The Top 10 Reasons Pet Owners Take their Pets to the Vet

Every year, pets and their owners visit the veterinarian, both for preventive pet health care and to deal with injuries and illnesses. Listed below are VPI’s top 10 reasons pet owners took their dogs or cats to the veterinarian in 2006, according to VPI Pet Insurance claims received.

Compared with last year’s list, the usual suspects — skin allergies, urinary tract infections and upset stomachs — remain near the top for both pets. Some conditions absent from last year’s list were pyoderma (or hot spots) for dogs and tooth extractions for cats.

“Almost all pets will have one of these conditions throughout their life,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, director of veterinary education and services for VPI. “In general, younger pets have a tendency to eat things they are not supposed to eat, which may result in stomach problems. Older pets are prone to tumors and arthritis.”

To learn more about protecting your pets or to obtain a free quote,
call VPI toll-free at 877-PETS-VPI or log onto eb.petinsurance.com.

VPI plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional Pet WellCare Protection℠ coverage is also available. Policies are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company,
an A+15 rated company, in Madison, Wisconsin and a subsidiary of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.