M&S Insurance Highlights the Spending Habits of Pet Owners in the UK

Pet owners love to ensure that they have done their best to care for their pets and this is something that is feeding down into their food buying habits.

According to figures released by Mintel Reports, £1.7 billion was spent on pet food in 2008, accounting for the 14.5 million cats and dogs that are owned by the British public. It highlights the sheer amount of food that is bought and consumed in the UK.

But M&S highlights another study in their press release, one that suggests that not only are British pet owners spending more, they are also more conscious of the food that they place in their bowl. This was part of a survey by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association.

The results are published as M&S Insurance announces a competition to win a year’s worth of pet food with M&S Pet Insurance.

The figures highlight one of many ways in which UK pet owners are looking after their pets, with various pet insurance providers encourages dog and cat owners to take better care of their pets to avoid a hefty veterinary bill. After all, a healthier pet that eats healthier food might not need treatment for obesity and as a result, will avoid their owner paying out on their pet insurance.

The study demonstrated that as much as 90% of pet owners are aware of what goes into their pet’s bowls, ensuring that they purchase the best quality food that will not be detrimental to their health.

Charles Sweeney of BestPet Pharmacy commented on the relation of pet food and the health of the nation’s pets: “Obesity is an increasing problem among cats and dogs. Pets that carry too much weight can suffer from heart complaints, diabetes and arthritis.

“Responsible pet owners who ensure their cats and dogs have a healthy diet and regular exercise can help reduce expensive vet bills in the future.”

Of course some ailments are unavoidable and so even if someone owns the healthiest pet alive, they would still be encouraged to take out an adequate pet insurance policy that will protect them in case of an unforeseen illness or accident. Whilst pet insurance cannot ensure that a pet’s life can be saved, it can take steps to ensure that they receive the help that they require.

Source: M&S Press Release October 2009

Summer Months can bring pain to Pets

Two studies into the care of the nation’s pets have highlighted the times of year in which pets are at particular risk showcasing the dangers faced by pets, specifically during the summer months, some of which can naturally apply all year round.

During summer, there are many things that people like to do, but many might not take the risks faced to their pets into account. In a study carried out by PetPlan, they found that a quarter of people surveyed reported that their pet had come in harm’s way as a result of their barbeque. Further animals may become injured due to swingballs and paddling pools.

Similar results were found in a study carried out by M&S Insurance, which found that one dog had been injured as a result of running into a washing line whilst holding a Frisbee in their mouth. There were also problems with the items that dogs might have eaten, leading to illness, such as cases where dogs had eaten uncooked sausages, walnuts and a large frog.

It is therefore advisable for certain precautions, some of which apply all year round, to ensure that people do not have to make a large pay out on their pet insurance as a result of injuries incurred by their animals. Whilst pet insurance is a useful tool in keeping our animals safe, it is only second best to keeping them out of harm’s way in the first place.

PetPlan says that one such precaution is to ensure the perimeter around the home is fully secure, meaning that the dog is not able to escape and land in trouble. This also avoids adding to the large numbers of cats and dogs that are going missing in the UK, with only certain types of pet insurance policies covering the costs associated with finding lost pets.

Other precautions relate solely to the summer months, such as taking water on walks, being gentle during games, making sure there is shade in the garden and being careful in the amount of exercise given to older dogs.

M&S highlights the ways in which advice can be obtained, particularly calling a qualified veterinary expert at any time. Many insurance providers offer a phone line to customers concerned.

So it is always best to be prepared for anything, whatever the season, by taking precautions and taking out an adequate pet insurance policy.

Sources: M&S Press Release and Petplan Press Release