Tips for Keeping Pets Healthy and Lowering Insurance Claims

Pets bring joy and emotional balance to our lives. In return, they only need consistent care. With rising veterinary costs in India, recently increasing by 7.6% annually, prevention has become more important than ever.

This is why following the right tips for pets healthy habits is important. It not only improves your pet’s quality of life but also helps reduce avoidable insurance claims.

This blog will share 11 strategies that you can try to keep your pet healthy and make a smart financial plan for your pet.

11 Smart Tips to Keep Your Pets Healthy and Lower Insurance Claims

Regular Veterinary Care

You should schedule routine vet check-ups at least once a year for adult pets and twice for your senior buddies. These check-ups help in the early detection of any illnesses, which in turn lowers treatment costs significantly.

Studies show that preventive vet visits can reduce the percentage of transmissible diseases by nearly 40%. Moreover, regular health records also support smoother claim processing under pet insurance policies.

Balanced Nutrition and Portion Control

Diet plays a direct role in the long-term health of your pets. Overfeeding causes obesity, diabetes and joint issues. According to veterinary associations, nearly 40% of urban pets show early signs of obesity due to poor portion control. So, follow a clear pet nutrition guide recommended by your vet. Choose food based on age, breed, and activity level.

Regular Exercise

Daily activity keeps weight, heart health and mental stimulation in check. Dogs need aerobic activities for at least 30 minutes daily. Cats benefit from short and frequent play sessions. These pet exercise tips help prevent joint disorders and anxiety-related behaviour, which often lead to medical issues and claims.

Preventative Medications

This step ranks high among essential pet health tips. Pets require early medication when they are young, just like human children. Vaccinations, deworming and parasite control reduce the risk of serious illnesses in them when they grow up.

Tick-borne diseases alone account for a significant share of emergency vet visits in India, so preventive care is essential. It costs far less than treatment and supports long-term wellness.

Dental Hygiene and Grooming

It is found that dental disease affects nearly 70% of pets over 3 years old. So, brush your pet’s teeth regularly and schedule professional cleaning when needed. Plus, grooming is also essential as it prevents skin infections and helps spot early signs of lumps or rashes.

Safe and Clean Environment

A hygienic living space reduces infection risk among pets. So, keep their food bowls clean, remove sharp objects and secure balconies and gates.

Many injury-related claims stem from preventable home accidents. Thus, simple safety checks can support daily wellness and reinforce how to keep pets healthy habits at home.

Get Pet Insurance Early

You should buy pet insurance when your pet is young and healthy. This way, it is easy to get one, and it ensures that your pet is protected from day one.

Moreover, early coverage avoids exclusions linked to pre-existing conditions, premiums stay lower, and coverage remains broader.

Healthy habits work best when paired with the right financial safety net. So, get Bajaj General Pet Insurance to support your pawsome friend’s unexpected treatments!

Read Your Policy Carefully

To get the best pet insurance, always try to understand coverage limits, waiting periods and exclusions. Many claim rejections happen due to a misunderstanding of policy terms.

So, pay attention to caps on diagnostics, surgery and chronic conditions. Clear policy knowledge helps align healthcare decisions with insurance benefits.

Compare Different Insurance Policies While Choosing

Evaluate plans based on coverage depth, claim settlement track record and network veterinarians. Choose insurance and policies that have good customer support and a high claim settlement ratio. This approach reflects long-term planning, which is reliable.

Choose a High Deductible

Opting for a higher deductible lowers your premium and discourages minor claims. This strategy works well when you maintain strong preventive care routines for your pet. It keeps insurance available for major, unexpected medical expenses while managing monthly costs.

Spay or Neuter

Finally, make sure that you spay or neuter your pets. It eliminates heat cycles, reduces marking/spraying and lowers risks for serious diseases such as cancer. Moreover, it also lowers the chance of injuries from roaming or aggression.

Research shows that spayed cats have 39% longer lifespans and spayed dogs have 23% longer lifespans. This step directly lowers your lifetime medical expenses for your pets.

The Bottom Line

Healthy pets need consistency and care. Following tips for pets healthy routines to reduce illness risk, control expenses and improve longevity can help you in the long term.

So, preventive care, informed nutrition, regular exercise and early insurance can contribute to lifelong wellness and make a huge difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my healthy adult pet actually see the vet?

Most veterinarians recommend a check-up at least once a year. However, once your pet is a senior, which generally means they are around the age of 7 to 9, seeing the vet twice a year becomes important because their health can change rapidly.

Is ‘human food’ ever safe for my pet or should I stick strictly to canned food?

Some plain human foods are safe for your pets in moderation. These can include certain plain vegetables, fish and chicken. However, some foods are toxic, such as grapes, onions and chocolate. It is safest to consult your vet for a list of safe snacks.

Will filing a small claim for an ear infection increase my monthly premium next year?

Whether your monthly premium will increase next year totally depends on what kind of pet insurance policy you have. Some companies use a ‘claims-based pricing’ model, where frequent or costly claims can lead to premium increases at renewal time, while others use standardised increases based on your pet’s age and general vet inflation rates.

Are certain pet breeds more likely to have specific health problems that I should know about?

Yes, genetics play a huge role in future health issues that your furry friend can face. For example, some large dog breeds are more prone to arthritis, while golden retrievers have a higher predisposition to certain cancers. This means that you need to research well about your pet’s specific breed risks, discuss them with your vet to plan and implement targeted preventative care.

Can I use any licensed vet with my pet insurance plan?

Yes, for most pet insurance policies in India, you can visit any licensed veterinarian. Pet insurance generally works on a reimbursement basis, meaning you pay the vet bill upfront and then submit a claim to your insurer.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.