The economy is in bad shape and may be for years. Whether it’s the stock market falling or crazy bail outs, saving money in tough economic times is a challenge. Pet owners also feel the stress of trying to make ends meet and many may be tempted to take shortcuts with their pet’s health care. So, when and where can pet owners cut back on their dog and cat costs? Studies have repeatedly shown that a large majority of pet owners consider their pets as a family member. We spoil them with birthday parties, presents, and all manner of toys and treats to keep them happy. But, when money is tight, extra expenses need to go. Sadly, some pet owners choose to avoid veterinary visits as one means to save money. And believe it or not, others might give up their pets completely.
Knowing what you can safely do at home to lower your pet’s health care costs is a good way to insure a healthy pet and a healthy wallet. You should also know what to avoid!!
First, don’t skimp on wellness or preventive care. Vaccinations and parasite prevention are important parts of maintaining your pet’s health and yours as well. Diseases like Rabies and Leptospirosis are Zoonotic, meaning they can be spread between animals and people. Similarly, intestinal parasites or even fleas and ticks, are capable of transmitting serious diseases to our families.
Some owners might choose to buy vaccines online or from a pet store. While this idea sounds like a cost-saving measure, there are many risks. It is easy enough to learn how to give a shot, but can you trust that the supplier properly stored the vaccines? Vaccines are delicate biological suspensions and require constant refrigeration to be effective. Some need proper mixing in order to work correctly. Improper preparation could make the whole process worthless.
Choosing a lower cost flea product or a “do-it-yourself” de-wormer at a general merchandise store is another option a pet owner might investigate to save money. Sadly, according to the Center for Public Integrity (www.publicintegrity.org), these over-the-counter products are likely responsible for a sharp increase in pet deaths and adverse events in recent years. The EPA has received more than 25,000 reports of over-the-counter pesticide reactions in pets since 2003. So, although you might save a few dollars on the product, the extra trip to the veterinarian will likely cost a lot more!
Pet emergencies shouldn’t be a place for shortcuts either. Many caring owners simply address bite wounds and minor lacerations themselves with topical antibiotics in order to avoid going to the vet when their dog or cat is initially injured. But, a large majority of these animals end up coming into the veterinary hospital with raging infections. It is also important for owners to avoid bandaging their pet’s wounds without first getting a few pointers from their vet. Homemade bandages if applied too tightly act like tourniquets, causing swelling of the limb and serious loss of circulation. Always check with your veterinarian before giving any over the counter human medication to your pet! Many pet poisonings such as those associated with accidental over dosages of Tylenol and Ibuprofen can easily be avoided.
But don’t worry; veterinarian, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM. has a few tips to help owners cut down on their veterinary bills at home. First, and foremost play with your pet every day! Veterinary behaviorists all agree that a tired dog is a happy dog and happy dogs don’t tear up furniture or get into trouble. Since behavior issues are the number one reason for abandoning pets, this fun task might literally save your pet’s life. Playing with your pet has health benefits as well. A well-exercised pet is less likely to be overweight and suffer from obesity related problems such as arthritis, certain cancers, or diabetes. Next, when exercising your dog or cat, use appropriate restraints and confinements. Pets who roam freely are often hit by traffic, get into fights or eat something dangerous. Emergencies like these can end up hitting your wallet very hard.
Even loving your pet has money saving benefits. For example, petting and caressing your dog and cat daily can help owners find those little lumps and bumps sooner, rather than later. Pet Cancer is very common in dogs and cats and can be very costly to treat. Earlier detection generally means a better outcome and usually less expensive treatments.
Despite all of these precautions, some pets will just get into trouble or develop a serious disease. Although veterinary medicine is still a bargain compared to other health services, most of us would be hard pressed to pay a big veterinary bill out of pocket. Companies like Pets Best Insurance (www.petsbest.com) offer a variety of insurance plans to assist owners with unexpected costs. But even today only a small percentage of pet owners insure their pets’ health.
If paying a premium every month isn’t appealing to you, consider investing in a Pet Health Savings Plan. PetVetPro (www.petvetpro.com) helps people save money for potential pet emergencies. Unlike insurance, the money you pay into the program is yours. This allows you the flexibility to use the savings for car repairs, dental work, or whatever – including emergency surgery for your pet!
We all want to keep our furry friends safe and healthy, but it is challenging when just feeding the family stretches your budget. Talk with your veterinarian about your pet’s specific health needs and see what should be addressed immediately and what can wait.
