Pets Best Releases Annual List of Bizarre Summer Pet Insurance Claims

Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC (Pets Best), a leading nationwide pet insurance agency, today released its annual list of the most bizarre pet insurance claims submitted to the agency during the summer seasons. Since the agency opened in 2005, rambunctious canines have generated a wide range of surprising claims during the warmer months of the year.

"Dogs are often exposed to a wide range of risks during the summer months, as they spend more time outdoors and are exposed to potentially dangerous elements and materials," said Dr. Jack Stephens, president and founder of Pets Best. "While we encourage pet owners to carefully monitor their pets, it is also important to be financially prepared for veterinary emergencies. For many families, pet insurance plays a valuable role in significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses for veterinary care."

Below are five of the most unusual summer-related claims Pets Best has processed recently:

Can't Handle the Tote

Tote bags can carry many delicious treats to a summer picnic, so it was surprising that Tony, a 10-year-old golden retriever from Illinois, decided the tote bag itself was more enticing than anything inside of it. The dog gobbled the handle of a canvas tote bag, but luckily, he arrived at a local veterinary clinic within 45 minutes of eating the unusual item. When a veterinarian induced vomiting, the entire tote bag handle came back up. Although Tony recovered, the tote bag might not make it to the next picnic.

Curse of the Honeycomb

While most pet owners are aware that bees can pose a danger to their pets, the honeycombs bees create can also lead to troubling situations for four-legged family members. While a honeycomb may look appetizing, the treat wasn't so sweet for Jordan, a 1-year-old Irish terrier from Washington. After devouring a honeycomb, Jordan experienced vomiting and was rushed to a veterinary clinic. Abdominal X-rays were taken and Jordan received fluids to treat his symptoms. The young pooch was placed under observation and then sent home.

Blister in the Belly

Blisters are often a nuisance during the warmer months of the year, when people engage in demanding outdoor activities such as hiking and yard work. J, a Labrador retriever from Colorado, tried a different approach to treating the issue by eating an entire package of blister medication. As a result, she required veterinary treatment that included abdominal X-rays, an intravenous catheter to administer fluids and pain medication, and an endoscopy procedure to safely remove the item. While the vet bill reached $1,057.50, Pets Best provided J's owner with a reimbursement of $861.75.

Sandwich Surprise

Willow, a 5-year-old Scottish deerhound, decided to partake in his family's picnic by devouring a sandwich when no one was looking. Unfortunately, Willow didn't notice the toothpick in the sandwich, which he swallowed along with the rest of the food. After an emergency trip to a veterinarian, Willow was well enough to recover from the sharp snack at home, where he received medication while his owners monitored his condition. Willow's veterinary bill was $935.37, and Pets Best provided a reimbursement of $803.16.

Toxic Trail Mix

Although trail mix is a popular snack for hikers and campers across the world, many of its ingredients are toxic to dogs. Meadow, a 7-year-old Bernese mountain dog in Colorado, learned this the hard way when she ate a large bag of trail mix containing raisins, macadamia nuts and chocolate chips, all of which are toxic to canines. Afterward, she received an urgent care examination and an apomorphine injection before being sent home to recover.

Pets Best offers a variety of pet insurance plans covering a wide range of accidents and illnesses dogs can experience throughout the year. The BestBenefit plan covers the diagnosis and treatment of hundreds of accidents and illnesses. The Accident Only plan covers veterinary treatment for accidents, including exams, X-rays, surgeries and hospitalizations. For more information about the plans offered by Pets Best, please visit http://www.petsbest.com.

About Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC

Dr. Jack L. Stephens, president of Pets Best, founded pet insurance in the U.S. in 1981 with a mission to end euthanasia when pet owners couldn't afford veterinary treatment. Dr. Stephens went on to present the first U.S. pet insurance policy to famous television dog Lassie. Pets Best provides coverage for dogs and cats and is the only veterinarian founded and operated pet insurance agency in the United States. Dr. Stephens leads the Pets Best team with his passion for quality pet care and his expert veterinary knowledge. He is always available to answer questions regarding veterinarian medicine, pet health and pet insurance. The Pets Best team is a group of pet lovers who strive to deliver quality customer service and value. Visit http://www.petsbest.com for more information.

Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company. Independence American Insurance Company is a member of The IHC Group, an organization of insurance carriers and marketing and administrative affiliates that has been providing life, health, disability, medical stop-loss and specialty insurance solutions to groups and individuals for over 30 years. For information on The IHC Group, visit: http://www.ihcgroup.com. Additional insurance services administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by Prime Insurance Company. Some existing business is underwritten by Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

Pets Best is a proud member of the North America Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).