To insure my dog today and claim this week?

[Swerab]

My dog has hurt his paw . I can't see anything immediately wrong with it but its clearly hurting him.

He's not insured. If I take out insurance today can I claim straight away?

[Stfrillian]

Most insurances usually have a 2 week period from when the policy is taken out to when you can claim.

Maybe ask your vet about a payment plan.

[Sparrowlegs248]

Probably not. There is often a delay in claim time to prevent people doing just this.

I'd suggest getting him seen and paying for it. Then take out insurance. Petplan are very good.

[specialsubject]

Doubt it, you will probably find an exclusion clause to stop exactly this kind of thing.

[Whatslovegottodo]

YABU. It will be excluded.
If you are struggling financially see if you are eligible for PDSA veterinary care. Failing that speak to your vet about a payment plan, or take a loan out to pay for this treatment.
Get your dog insured so you are not in this situation again.

[ForgiveMeFatherForIHaveGinned]

As others have said most insurance have a no claims clause for the first 2 weeks of a policy. Most insurers will also not cover for any conditions treated or diagnosed before the policy is taken out.

I got caught out with this when I changed insurers - my cat had been treated for a cyst prior to taking out a new policy, which meant that the new policy won't cover for any treatment related to the cyst. Frustrating!

[Swerab]

Ok. I can't take him today but will take tomorrow. They offer a payment plan so that's good.

Its his paw pad, can't see anything immediately wrong with it but its clearly sore when I touch it. Poor boy

[Stfrillian]

have you had a good look at it using a torch? My dog has often had thorns stuck in there that I haven't been able to see without the help of a torch. A good soak in warm water usually helps things come out too.

[ThanksForAllTheFish]

He might have a small shard of glass or a small sharp stone stuck in it. Hopefully it will be quite straight forward to fix and not cost you too much.

[Swerab]

Yes I am going to soak it later with epsom salts and warm water.

I might wrap a poultice on it tonight and see if anything comes out.

Have had several looks with a head torch, felt up and down the leg and nothing seems to bother him except his front two pads.

[Wolfiefan]

Can the vet not see him today? If the money is an issue they may well agree a payment plan if it's a bit costly.

[Swerab]

No I am not going to take him today. If he's anything like any of my other animals or children he'll be right as rain tomorrow. I always wait a day unless clearly on deaths door.

[Swerab]

Also, I can't see anything so I don't see how the vet will be able to either! This happened to my FIL and they ended up keeping his dog in for a week under observation and it was a thorn that worked its way out by itself, it cost him the best part of £1,500!!

[TheViceOfReason]

It's worth checking for any cracks on his pads - the cold / wet weather plus gritted / salted pavements can make them sore.

Or if he is a fluffy type it's worth checking for any knots in the hair round between his pads.

Also check the nails for any cracks or splits - they can be very sore.

[Wolfiefan]

So it's not you can't take him then? Is he bearing weight?
New to dog ownership so I'm finding my way! I thought the puppy hiccups meant she was going to vomit!

[Swerab]

Well I am at work with him so I'd have to leave work, which I don't want to do.

Yes he is bearing weight but its sore.

[stumpedifiknow]

£1500! Bloody hell my vet charged me just over a grand for my rabbit who had 2 operations, 5 different courses of antibiotics & numerous painkillers, check up every other day and a few nights stay at the vets actual house so he could administer painkillers if required (rabbit was at deaths door) and this happened over a period of 3 weeks. Paid for by myself too because I stupidly didn't take out insurance (have now!).

[SoupDragon]

SoupDogg's last two paw injuries have come in at under £50 each. His mystery tail injury, when he lost his wag, was a similar amount too.

[Grindelwaldswand]

Why wasn't your dog insured when you got him ? It's basic pet care to ensure they are insured petplan only costs about £5 a month for a healthy dog

[Swerab]

I think my vet is madly madly expensive

It cost me £550 for them to keep my terrier overnight and give him a few meds when he ate chocolate

[Swerab]

petplan cost us £30 a month and we paid for years and then stopped it.

[Swerab]

"t's basic pet care to ensure they are insured hmm "

no it isnt! Its annoying and expensive when they need the vet, but not a lack of care.

[Wolfiefan]

Rookie question. Don't dogs need at least third party insurance? You are liable if they cause an accident.

[ATailofTwoKitties]

There would be an excess even if he was fully insured. With luck, this might come in at less than that.

[Grindelwaldswand]

How was it £30 a month that's ridiculous unless your dog had illness and you claimed on it alot ? The most I've ever seen them go to is £15
And £550 is reasonable for overnight stays with care i was uninsured when i got my first pup for the first few weeks and she ended up costing £130 for some ear drops and fluid drain on her ear. Insurance will always be cheaper than the vets bill

[Swerab]

Grindelwald

that is wht it is with Petplan! And john lewis!

maybe you were looking at accident cover only.