Is there anything better than coming home to an excited fur-baby?
The wagging tail. The bouncy paws. And the zoomies around the living room! Nothing makes you feel more loved than the pure joy your pet shows at just being in your presence.
But, the benefits of pets aren’t limited to crazy welcomes, cuddles, and companionship; it can also have significant benefits for your physical and mental health. Studies have shown that interacting with animals can reduce stress, improve mood, and even lower blood pressure.
Pets are members of 68% of American households, providing love, friendship, and health benefits to their families. For all they give to us, it’s important to remember that they deserve to receive our love, friendship, and health check-ups, too.
Taking care of your pets needs means you’ll get many years of love with them. The day-to-day needs, like play, proper nutrition, and preventative care, are easy to add to your daily routine and help to fortify your bond with your furry friend.
But what happens when they need to get their teeth cleaned? Or they have to start a new medication? Or, perish the thought, they have to go to the pet ER for broken bones or serious health emergencies?
Even routine vet visits can really add up, and emergencies can quickly drain your bank account. That’s where pet health insurance, or vet insurance, can really be a life saver. That financial safety net and benefits of pets health insurance is there to make sure that both you and your four-legged pal live long, happy, and healthy lives.
The Paws-itive Benefits of Pets On Your Health
Have you ever thought about why you feel so much better just being around your pets? Probably not, since you’re obviously too busy just soaking up all the love and snuggles.
But, the benefits of pets on our mental and physical health has been a hot topic for scientists since the 1960s. What countless teams of experts have found in the 60+ years of studying how our fur-covered companions positively impact our lives might be unsurprising to pet owners:
There’s a huge range of health benefits of pets.
We know our pets love us, but they might also be great medicine and therapy. While we couldn’t possibly list all the ways our pets love us, here’s a condensed version of a lot of the ways they help us:
Stress Reduction
- – Unconditional Love: Pets offer unwavering love and support, which can help alleviate stress and feelings of burnout experienced by 44% of Americans.
- – Distraction: Spending time with your pet, or even just watching videos of cute animals, can provide a welcome distraction from worries and reduce stress by up to 50%.
- – Entertainment: If you’ve ever gotten a good laugh from the antics of your pet, then you just released endorphins and relieved stress thanks to four-legged silliness
Improved Mood
- – Oxytocin Release: Interacting with pets can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with feelings of happiness and bonding.
- – Sense of Purpose: Caring for a pet can give you a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can boost your self-esteem.
- – Social Connection: Pets can help you meet new people and form social connections.
Combating Loneliness
- – Companionship: Pets can provide much-needed companionship, especially for those who live alone.
- – Routine: Caring for a pet can give you a sense of routine and structure, which can help combat feelings of isolation.
- – Improved Cognitive Function: Some studies suggest that interacting with pets can improve cognitive function, especially in older adults and people who live alone.
Increased Physical Activity
- – Walking and Playing: One of the benefits of pets requiring regular walks, playtime, and grooming is it helps you stay active and burn calories.
- – Outdoor Activities: Spending time with your pet outdoors can encourage you to explore nature and participate in activities like hiking, swimming, or playing fetch.
- – Motivation: Pets can provide motivation to get up and move, especially on days when you might feel lazy or unmotivated.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
- – Lower Blood Pressure: Interacting with pets has been linked to lower blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- – Stress Reduction: Pets can help reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular problems.
- – Improved Sleep: The rhythmic breathing of a pet can help you fall asleep more easily, which is a key indicator in long-term heart health.
All of the health benefits of pets come with one more major benefit: financial! Healthy people tend to earn more money, while spending less on vices, healthcare, and insurance premiums.
We won’t pretend owning a pet is cheap, since the average annual cost of owning a dog is $1400. But, if you’re earning more, saving more (inactivity alone can cost more than $1200 annually), and are more happy every day, doesn’t that more than make up for it?
Taking care of your pet’s health and getting the right pet insurance protection can help to offset those costs on both ends. So bust out that leash and get your fur-babies out walking!
Benefits of Pets Health For Pets and Pet Owners
Keeping your pet healthy is the key to keeping them happy and providing you with all the benefits of pets and their love. Healthy pets also cost less money on vet visits and medication, so it’s doubly important to stay on top of it.
By understanding common health issues, preventative care, and essential grooming practices, you can ensure your furry friend lives a long and happy life, and you keep receiving the benefits of pets. With a little preparation and consistency, taking care of your pet’s health easily becomes part of your daily routine.
Common Pet Health Problems
- – Obesity: Overfeeding and lack of exercise are common causes of pet obesity. It can lead to serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems.
- – Dental Disease: Plaque buildup and tartar can cause gum disease, tooth loss, and even systemic infections. Regular dental care is essential.
- – Heartworm Disease: This parasitic infection is transmitted by mosquitoes and can be fatal if left untreated. Preventative medication is crucial.
- – Fleas and Ticks: These pests can cause discomfort, skin irritation, and transmit diseases like Lyme disease. Regular flea and tick prevention is essential.
- – Allergies: Pets can develop allergies to food, environmental allergens, or parasites. Identifying and managing allergies is important.
Preventative Care Benefits of Pets
- – Exercise: Walking, playing, and exploring keeps your pet physically healthy and at an ideal weight. One of the benefits of pets getting exercise: it does the same for you!
- – Dental Care: Brush your pet’s teeth regularly and schedule professional cleanings as needed.
- – Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary appointments for vaccinations, health screenings, and to address any concerns.
- – Vaccinations: Ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations to protect against contagious diseases.
- – Heartworm Prevention: Administer heartworm preventative medication as prescribed by your veterinarian.
- – Flea and Tick Prevention: Use appropriate flea and tick prevention products.
Essential Grooming Practices
- – Brushing: Regular brushing helps to remove loose hair, prevent mats, and distribute natural oils.
- – Bathing: Bathe your pet as needed to keep their coat clean and healthy, so you both can enjoy the benefits of pets and belly rubs.
- – Nail Trimming: Trim your pet’s nails regularly to prevent discomfort and injury.
- – Ear Cleaning: Check your pet’s ears for signs of infection and clean them gently as needed.
By following these guidelines and providing your pet with the necessary care, you can help them live a long and healthy life. That means many years of reaping the benefits of pets and all the joy they bring.
Remember, if you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult with your veterinarian. For peace of mind when that vet bill comes, consider signing up your furry friends for pet insurance to protect them and your bank account.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide
1 in 3 pets require a pet ER visit each year, making pet insurance a valuable tool for protecting your furry friend’s health and your wallet. However, it’s important to understand the different types of pet insurance, costs, and limitations before making a decision.
What is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is essentially health insurance for your pet, which can help protect you from unexpected veterinary bills. But, what does pet insurance cover specifically?
Pet insurance protection covers all illnesses & injuries. Depending on your policy and provider, it could also cover wellness checks, vaccines, surgeries and hospital stays, and even cancer treatment and other specific or chronic illnesses.
To get the full benefits of pets health insurance, take into account your pet’s overall health risks and breed. Some breeds and temperaments might require additional coverage to be fully protected. They might be prone to congenital illnesses like hip dysplasia.
Or, if your dog is the type to confuse a snake for a stick, you should probably consider additional vet bill coverage. Either way, to get all the benefits of pets, it’s important to be aware of their individual needs and keep them covered. Then, consider what you can afford to keep them protected.
Cost of Pet Insurance
- – Premiums: Consider your budget and the cost of premiums. Premiums can vary based on factors like your pet’s breed, age, and location.
- – Deductibles: A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Lower deductibles typically result in higher premiums.
- – Reimbursement: Some policies offer reimbursement, where you pay the vet upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement. Others offer direct payment to the vet.
- – Annual Limits: Be aware of any annual limits on coverage. This determines the maximum amount your insurance will pay out each year.
- – Exclusions: Most policies have exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions or hereditary diseases.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Whether the benefits of pets health insurance is worth it for you depends on several factors, including your pet’s health history, your financial situation, and your risk tolerance.
If you have a pet with a history of health problems, pre existing conditions, or a high-risk breed, insurance can provide peace of mind. However, if you have a healthy pet and a comfortable budget, you may be able to self-fund veterinary care.
It’s important to carefully research different pet insurance providers and compare their coverage, premiums, and exclusions. Consider consulting with your veterinarian for advice on whether pet insurance is right for you and your pet. Once you’ve done your research, give us a call at Ashland Insurance to have one of our agents walk you through setting up pet insurance.
Pet Insurance is a small price to pay for the benefits of pets and their unconditional love.
Talking with us will get a policy that’s right for you and your pet.
541.482.0831 Ashland
541.857.0679 Medford