Does My Dog Need Pet Insurance?
Updated On: Thursday, December 2, 2021 12:11:19 PM America/Los_Angeles
Pet insurance options have increased hugely within the past decade. However, all the options and endless pages of fine print are enough to overwhelm anybody! Dog owners might be left wondering if insurance is even necessary to keep their precious pups happy and healthy. Read on to learn about factors that will help you decide whether or not pet insurance is right for you and your dog.
Photo by Jamie Street
What Kinds of Pet Insurance Are There?
There’s a pet insurance plan for just about every need. The two main types are accident and illness plans and preventive and wellness plans. Accident and illness plans typically cover expenses associated with unforeseen issues, and wellness plans may cover routine procedures like check-ups and dental cleanings. Luckily, you don’t have to choose one or the other. Most companies offer both as separate plans and you can opt to participate in one or both.
Which Pet Insurance Is the Best for Dogs?
You can determine the best plan for your pup by taking a couple of things into consideration such as:
- Overall health: Does your dog have a chronic illness or a special need? Or is your fur baby relatively healthy and do they visit the vet only for regular check-ups? If the latter is true, a more cost-effective wellness plan may be the thing to keep them healthy for years to come.
- Breed: Even if your dog is healthy now, purebreds are predisposed to breed-specific ailments. It may be wise to get pet insurance during early adulthood in preparation for any issues that may arise as they get older.
- Age: Certain ailments like heart disease and arthritis are bound to affect some dogs as they age. Signing up for insurance later in a dog’s life can put owners’ minds at ease and help them provide the best care possible without worrying about finances.
- Activity level: Like rambunctious kids, active doggos are more prone to mishaps. If you have a dog that routinely comes home from an excursion with injured paws or strained muscles, insurance might come in handy.
- Environment: Does your dog go outside to go potty, or are they potty trained to use a pee pad? Lifestyle factors such as this can affect your furry one’s health. For instance, a dog who lives in a wooded area and has gotten used to going potty around real grass outdoors is more exposed to parasites. Compared to dogs who only use an indoor dog bathroom, this increases chances of parasite-related diseases such as Lyme disease.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Dog pawrents can get a better sense of if and when pet insurance is a necessity after considering their dog’s health holistically. Taking into account various aspects such as those listed above will help you figure out what kind of insurance your dog needs and when the most practical time to begin coverage is.
