Pet ownership can be more expensive than you think. Most pet owners budget for food and routine vet visits, but emergencies can occur, and this type of care can be expensive. For example, dental decay that progresses into periodontal surgery can cost $800 to $2000, while a missed heartworm test that results in a positive diagnosis can mean $400 to $1,000.
However, pet owners have a secret weapon- preventative care. When owners care for their pets through routine visits and at-home measures, the risk of a serious condition and the associated costs decrease considerably. This article explains how to ensure optimal wellness for your pet and make pet care easy on your wallet.
Why Reactive Care Costs More Than Prevention
Reactive care occurs when pet owners react to specific symptoms. For example, they may notice bad breath, tartar buildup, or difficulty eating and chewing and take their pet to the vet. Preventive care, such as at-home and in-person cleanings, can prevent dental conditions from developing in the first place.
And preventive care pays off. Providing dental care at home for dogs costs just a few dollars (typically $5 – $15 for a toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste, and $10 -$ 25 for dental chews and treats). Professional cleanings range from $350 to $500, but that can easily escalate to $1500 or more if conditions are detected requiring deeper cleanings or surgery.
Preventive Services That Make a Difference
Preventive services can be broken down into at-home care, vet-based preventive care, and late-stage care for older pets. Here are some examples:
At-Home Care
- Dental Care: This may include daily or regular toothbrushing with pet-safe toothpaste, VOHC-approved dental chews and treats, and water additives / dental sprays that reduce tartar and plaque
- Weight and Body Conditioning: The risk of various diseases decreases significantly when your pet consumes a healthy diet. Feed them high-quality products and ensure portion control to avoid heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis
- Regular At-home Checks: Regularly check your pet’s mouth, ears, skin, and coat between vet visits to detect conditions before they get out of control
- Flea/tick Preventive Application: Fleas and ticks do more than cause discomfort. They can cause diseases, allergies, and infections. Use topical or oral OTC or vet-prescribed treatments to keep them far from your pet
Vet-Based Preventive Care
At-home care is more effective when combined with veterinary services, which include the following:
- Annual (or biannual for seniors) wellness exams with core vaccinations when needed
- Professional dental cleanings, including X-rays to detect disease below the gumline
- Heartworm testing and prevention: Heartworm is a serious disease that is more manageable when treated early.
- Routine bloodwork / senior wellness panels: Blood testing is typically included in veterinary visits and becomes more extensive in seniors, offering a detailed blood profile.
- Fecal exams/parasite screening: The only way to uncover intestinal parasites is by testing the stool.
- Nutrition and weight counseling: Your vet will provide guidelines on what to feed your pet and recommend portion sizes.
Preventive Care in Senior Pets
When pets move into their senior years, care becomes more extensive, and may include:
- Physical exam: A hands-on evaluation of all body systems
- Dental assessment: Screens for dental disease, which becomes more common with age
- Diagnostic testing/lab work including a complete blood count (CBC), a blood chemistry panel, a urinalysis, thyroid testing, and blood pressure measurement.
- Nutritional consultation considering necessary diet adjustments for weight, kidney function, arthritis, etc.
- Vaccination and parasite prevention review tailored to the pet’s lifestyle and health status
- Cognitive/behavioral check-in which screens for signs of cognitive decline
- Mobility/arthritis assessment: Arthritis is one of the most diagnosed conditions in senior pets, and early treatment slows its progression
Build a Relationship with a Trusted Vet
Preventive care is important, and you can ensure it happens when you build a relationship with a trusted vet. Vets who know your pet know which conditions to watch for across the care spectrum. They are also more likely to help you with payment options and financing tools when care gets expensive.
Additionally, using a trusted provider contributes to a better experience for your pet. They will feel calmer in a familiar environment, reducing the risk of missed findings, which often occurs with an uncooperative pet.
When choosing a vet, look for:
- Transparency: The vet should clearly explain treatment options and related costs
- Built-In Preventative Care: This can be delivered through a wellness program or pre-scheduled visits
- Good Recordkeeping and Communication: Especially important if your pet is referred to another clinic for specialized services
- Positive Reputation: Look for vets with strong online reviews and an established history in the community. Both are good signs of reliable, compassionate care.
- Availability and Accessibility: Convenient hours, emergency support, or telehealth options for quick guidance will make your pet care experience less stressful.
What To Do When the Bill Is Bigger Than Expected
You can provide all the preventive care in the world, and work with the best providers, but big bills still come due. Something gets missed, or a condition develops suddenly, and what was supposed to be a hundred-dollar visit turns into a thousand-dollar visit. Fortunately, payment plans are available.
Payment plans are similar to credit cards. They cover the balance with your vet, allowing you to make payments over time. And unlike most credit cards, many offer limited-time, interest-free payments, so expenses don’t add up.
Financing also offers an easy application process. Simply ask your vet which payment plans they work with. Most allow you to apply online and let you know if you’re approved in minutes with no hard credit check needed.
Affordable Care for Your Pets
When it comes to pet care, prevention is the smartest long-term investment and can be achieved through home care and regular vet visits. A healthy diet, dental cleanings, vaccinations, and screening go a long way. And when big bills happen, payment plans are available.
What do you do to ensure your pet enjoys optimal wellness without breaking the bank?