Unexpected vet bills can be a shock to a carefully planned budget. A great way to avoid such unpleasant expenses is to keep your pet healthy in the first place.
October is National Pet Wellness Month and the perfect time to review your furry friend’s wellness plan.
The price of prevention is a fraction of the cost of treatment for many common ailments. Spending a dime today can save a dollar down the road. Regular checkups that include vaccinations, fecal parasite exams, dental evaluations and other preventive health measures ward off health issues that lead to more costly treatments down the road.
Some health conditions that are cheaper to prevent than to treat include:
– Dental diseases like tooth infection, cavities and periodontal disease
– Internal parasites, including roundworms, tapeworms and giardia
– Ailments carried by external parasites like heartworms, Lyme disease and flea allergic dermatitis
– Infections of reproductive organs in pets who are not spayed or neutered
Pet parents also can save money by investing in exams that detect problems such as tumors or hyperthyroidism. Early intervention can address such issues before they develop into more costly and complex illnesses.
These in-office exams also help pet parents by allowing us to tailor diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors to minimize risks and maximize health.
Investing in a preventive care visit today may save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars of costly treatments later. Schedule a preventive care visit during National Pet Wellness Month in October.