Regular teeth cleaning and other kinds of pet dental care can be costly, but making sure that dental cover is incorporated in your pet insurance policy may be one choice worth considering to help decrease unexpected expenses in the future.

Good oral sanitation for your pets is imperative to prevent oral and dental diseases. If left untreated, oral diseases are not only sore, but they can also help to further health issues and diseases in pets down the track.

Is pet insurance dental cover necessary for dental injuries and illness?

As a committed pet owner, you’ll know what it takes to keep their coat trim and their teeth clean. But did you know that if their mouths aren’t healthy, they have the potential to influence the rest of the body? This can result in further illness.

Just like us, dogs and cats are vulnerable to teeth and gum diseases, including plaque build-up, periodontal disease, cavities, and gingivitis. Of course, our pets make use of their teeth for a lot more than we do – brushing and cleaning themselves and carrying all kinds of things in their mouths while exploring and playing – which makes protecting them from dental injuries and diseases all the more important. And although you might anticipate pet dental care to be included across the board, some insurers may not offer cover for both injury and illness. Meaning that cheaper pet insurance dental cover may lead to costing you more in the long run.

What type of pet insurance covers pet dental care?

While issues like accidents and injuries are usually covered, not all pet insurance policies include cover for dental cleaning and care. Some pet insurers provide cover for pet dental care and dental illnesses through non-obligatory add-ons available for basic or premium insurance packages, while others need you to buy a pet dental care policy separately. If pet dental care is something you are searching for in a policy, you may want to examine the fine print and read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before you buy a pet insurance dental cover.

What is covered by a pet insurance dental cover?

When choosing an insurance policy, some common inclusions in a pet insurance dental cover may be:

• Gingivitis
• Abscesses
• Tooth extraction
• Dental diseases stemming from infection
• Retained deciduous teeth
• Cavities
• Tooth fracture

Pet insurance dental cover does not typically cover aesthetic dental procedures, orthodontics, root canals, and a range of other specialist oral therapies.

What are the symptoms of dental disease in pets?

Gum disease or periodontal disease is regarded as one of the usual forms of dental disease in pets, which impacts both dogs and cats and is brought about by a buildup of plaque. Periodontal disease may irreparably damage a pet’s gums and the protective structure of their teeth, so it could be worth being careful about signs to make sure you can cure it before causing any permanent damage.

The following symptoms may indicate that your pet has gum disease:

• Bad Breath
• Discolored or loose teeth
• Extreme drooling
• Falling of food from the mouth when eating, or unwilling to chew or eat at all, especially hard food
• Pain when handled around the head
• Facial swelling
• Behavioral changes (e.g. lethargy, increased aggression)
• Pawing at the mouth
• Receding, blood-stained or inflamed gums

How can you prevent dental disease in pets?

Similarly to people, keeping your pet’s oral hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease and other dental diseases. It is recommended to include the bones in the diets of your pets to enhance healthy gums, however, giving bones to your pets may need some supervision. Raw marrow bones, such as lamb shanks for dogs and chicken wings for cats, mixed with biscuits and chew toys are efficient for preventing the buildup of plaque and infection.

It is suggested if your pet doesn’t take pleasure in masticating, brushing their teeth daily with pet-friendly toothbrushes and toothpaste or giving them particularly formulated cleaning chews and treats may be an efficacious way. Consult your vet to find the best choices to suit your pet’s particular needs.

Some other protective health care choices that may be worth considering for your dog (or cat) include:

• Vaccination – this may reduce the chance of your pet getting afflicted with a serious illness.
• Regular check-ups – Getting regular check-ups may help the long-term health of your pets.
• Exercise – regular walks and activities may enhance the longevity and overall health of your pet.
• Healthy weight – Retaining your pet in a healthy weight range may contribute to staying away from conditions like joint and heart issues and diabetes.

What kinds of pet dental care are excluded by pet insurance dental cover?

Regular teeth cleanings are regarded as preventative care, so they are not usually included in coverage under traditional accident/illness plans. However, most pet insurance dental cover providers provide supplemental pet health plans that can compensate you for cat or dog dental cleaning expenses.

Some companies may have coverage requisites based on your pet’s age. For example, needing a vet to conduct an oral examination to recognize current health concerns when enrolling pets over the age of three. Pet insurance dental cover will never cover pre-existing conditions, and they will not compensate you for the cost of aesthetic procedures, but only those that are assumed medically vital for your pet’s health. The best way is to enroll in a plan early in your pet’s life to make sure they are covered for any disease that may happen, oral or otherwise.