The insurer has issued a list of tips to keep pets safe and cool throughout the hottest time of the year.
With the heat of summer fully underway, Trupanion is hoping that animal owners will use these common-sense pet insurance claim avoidance tips to keep their furry family members safe.
The insurer sees a summer spike in heatstroke claims 4.5 times higher than the yearly average.
During the months of June, July and August, pet insurance claims explode as animal owners take their beloved animals to the vet for heatstroke treatment. Trupanion is reminding people of the importance of protecting their cats and dogs from the heat during the summertime.
Heatstroke is a particular risk among cats and dogs. This condition is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention to help to prevent brain and organ damage or failure.
“The dog days of summer are being felt with more intensity now than ever and we are definitely seeing an increase in claims for heat stroke,” said Trupanion Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Steve Weinrauch.
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There are certain easy steps owners can take to avoid pet insurance claims and a lot of heartbreak.
In June 2021, Trupanion already saw a 30 percent increase in heatstroke claims when compared to June 2020, according to a data analysis of over 600,000 insured cats and dogs. The average heatstroke claim frequently totals more than $1,000.
Trupanion is reminding owners to remember that heat can have a dangerous impact on pets. Symptoms of the onset of heatstroke can include excessive panting, drooling, disorientation, diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures. Owners should call a veterinarian immediately upon spotting these symptoms.
The risk of heatstroke skyrockets in a hot car, an environment which does not allow a dog and cat’s primary source of cooling – panting – to function. In fact, the hot air in a car places them at an increased risk of overheating because they are exchanging hot air for hot air, not cooler air. Even with a window cracked, a dog or cat should never be left in an unattended vehicle in the summer.
To avoid pet insurance claims for paws, it’s vital to take cats and dogs outside on pavement – particularly hot asphalt, concrete or even sand, only in the morning or evening. This prevents the searing hot surfaces from badly burning paw pads. Keep to cooler times of the day and stick to grass as much as possible.
