Pet wellness plans are an increasingly popular healthcare option for pet owners, but what exactly are they? In this post, our San Diego vets discuss some benefits that wellness plans offer you and your pet and why you should consider one.
Benefits of Wellness Plans
Just like our own health, it's far better to prevent illness and promote good health, than to have to treat conditions once unpleasant symptoms arise. A veterinary wellness plan can help ensure that your pet has easy access to the preventive care they need to avoid many common conditions that can negatively impact their long-term health.
Wellness Plans allow your vet team to monitor your pet's health and well-being while also providing the preventive veterinary services your vet recommends at a discounted price. You save money, and your pet receives the very best in preventive care.
Preventive Care
When it comes to health, prevention is almost always the best 'treatment'. By preventing your furry friend from developing illnesses or conditions in the first place, you save your dog or cat from having to deal with unpleasant symptoms and protect their overall health. Cat and dog wellness plans typically include core vaccines and parasite prevention medications designed to safeguard your pet's health against contagious or parasite-transmitted diseases that can cause long-term effects.
Promotes Regular Checkups
You're more likely to use something if you have easy access to it – especially if it's covered by a plan you are enrolled in! This includes your pet's health care services. Routine checkups included in your pet's wellness plan allow your vet to check for the earliest signs of emerging conditions. And, early detection generally leads to better treatment outcomes for pets. These routine vet visits also give you a chance to ask your vet questions and receive valuable guidance on everything from pet behavior to nutrition.
Budgeting
Wellness plans can help you budget the cost of veterinary care, making it less stressful to head to the vet for your dog or cat's routine or urgent care. Wellness plans can also be a source of security. Most of the services that your loving cat or dog could need will be covered by them, rather than having to pay for treatment unexpectedly out of pocket.
Discounts
Signing up for Wellness Plans can help you to save money! Many plans offer discounts on routine services, although each veterinary office will include or exclude different services. Contact your veterinarian to find out about their wellness plans and what they do or don't cover.
Appointments When Your Pet is Under the Weather
Pet owners dread the thought of their pets being injured or becoming ill, but it's important to be ready. A lot of wellness plans include two examinations. One annual exam to take care of preventive services such as vaccines, and one additional examination, which can be very helpful if your dog or cat is feeling unwell.
Unique Plans for Unique Pets
Every pet is special and has different needs. While there are obvious differences in plans for cats compared to dogs, there are also differences between different sizes of dogs. A giant breed dog has different health and wellness needs from a small dog breed. Talk to your veterinarian for help selecting the best plan for you and your pet!
Dog Wellness Plans
For small to medium-sized dogs and large to giant-sized dogs, wellness plans frequently include:
- Routine wellness exams
- Core vaccinations
- Bloodwork
- Annual heartworm & tick disease testing
- 6-month intestinal parasite screenings
- 6-month wellness exam with Bordetella
- 12-month supply of flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
Cat Wellness Plans
Your feline friend's wellness plan will usually include:
- Routine wellness exams
- Annual core vaccination
- Bi-annual intestinal parasite screenings
- 12-month supply of flea & tick prevention
It's important to remember that pet insurance and wellness plans are different things! Wellness plans focus mostly on routine preventive care services, while emergency care and ongoing health conditions are covered by many pet insurance plans.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.