Pet insurance 'vital for pedigree dogs'

By Marianne Straker, Fri 20 Nov 2009 - Published in Pet Insurance

People who have small pedigree dogs should ensure that their canine companions are covered by pet insurance, it has been suggested.

Sainsbury's Finance pointed out that more animal lovers are following the example of celebrities such as Geri Halliwell, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Jessica Simpson and buying 'handbag dogs'.

However, Lucy Hunter, Sainsbury's pet insurance manager, said: "Because these animals are pedigrees, they can suffer from certain hereditary medical problems that can require veterinary treatment, which makes it all the more important to have adequate pet insurance."

The organisation noted that King Charles spaniel are susceptible to hereditary heart and eye conditions, while West Highland terriers often have chronic skin and hip complications.

Earlier this year, the firm warned dog owners to keep their pets away from ponds, pointing out that this can lead to them eating poisonous algae which causes diarrhoea and vomiting.

The group also said that sticks can cut or scratch dogs, increasing the risk of them developing illnesses such as septicaemia.

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