Brea, Calif. (Feb. 2, 2011) – February is Pet Dental Health Month, and Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, is marking the occasion by reminding pet owners of the importance of regular dental care for their four-legged loved ones. VPI policyholders spent more than $4.6 million last year on dental conditions, the 10th most common type of claim submitted to the Company in 2010. Claims received for preventive teeth cleaning care, on the other hand, only totaled $1.9 million.
Preventive tooth care is not only necessary for pets, it’s financially sound for pet owners. In 2010, the average claim amount for pet teeth cleaning was $180. In contrast, the average claim amount for treating tooth-related conditions was $233. Periodontal disease, a condition that results when a bacterial infection grows under the gum, accounted for the most dental claims received by VPI in 2010—nearly 17,000. Abscesses were the second most common tooth-related claim. Tooth abscesses are typically the result of untreated tooth decay, cracked teeth, or severe periodontal disease. VPI received nearly 2,700 abscess claims last year with an average claim amount of $220.
VPI encourages pet owners to have their pets’ oral and dental health evaluated regularly by a veterinarian. Between regular check-ups, pet owners should look for the warning signs of gum disease such as bad breath, red and swollen gums, yellow-brown crusts of tartar along the gum lines, and bleeding or pain when the gums or mouth are touched. Pet owners interested in learning more about dental care should visit VPI's "Ask a Vet" series on VPI's YouTube channel.
About Veterinary Pet Insurance
With more than 485,000 pets insured nationwide, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the No. 1 veterinarian-recommended pet health insurance company and is a member of the Nationwide Insurance family of companies. Providing pet owners with peace of mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America’s pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education.
VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional Pet CareGuard® for routine care is also available.
Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than 2,000 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company in Madison, Wisconsin. Pet owners can find VPI Pet Insurance on Facebook or follow @VPI on Twitter. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.