Tips to help you budget for your pet’s needs.
Pets are amazing, there’s no doubt about that. However, there’s also little doubt that caring for them can be expensive. According to one report, the cost of veterinarian services jumped 6 percent year over year. Thankfully, there are ways to keep pet-related medical costs down. Here are some things to try.
Think Prevention First
The best way to keep your dog or cat healthy and avoid expensive vet bills is to maintain regular vet visits. A regular check-up can catch issues early, while they’re still not a big problem. The smaller the problem, the cheaper the bill. A good rule of thumb is based on age. If your dog or cat is younger than eight, you can take them to the vet once per year. If they are older, you should take them twice per year.
Stay Current
Speaking of regular maintenance, be sure to keep your pet up to date on their vaccinations. You should also distribute medicine that prevents major illnesses, like heartworms or infections from ticks.
Manage Weight
Ask your vet about the proper amount of food for your pet. A pet’s weight is a big factor in their overall health. Even just a few extra pounds on animals can lead to problems down the road, from hip issues to internal organ failures.
Do One Thing: Keep up with vaccinations and medicines to help keep vet bills low. You may want to investigate pet health insurance to manage costs.