If you’ve taken a trip to the veterinarian lately, you know that medical care for pets is becoming as expensive as human medical care. With current economic conditions, the vet is one of the many places loving pet parents are looking to save. What people don’t realize is veterinary care can easily be a part of a healthy household budget. Here are six ways to save money on vet bills.
1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Nutrition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your pet are where it all starts. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 59 percent of all U.S. dogs and 61 percent of all U.S. cats were overweight or obese in 2022. That’s millions of dogs and cats at increased risk for diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and various forms of cancer. Diseases come at a high cost to you and your pet. Avoid these medical expenses by keeping your pets on a healthy diet or rewarding them with low-calorie treats. Avoid unhealthy table foods like breads and meats.
2. Use nutritional supplements
Yes, they work for dogs, too! Nutritional support in addition to a healthy lifestyle is one of the most important elements of human and pet healthcare. Vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids help to promote your pet’s immune system and keep them as healthy as they can be. Strong immune systems equal minimal infections. Save money and keep your pet healthy.
3. Keep up with annual examinations
While at first, this may seem like an unnecessary expenditure, a thorough physical examination by your vet can save you money in the long run. Early detection of diseases and conditions can save you thousands of dollars in medical bills in the end. Pets 1 to 6 years of age need a standard yearly physical examination. Pets 7 years and older need a standard yearly physical examination and simple blood/urine tests.
4. Use a premium pet food
Some of the most common reasons for vet visits include vomiting and diarrhea, due largely in part to poor diet and food. Poor-quality pet food can cause these messy conditions for you and your pet and unnecessary vet bills on your plate. Talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your pet’s individual needs.
5. Three-year vaccinations work
In 2005, the USDA approved the first three-year distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis vaccine for dogs, and in 2006 they approved it for cats. These specific vaccines are used to help reduce the risk of vaccine-associated adverse events and save you money.
6. Get pet insurance
Pet insurance is primarily used for two reasons: the unexpected and the expensive. This proactive solution to avoiding your favorite pet’s unexpected medical conditions can end up saving you thousands of dollars in vet bills. There are many new major medical coverage plans with low annual premiums available that are cost-effective.
