Your Premium News - December

If you’re cold outside in your parka, boots and toque, how do you think your furry friend feels when they go out in -30°C? Winter brings some extra considerations in order to keep your pet snuggly, warm and safe.

Just like people, pets have varying levels of tolerance for the cold based on their size, body fat and coat. Be aware of your pet's tolerance for cold weather and adjust accordingly. You will probably need to shorten your dog's walks in very cold weather (just quick zips out for relief) to protect them from weather-associated health risks.

If you have a short-haired dog, consider getting them a coat or a sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For long-haired pups, keep their fur trimmed just enough to minimize clinging ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals that can dry their skin.

Speaking of dry skin, massage pet-friendly paw salves or petroleum jelly into their paw pads before heading outside to help protect their feet from salt and chemical agents. Be sure to give their feet a good wipe down after coming back inside. Booties are even better at keeping paws warm and safe. Introduce them to your pet slowly so that every walk isn’t a struggle.

Paws and ears are the most susceptible to frostbite, which can occur at any temperature below freezing. If you see signs of redness, cracks or their ears have become crusted, visit your vet immediately. Keeping your pet's nails well-trimmed also helps protect against nail trauma on ice and snow.

Find some fun indoor activities that will keep your dog active and mentally stimulated. Sign up for an agility class or a fly ball session. At home, play a hide-the-treat game, add in a snuffle mat or test out a DIY obstacle course to help keep the winter blues away.

Don’t forget about our feline friends. If you bring in plants for the winter or purchase holiday bouquets, make sure they are not poisonous to cats. Many plants and flowers, including holly and lilies, are very toxic to cats.

Give your pet friends safe options to allow them to vary their sleeping place to adjust to their need for warmth. Be very careful of space heaters and fireplaces, which can possibly lead to burns, but more likely just dry, itchy skin.

Get a little extra peace of mind knowing that your pet has coverage for eligible accidents or illnesses, in any season, through CAA’s partnership with Pets Plus Us insurance plans.

Learn more about what coverage is the perfect fit for you and your furry friend.

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The information herein is summarized. All Pet Insurance plans have limitations and exclusions. Specific products, features, coverage limits, rates, and discounts may vary by province, eligibility, and are subject to change. Medical Conditions that are noted, symptomatic or diagnosed prior to enrollment, or during a waiting period are pre-existing to Coverage and not eligible for reimbursement. This advertisement is an outline only, the actual policy issued Terms and Conditions will prevail.

The twinkling lights, the smell of fresh evergreen, the warmth of a crackling log in the fireplace – these all strike a lovely holiday tone but can also pose potential hazards to your home. Here’s a few tips to help keep your family and home safe this season:

Lights

• Before you string up your lights, inside and out, inspect them for frayed wires, damaged sockets or other signs of wear and tear. Throw them away if you find damage.
• Ensure you’re using the right kind of lights. Some lights are meant only for indoor use, while others only for outdoor.
• If possible, use hooks or clips to secure lights. This prevents damage to the cords, which can spark fires.
• Turn off decorative lights before you leave the house and when you go to bed. Use a timer or smart outlet to help you save steps and lower your electricity bill.
• Don’t overload sockets and try to avoid connecting extension cords together if possible.

Christmas Trees

• If opting for a real tree, make sure it’s fresh (look for green needles that won’t break when bent) and keep the tree stand filled with water to help reduce the risk of fire hazards.
• Keep your fresh tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, candles and space heaters.
• If you have an artificial tree, ensure it is labelled fire-resistant.
• Invest in a good tree stand with a wide base so that the tree is steady and doesn’t tip over. For tall trees, consider securing to a wall with thin guywires.
• If possible, keep those presents under the tree out of sight from exterior windows to reduce the allure of break-in and theft.

Candles and Fireplaces

• Before roasting those chestnuts over an open fire, get your chimney checked and cleaned.
• Avoid hanging greenery and other holidays decorations on or near the fireplace while in use.
• Be sure holiday candles have a secure holder and are at least one foot away from anything flammable.
• Ensure everyone knows where the fire extinguisher is and how to use it.

Won’t be home for the holidays? Make sure to unplug all your festive decorations, like your Christmas tree, along with other major appliances, including coffee pots, washer/dryer and computers. Additionally, have someone check your house regularly and ensure exterior tasks, such as shovelling and mail collection, continue while you’re away.

Whether you’re staying in town for the festivities or flying south for the season, winter is a good time to review your home insurance policy. Speak with a CAA Manitoba Insurance Broker about your coverage and ensure that your home and valuables are protected. They can advise you on optional coverage such as Home Equipment Breakdown Coverage, Service Line Coverage and Water Coverage and discuss potential ways to save.

During the holiday season, many of us reflect on the past year and look ahead to the new year with excitement. You may think about goals for the new year such as focusing on your health and wellness. This is a great time to think about health and dental insurance and how it could play an important role in maintaining your health. Here are some important questions to ask to determine if you should have your own health and dental insurance:

• What is health and dental insurance?
• Why do I need it?
• What's the difference between employee group plans (benefits) and individual plans?
• Do I need health insurance when I retire?

Read this article that answers these questions and summarizes what you need to know about health and dental insurance. It will help you understand which coverage might be right for your needs.

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