By the end of 2012, pet owners are expected to spend $12.2 billion on veterinary care, according to the American Pet Products Association. Here are seven ways to lower your bills without shortchanging your four-legged family members.
Schedule annual exams.
One year in the life of your pet is like several years in your own life – a lot can change quickly. Most pet owners don’t think annual exams are necessary – one survey found that 63 percent of dog owners and 68 percent of cat owners question the need for regular vet care. The truth is that yearly exams can help your vet to spot problems before they escalate. Regular check-ups can also prevent common diseases altogether, such as dental disease and heartworm disease. It is always easier and less expensive to prevent a problem and/or to treat a problem early on or before secondary complications arise.
Keep your pet(s) slim.
More than half of pets in the United States are overweight and, just like in humans, those extra pounds increase the risk of diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and arthritis. How much should your pet weigh? There is no real “perfect number” that they should weigh, but there is a “perfect look”. Both cats and dogs should generally have a waistline – you should be able to see a taper from their chest to their waist. In a long-haired pet, you should be able to feel this tapering as you run your hands from their chest to their abdomen. Of course, we never want to see bones like ribs or hip bones – that’s too skinny.
Don’t skimp on pet food.
In general, look for foods that list protein from real animal sources first (duck, venison, chicken, etc.) Ideally you don’t want to see the words “meal” (and especially the word “meat”) as any of the ingredients. Because they have better ingredients and more research behind them, high-quality foods also cost more. Here’s the interesting part: unlike low-quality foods which, as a result of the numerous fillers, require that you feed your pet more to get the appropriate nutrients, high-quality foods are so nutrient-dense that you can actually feed your pet less
House your pet indoors, especially cats.
Although indoor pets can get sick, they have less chance of getting hit by a car, tangling with other animals or eating something harmful, all of which could send a pet to the vet. When they are outdoors, keep pets leashed.
Watch for telltale signs of serious problems.
Certain early warning signs can alert you to health problems that should be treated before they escalate. Catching a serious illness early makes your pet less likely to have complications and secondary conditions, which also keeps money in your pocketbook. Signs to let your vet know about include:
- Weight loss, especially without feeding changes
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Increased thirst or urination
- Noticeably bad breath
- Extreme or unusual lethargy
- Pain or limping when moving
Consider pet insurance.
Pet insurance is right for some owners. It can reimburse you for a portion of the cost of treating conditions that require expensive care. The most important thing you can do before committing to a pet health insurance plan is to READ THE POLICY FIRST. Know what you are buying before you buy it. If you have questions about the policy, call the company and ask your questions. Some plans only cover for wellness exams and vaccines. Others can help to cover for long-term conditions and accidents. Use your personal finances to guide you but remember that the more extensive the coverage, the more it will cost. Also, consider your pet’s current health—for instance, does (s)he have a hereditary disease that could be costly to treat down the road?
Have a heart-to-heart with your vet.
Don’t be afraid to talk about your ability to pay for care. In today’s economy, many budgets are limited. Instead of the ideal gold-standard treatment, we might be able to recommend a medically-appropriate alternative that’s less expensive but could still benefit your pet. It is important to have realistic expectations, but most importantly to have all of the information so that you are making educated decisions for your pets. DTLAvets is proud to offer their clients options for caring for their pets that incorporate both western and eastern therapies.
Source for Stats: Animal Health Smart Brief, Parade