Deciding to adopt your first dog can be an exciting experience. Not only will you have the opportunity to find the perfect addition to your family dynamic, but you will also be giving a pet a forever home. In addition to buying all the cute accessories, it’s always a good idea to invest in the right pet insurance.

This post takes a closer look at the various, unexpected injuries your dog may sustain. Since many of these are often unexpected, it’s a good idea to invest in comprehensive insurance. Doing this makes it easy to deal with issues such as bite wounds, joint injuries, dental disease, as well as anal gland issues.

Bite Wounds

One of the more common incidents that your dog may experience is bite wounds from other animals. This can happen at home or even in the dog park and can occur in an instant. Puncture wounds may seem as though they close quickly, but can trap bacteria, which can lead to extensive inflammation or abscesses.

Joints and Ligament Injuries

No matter how big or small your new fur friend is, chances are there’s going to be a lot of running, jumping, and rough-playing. Although this can be fun, it can often lead to sprains, strains, and crucial ligament tears (such as the ACL) in ankles or knees. This is often displayed as subtle limping, difficulty using stairs, or a general reluctance to play. Keep an eye out for age or breed-specific joint issues common in some breeds.

Foreign Body Ingestion

Another significant reason your pet may need emergency veterinary care can stem from them accidentally ingesting small objects. This is especially the case for puppies who are well-known for biting on everything from socks, toys, furniture, shoes, and anything they might find lying around.

Dogs can also accidentally ingest toxic substances such as harmful foods, cleaning products, and even pesticides. In addition to storing these items out of reach, it’s essential to keep an eye out for the signs of poisons and obstructions. Know that these items can cause internal obstructions in their intestines or even lead to perforations. Keep in mind that these obstructions may not always present an immediate problem and can be costly to extract.

Internal Trauma

Dogs, especially pups or active breeds, tend to get up to all kinds of shenanigans. This involves climbing, which in turn can lead to falling. When this happens, your dog could develop internal injuries that may not be immediately visible.

These can escalate and develop into more serious injuries that may need extensive care, surgery, or even long-term care. This is not only expensive, but it can also have lifelong side effects. Some signs that your fur baby may have experienced an internal injury include the following:

• Pale gums
• Difficulty breathing
• Weakness
• Collapse
• Disorientation
• Limping
• Whining for no reason (as if in pain)

Anal Gland Issues

Few new pet owners are unaware that some dog breeds are susceptible to anal gland issues. This occurs when the dog’s anal glands are infected or impacted and can cause discomfort. Look out for significant licking or scooting that seems more than just a minor itch. An early visit to the vet will ensure that the issue is easily treated before infection sets in.

Invest in Quality Pet Insurance

Planning the care for your new fur friend should always include investing in comprehensive health care that includes pet dental insurance from an early age. Doing this will ensure that your pet is covered for all those unexpected illnesses, accidents, and injuries.

Our veterinary experts recommend investing in pet insurance that also includes dental care. For the most part, this type of insurance covers aspects such as damage to teeth that occurred as a result of chewing on bones and rocks. In instances where a tooth has been knocked out after a fight or blunt force trauma, the right insurance will ensure that your fur baby gets the care they need in an emergency.

In addition to dealing with dental trauma, the right insurance coverage will also help provide the care needed for diseases such as gingivitis, tartar, and periodontal disease. Keep in mind that this type of cover can prevent your pet from developing damage to their bones caused by dental issues. Most coverages, such as those from Lemonade, will also offer you enhanced dental coverage, which includes cleanings, medications, and diagnostics.

Final Thoughts

No matter how well you plan for your new or even aged dog’s care, there’s always the risk of a disease, accident, or trauma leaving you with an extensive bill. The best way to reduce the financial risk is to invest in quality pet insurance that not only covers aspects such as diagnostics but also all the medications, surgeries, and treatments that your pet may need.

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