Warning To All Dogs: Best Avoid Sticks & Ponds

    LONDON, ENGLAND, October 01, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Sainsbury's Finance is offering three months' free pet insurance plus a further 20% online discount and GBP30 worth of Sainsbury's shopping vouchers on renewal

Analysis of Sainsbury's Pet Insurance claims data indicates that our four legged friends' favourite pastime could be fraught with danger. The Bank is warning dog owners of the risk of letting their pets play in ponds and chase sticks. These activities not only carry a health warning, but worryingly, can even be life-threatening.

It is estimated that every year, insurers settle some 25,800 pet insurance claims, worth around GBP4.92 million, linked to lacerations, and a number of these will be caused by chasing and catching sticks. This can cause scratches or cuts to the skin or damage the lining of the mouth, which can lead to serious illnesses such as septicaemia, due to the foreign bacteria carried on sticks.

In addition to this, dogs playing in ponds can be exposed to poisonous algae which can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea. Sainsbury's Finance estimates that insurers pay out GBP9.30 million in claims settlements linked to pets vomiting and suffering from diarrhoea, some of which is undoubtedly linked to being exposed to bacteria, for example from drinking pond water.

Lucy Hunter, Sainsbury's Pet Insurance Manager said: "Rover may well think 'what's the world coming to, is nothing safe these days'?! And of course he'd be right, dogs do need to be able to run around, but simple steps can be taken to reduce the chances of them being injured or picking up an illness. For example, keep them away from pond water and use a rubber stick or toy as opposed to a stick when playing "catch".

"Also, make sure you have adequate pet insurance so that unforeseen ailments and resulting veterinary care should be covered. A simple bout of diarrhoea resulting in a trip to the vet and prescribed medicine could cost you as much as GBP240."

Good quality pet insurance does not need to be expensive, good cover at a competitive price can be found by shopping around. Sainsbury's Pet Insurance is designed to offer some of the widest range of benefits available at a competitive price. For further information call 0800 056 5758, log on to www.sainsburys.co.uk or pick up a leaflet in a Sainsbury's supermarket.

For further information, please contact:
Sophie Woodcock / Phil Anderson
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
020 7638 9571

Notes to Editors:
Sainsbury's Pet Insurance is underwritten by AXA Insurance UK plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Three months' free for new customers who buy between now and 6th October 2009 and elect to pay by Direct Debit. No premium will be collected in months 10, 11 and 12 of year one.

GBP30 worth of Sainsbury's shopping vouchers on first renewal for standard policy (option 2) customers who are claim-free on renewal

Based on analysis of Sainsbury's Pet Insurance data 2009

Sainsbury's Finance:
To view our latest press releases and product information, please visit the Sainsbury's Finance online media centre at www.sainsburysfinance.co.uk/media.
Sainsbury's Finance offers a range of quality, competitively priced, award-winning products. It opened for business on 19th February 1997 and was the UK's first supermarket bank. It is a 50:50 joint venture with Sainsbury's and Lloyds Banking Group.
Sainsbury's Finance offers the following products: Credit Cards and Loans, a range of Savings products and Car Insurance, Life Insurance, Home Insurance, Travel Insurance and Pet Insurance
For further information and general Sainsbury's Finance enquiries customers can call the freephone number on 0500 40 50 60 or visit www.sainsburysfinance.co.uk

Notes to editors/webmasters
If using this article on a website, please link to www.sainsburysbank.co.uk using the following hyperlink text at the bottom of the article:
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