By David Field -


Pet owners are being urged to think of safety when choosing presents this Christmas and new and existing pet owners are being urged to make sure pet insurance is on their shopping list.

It is estimated half of all pet owners will be buying their animal a present this year, but many are unaware that toys should be tailored to specific breeds and ages of animals.

US pet expert Charlotte Reed said: "Just as you would check that a gift is safe for a child, be sure what you choose is safe for your pet. Before selecting a Christmas gift for your pet, think about what is going to be appropriate for its size, breed and personality."

With dogs, puppies usually like a soft toy that can withstand chewing, so while stuffed animals may seem like a good idea the stuffing can easily be ripped out and create a danger of choking or even block the animal's digestive system.

Adolescent dogs need something to play with that can keep them interested, while terriers need something to help them burn off a lot of energy, such as a hardwearing ball.

Meanwhile cats need something that can satisfy their instincts to hunt and play.

Ms Reed suggests: "Give her a toy that gets her pouncing, batting, chasing and jumping - safely."

She added: "Some toys come with age or energy level recommendations, but remember that you're the one that knows your pet best. A toy might claim to be unbreakable, but if your Rottweiler has what seems to be jaws of steel, don't risk it."

Ahead of any gifts for pets, owners – or pet parents as Ms Reed dubs them – are encouraged to consider investing in pet insurance.

Research by market analysts Mintel shows only a quarter UK pet owners have pet insurance, so many owners could be left with large vet bills if their animals fall ill.

Janet Connor, managing director of the insurer RIAS, said: "With one in three pet owners having made unplanned visits to the vet over the last two years and the average cost of each visit being £130, getting a pet insured can offer owners real peace of mind."

There are around 200 different pet insurance products on the market, so owners are reminded of the importance of choosing a policy that matches their pet's needs.

When choosing a policy it is important to make sure the exact level of cover matches the needs of the pet, taking into account its breed, age and medical history.

Some policies may not cover pets for pre-existing medical conditions while others may have limits on the amount of treatment in a year or on pets over a certain age. Pet owners should also be aware that some insurance companies will pay vets bills directly, while others may reimburse owners after they have paid the vet first.

With Christmas coming, an expensive vets' bill could hit many plans and mean more members of the family than just a pet could be without the presents they want, so it is worth investing in pet insurance.