Your Pet Has a Pre-Existing Condition: What are Your Options?

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Your Pet Has a Pre-existing Condition   by Frankie Wallace   |Published 10-07-2020

It’s sometimes hard to believe that a little 20-pound bundle of fur could steal your heart the way your tiny terrier or petite Pekingese has. But there it is. It’s done. They’re your baby, and there’s no denying it. No changing it.

And that makes it that much harder when your little four-legged shadow is sick and in pain. There are few things in life more painful than watching your fur baby suffer than knowing that your love and comfort can only go so far. It’s a helpless feeling.

But it doesn’t have to be. There are things you can do to help your animal companion, even when they’re battling a chronic illness or some other pre-existing condition that might limit your ability to defray some of the costs of their care through pet insurance.

Pet Insurance: What It Covers and What It Doesn’t

Let’s face it: veterinary bills can be breathtakingly expensive, so much so that sometimes they force us to make heartbreaking choices. Sometimes, the costs of care are so high that they simply can’t be managed, and you’re forced to say goodbye to your little one rather than let them suffer without the care you can’t afford.

That’s a choice no pet owner should have to make, but even the most conscientious and affordable veterinarian cannot practice for free. Pet insurance was designed to help prevent those kinds of heartbreaking choices, covering veterinary costs to save tiny lives without bankrupting pet parents. 

Though many plans do not cover wellness care, such as vaccinations, policies can be purchased which will cover most, if not all, costs related to accidents, injuries, or illnesses, conditions which can be prohibitively expensive. The most important thing to remember, though, is that there will likely be a waiting period for coverage to begin, There may be coverage restrictions, such as breed-specific coverage caps or exclusions.

If Your Pet Has a Pre-existing Condition

It’s also vital to remember that, while pet insurers may not deny coverage to pets with pre-existing illnesses, they are unlikely to cover the pre-existing condition itself. That means you will need to explore other options to manage your pet’s condition and ensure they enjoy the quality of life they deserve.

Alternative and Holistic Care

If your pet’s pre-existing condition is one that causes them pain, then there are some safe herbs and supplements you may want to try, after consulting with your pet’s veterinarian, of course. 

Studies show, for example, that CBD oil may be an effective option for relieving your dog’s pain. Additionally, the research suggests that CBD can have the same beneficial effects for dogs that it has on humans, working on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, decrease anxiety, and improve appetite and digestion.

Another alternative supplement that’s receiving a lot of attention is mitragynine, the active ingredient in the tropical plant, kratom. Proponents argue that, in small doses, kratom is not only effective in treating chronic pain in dogs but also in reducing anxiety and boosting appetite and energy.  

An Ounce of Prevention

When your fur baby has a pre-existing condition, that means they’re probably already more vulnerable to other illnesses and injuries. That’s going to make preventative care especially important. 

Do your research to identify the particular health risks associated with your fur baby’s breed. Ensure that you’re giving your pet the necessary nutrition with high-quality food based on their particular dietary needs. Make sure your pet gets enough healthy exercise and maintains a healthy weight. Even your daily and weekly grooming routine can help you detect and address potential problems or complications early on.

And if it turns out that your pet’s pre-existing condition requires costly treatment that your insurance plan won’t cover, take the time to explore alternative financing. For example, you may qualify for low-interest credit plans, such as those offered by veterinary financing specialists, or you may be eligible for grants from local humane societies and other animal-focused charities.

The Takeaway:  When Your Pet has a Pre-Existing Condition

Parenting a pet with a pre-existing condition can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. But ensuring your little one enjoys the long and happy life they deserve takes diligence and planning.

Pet insurance can be a fantastic option for protecting you and your fur child from the potentially catastrophic costs of an injury or illness. It won’t, however, cover your pet’s pre-existing condition, which means you will likely need to turn to alternative sources of financing and savings plans to help ensure your fur child enjoys a long and happy life.

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Author Bio:  When Your Pet has a Preexisting Condition

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