Adopting a dog comes with responsibility. They require medical care. Taking your dog to the vet can feel overwhelming when you receive your bill.
You can spend between $700 to $1500 a year on just routine procedures (excluding any emergency visits). But you want your dog to get the care that they need because you love them. Here are ways you can manage your dog’s medical costs.
#1. Consider Pet Insurance
Consider signing up for pet insurance. Take your time to review different pet insurance companies and plans. Pet insurance is great for emergency situations.
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If, for instance, your dog eats something they shouldn’t have, 90 percent of the costs will be covered by your pet insurance. You can also choose to be covered for preventative care. You will get a discount if you have many pets you want to insure.
#2. Ask Around For Quotes For Procedures From Various Vet Clinics
For example, the cost of ultrasound can range between 300-600 dollars, the only difference being the veterinary hospital.
You don’t need to worry about changing vets all the time as they can liaise with your regular vet regarding the results.
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#3. Regular Wellness Checks & Preventative Care
Take your dog once a year for a wellness check.
This will prevent any small issues from developing into a serious one.
If your dog is 7 years or older, take them every 6 months.
Spaying or neutering your dog is an important preventative care procedure.
They also need to have all of their puppy vaccinations and annual vaccination as adults.
Some dogs require additional routine care such as dental cleaning.
#4. Consider A Veterinary College.
They provide basic services at a low cost as they are in training. Why not support those who will one day be the experts we need?
#5. Ask For Help
Reach out to rescue groups, SPCA’s, or humane societies as they may offer low-cost services or they may be able to advise you. There are also animal welfare charities that help fund certain cases in need, such as emergencies and specific diseases.
A GoFundMe page and social media have been a great tool for dire situations in raising funds to save your pet
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#6. Sign Up For A Payment Plan With Your Veterinary Practice.
A number of practices give you the option of paying for your bills over time instead of one lump sum.
Some vets even offer a monthly fee to cover routine care and more.
#7. Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your dog is the key to preventing them from getting sick and visiting the vet less.
Make sure you are weighing out the correct amount of food your dog should be consuming a day to avoid them gaining weight.
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There are also certain dog foods that can help your dog lose weight if they need to. Give your dog regular exercise – at least once a day. Some dogs require more exercise than others. A healthy dog has a lower chance of getting sick.
Being a dog parent comes with responsibility, and we love giving them the care that they need! Taking some measures will help reduce your worry when visiting the vet.
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The 20th of March is World Oral Health Day. A day to help spread awareness of good oral hygiene practices. In dogs, dental hygiene such as setting a routine to brush your dog’s teeth is just as important.
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