The most recent PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report – the longest running annual survey of pet wellbeing in the UK – revealed 30 per cent of owners worry how they will pay for vet bills if their furry family member fell ill or became injured.
With the report also detailing that 61 per cent of cats and 39 per cent of dogs are currently uninsured, thousands of owners could find themselves with an unexpected vet bill should the worst happen.
PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is affecting all of us in one way or another, meaning we’re looking for ways to save money wherever we can – and this is no different for costs associated with our pets.
“Veterinary treatments can become costly, so one of the best ways to safeguard your furry friend and avoid unplanned vet bills is by keeping on top of their preventive healthcare.”
The following tactics could help you save in the long term:
Stay up to date with vaccinations
While cutting back on annual booster vaccinations or regular flea and worming treatments may seem like saving money in the short-term, it can cause issues down the line.
Avoiding these measures can put your pet’s overall health at risk, meaning they may need intensive veterinary care, which can soon add up.”
The benefits of neutering
Neutering your pet will not only prevent unwanted pregnancies, but it also reduces the likelihood of developing certain health issues too, including some types of cancer or life-threatening infection of the uterus which can affect unneutered females.
Castrating male dogs helps reduce their risk of prostate disease and stops them from developing testicular cancer.
Male cats and dogs are less likely to roam looking for females and male cats are less likely to get into fights if neutered, too.
Watch weight gain
It’s important to monitor your pet’s weight and take action if you believe they are gaining a few too many pounds – this will help avoid weight related health problems, which may require costly lifelong medication.
The best way to help your furry friend maintain a healthy weight is by incorporating daily exercise into their routine and ensuring they eat a complete, well-balanced, nutritious diet.
Don’t ignore insurance
Having the correct insurance plan in place will be vital to avoid expensive bills, should the worst happen.
Explore additional resources
There are lots of free resources available on PDSA’s website, which provide helpful advice and low-cost ways to care for furry family members.
Personal circumstances can change at any time and if you do find yourself struggling to afford your pet’s veterinary care, see if you are eligible for free or low-cost support by using the eligibility checker on the PDSA website.
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