Winter Is Coming. 4 Reasons to Consider Pet Insurance Before It Arrives

We all love our pets, but you definitely can't call having companion animals "cheap." Since you're already paying for food, toys, and more, you might be reluctant to take on one more expense in the form of pet insurance. The good news is that pet insurance is customizable. You can pay more for a wellness add-on that can help defray the cost of routine vet care, like vaccines and checkups, or you can instead opt for a policy that covers accidents and illnesses only.

We're gearing up for another winter here in the Northern hemisphere, and the dangers this season can bring make right now a crucial time to consider pet insurance. Here's why.

1. Holiday travel poses a risk

A lot of people travel for the holidays, and if you have a road trip planned this year, you might be bringing your pets along to save on the cost of pet sitting or boarding. Taking your pet to an unfamiliar place can be dangerous -- your home is pet-proofed, but what about the family members you're staying with?

And unfortunately, winter driving can be riskier, thanks to snow, ice, and less-than-ideal road conditions -- not to mention a lot of people on the highways. If you happen to get into a car accident along the way, your auto insurance policy might step in to cover some of the costs of veterinary care for an injured pet, but this isn't a guarantee.

If you have a pet insurance policy, however, you'll be able to get some of your costs for vet care reimbursed (this is how pet insurance works in most cases; you pay the vet upfront and submit your claim for reimbursement).

2. Houseguests don't know your pet's routine

Sometimes the danger can come while you're at home for the holidays and hosting other people. Someone could inadvertently let your dog or cat outside (pets can be sneaky), where they could be injured or lost.

And your cousin or former college roommate might not realize the range of foods that can be poisonous to pets, like chocolate, garlic, and onions. If they decide to share some holiday leftovers with your furry best friend, you might need to make a trip to the vet.

3. Festive plants and decor can be dangerous

Along with the preponderance of potentially poisonous food that the holidays bring, you also need to worry about your decor and any plants you keep in your home. Your Christmas tree might be the highlight of your living room right now, but it's also a not-always-completely-stable large plant with electric lights and breakable ornaments.

I have cats, and one of the reasons I don't have a tree is that I know what an attractive nuisance it would be -- and how much time I'd spend wrestling my cats out of it. Eating tinsel or holiday lights could mean a trip to the pet ER for your beloved dog or cat.

Other festive holiday plants can be a problem for pets, too. For example, mistletoe is poisonous to cats, dogs, and horses (and if you have a horse in your house, no judgment here). It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and even disrupt your pet's breathing and heart rate. Setting up a pet insurance policy sooner rather than later can mean peace of mind when you decorate for the holidays.

4. Cold weather can harm pets

Winter is a sizable part of the year in some places, and dealing with it means the risks to your pets' health can go on for months. Humans can put on warm winter coats, hats, and boots to take the chill off, but you might not be putting those same accessories on your dog to take him for a walk in the snow. As such, it's important to make sure your dog is warm and dry after a cold weather walk. His nose, ears, and paw pads are particularly at risk when it gets cold. The chemicals we use to battle ice and snow (such as salt to melt snow and antifreeze to keep your car thawed) can also be dangerous to your pets if they ingest it.

None of this is meant to frighten you as a loving pet owner, but I bet you're now feeling a lot more informed about the dangers of winter. Take your newfound knowledge and look into a policy from one of the best pet insurance companies.