Forget red or blue states, the real is battle is between cat and dog states! According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, Arkansas has the highest percentage of dog households and in Vermont, cat parents reign supreme.

We want to know: Do you live in a state where felines rule, or is your state keen on pups? Tell us on our Facebook page!

Have you ever wondered if your pet is a southpaw?  Does your dog shake with his left paw, while your cat grabs at toys with her right?

If you’re curious, there are a few activities you can try with your pet to determine whether they are left or right-pawed.

• Shake paws with your dog
• Hide treats just out of your pet’s grasp
• Dangle something above her head and see which paw she uses to swipe at it

To read more about your pet’s dominant paw, check out this article from Pet 360.

If your pet had one wish for the New Year, what would it be? Tell us and you could win a pack full of prizes from the ASPCA® Online Store courtesy of the ASPCA Pet Health Insurance program!

To enter our “One Wish” sweepstakes, like us on Facebook and fill out our short entry form.

“My dog began bleeding from the nose during the night and I had to rush her to the emergency clinic to save her life. The cost of the emergency treatment was high, but Gizmo's ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan paid a large chunk of the cost. It is very reassuring to know that no matter what time of day my pet needs emergency care, my ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan can help defray the costs.”

- Jodi P., Dallas, TX

Photo Friday is a weekly column that showcases photos we receive from loving ASPCA Pet Health Insurance customers of their pets. If you want to see your pet featured, please email me!

Lose weight.  Eat more broccoli. Clean the basement. Every year, we make resolutions that we often don’t keep. This year, why not try something different and make a resolution to keep your pet happy and healthy with these tips from Pet 360? Some of the tips include:

• Schedule Regular Veterinary Visits – Annual checkups are important to keep on top of your pet’s health needs as they grow and age. Make sure you get your pet the wellness care your veterinarian  recommends.

• Watch Your Pet’s Weight – When kept at their ideal body weight, pets live longer, healthier lives. They are also at a lower risk for various conditions associated with being overweight.

• Keep An Eye Out For Potential Hazards – It is important to pet-proof your home, as pets can get into all types of accidents indoors. Keep poisons, medications and other unsafe items out of your pet’s reach.

It's cold outside, but these tips can help keep your pet healthy and safe in spite of the chill.

For cats:

• Keep your cat inside if possible, since felines can freeze, get lost, or suffer injuries outdoors in the cold.
• Antifreeze has a sweet taste cats tend to like. Help avoid an accidental poisoning by cleaning spills or leaks.
• Cats love sleeping in warm places. Prevent burns by protecting your cat from fireplaces, stoves and heaters.

For dogs:

• Wipe off your dog after being outdoors to remove salt and other chemicals that can be harmful if licked and ingested. Also consider using pet-safe de-icing salt.
• Trim longhaired dogs to avoid ice and salt clinging to them, but don't go too short or they might get chilly.
• Consider a coat or sweater, especially for shorthaired pups, to help retain body heat and prevent dry skin.

Also, be sure to offer a nutritious diet with plenty of protein to help make sure your fluffy friend's coat and health are in top shape. For more tips, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our pet safety website.

“My dog Scooter had always been healthy and active and never shown any signs of aches or pains. He also hadn’t shown any signs of pain before he suddenly started passing blood. The veterinarian said it was a case of kidney stones, and Scooter had to have emergency surgery. If the operation hadn’t been done right away, they said Scooter could have died. The operation was a success, and Scooter is back to his frisky self. The bill for his treatment was $1,300 and my ASCPA Pet Health Insurance plan paid a large portion, for which Scooter and I are very happy.”

-Allen D., Mesa, AZ

“Jack was only a few weeks old when I bought ASPCA Pet Health insurance for him.  As a puppy, he got into everything, and I would get so worried. My husband lost his job, and costly vet bills would have been devastating. I know that if Jack ever needs to go to the veterinarian, my ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan will help me get the care he needs. The representatives are wonderful and so informative, I know they care about each animal.  I highly recommend this insurance to everyone. You have insurance for yourself as a safety net, your beloved furry family member should have it, too.”

- Cameron S., Lancaster, PA

The holidays are a special time to spend with loved ones—including your family pets. And with a few extra preparations, you can help your pets safely join the festivities no matter where you travel.

One of the most important steps is to make sure your pet is covered by pet insurance before you head out the door. If any unexpected accidents or illnesses happen along the way, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plans cover visits to any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada, including emergency clinics and specialists.

Additionally, with new travel assistance services available with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plans, pet parents have even more help when they’re traveling with their pets. Our plans are the first and only ones to come with travel assistance services for pets.

Read more here about the new travel assistance services, as well as tips for traveling with your pet.

Enter our “Paws to Give Thanks” sweepstakes for your chance to win a prize from the ASPCA store – a K9 Treats Party Pack for your dog or a Fling-ama-String for your cat! What better way to show your pets how much you appreciate them this holiday season than to shower them with love, affection and TREATS?

To enter our “Paws to Give Thanks” sweepstakes, visit our Facebook page.

Sweepstakes ends December 5, 2012. No purchase necessary.