Are you extra protective of your canine friend? If so, then you have probably looked into pet wellness plans to ensure your pooch remains healthy at all times.
Differentiating Pet Wellness Plans With Pet Medical Insurance
Many pet owners assume that pet wellness plans are the same as pet insurance, but their coverage differ from one another. Medical insurance steps in during emergencies. They cover expenses that your pet might utilize sudden injuries and illnesses.
Pet wellness plans, which are preventive plans, pay back the money you spent on procedures and other expenses your pet needs to get better. Most vet hospitals offer pet wellness plans. If you want to look for pet medical insurance and pet wellness plans, a lot of pet insurance companies offer both.
What To Expect When You Get A Wellness Plan For Your Pet
Below are some inclusions that you can expect your pet to get with your wellness plan:
Wide Variety of Tests
Your pet’s health needs can change in a year’s time. This is because fur babies age at a faster rate than humans. One human year equates to an average of 6 to 10 dog years. This is why annual check-ups or twice a year vet visits are mandatory. In this manner, if health issues occur, it can be solved readily.
Updating your pet’s vaccines and dewormings are more convenient with a wellness plan. There will be no added cost doing routine blood tests, urinalysis, and fecal exams. All of which, when done regularly, can prevent potential health issues from manifesting. Early detection is also another benefit. The vet can quickly give treatment options to your pet before the condition or disease advances. Higher chances of recovery can be attained.
Dental Care
Professional cleaning is quite costly. Dental diseases are prevalent in dogs. Sadly, dental diseases are not limited to gingivitis and bad breath. Oral problems such as tooth loss and infections can be detrimental to your dog’s health. Furthermore, oral issues can be symptoms of diseases such as heart and kidney disease.
Extra services
Some pet wellness plans include spay and neuter services and provide flea medications. The flea medications alone can help you save money in the long run.
Advantages of Pet Wellness Plans
Wellness plans have become increasingly popular these days. Pet owners are now uncovering the benefits of setting up a wellness plan for their beloved four-legged friends. Also, guess what? The following pros are not only limited to your dog’s advantage, but it can also be good for your finances.
1. It makes pet care budgeting easier.
Wellness plans permit you to list out all the health needs of your pet, depending on your budget. Many pet parents find it hard to cough up money for veterinary care. With pet wellness plans, you can spread out the installment in a manner that you can afford.
2. You will always have something to count on in times of need.
Pets are part of the family, and we will never want anything bad to happen to them. When you do not have the capacity to pay for expensive veterinary fees, you might be forced to put off major treatments and costly medications until you have the means to pay up. That is why it is best to stay prepared no matter what. Tons of wellness plans offer unlimited vet visits and laboratory tests. You will be surprised at how much money you can save.
3. It allows you to get regular check-ups with your dog.
Regular vet visits are necessary to keep yourself in the loop regarding your dog’s health. The vet can’t recommend effective supplements if he sees your dog has vitamin deficiencies. In this manner, you can prevent potential issues that may arise in the future. As many would tell you, prevention is better than cure. With the vet regularly monitoring your pooch’s health, you stay ahead of the problem.
4. Customize plans depending on what your dog needs.
As your pet ages, his needs will be adjusted. Wellness care plans vary and can cater to what your dog requires. Always talk to your vet regarding finding the right pet wellness plan.
Disadvantages of Pet Wellness Plans
Along with the positive things that go with pet wellness plans, there are certain downsides to getting one:
1. Pet wellness plans have limitations.
Pet wellness plans like with humans might not cover certain conditions. Also, if your little dog already has a pre-existing condition, his plan might get limited.
2. Age actually matters.
Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash
Unfortunately, if you have not enrolled your little furry friend to a pet wellness plan, you might need to do hurry up and do it as soon as possible. Some companies do not offer wellness plans to older dogs. There is a chance your payments, albeit pricey, can only land you a small coverage for your pet.
3. The breed also determines coverage.
Unfortunately, pet wellness plans also put breeds into consideration. Some breeds are more inclined to develop specific conditions.
How Much Are Pet Wellness Plans
Let us be honest here. Payment options may allow you to sort out your finances, but wellness plans are generally expensive.
The cost will depend on numerous factors. High coverage plans may include routine grooming, behavioral adjustments, and dog training. The higher the coverage, the costlier the investment.
Check out your vet clinic or the nearest pet wellness plan provider to see the inclusions of the plan. For the most part, the age of the pet determines the tier package you can avail.
Do not forget to conduct your own research. Visit as many as providers as you can or look up online to make an informed decision. Compare the coverage and prices. Go for the most cost-efficient one.
Monthly payments might seem too much but think about the long-term savings you can have by applying preventive care to your pet.
Final Thoughts
Photo by Juan Gomez on Unsplash
Wellness plans for your pets vary. The number one considerable factor is your pet. As pet parents, it is your job to identify which benefits to forego and which to keep. It is crucial to get involved in the process. Sometimes, ordinary expenses such as tick medications are not covered. You might need to shell out for an extra cost. Do not settle with a plan, unless you have checked with your pet’s vet. He or she is the one who knows the health status of your four-legged baby.
About the Author: Brian Larsen is the Co-Founder and CEO of RejuvaPet, LLC — the creator of RestoraPet and RestoraPet Hemp. He spent nearly 10 years developing these products to rehabilitate and protect pets at the cellular level, for a vastly improved quality of life.
Pressplay Pets a blog for the modern age pet parent interested in health & care, news, reviews & personal accounts of unconditional love & at times heartfelt pain of pet parenting!
Follow Us!
