Protecting Your Equine Friend

A good horse is worth more than the cost of acquisition. They are more than just a pet. A good horse becomes a trusted friend, almost a part of the family. It can be difficult to face the fact that your equine friend wont be around forever. The average equine lifespan is only 25 to 30 years, so chances are high that you will outlive your horse.

When the time comes to lay your old friend to rest, will you be in a financial position to replace them? If a major injury leaves your mount seriously compromised, will you be able to afford the veterinary bills required to get him back up to snuff? If you invest in Equine Insurance, these questions and concerns will never keep you up at night.

Types of Coverage

There are three main types of health insurance for horses, surgical, major medical, and mortality. Surgical insurance covers only the cost of emergency surgeries (which can be no small sum) or surgeries your veterinarian deems medically necessary for your mounts continued well-being.

Major medical insurance for horses covers medication and surgeries required because of injuries and/or illnesses. Neither surgical or major medical insurance covers congenital illnesses, routine vet visits, checkups or shots.

Mortality coverage protects you as the owner in the event of accidental death. Typically, these policies pay the policyholder the market value of their horse after their demise. These policies are similar to life insurance policies for people.

How Much Does Health Insurance for Horses Cost?

Just like with people, cost depends upon the amount of coverage you're looking to have. On the low end, some policies are as little as $25 per month, while others range well into four figures!

Mortality coverage premiums are typically between two and five percent of the market value of your horse. No matter what health insurance for horses costs, it is certainly less than the financial and emotional cost of replacing your faithful friend.

The Profound Grace of Dogs

In the immortal words of Charlie Brown, “happiness is a warm puppy,” and that statement is as true today as the first time cartoonist Charles Schultz wrote it. Whether the puppy dog is a beagle like the Charlie Brown character Snoopy, or a little schnauzer that came from a store with a sign reading “white toy schnauzer puppies for sale,” the truth is that puppies equal love and joy.

Humans and Dogs

There is a kind of magical bond between humans and dogs, and it’s a very deep one. Dogs, who actually evolved from wolves, are pack animals who are geared to look up to “the leader of the pack,” which in the case of domestic dogs, is their human master. Dogs look to their human master for direction and leadership, and in return the dog gives its master undying loyalty and devotion. This is indeed the deep bond that exists between humans and dogs, and it is a profound one. 

The Devotion of Dogs

Though dogs can’t talk, they will go to great lengths to communicate with their human masters. Dogs count on humans for care and affection, and in return, a well adjusted dog will go out of its way to protect its human family and ensure that all is well in their home. There are many stories about dogs coming to the rescue of their humans, by barking to alert them of danger from fire or from an intruder. Many dogs have also been known to jump into rivers and lakes in order to successfully rescue a drowning swimmer. Trained search and rescue dogs also take on heroic deeds in times of crisis by sniffing out people who have been buried under rubble after an explosion or an earthquake. 

 There’s no question that dogs are among the most noble creatures to ever walk the earth. For all of these reasons, we should treat these fine animals with the love and care they so richly deserve. 

Hypoallergenic Dog Foods

Hypoallergenic dog foods are great for dogs that suffer from food allergies and digestive problems. The specific ingredients included ensure that the food provides digestive aid for dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs. 



Common allergens include:

• Dairy
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Gluten
• Artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
• Chicken (protein)
• Lamb (protein)
• Fish (protein)
• Many of these ingredients are added to foods to bulk the food out at a cheaper cost and/or to make cereal based foods more palatable.
• Food allergies can be a nightmare for both you and your dog and it is therefore important that the problem is dealt with effectively. 
• Symptoms often include:
• Pain when going to the toilet
• Bloated stomach
• Excessive wind
• Significant hair loss resulting in bald patches
• Increased itching and red patches on the skin
• Diarrhea
• Constipation 

Unfortunately there is no cure for food allergies; however the symptoms can be prevented by avoiding foods that contain the allergen. 

Artificial colors, flavors and preservatives should also be avoided as they can cause hyper activity, a lack of concentration and nervousness (similar to what is seen in children) and have even be linked to kidney and liver problems.

A natural food is great as it only contains meat, vegetables and rice-nothing artificial is included. 

Burns dog food offers a variety of hypoallergenic foods and even has diets which do not contain the common sources of protein (chicken, lamb and fish) which are often used in other hypoallergenic foods.  

Most hypoallergenic foods also offer hypoallergenic treats, which are great to feed your dog in moderation. 

As your dog may already have a very sensitive stomach, it is important that when changing their food you do so gradually by mixing the new food with their current food. It is normally recommended that you do this over seven days to prevent any further digestive upset.

If feeding a hypoallergenic diet such as James Well beloved dog food does not relieve the symptoms that your dog is showing then you should seek veterinary advice immediately.