{"id":14808,"date":"2025-01-21T11:28:03","date_gmt":"2025-01-21T09:28:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/?p=14808"},"modified":"2025-02-04T21:25:29","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T19:25:29","slug":"how-dog-insurance-helped-dog-owner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/useful\/articles\/how-dog-insurance-helped-dog-owner\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog insurance: how it helped a pet dog who developed a sudden heart condition"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"14808\" class=\"elementor elementor-14808\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5d7efb58 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5d7efb58\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32d40bf6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"32d40bf6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><nav aria-label=\"breadcrumbs\" class=\"rank-math-breadcrumb\"><p><\/p><\/nav><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1e4750ba e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1e4750ba\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a047e75 ddddf e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a047e75\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-20c9d99a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"20c9d99a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Dog insurance: how it helped a pet dog who developed a sudden heart condition<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-18b94166 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"18b94166\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-13e8adb2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"13e8adb2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"729\" height=\"410\" src=\"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/r0_0_729_410_w729_h410_fmax-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-14767\" alt=\"Koerakindlustus\" srcset=\"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/r0_0_729_410_w729_h410_fmax-1.jpg 729w, https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/r0_0_729_410_w729_h410_fmax-1-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 729px) 100vw, 729px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-19d502c4 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"19d502c4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-175f64b5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"175f64b5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lola, a five-year-old Weinmerraner, grew up just a few blocks from Pirita Beach in Tallinn, where she has spent much of her life frolicking on the sand and swimming in the ocean. There\u2019s no place she would rather be on a beach retrieving a ball or stick, especially from the water, said her pet parent, Merit. Pet parents should seek advice from a veterinarian when unexpected issues arise.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like most Weinmerraners, she also loves people and other dogs.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSweet and gentle in nature, Lola gets approached by all sorts \u2013 the child who\u2019s normally scared of dogs, the teenager who asks if they can pet the cute dog, fellow dog owners\u2026She seems to turn almost every 2- or 4-legged encounter into a new friendship,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Lola collapses suddenly and requires veterinary care<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One evening in October, Lola collapsed while chasing a ball on the beach. The next day, Merit took her to the vet, and the doctor detected a heart murmur, which had not been present a few months before. This led to numerous tests, which showed clear signs of a condition called<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petmd.com\/dog\/conditions\/cardiovascular\/enlarged-heart-dilated-cardiomyopathy-dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dilated cardiomyopathy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or DCM.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also known as an enlarged heart, DCM is a serious, generally progressive heart condition, which often has few or no symptoms until suddenly appearing as a fainting episode or, if it progresses to congestive heart failure, even sudden death.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The heart pumps out oxygenated blood that every organ needs. In dogs with DCM, their ventricles start to wear down and become thin and weak, making pumping that enriched blood more difficult.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the diagnosis, Merit realised in hindsight that Lola\u2019s occasional coughing spells were also a symptom of DCM \u2013 the swelling of the heart muscles push on the throat, causing discomfort. The swelling of the heart muscles can cause significant pain, which may require specific treatments to manage effectively.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sudden onset of the condition and the high diagnosis and treatment costs caught Merit by surprise. Various treatments are available for DCM, including medications and dietary changes.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAs her parents, this whole experience was gut-wrenching. One day we had a healthy, happy dog. A few days later, we didn\u2019t know if she\u2019d see middle age. In addition to this stress, the multiple procedures, tests, and medications required to properly diagnose and stabilise Lola\u2019s condition came out to just under \u20ac6,000 in six weeks,\u201d Merit said.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no cure for DCM, but it can be treated with medications that help decrease the heart\u2019s workload, improve its efficiency, and remove fluid from the lungs to make breathing easier. These include ACE inhibitors, which expand the veins leaving the heart; diuretics, which help remove fluid from the lungs; and inotropic drugs, which change the force of the heart\u2019s contractions.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Besides medication, dogs with DCM benefit from a low-salt diet and supplements such as taurine, coenzyme Q10, or carnitine supplements.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Merit said <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petmd.com\/dog\/conditions\/cardiovascular\/c_dg_taurine_deficiency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">taurine supplements<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> appear to be especially effective for Weinmerraner. Several studies have shown that some dogs develop DCM due to a nutritional deficiency of the amino acid. Lola now takes a daily taurine supplement.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>How is <\/b><b>Lola<\/b><b> doing now<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With careful medication adjustments and diet, Lola is doing much better\u2014she is back to rolling in the sand and swimming (in moderation) in the ocean. Management of DCM is lifelong in dogs, with a life expectancy of six months to two years after diagnosis. When caught early, dogs have a better prognosis and can live comfortable lives for years. Additionally, dental care is essential to a dog&#8217;s overall health, emphasising the importance of routine veterinary check-ups, proper feeding, and dental hygiene practices.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The experience has made Merit appreciate their beloved pet dog even more.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhile it remains to be seen how Lola will do over the long term, this whole experience has made us really appreciate each day we get to spend with her and how much love and joy she brings to our lives,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>How dog insurance helped<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Based on a friend\u2019s recommendation, Merit purchased an IF<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/insurance\/pet-insurance\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pet insurance policy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when Lola was just a year old. Merit said he\u2019d hoped to be that policyholder who\u2019d purchased nothing more than peace of mind (because their dog never got sick); once they needed it for a chronic and expensive health condition, they were happy they had it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pet insurance is also invaluable for covering the costs of treating injured pets, ensuring they receive the necessary care without financial strain. Additionally, low-cost vet care is available for eligible pet owners, providing affordable veterinary services to those receiving means-tested benefits within some geographic regions.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWe were beyond grateful to be able to focus our emotional energies exclusively on her well-being \u2013 without having to worry about how to pay for her care. We have IF<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/insurance\/pet-insurance\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to thank for that,\u201d Merit said. \u201cThe process of submitting a dog treatment claim online was incredibly easy and once I\u2019d set up direct deposit, we were approved and reimbursed for every claim \u2014 typically within 48 hours. Our experience with IF has been nothing short of wonderful and has made this incredibly difficult time much easier than it could have been.\u201d<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Understanding veterinary care in Estonia<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinary care is an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinary care involves medical attention and animal treatment to prevent, diagnose, and manage various health conditions. It encompasses multiple services, including vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, and surgery. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to ensure pets&#8217; overall health and well-being.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinary medicine has evolved significantly over the years, and modern veterinary practices offer a range of advanced diagnostic and treatment options. From routine check-ups to complex surgeries, veterinary care is designed to provide pets with the best possible quality of life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By monitoring your pet\u2019s health through regular vet visits, you can catch potential issues early and ensure your furry friend enjoys a long, happy life.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Signs of dog illness<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognising the signs of illness in pets is crucial to providing timely veterinary care. Common signs of disease in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and changes in behaviour. If you notice any of these signs in your pet, it is essential to seek veterinary advice promptly.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to these general signs, specific symptoms require immediate veterinary attention. For example, if your dog is experiencing difficulty breathing, seizures, or severe vomiting, you should seek emergency veterinary care.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early detection and treatment can significantly impact your pet\u2019s recovery and overall health.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Importance of regular check-ups for your dog<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular veterinary checkups are essential for maintaining pets&#8217; health and well-being. These checkups allow veterinarians to monitor your pet\u2019s health, detect potential health issues early, and provide preventive care.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During a routine check-up, your veterinarian will perform a physical examination, take a complete medical history, and conduct diagnostic tests such as blood work or imaging studies. This information helps your veterinarian identify potential health issues and develop a treatment plan.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular check-ups also allow you to discuss any concerns or questions about your pet\u2019s health. Your veterinarian can offer advice on nutrition, behaviour, and health care, and guidance on keeping your pet healthy and happy. By staying proactive with your pet\u2019s health, you can ensure they receive the best possible care and enjoy a long, fulfilling life.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Why every dog owner should have pet insurance<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dog insurance is an essential consideration for any dog owner. It provides financial protection against unexpected veterinary bills, ensuring you can provide your pet with the best care without breaking the bank.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dog insurance can help cover the cost of veterinary care, including diagnostic tests, treatments, and surgeries. Knowing you have a financial safety net if your pet becomes sick or injured can also provide peace of mind.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When choosing a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/insurance\/pet-insurance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> policy, several factors must be considered, including the level of coverage, the deductible, and the premium. You should also read reviews and ask friends, family, or your veterinarian for recommendations to find the best policy for your pet.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By investing in dog insurance, you can ensure your pet receives the best care without worrying about the financial burden. This is a responsible and caring decision that can provide peace of mind and financial protection for both you and your pet.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every pet owner hopes to be that policyholder who\u2019d purchased nothing more than peace of mind. But once they need it, they are happy they have it. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":14767,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14808","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles"],"acf":[],"blog_post_layout_featured_media_urls":{"thumbnail":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/r0_0_729_410_w729_h410_fmax-1-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"full":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/r0_0_729_410_w729_h410_fmax-1.jpg",729,410,false]},"categories_names":{"21":{"name":"Articles","link":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/category\/useful\/articles\/"}},"tags_names":[],"comments_number":"0","rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/r0_0_729_410_w729_h410_fmax-1.jpg",729,410,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/r0_0_729_410_w729_h410_fmax-1.jpg",729,410,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/r0_0_729_410_w729_h410_fmax-1.jpg",729,410,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/r0_0_729_410_w729_h410_fmax-1-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/r0_0_729_410_w729_h410_fmax-1-300x169.jpg",300,169,true],"large":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/r0_0_729_410_w729_h410_fmax-1.jpg",729,410,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/r0_0_729_410_w729_h410_fmax-1.jpg",729,410,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/r0_0_729_410_w729_h410_fmax-1.jpg",729,410,false]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"David Bailey","author_link":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/author\/davidbailey\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/category\/useful\/articles\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Articles<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"Every pet owner hopes to be that policyholder who\u2019d purchased nothing more than peace of mind. But once they need it, they are happy they have it.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14808","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14808"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14808\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14767"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14808"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14808"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moneyhub.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14808"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}