Depending on where you live, pet insurance can be an important part of your decision to get a small dog. Small dogs are more vulnerable to health issues and injuries than larger dogs, and as such, you may want to consider investing in pet insurance to help protect your pooch from unexpected costs associated with vet visits or surgery (not to mention keeping them healthy in the first place). Here are 10 reasons why pet insurance can be worth it for small dogs
Reason #1: Dog Accidents Happen
You never know when your dog is going to have an accident. They could run into the street and get hit by a car, or they could swallow something they shouldn’t have and need emergency surgery. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of unexpected accidents and illnesses.
Reason #2: Sick Pets Can Cost You a Fortune
Even if your pet is healthy now, that could all change in an instant. And if they do get sick or injured, the costs can quickly add up. According to the ASPCA, the average cost of an emergency room visit for a dog is $1,500 – and that’s just for a basic visit. If your pet needs surgery or extended care, the costs can be even higher.
Reason #3: Some Procedures Are Not Covered By Vet Bills
One big reason pet insurance can be worth it is because some procedures are not covered by vet bills. These can include things like annual check-ups, vaccinations, and routine bloodwork. That means that if your dog needs any of these things, you will have to pay for them out of pocket. Having pet insurance can help cover the cost of these procedures so you don’t have to worry about it.
Reason #4: Hip Dysplasia and Other Genetic Conditions
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint, and it’s one of the most common health problems in small dogs. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, about 5% of all dogs have hip dysplasia. Symptoms include limping or hind leg weakness, which can lead to arthritis and pain. Hip dysplasia often develops before six months of age, so early diagnosis can make all the difference when it comes to treatment.
Reason #5: Emergency Treatments Can Run into the Thousands of Dollars
No one wants to think about their pet getting sick or injured, but it’s important to be prepared for the worst. Pet insurance can help cover unexpected veterinary costs, like emergency treatments, which can run into the thousands of dollars. Even if you have a savings account set aside for your pet, chances are it won’t be enough to cover a major health issue. With pet insurance, you can rest assured knowing that your furry friend is covered in case of an emergency.
Reason #6: A Car Accident Could Destroy Your Dog’s Quality of Life
No one ever plans on being in a car accident, but they do happen. And if your small dog is involved in a serious collision, the cost of their medical care could be astronomical. If you have pet insurance, however, you won’t have to worry about how you’ll come up with the money to pay for your dog’s treatment.
Reason #7: Illnesses Can Mean Surgery, Hospitalization, and Prescription Medication
If your small dog becomes seriously ill, you may be looking at some big vet bills. Even with insurance, you’re likely to pay something out of pocket, but pet insurance can help lessen the financial burden. With pet insurance, you can focus on getting your furry friend the best possible care without worrying about how you’ll afford it.
Reason #8: Dental Work Can Send Veterinary Bills Soaring
Few things are as important to your dog’s health as their teeth. Unfortunately, dental problems are all too common in dogs, and they can be very expensive to fix. In fact, the cost of dental work is one of the most common reasons people give for not getting pet insurance. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Many companies offer full or partial coverage for dental care with plans starting at $6 a month.
Ace does need his teeth cleaned, but it only costs $200 because he has pet insurance!
Reason #9: Pet Insurance Covers Tons of Things That Aren’t Typically Covered by Vet Bill (Unexpected Issues!)
While you may think that your dog is healthy, there’s always the potential for unexpected issues to arise. And when they do, you’ll be glad you have pet insurance. That’s because pet insurance covers a lot of things that aren’t typically covered by your vet bill, like hereditary and congenital conditions, cancer treatment, and more. So if your dog unexpectedly gets sick or injured, you won’t have to worry about how you’re going to afford the treatment they need.
Reason #10: Pets Age Quickly, Especially Dogs – Know What This Means for You
Dogs age about seven times faster than humans, which means that a one-year-old dog is approximately the equivalent of a seven-year-old human. This accelerated aging process means that dogs are more susceptible to age-related health problems, such as arthritis, cancer, and kidney disease. As your dog ages, you may need to make changes to his or her diet and exercise routine in order to keep them healthy and happy.