Dog Insurance: Why You Should Have Dog Health Insurance

If you have taken out dog insurance to cover the veterinary costs you may incur for your dog or puppy, then you're in the minority. The majority of pet owners never think about dog insurance - until, that is, they receive a vet bill in the hundreds, or thousands, of dollars. And to think that dog health insurance would have covered those fees!

And how easy is it for a dog to break his or her leg, do you think? Well, just as with humans, bone breakages in dogs happen every single day, and they can occur in your back yard and inside your house, as well as outside while exercising your dog in the park or at the beach. So how much do you think that broken bone might cost in veterinary fees? Well, the average vet cost for a broken bone is $900.00. By comparison, the monthly premium for dog insurance is just a few dollars, and you're covered for every eventuality.

Dog Health Insurance

Look into the different types of dog insurance plans available. The same as with other types of insurance, dog insurance policies do vary, so it's wise to compare a couple before you buy. All good dog insurance policies should cover the following items:

Spaying/Neutering: Unless you are a serious breeder then it is only ethical that you have your dog spayed or neutered. Your dog health insurance plan may cover up to 100% of the cost. And remember, having your dog fixed helps keep animal population under control and reduces the chances of dogs roaming the streets looking for a mate, often resulting in injuries due to fighting or other accidents.

Prescription Flea Control: Some dogs just don't respond adequately to over-the-counter flea remedies. And fleas must be taken seriously, not only for your dog's comfort, but because they also carry various diseases and encourage other parasites. Dog insurance plans may cover the costs of the more potent prescription flea control products.

Annual Veterinary Examination: This is essential for all dogs, even if you think your dog is in peak health. The annual checkup can identify illness and disease before it progresses into something much worse, so that treatment can start at the earliest opportunity. Many dog insurance policies cover the annual veterinary examination costs.

Heartworm Medication: If you forget your heartworm prevention meds, your dog may contract heartworm. This condition is more prevalent than most people realize. And it's expensive to treat. Your dog health insurance plan is likely to cover this cost also.

Lab Costs: Blood tests and other lab work is covered by most dog health insurance plans. You never know when your vet may want to order blood work - especially if serious diseases are suspected, such as diabetes or heartworm.

Teeth Cleaning: Having your dog's teeth cleaned probably never occurred to you, but this service is something you can take advantage of by enrolling in a dog insurance plan. It is refreshing to know that you can have your dog or puppy's dental work maintained and keep his gums and teeth healthy for years to come.

Hospitalization Fees: Accidents and illnesses do have a habit of occurring when you least expect them. And they can be very expensive, as already noted. There is also the possiblity of complications of other procedures, such as de-sexing procedures or even teeth cleaning. Complications of surgery may require that your dog have blood transfusions or be monitored in intensive care. Now that's a big expense. So instead of being landed with an exorbitant vet bill, your dog insurance will cover you.