Taking care of your pet

Whether you own a dog or a cat, you’ll know when they’re feeling under the weather.

Being aware of the common illnesses and conditions our pets can pick up will help to keep them healthy and happy. It may also save a trip to the vets, reducing stress for both you and them.

Common conditions

Just like we’re most likely to suffer from coughs, colds and stomach upsets, there are some common conditions among our pets. These include skin problems, allergies, parasites, infections, diabetes, arthritis and epilepsy.

Thyroid problems are also common, with drugs available to manage the condition. If you have a particularly adventurous dog or your cat is up for a scrap, you won’t be surprised that wounds and injuries make the list too.

Some breeds are more susceptible to certain conditions. According to FirstVet, dog breeds with short noses like pugs and bulldogs can suffer from breathing problems, while giant breeds are more likely to experience joint and bone issues. Many purebreds on the other hand have a greater risk of certain diseases because of their genetics.

Cat breeds such as maine coon, persians and bengal can also be predisposed to a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can lead to heart failure.

Symptom checker

Although every illness will have a unique set of symptoms, there are some signs to look out for. As well as obvious ones such as tummy upsets and a loss of appetite, changes in activity levels or withdrawal are signs of a problem.

Scratching and hair loss can be an indicator of a skin infection or an infestation, while a pet that’s drinking more water and needs more toilet trips could be developing diabetes.

Keep an eye on how your pet moves too. Stiffness or a limp could be a sign of a joint problem, broken bones or arthritis, but also things like an insect sting or an abscess.

Cost of common treatments

The cost of treatment varies around the country and between veterinary surgeries, but you can expect to pay around £30 to £60 to have a consultation with a vet during normal opening hours.

According to the latest data from the Association of British Insurers, the bill for treating a cat or dog with diabetes is typically around £1,300, while surgery to correct a cruciate rupture in a dog often costs between £3,000 and £5,000.

Not-for-profit veterinary company Animal Trust also has a guide to vet treatment prices to give an idea of what you might expect to pay. This includes £27.50 for microchipping, £419 for dental extractions and £2,019 to remove a foreign body from a pet’s stomach.

Pet insurance

Pet insurance can help with these costs. Having cover can give you the peace of mind that, if your pet is ill or has an accident, they’ll be able to get treatment.

Different types of policy are available, so you can take out cover that suits your needs and budget. One key difference is whether you go for time limited or lifetime cover.

Time limited policies give you 12 months’ cover from either the first date that a condition shows symptoms, or the first treatment date for each illness or injury.

Lifetime cover tends to be more expensive but providing you renew each year, your pet is covered up to an annual limit for any illnesses or injuries.

You could also reduce the cost of cover by selecting a higher excess, but make sure you can afford to pay it if your pet does need treatment.

Visit our pet insurance page to find out more.