Canine Conditions in Dog Parks

With summer right around the corner, dog owners and their canine companions will begin to frequent dog parks, but pet owners should be aware of the risks it could impose on their pets.

According to a recent Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) report, there has been a 34 per cent increase over the past five years of people and their dogs attending these parks in the U.S., which has led to an increase in related medical conditions.

In the same report, it was revealed that VPI policyholders spent over $8.6 million U.S. on medical conditions associated with a visit to the dog park in 2011.

A few common dog park-related medical conditions included:

• Sprains and Soft Tissue Injuries
• Lacerations and Bite Wounds
• Kennel Cough/Upper Respiratory Infections 
• Insect Bites 
• Head Trauma 
• Hyperthermia or Heat Stroke
• Parasites
• Parvovirus             

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VPI Partner Program Pairs "Heroes" with Shelter Animals

Pets2Vets Helps Servicemen and Women Form New Bonds, Rebuild Lives

BREA, Calif., -- Veterans Day will have new significance for Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, as the company announced today its partnership with Pets2Vets. The collaboration unites VPI with the national nonprofit organization, whose mission it is to alleviate the suffering of U.S. active military, veterans, first responders and their families by matching them with at-risk shelter animals nationwide. This unique model saves two lives in the process.

Pets2Vets founder and former Air Force Senior Airman, David Sharpe said, "Pets2Vets is grateful to VPI for its generous support.  We believe securing the health of an adopted pet will go a long way toward ensuring a successful bond between our heroes and their companion animal. With the help of VPI, Pets2Vets hopes to continue to make a difference in the lives of Americans on the front lines and shelter animals."

 "We know first-hand that the bond between people and pets can have an incredible healing power," said Dennis P. Drent, president and CEO for VPI. "This new relationship will allow Pets2Vets to continue to ease the transition back into society for these servicemen and women while providing further peace of mind with health care coverage for their rescued companion."

For the heroes who qualify for the program, Pets2Vets will cover the first year premium for their new companion under a VPI Major Medical plan, which offers the most comprehensive coverage protection. Additionally, pets will receive a CareGuard(SM) Core rider, which covers expenses relating to vaccinations, flea protection and other preventive routine care benefits.

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