NFU Mutual issues winter warning for pet owners

As vet's bills continue to rise, NFU Mutual, the UK's leading rural insurer, is advising dog owners not to cut-back on pet insurance this winter and highlights the most costly and unusual canine claims typical at this time of year.

An NFU Mutual survey of more than 874 pet owners, recently revealed that 53% do not have pet insurance. When asked why not, 58% said they weren't sure, while 19% felt it did not represent good value for money and 15% said they prefer to put money aside to pay for veterinary fees.

However, some pet owners may be surprised to know that vet's fees are rising by as much as 12% year-on-year for a number of reasons.

Cold, icy conditions often herald an increase in claims for dogs slipping and injuring themselves and, with the average cost for a claim of this nature totalling £2,000, many pet owners without pet insurance could be left out in the cold this winter if they can't find the funds to pay for treatment.

Commenting on the importance of pet insurance, Justine Simms-Gould, General Insurance Underwriter at NFU Mutual, said: 

"Veterinary treatment continues to be an area of high claims, both in terms of numbers and costs. With that in mind, any money an owner may save by cancelling or failing to renew a policy could prove to be a false economy when compared to the expense of meeting bills for serious conditions or accidents."

It's not just the dangers of winter weather pet owners need to be aware of: seemingly innocent festive treats, such as chocolate and Christmas cake, can also pose a potential hazard.

NFU Mutual has seen claims for pet dogs that have been treated for poisoning after eating a whole box of chocolates from under the Christmas tree or have stolen chocolate decorations from the branches. Christmas cake is also cause for concern as many owners do not realise that raisins it contains are also poisonous for their four-legged friends.

Other poisonous items include mistletoe, holly berries and anti-freeze, which is commonly used at this time of year. On average, the cost of treating a dog which has been poisoned is £446.

For more information, visit nfumutual.co.uk.