Is Pet Insurance Right for You and Your Dog?
By Debra Primovic
Feb 12, 2007, 23:17   Many dog owners today try to be frugal on their dog's medical care, Deciding if pet insurance is right for you and your dog can be difficult. Here is the question: can you afford an unexpected thousand dollars' expense? Or even more? If not, then you should consider pet insurance.

Your dog's medical care, including diagnostic tests and treatment options, is becoming more sophisticated. Treatments and procedures are now available that were not previously possible. With that comes a hefty price many dog owners cannot afford.

Veterinary costs alone can rival your own medical doctor's fees. For example, a large breed dog with a relatively common life-threatening condition called "bloat" can be hospitalized and treated in many veterinary hospitals and emergency clinics across the country. The cost for this life-saving treatment ranges from $2,000 - $5,000 or more. A broken leg requiring fracture repair can range from $500 to $2500 depending on the specific treatment and where in the country you live.

Here are 3 more questions to help you determine if pet insurance is right for you...

1. Do you love your dog?

2. Do you want the best care for your dog?

3. Do you consider your dog as a valued member of your family?

If you answer is yes to these three questions, again, you should consider pet insurance. It will provide you with a peace of mind knowing you have help paying the medical costs for your dog's accidents, poisonings, or illnesses including cancer.

As a veterinarian, I love to see dog owners with pet insurance. Dog owners with pet insurance that come to our emergency hospital don't have to worry about compromising the care for their pets because of cost restraints. They don't have to decline treatments or even consider euthanasia due to their limited budgets. If an unexpected expense would be difficult for your budget, then you should consider pet insurance.

Optional pet insurance coverage is also available as regular veterinary care such as vaccines and other routine wellness care is critical to the long-term health of your dog.

Your dog's health & your finance's bottom line:

There are many things in life that you can be frugal about, such as entertainment, travel and dining expenses. However, when it comes to your health, your family's health or your dog's health, you should never be frugal, especially if you love your dog and want the best care for him or her.

There will come a time when your dog needs medical attention. Here's one final question: will you be ready?


About the Author:

With her PetPlace.com columns, Dog safety and health expert, Debra Primovic has helped thousands of dog owners keep their dogs living longer and stronger. For more information, check out www.petplace.com for 8,000+ veterinarian approved articles guaranteed to keep you from compromising the care of your dog.