10 Reasons All Animal Owners Should Get Pet Insurance

Pets are not mere animals, when you take them into your home, they become family members. Pet insurance is a must-have if you care for your pet as if it were a member of your family. Pet insurance works just like health insurance for people. It allows you to get reimbursed for eligible medical expenses when you visit the veterinary. Learn more about this type of insurance and why pet owners should get one.

1. Insurance Covers Your Pet in Case of Accidents and Illnesses
If you take out pet insurance, you are covered in case of accidents and illness. The insurer will reimburse you for the eligible costs you pay at the veterinary if your cat or dog falls ill or is injured. Pet insurance is useful at any age because unfortunate events such as car accidents can affect any pets, especially those that also spend time outdoors. If your pet gets hit by a car or suffers injuries due to other types of accidents, the consequences can be severe and they might require surgery and long-term treatment. CT scans and X-rays alone can cost hundreds of dollars, while surgery can easily reach thousands of dollars.

Treatment for chronic diseases such as heart or thyroid conditions can also prove expensive. These require continuous medication that can cost hundreds of dollars per year. Pet insurance can help you reduce the amount you need to pay based on your coverage limit.

2. It Helps Extend Your Pet's Lifespan
Regular veterinary visits are recommended for dogs, cats, and other common pets. The minimum frequency is a visit per year. During these regular checkups, the vet will examine your pet and let you know whether they need any special diet or treatment.

These checkups are essential to catch early signs of disease and start applying preventive care treatment. On these occasions, the vet can also administer the necessary annual vaccinations and deworming treatment. Essentially, these vet visits can extend your pet’s life and ensure they stay healthy and happy for as long as possible.

Pet insurance can help you cover some of the costs associated with routine health care, especially if you choose a wellness plan. This type of insurance covers grooming, annual checkups, and several other costs. Some of the services included in pet wellness plans are:

- Deworming treatment 
- Heartworm tests 
- Vaccines 
- Annual vet visits 
- Spaying and neutering 
- Blood work 
- Fecal exams 
- Behavioral therapy 
- Grooming 
- Acupuncture 
- Massage therapy 
- Dental care 
- Microchipping 

Pet wellness plans can be added to a basic insurance plan. One aspect to keep in mind is the reimbursement limits. Some plans have per-item limitations meaning that they cover specific expenses up to a certain limit. For example, you might get a cap on dental cleaning services or vaccination. Compare different plans and choose the one you think will benefit your pet and your finances the most. 

3. Pet Insurance Helps You Be Prepared for the Unexpected 
You never know when your beloved pet falls ill, even if you’re diligent about their care and always on the lookout for symptoms. Moreover, you cannot prevent or predict accidents that might cause your pet injuries that require immediate medical attention. The cost of treatment and rehabilitation can be overwhelming. Just like getting health insurance for yourself and your family, pet insurance helps you be prepared for unexpected medical bills that can take a great share of your savings if you don't have any coverage. 

4. Pet Health Care Costs Are Rising 
Prices are constantly increasing in all industries and pet health care is no exception. The average American pet owner spends around $500 on their pet per year. This is another reason to get pet insurance sooner rather than later so you avoid spending more money further down the line if your pet gets sick or suffers an accident.

Only routine vet visits cost more than $240 per year for dogs and almost $180 for cats according to the 2021-2022 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey. If you want to add other services as part of your pet's routine care, you can pay thousands of dollars per year. For example, dental cleaning for dogs costs between $500-$1000. Dog grooming costs up to $75 depending on the dog's size. All these costs easily add up at the end of the year and pet insurance can ease this financial burden. 

5. Pet Insurance Is Flexible
Another advantage of pet insurance is that you can customize your plan depending on your pet's age, health, and of course, your finances. If you have a dog with long hair, for example, you might want to get a wellness plan that can cover the grooming costs. These pet insurance plans also include other routine care expenses and can even cover diet foods or supplements. So, if your cat has kidney problems or a skin allergy and needs a special type of food, you can get a wellness plan that covers this expense.

You can add different riders to a basic insurance policy to get coverage for different veterinary costs. Moreover, you can customize your coverage limit and take out insurance for several pets, which can also give you some discounts. 

6. Pet Insurance Is Easy to Use 
Pet insurance is not hard to use. After comparing different plans and choosing the one you find most suitable for your pet, you have to pay for the insurance coverage monthly. The insurance company will calculate the value of your monthly premiums based on your pet's age, breed, and your zip code. When you go to the vet, you'll pay for their services regularly and then submit a claim to the insurance company with the proof of payment and wait for the reimbursement. 

7. You Can Choose Any Veterinary
Pet insurance is also flexible in terms of vet choices. No matter what plan you opt for, you are not forced to choose a certain veterinarian. You can go to any vet’s office, pay for their service, and then submit your reimbursement claim to the insurance company.

Being able to choose any vet allows you to offer your pet the best care. You can take your dog for grooming to a certain vet and for regular checkups, deworming and vaccination to another one, it’s entirely up to you. 

Some insurers have a network of veterinarians. If you choose one of their vets, you can walk out of their office without paying a dime as the company will pay the vet directly for the eligible services up to your coverage amount. 

8. You Don’t Have to Tap Into Your Savings Account
If your pet suffers injuries in an accident or develops a severe condition, you might have to pay thousands of dollars to get them diagnosed and treated. Without an insurance plan, you have to pay these costly expenses all by yourself. This might mean tapping into your savings account, which is something you might not want to do if you are saving money for a house down payment, college, or another goal. Pet insurance eliminates the unpleasant situation when you have to choose between your pet and your wallet. 

9. Insurance Is Important for Older Pets
Pets have a different life expectancy depending on their overall health, genetic factors, and their breed. However, the older they get, the more likely they are to start developing different conditions.

For example, dogs, especially large breeds, are more at risk of ligament problems as they get older. 
Cats are not devoid of age-related health problems either. Many of these pets start having kidney issues and urinary tract infections as they age and the kidneys stop functioning properly. Heart diseases, diabetes, and cancer are just some of the serious conditions both dogs and cats can get diagnosed with as they get older.

Treating these conditions or at least keeping them under control can require thousands of dollars in medical bills. Pet insurance helps you be prepared for any pet health problems and related medical care costs. 

10. You Gain Peace of Mind
Having a cat or a dog is great, but it comes at a cost. When pets become family members, you have the responsibility to take care of them. This implies a lot of different aspects from training them to giving them healthy food and taking them to the vet for routine checkups. Pet insurance can help you with all these expenses by providing you coverage for a wide range of services from behavioral therapy to diet food and supplements and other vet expenses.

Besides helping you minimize the toll pet health care can take on your finances, an insurance plan also provides peace of mind. Knowing your pet is insured in case of any medical emergency can be a comforting thought, especially if it’s old or its breed makes it more prone to developing certain conditions.

Conclusion 

Pet insurance has got your furry friend covered in case of illness or accidents. Moreover, there are also wellness pet insurance plans that cover a wide range of vet expenses including behavioral therapy, grooming, vaccinations, blood work, and plenty more. Pet insurance is flexible and can offer you peace of mind. With this insurance, your pet is well taken care of in case of emergency while your finances remain intact.

Everything You Need to Know About Bulldog Pet Insurance

Bulldogs are some of the most popular dog breeds in the world. With their distinguishable look and lovable personalities, they make great companions. These furry buddies with wrinkled faces and wide mandibles are great around children and adults alike. They are sweet, loving, and courageous. To enjoy their company to the fullest and have them by your side for as long as possible, it’s important to know the main health issues that can affect these dogs and get the proper pet insurance that can cover any medical expenses related to them. Learn more about this breed and how pet insurance for bulldogs works.

Bulldog Characteristics 

Many traits set these funny dogs apart, starting with the wrinkles on their faces and their short tails. Bulldogs are also recognized by their pushed-in noses. These dogs have wide and strong mandibles, eyes that some would describe as big and sad, with skin folds on their brows. Bulldogs’ eyes are dark and their noses also have a peculiar look due to their folds. The skin that hangs right under their necks gives this breed a slightly tired look, but this is just their appearance.

Another characteristic that sets this breed apart is its robust body. Bulldogs have wide shoulders. These stout dogs with small ears have an average height of 17 inches and usually weigh around 39-55 pounds. Bulldogs have short, straight, and fine hair that looks very glossy and can vary in color from different nuances of brown to red and white. Their coat can also have patterns, with the tipping often painted in black.

If you get a bulldog, you should also know that the average lifespan for this dog is between 8 to 10 years according to most sources, although some provide an average lifespan of up to 12 years. Because bulldogs become full family members once you take them in, it’s important to offer them proper preventive care to ensure they live as long as possible. Pet insurance can help you handle both predictable and unpredictable vet expenses that will be necessary if you get a bulldog.

The Breed’s Origins

These dogs have a long history that can be traced back to the 13^th century. This breed originated in England. During the reign of King John, bulldogs were popular as they were used in a competition called bullbaiting that involved a pack of dogs and a bull. The dogs chased the bull and fought the animal and the spectators placed bets on the outcome. This bloody sport was eventually banned in 1835 in England, so bulldogs gradually lost their popularity and became fewer and fewer up to the point when the breed almost became extinct.

However, there was much more to these dogs than their courage and fighting skills. Dog lovers soon realize that bulldogs were great companions, and started keeping them as pets, which meant the revival of the breed.

Nowadays, the bulldog remains the national dog of England, so it comes as no surprise that it is often referred to as the English bulldog. Nonetheless, it enjoys equal appreciation and popularity in the US and all around the world, being especially famed as a children-friendly breed.

Bulldog’s Temperament and Personality

Bulldogs may seem ill-tempered judging by their looks, but the truth about this breed is that it is one of the most easy-going and affectionate. these dogs are very attached to their owners and like to give and receive love and attention. Bulldogs are friendly pets, which makes them ideal for those who have or plan on having children as there are no reasons to fear the dog will harm them in any way. Moreover, bulldogs are known for their courage, which also makes them great as watchdogs.

Bulldogs usually adapt well to most social circumstances and are more likely to start playing with your friends than bark at them. In fact, these dogs are not quite the barkers, so you are making a good choice if you’re looking for a loyal, kind, and quiet breed.

Bulldogs are great when they’re puppies because they seek love and affection and are not shy. So, you’ll have plenty of chances to socialize with these little bundles of love.

These dogs have moderate energy levels, Therefore, they are an excellent choice for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to walk their dogs and play with them. If you engage a bulldog in playtime, they are likely to get tired after about a quarter of an hour and start napping.

Some Bulldog Personality Flaws

No dog breed is perfect and bulldogs are no exception. Although well-known for their sweet nature and devotion, bulldogs can sometimes give their human companions headaches because of their stubbornness. Moreover, these dogs are not quite the fastest learners. However, after you manage to teach them to do something, you can rest assured they won’t forget it.

Tips for Keeping Your Bulldog Happy and Healthy

Since they easily attach to their master and the whole family if they live with more people, bulldogs are not very happy living separately. If you keep a bulldog outdoors and don’t allow them to spend any time with you inside your house, make sure you give them sufficient attention during the day. Bulldogs thrive in large homes and families where they get all the affection and care they long for. If you’ve never met a bulldog before, you might be surprised to see that these pets easily act as lap dogs, although their size doesn’t quite match this type of affection display.  

Bulldogs are mid-sized dogs, so the quantity of food you give them should be in line with their size, but also with their age. Your vet can tell you if you’re overfeeding your bulldog when you go to regular checkups, which you should do and can easily do if you get pet insurance. Generally, bulldogs need around two cups of dog food per day, or less if they are older and less active.

In terms of exercise, these dogs have average needs, which means you do need to walk them and let them spend some time outdoors daily. You should also play with them as much as you can to make them happy since these dogs seek company.

What Are the  Most Common Bulldog Health Issues?

If you consider a bulldog as your number one pet choice, you should know a bit about these dogs’ most common health issues and how pet insurance can help you prevent or treat them. Eye conditions are some of the most frequent problems affecting these dogs. Bulldogs are prone to suffer from dry eye, cherry eye, ectropion, and other eye diseases.

Breathing problems are also quite common among bulldogs because of their flat face which increases the likelihood of developing brachycephalic syndrome.

Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are some of the most frequent reasons dogs end up in the vet’s office and bulldogs are among the breeds that are likely to suffer from these disorders. Patellar and shoulder luxation, alongside other health problems such as demodicosis, internalized tail, dermatitis, and eczemas are also common bulldog health issues.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It for a Bulldog?

Bulldogs are not among the healthiest breeds. Therefore, it’s essential to take out pet insurance to give them the care they need for a healthy and long life. Pet insurance can cover veterinary expenses related to unpredictable circumstances such as accidents and illness. Unless your dog already suffers from a disease before you sign them up for pet insurance, you will be able to get reimbursed for almost any expenses related to newly diagnosed diseases such as cancer, which can cost thousands of dollars in treatment.

High medical costs are the main reason why you should get pet insurance for bulldogs. Diseases and accidents often come at the worst and most unpredictable moments. It might be hard to pay the full cost of the necessary vet services that can save your pet’s life out of your pocket. Pet insurance can ease this financial burden and cover a large share of these expenses, depending on your deductible and coverage limit. It can offer your furry companion the care they need to get better after an accident or cope with a condition. In exchange, you only have to pay a small amount in monthly premiums, which usually range from $30 to $50.

Pet insurance can provide you peace of mind knowing you have a safety net in case something happens with your dog. Moreover, many insurance companies also offer wellness plans. These are insurance add-ons that help you get reimbursed for routine care expenses such as regular checkups, deworming, antiparasitic, spaying, neutering, bloodwork, fecal exams, urinalysis, and plenty more.

Bulldog Pet Insurance Prices

Bulldog pet insurance prices vary depending on the insurer you choose as some offer more services or higher maximum annual limits compared to others. Furthermore, the insurance price is also calculated based on the dog’s age and your location. So, there are multiple factors that can influence your monthly premiums. Based on estimates from some of the best pet insurance companies, you can expect to pay anywhere between $40 and $80 on pet insurance for a healthy adult bulldog.