admin-heals, Author at HEALS

Thinking About Buying Health Insurance For Your Pet?

By Joan Eve Quinn, Program Director

HEALS urges pet owners to consider purchasing health insurance for their furry family members. Having a pet health insurance policy in place to cover visits to your family veterinarian’s practice—and at advanced 24-hour specialty and emergency hospitals—can help tremendously in times of financial and emotional stress.

A pet health insurance plan can be especially valuable in multi-pet households. Certain specialized procedures and therapies, such as orthopedic surgeries and chemotherapy treatments to fight cancer, tend to be quite expensive. In many cases, the insurance company reimburses you for a large percentage of the costs as determined by your plan’s coverage allowances. Usually, pet owners pay the veterinary practice fist and subsequently receive reimbursement from the insurance company.

We recommend buying a policy early in your pet’s life to maximize the benefits you’ll receive. As pets age, benefits often decrease and pre-existing conditions may be excluded. A good approach would be to discuss the topic with your primary care veterinarian during your new pet’s first wellness visit.

HEALS Chief Executive Officer, Bernadette Vinci, MS, LHEP, urges pet owners to buy insurance if they can afford it, but she also offers a less costly alternative. “If you can’t afford the premiums, you can start a pet savings account with automatic deductions from your paycheck if you’re currently employed. But that can be somewhat risky since you never know when a pet will become ill or injured and those veterinary bills can quickly mount up. So insurance gives you better peace of mind,” she added.

The marketplace offers a broad array of pet health insurance policies. Quite a few websites allow you to compare coverage and pricing across a wide range of plans. Research and compare carefully; coverage options and out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, premiums, and co-pays, vary greatly and exclusions may apply.

If you need help to pay for dog or cat veterinary services–or for any other type of pet–insurance can make it possible for your animal companion to receive appropriate treatment and supportive care. To help you decide whether pet health insurance is right for you—and for buying advice—here’s an article from trusted, unbiased Consumer Reports:

https://www.consumerreports.org/pet-products/is-pet-insurance-worth-cost/

A Pet For a Holiday Gift?

– What you need to think about before making that forever purchase –

(Brewster, NY) How much is that doggy in the window? What could be a better holiday gift–a puppy or a kitty cat! Dr. Jason Berg, DMV, DACVIM, Chairman of the Board of of HEALS, and founder of Guardian Veterinary Specialists in Brewster NY, feels strongly that that people who are thinking of getting a pet for the holidays need to put time into this decision before deciding to add a furry friend to the family. This is a huge holiday gift purchase as well as a financial and emotional commitment for up to twenty years.

Dr. Berg says move slowly and think about the following:

Are you and/or your family ready for a pet?

What age dog is best for you and/or the family

Depending on the size of your apartment or house what size dog would be most appropriate?

Is there a backyard or will the dog need to be walked?

Is adoption, breeder or local pet store the way to go?

What are the financial implications that are involved with pet ownership?

What is involved in preparing for a new pet and taking care of a pet in the long term

Who will be responsible for pet care/walks/feeding during the day?

What are the pros and cons of purchasing a pet insurance plan?

No one ever wants anything to go wrong with their new family member, but it happens – when to seek emergency veterinary care.

Be aware of the signs of parvovirus, a serious disease that can affect puppies.

Traveling with pets or boarding them – how to decide, prepare and prevent contagious diseases.

“There is nothing better than adding a dog or cat to our lives, but there are so many people out there who are dealing with emotional and financial distress,” says Dr. Berg. “HEALS was founded because many people can’t afford the veterinary care and the financial surprises of having a pet. But, oftentimes, it’s a surprise because instead of researching the responsibilities of pet ownership, it may be a spontaneous purchase or adoption and people may not realize this is a long-term commitment.”

HEALS is a new nonprofit organization dedicated to saving pets’ lives by helping owners pay for essential veterinary care when they can’t afford it.

HEALS, a charitable 501c3 organization, was established in 2020 with the mission to end economic euthanasia and animal surrender due to an inability to pay. HEALS endeavors to keep pet owners who qualify for financial assistance and their pets together longer so they can enjoy a better quality of life. The non-profit was started because of a universal love of animals and an appreciation of the special sustaining bond that develops between pets and their owners. HEALS will be working with veterinary partners in New York – Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Dutchess Counties; Connecticut – Fairfield County and New Jersey – Bergen County. For more info. go to www.healspets.org.

For the Love of Kitties, Leave the Lilies Alone

By Joan Eve Quinn, HEALS Program Director

Who’s not thrilled to see happy flowers popping up their cheerful heads after a long, cold winter? In particular, lovely-looking lilies start appearing everywhere at this time of year, both indoors and out, especially as the spring holidays approach. The Easter lily, an alluring trumpet-shaped flower with waxy white petals and a distinctive scent, is a perennial favorite.

Cats and lilies don’t mix!

But these pretty plants can be fatal to felines. These flowers don’t come with warning labels–but maybe they should! Who knows what might pique the interest of our feline friends? Kitties that are bored, curious or attracted to a different texture or unusual scent may be tempted to taste the new lily plant addition to the home.

Beauty can be dangerous

Easter lilies can cause acute kidney failure in cats, which is very serious! Some other lily culprits include:

Tiger Lily
Rubrum Lily
Stargazer Lily
Red or Wood Lily
Asiatic Lily
Japanese Show Lily
Day Lilies

Any Lilium or Hemerocallis species should be considered potentially poisonous to cats. Calla Lilies and Peace Lilies, which are common houseplants, can cause mouth and GI tract irritation. Lilies of the Valley, omnipresent outdoors in springtime, can cause heart arrhythmias.

A few other popular spring flowers that are dangerous to cats include daffodils, hyacinths, azaleas, and tulips.

Dog owners should be wary as well. “Dogs can have some gastrointestinal upset from ingesting lilies as well as some other flowers, but it won’t result in any fatal complications,” advises Dr. Jason Berg, board-certified veterinary neurologist/internist and HEALS Chairman of the Board.

Signs of lily toxicity in cats

Signs of poisoning develop quickly. Initial signs can appear within two hours of ingestion and include vomiting, refusal to eat, and lethargy.

Initial symptoms may subside, but don’t be fooled. Cats will become symptomatic again within 24-96 hours as kidney failure develops. These later signs can include:

Increased thirst and urination
Vomiting
Depression
Dehydration
Oral ulcers and uremic breath
Hypothermia
Increased respiration rate
Slowed heart rate

Life-saving veterinary treatment

The onset of kidney failure can be prevented with aggressive veterinary treatment within six hours of ingestion. Treatment includes inducing vomiting and administering activated charcoal products. This therapy is followed up with intravenous fluids for at least two days. If medical treatment is delayed for longer than 18 hours, kidney failure will develop. If not treated, death will occur in as little as three to seven days. Lily toxicity is to be taken very seriously!

The safest bet

It’s best not to purchase lilies of any type indoors or outdoors if you own a cat. But even if you don’t purchase lilies, keep all flower arrangements out of the reach of curious kitties. If your me-ew likes to chew, try some fresh cat grass or catnip plants, which are available at most pet stores.

If you think your cat may have gotten into a lily plant, seek emergency veterinary medical attention immediately! Know where your nearest 24/7 veterinary clinic is located and keep the phone number handy. For further information on this subject, you can contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

Would you like to donate to help save animals? HEALS is one of the best, most effective animal charities to donate to. Your gift provides financial help for pets in need of life-saving veterinary care–when their owners truly can’t afford it–right here in your own community. If you need help paying for dog or cat veterinary care, contact us at 914-996-0001 or email us at info@healspets.org.

Gift Your Pet Some Love – But Not Chocolate on Valentine’s Day!

By Joan Eve Quinn, Program Director

Valentine’s Day delivers a joyfully warm respite from the cold winter chill. It’s also a good excuse to binge on sweet treats–chocolate being among our favorites.

From tiny tasty truffles to tall table-top sculptures, who doesn’t wish they had some chocolate right now? But it has a dark side for our pets: Chocolate and many other candies can cause stomach discomfort at the very least and serious illness–and even death–at the very worst. Even some familiar flowers pose a risk.

To help keep pets safe this Valentine’s Day, HEALS issues this all-four-paws alert for some common products that may be harmful:

Chocolate: Yes, it’s delicious, but the problem is your pets may think so too. You’ve seen how persistent pets can be when they’re trying to raid the yummy stuff: Sneaking into closed rooms, knocking packages off counters, and ripping wrappings open. The amount and type of chocolate–in relation to your pet’s weight and general health condition–will determine if chocolate toxicity will develop. Chocolate can cause gastrointestinal upset as well as life-threatening heart arrhythmias.
Xylitol: A naturally occurring sugar alcohol, xylitol is found in many popular candies. For pets, ingestion of this ingredient can lead to life-threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and in the worst cases, liver failure. Dr. Jason Berg, board-certified veterinary neurologist/internist and HEALS Chairman of the Board, warns “Xylitol is a deadly product found in candy and common snacks that are often given to pets, such as peanut butter. Make sure you read all ingredients in snacks and food before you give it to your pets.”
Calorie-laden dinner: Fatty and rich foods are simply not good for pets. Fatty foods can cause pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to vomiting and diarrhea and, in some cases, very severe illness.
Flowers: Many types of flowers and other greenery are highly toxic to pets if ingested. Some of the most toxic examples include:
Lilies can cause kidney failure
Amaryllis can cause vomiting and depression
Tulip and narcissus bulbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation
Oleander can cause heart arrhythmias
Cyclamen can cause vomiting and death
Autumn crocus can cause multi-organ damage and death
Foreign bodies: You never know what’s going to look like a tempting toy or treat to your pet. Even Valentine’s Day detritus left lying around, like wrapping paper and ribbon, can potentially cause a problem. Foreign material can sometimes lodge in the gastrointestinal tract, causing life-threatening obstructions or perforations.

HEALS urges you to seek immediate veterinary attention if you suspect that your pet has eaten something that may be harmful. Know where your nearest 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital is located. Keep the phone number handy and call ahead.

Valentine’s Day should be like a walk in the dog park. So take this to heart: Keep the sugary treats well out of your pet’s reach. Let there be lots of head butts, tail wagging, kisses, love, and pet-safe goodies instead!

For more information, you can call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 and research a comprehensive list of toxic plants at www.aspca.org.

HEALS is one of the best animal charities to donate to. Your donation provides financial help for pets in need of life-saving veterinary care–when their owners truly can’t afford it–right here in your own community. If you need help paying for dog or cat veterinary care, contact us at 914-996-0001 or email info@healspets.org.

Thank You To Our Sponsors

Watch our video to meet many of the beautiful pets whose lives have been touched by HEALS. We kept these dedicated families together and gave their deserving companion animals more time to enjoy with them.

Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors

We gratefully acknowledge the generosity of our wonderful sponsors. They have donated generously, enabling HEALS to save more pets’ lives and giving them more time to spend with their devoted families.

Leader of the Pack

Geoffrey & Bonnie Horn, In Memory of Minnie Horn
The Sethi Gauba Family

Best in Group

In Honor of Ariana Golt
Christina & Lee Hataway

Best Furry Friend

Dr. Rick & Nuda Joseph
Michael & Gina Cappelli
Joan & Beverly Sansone
The Friends of Mount Vernon Animal Shelter

A personal message from Dr. Jason Berg

Stay Safe on St. Patrick’s Day: Keep Alcohol Away from Animals!

By Joan Eve Quinn
HEALS Program Director

Four-leaf clovers, luck, and leprechauns lurk on the horizon as we march towards St. Patrick’s Day. A bright kelly-green break from the winter doldrums, parades, and parties are heading our way. For many, the cheerful celebrations historically include the alcoholic beverage of your choice. Party in style and with good sense!

While you’re looking for that pot o’ gold at the end of the rainbow, be sure to keep your pets away from all alcoholic beverages. They can become seriously intoxicated and get very sick very fast from drinking even a small amount! This is called alcohol toxicity.

Alcohol toxicity can result from consuming many substances, including:

Ethanol (found in alcoholic beverages)
Cough syrup
Raw bread dough
Isopropanol (found in rubbing alcohol)
Methanol (found in windshield wiper fluid)

These alcohols are quickly absorbed in the pet’s body within 20-30 minutes. Such ingredients can even be absorbed through the skin of small pets when alcohol-based sprays are used.

Signs of illness caused by alcohol intoxication generally occur within just 30-60 minutes of intake and include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Ataxia (manifesting as a “drunken” gait)
Disorientation
Dull mental status
Difficulty breathing

In severe cases, the following serious conditions can occur:

Coma
Hypothermia
Seizures
Heart arrhythmias
Hypoglycemia
Death

Veterinary care must be sought immediately as a medical treatment for decontamination is usually only effective in the first 20-40 minutes after the alcohol is consumed. The good news is that prognosis can be very good with aggressive treatment, depending on the amount swallowed.

If you believe your pet has ingested alcohol, please seek veterinary emergency help right away. Know where your nearest 24/7 veterinary emergency clinic is located and keep the phone number handy. You may also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

This St. Patrick’s Day, kissing the Blarney Stone may not be practical for everyone. But kissing your pet is! HEALS wishes you a safe and happy celebration and may the luck of the Irish rise up to meet you.

A Safety Net for Pets: New Non-Profit Helps Animal Owners With Medical Bills

P.C. resident Bernadette Vinci is on a mission to ensure all pets have access to health care

By Sarah Wolpoff
Wednesday, January 5, 2022.

In Bernadette Vinci’s expansive professional experience as a veterinary hospital administrator, she’s found around 10% of pet owners get hit with a medical bill they can’t afford. Their financial strain often forces them into making the most gut-wrenching decision to put down their beloved animal companion, potentially prematurely.

Preferred Radio Interview Featuring HEALS

You’re listening to Preferred Company with Joel and friends! Today’s guest is Bernadette Vinci, CEO of HEALS. HEALS is a charitable 501c3 organization with a mission to end economic euthanasia and animal surrender due to an inability to pay. It’s a new year and that means it’s time to consider getting a pet. Bernadette discusses preparing for that new pet to take care of pets in the long term, plus the pros and cons of purchasing a pet insurance plan and when to seek emergency veterinary care.

Or Listen on Preferred Radio: http://www.preferredradio.com/episodes/

Take a Bite Out of Scary Frostbite

By Andrew Tonra, HEALS Social Media Expert

Winter’s in full swing! Although it’s been warmer than usual until now, a fierce cold snap is approaching and we’re still looking at a few months of possibly subfreezing temperatures. In the coldest months of the year, frostbite is a real possibility for many of our furry friends–and it can be very serious.

Here are some helpful tips on what to look out for, how to address frostbite, and how to just plain avoid it in the first place.

The symptoms

Frostbite occurs when temperatures are below freezing. Paws, tails, and ears are the highest risk areas for cats and dogs. Any dampness in these areas can compound the risk. Frostbite is clinically identified by discoloration of the skin (looking gray or blue), coldness and rigidness of affected areas, pain, swelling, blisters, or even dead/blackened skin.

Take fast action

This scary condition is extremely serious. If left untreated, frostbite can result in permanent damage to the affected areas, infection, and even death. If you suspect your companion animal is suffering from frostbite, contact your veterinarian immediately. If it’s after hours, bring your pet to the nearest 24-hour emergency facility as soon as possible.

Takeaway tips

In the meantime–or if you’re unable to bring your pet to the hospital–here are a few tips for home care:

Quickly move your pet inside to a warm, dry environment.
Check your pet for hypothermia. A core temperature of less than 95 F is indicative of hypothermia. Violent shivering, lethargy, and a weak pulse are also signs of hypothermia.
If you believe your pet may be suffering from hypothermia, always treat those symptoms first by covering your pet in warm blankets or towels. You can even use warm water bottles placed on the outside of the blankets to speed up the process.
Never massage or try to rub the affected area.
Begin to warm the affected areas with warm water. You want the water to be comfortably warm to the touch, but not hot. Don’t use heating pads or hair dryers. After the affected areas have been warmed with water, gently pat your animal dry and wrap them with warm clothes or blankets.
Again, the best thing to do is to take your pet to the animal hospital right away. Always keep your veterinarian’s phone number handy along with contact information for your nearest 24-hour practice.

An ounce of prevention…

Avoidance is the best strategy:

If it’s below freezing, keep your outings brief.
If you have a pet that’s especially susceptible to frostbite, try providing some clothing—a pet jacket, sweater or even booties can help.
Products are available that can be used on the bottom of paws to help insulate the vulnerable spots in between the hard paw pads. Not all pets will respond well to these options, so try different ones to find out which methods work best for you.

Part of HEALS’ mission is to educate the public about best practices for caring for pets. We’ve all heard the old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Surely, it’s wise to avoid expensive veterinary procedures in the first place!

Bite back against frostbite

Looking out for frostbite on your own animals and other pets you see or come into contact with is a great way to help ensure their safety while spreading knowledge about animal welfare.

Author: admin-heals