by California Casualty | Helpful Tips, Pets |
If you’ve noticed your dog looking a little rounder than usual, you’re not alone. It happens gradually, almost sneakily — even to the most loving and attentive owners. The good news? Helping your dog get back to a healthy weight doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be a rewarding, bonding journey filled with new routines, more play, and a happier, more energetic pup.
Why Those Extra Pounds Matter
A chubby dog may look adorable, but the health risks are anything but cute. Obesity is linked to serious conditions in pets, including:
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Heart, liver, and kidney disease
- Certain cancers
- A shortened lifespan
Even a few extra pounds can place stress on your dog’s joints and organs. Think of weight-loss efforts not as a diet, but as an investment — one that pays off in more comfortable movement, better sleep, extra years of life, and that unmistakable sparkle in your dog’s eyes when they feel good.
Is Your Dog Overweight?
Every dog breed has its own natural shape, so it’s important to look at your pet’s individual build. Here are three simple checks you can do at home. These quick visual cues give you a starting point, but your veterinarian remains the best source for an accurate assessment.
- Rib Check
Run your hands along your dog’s ribcage. You should be able to feel the ribs easily beneath a thin layer of fat — not pressing hard, just lightly gliding your fingers.
- Waist Check
Look down at your dog from above. Do you see an obvious waistline behind the ribs? If not, or if the body looks oval instead of hourglass, that may indicate extra weight.
- Tummy Tuck Check
Now look from the side. Your dog’s abdomen should slope upward slightly from the ribcage toward the hind legs. A sagging or straight line usually means excess fat around the belly.
Start with a Vet Visit
Before making any changes, schedule a checkup. Think of your vet as your dog’s personal trainer and nutritionist rolled into one. Your veterinarian can:
- Rule out underlying health issues like arthritis or thyroid disease
- Identify an ideal weight goal
- Recommend a safe daily calorie target
- Suggest food options tailored to your dog’s needs
Think Slow and Steady
Crash diets are unsafe for dogs and ineffective long-term. A healthy pace for canine weight loss is typically 1–5% of current body weight per month. Gradual progress prevents metabolism slowdowns, reduces hunger-driven begging, and helps your dog lose fat while maintaining muscle. Small improvements, made consistently, lead to big results.
Choosing the Right Food
You may want to stay with your dog’s current food or switch to a healthier diet. That doesn’t necessarily mean buying the most expensive bag on the shelf. What matters is choosing a formula that aligns with your dog’s goals. Options to consider include:
- Prescription weight-loss diets: Great for dogs with significant weight to lose or underlying health issues.
- Low-calorie kibble: Many brands offer lighter formulas.
- Senior formulas: Often lower in calories to match lower activity levels in older dogs.
- Wet food: Higher water content keeps pups fuller while reducing overall calories.
Count the Calories (Yes, It Matters!)
Just like with people, portion size is often the real culprit.
- Measure every meal — don’t eyeball it.
- Use a kitchen scale or a measuring scoop for accuracy.
- Track calories from treats. (They count!)
When it comes to treats, think outside the (biscuit) box. Many dogs enjoy baby carrots, blueberries, plain green beans, or ice cubes. These crunchy snacks satisfy without blowing the daily calorie budget.
Smaller, More Frequent Meals
If your schedule allows, breaking meals into two or three smaller feedings throughout the day can help curb hunger and begging. This simple shift can make a big difference in your dog’s comfort—and your sanity.
Movement: Make It Fun — and Make It Daily
You don’t have to train for a marathon. You just need to get moving together. Aim for 30 minutes of daily activity, adjusted for your dog’s fitness and health. Options your dog may enjoy include:
- Walks
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Fetch
- Tug play
- Games
- Doggie playdates
- Agility or fitness classes
If your dog is significantly overweight, start slow. Watch for heavy panting, lagging behind, or signs of discomfort. Keep water available and increase activity gradually. Most importantly, make it enjoyable. Your dog will feed off your energy — so smile, laugh, chat with your pup, and celebrate the moments you’re spending together.
Keep Track of Progress
Some animal hospitals offer free weight checks, and many pet stores have scales as well. Progress can be subtle at first, but seeing those numbers shift (even a little!) is incredibly motivating.
Celebrating non-scale victories keeps the journey positive. You can also track:
- Energy level
- Mobility
- Ease of getting up
- Endurance on walks
- Coat condition
Get the Whole Family on Board
Helping your dog reach a healthy weight is an act of love, and consistency is key. If one person sneaks table scraps, adds extra kibble, or gives too many treats, progress stalls. Agree as a household on the plan — portions, treats, activity, and rules. That way, your dog gets a clear, consistent message and a greater chance at success.
A Final Note About Protection
Health journeys sometimes come with unplanned vet expenses. Having pet insurance can help offset larger costs and keep your dog’s wellness on track. You can easily add Pet’s Best pet insurance to your California Casualty auto or home policy. Talk with a California Casualty customer service representative to learn more about what pet insurance can cover.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Helpful Tips, Homeowners Insurance Info |
Think you’ve found the perfect hiding spot for your cash or jewelry? Think again. From the freezer to the sock drawer, burglars know all the “secret” places homeowners use to stash their valuables. Before you tuck away your treasures in plain sight, learn which hiding places offer false security — and where your valuables will truly be safe.
Front Door
We’ve all heard the advice about keeping a spare key “just in case,” but hiding one near your front door is practically an open invitation. The doormat, flowerpot, mailbox, or fake rock –these are the first places a burglar will check. If you need to keep an extra key, leave it with a trusted neighbor instead.
Entryway
Your entry table may be the perfect place for dropping your car keys, wallet, or spare cash when you walk in, but it’s also the first stop for an intruder. Those items are quick to grab and easy to carry. A thief could be in and out of your home in under a minute with your keys, ID, and bank cards in hand.
Bedrooms
Burglars make a beeline for the master bedroom because they know that’s where people store their most valuable items — cash, jewelry, and small electronics. They’ll check dresser drawers, armoires, sock drawers, and even the space under your mattress. Suitcases and storage boxes? Those are fair game, too. The very spots that are most convenient for you are the ones they will check.
Freezer
Think your freezer is foolproof? Think again. Many homeowners wrap cash or jewelry in plastic and tuck it behind the frozen vegetables. But this “clever” hiding place is common knowledge among burglars. If it’s easy for you to access, it’s easy for them to find.
Bathrooms
Your bathroom medicine cabinet may seem like a private place, but it’s often one of the first areas a thief will check — especially if they’re looking for prescription drugs to sell. Don’t keep cash or jewelry there either; it’s too easy to reach.
Cookie Jar
It might seem like a sweet spot to stash your grocery money, but thieves know this classic trick. The same goes for flour tins and coffee canisters. If it’s in plain sight in the kitchen, assume it’s on a burglar’s radar.
Home Office
Your office is a goldmine for identity thieves. Computers, passports, checkbooks, and tax forms can all be used to steal your identity or drain your accounts. Keep sensitive documents locked away and back up important files to a secure cloud account.
Portable Safes
A small safe can keep kids or guests out of your valuables, but it won’t stop a thief from carrying the whole thing out the door. Unless your safe is bolted to the floor or wall, it’s just another box waiting to be picked up and opened later.
Other Bad Spots
Anywhere damp, dirty, or difficult to monitor is also a poor choice. Inside toilet tanks, for example, may seem clever, but the moisture can ruin documents and cash.
Where to Hide Your Valuables Instead
The best hiding places are the ones that require effort to access or don’t make sense for a thief to bother with. Think inconvenient, hidden, or disguised. Here are some ideas.
Trash Can with a False Bottom
A cleverly designed trash can with a hidden compartment can be a surprisingly effective deterrent. Thieves are unlikely to rummage through garbage. Just make sure your valuables are sealed against moisture — and don’t accidentally toss them out on trash day!
Fake Wall Outlets
You can purchase wall outlets that look completely real but pull out to reveal a small hidden compartment. They’re perfect for storing cash, jewelry, or small documents. Just be sure the outlet isn’t connected to any wiring.
Hidden Household Items
Fake food cans or containers designed to mimic ordinary products — like shaving cream or soup — are a discreet way to hide valuables. You can even make your own by hollowing out real cans. Just be careful to make them look authentic, and don’t place them in high-traffic areas where someone might mistake them for the real thing.
Structural Hiding Spots
If you’re handy, consider creating built-in hiding spaces behind removable panels or trim. Hollowed-out wainscoting, door jambs, or floorboards can be excellent concealment spots. Pre-made versions are also available for purchase and can be installed without major renovations.
Books and VHS Cases
A hollowed-out book on a crowded bookshelf — or an old VHS tape in a dusty box — won’t draw a second glance. Just don’t use a book or a tape case you might mistakenly donate.
Storage Bins
Large, unlabeled bins can attract attention, so disguise your valuables among ordinary items. Label bins with dull titles like “Old School Projects,” “Holiday Décor,” or “Winter Clothes.” Even if burglars do open a few, they’re unlikely to dig deep through boxes of tinsel or kids’ art supplies.
Kids’ Bedrooms
While the master bedroom is a prime target, thieves usually skip children’s bedrooms. Consider stashing your valuables in a box on a high shelf in the closet. Further protect it with a misleading label.
Add an Extra Layer of Security
Even the best hiding spots can’t protect your valuables completely. Strengthen your security by:
- Installing a home security system with cameras and alarms to deter burglars.
- Using motion-sensor lighting around entry points to discourage nighttime intrusions.
- Keeping your valuables insured through your homeowner’s or renter’s policy so you’re financially protected even if the worst happens.
By avoiding the most obvious hiding places and thinking creatively about security, you can protect your valuables and your peace of mind.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Health, Helpful Tips |
Ready or not — it’s time to “fall back!” As the clocks turn back and we “gain” an extra hour of sleep (in theory, anyway), our bodies and minds begin the tricky process of adjusting to the seasonal shift. That simple 60-minute change can do more than confuse your alarm clock. It can throw off your sleep, dampen your mood, and even impact your health and safety behind the wheel.
Here’s what really happens when daylight saving time ends, and how you can make the transition a little smoother.
A Brief History of Time (Changes)
Daylight saving time (DST) began as a way to save fuel and energy during wartime. The idea was simple: shift an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening to reduce electricity use. The current twice-yearly time change became standardized in 1966 with the Uniform Time Act.
Not every state participates, however — Hawaii and most of Arizona, for example, have opted out, remaining on standard time year-round. But for the rest of us, the biannual clock shuffle continues, bringing with it more than just a shift in sunrise and sunset times.
Your Internal Clock: The Science of Circadian Rhythms
You may not notice it right away, but that hour difference can have real effects on your body. Humans run on a roughly 24-hour internal clock known as the circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep, alertness, hormone production, digestion, and even body temperature. When we change the clocks, that rhythm gets disrupted. Think of it as a mini version of jet lag — your body is out of sync with the world around you. You might feel a little foggy, irritable, or unfocused, and your sleep may take several days to recalibrate.
Those who thrive on routine (and who doesn’t?) may especially feel the strain. Even small schedule shifts can lead to difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things. For others, the impact may show up in subtle ways, like changes in appetite or mood.
Sleep: When an Hour Makes a Difference
You’d think that “falling back” and gaining an hour would leave you feeling more rested. But many people find the opposite happens.
Here’s why: your brain’s master clock releases the sleep hormone melatonin at the same time every night. Your body may be ready for bed before the clock says it’s bedtime — but you stay up later, then struggle to wake up in the morning darkness.
Exposure to artificial light in the evening (think phones, TVs, or bright lamps) can make it even harder to fall asleep. Meanwhile, waking up before sunrise leaves you feeling sluggish and unrefreshed. Sleep experts say it can take up to a week for your body to fully adapt.
The result? Lower-quality sleep — and all the effects that come with it, from slower reaction times to mood swings and brain fog.
Health Risks: More Than Just Fatigue
Sleep is foundational to good health, and when it’s disrupted, so are other systems in the body. Research has linked insufficient or irregular sleep to a range of issues, including:
- Cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease
- Slower metabolism, which can contribute to weight gain and diabetes
- Digestive and immune disorders, such as colitis
- Lower cognitive performance, including memory and focus issues
- Mood disturbances like anxiety and depression
In fact, studies have found that the weeks following a time change see an uptick in hospital admissions and certain chronic symptoms. A recent Stanford Medicine study found a connection between time changes and higher rates of stroke and obesity.
Teens and night owls may be particularly vulnerable because their natural sleep cycles already tend to skew later — meaning they miss out on valuable morning sunlight, which helps reset the body’s clock each day.
Mood Shifts and Seasonal Affective Disorder
It’s not your imagination — shorter days and darker evenings can make you feel down. The end of daylight saving time is linked to a higher risk of mood disturbances, including depression, anxiety, and even substance misuse.
For many people, the change triggers or worsens Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that occurs during fall and winter when sunlight is scarce. Symptoms include low energy, sadness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Getting outside for natural light exposure early in the day — or using a light therapy box — can make a big difference in balancing your mood and energy.
Behind the Wheel: The Hidden Danger of Drowsy Driving
Driving after the fall time change can be surprisingly risky. The shift means darker evenings, more glare from headlights, and a general increase in driver fatigue. Our internal clocks take time to adjust, which affects alertness — especially during evening commutes. Darkness makes it harder to spot pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter riders, and to judge distances or speeds accurately.
According to a University of Colorado study, fatal car crashes increased by 6 percent in the week following the end of daylight saving time. The combination of fatigue, low light, and slower reflexes can be deadly. Facing an overnight shift during this time? Check out our safety tips for late-night driving.
How to Manage the Time Change
The good news? A few simple steps can help you adjust more easily and protect your sleep, health, and safety.
For better sleep:
- Stick to a consistent bedtime and wake-up time — even on weekends.
- Avoid napping during the day.
- Skip caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol in the late afternoon and evening.
- Eat lighter dinners and avoid spicy or heavy foods close to bedtime.
- Try gentle yoga, stretching, or meditation before bed.
- Keep screens out of the bedroom and make your space calm and comfortable.
- Get outside in the morning for natural light — or use a light box if it’s still dark.
For a safer drive:
- Clean your windshield, mirrors, and headlights for optimal visibility.
- Adjust your commute, if possible, to avoid driving when you’re most tired.
- Turn on your headlights as soon as dusk hits.
- Reduce your speed and increase following distance.
- Know the signs of stress behind the wheel.
- Make sure your vehicle is fully protected with the right insurance.
Enjoy that “extra” hour — but don’t underestimate its impact. Your body will thank you for a little extra care and consistency as you head into the darker months ahead.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Helpful Tips, Pets, Safety |
Ghosts, goblins, and giggles — Halloween is one of the most magical nights of the year! Between the costumes, candy, and community fun, it’s a night made for memories. But even the most festive fright night needs a few safety tricks to keep the fun from turning into a scare. Whether you’re sending your little pumpkins out to trick-or-treat, wrangling a costumed pup, or decking out your porch for visitors, a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping the night safe and spooktacular.
Little Monsters on the Move (Kids’ Safety Tips)
Keep your little ghouls glowing and grinning from door to door with these safety tips.
- Shine bright! Choose bright, reflective costumes or add glow sticks, light-up accessories, or reflective tape so kids stay visible as they roam.
- Double check the fit. Make sure costumes aren’t too long (no tripping hazards) and choose flame-resistant materials for extra safety.
- Breathe easy. Skip the mask and go for nontoxic face paint — it makes it much easier to see and breathe.
- Add ID. For younger kids, tuck a note with your name and phone number in a pocket, or write it discreetly on their arm — just in case you get separated.
- Stick to sidewalks. Walk on sidewalks whenever possible, and cross only at corners — never between parked cars. Review safety around vehicles with your kids.
- Make a plan. For older trick-or-treaters, set a route, a curfew, and some ground rules: stay in groups, visit only well-lit homes, and never enter a stranger’s car or house.
- Inspect the loot. Once the candy haul is home, check for anything unsealed or suspicious, and watch for choking hazards for younger kids.
- Think outside the block. Not sure about your neighborhood for trick or treating? Check out local mall events or community “Trunk or Treats” for a fun and family-friendly alternative.
Halloween can be confusing for our furry friends — after all, strangers in costumes and ringing doorbells aren’t exactly normal! Help your pets enjoy the night, too.
- Desensitize early. Let them see your costume ahead of time, especially if it includes masks or props. Try feeding them treats while you are in costume to get them accustomed to it.
- Practice door knocks. Have family members or friends simulate trick-or-treaters so your pet gets used to the noise and the routine.
- Create a safe space. Some pets prefer peace and quiet. Set them up in a cozy room with a radio or TV for background comfort during trick or treating hours.
- Keep them secure. Whether it’s behind a baby gate, in a crate, or on a leash, make sure they can’t bolt out an open door, or get slammed by one.
- Reflective is best. If your pet joins you outside, use a reflective leash. Add reflective tape to your dog’s costume or collar for extra visibility.
- Ensure an adult is in control. Even if your child can manage your dog, they are not experienced in how to react should something go wrong.
- Keep an eye on your pet’s mood. Your pet may act differently in a crowd of people with costumes, lights, noise and other stimuli. They may bite or scratch if they feel threatened. If they seem stressed, bring them home.
- No candy, please! Chocolate and artificial sweeteners like xylitol are toxic to pets, so keep those treats out of paw’s reach.
Home Sweet Haunted Home (For Homeowners)
Your home is part of the Halloween magic—make it inviting and safe for trick-or-treaters!
- Light the way. Replace any burnt-out bulbs, sweep away leaves, and clear your walkway of toys, bikes, or tools.
- Flameless fun. Skip open flames in pumpkins and go for battery-operated candles or LEDs instead.
- Decorate safely. Skip flammable décor like cornstalks or hay bales. They can ignite quickly from a warm bulb or stray spark. Choose safer materials to keep your spooky setup fire-free.
- Mind the allergens. Avoid candies with peanuts or tree nuts and consider nonfood treats like stickers or small toys. Did you know that a teal pumpkin on your porch signals that you’re giving out nonfood items for those concerned about allergies?
- Check your systems. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and ensure outdoor cameras and your security system are working.
- Pool precautions. If you have a pool, make sure it’s well-secured and off-limits to curious ghouls. Not only could it pose a danger to them in their Halloween costumes, it could put you, as the homeowner, at risk.
- Stay alert on the road. Driving during trick-or-treat hours? Slow down and keep an eye out for excited kids who may dart into the street.
- Neighborly watch. If you won’t be home during prime candy hours, let a neighbor know so they can keep an eye out. Leave a bowl of treats in a well-lit area for passersby.
Finally, know the Halloween horrors covered by your insurance policy. With a few thoughtful steps, you can make Halloween magical, memorable, and mishap-free. From all of us at California Casualty, have a safe and Happy Halloween!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Helpful Tips, Safety, Travel |
As the temperature drops and the leaves begin to fall, road conditions change in ways that can catch even experienced drivers off guard. Deer are more active, wet leaves can be as slick as ice, and shorter days mean more time driving in the dark. Here’s what to watch for this season—and how to steer clear of danger.
Watch for Deer on the Move
You’ll often see deer during dawn and dusk at the side of the road during the fall months. That’s when they’re foraging for food. Keep a sharp eye out near wooded areas and where deer crossing signs are posted. If you must stop, use your hazard lights to alert other drivers. A few tips to remember:
- Deer travel in groups; if you see one, more are likely close behind.
- Avoid swerving. Swerving can confuse the animal and cause them to run in the wrong direction. It also can put you in the path of oncoming traffic. Instead, slow down in a controlled manner and let the deer pass.
- Know your insurance coverage. Damage from hitting a deer is typically covered by comprehensive insurance—not liability. Check to see if your policy includes it.
Beware of Leaf Trouble
Fallen leaves may look pretty, but they can cause more problems than you might think. Here are just some of the hazards.
Wet Leaves
When wet, leaves can be as slick as ice. They can also block roadside drains, creating puddles and hidden hydroplaning risks. make sure your tires are properly inflated to help maintain grip. If you drive over wet leaves and your tires lose traction:
- Don’t slam the brakes. Ease off the gas. If you need to brake, use a light pumping motion.
- Steer gently in the direction you want to go.
- When you feel the tires connect with the road, you can proceed as normal.
Dry Leaves
Dry leaves and hot car parts don’t mix. Avoid parking over leaf piles. Your exhaust or catalytic converter can ignite them, even if the engine’s off. Also, keep leaves away from garages and undercarriages so there’s no chance that they can cause trouble.
Around Your Car
Leaves can clog air filters, radiators, and windshield gullies. Remove them regularly to prevent foul-smelling moisture buildup and potential damage to your car’s paint or electronics.
Hidden Potholes and Road Hazards
A thick carpet of leaves — or later, snow — can hide potholes, curbs, and lane markings. Drive cautiously and maintain extra distance from the car ahead. Slow down near leaf piles; kids sometimes play in them. And remember, some drivers are more focused on the foliage than the road, so stay alert.
Adjust to Early Darkness
When daylight savings time ends, you may find yourself driving home in the dark more often. Make sure your headlights and brake lights are working properly. Darkness also affects depth perception, so give yourself more space and time to react.
- Drive at a speed where you can stop within your headlight range.
- Use high beams when safe and dim them for oncoming cars.
- Watch for pedestrians and pets, especially during dusk and dawn when visibility is lowest.
Reduce Sun Glare
The sun sits lower in the sky during fall, which means more blinding glare during morning and evening commutes. Keep sunglasses handy, use your visor, and clean your windshield inside and out — streaks and dust scatter light and make it harder to see. Replace your windshield wipers as needed. If glare is intense, slow down and increase your following distance.
Handle Fog and Frost the Right Way
Foggy and frosty fall mornings reduce visibility fast. They can sneak up on your car’s windows as temperatures fluctuate. Don’t drive with foggy or icy glass. Use your defroster and a scraper or try a DIY de-icer (three parts vinegar to one part water).
- If it’s foggy, engage your fog lights to increase visibility. Don’t use your high beams; they have the opposite effect — reflecting off the fog and temporarily blinding you.
- Turn on your defroster or crack a window to balance temperatures and prevent your windshield from fogging.
- Remember: frost on your windshield means it could also be on bridges and overpasses, which freeze first. Proceed with caution.
Keep an Eye on Tire Pressure
Cooler weather means lower tire pressure. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tires can lose about one PSI. Low pressure affects traction, braking, and fuel efficiency, so check often and inflate your tires as needed.
Share the Road with School Buses
Fall also means back-to-school season. Be aware of how that impacts traffic safety and know the rules about school buses:
- Yellow flashing lights: The bus is preparing to stop.
- Red lights and extended stop arm: The bus has stopped for children.
- Always stop — never pass. Watch for kids crossing the street or walking near the bus and remember that visibility is lower in early morning and late afternoon light.
Don’t Forget Your Insurance
Even the most cautious drivers can’t prevent every accident. Make sure your auto insurance is up to date so that you have peace of mind when the unexpected happens.
Safe travels this season!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
