Latest news with #SandraFaeh
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Does pet insurance cover dental treatment?
Dental treatment is an important part of medical care for pets. Dental problems can be painful and make it difficult for pets to eat, and they can also lead to larger, more expensive medical issues. 'We see tooth loss that can lead to pain, and bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and enter the heart, liver, and kidneys,' said Sandra Faeh, a veterinarian in Wayne, Illinois, and president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Most pet insurance covers some forms of dental treatment, but the coverage and costs can vary depending on the insurer and the type of policy. Here are some pet dental issues to watch out for, and how pet insurance can help cover the costs. Learn more: How does pet insurance work? A complete guide. Yes, pet insurance covers dental treatments. In fact, dental disease was the fourth most frequent type of pet insurance claim for cats and the sixth most frequent claim for dogs at Nationwide Pet Insurance, said Emily Tincher, chief veterinary officer for Nationwide Pet Insurance. Dental accident and illness coverage is included in most general pet insurance policies, rather than as standalone coverage. The exact services covered vary by type of policy. 'Typically, dental illnesses and accidents, like a broken tooth or gum disease, are covered under an accident and illness policy, which is designed to help protect you from unexpected veterinary expenses,' said Elliott Brown, a licensed customer care agent for CarePlus by Chewy, which sells pet insurance. 'On the other hand, routine dental cleanings are usually covered under a [pet] wellness plan.' Learn more: Your guide to what pet insurance covers The cost of dental care depends on the pet's age and size, the geographic location, and the type of dental treatment they need. According to claims data from Pets Best, which provides pet insurance and wellness plans for dogs and cats, the average cost of treating dental disease in 2024 was $1,263 for dogs and $1,281 for cats. Costs for dental treatment often include anesthesia and x-rays in addition to exams and extractions. 'It's important to understand that imaging — radiographs or CT scans — is generally needed to determine if teeth need to be extracted and if other tooth roots are diseased,' said Preston Turano, a doctor of veterinary medicine and veterinary advisor at ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. 'I know practices where an anesthetized oral exam, radiographs, and dental cleaning can cost $500 and other practices where it can be more than $1,000,' said Dr. Naomi Hoyer, a board-certified veterinary dentist and chair of the American Veterinary Dental College's advocacy committee. An estimate including extractions, which is often the treatment for periodontal disease and abscesses, could add an additional $200 to $400 or more, depending on the severity of the disease, she said. Costs for cleaning can vary by location and the services that are included. For example, Chewy Vet Care charges $699 for a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment, which includes examining teeth, gums, and oral tissues under anesthesia, taking dental x-rays, and performing necessary treatments such as cleaning, scaling, and polishing. Dental issues tend to be different for pets than they are for people. 'In people, we think about cavities, but they are less common in pets,' said Faeh. 'We see more broken teeth and broken roots, periodontal [gum] disease, infected teeth and abscesses,' which is a bacterial infection around the root of the tooth. Pets can also develop tumors in the mouth, and some dogs — especially small-breed dogs — may not lose their baby teeth automatically and need extractions. Periodontal disease is the most common dental problem for dogs and cats, which can include tartar accumulation on the teeth, inflammation of the gums, and bacterial infection of the gums and the periodontal ligament that holds the teeth in place, said Emily Singler, doctor of veterinary medicine and the veterinary content specialist at the American Animal Hospital Association 'This can lead to tissue damage, loose teeth, pain, trouble eating, teeth falling out, bad breath and in severe cases, spread of infection via the blood stream to other parts of the body, like the kidneys, heart and lungs,' she said. Dogs tend to have more dental problems from aggressive chewing and broken teeth than cats. 'Dogs are more likely to fracture teeth, break them off, and affect the nerve,' said Tincher. 'There are different ways to go about fixing that, but most of the time the tooth is removed.' Cats tend to suffer more frequently from tooth resorption, where the surface of the tooth erodes and exposes the sensitive part of the root. 'Sometimes this starts when they are still kittens, and in some cases it also includes inflammation of other tissues in the mouth, a condition called stomatitis, which is very painful and can make eating challenging,' said Singler. Tincher said that pet insurance policies at Nationwide often start at $30 to $50 per month for younger pets, depending on their location and breed. You usually have to pay part of the cost of covered care. Most pet insurance policies have a deductible, copayments, and an annual coverage cap. For example, you may have to pay a $250 deductible before coverage kicks in, then pay 20% of the cost of care, up to an annual coverage limit of $5,000. Find out if the policy has separate coverage caps for dental care or an overall cap for all covered pet care. Preexisting dental conditions usually aren't covered. 'If you're interested in pet insurance, it's important to enroll early before dental disease is present. You don't want to enroll with a broken tooth and expect it to be covered,' said Faeh. Find out exactly how the plan defines preexisting dental conditions. 'Determine if the presence of tartar on a pet's teeth at the time the insurance policy is written is counted as a preexisting condition that precludes coverage,' said Singler. Learn more: Pet insurance that covers preexisting conditions Pet wellness plans usually cover annual check-ups, routine dental cleanings, vaccinations, blood and urine tests, and other preventive care. Some have an annual coverage limit for dental cleaning, such as $100 to $150 per year, or an overall annual coverage limit of $300 to $700, depending on the plan. Learn more: Does pet insurance cover vaccines? General practice veterinarians can handle most pet dental issues, including extractions. But the pet may need to go to a veterinary dentist for specialty care: for a difficult-to-reach extraction or to try to preserve the tooth, for example. 'Most of the time, when teeth are damaged, they are removed,' said Tincher. 'But when we have working dogs — like police dogs and military dogs — their teeth are important for their work, and they'll try to go to a board-certified dentist.' These veterinary dentists can perform root canals and caps to try to preserve the working dog's teeth, which can cost more. Preventive dental care can help catch problems early and reduce future costs. The vet typically examines the pet's teeth during their annual check-up, but they may need to put the dog or cat under anesthesia to identify some of the bigger issues. Singler recommends that most dogs and cats have a dental cleaning under anesthesia by the time they're two years old, and every few years after that. 'This allows not only for a cleaning of all teeth above and below the gumline, but also a full oral evaluation to take dental X-rays and an examination of the teeth, gums, and other structures in the mouth,' she said. Pets can't tell us they're in pain, but they can give us a lot of clues. 'Bad breath, visible tartar on the teeth, bleeding gums, dropping food, drooling more, pawing at the mouth, and shaking the head after eating can all be signs of a dental problem,' said Singler. 'Other signs can include swelling around the mouth or under the eye, teeth chattering, and flinching or turning away when their face is touched. Some animals won't let on that their mouth is bothering them at all but may seem depressed, lethargic, and just not themselves.' Contact your veterinarian if you see any of these warning signs. 'You know your pet better than anybody,' said Faeh. 'We'd rather have you call earlier than wait too long. Having that good relationship with your veterinarian is key.'
Malaysian Reserve
01-05-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
AVMA spotlights benefits, responsibilities of pet ownership during National Pet Week 2025
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This National Pet Week, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is highlighting an uplifting source of emotional support for millions of Americans: their pets. During National Pet Week (May 4–10), the AVMA is encouraging pet owners to take comfort in a source of joy, companionship, and mental health support that's often right at their feet. A new poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) confirms what pet owners have long known: pets make our lives better, with 81% of respondents reporting that their pets had a positive impact on their mental health. Among them, 65% specifically credited their pets with reducing stress and anxiety, while adults 65 and older were especially likely to recognize the emotional benefits of pet companionship. During National Pet Week, APA is supporting AVMA's efforts and also encouraging social followers to take a #Paws4MentalHealth. 'Whether it's a wagging tail, a calming purr, bursts of play or just quiet companionship, pets bring us comfort, connection and happiness—often when we need it the most,' said Dr. Sandra Faeh, president of the AVMA. 'But it's important to remember that this bond is a two-way street. National Pet Week is our opportunity to celebrate the joy pets bring to our lives and remind everyone of the importance of providing them with the love and care they need to thrive.' Established in 1981 by the AVMA and the Auxiliary to the AVMA, National Pet Week highlights the essential needs of pets and promotes responsible pet ownership through daily themes, educational resources, and celebrations across the country. Pet owners and veterinary professionals can visit for helpful tips, tools, and materials—including the official National Pet Week Toolkit—to make the most of the celebration. Each day of National Pet Week focuses on a different topic essential to responsible pet ownership. This year's topics include: Sunday – Choose well: Commit for lifeWhile the prospect of adding a pet to the family may be exciting, it's important that people are not impulsive or careless when bringing a new pet into their homes. Select the pet that's right for your family's lifestyle and make a commitment to that pet for its life. Even if you have already welcomed a pet into your home, your veterinarian can help you better understand the social and healthcare needs of your individual pet. View AVMA's resources on selecting a pet for your family. Monday – Behavioral health: Habits for happy petsKeep your pet happy and healthy by promoting positive interactions. Try creating an environment that encourages natural behaviors by introducing puzzles, games and interactive toys, or learning new skills. Activities like target training are wonderful options for dogs and cats—and even other pets, like fish! You can also promote good behavior by helping your pets get comfortable in new situations by safely exposing them to a variety of interactions with other animals, people, places and activities. View AVMA's resources on socializing dogs and cats, as well as a video on socializing pets. Tuesday – Nutrition and exercise matterWith more than half of dogs and cats in the United States considered overweight or obese, and humans plagued by this issue as well, the AVMA encourages pets and their owners to get regular exercise— together. This not only improves cardiovascular health, maintains a healthy weight, and supports good mental health for both owner and pet, but it strengthens the human-animal bond. For tips on walking, running, or starting another exercise program with your pet, visit and watch AVMA's National Pet Week video on the importance of proper pet nutrition. Wednesday – Love your pet? See your vet!Everybody loves their pet, yet many pet owners do not take their pets to the veterinarian unless they are visibly sick or injured. Pets often hide signs of illness. It's really important to have regular check-ups with your veterinarian, as it is vital to catching health problems early. Not only can early treatment mean better health for your pet, it can also save you money. The cost of preventive care usually pales in comparison to the cost of treating the disease or issue in more advanced stages. Regular exams detect problems early, before they become more serious and more expensive to treat. View AVMA's money tips for caring pet owners. Thursday – Travel with careMany people are planning on traveling this summer, and traveling with pets requires advance planning and coordination to keep everybody safe. Whether you're taking a short car trip or flying to another state or country, getting your pet safely to your destination requires special planning and precautions, as well as a plan for the pet once you reach your destination. Plan ahead and know exactly what's needed when you travel with pets of different species. View AVMA's pets in vehicles resources, and see AVMA's National Pet Week video on safe pet travel. Friday – Emergencies happen: Be preparedWe never know when or where an emergency will happen. As a pet owner, you need to plan ahead, and include your pets in your family's emergency plan. Know what to do in case of an emergency, how to assemble first aid and emergency kits and how to properly identify your pets so your family can be reunited if you're ever separated. Make sure your pets are microchipped and always wearing owner identification on their collar as well. Watch AVMA's 'Emergencies Happen: Be Prepared' video. Saturday – Plan for their care: Give them a lifetime of loveThanks to better care, pets are living longer now than they ever have before—and as pets get older, they need extra care and attention. Regular veterinary examinations can detect problems in older pets before they become advanced or life-threatening. They also can improve your pet's chances for a longer and healthier life. Visit the AVMA's page for senior pets to find out what is 'normal' and what may signal a reason for concern regarding an aging pet. Pet owners are encouraged to visit for more information on ways to celebrate their pets and resources to help them provide appropriate care. The AVMA is also offering an official National Pet Week toolkit for veterinarians to utilize in observing the week with their staff and clients. For more information, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA senior media relations manager, at 847-732-6194 (cell/text) or msanfilippo@ About the American Veterinary Medical Association Serving more than 108,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. FOR MORE INFORMATIONMichael San FilippoMedia Relations ManagerAmerican Veterinary Medical AssociationCell/text: 847-732-6194msanfilippo@
