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Call the Vet! 5 Common Health Issues for Pets

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5 common health issues
Ashley Eneriz
Ashley Eneriz
Feb. 10, 20212 min read
Just like their owners, pets get sick sometimes. It’s important for pet lovers to be knowledgeable about common health issues that can possibly affect their furry friends. Learn about the 5 most common pet-related health problems below.

You would do anything for your pet, but that doesn’t mean you have to let a trip to the veterinarian derail your financial security. In 2020, pet lovers spent over $30B in the U.S. alone for vet care. 

While you can’t prevent every pet disease and injury, you can be prepared for them. It’s important to know which common health problems your pet is susceptible to and how to afford the best care to get them back on their paws again. 

Keep your pet covered from nose to tail with these top pet insurance providers: 

ProviderOutstanding Feature
Spot
Customizable plans
PetsBest
Low-cost full coverage
Pawp
1 policy covers up to 6 pets

1. Heartworm

Both dogs and cats can get heartworm if bitten by an infected mosquito, though cats are not as susceptible to the disease as canines are. The FDA recommends that pets get tested and treated for heartworms yearly, especially since it can take years for you to see signs of infection.  Veterinarians can prescribe regular preventative chewables for pets or administer a yearly injection that keeps the disease away. 

2. Ticks and Lyme Disease

Ticks are parasites that can attach to any living host, especially dogs and cats, and cause infections and diseases, such as Lyme Disease. If left untreated, Lyme Disease can cause serious health issues. The best treatment is preventative. A topical ointment will help repel ticks, fleas, and mosquitos and all of the unwanted health problems those bugs carry.

Spot which is a pet insurance recommended by Cesar Millan, reimburses pet owners 70-90% of the veterinarian bill for injuries and preventative care. The preventative care add-on can help pet owners save hundreds on treatments, such as heartworm medication and flea and tick topical ointment. 

3. Cancer

Just like in humans, cancer is becoming a growing concern in aging pets. Cancer affects each animal differently, but if you notice that your pet has a lump, legion, or is acting differently, it is time to seek veterinarian help. There are many treatments available for pets, including chemotherapy, which can help delay the spread and effects of cancer. 

However, pet cancer treatment is expensive. According to Dr. David Vail, a veterinary oncologist quoted by CBS News, an initial cancer diagnosis can cost between $1,000 and $2,000, with chemotherapy costing between $3,000 and $5,000.

Many pet insurance won’t cover animals with pre-existing conditions, such as cancer. This is why it is important to get pet insurance before you think you would need it. Pets Best offers Complete Coverage for expensive pet health issues like cancer, hereditary conditions, and dental disease. 

Protect your pet with the top pet insurance providers:

Spot

Spot Pet Insurance is a pet insurance agency serving cats and dogs throughout the U.S. All plans are customizable, allowing ‘pet parents’ to select the right level of coverage to fit their needs and budget.

Spot Pet Insurance Spot Pet Insurance Visit Site

Pets Best

PetsBest is one of the most established pet insurance providers on the web today. Today, the Pets Best service stands out thanks to its international pet coverage and unlimited protection.

Pets Best Pets Best Visit Site

Pawp

Pawp takes a unique approach to pet insurance, offering an emergency fund rather than reimbursement for standard vet visits. For $19 per month, you can access up to $3,000 in emergency coverage.

Pawp Pawp Visit Site

4. Obesity

While you might think your pug’s pudge is adorable, obesity in pets is a serious and growing problem. Obesity in cats can lead to other serious health ailments like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Similarly, obese canines will experience more diseases and a shortened life span due to excessive weight. Veterinarian Centers of America report that about 25-30% of the general canine population is obese even though it is preventable. 

While the cure for obesity might seem straightforward—just reduce your pet’s food—it isn’t that simple. Reducing your pet’s food rations can lead to other issues, such as malnourishment if done without the supervision of a vet. A veterinarian can help with diet consultations and check to make sure your pet doesn’t have other underlying health conditions causing the pounds to pile on. 

5. Urinary Tract Infection

Pet urinary tract infections, UTIs, are caused by a build-up of bacteria in your pet’s urinary tract. While UTIs are easy to spot—the most common signs being painful cries while urinating or urinating more frequently or in inappropriate places—the cause of the UTI isn’t as easy to spot. A UTI can be a one-time incident or the result of a bigger health issue, such as prostate disease, kidney stones, or cancer or tumors in the bladder. 

Whether your best friend barks or meows, to say you love them is an understatement. Keeping your pet healthy should be at the top of your list, and for many common pet ailments, prevention is the key. Diet and regular exercise are great tools to help your pet live the longest, healthiest life possible. Regular visits to your veterinarian are also essential to prevent and treat ailments before they become bigger problems. 

How Can I Protect My Pet? 

Most pet insurance plans start at $20 per month, depending on the pet and coverage plan. This affordable coverage can be for regular pet visits, preventable care, and for accidents and illnesses. Knowing you won’t have to pay a fortune every time you visit your vet makes it easier to make regular checkups and preventative care a priority.


Keep your pet happy and healthy - without breaking the bank! Get your pet covered with Spot!

Spot Pet Insurance Spot Pet Insurance Visit Site

Ashley Eneriz
Written byAshley Eneriz

Ashley Eneriz is a financial writer who has been published on Credible, GOBankingRates, MoneyCrashers, Huffington Post, Business Insider Australia, Life Hacker, Fidelity, CBS News, and MSN Money. She also writes children's books. She writes for BestMoney and enjoys helping readers make sense of the options on the market.‎

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