The cost of a vet visit can vary greatly
from visit to visit depending on the size of the animal, whether it
is for a regular exam, treating an illness, an for an emergency after hours visit, etc.
First, remember that good veterinary care
will save you money in the long run, while avoiding medical care can
compound a problem and exponentially increase the cost as well as your
dog's pain.
Average veterinary bills for a medium-large
dog run about $80-$120 in a year with no illness or injury. That
includes an exam, limited vaccinations, and an annual heartworm text.
Do your homework on vaccines and ask your
vet about the "new vaccine protocol" which EVERY accedited vet school in the US now reccommends.
Veterinary researchers have proven annual vaccinations are not essential and are actually contributing to immune disorders in dogs. Since dogs carry immunities to many diseases for years,
it's unnecessary and even harmful to vaccinate them annually. Many vets haven't been happy to change recommendations because vaccines make up percent of their profit.- when choosing a vet, you should find out where they stand on this issue.
Some ways to save money when
it comes to medical care include the following:
-Before scheduling an appointment, ask your
vet about their perspective on the new vaccine protocol.
A vet following the new protocol islikely to be more invested in your dog's health than profit and less likely to recommend unnecessary procedures.
-Consider visiting a vet
outside of your city. Driving to a rural community to
visit a rural vet can reduce vet bills significantly over a vet in the city. City vets and country vets recieve an identical education, but the fees for services are always lower - sometimes more than 50% less- at a small clinic in a small town.
-Monthly, preferably weekly, give
your dog a full body massage while they are sleepy and
relaxed. Run your hands carefully all over their body, check the dog
over for scrapes, lumps, rashes, torn nails, dirty ears, sores in the
mouth, etc. Catching a medical problem early while it is still minor
can save hundreds.
-Invest in a high quality food.
Grocery store brands, and even foods like Science Diet, ProPlan, and
Iams are packed with corn, wheat, and rendered meat
byproducts (which includes parts of animals that could not be used in human food, and frequently includes farm animals that died of disease or sickness or even roadkill). Feeding one of these
foods is almost a guarantee of eventual allergies, liver disease, or
cancer. Spending a bit more to buy a super premium food can save
hundreds of dollars in the long run. A dog that eats quality food that is
naturally preserved has
a healthier immune system- which helps them fight contagious illnesses.
Spending a little more on food can mean saving hundreds or thousands on
vet bills.
Remember you always have a right to ask how much things cost and if they are neccessary. Our pets rely on us to care for them and they should never go without neccessary medical care so we can save money, but don't be embarrassed to call ahead or even call other veterinary clinics to compare prices.
Please remember that if you cannot handle
the financial burden of properly caring for your pet then you may not
be ready to have a dog. All dog owners should be prepared to handle a
$500 or $750 emergency vet bill. (You should either invest in pet
insurance, or keep $200 cash and a credit card in a safe place at all
times.)
2. Research
your pet's health care and make informed decisions for your pet. For
years, the American Veterinary Medical Association has acknowledged
that most dogs do not need boosters of their vaccinations annually. The
majority of vets have ignored these guidelines, since their income is
primarily based on the large markup on vaccines. Research pet
vaccinations and your dog. Overvaccination actually breaks down a pet's
immune system making them more likely to become ill. Your pet will
still need wellness exams and vaccinations as required by law or your
pets health, but knowing can give you the power to not only save money,
but improve the quality of your pet's life.
