Having a pet can be expensive. For example, it is estimated that a dog that will live for 14 years will incur expenses totaling approximately $45,000.1 In this period of inflationary pressure, we are reviewing our budget and looking for ways to reduce our expenses. If you already have a pet at home, how can you reduce the share of the budget allocated to the veterinarian?
The answer may seem surprising, but it is quite wise: keep your pet healthy and prevent diseases and health problems that you can control. Here are four tips to get there.
1 – Reduce the risk of accidents
By remembering that accidents happen quickly and by securing your home and surroundings just as you would with a young child. Plants, toxic products, medicines and objects that can be swallowed must be stored out of reach of animals. Keeping your cat indoors is safer. For outings, the dog is kept on a leash to avoid unnecessary accidents.
2 – Bet on preventive veterinary care
- By making sure that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and that they are also dewormed on a regular basis each year. This will avoid several major viral diseases and other health problems related to parasites which are more and more present, moreover.
- By having your pet sterilized. Sterilization prevents the development of certain conditions, such as uterine infections and cancer of the mammary glands in females and prostate disease in males.
- By offering your protected quality food recommended by your veterinarian to prevent the development of certain health problems, such as urinary stones or certain heart problems.
- By brushing your pet’s teeth every day to prevent the build-up of dental tartar which will eventually lead to many oral problems, such as receding gums, infections, cavities and bad breath, but also, in the long term , heart, kidney or liver disease.
3 – Offer a healthy lifestyle
- By keeping your pet slim for life and active, as overweight and obesity are risk factors for the development of several diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and joint problems.
- By offering your pet a quality food recommended by your veterinarian, as it will be adapted to the particular needs of your pet and will also prevent the development of certain medical conditions, such as urinary stones or heart problems as can sometimes be seen in animals fed with certain commercial foods.
4 – Take out insurance for your pet
To have peace of mind if an illness or accident occurs despite your good will and because veterinary health care is more and more expensive, especially in an emergency context. Having insurance allows you to have your animal treated at a lower cost (by paying the deductible) if necessary. It’s a think about it!
1. www.protegez-vous.ca/loisirs-et-famille/cout-chien
