Plump Pets and Pet Health Insurance Study About Pet Obesity

by Anna Glendenning | More from this Blogger

27 Aug 2007 01:44 PM

The nation's oldest and largest pet insurance provider, Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), ran a study reviewing Pet Health Insurance claims and found more than $14 million dollars was paid out for claims linked to pet obesity with plump-pets health care needs representing seven percent of all the pet medical claims submitted to VPI in 2006.

Veterinarians know obesity is as harmful for our pets as it is for their owners and humans. Nearly all body systems are required to work harder to support the extra weight Obesity adversely affects the quality and length of life, for our pets and us. During 2006, VPI reported the average claim for medical treatment linked to weight related health problems resulted in a veterinarian bill of $832.

Obesity raises the health risks in our pets for:

• Arthritis
• Inter-vertebral disc disease
• Spondylosis and cruciate ligament rupture.
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Asthma
• Hepatitis
• Lipomas

VPI reported their studies show between 25 and 40 percent of American pets are plump! In order for our roly-poly family pets to lose weight they need the same things we do:

• Reduced Caloric intake
• Increased physical activity

Every pet is different, a veterinarian can help loving owners determine the ideal weight for their pet and customize a diet and exercise plan that bests suit's the pet you love. For some loving pet owners, this means controlling the snacks and treats. Food treats are a common way some pet owners show love to their furry friends. Other pet owners depend on food treats as a behavioral tool. When food is used for love and training it can become very difficult to regulate a pet's diet.

Pet Health Insurance can be very helpful to cover a pets veterinarian costs, and many policies will reimburses for conditions related to obesity. Some health policies may offer options for routine care coverage which will help pet owners feel less financial stress about bringing their pet to the veterinarian for regular physical exams and preventive health care.

Related Blogs:

• Pet Health Insurance, Good Deal or No Deal
• Why Is My Pet Fat?
• Pet Insurance: VPI For That Four Legged VIP

Glossary of Insurance Terms:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J-K | L | M | N | O | P | Q-R | S | T | U-V | W-Z

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Learn more about Anna Glendenning

Anna Glendenning is a mother of four. Two biological children grown and out of college, and two siblings and adopted together in 2003. Anna's Personal Website http://www.adoptiveparentsnetwork.

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