9 Common Pet Emergencies

If you’re a pet parent in Canada, you know how much dogs and cats mean to us¹. But just like people, pets can have emergencies. And when they do, vet bills can add up fast².

Here are 9 of the most common emergencies vets see in dogs and cats across Canada, and how pet insurance can help cover the costs³.

1.      Eating Something They Shouldn’t⁴

Pets love to chew and swallow things – socks, toys, string, even rocks. These can block their stomach or intestines and often need surgery.

• Typical cost: Around $800

• Some cases: Over $38,000

2.      Poisoning⁴

Chocolate, grapes, human medicine, and cleaning products can be dangerous or even deadly⁵.

• Typical cost: Around $300

Some cases: Over $22,000

3.      Bite Wounds⁴

Whether it’s from another animal or a wild encounter, bites can get infected and need urgent care⁴.

• Typical cost: $280

• Some cases: Over $39,000

4.      Broken Bones⁴

Falls, car accidents, or rough play can lead to fractures that need surgery and recovery time⁶.

• Typical cost: $460

• Some cases: Over $24,000

5.      Serious Injuries⁴

Things like being hit by a car or falling from a height can cause internal injuries and need emergency treatment⁶.

• Typical cost: $300⁴

• Some cases: Over $42,000⁴

6.      Burns⁴

Burns from hot surfaces, fires, or chemicals are painful and need special care.

• Typical cost: $135

• Some cases: Over $9,000

7.      Limping or Trouble Walking⁴

This could be a sprain, torn ligament, or arthritis. It’s often a sign something’s wrong.

• Typical cost: $195

• Some cases: Over $9,600

8.      Broken Teeth⁴

Dental injuries can lead to infections and long-term problems if not treated.

• Typical cost: $500

• Some cases: Over $11,000

9.      Vomiting or Diarrhea⁴

These symptoms can be caused by infections, pancreatitis, or something more serious⁷.

• Treatment range: $600 to $3,500

How Pet Insurance Helps

Pet insurance helps cover unexpected vet bills. Depending on your plan, it can pay for up to 90% of emergency costs. Insurance can help cover:

• Emergency surgeries

• Hospital stays

• Tests and scans

• Medications

• Ongoing care for chronic issues

Without insurance, a single emergency could cost thousands. With it, you can focus on helping your pet recover, not worrying about the bill.

Sources:

¹ Pet insurance: What Canadians need to know about vet bills. Global News
² CAHI Pet Population and Health Statistics. Canadian Animal Health Institute
³ Pet Emergency Statistics & Costs. Preventive Vet
⁴ Common Pet Emergencies and Costs. Trupanion Canada
⁵ Toxic Foods and Household Hazards for Pets. Preventive Vet
⁶ Common Pet Injuries and Emergency Care. Global News
⁷ How Pet Insurance Works. Trupanion Canada