Why Every Dog Owner Needs to Get Pet Insurance

 

Image credit

When you bring a dog into your life, it's not just a pet that you're adding to your family—it's a heartbeating, tail-wagging bundle of joy. And just like any loved one, ensuring they have the best care is essential. Seriously, you have insurance, right? If you have kids, they also have insurance, right? Well, your dog needs this, too; in fact, no matter what type of pet you have, they all need this. So, with that all said, how can pet insurance be beneficial? 

Well, the last thing you want to deal with is some major disaster, such as your dog getting a bite, a freak accident, or something worse. At the end of the day, insurance is meant to help you, the owner. But still, why get pet insurance? It’s optional! Well, here’s exactly why!

A Degree of Legal Protection

Alright, just to a small degree, now, in case you have to get a dog bite injury attorney or there’s a case against you, to a small degree, pet insurance can help. So, this isn’t liability insurance in the slightest; liability insurance for your pet is something else. 

But some (not all) pet insurance companies will offer coverage in case a freak accident were to happen, and legally speaking, you need to protect yourself and your dog. Again, it’s going to vary based on the insurance, but depending on which one you have, this can be seen as a positive. 

Financial Buffer for Vet Visits

Let's face it: vet bills can be too much and way too overwhelming, especially when unexpected illnesses or accidents happen. So that’s exactly why pet insurance acts as a financial safety net, covering a significant chunk of medical costs. 

This means you won't have to choose between your wallet and your pet's well-being. Whether it’s routine care or emergency surgery, having insurance in place ensures you’re financially prepared for both the expected and unexpected. Hopefully, it never gets to the point where it’s needed, but in case that happens, you and your dog will be in good hands. 

Encourages Early Veterinary Care

So this one might vary from person to person, but usually, just knowing that you have pet insurance can encourage you to take your dog to the vet at the first sign of trouble. Why wait and worry when you can get a professional opinion and nip potential health issues in the bud? Besides, early detection and treatment often mean a better prognosis for your pet and less invasive treatment, which can be easier on your dog and your budget.

There’s Something for Every Budget

Like all insurance, this one can be pretty expensive, but it can also be affordable. You just need to keep in mind that pet insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. The beauty of it is in the flexibility. You can choose from a variety of plans to find one that suits your budget and your dog’s needs. So, honestly, at this rate, there’s no excuse for any pet owner. 

How to Move On from Losing a Pet

 Losing a pet is never an easy thing, especially when they are members of the family. It can be very difficult to move on from this loss and get back into your normal routine. However, if you're having trouble moving on, there are some things that may help make it easier.

Photo by Johann from Pexels

#1 Accepting the loss

The first step is to accept the fact that your pet is gone. It's hard, but it's important to remember that they are no longer with us. This doesn't mean you have to forget about them, but rather that you need to come to terms with their death.

It may help to talk about your pet with others who understand what you're going through. There are also support groups available for those who lose a pet. This can be a great way to share memories and get advice from others who have been in the same situation.

In addition, writing about your pet can be a great way to help process the loss. This could be in the form of a letter, journal entry, or blog post. Finally, talk about your pet with others who understand what you're going through.

#2 Explaining what happened to kids

If you have children, it's essential to talk to them about what happened. They may not understand why their pet is gone, and they may be scared. So it's important to answer any questions they have and let them know that their pet is in a better place.

It can be helpful to find a book or video that talks about loss so your child can learn more about what happened—letting them know that their pet is in a better place. One of the best ways to help move on from losing a pet is by helping your child remember all the good times they had together. This could involve making a photo album or scrapbook, writing down memories, buying one of the many pet caskets available for a proper funeral or even creating a memorial garden.

For some, memories can make it harder to move on from losing a pet. If you're having trouble with this step, consider getting rid of your pet's things and keeping only the items that are truly important. This could be something like an old toy or blanket they loved playing with before they passed away. 

Having these belongings may just remind you too much of all the good times you had together and make moving forward tricky for people who have lost a pet. One way to help get past this stage is by creating new happy memories with other family members and friends without your pet around.

#3 Give yourself time and space

It's important to remember that you don't have to rush the healing process. Grieving for a pet can take time, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. It's okay to be sad and feel like your life is turned upside down.

In addition, try not to overload yourself with work or other commitments in the early stages of grieving. This may just make things harder for you. Instead, focus on taking care of yourself and doing things that make you happy.

If possible, try to avoid placing blame on yourself for what happened. It's natural to go over what we could have done differently, but this won't help anything. Pet loss is a difficult thing to cope with, and it's normal for it to take time. 

#4 Moving on

It's okay to still think about your pet. They will always be in your heart, and they can help you remember them by keeping their things around the house or visiting the place where they passed away. Remember that this doesn't mean you don't love them anymore, but rather that you're trying to move on from losing a pet so life can get back to normal again. You may feel guilty for forgetting about your pet too quickly, but know that everyone heals at different rates, and there is no "right" way of doing things when moving on after losing a loved one. 

For some people, having something physical like an urn or memorial garden can be helpful during this stage of recovery. This could keep memories alive even if we aren't thinking about them all the time. Also, remember that it's okay to cry and be sad when you think of your pet. They were a massive part of your life, and there will always be a hole in your heart that they used to fill.

#5 Getting a new pet after losing one

It's okay to think about getting a new pet after losing one but know that this isn't for everyone. Some people feel like they need another animal in their life right away, while others may not be ready for a long time. If you do decide to get a new pet, take your time in picking out the perfect one and make sure it's the right decision for you. It can be helpful to go through an adoption agency or visit multiple shelters before making your choice.

While it won't replace the pet you lost, a new furry friend can help with the healing process and provide lots of love and happiness. Just make sure to give yourself plenty of time before taking on such a big responsibility. In addition, don't forget to talk about your old pet with the new one. They may not understand what happened, but it can be a great way to help keep their memory alive.

It's okay to still think about your pet, and there is no right or wrong way of moving on after losing them. Getting a new pet can be helpful for some people, but make sure it's the right decision for you before taking such a big step. memorial garden

There are many different ways to help move on from losing a pet, but the most important thing is that you don't try to do it alone. Lean on your friends and family for support during this difficult time. They will be there to help you get through it. Pet loss is never easy, but you will eventually start feeling better with time and patience.

Covid19 and Pets Information

COVID19 and Pets

Researchers and the CDC are still learning about how #COVID19 affects animals, but it appears that people can spread the virus to animals in some situations. 

Until they know more, they recommend that you limit contact with pets if you are sick or feeling sick. 

For more info, see: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html.

Here's excellent info from the American Veterinarian Association FAQ about Covid19 and Pets