As responsible pet owners, it is our duty to provide the best for our fur kids. Cats have an average life expectancy of 15 years, and dogs on the other hand, have 12 years. That said, all these depend on their size, and breed. Other factors that affect their life expectancy, includes gender, genetics, lifestyle, exercise, and many more!
Studies have shown that the key to a long life is based on two main factors, genetics, and lifestyle choices. While genetics are out of our control, we can offer our fur kids with the proper care and food to ensure they lead a healthy and happy life!
Here are some tips you can follow to ensure just that!
Regular Veterinary Appointments
It is recommended to bring your fur kids in for a visit at least once a year. These annual visits should be doubled if you have a senior pet at hand! It may be hard to admit sometimes, but our precious fur kids do age faster than us humans.
These important visits allow you to learn what is normal for your pet at their age, and what you can do to improve their well-being. That is why early check-ups are vital, even if something seems insignificant, initiating preventive measures can help to prolong your fur kid’s life.
Plenty of Exercise
Obesity among pets can lead to a myriad of health issues. It is seen as the number one nutritional disease among pets by veterinarians. To keep your pets lean, take them out for regular exercises.
Exercise ideas for Cats:
Toy chase (cat wand or flashlight)
Take them for a walk
Cat tower
Short but frequent playtimes
Cats have short bursts of energy, play in five or ten minute sessions, and let them catch their breath. It is also good to note that cats have very short attention spans, hence, it’s recommended to switch up the activities frequently.
Exercise ideas for Dogs:
Walk around the block
Playing fetch at the park
Bring them along for a hike
Take them out to swim
Tug-of-war
Even though every dog may need to exercise, some may need more or less than others. So take note of your dog’s limits, and give them ample water afterwards.
Healthy Diet
Make sure your pet is getting the proper nutrition for their breed and age. Being overweight can shorten your pet’s life by as much as two years, so it’s important to get them on a healthy diet!
NUTRIPE ESSENCE offers a wide array of benefits with countless nutrients your pets need, from prebiotics to digestive enzymes. Their dry food range is formulated to maintain an appropriate balance of good bacteria in your pet’s gastrointestinal system. Besides absorbing nutrients, the digestive system plays a crucial role in fluid balance, and transporting electrolytes into circulation. It also supports their immune system, preventing diseases.
Pets do get bored sometimes, and it can lead to serious issues. Keep your pets entertained by playing with them. As much as possible, bring them out for paw-dates, engaging in socializing activities with other fur friends. When you’re out for some fun and games, always bring along their favorite toys, and buy backups –in case it gets lost!
By developing a familiarity with other hoomans and fur friends, it can help minimize serious behavioral issues like aggression or nervousness. The exposure teaches your pet how to react to the world around them in a healthy way, without feeling scared or anxious.
Clean and Comfortable Living Environment
Good hygiene is the key to a healthy life. This also includes the environment your fur kids are exposed to on a daily basis. As a pet owner, it can be tiring to maintain optimum cleanliness in your house. However, it is our duty to provide a comfortable living quarter for your fur kid.
Purchase additional drinking bowls, towels, combs, toothbrushes, and other pet essentials to ensure you’re always prepared to cater to their needs.
Pro-tip: Do not leave your pets unsupervised. Allowing them to roam freely can lead to unexpected accidents, including automobile accidents, predation, exposure to allergic foods, and etc.
Have you ever come across a mother-daughter pawdel duo? Uncommon, but not a rare sight. Let me introduce you to Scarlett and Penne!
The AUSSventures begins
Scarlett is a two and a half years old Red Merle Mini American Shepherd, also known as Mini Aussie. Penne, a Red Tri Mini American Shepherd, is her four-month-old daughter.
Their story began in May when Scarlett gave birth to a litter of eight puppies*; four boys and four girls. The entire litter of puppies was named after Pasta noodles — voted via Instagram polls — with Penne being the second pup to enter the world!
*Check out their Instagram Stories to watch Scarlett’s entire pregnancy journey.
The litter has since gone their separate ways, renamed, and taken into different families. However, the puppies would appear on their social media now and then for a mini-reunion, staying connected forever!
Zeus (left) spending time with his mom, Scarlett (right)
Thrill-seeking Aussies
Miniature Shepherds are active and athletic, and our two Aussies are no exception! Scarlett is the master of tricks — knowing 10 — Penne, on the other hand, is still a work in progress. But one day she will know just as many as her mom!
Their parents love making reels of all the crazy things they do, especially documenting all the AUSSventures they partake in on Instagram and TikTok. They can be frequently spotted taking boat rides, swimming, hiking, and playing tug of war with each other — what an adventure!
Scarlett becomes a #PawjourrPetCreator
It’s a dog life
Our favorite Aussies appeared in many campaigns this year, which allows their hooman to put their skills to the test.
Since joining Pawjourr as a pet creator, Scarlett has been a part of two campaigns. As Scarlett tends to get anxious easily, it only makes sense that our creators worked with Finn and Tailspring. Scarlett has benefited a lot from Finn supplements and Tailspring goat milk toppers, these calming aids have helped Scarlett in more than one way; these calming aids do not just soothe Scarlett, they also serve as nutritious treats!
Daughter Penne was featured in her first campaign this past August – yay! Unlike her mom Scarlett, Penne isn’t suitable for all the campaigns available. However, Aroma Paws pet shampoo is perfect for young pups like her. This is because their coats are softer and more delicate, which requires more care.
Scarlett and Penne hoping to join their hoomans in Italy
Versatile creators
The brands that Scarlett and Penne have worked with this year all share one thing in common: pet wellness and health.
Our creators do not just share the action-packed adventures they take on. They also use their experience and exposure to good use, showcasing brands that aim to improve the lives of pets.
As doggos of different ages, Scarlett and Penne would require different products that meet their different needs. This would come in handy as it allows our creators to showcase a variety of products to target a wide range of audiences — the perfect fit if you’re looking for creators that are versatile.
Want to connect with creators like Scarlett and Penne? Reach out via hello@pawjourr.com now!
Amanda and her one-year-old Golden Retriever pup, Lilly, are roaring for adventures as they spend most of their time in the Atlantic Ocean.
If Moana was a four-legged canine, she would be Lilly! When owner Amanda says the word “swimming”, electrified Lilly can be seen waiting by the door to jump straight in the car, ready to chase some ocean waves.
Golden Retrievers are said to be active by nature and playful by heart. At the beach, Lilly proves them right by frolicking around, making pit holes, getting all wet and muddy. Lilly can always be seen chasing after anything: seagulls, crows, pelicans — you name it!
@lillygirlthegolden soaking up the SoCal sun
A company of two
Amanda, with her flair for creative writing and video editing, loves to share their water adventures with their followers — originally an Instagram exclusive, they have since expanded to platforms like TikTok and their new blog, ‘The Golden Life of Lilly’!
By sharing their oceanic escapades online, it allows Amanda to showcase her skills in writing, composing and editing. From high-quality photos to product reviews, Amanda got it covered!
She immersed herself in the online community in hopes to inspire others, and also learn from creators like herself. This exposure introduced Amanda to a lot of fur-ever friends where she picked up numerous tips and tricks on pet ownership and content creation.
@lillygirlthegolden looking playful with her tennis ball
Always putting Lilly first
As a hooman working for Beach Patrol, Amanda and her pup would spend the entire day at the beach — a win for Lilly! But the long hours could take a toll on Lilly, causing Amanda to be more aware of her fur kid’s well-being.
With that, Amanda is always on the hunt for the best products that seeks to improve Lilly’s health through community recommendations or even branded collaborations.
@lillygirlthegolden loving Oxyfresh’s water additive dental care
For instance, our golden duo has recently partnered with Oxyfresh, to showcase their Premium Pet Dental Water Additive on Instagram. Brands like Oxyfresh, who strives to improve the lives of pets, are exactly what Amanda looks out for!
Experts of their craft
Our golden duo incorporates products they love into their everyday lives and most of their content features brings a fresh ocean breeze to the niche community of pet-product reviews!
@lillygirlthegolden winding down at the beach
Their potential is endless! Our California girls can certainly spice up your campaign with the right amount of sand and waves.
Whether your objective is to raise brand awareness or creating curated content, their ability to feature authentic and engaging content can provide numerous opportunities to give your brand the edge you seek.
Ready to work with creators like Amanda and Lilly? Reach out to us at hello@pawjourr.com today!
Dogs are man’s best friend and part of the family. If you’re a pet owner and thinking about adopting a new dog but don’t know what dog breed to get, this article is for you.
It’s crucial that you carefully choose the right fur baby, especially if you live with your family, as not everyone might appreciate the dog breed.
Also, you need to be sure about getting a dog. Don’t discard them when you get bored. Dogs are not toys that you can just toss around. They have feelings like human beings.
Continue reading for factors to consider in choosing a dog.
Size Matters
Before getting a dog, you should consider how much space you have in your home or apartment. Size is a significant factor that you and your family need to consider before selecting any breed.
If you have a spacious house with a backyard, you can go for medium or large dog breeds. It should give your fur baby enough space to play, roam around, and poop in the backyard.
On the other hand, a small dog breed is suitable if you live in an apartment or a condo unit. These rarely need to go outdoors. Keep in mind that although tiny dogs don’t require a lot of room, most of them are prone to accidents around the house. Perhaps they’re too little, and you didn’t notice that you’re already stepping on their tail or paw.
Large canines may also cause damage to your furniture. They’re not ideal for tiny homes because being confined to a tight space doesn’t give them enough room to release their pent-up energy, making them prone to behavioral problems.
Here are examples of dog breeds in different sizes:
Small-Sized Dogs: Bichon Frise, Dachshund, Maltese, Pomeranian, and Pug.
Medium-Sized Dogs: American Foxhound, Bulldog, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, and English Springer Spaniel
Large-Sized Dogs: Akita, Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Mastiff, and Siberian Husky.
Grooming Needs
Every dog needs to be groomed. It’s advisable to start getting your puppy groomed when they’re around 10 weeks old. Some dog breeds require a little more based on their coat type. If you have hairy dogs, you’ll need to groom them regularly.
Furthermore, most short-haired and smooth-coated dogs shed a lot. Hence, you’ll have to vacuum or sweep the floor and other parts of the house frequently.
Additionally, some breeds are more susceptible to diseases than others. And dogs with floppy ears are prone to ear infections and require regular ear cleaning.
Life Stages
The dog’s personality evolves with every life stage: puppy, adolescent, adult, and senior.
During the first six months, puppies require a lot of training and attention. Hence, they’re best for families that can devote more time and patience. The entire process won’t be easy, and there will be a lot of damaged furniture and other items in the house.
But on the bright side, they’ll eventually mature as they age. It’s like watching a kid grow up right before your very eyes.
Now, adult dogs are already house-trained and a lot calmer than puppies. Additionally, you know what to expect with older dogs, and you’re familiar with their medical history.
Fits Your Lifestyle
Look for a dog that matches your stamina. If your family lives an active lifestyle, high-spirited dogs are suitable. They will complement your energy, and you can do many outdoor activities together.
But if you’re more of a laid-back household and prefer taking strolls around the block or park, go for low-energy dogs.
If you randomly choose a dog, you may get frustrated or bored.
Here are several dog breeds classified according to energy level:
Active Dogs: Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Weimaraner, Belgian Malinois, and Boxer.
Couch Potatoes: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Saint Bernard, Basset Hound, Pekingese, or a Neapolitan Mastiff.
Distinguishing Traits
Dogs have distinct characteristics. Thus, choosing the right breed suitable for the entire family is crucial.
If you’re sensitive to animal fur, consider hypoallergenic breeds such as Affenpinscher, Bolognese, Chinese Crested, Löwchen, and Yorkshire Terrier.
Families with infants or small children should get kid-friendly dogs like Bernese Mountain Dog, Golden Retriever, Beagle, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel.
If you live in an apartment with elderly neighbors, select from dog breeds that fit a quiet neighborhood, such as French Bulldog, Australian Cattle Dog, Shar-Pei, Greyhound, Shiba Inu, and Shih Tzu.
Suppose you need guard dogs to watch over your house and the entire property. In that case, it’s ideal to get three from the following dog breeds: Appenzeller Sennenhunde, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, German Shepherd, or Rottweiler can help secure your home.
Conclusion
Choosing the best dog breed for you and your family can make all the difference. You’re not only adding a new member to the family but also giving the dog a home.
Many dogs have been abandoned, ending up in shelters. By adopting one or two, you’re giving them a chance at a better life. Buying a dog will do just as well, but be sure to take good care of them.
This article was written in conjunction with Renee, owner of Kohby and Kohko. All content produced are to their credit.
Hello! I’m Renee, currently a full-time student who’s working part-time as a creative content writer. My family adopted Kohby in October 2019, about half a year before we adopted Kohko.
During that time, I was still working full time and as Covid-19 cases were on the rise in SG, my boss allowed us to work from home. One fine day, my dad exclaimed: “I want to adopt another cat” and of course, I wasted no time, got onto Cat Welfare Society (CWS)’ website to look at cats to adopt to look for a companion for Kohby.
I found Kohko’s listing (attached a photo of the screenshot I still keep where she was named Nadia by her fosterer) and got into contact with her fosterer. Her fosterer brought her over to our house and Kohko immediately started wandering around without fear. Seeing Kohko settle comfortably in the house, the fosterer immediately decided to let Kohko stay as she only wanted to bring her over to gauge her comfort levels with us.
Meeting Kohby
Working from home provided us with the perfect conditions to integrate both our cats together.
Initially, we weren’t sure how Kohby would react to having a companion as we got him since he was a kitten and he has never really interacted with other cats.
Though we kept Kohko isolated in a room on her first day, Kohby could smell/sense her and was really mad and upset. We could see him throwing tantrums and refusing to go for his daily walk (which is his favourite activity).
Hence, we decided to go to the pet shop to get a cage so that I could slowly introduce them to each other. As I was WFH, I could monitor their interactions and see if there’s a need to separate them. By the second day, Kohby seemed to have calmed down and was really curious, constantly staying outside the room Kohko was in. We put Kohko into the cage and let Kohby in to smell her for a while and both of them seemed to be okay around one another. By the third day, I allowed Kohko to start roaming outside of the room. They were still under supervision to ensure they don’t get into fights. They seemed to get along well almost immediately without much conflict (something I’m really thankful about).
WFH definitely allowed me to watch over them and eased the stress of introducing them to each other. I am relieved Kohby accepted Kohko quickly so Kohko no longer needed to stay alone in a room for long periods of time. Of course, the temperaments of both cats contributed to the success as well. I would not say that there are completely no conflicts though as Kohby is really mischievous and enjoys following Kohko around the house and disturbing her at times and sometimes it gets really rough so we have to step in.
That being said, they do truly enjoy each other’s company, having zoomies every morning and night. At times, when Kohko is unable to find Kohby around the house, she would go from room to room, meowing non-stop till she finds him, which is a very cute thing to witness.
Managing pets during Circuit-Breaker (CB)
To be honest, I don’t find it a challenge to manage both my pets and work from home. They are not too demanding, Kohko usually goes off for her extremely long naps after breakfast with occasional demands for attention.
Kohby does seek more attention, often bringing us his toys to play fetch with him. He’s a really smart boy though. As we work at our dining area, he would bring it there each time so it won’t distract us too much.
Besides that, they’re pretty independent, going about their day on their own. I clean up after them during my free time and as there are 2 litter pans and they are not too fussy with them, often sharing them, I don’t need to clean them often too.
I actually enjoy WFH as being around my cats provides me with lots of joy. During work or after meetings, I can just go up to them for hugs which they unwillingly give (with occasional cameos during my meetings as well).
Perks of having a pet during CB
Having a pet certainly helped to ease my pandemic blues.
The first circuit breaker where we were highly encouraged not to go out happened about a month after we adopted Kohko and I felt a little down, due to the restlessness of just staying at home and constantly working.
They definitely are an outlet for me to relieve stress, just looking at them provides me joy.
The pandemic also gave me more time to look after Kohkby and Kohko.
Besides the basics of needing to feed and clean them, I started to research more about food for cats and realised that the food I was feeding them was not the best. I started to try different sorts of food through trial and error and especially since Kohby is extremely picky (he does not enjoy wet food at all), I had to find ways to provide him with sufficient nutrients (since he is an active boy).
This may sound weird but I felt very happy to shop for their food and to feed them. It made me feel like a responsible meowmy as I watched them grow up healthily as well.
They definitely made staying at home feel a lot better.
In 2020, global pet care sales grew a whopping 8.7% (Petfoodprocessing, 2021). The reason? Many people are turning to pet ownership as a means to cope with the pandemic blues.
If you are one of these individuals, you may have recently discovered that the world of pet ownership is difficult and tiresome to navigate. Our pets are not verbal creatures (obviously) and hence require lots of time and attention in order to receive the care they deserve. This can come at the expense of your finances and efforts.
To better guide yourself through pet ownership, it is important to locate resources that can turn your rocky journey into a smooth-sailing one.
1. Learn from experienced pet owners
Many pet owners have experienced what you are currently going through. Locating an accessible resource to learn from these pet owners is a great way to aid you through the pet ownership journey. Their experience and insight may significantly speed up your knowledge on pet parenting, and help you hear tips and tricks from genuine pet owners.
2. Meet like-minded pet owners
A great way to further connect with your pet owner community is through social media! Many pet owners have resorted to platforms such as Instagram and Tiktok to reach out to fellow pet owners.
At times, these platforms can also be utilised to share products and brands that they love. Locate campaigns to seek out opportunities that can help you meet pet owners who share the same interests as you.
3. Get to know your pet
Many platforms offer sample sizes for pet products. Pets are just like us, they have preferences too! To avoid wasting money experimenting with products, check to see if your local pet store carries samples. Testing out your pet’s response with sample sizes is a great way to get to know your pet’s wants, as well as discover allergies or dislikes.
Overall, work hard to familiarise yourself with your pet. Lots of patience and care goes a long way in forming strong relationships with your animals.
Pawjourr works hard to create a platform that is easy to navigate and accessible for all pet owners. Locate campaigns, read our blog and redeem samples all in one place. Remember to explore our site here, and follow our Instagram account.
Do you know that pet owners can redeem samples for their pet?
Sampling programs help owners locate and identify the best pet food variant suitable for their pets. It helps to save time and money, especially so for new pet owners who may be unfamiliar with their pet’s food preferences.
Each sampling program depends on their distributor – Here at Pawjourr, we offer free samples in exchange for reviews. This means that pet owners are able to redeem up to 5 FREE assorted samples within one transaction. After trying and reviewing them on our main site, their cart opens up once more and they can proceed with a new transaction.
We interviewed lexi.the.spitz to find out more about their experience with Pawjourr sampling program! Read on below to find out if we are the sampling program for you!
Photo Credit: Instagram @lexi.the.spitz
What is your main concern when it comes to providing for Lexi? (in terms of food etc)
Lexi truly enjoys eating all kinds of food! However, it is always reassuring to know that food or supplements are well-liked by her before committing or purchasing the full-sized product.
For grooming and cleaning products, it is important for us to check their effectiveness of it for Lexi’s current needs. My family has a really sensitive nose so the products have to be well-scented. We would also like to ensure she has no allergic reactions to the product.
Lastly, being more budget-conscious, I would only be willing to pay knowing that a product is really good for my dog. It also reduces wastage since you only buy products that you have confidence in!
How did you hear about Pawjourr’s Sampling system?
I was first introduced to Pawjourr through Instagram stories by various pet owners. They had just expanded their product redemptions from 3 to 5 items and had released a full-size sample product! After seeing several more stories about Pawjourr, it led me to sign up for their Pawjourr+ membership to give it a try.
How was the redemption process like?
It has been really simple and smooth since the beginning! The website is easily accessible on your phone or laptop, and you’d be spoilt for choice with the number of samples available! Each sample would include the ingredients used, where you could buy it and reviews from past user redemptions.
With a flat delivery fee, the item usually arrives at my doorstep within a few days.
Just for fun, I also did a 1-minute cart out challenge for Pawjourr’s sampling redemption! My record is currently at 40 seconds!
Double click to watch their 1-minute cart out challenge!
Awesome! We are impressed at the speed of your check out.What kind of Samples have you redeemed thus far?
We have redeemed all kinds of samples through Pawjourr – wet canned food, kibbles, dental chews, pee pad, waste bags, food toppers, single-ingredient treats, supplements, grooming and cleaning essentials.
Dry/Wet Food Samples
Grooming and Cleaning Samples
Each sample would include the ingredients used, where you could buy it and reviews from past user redemptions.
lexi.the.spitz
Treats (Dental/Single-ingredient/General)
What appeals to you most about Pawjourr’s samples?
The sample sizes always come in ample quantities and are well-sealed! Even when it is repackaged, the team at Pawjourr labels it clearly.
There have been a few brands that have given wonderful full-sized products such as JJ E-Homes Pee Pad Pack, Chuku’s Kitchen, The Grateful Dog Ready Meals and OneV.
Photo Credit: Instagram @lexi.the.sptiz
Treats are always Lexi’s favourites!
lexi.the.spitz
Samples are a great way to get to know your dog’s needs or wants. These can be exemplified by the incidents below.
Incident 1
We were looking for a new kibble to let Lexi try, and my mum was eyeing the Absolute Holistic Vegan Diet with Oats and Peas. For a dog who loves all kinds of food, this was the first time she outright rejected the kibble on its own. She would only begrudgingly eat the kibble when mixed with her other food. We were thankful that we did not commit to buying it!
Incident 2
With the release of supplements, it gave Lexi a chance to try all types ranging from chews, soft gels, powdered and tablets. Some tablets were too large and she simply would not swallow it even when mixed with food. For the smaller tablets, she could only eat it when hidden into her meals. After that experience, I would only purchase supplements in soft chew form.
Lexi’s supplement collection so far!
Through the positive and not-so-positive experiences, sampling allows pet owners to understand their dog’s likes and dislikes. It allows us as owners to make the best decision for them when purchasing new products.
Do you recommend sampling from Pawjourr? Why or why not?
We highly recommend everyone to try sampling from Pawjourr as it can benefit all kinds of pet owners! Whether you are just curious and would like to try more doggy products, or considering purchasing an item but aren’t sure whether your dog would like it – Pawjourr sampling helps resolve it!
Personally, it has been a lot of fun trying out different products, writing reviews and taking photos and videos of Lexi! It gives me a reason to spend time with her and capture precious moments. She definitely enjoys the fruits of her labour (aka. treats) too!
Since being with Pawjourr’s sampling programme, it has helped me to understand Lexi’s likes and dislikes. It introduced me as a first-time dog owner to the huge variety of products available to dogs! Most importantly, the products purchased after trying them through Pawjourr’s sampling programme are those that I have full confidence in. Say goodbye to buyer’s remorse! 😉
Have you since re-purchased any of the samples?
Yes, we have found a few brands or products that we enjoyed! There are many other samples the hooman would like to re-purchase, but it takes some time for one dog to go through her food and treats.
Here is the list of samples we eventually purchased:
Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Conditioner
The smell is really lovely, and Lexi kept sniffing it. The effects were immediately soft fur! As a bonus, the price is incredibly reasonable for a good amount.
Pet Natural’s of Vermont Daily Probiotic
I fell in love with the cute bone-like shape! I was honestly kind of disappointed when the full-size product from iHerb came in a rectangular shape instead. It has a stronger smell because it’s duck flavoured. Love how it has pre-and probiotics in one tiny chew!
Instinct Grain-free Wet Topper
Lexi really enjoyed the wet topper provided in the sample! When Pawjourr finally released the full-sized product on their Shopee shop, we decided to get a different kind under their limited ingredients series (lamb/turkey). It is individually packed to mix up your dog’s meals!
Chuku’s Kitchen Fresh Food
Eco-friendly packaging, customized meals based on each pup’s nutritional requirements, fresh and delicious fuss-free meals for your dog. Bought one subscription to help with Lexi’s post-spay healing. She was jumping like a kangaroo by the end of it!
Doggiebalm
Though the price-point is a little much for this hooman, I got these at a great deal during their clearance promotion. My favourite must-have item from Doggiebalm is the Natural Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner!
Natural Cologne Spritz
It left a great smell on my dog and clothes for a few days. Great to cover-up the “dog” smell or to freshen up in-between baths.
100% Natural Leave-in Conditioner
Bought it to assist during brushing sessions, as it helps to detangle her fur.
Natural Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner
A soap-free quick rinse-off formula that is similar to castile soap. It works great after walks or for weekly freshening up (especially during hot weather seasons) without drying out your dog’s hair.
NaturVet Tear Stain Supplement
I like supplements which look like treats since Lexi is extremely food motivated. Since trying the product, her tears will still occur (it’s not a miracle worker). However, we clean her eyes at least twice a day after meals and it prevents the staining.
Check out Pawjourr’s sampling program here to redeem your free samples 🙂
Thank you lexi.the.spitz for their invaluable input. Follow them via Instagram.
The cost of pet ownership is high, and the cost of their medical bills even higher. When owning a pet, it is important for us to determine their physical health before engaging with surgeries. Our pets are unable to verbalise what they feel internally hence the multitudes of consultations, x-rays and blood tests before we are able to truly determine what ails them.
Last month, we heard from Jane and considered the benefits of pet insurance with her. This month, we decided to reach out to a paw-rent who has recently discovered Aon Happy Tails pet insurance and to garner a better understanding of what drew her to consider Happy Tails.
Hi there! Tell us more about Mocha, and your relationship with them!
We got Mocha at the end of 2018. My previous dog, Jack Russell had passed on six years before and my son had been bugging us to get a dog so we thought that it was finally time to get a new fur kid. Mocha is very timid and shy, it took quite a while for her to actually get comfortable with us but once she did she started following me everywhere. During CB (Circuit Breaker 2020), we truly bonded with her and she became much more comfortable being playful with us. On trips to the dog park, she remains happy to explore the park and runs around even if she is not playing with other dogs.
How do you and Mocha spend time together this June holidays?
This June Holiday, there is not much we can do as we are still under phase 2A (ha) in Singapore. Yet, we still made time to go for walks in the parks. We also plan to bring her for a swim once we can meet up with more people.
How do you work to ensure the safety and well being of your furkid?
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of my furkid I always give her fresh good food, supplements, and bring her for regular walks so that she has enough exercise. She is not very active at home. Additionally, I always make sure to bring her to the vet if I notice anything amiss with her.
What concerns do you have when visiting the vet?
Just like humans visiting the doctors, our main concern when we visit the vet is the cost of the treatment.
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Upon hearing this, we asked her about her knowledge of pet insurance. Aon Happy Tails in particular, helps to offset some of the costs incurred by medical procedures.
Have you heard of pet insurance prior to this conversation?
I have heard of pet insurance prior to this conversation! I heard about it from fellow fur parents who had signed up for pet insurance. I think it is important because it will help us cover the cost of any emergency treatment for our furkids.
How do the coverage plans offered by Aon Happy Tails alleviate your concerns (as mentioned above)?
I think the coverage is pretty good as I am very concerned about IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) as a dachshund owner.
IVDD is a paralysis caused by back problems and short-legged dogs are quite prone to having it. Treatment may include rehabilitation or even surgery hence finding out that Aon Happy Tails covers surgery in their insurance plan made them quite appealing to me.
Will you be purchasing Aon Happy Tails in the foreseeable future?
Yes, I will!
Debby’s concerns regarding treatment costs and emergency medical procedures are extremely common amongst pet owners. Simplydollar states that medical costs are the most expensive aspect of owning a pet, with the average vet visit ranging from $50 to $400.
When it comes to sudden health complications, costs can go even higher, or double, to accommodate the needs of the pet.
Aon Happy Tails’ comprehensive insurance scheme prioritises supporting pet owners through sudden surgical procedures that may arise from new complications in their pet’s health. These complications do not include pre-existing conditions which have already been assessed by the vet.
Regardless, as Debby has aptly mentioned, pets are always at a growing risk of developing new conditions such as the IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) for dogs. To ensure the safety of our pets, and to reduce wallet pains from unexpected medical costs – Pet insurance is a great way to keep us and our loved furkids safe and protected!
You can find out more about Aon Happy Tails pet insurance via their Instagram or Website.
Man vet examining boston terrier with stethoscope in clinic. Veterinarian doctor making checkup of a dog. Young man vet examining dog by stethoscope at pet clinic while nurse making notes in background.
In one of our previous articles, we learnt about Jane and Milky’s experience with entropion. Entropion is a condition in which eyelids begin to roll inwards to the eyeball. It commonly affects animals who have thick eyelids, such as Chow Chows.
At the end of her anecdote, she wonders about Aon Happy Tails Insurance.
We sat down with Jane once more to discuss the benefits of pet insurance, and how owning one might have eased the financial burden she experienced.
Photo Credit: Instagram @oolongmilkytea
Hi Jane. We understand that it’s been some time since Milky underwent his eye surgery. Can we ask how he’s doing now?
Jane: He is doing great now! However, the vet recommended undergoing 2-3 more surgeries as his eyelid will continue to drop as he grows older.
For now, we pay close attention to his tear stains, and/or if he starts scratching his eye excessively. It pains our heart to see him go through multiple surgeries at a young age.
I felt truly distressed reading about Milky’s experience with entropion. In your articles, you mentioned having to pay out lots of money to cover Milky’s consultations and surgeries. What was the total estimated bill incurred?
Jane: All in all, we spent close to $6,000. As it was our first time overcoming the entropion issue, we went for multiple vet consultations. We also had to cover for corrective surgery as the first one was unsuccessful. It was a very stressful period as we had to manage our emotions of watching our boy go through a difficult time. We also struggled to decide whether to go for the best treatment or the best financial decision.
Luckily, I had my husband with me hence we were able to share the burden, and alternate between roles (i.e. when he gets too emotional, I will try to be the logical one and make a decision from gathered data, and asking questions).
I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope your family feels much better now. Overall, what would you conclude was your biggest takeaway from this experience?
Jane: At the end of the article, I mentioned coming across Happy Tails pet insurance. I think having said pet insurance might have helped us A LOT. Compared to Western countries, local pet owners are unlikely to purchase insurance as they feel it might be more expensive in the long run.
Yet, I disagree! We spent a lot of money to ensure Milky’s health. If we had been insured, we might have been able to alleviate some of the costs incurred especially through insurance claims!
Photo Credit: Instagram @oolongmilkytea
I see! Do you think owning pet insurance is important?
Jane: Owning pet insurance might be beneficial in the long run. I think a large stigma against pet insurance stems from the fact that there are no agents actively selling pet insurance. As a result, pet owners are afraid claims will be difficult, and/or there will be hidden clauses.
I would advise pet owners to make sure they read the T&Cs carefully to ensure that they fully understand the policy and what type of expenses can be claimed and what cannot be claimed. Also, check the duration given between each claim!
Thanks Jane!
Pet Insurance helps to protect the well-being of your fur friends. Like regular insurance, pet insurance covers medical fees incurred by vet visits.
In Singapore, options for pet insurance are rather limited. However, for pet owners who are largely concerned with the cost of medical bills- Happy Tails pet insurance offers a comprehensive medical plan. Their coverage extends beyond one-off accidents, going beyond to consider outgoing costs in medical care for injuries and illnesses.
Aon Happy Tails Pet Insurance promises to cover a wide range of fees and expenses such as:
Diagnostic tests such as x-rays and blood tests culminating in surgery
Surgery fees
Medications
Chemotherapy charges
Room and board charges
Post-surgery follow-up treatments
Surgical implants
This helps to alleviate some of the burden pet owners might experience with veterinary medical bills. Like Jane, many pet owners may undergo repeated consultations and surgeries to ensure the well-being of their pets. With pet insurance, such expenses can be covered and subsequently claimed. That way, you can keep your pets safe while reducing the pressure unexpected surgical procedures can have on your wallet.
Photo Credit: Instagram @aonhappytails
You can find out more about Happy Tails pet insurance via their Instagram or Website.
Pawjourr aims to be the number one pet parenting platform for pet owners to find advice and products/services that best suit their pets. However, we also aim to help future or expectant pet owners in deciding whether they should get a pet, and what comes with it.
Dogs, cats, and other animals are all great companions to have, but with that companionship comes a lot of responsibilities that people are sometimes not aware of.
Therefore, team #TWA have put together some considerations for you if you’re looking to get a pet, but not sure what are some things you need to be aware of.
Can you afford it?
While rewarding, owning a pet in Singapore can also be one of the most expensive experiences to have, with a host of things being needed to be paid for in order to keep your pets happy and healthy.
There are the more obvious costs such as food, medical costs, and toys you would need to cover over the course of your furkid’s life. However, there’s also hidden costs such as grooming, logistical costs if you bring your pet out, repair costs if they damage anything, and many others.
Based on Valuechampion.sg, it costs “S$25,800 on average to own a dog over 10 years. Cats are less expensive, costing at least S$15,600 over 10 years”.
While that isn’t a particularly large amount given it’s over the course of a decade, this does means that there may be purchases you might have to sacrifice. Items that you’ve been wanting such as the latest gaming consoles, a new handbag or other things might have to be put on hold, so that you can buy your pet the things that they need or maybe even want.
Are you able to commit to the lifestyle?
Getting a pet changes your lifestyle entirely, even before the actual day that you bring them home. Things like planning where your pet will sleep, what they’re going to eat, what accessories they might need are all things you would need to settle before getting the actual pet.
For working adults, being in the office 8-9 hours a day means that if there’s no one at home to spend time with them they’ll be alone for most of their days. Dogs and cats are extremely social creatures and require a lot of attention.
Therefore, it’s important to weigh all the pros and cons in your head before getting a pet. Not only do they need to adapt to your lifestyle, but also to the lifestyle of your family or flatmates.
Are your family members/flat mates ready for a pet?
Owning a pet doesn’t involve just you, but also involves people that are close to or living with you too. Before you decide to get a pet, it’s important to ensure that the people living with you are okay with it too, especially for those that may have allergies or other conditions that makes having pets difficult for them.
For relatives who are scared, it’s important to let them get used to the idea first before getting one and hoping that they’ll adapt to the situation. If they’re never able to live with a pet, it may mean you having to give them up and delaying the process of them finding their forever home.
Training & Vets
Before you get your pet, it’s also important to know what kind of training you’d like to engage in to help them accustom themselves to your house. With a huge variety of training styles available, choosing one or two that you think would work best is important so that you can add structure from day one.
It’s also crucial to work with a pet trainer so you can get more accurate advice on what may or may not work with your pet for maximum effectiveness. They can give you tips and tricks, and help you refine your training style further to better suit your pets.
Conclusion
Having a pet is an extremely wonderful experience and it’s filled with lots of love, laughs, and moments that you’ll never forget! However, with these wonderful moments also come a lot of responsibilities when caring for your pet.
Once you’ve found ways to take into account the various considerations above (and any others that are relevant to your lives), you’ll be able to ensure a smoother transition for when your pet first enters your home.
While there will always be ups and downs regardless of how much preparation is made, part of the pet ownership experience is the journey of watching them grow up, in spite of both the good and the bad.
So, get ready for a fun-filled adventure with your future companion!
– – – If there are other things you think potential pet owners should consider before getting a pet, let us know in the comments below!
