Three reasons why you should get pet insurance for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (not to be confused with King Charles Spaniels – yes, they are different) are hugely popular toy dog breeds, with very good reason. They love people, don’t mind other dogs, and are very active. They’re easy to groom and reach a manageable 12-18lb for people with limited space. For the record, King Charles Spaniels are smaller, have flatter noses, are a little shyer, and need less exercise.
However, like all dog breeds and mixes, they are susceptible to certain health conditions that can lead to hefty vet bills, which is why it’s crucial you get pet insurance. Here are some examples:
Obesity
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are adorable, but that cuteness can come at a price – people tend to dish out treats more liberally. Combined with their need for exercise, it’s easy for them to become more Henry VIII than King Charles III. Obesity causes life-threatening conditions like heart disease, cancer and diabetes (treating diabetes can cost $2,000 per year). Overweight dogs (a category that more than half the dogs on America fall into) have a shorter life expectancy, so it’s crucial to resist the cuteness and get plenty of walks.
Ear problems
Part of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels’ appeal is their big floppy ears (the ones that got them named after King Charles II, the ‘Cavalier King’). They’re beautiful things but their size and shape means they can be the cause of health issues. They’re more likely to contract ear infections, which can lead to more serious problems if untreated – so get them checked if they seem in discomfort or pain, and clean them regularly (some pet insurance plans will cover this if they have a wellness package, but you can also do it yourself). Things are more likely to get trapped in their ears, too, such as grass seeds, which can cost hundreds of dollars to remove – all covered by pet insurance.
Episodic Falling (EF)
There aren’t many medical conditions that are unique to a dog breed, but this appears to be one – and it’s a weird one. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels’ muscles can suddenly stiffen, leaving the body rigid – usually in a characteristic 'deer-stalking' or 'praying' position – and, as you can guess by the name, cause a fall (if the dog is standing up, obviously). It’s often reported when the dog has been exercising, excited or stressed and can be pretty worrying. But fear not, if you’re worried about it and it wasn’t an existing condition before you took out your plan, pet insurance should cover any recommended treatment.
