photo credits to Jon Bradley
The need to lower the cost of vet care is impeccable following the global recession. The cost of vet care for last year (2008) is estimated at $10.9 billion, increased to almost a billion from last year. With thousands of job disappearing, low stock market and depressed economy, most of us are postponing dog care because we can’t afford trips to the vet and dog treatment. It’s high time to cut those unnecessary services and products which many pet owners think are absolutely necessary.
1. FEED QUALITY FOOD. It may sound strange to spend more on high quality dog food but it is your best shot at long term dog health and lower vet bills. Once you start feeding your bulldog wisely, you will notice allergies; intestinal problems, joint pains and other ailments disappear. You may want to switch feeding your dog from grocery store brands to kibble to canned foods. Gradually shift feeding your pet frozen raw or fresh cooked or raw food.
2. STOP THE UNNECESSARY VACCINATION. There is no point of vaccinating your dog against diseases your dog is unlikely to catch and against sickness to which your dog already has developed immunity. Apart from wasting huge waste of time and money, excessive vaccination will result to adverse health consequences that will wreck your dog’s health and cost you a fortune on vet bills.
3. KEEP TRASH, RECYCLING BINS AND TOXIC CHEMICALS AWAY FROM PETS. Dogs love taking a peek in garbage cans in search of food. Bad thing about it is dogs tend to stay this way a lot longer. This habit can lead to food poisoning. Rancid food found in garbage is rich in bacteria that will make your dog sick with diarrhea and vomiting. Better to keep an eye on your dog or place it in a leash when no one is around. By keeping your dog away from garbage cans, you will save any vet trips for cases of food poisoning.
4. STOP GIVING UNNECESSARY OR DANGEROUS DRUGS TO YOUR DOG . Double check the medicines you give your dogs especially steroids and arthritis medication. Typically allergic reactions from medications will develop after multiple doses of the medication. Signs of allergies include scratching or itching, facial swelling or hives as shown by your pet. When your dog had overdose then it is necessary to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible, which is another medical bill for you.
5. FEED YOUR DOG LESS. In a study conducted by Purina which made use of 48 Labrador Retrievers in a 14-year study, “lean-fed” dogs (receiving 25% less food compared to their mates) eventually developed the same health problems as their group mates as they aged, but required treatments for sickness developed 2.1 years later. As a result, treatment began at a mean age of 12 versus age 9.9. A secret to longevity is to feed your bulldog healthy, lean (not too skinny) food eliminating fattening, corn-laden foods. Thus, it is not about feeding a particular brand or letting your dog overeat to keep it healthy. Remember, fat dogs poses health risks needing expensive treatments.
6. WASH YOUR DOG’S FEET (OR PAWS). Ensure the cleanliness of your dog’s feet after a walk on chemically-packed pavements such as city streets and salted roads. Be extra careful of park areas which may have been recently treated with herbicides or other potentially dangerous chemicals. Refrain using toxic chemicals in your home or yard. Once these chemicals stick on your dog’s feet, it won’t be long until it reaches to your dog’s mouth. You may be risking your English bulldog to developing cancer later on.
7. REGULAR BRUSHING OF YOUR DOG’S TEETH. Dental problems often equates to expensive vet bills. One way to avoid dental caries on your dog’s teeth is by feeding them low-carb foods and by brushing its teeth at least three times a week. Use good toothpaste intended for dogs and not humans. You can apply and brush your dogs’ teeth with a super-soft toothbrush or gauze wrapped around your finger as a substitute of a toothbrush.
8. STOP REWARDING YOUR DOG WITH DANGEROUS TREAT. You may not be aware of the risks involved when your dog is given treats of hard to chew food. Treats such as cooked bones, rawhide chews, pig’s feet among other can lodge in tracheas and intestines. Surgery for obstructions and perforations doesn’t come cheap. Surgery can remove these obstructions but may be too late to save your dog’s life.
9. GET YOUR DOG A BLOOD TEST. Dogs age faster than human which makes them more susceptible to diseases. Senior dogs should have a blood test every six months. A thorough blood test is the easiest and only way to detect a disease while it’s still curable and cheaper to treat. Have your dog check for heartworms regardless if taking drugs or not.
10. SEARCH ONLINE. You can save money on flea and tick control, ear care products, vitamins, joint care supplements, and other non-prescription maintenance items sold on online pet supply stores and pharmacies. Check the specials offered and compare prices for low prices with free shipping included on most orders.
One Response
2009 May 04
Now is def. a time where everyone has to pay attention a bit more to their pets so those unwanted vet trips don’t have to happen.