Pets Best identifies weirdest filings of the season.
Every few months, the oddest pet insurance claims are identified by Pets Best, by its president and founder, Dr. Jack Stephens, who is as also a practicing veterinarian.
The most recent summertime examples have now been released by the insurer.
According to Dr. Stephens, “The accidents and dangers pets encounter never cease to amaze me.” He added that “We want pet owners to remember that as the weather warms and they’re spending more time outside, they should be extra cautious.”
The pet insurance company hopes that these examples will encourage owners to take greater precautions.
Among the more bizarre claims that the insurer has received during the summertime include the following:
• Sunburns – a pet insurance claim was submitted for a Boston Terrier that had experienced a sunburn after being out in the rays too long. According to Dr. Stephens, light colored pets, ears, and noses are all at an increased risk of sunburns. Owners should limit the time their pets have in the direct sunlight and discuss sunscreen with their vets.
• Golf ball consumption – A Golden Retriever ate a golf ball, which led to a claim worth more than $1,400. This was only one of many claims seen by the pet insurance company regarding the ingestion of foreign bodies that can require surgical removal. Dr. Stephens recommends that owners keep a very close watch over pets with an inclination to chew inedible items.
• Lakeside accident – Piper, a dog enjoying the summer weather at the lake with the family ran to fetch a toy in the water and jumped off the end of a dock, becoming tangled in a rope and breaking her leg. The fracture was important to repair, but the coverage went a long way to ensure that the family could afford it.
• Heat stroke – no matter how many times dog and cat owners are reminded every year not to leave their animals in the car, they still continue to do it. This leads to hundreds of heat stroke claims. This dangerous condition can become fatal in as little as 5 minutes or less and can require expensive treatment to rescue these animals. Even with the windows down, a car is too hot for a pet. Never leave an animal in a car – even if it has pet insurance.