“Several years ago, my first Siberian Husky was in a motor vehicle accident and suffered extensive injuries. It took several years to clear up that $5,000 debt. Last year I signed up for ASPCA Pet Health Insurance and thankfully have only needed it for one bout of pancreatitis with my current Siberian Husky, Adela. I would recommend pet insurance to anyone.”

— Kasey D., Buffalo, N.Y.

If you want to see your pet featured, please email me!

Just like in people, allergies in pets happen when their immune systems identify substances as harmful and try to fight them off.  This month, we've got some tips for pets with allergies – and managing your allergies to pets. Over 20% of pets may suffer from some sort of allergy, according to the ASPCA®.  Allergies typically develop when pets are young, but adult onset allergies can also occur.

What are pets allergic to?
Pets can be allergic to environmental substances like pollen, mold, or dust mites. They can also be allergic to flea bites or ingredients in their diets.

What are the symptoms?
If your pet has recurring ear or skin infections, allergies could be an issue. Other common signs can include increased scratching, licking, chewing, or face-wiping.

What should you do?
Visit your veterinarian who can help identify the source and recommend treatment. You can also help by reducing your pet's exposure to allergens in your home.

Our illness coverage can help cover treatment costs related to allergies that aren't pre-existing to your plan. Sign into the Member Center to see your plan details.

Our tails would wag if you liked us on Facebook where we have lots more to say on pet matters – from ways to keep your pet safe and healthy to fun stories and photos. Check out our team "going orange" last month to celebrate the ASPCA's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month!

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!

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!

"I love exploring the outdoors, and my dog Sophie goes everywhere with me. I had a feeling that giving her freedom to explore might increase her chances of injury or sickness. Signing up for ASPCA Pet Health Insurance was the best thing I've ever done. Multiple times we've needed your service to help cover veterinary costs. Sophie is naturally healthy, but as I anticipated, her high energy and accidental encounters have meant a few costly trips to the vet. I am very grateful for the reimbursements!"

— Anna H., Santa Cruz, CA

Screen Check
Before you open up your windows to let in that lovely spring breeze, make sure your screens are secure. Your pet could push them open and get hurt or lost.

Spring Cleaning
Be careful to keep potentially poisonous products out of your pet's reach as you do your spring cleaning chores and store them safely when you're done.

Garden Safety
If you're sprucing up your garden, remember that fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides can harm your pet. Read the directions and follow warnings closely.

If your pet ingests something poisonous, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can help at 1-888-426-4435.

You can find more spring safety tips on our blog.

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!

In our April newsletter, we offered some spring pet safety tips, including securing window screens and storing gardening products safely. Here are a few more to help keep your pet from harm this season.
 
Home Improvements
Doing some spring updates to your house? Be sure to keep potentially harmful paints and chemicals out of reach of your pet. Also, don’t leave tools where your pet could step on them, and clean up small objects, like nails or screws, which could be swallowed.
 
Little Critters
It’s the time of year when fleas and ticks can become more problematic. Talk to your veterinarian about a safe preventive program to keep those pesky bugs from bothering your pet. If you’ve been outside, check your pet for ticks before you come back in the house.
 
Allergy Alert
Pets can have spring allergies too! If you notice your pet sniffling and sneezing or breaking out in any kind of rash, contact your veterinarian. And remember never to give your pet any allergy medications without consulting your veterinarian first.
 
If your pet does get hurt or sick this spring, our plans can help cover the costs of treatment. Get a free quote to learn more. If you’re already a customer, you can see what’s covered by your plan online at the Member Center.

April brings along some interesting pet events:

• National Pet ID week, April 15 to 21 – Does your pet have an ID tag? A tag could be a lifesaver if your furry friend gets lost.
• National Pet First Aid Month – Brush up on your first aid knowledge so you know what to do in case your pet has an accident.
• National Hairball Awareness Day, April 27 – Give your cat or dog a good grooming in honor of this (cough) interesting holiday.

April is also Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month in honor of the ASPCA®'s founding in 1866. Find out how you can "Go Orange for Animals" at the ASPCA's website.