888-899-4VPI
Pet Health Zone
Pet Education
Pet Articles
Pet Tips
Pet Horoscopes
Pet Stories




First Aid For
Your Pet >>


First Time
Pet Owners >>


Pet Toxins &
Poisons >>
VPI Pet Insurance HealthZone
VPI Pet HealthZone Tip Center
blank

 

Adopting A Pet

Animal Rescue and Animal Sanctuaries
What is the difference between an animal rescue organization and an animal sanctuary?

 


Be Kind – Adopt a Pet

Adopting pets from local shelters or rescue groups can save the lives of animals that might be faced with euthanization.  

How to Adopt a Dog
Things to consider once you have decided to adopt a dog.

Pet Adoption 101
Follow these helpful tips if adopting a pet is a new experience for you.

Pet Adoption and Children
Pet adoption can be a rewarding experience for a child.

Pet Adoption and Children Part Two
With children at home, many people rightfully have concerns about adopting ggressive dog breeds.

What to Expect at Your Local Animal Adoption Center
Pet adoption can be an easier process if you're prepared before visiting your local animal shelter.

Top 5 Reasons to Adopt a Dog
What is the difference between an animal rescue organization and an animal sanctuary?

Return to top of page


Bonding With Your Pet

Activites With Your Pet
This a great way to bond with your pet, and both of you get healthy physical exercise.

Common Pet Names
Why is it that you hear some pet names more often than others?

Dog Names by Breed
It makes sense to choose a breed-specific dog name because it will reflect your dog's temperament and personality traits.

How to Choose Pet Names
A lot of thought can go into naming your pet. After all, you will be calling out the name you choose for years to come.

Pet Horoscopes and Pet Names
Some people consult pet horoscopes to learn what personality type their pet may fit into.

Picking Cat Names
If you’re having trouble picking out cat names, think outside the box. 

The Pet Zodiac
Pet horoscopes are a fun way to learn about cat behavior, the origin of common cat names, and other pet trivia.

Unique Pet Names
Unique pet names can be your own creation, or you can surf the Web to find one.

Return to top of page

  

Cat Care

Cat Flea Collars
Many people put a cat flea collar on their cat and assume that’s all they need.

Cat Care Advice
Your cat’s health and well-being are your responsibility; find out the No. 1 resource for the best care advice you'll get.

Cat Care vs. Dog Care
If you've never had cats before, you may find they are a little easier to take care of than their canine counterparts.

Cat Dental Care
Cats’ teeth are one of the main reasons pet owners seek healthcare for their cats.

Cat Grooming Supplies
Cats groom themselves every day, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't groom them yourself. Find out exactly what you'll need to get started.

Geriatric Cat Care
Older cat care isn't difficult, but you need to be more observant and aware of your cat's behavior. Find out what you should be paying attention to.

Keep Your Cat Indoors
Studies show that not only do indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats, but they also live healthier lives.

Return to top of page


Choosing A Dog Breed

Choose a Breed of Dog
Before you adopt a dog, it is extremely important to know what type of breed would be best for your lifestyle and family.

Choosing Puppies
Before you choose a new puppy, take a look at the entire litter and see how they interact.

Different Dog Breeds
If you have your heart set on a certain dog breed but feel the dog may be too large or require too much care, consider a miniature dog of the same breed.

Dog Breed Information
Before choosing a breed, look for an informative book on dog breeds or Web site to help you determine which one is right for you.

Dog Breeds and Classes
Dogs are categorized by classes; understanding more about different breeds can make it easier for you to choose the right one when it's time for a new dog.

Help Choosing a Dog Breed
If you're not familiar with dog breeds, there are ways to get help choosing one that's right for you.

The Dog Breed Selector
If you're looking for a new dog but aren't exactly sure what kind of breed you want, use an online dog breed selector to help you decide.

Return to top of page

  

Dog Care

Dog Beds
When you look for a dog bed, there are several things to consider.

Dog Grooming
There are grooming packages that include all the supplies you'll need for your specific breed.

Dog Care: Chewing
You can control your dog's urge to chew with training, providing the right dog chewing toys and discouraging chewing on other items.

Dog Care Services
If you have to leave your dogs home alone, there are some great alternatives available that will keep them happy and healthy.

Dog Dental Health
Veterinarians recommend that annual dental cleanings begin at age five.

Dog and Benadryl
Vets often recommend Benadryl to relieve allelrgy symptoms, but there are some important things you should know before dispensing medications to your dog. 

Pain Management for Dogs Using Aspirin
Adult dogs with joint problems such as arthritis can get relief from a small dose of aspirin, but it is very important to know the limits of aspirin.

Senior Dog Care
As your dog ages, his nutritional needs change. Here are some symptoms for which to watch.

Return to top of page


Dog Grooming

All-Breed Dog Grooming
All dog grooming isn't created equal.

Do-it-Yourself Dog Grooming
Frequent trips to the dog groomer can be inconvenient, so consider do-it-yourself dog grooming.

Dog Grooming Classes
Even if your pet isn’t a show dog, consider taking dog grooming classes to learn how to groom like a professional.

Dog Grooming Supplies
It takes more than brushes and combs to complete your dog's grooming.

Dog Grooming Tips
Dog grooming is more than a way to keep your dog's coat healthy and sleek.

Home Dog Grooming: Shampoos
There are a variety of shampoos you can use for home dog grooming.

Mobile Dog Grooming Service
The mobile dog grooming service is growing in popularity because it is convenient for pet owners.

Return to top of page


Pet Care

Choosing a Vet
When you're looking for a new vet, you have several options from which to choose.

Identifying Your Pets
Your dog should always wear a collar with ID pet information tags and contact information.

Children Taking Care of Pets
Owning and caring for a pet is a wonderful life lesson for children.

Dogs and Exercise
All dogs need daily exercise, but some more than others.

Feeding Your Cats
In the world of veterinary science there are different philosophies on how to feed cats.

Pet Birds: Feeding
Birds should be fed a variety of foods for the best nutrition. 

Pets and Cutting Costs
There's no doubt about it: owning pets is expensive. But there are a few clever ways to cut costs.

Return to top of page


Pet Health

Cat Health Problems: Hairballs
Cats get hairballs by grooming themselves. Luckily there are ways to prevent or minimize hairballs.

Is Your Pet at a Healthy Weight?
Our pets can suffer the same health problems that humans face when they are overweight or obese.

Pet Dental Health
Good pet dental health is necessary for good breath, eating habits and overall health.

Routine Cat Health Care
Most healthy cats under 10 years old only need an annual exam for routine cat health care.

Small Dog Health Problems
Small dogs face several specific health problems that larger breeds may not.

The Best Pet Health Information
What is the best thing you can do to keep your pet healthy for years to come? 

The Six Signs of Dog Health
What are the six signs of dog health? 

What Is Atopy?
Allergy problems are one way pet health and human health are similar.

Return to top of page


Pet Medicine and Insurance

Buy Pet Insurance Online
Pet insurance is quick and easy to buy online.

Dog Insurance
If you're the proud owner of a new puppy, one of the things you can do to ensure your pet is in good health is to purchase dog insurance.

Natural Pet Meds
Natural pet meds help us maintain the health of our pets. However, many of these remedies are not FDA approved and there is little guidance or regulation on how they are manufactured and distributed.

Online Pet Medications
You can save a lot of money shopping for pet medications online.

Pet Health Insurance
Don't assume that because you have an exotic pet you can't get pet health insurance to help cover his healthcare costs.

Pet Medicine
Before you choose a healthcare plan, find out if it covers routine and emergency pet medicine or if there is an extra charge for these services.

Pet Medicine and Travel
It's best to stock up on your pet meds if you need to travel with your cat or dog.

The Right Pet Insurance for Your Pets
Not all pet insurance policies are created equal.

Return to top of page


Pet Supplies

Bark Control Alternatives
There are several alternatives you can use when training your dog to prevent chronic barking.

Bark Control Collars
Purchasing a bark control product may temporarily relieve the barking, but it won't cure the underlying problem.

Vaccinating Cats at Home
These days, vendors who sell cat supplies include home vaccination kits and cat vaccines.

Cat Spraying vs. Urination
Cats spray to mark their territory, and it's easy to mistake this behavior for outside-the-litter-box urination.

How Often Should I Clean My Dog’s Ears?
A dog's ears are prone to bacteria because of the warm and wet environment in the ear.

Treats for Overweight Cats
Overweight cats have two basic kinds of reducing diets: one that simply uses a smaller portion of normal food and another type that requires special diet food. 

Why Can't I Use My Dog’s Flea Control on My Cat?
Experienced pet owners know cat flea treatments are much different than dog flea treatment. 

Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
Opinions vary on why cats eat grass.

Return to top of page


Pet Toys

Best Cat Toys
The best cat toys are ones your cat can enjoy more than once or twice.

Cat Toys: Treat Balls
Are you worried that your cat isn't getting enough stimulation and exercise while you're at work all day?

Dangerous Dog Toys
Be careful what kind of toys you choose for your dog, because not all of them are safe.

Durable Dog Toys
If your dog is extra tough on toys, look for dog toys that are guaranteed not to break.

Organic Pet Toys and Supplies
Organic pet toys and supplies are a growing trend in the pet market.

Pet Toys for Multiple Dogs
Dog toys and cat toys may have similar designs in some cases, but since dogs are pack animals their toy needs are more complex. 

Rubber Chew Toys
Which soft rubber chew toys should you avoid buying for your pets? 

Stuffed Pet Toys
Never give your pets a stuffed toy that wasn't created especially for animals.

Return to top of page


Pet Training

Aggressive Cat Behavior
What can you do to stop aggressive behavior amongst your cats?

Cat Litter Box Training
If you have a very young or orphaned kitten he may not know how. In that case, you'll need to show your cat how to use the litterbox.

Crate Training Dogs
Crate training your dog is helpful for transporting him to the vet, taking him on trips, and for controlling him throughout the day.

Dog Behavior: Barking
It's perfectly normal for a dog to bark from time to time; however, continuous barking needs to be addressed before the dog becomes a nuisance to you and your neighbor.

Dog Collars for Training
There are several types of dog collars you can use to train your dog.

Dog Obedience Training
All dogs should participate in dog obedience training because it creates a better-behaved dog that is more pleasant to be around.

Dog Training: The Tether
If your dog has behavior problems, using a tether may be a helpful aid to training him.

Dog Training Basics
Dog training basics help you and your pet communicate. They ensure your dog listens to you when it's important for him to pay attention.

Return to top of page


Traveling With Pets

Cat Boarding
Here’s what to look for when considering a cat boarding facility.

Choosing Dog Kennels to Board Your Dog
Before you choose a dog kennel there are several things to consider.

Dog Sitting Services
Before you choose a dog kennel there are several things to consider.

How to Choose Pet-Friendly Hotels
More hotels and motels are allowing pets in their rooms.

Pet Daycare
If you work long hours or have to be away from home often, pet daycare may be the perfect solution for you.

Pet Kennels: Choose Wisely
The Better Business Bureau reports that more people are complaining about pet kennels than ever before.

Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains
During the last few years, more big hotel chains have become pet-friendly.

The Best Pet-Friendly Hotels
These hotels offer day activities so your pets can enjoy the vacation as much if not more than the rest of the family.

Return to top of page

  

 

Return to the VPI Pet Health Zone>>

Print this page:
The Nation's Oldest and Largest Provider of Pet Health Insurance
Underwritten by: Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Brea, CA
National Casualty Company (Nat'l), Madison, WI an A+15 rated company
© 2001 - 2008 Veterinary Pet Insurance Company • Privacy PolicyUnderwriting Information

Products available through this site are only available for residents of the United States.
In Canada, please contact Petsecure at www.petsecure.com.

Home | What's Covered | How a Policy Works | Facts About Pet Insurance | Quick Quote | Enroll Today