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 Labrador Retriever Pet Insurance

The Labrador Retriever is a highly praised breed and for good reasons. These loving and loveable dogs are loyal and affectionate companions. If you want a dog that’s flexible and easy to train, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most suitable choices. These dogs are intelligent and always ready to learn new things. They love to be around people and are great for families with kids.

However, if you plan on bringing one of these dogs into your home, you also need to know what diseases they are likely to develop. Just like any other dog breed, there are some common health issues affecting Labs. Pet insurance can help you be prepared for veterinary expenses related to diseases, accidents, and more.

Explore this breed’s characteristics, personality, health issues, and the reasons why you should get pet insurance for Labradors.

Labrador Retriever Characteristics

The Labrador is an easily recognizable dog. It has a thick, water-repellent double coat that’s usually yellow. Other color possibilities are black and chocolate-brown. The Labrador Retriever has short legs, a weight of 65-80 lbs for males and 55-70 lbs for females, and a height of 22-24 inches. Labs usually reach their maximum height between six months and a year.

One of the characteristics that define this breed is the floppy ears. Overall, this dog’s body is robust, with a sturdy core and legs. The head also gives the impression of strength as it is broad and has large eyes. Another distinctive mark of this breed is the thick and short otter-like tail.

The average life expectancy for this dog breed is between 10 and 12 years.

The Breed’s Origins

The Labrador Retriever is part of a broader class of dogs known as gundog breeds. These dogs were originally bred for hunting purposes to help people catch different types of game. The Labrador’s origins can be traced back to the 1800s when this dog used to accompany fishermen on the island of Newfoundland located off the east coast of Northern America. This is how the Lab developed some of the qualities it still possesses today, such as good swimming abilities. Fishermen needed a resistant dog breed, with a thick coat that could face harsh weather conditions, water, humidity, and most of all, low temperatures. They found all of these and more in Labs.

This strong and reliable companion was later imported into England. There, it changed its job profile and started to be used as a hunting dog. Labs were great for this job due to their outstanding capacity to find the game and gently carry it in their mouth without harming it.

England was also the place where this breed refined and took the form we are now familiar with. Since it came into existence, this breed was divided into two categories. There were the water dogs that were typically found on Newfoundland island and a smaller type of Labs that were known as Saint John’s dogs.

Labrador Retriever Temperament and Personality

The Labrador Retriever is a sporty dog. It was initially bred for water retrieving, so it should come as no surprise that it loves a physical challenge, especially if it involves chasing, tracking, and retrieving. However, besides its need to exercise, this dog requires relatively low maintenance. It is not the type of pet that begs for attention, in fact, it is among the best-behaved and easy-to-train dog breeds.

Because Labrador Retrievers love their human parents and generally everyone else they share the home with, they feel the urge to take part in the family's activities, so make sure you include them as much as possible. The good part is that, unlike other dog breeds, Labs don't need to be at the center of attention. Simply allowing them to stay in the same room as you when eating, chatting, or watching television is enough to make them happy.

Labs are usually great family dogs and love being around kids. They can successfully share a house with other pets. These dogs love to feel that they serve a purpose, and in most cases, that would be playing and retrieving, as well as keeping you company. Labs are intelligent and have a kind and friendly nature. They can also be of great help to people with disabilities.

Because Labs are high-energy dogs, they love a good meal. However, the amount of food you give them should be balanced in relation to the amount of time they spend exercising.

Luckily, compared to other dog breeds, the Labrador Retriever doesn’t snore or drool a lot. Moreover, it is not one of the dog breeds that’s likely to dig out the flowers in your garden or bark a lot.

Some Personality Flaws

Because these are highly energetic dogs, labs need training at an early age, including obedience training, otherwise, they can become hard to control. Due to their strength and size, Labradors can cause extensive damage if left alone at home for long periods. If they feel ignored and are not properly exercised, they can start chewing things or take to digging.

Tips for Keeping Your Labrador Retriever Happy and Healthy

Being a hunting dog, the labrador has high exercise requirements. If you want to keep it happy and healthy, you should offer your Labrador at least 40 – 60 minutes of exercise per day. Taking your dog outside for a walk is great, but the Lab needs more. You can run together or play fetch, which is a game this dog excels at. Remember that a Labrador’s favorite activity is retrieving. Because of their innate retrieving skills, these dogs can sometimes develop a liking for chewing, so you might want to give them special chewing toys to avoid seeing your shoes ripped apart.

Despite having a short coat that's easy to maintain, the Labrador Retriever can shed a lot. If you want to keep your carpets and couch clean, you should groom your Lab regularly. A few minutes of brushing each day or every other day is enough to get rid of the excess hair and keep your Lab's fur in great shape.

Besides brushing, these dogs also need regular bathing. To make sure you use the right cleaning products for your pet, talk to a vet. With pet insurance, you could even get reimbursed for your Lab's grooming-related expenses. Additionally, these dogs also need regular nail clipping and ear cleaning which can also be covered by certain types of pet insurance.

What Are Common Labrador Retriever Health Issues?

Some of the common Labrador Retriever health problems are bloating and obesity. To prevent obesity, these dogs need a proper and balanced diet for their age and activity level. You should ask your vet the precise quantity of food your Lab should receive and avoid giving this dog too many treats.

These dogs are also prone to developing certain allergies because of environmental factors such as dust mites.

Dysplasia conditions are also quite common in this breed, which is no surprise since we are talking about a large breed.

Labradors can also suffer from osteochondritis, a condition that makes the joints soften.

Epilepsy is also frequently diagnosed among Labrador Retrievers. This neurological condition can have severe symptoms such as seizures and requires routine checkups to be correctly diagnosed.

Just like many other breeds with long ears, Labs can easily suffer from ear infections, which is why it's important to maintain good ear hygiene.

Eye diseases are also frequently encountered in this breed, especially in older Labradors that are also more likely to develop heart conditions.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It for a Labrador Retriever?

Pet insurance is definitely worth considering if you are or you’re going to become a Labrador parent. Although this is a strong dog, the Labrador can develop many diseases as it gets old, especially if you don’t meet its real exercising needs and allow it to overindulge in food.

Pet insurance can help you cover the costs related to almost any diseases your Labrador gets diagnosed with after you purchase an insurance policy. Moreover, any standard pet insurance policy will also have your back in case your dog suffers injuries and needs surgery or hospitalization. These medical expenses alone can amount to thousands of dollars. With pet insurance, you would only have to cover a small percentage of the vet’s bill.

Labradors also need regular checkups. These help you prevent diseases instead of having to treat them, by catching early signs. Annual veterinary visits, as well as other routine expenses such as blood work, urinalysis, vaccinations, or deworming, can be covered by pet insurance wellness add-ons.

With a pet insurance plan, you will only pay a small share of the coverage you can get if your pet falls ill and needs medical treatment. Furthermore, a wellness add-on helps you pay less for annual veterinary services that ensure your Lab is and remains healthy.

Labrador Retriever Pet Insurance Prices

 Labrador Retriever pet insurance prices differ depending on the insurance carrier you choose and not only. Some policies cost more than others because they offer more eligible expenses or have a higher maximum annual limit. Your location and the dog’s age will also influence the price of your monthly premiums. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere between $30 and $80 per month depending on these factors.