UKs Largest Pet Insurer


A survey released by Petplan, the UKs largest pet insurance provider has found that UK pet owners trust the advice and knowledge of their local vet more than doctors at their local hospital.

The results are released as Petplan is asking people all over the UK to nominate deserving candidates for any of the four categories in the Petplan Veterinary Awards 2006.

The survey undertaken by NOP, asked 1,000 people which professional opinion they trusted most. Over a quarter of all pet owners interviewed said that they trust their vet (26%) more than most human health professionals. People trusted their vet over their optician (24%), hospital doctor (24%) and dentist (23%).

Further findings revealed that pet owners look after their pet more than they look after their own health. 51% of the pet owners interviewed are more likely to take their pet to the local vet at the first signs of ill health, but would wait for further symptoms in their own health before going to the GP.

Dr June McNicholas, psychologist, and one of Europe's leading researchers in the field of relationships between people and animals says, I am not surprised at all by these findings. When people are discussing pet health problems with their vet, it can often lead to thoughts about similarities with human health problems. It is not uncommon for people to mention their own health problems to a vet. If the vet says something to the effect that a GP visit would be advisable, most people will take this advice. This can range from general aches and pains, to digestive problems, and urinary disorders and so forth.

Dr McNicholas continues, Psychologists studying human health behavior have long been aware that people are often put off going to their GP, making excuses about the causes of their symptoms, waiting to see what happens, buying over-the-counter remedies or asking friends what they should do. This doesnt seem to be the case with decision making over pets illness.

Possible reasons:

Owners may feel less likely to be thought of as wasting a vets time
Owners are less likely to take risks with their pets health than their own
There are fewer alternatives in treating pets or validating symptoms so delay is less likely
Pet ownership often involves pleasure in being needed by the pet.
Seeking treatment is a concrete way of demonstrating this Dr McNicholas continues, People do place a great deal of trust in their vet and have considerable respect for a practitioner whose patient cannot tell them about their symptoms. In fact, many people will say that a vet has to be even more knowledgeable than a doctor because his/her patients cannot talk, and because vets have to be able to treat all animals not just one species.

The four coveted categories in the Petplan Veterinary Awards are Vet Nurse of the Year, Vet Receptionist of the Year, Vet Practice of the Year and Vet of the Year and will take place at the CBSO Hall, Birmingham on the 20th April.

Fiona Pinkney, communications manager of Petplan comments, "We understand how important pets are to their owners, and in turn how important the relationship with their vet who looks after their pet also is to them. The Petplan Veterinary Awards are the Oscars of the Veterinary World and celebrate the important work of veterinary professionals. The closing entry to vote is the 20th February and for every nomination received, Petplan donates 1 to the charity, Petsavers.
false UK Insurance Index 2005-10-21T18:36:00+01:00 2005-11-05T11:14:54Z 2005-11-03T18:47:34Z tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18090194.post-113104365419805074
A new study by pet insurance provider MORE TH>N reveals that an increasing number of UK pets are suffering from food intolerances and allergies.

Almost 10% of pets suffer from food intolerances, mirroring the trend amongst humans estimated at 40-45% of the population. Contrary to popular belief, food intolerance is likely to be associated with the food that is most commonly eaten. Pets are most often allergic to wheat (e.g. biscuits) and beef; other common allergens include pork, chicken, milk, soy and fish.

Recognizing dietary intolerance is difficult for pet-owners as recurring signs are often passed off as minor illnesses. Once diagnosed, healing the problem is not so easy either. This is made worse because of a lack of legislation governing pet food labeling, which means pet owners cannot always clearly identify what they are feeding their pets.

Pet food manufacturers are currently not obligated to name actual ingredients and some pet food labels use general terms such as meat by-products and cereal or animal derivatives. MORE TH>N is calling for those pet food manufacturers to use more accurate labeling to help pet owners and vets in diagnosing and preventing food intolerances. Nowadays 87% of UK vets are recommending more specialist diets for pets, compared to five years ago.

MORE TH>Ns Veterinary Adviser, Sophie de Pelet, comments: The way that we care and cater for our pets has changed over the last 50 years. Dogs and cats are no longer kept outside and fed on household scraps, but instead live indoors as part of the family. They tend to be fed more dried, cereal-based biscuits and canned food, the contents of which may be contributing to dietary problems. We all like to treat our pets, but feeding them snacks and tidbits can also be at the root of dietary intolerance in affected animals.

Food allergy and intolerance symptoms that pets suffer from are very similar to those seen in humans, for example, eczema, dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy, all of which can be difficult to attribute to diet alone as this can be caused by so many other disease processes. As a result, diagnosis and treatment can be a lengthy and thus costly exercise. Allergy tests carried out by vets can aid diagnosis, but can cost in excess of 200. Exclusion diets (containing unique forms of protein and carbohydrate specifically catered for the animal in question) will be necessary to confirm diagnosis. Most pet insurance policies will cover the costs of testing, so pet owners should check their policy details to avoid unexpected expense.

Paula Peacock, a Veterinary Nurse at Yorktest Veterinary Service, Europes leading specialist in food intolerances, comments: Since we launched our allergy testing service for pets in 2000, more than 12,000 pets have been tested for suspected food allergies and the results, together with the subsequent action of both vets and owners, have proved to be beneficial.

There is now a wide range of veterinary prescription diets available and while normal pet food is often poorly labeled, there is also an ever-growing range of hypoallergenic diets which do state all ingredients clearly to the benefit of pet owners and vets. Vets will often also recommend a home-made diet as with humans, prevention is often the best cure.

95% of vets surveyed agreed that pet insurance was a responsible thing for pet owners to have as well as giving you the peace of mind that vet bills will be covered.
False UK Insurance Index 2005-10-10T18:20:00+01:00 2005-11-05T11:12:10Z 2005-11-03T18:31:20Z tag: blogger.com, 1999: blog-18090194.post-113104268086434533 Paradise for pets is to be found in the West Country, but a dog's life in the North of Scotland according to a new nationwide survey.

The survey by YouGov for the UK's largest provider of Pet Insurance, Petplan, identified the West Country as the home of the UK's most pampered pooches and cats. The survey talked to 2,000 pet owners nationwide about their pets' diet, living conditions, and lifestyle.

Your vet may have free starter packets of many popular medications.

Is Pet Insurance A Good Idea

"I kept her coverage for as long as I did, somewhat out of fear that she would have a catastrophic event, as my cats had," said Popovic.

I have insured all of my cats within the first six months of life. I wrote an article several months ago agreeing with a member who wrote about pet insurance. This is a tough issue to deal with. Bonus savings for union members. Pet insurance covers the veterinary expenses of primarily cats and dogs, although coverage is available for other animals such as birds, reptiles, and certain exotic pets. Ask whether the insurer offers discounts for insuring multiple pets.