Our furry family members seem to need a trip to the vet at the most inconvenient times… such as in January when our credit cards are still recovering from their holiday hangovers! Here are four tips to help save money on vet bills, helping you to get ahead financially while not compromising on their care:
Pet Insurance
While we know our pets are members of the family, they’re unfortunately not covered by OHIP! However, they still need the same quality of X-rays, bloodwork, ultrasound, medication, and other technologies in order to diagnose and treat effectively. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend an insurer, or you can reach out to your regular insurance company to see if pet insurance is a product they offer. While the range of coverage may vary according to your monthly budget, any insurance is better than no insurance!
Maintain a healthy weight
If you can’t easily feel your furry family members ribs, it’s time to set a New Year’s resolution! Even a few extra pounds can increase the risk of cancers, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and bladder stones, which are all costly to treat. Plus, you can save money on pet food every day by giving your pet the appropriate amount for their target weight! Your veterinarian will be happy to help you make a weight loss plan to help your furry family member live a longer, healthier life.
Feed a quality diet
A high-quality diet might have a higher price tag initially, but because of its nutrient quality and more digestible ingredients, the actual cost-per-day may be lower than a generic grocery store brand! However, note that just because a food is more expensive, doesn’t always mean that it’s high-quality. For example, studies have shown a potential link between grain-free food and heart disease. To choose the best food for your pet, ask your veterinarian for a lifestage-specific recommendation.
Pet-Proof Your House
Avoid an emergency trip to the veterinarian by familiarizing yourself with household items that can be dangerous if ingested. Some common culprits include antifreeze, rat poison, lilies, chocolate, marijuana, chicken carcasses, tennis balls, corncobs, human medications, and (if your dog loves to snack on textiles) socks and underwear!
Our pets age much faster than we do, so while it may be an upfront investment, an annual doctor’s exam is the best way to save money by keeping disease at bay. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”
Dr. I. Wonder is here to answer your questions regarding your furry family members. If you have a question, email it to us at danielle@NeighbourhoodPetClinic.com. Our team at Neighbourhood Pet Clinic will tap into their collective experience to answer your various questions.