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Another day, another important pet-related myth waiting to be debunked. Spoiler: mixed breeds do need pet insurance, and here’s why…
Okay, if you have ever looked into getting pet insurance, you have probably come across this one specific question; what breed is your pet?
Yup, no matter what pet insurance company you decide to choose, industry standards require them to ask what breed you have. Why are they so nosey? Aren’t all pets rated the same?
Well… no.
The truth behind pet breeds
Now, let the record show that pet insurers are naturally just as obsessed with fur babies as we are. The only thing is that, while they may love all the fluffy cuteness, they must be realistic that all pets aren’t biologically made the same. Some breeds require a little more TLC than others. There are levels of pet breeds, from pure breeds to mix breeds, and at their core, they are different.
Purebred vs. Mixed breeds
Purebreds are dogs that have parents and other ancestors that are all members of the same breed and generally conform to a specific breed standard. Mixed breeds are dogs that generally have a more diverse genetic makeup meaning that two different dog breeds created this mixed breed.
Regardless, both are cute and totally loveable, but the costs associated with them differ and here’s why.
Breed-specific Conditions
Did you know that certain breeds have genetic conditions that cause certain illnesses, diseases, and defects? Basically, these genes are passed on from parents to their offspring and will inherently bring about some serious health issues.
It’s important that you know that while some of these conditions are noticed from birth, others remain dormant until a later stage in life.
This is where the problem lies.
One minute your pet is okay, and the next, they have a serious illness that sets you back thousands of Rands.
Understanding your breed’s chronic problems is your greatest asset because it can save you a lot of pain and money in the end.
Is my mixed breed susceptible to illnesses?
The short answer — yes!
A common misconception is that purebred animals are the most likely to experience genetic defects and hereditary conditions. And, while they do statistically experience many common issues, this is based on the fact that it is easier to trace their specific breed’s genetic illnesses. Things get a little more complicated when two different breeds come together.
The thing is that mixed breeds have several conditions too.
Common conditions for mixed breeds
- hip and elbow dysplasia
- cruciate ligament disease
- patellar luxation intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- urinary stones and kidney disease
- heart abnormalities and disease Epilepsy
- cancer
- eye conditions
- hypothyroidism
- allergies
Why mix breeds need pet insurance
Insurance is an absolute must for all pets, regardless of whether they are mixed breeds or purebred. Nothing is worse than being in a predicament where your pet needs serious medical assistance and you don’t have the funds to help them.
Thankfully most insurance companies will cover your fur baby if they are a mixed breed because they, too, have common conditions! Under your insurance policy, they will ask you some questions such as:
- Does your pet have any pre-existing conditions that aren’t specifically genetic?
- Are you aware of the waiting period before the insurance kicks in?
- Is your dog suffering from any curable or incurable conditions?
- What genetic illness do they have?
Just because your pet isn’t a specific breed does not mean that they should be excluded from experiencing the health care they deserve.
Get in contact with the Oneplan Pet team, and just know that you are in the best hands possible!
They will help you navigate this insurance space with so much ease and efficiency that it will surely shock and delight you all at the same time.
Until next time,
The petinsurance.co.za Team
