Pets are an important part of our lives. They provide comfort and companionship. They are an anchor in an ever-changing and sometimes confusing world. However, pets cost money. And one of the big expenses is when a pet gets sick or has an accident.
Have you been to the vet recently? Then you probably were presented with a sizable bill. Keeping your pet healthy is expensive, and even more so if he needs special care.
It's important to understand why veterinary costs are high.
Treatments and medicine that weren't available previously can now be used to keep a dog healthier for longer. Sophisticated treatments developed for humans are now often available to treat an animal. Advanced diagnostics can mean a longer life and better health for pets – if the owner can pay for it.
These new technologies, sophisticated medical equipment, and rising pharmaceutical prices come at a cost. Which makes an ordinary visit to the vet almost as expensive as a human’s to a doctor.
Vets want to do their best for their patients, but to deliver on that they need training, well-educated and trained personnel, sophisticated equipment, the latest pharmaceuticals, and welcoming practical consulting rooms. So next time you must pay a vet bill, keep these in mind.
2. But there are ways to save on vet bills and pet insurance.
Early diagnosis of health issues is crucial. Keep his weight in check and regularly exercise him. Feed him the healthiest food you can afford. You know your dog’s habits and behavior. So be aware of sudden changes in his activity level, sleeping or eating habits, and check for lumps and wounds that wouldn't heal. Early diagnosis can save money … even his life.
Regularly groom your dog. It helps to keep her healthy and allows you to discover health issues in time. Brush her coat regularly - dogs love it! This will help to prevent excessive shedding and gives you the opportunity to check for abnormalities. Also check her nails, ears, teeth, and eyes. You can groom your dog yourself but breeds like poodles also need regular visits to a professional groomer.
Gather as much information as possible If you decide to buy pet insurance. Compare various providers and the policies they offer. The cost of pet insurance is determined by the dog’s breed, age, as well as your location. And when you’ve decided on a policy – do read the fine print!
Technology is widely used in the pet insurance industry. Be on the lookout for innovative policies – like an App that rewards you with lower premiums when you keep track of your pet’s health. Other store information about your pet’s health so that it’s available when you need it. Apps also make payment quick and easy, and some can be used to contact a veterinarian when your dog needs one so that you don’t have to visit him.
Ask what the cost of treatment or medicine for your pet will be before you accept it. There may be cheaper alternatives that will be suitable for the circumstances. Try to get a second opinion, if it’s practical and not an emergency.
If the cost of treatment will put you in a difficult financial position, be honest about your finances. Ask if there are other options available, or if you’ll be able to pay the bill in installments.
Dogs and cats get sick, they have accidents and get diseases – particularly as they grow older. Medical advances mean that veterinarians and clinics can usually treat a sick or injured pet. However, this comes at a cost – a cost pet owners often struggle to pay. The result can be financial pressure, or even making a heartbreaking decision.
When you keep your pet healthy and get appropriate pet insurance, you’re doing as much as possible for your special friend. He or she is worth it.
- Vets are expensive.
Have you been to the vet recently? Then you probably were presented with a sizable bill. Keeping your pet healthy is expensive, and even more so if he needs special care.
It's important to understand why veterinary costs are high.
- Scientific and medical progress
- Advanced care for cats and dogs
Treatments and medicine that weren't available previously can now be used to keep a dog healthier for longer. Sophisticated treatments developed for humans are now often available to treat an animal. Advanced diagnostics can mean a longer life and better health for pets – if the owner can pay for it.
- Procedures, treatments, and medicines are expensive.
These new technologies, sophisticated medical equipment, and rising pharmaceutical prices come at a cost. Which makes an ordinary visit to the vet almost as expensive as a human’s to a doctor.
- Education and staffing costs
- Business costs
Vets want to do their best for their patients, but to deliver on that they need training, well-educated and trained personnel, sophisticated equipment, the latest pharmaceuticals, and welcoming practical consulting rooms. So next time you must pay a vet bill, keep these in mind.
2. But there are ways to save on vet bills and pet insurance.
- Be proactive about your pet’s health.
Early diagnosis of health issues is crucial. Keep his weight in check and regularly exercise him. Feed him the healthiest food you can afford. You know your dog’s habits and behavior. So be aware of sudden changes in his activity level, sleeping or eating habits, and check for lumps and wounds that wouldn't heal. Early diagnosis can save money … even his life.
- Regularly groom your pet
Regularly groom your dog. It helps to keep her healthy and allows you to discover health issues in time. Brush her coat regularly - dogs love it! This will help to prevent excessive shedding and gives you the opportunity to check for abnormalities. Also check her nails, ears, teeth, and eyes. You can groom your dog yourself but breeds like poodles also need regular visits to a professional groomer.
- Be informed when you decide to buy pet insurance.
Gather as much information as possible If you decide to buy pet insurance. Compare various providers and the policies they offer. The cost of pet insurance is determined by the dog’s breed, age, as well as your location. And when you’ve decided on a policy – do read the fine print!
- Keep an eye out for innovative policies.
Technology is widely used in the pet insurance industry. Be on the lookout for innovative policies – like an App that rewards you with lower premiums when you keep track of your pet’s health. Other store information about your pet’s health so that it’s available when you need it. Apps also make payment quick and easy, and some can be used to contact a veterinarian when your dog needs one so that you don’t have to visit him.
- Ask about alternative treatments and medicine.
Ask what the cost of treatment or medicine for your pet will be before you accept it. There may be cheaper alternatives that will be suitable for the circumstances. Try to get a second opinion, if it’s practical and not an emergency.
- Be honest with your veterinarian about finances.
If the cost of treatment will put you in a difficult financial position, be honest about your finances. Ask if there are other options available, or if you’ll be able to pay the bill in installments.
Dogs and cats get sick, they have accidents and get diseases – particularly as they grow older. Medical advances mean that veterinarians and clinics can usually treat a sick or injured pet. However, this comes at a cost – a cost pet owners often struggle to pay. The result can be financial pressure, or even making a heartbreaking decision.
When you keep your pet healthy and get appropriate pet insurance, you’re doing as much as possible for your special friend. He or she is worth it.