Does my rescue dog need pet insurance?

If you have just rescued your first dog, then you are to be congratulated. This is indeed a rewarding experience, and you can enjoy your new companion for life. One of the most popular questions that new dog parents have is; does my rescue dog need pet insurance? Just like if you were buying your pup from a breeder, we always recommend getting a good pet insurance plan in place. Let’s take a look at why.

Most people are going to have an amazing experience when they adopt a new dog. A lot of canines already have some basic dog training and socialization, which can mean you get a head start as an owner. But there are going to be some canines that have not had the best start in life. This means that they might have developed some adverse behavioral issues. You may be able to work through some of these on your own with some time and patience. But in some cases, you may require professional help. The good thing about insurance plans is that it can include covering treatment and training.

Rescue dogs can have unknown health conditions

If you have just adopted a rescue, you might not know much, if indeed anything, about its history. For example, you do not know how healthy they are, and you might not even be sure about their age. Their breed might not be clear either, which could mean that they are prone to hereditary conditions of which you are not aware. Therefore, you need to be prepared for the worst. For example, they could develop an illness in the short or long term, and you will have to have the money to pay for treatment. The thought of this can be stressful.

But the good thing about pet insurance coverage is that this is going to help you with any expenses you might incur. From paying for the tests to assisting with medication, good pet insurance will mean that you do not have to pay a lot out of your pocket. Therefore, be aware that rescue dogs can have unknown factors that make them susceptible to treatment. It is always better to be prepared.

You can enjoy liability coverage

You are always in charge of your dog when you are in a public place. This means that if someone is bitten by your canine or another dog is attacked; you are liable for their behavior. While you do not want to think that this would happen, things can quickly spiral out of control. Therefore, it is best to be prepared for all eventualities. The good thing is that a lot of pet insurance options offer liability coverage. This means that any medical bills or expenses incurred as a result of lawsuits can be covered.

Of course, this is not to say that all rescue dogs have behavioral issues that are going to land them in trouble. Most of them are well-behaved and loving canines. They are not inherently aggressive in any way nor a liability around adults and children. But because you are not always aware of their history and what they have been through, they might become scared in situations you would not anticipate. Strangers can also overstep their mark and upset your dog without you realizing it.

Thus, it can be useful to have liability coverage just in case. If anything, this will give you peace of mind. You can know that you are not going to be in trouble with the law if you cannot pay legal costs and compensation. Of course, you can also afford a lawyer so that you can fight the case if you think your rescue dog has been mistreated.

A pet insurance plan helps pay for your rescue’s dental care

Humans are not the only ones who need to look after their teeth. Dogs are the same, and they can be prone to a lot of similar conditions that affect humans. For example, this can include gum disease and tooth decay. If your dog’s teeth are not looked after, they can develop tartar and have bad breath, as well as end up with teeth falling out.

If you have a rescue, you do not know if the previous owner has been taking good care of their pet before it was placed in care. This means that they might develop problems in the next few years after you adopt them. A lot of pet insurance plans offer dental care as part of the package.

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