Canine arthritis could leave pet owners facing stiff costs
Many pet owners are putting themselves at financial risk by opting for cheaper policies that do not provide long-term cover, warns the UK's leading rural insurer NFU Mutual.
It is estimated one in five UK adults suffers with the painful and often debilitating condition of arthritis; however, many people may be surprised to know that 20% of all adult dogs also suffer from the disease.
In fact, NFU Mutual's 2009/2010 pet claim statistics reveal that arthritis and joint problems are the eighth most common reason for a dog being taken to the vet: the average cost of a claim for arthritis was £701.
A national survey conducted on behalf of NFU Mutual, revealed 15% of people have cancelled some form of insurance, either pet or health, due to the recent recession.
Where people do choose to take out insurance for their dog, NFU Mutual is worried that many people do not understand the difference between pet policies on offer, and as such are choosing policies based on price alone rather than suitability.
Standard policies will cover a set amount of vet's fees per condition, but conditions will not be covered once the limit is reached or 12 months from the onset of the condition. Pet owners will then not be able to claim again for the same condition, meaning many could be left paying through the nose to treat ongoing symptoms arising from that condition.
On the other hand, permanent health cover will cover a condition up to an agreed amount each year, if the policy remains in force. While the total claimed per year cannot exceed the limit, the amount will reset on policy renewal, meaning pet owners can claim for treatment of symptoms arising from that condition every year from then on.
"Buying the cheapest pet insurance policy or cancelling the cover all-together may seem cost effective at the time, but in the long run it could prove to be a false economy," said John Kenny, Chief Claims Manager at NFU Mutual.
John continued: "As with any insurance policy it's more important to get the right type of cover. NFU Mutual provides extensive insurance cover at a fair price with a first class service. Members who are unsure about which policy is right for them can pop into one of our 300 local offices throughout the UK and speak to one of our Agents face-to-face."
Although arthritis is more common in older dogs and certain breeds, it can also occur as a result of an old injury or because the dog is obese. Unfortunately, because dogs are stoical creatures, the symptoms of arthritis are often commonly mistaken for the general signs of ageing and it is therefore important owners know what signs to look out for.
To help, NFU Mutual has produced the following RESULT checklist to help owners identify some of the most common symptoms of arthritis or joint problems in their four-legged friends:
Reluctant to get up after resting or sleeping
Ears may lay flat against the head & behaviour may change
Sleeping more often
Unable or unwilling to climb stairs or jump into the car
Limping, lameness or licking the affected area
Time to visit the vet