February is National Pet Dental Health Month, which is an excellent reminder for pet owners to review their pets’ oral health and hygiene. However, pet parents can take care of their furry friends’ smiles year-round if their employers offer pet wellness plans as part of their employee benefits package.  

Below, we’ll take a look at the advantages of pet wellness plans for dental and overall health, and how this coverage works to keep furry companions happy and healthy.  

The Role of Wellness Plans in Pet Dental Health 

Today, many pet owners consider pets as a part of their family, and taking care of their health and well-being includes regular dental checkups. Here’s how pet wellness plans can help with this:   

Preventative Care 

Routine checkups and preventative care visits, like teeth cleaning, are essential for pet health and are often covered by pet wellness plans.  

Regular professional teeth cleanings help remove the buildup of plaque and tartar that causes bad breath. These visits also allow veterinarians to detect oral health concerns like periodontal disease or gingivitis and promptly intervene with the proper treatment before these problems become more severe.  

The importance of preventative dental care doesn’t just apply to certain pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states that by the age of three, most cats and dogs will show some early signs of periodontal disease, though proper preventative care can keep the disease from worsening.   

Pain Management 

No pet owner wants to see their furry friend living in pain, though dental disease and neglected oral care are common sources of discomfort in cats and dogs.  

Without routine checkups and dental cleanings, the continued buildup of plaque and tartar on pets’ teeth can cause inflammation in the gums, tooth decay, and infections. If these issues are not addressed properly, and owners are unable to pay for the necessary treatments out of pocket, it can lead to even more painful issues like loose or abscessed teeth, bone infections in the jaw, and more.  

Overall Well-Being 

Standard oral care for pets doesn’t just help maintain their smile and breath. It also supports their overall well-being, as dental problems have been linked to the health of major organs like the heart and kidneys, according to the AVMA.  

Thus, routine care visits covered by pet wellness plans help owners minimize the serious health risks that are associated with poor oral health.   

Additionally, a healthy smile contributes to the pet’s quality of life. Excessive tooth loss or pain from advanced dental diseases impact an animal’s ability to eat and play comfortably. With proper oral care, they can enjoy their food and engage in playful activities, supporting a happier and healthier life overall.  

Cost-Effective Treatment 

Finally, offering employees access to pet benefits programs with dental coverage can help pet owners save on vet bills over the long run. These plans may include financial benefits such as reimbursements for dental visits and discounts on vet bills, preventative products, and more. In general, it gives them the peace of mind that they can take their furry friend to get the dental care they need without worrying about how they’ll be able to cover the bill.  

Otherwise, pet owners might skip necessary visits to save money. This can only create further issues and greater costs down the road if minor dental problems like gingivitis develop into much more significant issues like tooth loss and infections if they’re not promptly addressed.  

What Benefit Plans Cover Routine Pet Dental?  

If you’re interested in offering employees pet health benefits, you may be curious which types of plans include pet dental coverage.  

In general, pet wellness plans cover preventative, routine care (like annual teeth cleanings) while standard pet insurance plans only offer coverage for accidents and unexpected visits. This distinction is important for pet owners and employers alike to understand exactly what type of coverage they’re getting.   

Maybe you already offer employees standard pet insurance. In this case, it might make sense to also include a pet wellness plan that reimburses the cost of routine pet dental care or offers discounts on these types of visits.  

Wellness plans may be available as a rider on existing insurance plans for an additional cost. Or, they may be offered stand-alone at a simple flat rate, like the Wishbone wellness plans from Pet Benefit Solutions. 

How Do Pet Wellness Plans Work? 

As mentioned above, wellness plans are designed to cover routine vet care, not accidents or illnesses. Aside from annual dental visits, this may also include vaccinations, lab work, regular checkups, and more.  

The exact plan structure can vary widely between providers. In the case of Wishbone wellness, plans provide reimbursement for the cost of qualifying routine and preventative care visits. Members submit invoices online, and approved wellness claims are reimbursed directly into the employee’s bank account for quicker payouts.  

Other standout features of Wishbone wellness plans include:  

• Stand-alone wellness plans don’t require enrollment in an accident and illness policy 
• Two affordable plan levels so employees only enroll in the services they want and need 
• Flat rate plans 
• Enrollment open year-round 
• No deductibles, waiting periods, or network restrictions 

Improve Employee Satisfaction with a Pet Wellness Plan 

Roughly two-thirds of U.S. households now own a pet. As an employer, adding pet benefits to your voluntary benefits package can be an excellent way to attract talent and support the majority of employees who have furry family members.  

Specifically, a pet wellness program helps owners handle their pets’ routine care needs, like standard dental cleanups, without worrying about the cost. When employees know their pets are receiving regular checkups without the financial burden, they’ll be happier and more productive at work, making it a win-win for employers and employees.  

Contact Pet Benefit Solutions today to request a custom proposal for adding pet wellness plans as a voluntary employee benefit.