Careless cats and dogs can cost owners

by Richard Kilner

Story link: Careless cats and dogs can cost owners

According to Saga Pet Insurance, clumsy and careless cats and dogs are responsible for a seventh of all claims.

Dogs most commonly injure their feet and ligaments, whereas cats are often involved in road traffic accidents.

Perhaps unexpectedly, Saga’s analysis has revealed some regional variance with some canines and felines in certain areas clumsier than others.

For example, the South East of England is home to the most accident prone dogs.

With the vast majority of pet owners (71%) lacking any sort of pet insurance, such carelessness is far from lighthearted.

Vets’ bills can be high, and without insurance a clumsy cat or dog can cost their owner a significant sum.

Although road traffic incidents involving cats tend to cost around £705, they can cost thousands, and a dog with ligament problems can cost up to £9,000.

A further concern is anti-freeze, which can be very tempting for pets but which can prove fatal.

Less severe, but still serious, rock salt can damage foot pads.

Pet owners are advised to keep a close eye on their pets’ paws, to make sure the pads remain in a healthy condition.