever (toller) is a medium-sized dog that’s lots of fun. These dogs are outgoing and affectionate, making them excellent family pets and athletic companions. Although they resemble golden retrievers, this is a distinct dog breed with unique characteristics. Nova Scotia duck trolling retrievers were initially bred to hunt waterfowl, yet they are versatile dogs that typically get along well with other dogs and children. Check out this Healthy Paws breed guide to learn more about ..read more

The American lawn is as ingrained in our culture as baseball, apple pie, and playing a game of fetch with the family dog. Many people consider it the most desirable use of outdoor space, especially for those with children or pets. In fact, manicured turf grass lawns cover up to 50 million acres of land in the U.S., according to the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC). Advantages of a Grass Free Yard But a persistent drought in the west has many eco-conscious people ditching their lawns because of the huge amount of water, fertilizer and pesticides needed to keep all that grass healthy. La ..read more

Nearly half of dog owners said they would consider euthanizing their pets if they were diagnosed with a condition requiring costly treatment that was financially difficult to pay, according to a new survey by Canine Journal. That is one of the sobering statistics that show “economic euthanasia” — making a medical decision based on finances rather than what is best for the pet — is sadly common. Unnecessary euthanasia is one of the consequences of the ever-increasing cost of veterinary care. When an emergency room visit costs $5,000 or more, it’s no wonder that many pet parents cannot pay ..read more

Diagnosis: Auto-immune disease Cost: $12,084  | Reimbursed: $7,091 Coverage options:  70 percent | $250 deductible Nala is a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois who is energetic, curious, outspoken, and confident. When she’s not napping on the bed, she’s playing with her sister Peanut, a 3-year-old Labrador, in the yard. Nala was a stray dog at only six months old when Patricia, her pet parent, first saw her. She quickly fell in love and knew she had to take her home. Malinois are often trained as protection dogs and look intimidating, but Nala is a gentle soul. “She loves to cuddle any chan ..read more

As pet parents, we want to provide our furry friends with a safe and healthy environment. However, it’s easy to forget that our unhealthy habits can significantly impact their well-being. One of the most common and harmful habits is smoking around our pets. Smoking, especially indoors, creates secondhand smoke, affecting everyone in the home, including pets. Secondhand smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes can be just as dangerous for our pets as it is for us. Secondhand smoke from marijuana is also unhealthy and carries some additional risks. We’ll explore the effects of secondhand smoke o ..read more

Diagnosis:  Foreign obstruction/Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) Cost: $21,745 | Healthy Paws reimbursed: $17,050 Coverage options: 80 percent reimbursement | $500 deductible Dash is a four-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a breed known for their merry and gay personality, says his pet parent Lynne, and everyone says Dash is the sweetest dog they have ever met. At the vet clinic, the staff called him a “cage diver” because he loves people so much. Lynne said he’d dive into their arms when they opened his cage door.  “Dash is also foolishly brave. He’s alw ..read more

Introduction to Border Terriers Border terriers are happy and affectionate dogs with a small size and versatile temperament. They are tough pups that make excellent working dogs and love exploring the outdoors. But they are also wonderful household dogs that adapt well to a city lifestyle and enjoy playing with children. This breed originated from the United Kingdom and is prone to chasing small prey, digging in the dirt, and occasionally being vocal. Learning more about the border terrier breed before deciding to bring one of these dogs into your household is a smart idea. Our pet experts at ..read more

Pet insurance in the United States has gained traction as the costs of veterinary care continue to increase. Because they are considered valued family members, pet parents want to protect their four-legged friends and ensure they can afford veterinary care in case an injury or illness occurs. Pet insurance can help them to say “yes” to life-saving treatments with less worry about the cost. Pet insurance works by reimbursement Generally speaking, most pet insurance plans reimburse the pet parent for covered expenses after they have paid their vet bill. Essentially, the claim filing process for ..read more