Pets with Diabetes   Tips on Managing Expenses

 
Excerpted from Consumer Reports July 2003:

 20 ways to cut vet costs

  1. Pay vet bills of $50 or more by credit card. (you can dispute the bill if needed).
  2. Choose a vet before you need one. Get price quotes for regular services and for something like a broken leg
  3. Ask for discounts - multiple pets, senior citizen ...human, not the pet :-)
  4. Talk to the vet about vaccinating on a 3-year schedule instead of every year.
  5. Check prices for vaccinations at low-cost clinics like the SPCA. There are also low-cost services for low-income families and senior citizens.
  6. Keep copies of bills and health records so you can change vets easily if needed.
  7. If you use an emergency vet, schedule follow-up visits at your regular vet.
  8. Get a second opinion before approving pricey treatments.
  9. Research pet disorders and consult a good pet-health-care reference.
  10. Ask for a written prescription so you can shop for the best price.
  11. Shop for pet drugs at regular pharmacies. DON’T give your pet drugs for your medicine cabinet without consulting your vet!.
  12. Ask for generic drugs whenever possible. Buy drugs in bulk for long-term disease management (thyroid pills, allergy, etc).
  13. Exercise your pet and don’t overfeed it
  14. Fight tartar and plaque (dental disease) in order to prevent bigger problems.
  15. Keep pets fenced or leashed when outdoors to prevent the from getting hit by a car.
  16. Store drugs and chemicals out of your pet’s reach
  17. Ask your vet about heartworm drugs
  18. Use a flea and tick product.

    19. I don’t think these two are as useful (if you love dogs and are allergic to cats, getting a cat isn't an option.  And if you adopt your pet from the SPCA, you won't know parental history.) Also, good breeding does not guarantee you’ll have a pet that is free of health problems (it will help, but won't guarantee it).

  19. Get a cat. Cats tend to have fewer serious health problems and genetic diseases than dogs.
  20. Choose your breed and breeder carefully to reduce the risk of genetic disorders.

Read our page on other expense issues and share your tips about managing your pet's expenses using this form.

 

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Updated June 2003
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