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News in Pet Insurance
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Brits favour pets and phones over their own life
Brits would rather take out pet insurance and cover for their phone than protecting their own life.
A study by the Friends Life Group revealed that finding cover for their four-legged friend was more important than safeguarding themselves should the worst happen. The survey revealed that 14 per cent of people had pet insurance whilst only ten per cent had critical illness cover.
People were more likely to get mobile phone protection with nine per cent automatically taking out cover. Direct Line recently revealed that 33 per cent of dog owners would treat their pet to desserts and sweets suggesting they valued their canine more than themselves.
Steve Casey, head of marketing at Friends Life, said: "It is a fact of life that we seem to prioritise insuring things like our mobile phone or our pet over insuring our income. But the consequences of us being unable to work for a prolonged period, for example because of illness, can be severe." More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Wed 1 Feb 2012
Owners told to keep pets fit
After the over-indulgent Christmas period many people will be hitting the gym to burn off the excess pounds amassed over the festive season.
Whilst people feel the urge to get fit, pet owners are being advised to make sure that their animal is also in top shape. Research by Direct Line pet insurance found that 33 per cent of dog owners admitted to treating their canine pal to sweet treats.
Nearly half of owners (49 per cent) also confessed to preparing a special Christmas dinner for their pooch. However, Direct Line is advising dog lovers not to forget their pet whilst they are attempting to get fit.
Dogs such as Dalmations and Springer Spaniels are known as "high-maintenance" animals and need to be walked on a regular basis.
Adam Whiteley, head of Direct Line pet insurance, said: "A dog's health can be damaged by obesity just like a human's can. It is important that owners realise that pets may need more exercise to burn off their festive indulgences."
Human chocolate can potentially be toxic to dogs as substances such as theobromine contained with cocoa can increase a pet's heart rate and even result in death. More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Wed 25 Jan 2012
Pet owners urged to check policy when taking out insurance
Pet owners are being urged to be extra careful and read the small print when taking out an insurance policy for their animal.
Many companies offer a host of different level cover plans with a varying amount of protection. It means that some insurance schemes do not guard the owner against costly operations which can incur a large bill.
It was recently revealed by Gocompare.com that a large number of pet owners in the UK had not taken out insurance for their animal. The survey found that only 56 per cent of dog or cat owners had taken out protection.
The BBC reported that Carrie Daniel took out a policy for her mini dachshund Rufus but when the dog suffered a ruptured disc her insurance did not cover the £4,500 needed for an MRI scan as it had a cap of £2,500 per injury.
It meant Ms Daniel had to pay the remaining £2,000 herself.
She told the source: "I was absolutely devastated. I had to use all my savings; I just had to do it for Rufus." More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Tue 17 Jan 2012
Bella top name for dogs and cats
Bella has been revealed as the most popular name for dogs and cats in 2011, according to the Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (VPI).
Inspired by the popular Twilight film series the name of the franchises' lead character has topped the pet name charts since 2009. The country's oldest pet cover provider surveyed 485,000 pet owners and compiled a top ten list of the most popular names.
The VPI found that there was a tendency for owners to give their pet more human names as former popular names such as Fido and Spot came in at 13th and 17th respectively.
Bird owners named Charlie as the top name whereas people who had feline pets went for more traditional names such as Tiger or Tigger. The dog category was dominated by female names such as Maggie, Sophie and Lucy.
It was recently revealed that pet dogs cause three arguments between families every week, according to new research by pet insurance company esure.
Nikki Sellers, head of pet insurance at the company, said: ''Owning a dog is not dissimilar to having a baby." More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Fri 13 Jan 2012
Dogs cause 3 arguments a week
Pet dogs cause three arguments between families every week, according to new research by pet insurance company esure.
Whilst they are regarded as "man's best friend" a dog can trigger 2,000 disputes for their owners in its lifetime. Arguments can range from treating the dog too harshly or deciding what to do with them when the family goes on holiday.
One-fifth of families frequently argue whose turn it is to clean up the mess in the garden, while one in ten disagree who should clear up the carpets should they be soiled.
Some arguments can get so bad that 17 per cent of disputes result in one member of the family ending up sleeping in the spare room.
Nikki Sellers, head of pet insurance at esure, said: ''Owning a dog is not dissimilar to having a baby. Round the clock care and responsibility throughout a dog's life can become tiresome for any pet owner but should never be overlooked."
It was recently found by Gocompare.com that only 56 per cent of people have taken out pet insurance to ensure the safety of their dog or cat. More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Wed 11 Jan 2012
Tinsel nearly kills dog
A bunch of Christmas tree tinsel nearly killed a family dog when it ate a foot of the decoration and had to be rushed to hospital. More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Fri 30 Dec 2011
Cats double the risk of contracting allergies
While they may look cute and are an attractive proposition for many pet insurance holders, cats can double the risk of contracting allergies. More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Thu 29 Dec 2011
Pets overindulge at Christmas
While many humans sit down to enjoy a spot of overindulgence over the Christmas period, a pet insurance company has revealed that many animals join in with the festive overeating.
The Co-operative found that 37 per cent of owners would be serving up their dog or cat a veritable feast of treats with turkey, pigs in blankets and cocktail sausages being on a pet's top list of goodies.
However, the research also showed that ten per cent of owners would be putting their animal on a diet after the holiday season was over.
Lee Mooney, head of pet insurance at the Co-operative Insurance, said: "The results of the survey clearly show that the UK is a nation of pet lovers. Pets are increasingly seen as part of the family and, once again, we appear to be determined to show this at Christmas."
Earlier in the month it was found that feeding dogs chocolate could prove "fatal" for the animal. More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Wed 28 Dec 2011
Make considerations before buying a pet for Christmas
People who will be shopping online for pet insurance after the Christmas period and the purchase of a new pet should make careful considerations before they choose what kind of animal to gift someone this year. More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Thu 1 Dec 2011
Dogs' teeth need regular maintenance
Dog lovers with pet insurance policies should ensure that they are making the health of their beloved pet's teeth a priority when they are grooming. More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Fri 18 Nov 2011
Dog breeds need considered food choices
Dog lovers looking to compare pet insurance online should ensure that they take the breed of their beloved animal into account when they are deciding what food to purchase for them. More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Tue 15 Nov 2011
Pets still need winter exercise
Dog owners who are shopping for pet insurance policies should consider the health and happiness of their pets this year, as many may not realise the importance of keeping up the amount of exercise they get in winter months. More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Mon 14 Nov 2011
Dogs need as much exercise in winter
Animal lovers shopping for pet insurance should consider the welfare of their dog throughout the winter month, as they still need as much exercise as in the better weather, according to one expert. More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Fri 11 Nov 2011
Pets 'struggle to cope on bonfire night'
People looking to compare pet insurance have been warned that many pets will struggle to cope with this weekend's bonfire night celebrations. More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Wed 2 Nov 2011
Pet insurance: Grooming is an essential part of good dog care
Grooming is an essential part of good dog care and can also help the bonding process between animal and owner, according to Your Dog Magazine. More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Thu 27 Oct 2011
Pet insurance owners should keep pooches safe on Bonfire Night
Keeping pets safe and happy on Bonfire Night this year is important, according to one expert. More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Thu 20 Oct 2011
Potential pet insurance owners must be able to exercise their dog daily
It is important people considering buying a dog ensure that they can give their pooch the time and attention they require, according to The Pet Experience. More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Tue 11 Oct 2011
'Lifetime pet insurance cover the best type of policy', says SafePets UK
Brits should make sure they take out pet insurance for their pooches, according to SafePets UK. More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Wed 5 Oct 2011
Ill pets can cost Brits over £300 a year
Pet owners spend on average over £300 every year looking after ill animals, it has been claimed. More »
By Marianne Straker, Pet Insurance - Tue 4 Oct 2011
