The H3N8 influenza virus – or canine flu – affects dogs of all ages and can cause serious flu-like symptoms for a couple weeks. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a flu vaccine for canines, but not every dog may need it.

Angie’s List, the nation's premier provider of consumer reviews, surveyed highly rated veterinarians nationwide to get the details on what dog owners need to know about canine influenza.

Dogs MOST at Risk of Canine Influenza:

• Young and older dogs are more susceptible to the more serious form of the disease.
• If you’ve recently adopted a dog from an animal shelter, rescue group or pet store, it has a higher risk of coming in contact with the canine flu virus.
• Other high risk areas for dogs include dog parks, kennels, and doggie daycare.
• If you live in (or your dog has recently visited) Colorado, Florida, New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, your dog has a higher risk of getting the virus. More cases have been reported in these areas.

What to Do if Your Dog Exhibits Flu Symptoms:

• Symptoms in dogs include a persistent cough and runny nose along with a fever and could last at least 10 days.
• Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog is coughing. Inform the office staff so they can avoid spreading the disease in the waiting room.
• Local veterinarians know how high the influenza risk is for their practice areas. Discuss whether your dog needs the vaccine.
• Dogs that already have the flu may need the vaccine because it can reduce the duration and severity of illness.
• Use grooming facilities and boarding facilities which are reputable and at which you feel comfortable. Ask the facilities what steps they will take if dogs appear ill.

With health care reform on the minds of so many decisions makers in government and the health care industry, there’s never been a better bargaining time for patients.

Angie’s List 10 Tips to Save on Health Care:

1. The man or woman behind the curtain: Find out what current or past patients are saying about the billing office and general bedside manner of doctors before you even go to the office. Doctors are just now starting to be open to price negotiation. If bargaining is important to you, find a doctor who’s willing to engage rather than one who isn’t.
2. Forewarned is forearmed: Check the Angie’s List Healthcare Blue Book tool to determine what insurers in your home town are willing to pay doctors for the treatment you need. Knowing what you should be charged can help you negotiate.
3. Cash in king: You may save up to 50 percent of the normal charges if you can pay your medical bill upfront and in cash. You may be charged more if you use a debit or rewards card. Ask about discounts and payment options. Don’t be afraid to bring up the idea of a discount; some doctors will do it if asked, but few are advertising that option. Be sure to follow all applicable health insurance rules.
4. Never too late: Even if you didn’t bargain ahead of time, you can still bargain for a better deal once you’ve received treatment. Be honest and up front with the billing agents about what you can pay and when. They may offer you no-interest payment plans or discounts on the service you received.
5. Virtual visits: Some doctors offer virtual visits where they “see” their patients online, a convenience that generally cost less than $40. Online medical services often allow patients to schedule appointments, refill prescriptions and even chat live with a doctor. Some insurance cover these visits, but they may be cheaper than an office call, even with insurance. Nearly 90 percent of polled Angie’s List members say they’d use the online services if they were offered.
6. Get quotes in writing: If you are price shopping before you have a procedure done, get a signature, name and title to go along with the price quoted.
7. Cover every doctor in the room and the facility cost where treatment is given: When getting prices, be sure you cover all fees associated with your procedure, rather than just the surgical costs. (i.e. anesthesiologist, radiologist, facility fee, lab costs, etc.)
8. Be polite: Don’t be overly aggressive in seeking a discount. If you cannot afford what you need done, tell your provider. Some medical practices will alert you to payment options, but some may not be actively promoting them. Start with the office clerk you’d normally check out with, but don’t be afraid to ask for a billing manager if you don’t feel like you’re getting a full answer.
9. Review all the paperwork: If a bill seems out of line, ask about it. Check around to determine if the bill is in line with what other facilities charge. Call the billing department armed with your information and ask for the lower charge.
10. Call in expert help: Medical billing is so complex that it’s spawned a new industry of professional bill reviewers, sometimes called medical billing advocates. These specialists are trained to look for incorrect billing codes and duplicate charges. Check credentials before you hire, though. Experts say advocates average recovery of 17 to 49 percent and charge an average contingency fee of about 30 percent. Some charge flat fees, as well.

Getting a furnace inspection, replacing filters, raking leaves and checking gutters are common tasks associated with autumn. But there are other just-as-important tasks that could easily be overlooked.  

Angie’s List, the nation’s premier provider of consumer reviews on local service companies, including heating and cooling, landscaping and auto repair shops, offers 10 tips to add to your fall checklist.

1. Inspect your foundation: Foundation cracks can lead to moisture problems and more significant structure damage.  Walk around your home’s exterior and look for cracks, usually formed in a stair-step pattern.  Foundation repairs can be done easily and for little money – if the problem is addressed early on.  Left to linger, structural repairs can cost several thousand dollars.
2. Weather-strip windows and doors: Caulk, seal and weather-strip doors and windows where drafts are detected.  Find drafts by walking through your home with a lit stick of incense.  Drafts will pull the smoke that direction, making it easier to determine where the cold air is seeping in. Sealing up those drafty areas is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to save on heating costs.  If your windows are drafty, it’s a great time to buy new, energy efficient models that will help lower your energy costs.  Qualifying windows and doors are eligible for a 30 percent tax credit up to $1,500 through the end of 2010.
3. Insulate your pipes: Dealing with a burst pipe in the dead of winter is no fun.  Insulate vulnerable pipes now – like those located outside, in garages and under sinks – to avoid damage from freezing temperatures.  It’s easy to do and costs a whole lot less than an emergency plumbing call.
4. Go green, save green: Determine the energy efficiency of your home with an energy audit, a process that assesses how much energy your home uses and recommends measures you can take to improve efficiency. Contact your utility company to see if they offer free or discounted home energy audits. Finding ways to reduce your energy consumption can save you big on your bills.
5. Check your deck: Leaves that accumulate on decks can lead to algae, mildew and mold, plus cause the wood to rot.  Inspecting, repairing, cleaning and sealing a deck before the winter hits can ensure it’s safe and ready to be used when spring returns. Service pros recommend fall as the best time to seal – rather than spring – so your deck is protected from ice and snow – it’s often hard to schedule them right before summer returns, when people remember their decks need attention.
6. Before you light that fire: Have your fireplace and chimney inspected to avoid potential fire hazards because of creosote buildup, which can diminish your chimney’s ability to direct toxic gases and smoke out of your home.
7. Mind your yard: Part of having a beautiful yard in the spring and summertime involves taking care of it during the colder months. If your lawn is properly winterized, it has a better shot at surviving the colder temperatures and it will be more likely to flourish when spring arrives.  Fall fertilization is important so your lawn will have nutrients to feed off during the winter months.   Aerate your lawn in the fall for good root development.  Grass should be mowed until it stops growing and be kept 2 to 2-1/2 inches tall.
8. Gauge your garage: You probably won’t think much about your garage door this winter, unless it freezes. Fall is a good time to have your garage door inspected before the cold weather hits.  An inspection should include adjusting of springs and cables, lubricating of moving parts, tightening of all hardware, track and hinges, inspecting the safety sensors and opener gears.
9. Ready your ride: Most miles are put on a car over the summer, and that can take a toll.  You’ll need your car working at its optimum performance when winter rolls around. Schedule a tune-up now to avoid being stuck on the side of the highway in freezing temps.  Be sure to check the air filter, spark plugs, fuel filter, distributor cap, and the battery.
10. Plan ahead for the holidays: Plan on being away for the holidays?  Better schedule that pet or house sitter now before they fill up.  The same if you need a holiday housecleaning service, caterer or want someone to hang your decorative lights.

Need a new house plant to spruce up your space? Before buying the perfect one, keep your pet in mind — that new plant could be poisonous to your cat or dog.

Here are a few things every good pet owner should know.

What plants are toxic?
Lilies, sago palms, tulips, azaleas, oleanders, castro beans, cyclamen, kalanchoe, yew, amaryllis, autumn crocus, chrysanthemum, English ivy, pathos and schefflera are all harmful to cats and dogs if ingested. For a complete list of poisonous plants, visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals website.

What should I do if my pet ingests a poisonous plant?
Dr. Theresa Luley of Indianapolis, a highly rated vet on Angie’s List, says it’s first important to know what kind of plant your pet actually ate. If possible, bring a sample of the plant if you have to make that emergency visit.

Your veterinarian will know what toxic chemicals are present or have a guide on hand to identify the plant. If you cannot get a hold of your vet, you can also call the ASPCA 24-hour emergency poison hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

How do I keep my pet from eating a poisonous plant?
Dr. Luley suggest that pet owners put plants in baskets higher than the pet can reach. Cats are particularly nimble, so be sure that the pot is high enough that they can not jump or climb to the plant. Pet owners may also want to consider using a heavy pot so pets won’t be able to knock the plant over.

Cars aren’t meant to last forever – so how do you know when it’s time to repair or replace?

Studies suggest the average owner keeps a vehicle about 9 years, but an informal survey of more than a dozen auto service specialists say many of their customers are keeping their vehicles for even longer than that. That’s a lot of oil changes, tune ups, tire changes, air conditioning service and other general repair work.

Where there is no hard or fast rule, Angie's List, the nation’s premier provider of consumer reviews on local service companies, asked it’s highly rated auto service companies for advice.

There are two factors to consider when making a decision:

• Affordability: When two consecutive years of repairs exceed the annual cost of a replacement vehicle – including payment, increased insurance cost, maintenance and service – it’s time to go car shopping.
• Safety: Your car’s chassis structure, sometimes called the frame, is designed to help absorb impact during an accident and damage to it could compromise safety for everyone in the car. That chassis can rust from exposure to water, salt, air and smog. When rust to the vehicle body or chassis becomes extreme or unsafe structurally, it is time to replace the vehicle. Also, if you have an older car without some key safety features like airbags, you might want to consider an upgrade. Stop and think about how you feel about your car, too. Do you still trust it to be safe for you and your family? Or, do you feel like there’s always something wrong with it?

Keeping your car in top running condition is vital and will save you money in the long run:

1. Oil Changes: Oil is the engine’s blood, and is critical to a car’s long life. Your vehicle’s oil should be changed depending on your driving habits, typically every 3,000-7,000 miles or around 3-6 months. You should check your oil about every 1,000 miles.
2. Tire Maintenance: Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping and traction of your vehicle. Tire pressure should be set to the manufacturer’s specification. Tires that are over or under inflated wears tires out faster, affect fuel consumption, and are a safety hazard. Rotate and balance your tires every 6,000-8,000 miles and get an alignment check every year to make sure there are not suspension problems.
3. Fluids: Transmission fluid, break fluid, and coolant can break down over time and lose their effectiveness. All fluids should be checked and topped off every oil change. Have your transmission fluid flushed out every 50,000 miles, depending on your driving habits.
4. Brake Check: Brake inspection should be part of your vehicle’s ongoing maintenance to ensure safety and reliability. You should have your brakes inspected at least once a year; more often if you experience grinding or shaking when you break. Regardless of care, brakes will likely need to be replaced every 20,000-30,000 miles.
5. Scheduled Maintenance: Failure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule could lead to breakdowns, poor fuel economy, and a higher cost of ownership in the long run. Having a certified professional inspect your car according to these schedules is an opportunity to catch problems before they get you stuck or escalate into larger repairs. Build a relationship with a shop or mechanic. Bouncing from shop to shop may save a few dollars on particular jobs, but in the end the only one who will have any responsibility for the condition of the car will be you. A good mechanic, who is familiar with your needs, your expectations, and your car, will help you get the most from your car.

There’s a green menace that may be lurking in your trees and it’s spreading. If you have ash trees around your home, the Emerald ash borer (EAB) may be destroying them.

The Emerald ash borer is a beetle that chews up ash trees quickly. The little larvae feed on the bark of ash trees. The hungry bugs destroy a tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.

Angie’s List, the nation’s leader in consumer reviews, surveyed about a dozen highly rated arborists who say more people are calling them for help to identify EAB. Here’s advice on how to spot the green menace.

Signs of Emerald Ash Borer Infestation:

• Hear a Tapping Sound? Increased woodpecker activity around your ash trees may indicate the borers are present. Woodpeckers dig into the tree to eat EAB larvae.
• Looking Thin: Look at the top third of the tree. If you notice the canopy thinning or dying back, it’s a sign the beetles have arrived and are prohibiting water and nutrients from getting to that part of the ash tree.
• Give me a D: When adult Emerald ash borers emerge from inside the tree, they leave D-shaped holes. Sometimes the holes look like a D with the flat side down. Adult activity is usually noticed June through August.

Finding the problem early is essential, say arborists. Treatments are always more cost-effective than having the tree removed.

Right now, the most effective treatment is a series of injections into the tree. You’ll need a tree service to do this for you and expect several treatments to make sure the borer is gone. The injections range in cost from $7 to $16 per trunk diameter inch. Removing the tree could cost thousands of dollars depending on its size. The key to saving the tree without spending a fortune is finding the right tree service to help.

Why Hire an Arborist?
An arborist is a specialist in the care of individual trees and they are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.

• Membership Card: Ask if the tree service has members in professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). This demonstrates a willingness on the part of the arborist to stay up to date on the latest techniques and information.
• Certified: Find out if the tree service has an ISA-certified arborist on staff. Certified Arborists have passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care.
• Ask for proof of insurance: A reputable arborist carries personal and property damage insurance as well as workers compensation insurance. You could be held responsible for damages and injuries by an uninsured contractor.

Whether they slither, creep, crawl or fly, uninvited members of the animal kingdom aren’t just annoying, they can cause a lot of damage to your home. Squirrels, rats and mice will chew through wires, causing electrical issues. Raccoons and opossums can tear holes in the roof and chimney caps. Snakes are just icky.

Some wild animals will attack if you try to scoot them back into the wild on your own, and their droppings can worsen or cause serious illnesses.  But overreacting and dialing for help in a blind panic could hurt you, too.

Angie's List is the nation's premier provider of consumer reviews on local service companies including animal removal.

What to know before you hire an animal removal company:

• Full service vs. basics: Some companies focus only on the animal and provide no repair work to keep future critters out of your home. Know what you want before you call so you don’t waste your time. Regardless of whether your critter catcher does the repair work, you do need to close up the entry points and repair any damage the animal caused during its stay with you.
• Methodology: Some companies offer humane trapping and relocation vs. more lethal means of ridding your home of the unwanted animal. Some offer alternatives to poisons, as well. Know what you want beforehand, so you don’t have to bear witness to an execution if you’d rather set the critter free somewhere far away from your home.
• Size matters: Some companies focus on small animals while others will handle only with those squirrel-sized or larger. Companies focusing on bugs and rodents might not deal with wild animals at all.  Know the service offered by your prospective critter catcher before you go to the trouble of a house call.
• Pricing: Often consumers call thinking they have one wild beast to deal with only to find out whole families or a few species have moved in. Most companies charge by the number of large animals, although some will count babies as one adult rather than charge you individually for their removal.
• Dead or alive: Animal removal companies will often step in to remove carcasses that local governmental agencies (usually called Animal Control) will not. This may involve having to get into crawl spaces, attics, or break through walls, so be prepared for additional costs depending on how difficult it is to reach the critter. It’s a good idea to get the carcass removed because the decaying process isn’t just smelly, it creates a big mess that can cause health hazards.
• Stay or go: While you may want to live and let live, having a wild animal – or a flock of them – live in your home is a bad idea. Chewed wires can lead to electrical fires or damage, droppings can cause serious health issues and infestations can result in roof damage and leaks that can lead to more serious damage.

How do you know if a pest if living rent-free in your home? Angie's List suggests checking these areas:

• Attic: Check the attic floor and insulation for animal feces. Look for any outside light leaking in, which will indicate holes. You can test if a hole is being used by an animal placing flour in front of any holes and checking for footprints or stuff the hole loosely with a paper towel. If it gets pushed in or out, assume an animal is present. Even if the paper stays in place or you have no flour footprints – close the hole up.
• Pipes: Look inside your home behind appliances and anywhere else pipes enter. These are common entry points for mice.
• Decking: The area under the deck is a popular hangout for raccoons.

Follow these Angie’s List tips for keeping animals out.

• Roof & siding: Look for loose vent screens, warped siding or holes. Make repairs once you have checked the attic and cleared out any critters.
• Chimney: An easy way to keep animals out is to install a chimney cap. Keep your flue closed when not in use.
• Pet doors: While these can be a great convenience for you and your pet; they can also be an entryway for unwanted wildlife. Consider electronic pet doors instead of the traditional flaps.
• Trash: Just like people, animals are drawn to the smell of food. Always secure trash containers. Put out trash the morning of collection instead of the night before.
• Trees & landscape: Keep trim limbs trimmed and away from your house. Accessible branches give animals a gateway to your roof. Cover and secure compost piles.  
• Fill gaps and cracks: Mice can get through a crack as small as a quarter of an inch big. Check the perimeter outside your home for holes, gaps and deteriorated weather

Outdoor play sets come in a variety of styles and a wide price range. Parents can choose from traditional swings and slides to rings, towers, forts, etc. You can find sets as low as $200 to more elaborate sets costing thousands of dollars.

Angie’s List is the nation's premier provider of consumer reviews on local service companies including playground equipment.

Common materials for outdoor play sets:

• Plastic: A popular material for toddlers.
• Wood: Wooden sets typically support 120 pounds or more per child and last about 15-20 years. When selecting a wooden set, ask what the wood has been treated with and be sure to avoid such treatments that contain arsenic or chromium. Consider redwood and cedar - they are good at repelling insects and are less likely to splinter.
• Metal: More cost efficient, but weather may wear them down faster Look for a set made of heavy duty galvanized steel with a lifetime guarantee against rust.

Before you purchase and outdoor play set, Angie's List says consider these tips:

• Size up your yard: Your yard will determine the type of playground equipment you choose. Consider the size of the unit in comparison to your lawn. You don’t want the play set to take up the whole backyard. There are many smaller sets available – not all playground equipment is gigantic. Avoid sloping areas to help prevent equipment from tipping over. Select an area that is away from trees, wires, etc. Position the equipment away from direct sunlight.
• Do you have clearance? The homeowner is responsible for permits, approval from homeowner’s associations, etc. Check that you have clearance to build the set.
• Playground design: As you choose the play area, consider picking a spot that will keep children out of the sun. You also want a spot where it is easy to keep watch over them. Lay out your playground allowing at least 6 feet of open space around the equipment. Also, choose a location with proper drainage.
• Ask your kids: As you browse playground sets, consider whether it will easily transform as your child grows. Have your children test the equipment in various materials since they will be using the equipment. Are they climbers? Do they enjoy pretend play, or want to play in the sand? Choose equipment based on your child’s age and equipment that it meets the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines.
• Playground costs: There is a variety in costs for different materials. Do you have the skills o build the set or will you hire help? Ask if the set is delivered and installed by an installation crew or left for you to set up.
• Factor in safety: Injuries from falls can be reduced by placing your equipment on softer surfaces such as wood/rubber mulch and sand. Materials should be 9-12 inches deep. Add more material to the surface once or twice a year.
• Maintenance checkup: Weather can affect the condition of the play set. Periodic hardware tightening is required and sealing the set is strongly suggested. It’s also a good idea to regularly check the set for frayed ropes, signs of rot and peeling paint. Occasional sanding may be needed if the wood becomes splintered.

Angie’s List tips for saving money on outdoor play sets:

• A great way to save money on playground equipment is buying a used set. We’ve heard from highly-rated companies on Angie’s List who move their sets from one location to another. Their installers know how to dismantle equipment so re-assembly is easier and they know how to level according to the yard. One Angie’s List member was able to save thousands of dollars and tons of manual labor by on a swing set by buying a used set, and having a professional move it across town. The cost of the swing set would have been more than $3,300. The member had the swing set moved to her home and the best part about it is that the set has a lifetime warranty. Before the company moved the swing set, they inspected it and replaced any pieces of wood or joint fixtures that needed to be repaired or replace – at no cost to the member. So after the swing set was moved, they gave it the once over with the power washer and a fresh coat of stain – they had spent less than $1,000.  That is more than $2000 in savings!
• There are companies and sell and install new equipment and others that just install the equipment you buy from a separate store. A professional playground installer can save you time, money and take the stress out of a large backyard project. While it may seem like more money up front, consider that it may take you a day or more to install, but will only take a professional installer a few hours. And if you’re thinking about installing the playground equipment yourself you need to be really honest about your skills and your time commitment. This is not something that you can put up overnight.

For more advice on playground equipment, watch this video.

Back to school shopping is about more than paper, pencils and fall clothes. It’s also a good time to check that your computer is ready for the wear and tear of the upcoming school year.

Angie's List is the nation's premier provider of consumer reviews on local service companies, including computer repair service.

Angie's List Tips for Computer Repair:

1. Call several computer repair companies to ask about their diagnostic and repair fees. Get an estimate of what repairs will cost before you authorize any work done. Get all guarantees in writing. If the repair will cost more than half the cost of a new computer, you’re probably better off replacing it altogether
2. Before you hire a computer repair service, back up your data and delete any sensitive information.
3. Update all of your virus and spyware software and install all other necessary updates. It’s not always the best choice to buy spyware and antivirus software from where you bought your computer. Usually those programs can be very expensive while free programs are available online.
4. Back to school season is a peak time for computer repairs. If your computer needs service or repair work, call late July or early August at the latest. It’s better to find out before the homework starts that computer problems could derail your straight “A” student.

If you decide to replace your computer, take into consideration your and your family’s needs.

1. If it's for school, don’t wait until the last minute to buy. Give yourself at least a month before school starts, if possible, so you can install everything that you need, download old files and get comfortable with the new computer.
2. Desktop or laptop? It really depends on who will be using it and under what conditions. While a laptop is more convenient than a desktop, laptops are also more expensive and fragile.
3. Back up, back up, back up. An external hard drive is relatively inexpensive considering your child won’t be scrambling to rewrite that 20 page term paper when the computer crashes.

• Make the environment in which a child learns one where he or she can focus and feel supported. Oftentimes a student will fear failure, but if help is available immediately and the child knows this, he or she is much less likely to allow emotional aspects of school affect their cognitive ability.
• It is important to tailor a tutoring session to the individual student. If that student feels more comfortable in a group of students and thrives off competition, then a group session is best. If a student is shy about her or his academic prowess, then individual tutoring is probably in order.
  
• Put your child on a school schedule. Include bedtime, wake-up time, mealtime and study time, prior to the first day of school to help ease him or her back into a routine.
  
• Make sure your child studies or is tutored in between semesters. This will help so that he or she doesn’t lose the knowledge they’ve gained. Read books that are appropriate grade level, do something with math like multiplication tables, counting money or word problems.
  
• Go over school skills with your kids whenever you get a chance. Have them do math in their heads at the checkout counter of the grocery store, read billboards aloud when you’re driving in the car, or help you measure out ingredients in the kitchen. They’ll love the attention and it will keep their skills sharp.
  
• Have an older sibling read aloud to a younger sibling. It creates a sense of accomplishment and maturity. Also, have a family reading time when the children can read aloud. Review your child’s textbooks and look for the additional resources that often go along it.
• Interview the tutor. Have your child present to get a feel for how their personalities would mesh.
  
• Check the tutor’s credentials. Contact references and check Angie’s List for reports on the tutor, and read the fine print on any contract before entering into a hiring agreement with a tutor.
  
• Don't be afraid to shop around. Tutoring can range from $25 to $50 per hour. The price can vary depending on the type of tutoring and the level.