With the cost of energy crisis imposing a threat on people’s budgets, there is concern that some people are going to be unable to afford to look after their pets and rehoming centres will become overwhelmed.
As Vets it is our absolute priority to ensure the health and welfare of animals under our care. With the cost of wages and energy rising this impacts our profession too. However, there are ways we can work together to help to continue to provide a high standard of care for your pets.
If you are getting a puppy or kitten, please consider what breed it is and what health problems they can suffer from, have the parents been health tested? A good indication of this is the cost of pet insurance for the breed.
Prevention is better (and a lot cheaper) than cure. We currently still see many pets present with complications of flea infestations and worm burdens, conditions that can be easily prevented by routine treatments. We are also seeing a concerning rise in Parvovirus, Kennel Cough, Feline Leukaemia Virus and Rabbit VHD, all conditions that can be vaccinated against.
Consider the diet and lifestyle of your pet. Overweight pets can suffer arthritis and diabetes in older age. A good, complete, balanced diet will prevent conditions that result from vitamin deficiencies and keep them healthy for longer.
Pet insurance will not only cover large, unexpected bills because of accidents, but a lifetime policy will also cover ongoing costs associated with skin and ear disorders, epilepsy, joint disease, heart disease and any other problems that your pet may develop. Pet insurance gives peace of mind for the ‘what if’s’.
If your pet is unwell, seeking treatment more promptly may well reduce the costs of further hospitalisation if they are more severely affected, don’t wait until Friday afternoon if your pet has been unwell for a few days as treatment will be more costly out of normal working hours. There are often multiple treatment options available when it comes to veterinary care, as Vets we will always treat an animal to our best ability and consider all circumstances surrounding what is practical for both you and your pet. Please always pick up the phone and ask if you are unsure, it may be that we can just give you some advice. We will endeavour to not let animals suffer during this time.
Lucy Travers BVSc CertAVP MRCVS Highfields Vets