Caring for a dog is not an easy or a cheap task. According to Money Helper, getting a dog alone can cost you £50 to £1,000. There are several expenses to take into account such as food, bedding, toys, and neutering or spaying. Dog food is £400 per year, while the purchasing of toys, bedding, and leads can also easily add up to another £400. However, there’s an expense that tops everything else: vet visits. As such, many dog owners found a friend in pet insurance. And in our discussion below, we’ll go into more depth on the importance of pet insurance for dogs.
1. It Saves Money
Vet bills can get costly because of the procedures and equipment involved. In our post ‘How Often Should I Take My Dog to the Vet’, we once noted how healthy adult dogs cost $700 (£533) to $1,500 (£1,143) due to annual visits alone. Fortunately, pet insurance provides nearly everything you need, such as tests and cures for common illnesses such as diarrhoea and ear infections.
Moreover, accidents happen no matter how hard you try to avoid them and the medical costs for those are more expensive. Dogs commonly get injuries from sudden impacts like falls, which may need bone resetting, a cast, and physical therapy if necessary. Dogs are also curious creatures, and they may consume foreign objects without you noticing. These may include pieces of debris or household cleaning chemicals that require surgery or stomach fluid extraction. Pet insurance covers them.
2. It Can Include Preventive Care
On the topic of expensive medical bills, certain pet premiums come with preventive care coverage too. More specifically, Sound Dollar states that some providers offer wellness plans where preventive care is covered. This includes routine vaccinations, annual check-ups, stool testing, and prevention medication for heartworm, fleas, and ticks. Depending on the provider, they may also include a DNA test to know the genetic well-being of your dog.
Wellness plans not only save you hospitalisation money, but they will also keep your dog healthy, preventing them from getting illnesses that will require serious medical attention.
3. It’s Customisable According To Your Budget
Depending on the provider, not every pet insurance plan is locked with a specific set of coverage. There are pet insurance plans that allow you to tailor them according to your dog’s needs and your budget. For instance, they can cover accidents only, accidents and illnesses, wellness, and comprehensive care, which will cover most incidents. There are also add-ons according to your preference, such as lost pet advertisements and boarding fees for hospitalisation. You can also decide when to pay the premium; monthly, quarterly, or annually are some of the most common options.
4. It Lessens Your Stress
The knowledge that your dog will be able to receive treatment whenever needed will allow you to worry less. Accidents can happen at any time and illnesses may appear suddenly, so it’s best to rest assured. Likewise, if a time comes when you’re struggling financially, you won’t have to worry about your dog suffering the consequences. Preparing for unexpected circumstances is better than not having taken any measures at all.
Final Word
Like us, dogs can experience sickness and accidents that will need medical treatment. They are valuable pets that should be looked after, and pet insurance can help them get the care they need. For more posts on dog health, check out some of our other articles here at Dog Corner.