Asda Money reveals the strangest cat and dog mishaps.
Pets can get into all sorts of bother, especially cats and dogs.
Those with furry friends know all too well about the usual mishaps that can occur like broken bones and infections.
But Asda Money has revealed the more bizarre situations that cat and dog owners may not be prepared for.
Most bizarre claims
Here’s a rundown of the strangest misadventures Asda Money has seen for claims from cat and dog owners:
1. Swallowing a sewing needle and thread
2. Eating ibuprofen and paracetamol
3. Chewing on batteries
4. Swallowing rat poison
5. Eating a heat pad
6. Drinking drain cleaner
7. Munching on magnets and eating the bristles from a wire brush
8. Eating a pill bottle and its entire contents
9. Swallowing a kebab stick whole
10. Family cat falling from a 4th floor window
As you can see cats and dogs are prone to run into trouble with everyday household items and that probably means a visit to the vets for some treatment.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) estimates an overnight stay at a veterinary clinic can typically cost £675 for a dog or £300 for a cat.
[SPOTLIGHT]But according to Asda Money over 57% of pet owners don’t have pet insurance in place that can cover the high cost of vet bills should the worst happen.
Pet insurance
Pet insurance can protect against unexpected costs that may come about if your pet needs treatment and can help them live a longer life.
You can get policies that cover vet fees, overseas vet fees, third party liability (if your pet injures someone or damages their property), advertising costs if your pet goes missing, hospitalisation costs, holiday cancellation should your pet need emergency surgery and the purchase price of your pet if it’s lost, stolen or dies before a certain age.
Typically policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions, routine and preventative treatments like vaccinations, pregnancy and giving birth.
For more information on getting protection for your pet read: Protecting Your Pet: What You Need to Know.
Alternatives to pet insurance
For some families pet insurance may be a bit of a stretch to the household budget.
One alternative is to self-insure. This involves setting some money aside each month in a savings account especially for pet emergencies.
You’ll earn interest on what you put away, helping you to build up a lump sum. However, problems could arise if you haven’t built up enough cash to cover the cost of an emergency.
Another alternative is clubbing together with others to buy insurance. With your collective buying power you may be able to negotiate better deals. Read Bought by Many: team up with others for cheaper insurance for more.
More on insurance:
How to get free life insurance