Looking after your pets health can help to avoid any unsuspected vet bills, by taking some simple steps you will be able to make sure your pet is healthier, leading to a happier life for you both.

Here are some suggestions on how to keep your pet healthier:

Obesity is a growing issue for pets - Make sure you know the ideal weight for your pet – your vet should be able to give you some guidelines – and make sure your pet sticks to it! 

Watch what you feed your pet - sugar and salt are harmful and treats should be kept to a real minimum.  And always make sure your pet has access to plenty of water, particularly if they are on a dry food diet.

Ensure your pet gets plenty of exercise - just like for humans, exercise is great for the physical and mental health of pets. 

Annual vaccinations are really important - vaccinatons can prevent against potentially fatal illnesses so don't be tempted not to bother with these.  And remember that regular worming and flea control are essential to your pet’s health.

Keep your pet’s teeth clean - dirty, unhealthy gnashers can lead to kidney and liver disease. 

Grooming is important - grooming can help a healthy pet to avoid all sorts of issues from furballs to skin infections.

Insure your pet's health

To help plan for those unsuspected vet's fees you may want to consider taking out some pet insurance – a few pounds a month could mean the ability to afford life-saving and expensive medical care in the future.

Before you take out any insurance you may want to research what type of insurance is best for you, there are a number of ways you can do this through advertising, online searching and contacting providers direct. You may also want to consider the suggested benefits below when choosing pet insurance:

Important benefits to look for in pet insurance for pets:

• Vet's fees – A pet insurance policy should be able to provide adequate cover for illnesses or injuries that may arise when you take out cover.
• Third party liability – If your animal injures somebody either directly (i.e. biting) or indirectly (i.e. running into a road and causing a car crash) you could be liable to be sued. Therefore, you may want to ensure that your pet insurance covers this possible situation.
• Kennel fees – If you become hospitalised there maybe no one available to look after your dog resulting in it needing to stay at a kennel, many pet insurance policies cover you for this eventuality.
• Advertising and reward. Pets sometimes become lost from their owners. Some policies will actually pay for the advertising and reward available to locate your dog.
• Death from injury or illness. 
• Theft - If you have a valuable pet it is advisable to have a pet insurance policy that covers you for its possible theft.

Important benefits to look for in pet insurance for cats

• Veterinary fees – A cat pet insurance policy should be able to provide adequate cover for illnesses or injuries that may arise when you take out cover.
• Advertising and reward – Pet cats sometimes become lost from their owners, some insurance policies will actually pay for the advertising and reward available to locate them.
• Theft – If you have a valuable cat it is advisable to have a pet insurance policy that covers you for its possible theft.
• Death from illness or injury.
• Cattery fees – If you become hospitalised for more than a few days you may need someone to look after your pet cat, many cat health insurance policies cover you for this eventuality by providing funding for a Cattery.

intune can help

intune, the financial services subsidiary of Help the Aged, provide pet insurance which is designed to make the purchase decision as simple as possible, as all their benefits are automatically included. The only decision you need to make is what level of veterinary fee cover you require, choosing either their Essential or Premier policy accordingly. 

Both are available for cats and dogs from aged eight weeks, with no upper age limit.  Prices start from around £5 per month for cats and £7 per month for dogs.

For an instant quote visit http://www.intunegroup.co.uk or freefone 0800 022 3193, Mon-Fri 8.00am-8.00pm;