Older Dog Health Problems - Common Health Problems Facing Senior Dogs

Like all animals, as dogs age they tend to develop health problems unique to

older dogs. Many dog owners have a difficult time accepting this fact and

think that their lively pooch is not an older

dog and will not have health

problems. Dogs can, however, show signs of aging as early as seven

years old. Older dog health problems generally affect larger breeds

earlier than small breeds that tend to show signs of aging around 10 to 12 years

of age. The fact is that senior dog

health problems will eventually be a concern for every dog owner.

Common Health Problems Facing Older Dogs

All dogs are different and, depending on their size, breed and activity level,

will exhibit health problems differently. However, there are common health

issues that may manifest in all senior dogs including the following:

Joint and bone problems

An overall reduction in their metabolism
Difficulty with their eyes and ears
Liver and kidney dysfunctions
Skin becomes thin and less pliable while the coat becomes mottled and patchy
Problems with teeth and gums

Unlike a little puppy who has an endless supply of energy, an older dog will

tend to slow down and take longer to lay down or stand up. Instead of

bounding up the stairs your senior dog might take each stair one at a

time. Your dog may develop arthritis, an inflammation of the joints

causing pain and discomfort, which is generally the cause of this slowing

down. There are a host of anti-inflammatory drugs that your veterinarian

can suggest to reduce the discomfort caused by arthritis.

In many cases, an older dog will have problems with their eyes as they develop

cataracts or even glaucoma. A cataract will become obvious to the owner as

the eyes have a cloudy appearance and tend to reflect light. Senior dogs

may also develop glaucoma, an increased amount of pressure on the eyes, and can

cause more serious problems if left untreated.

The entire circulation system and many of the major organs are taxed in older

dogs. The heart, lungs, liver and kidneys all become less efficient and

the immune systems can become weak and vulnerable to viruses and bacteria.

Serious health problems may develop in your senior dog as some of the symptoms

develop gradually. It is your responsibility to maintain your older dog's

health and remain informed of the possible senior dog health problems that

commonly arise.

Helping Your Older Dog Overcome Health Problems

As an aging dog inevitably develops health problems, you can help alleviate many

of the symptoms and keep your pet comfortable. The most basic thing you

can do is simply pay more attention to your senior dog making sure you're aware

of the changes taking place. Brush your dog's coat daily and ask your vet

if there are special shampoos to help with her skin and coat. Spend time

rubbing your hands on his coat feeling for bumps or lesions. Be patient

when your dog needs a little extra time walking up the stairs or jumping up into

the car. Make sure you make regular visits to your vet and stay current on

vaccinations. Brush your senior dog's teeth regularly and have them

professionally cleaned occasionally. Provide regular exercise while also

making adjustments needed for your dog as she ages.

As your older dog slows down, you might have to adjust her diet to help

compensate for the reduction of energy for both her weight as well as her coat

and her circulation system. Not only must the overall calorie intake be

reduced, but you can also feed your senior dog specially formulated foods made

to fit their particular needs. Try to purchase the most expensive, best

quality food you can afford and avoid greasy table scraps.

It's an inevitable fact that dogs age, but you can make a difference in helping

your older dog overcome health problems. Keep in mind that in the last

eighty years or so the average lifespan of dogs has increased from 7 years to

12. Expanding your knowledge and paying attention to your dogs health will

help ensure your dog lives a long and comfortable life.

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Health Insurance Basics - Common Definitions and Tips For First Time Buyers

Choosing a health insurance plan that is right for your family can be a bit daunting...but it doesn't have to be. Becoming familiar with the different health insurance plans that are available both for individuals and families will help you navigate the health care insurance field and make an better informed decision concerning health insurance. Read on to learn some of the health insurance basics.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST INSURANCE PLAN FOR YOUR NEEDS

First, determine if short term or long term health insurance is what you need. If you are unemployed, yet hope to be hired in a few months with a company that offers group insurance, than perhaps short term health insurance is for you. Also some companies require a new employee to work for three to six months before they are eligible for health benefits. Short term could offer the temporary coverage you need. Next, decide if basic health-care coverage or comprehensive health care coverage will better meet your needs.

BASIC HEALTH CARE COVERAGE

This plans covers inpatient hospitalization and out-patient surgery in case of a major accident or illness. The monthly health premiums are lower and are generally the choice for those who are primarily interested in coverage in case of severe accident or illness.

COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE

This plan covers preventative care, Dr's visits, prescriptions, along with hospitalizations and out-patient surgery. Comprehensive health care coverage has a higher monthly premium, and it generally has a low co-pay at the time of a Dr's appointment. This plan may be the better choice appropriate for those who have reoccurring medical expenses.

AVAILABLE INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY INSURANCE PLANS

Health care plans usually fall into two categories, indemnity or managed-care plans. They differ in regard to how bills are paid, ability to choose health care providers and out-of pocket expenses. Generally, you'll have a broader choice of health care providers with indemnity health-care plans and less out-of -pocket expenses and less paperwork with a managed-care health insurance plan.

MANAGED CARE PLANS

HMO's (Health Maintenance Organizations), PPO's

(Preferred Provider Organizations), and POS's (Point of Service Plans) are all managed health-care insurance plans.

INDEMNITY PLANS

Under this plan, insurance companies pay their share of the cost for services after they receive a bill. This may mean that you will have to pay your bill for medical care at the time of service and then seek reimbursement from your health insurance company.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF AN HMO PLAN?

- Lower out of the pocket expenses

- Fewer choices in regard to physicians and hospitals than other health insurance plans

- A PCP (Primary Care Physician) is required and will meet most of your health-care needs

- A referral is needed from your PCP before seeing a specialist

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF A PPO PLAN?

- Health insurance companies offer a network of preferred doctors and hospitals

- These health care providers offer the members services at discounted rates

- Usually an annual individual or family deductible must be paid before the health insurance companies begins to pay out money for medical bills.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF A POS?

- Combines features of both the HMO and PPO plans

- Members are usually required to choose a Primary Care Physician (PCP)

- PCP services are not usually subject to a deductible

- Preventative care visits are generally covered

HEALTH INSURANCE TERMS

As with any genre, health care insurance is filled with jargon exclusive to its field. The following is a list of terms and their meanings that will hopefully give you good grasp of health insurance terms.

COINSURANCE

The percentage of medical costs you have to paying after meeting the deductible amount that is attached to your plan.

CO-PAYMENT

This occurs under an HMO plan and requires a specified dollar amount be paid to the health insurance provider on each visit.

COVERED BENEFITS

A covered benefit must always be a medical necessity. The determination of whether something is a medical necessity or not is made by the health insurance company.

DEDUCTIBLE

The amount you must pay in medical expenses before your insurance company will begin to cover your medical bills.

DEPENDENT

A dependent is someone other than yourself who is covered under your health insurance plan. This could include a spouse, child, unmarried partner. For children there are age limits at which they are no longer covered under a parent's health policy.

DISABILITY

In the event that you are unable to work for an extended period of time due to an injury or a medical condition, disability insurance provides funds to cover your living expenses in a specified amount.

GATEKEEPER

Another title for your Primary Care Provider (PCP)

GROUP INSURANCE

Employers often offer group insurance plans. Under group insurance an employee can generally obtain a much more affordable plan.

IN NETWORK/OUT OF NETWORK

In network refers to those physicians who have been contracted under a health care plan to provide services to their members. Staying in network allows lower charges and a smaller percentage of out of pocket expenses. Conversely, going out of network generally means charges are higher and you will have to pay a greater percentage of out of pocket expenses.

GRACE PERIOD

This is a specified period past the due date of a premium during which coverage may not be canceled. This prevents health insurance companies from canceling your policy if payment should arrive a few days late.

OPEN-ENROLLMENT PERIOD

Generally, this is a once-a-year period of time that allows you to make changes to your existing health insurance coverage. (A change in marriage status or the birth of a child also allows you to modify your health insurance plan.

PRE-CERTIFICATION(Pre-authorization)

Before surgery or hospitalization, the insurance company must be contacted to get approval for a medical service to take place. Failure to do so typically means the insurance company will NOT pay for the service. This does not apply in an emergency situation, although the insurance company should be contacted as soon as possible.

PRE-EXISTING CONDITION

A medical condition that existed before an insurance policy became effective. Most insurance companies require a three month to one year waiting period before a pre-existing condition can be covered under their plan.

PREMIUMS

Monthly payments for insurance coverage. Monthly payments can easily reach $100 for singles and two to three times that amount for a family.

REFERRAL

A written form from your Primary Care Provider to another Dr. (usually a specialist) giving consent for you to go to them for medical services.

SECOND SURGERY OPINION

On occasion an insurance company will ask you to be seen by a second Dr. to determine if the recommended procedure is necessary or if an alternate method could accomplish the same result.

URC (Usual, reasonable, and customary)

URC refers to the dollar amount an insurer will usually pay for a service or procedure based on what is customary for the area in which you live. An insurance company will not pay $800 for a procedure that costs only $300.

HEALTH INSURANCE QUOTES

Be sure that you shop around to find the best health insurance plan. Compare quotes from at least 3-5 different insurance companies before you decide to purchase.

Get started comparing health insurance quotes today!