The End of a Wonderful Year!

As the snow begins to fall and holiday cheer is in full swing, it's a great time to reflect on our past year. 2008 marked the official launch of our new brand, 'Petsecure'. It was an exciting and of course very busy time for us as we upgraded coverage, updated marketing materials and informed all of you, our valued members of the news!

This year also marked our first ever national TV campaign, airing in October and November on Home & Garden TV, The Food Network Canada, The Discovery Channel, W Network and Animal Planet. Be sure to watch for our campaign airing on these stations again in Spring 2009.

In 2008 Petsecure passed the $80 million mark in claims paid, donated $180,000 to local community shelters and reached the end of an era as we transitioned from Petplan to Petsecure. We are looking forward to 2009, and celebrating our 20th Anniversary of making pet health insurance available to Canadian pet parents.

We hope you enjoy our Winter 2008 eTails edition and want to wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season. All the best for you and your pets in 2009!

- The Petsecure team

And the Winner is...

Congratulations to Terry Braglin from Calgary, Alberta who was the winner of our third annual Pet Health Insurance month this past September. Terry, along with her pets Frodo, Hunter, Bobby and Patches has won a 42" Sony Plasma TV, one-year of coverage on Petsecure and other fabulous prizes from Purina, London Drugs, Modern Dog Magazine, Dogs in Canada, Ducks Unlimited and PetLynx.

We thank all 10,000 contestants for entering and spreading the word about pet insurance and responsible pet ownership across the country.

Read up on Pet Health Insurance month.

Pet Safety during the Holidays

The sights, the smells and the blustery outdoors during the winter season can be captivating and overwhelming all at the same time. If that's how you feel about the season, imagine what your pet is going though. The scent of turkey is wafting over his food bowl, while the sparkling tinsel hanging from the top of the tree is capturing his eye.

All of these 'danger zones' for your four-legged friend, can mean an extra trip to the veterinarian during these cold winter months. Here are a few key things to keep in mind for your pet's safety during the upcoming holiday months.

The Sights (AKA the Tree)

Dogs may not be able to climb the tree and tip it over like a cat can; however, they are both at just as much of a risk around the tree. Needles are indigestible and artificial trees can have small plastic or aluminum parts that may break off and be swallowed, causing intestinal blockage. Avoid using tinsel, glass and edible ornaments (such as gingerbread men) on the tree. Instead of using wire and hooks to hold up ornaments, try using yarn. Putting up a baby gate in the doorway or a low lattice fence around the tree itself can protect the safety and health of your pets.

The Smells (AKA the Food)

Turkey is like an aphrodisiac to your furry friends, so these particular leftovers are an irresistible snack. The bones from the turkey can lodge in their throats and block their intestinal track. Do not leave leftovers out or a garbage bag ready for the curb sitting on your floor, both can end up disastrous.

While entertaining over the holidays, wine and chocolate are two common occurrences at events. Both are extremely toxic for dogs and cats. Chocolate contains theobromine; a single ounce of this substance can be lethal to a cat or small dog. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Avoid leaving any alcohol or dainties unattended around your pets.

The Blustery Outdoors (AKA the Hazardous Outdoors)

In the snow and ice many people use rock salt on sidewalks to break up the ice. Rock salt can irritate your pet's foot pads. After a walk, make sure to rinse and dry them well. To prevent cracking in the dry winter months, add a touch of petroleum jelly to their paws.

Keep all of your antifreeze out of paw's reach! Antifreeze is a sweet substance to your pets; however, very toxic! Did you know that one teaspoon per two pounds of body weight is enough for permanent kidney damage or even death? Also, avoid letting your dog stop and drink from a puddle on your daily walk, you never know what substance is lurking in the water.

The Top Three Holiday Plants to Avoid

Seasonal plants can be dangerous to your pets, especially during the holidays. We have created a list of the top three holiday plants to keep away from your furry-loved ones.

#1 Mistletoe

As harmless as this little plant may look, the mistletoe can produce severe irritations in the digestive tract. This plant can also lower heart rate, present breathing problems and excess thirst. These symptoms can eventually result into a seizure, coma or even death.

#2 Holly

This ornamental plant if swallowed by your pet, is most commonly associated with digestive upset and nervous system depression. Holly has some of the same toxic components as chocolate does.

#3 Poinsettias

If your pet gets around this red-leafed plant it can generally result in mild to moderate digestive upsets. Signs include; excess saliva, vomiting and diarrhea.

If you're concerned with any of these plants being digested in your household this season, please contact your local veterinarian for more information.

Seasonal Stress

How to keep your pets worry free!

There's no doubt in our minds that seasonal stress happens to the best of us, even to our pets. Franklin, your Tabby, who spends hours in solitude, may have a slight anxiety attack with a crowd. Ben, your Lab, who craves your 24/7 attention may be feeling neglected while you entertain your holiday guests.

To avoid this holiday stress, routine is key.Keep as close to your pets normal schedule as possible, especially on feeding and walking times. Here are the top three tips to avoid pet stress:

#1 Have a dinner party or an evening event prior to the big holiday dinner to introduce your pet to more of a crowd. Reward him if he behaves correctly.

#2 Make sure there is a quiet room that your animal can resort to on the day of your event. Have the room equipped with his food, water, bed and a few of his favorite toys.

#3 If you are going away and leaving your pet at a kennel this holiday season, be sure to research options, ask around and stop by the kennel before you leave your furry loved one there. A kennel should not only meet your pet's physical needs, but also its emotional ones too!

For more information on pet stress and the holidays check out an article on Pet Place here.

Introducing...Jasper

(and pet owner Glenn Ferguson)

Jasper, a two year old Cocker Spaniel was sleepy and lethargic one day when Glenn decided it was time to take her to the veterinarian. Jasper was diagnosed with Intravascular Hemolytic Anemia, a disease where her immune system could not recognize red blood cells and was destroying them. After blood testing, a blood transfusion and multiple trips to the veterinarian, it was reassuring to Glenn that he could continue Jasper's treatment because he had the security of Petsecure pet health insurance behind him.Read more of Jasper's Story...

Did you Know?

For our, 'did you know' section in this eTails edition, we have put together our top 10 claims list for 2008.