Pet insurance for your older dog is most definitely something you have to think about if you are a dog owner.
Even though you may think that eventually you will put your older dog to sleep if it gets too sick, in the end, you get so attached that you won’t think twice about paying whatever is needed to save its life.
It is a tough decision, but whether you go for getting dog insurance or not, you can still have some control over how much your best friend costs you.
Here we give you 8 intelligent ways in which you can reduce vet bills to save a considerable amount of money and why you should consider pet insurance.
1. Go for shots at low-cost clinics
It is very possible that your vet collaborates with one or two of these clinics every year, but you can also call the local Humane society chapter, the city’s animal control department, or the local veterinary hospital to ask for information.
2. Get a second opinion
If your young or senior dog needs a very expensive treatment or drug, in most cases you will have time to talk to another vet before you make the final decision.
You can also refer to ‘The Merck Veterinary Manual’ on the web to learn about your dog’s condition and the recommended treatments.
3. Ask for samples
Your vet can give you a lot of free samples of the most popular drugs. Don’t be ashamed to ask.
4. Research medication prices
Before buying a certain drug, call different vets in your area, check pet catalogs, and browse the Internet to find the best prices.
DiscountPetMedicines.com provides links to other websites that offer medications at lower prices.
5. Buy good quality dog food
Spending a bit more on good quality dog food can mean your senior dog won’t get sick that often and will have less health problems.
6. Keep your dog fit
Obesity is a huge problem in dogs; it poses a lot of dangers and health risks. Do not let your dog get fat.
7. Keep your pal indoors or on a leash
Dogs that are allowed to run free suffer more accidents, get more illnesses, and are more affected by the environment than dogs that are kept under control.
Your older dog will live longer, healthier, and happier if he remains inside your home’s perimeter.
8. Think what breed of dog suits you
If you’re on a budget, you should choose a dog that demands fewer expenses. Some breeds are, most definitely, more expensive than others and demand much more care and attention.
Select a dog that will fit your lifestyle and will not become a burden, one that you can enjoy and love as it deserves until the end of its life.
Medications to Keep Your Dog Tick and Flea Free
Every dog owner has had to face annoying ticks and fleas attacking their best friend. Luckily, there are very good products out there to get rid and prevent these bugs from finding a home in your dog’s fur.
In order to get the best tick and flea medication you have to talk to your vet because your dog will get sick depending on its lifestyle, general health, age, and the place where you live, and all of these will have a saying in the vet’s choice of medication.
By far, the best products out there are prescription ones that only your vet can provide or only he can prescribe. Following are some characteristics you should consider about medications for ticks and fleas:
DVM approved or recommended
Size and dosage
Effect, what do you want to eliminate? Only fleas; fleas and ticks; fleas, ricks and heartworms?
Presentation. Does it come in liquid, shampoo, dip, collars, spot-on, tablets, or oral solutions?
Safety
Effectiveness
Components
Price
Guarantee
Waterproof
Administration rate
The ideal ticks and fleas’ medication
The best medication is the one that is easy to give or apply, is safe, effective, and has a good price. The medication has to be the right size and dosage for your dog’s breed, and it has to take care of the problem effectively.
Every dog is different, thus, you have to think what is easier to give your dog, a pill or a topical treatment, for example. Tell your vet what you prefer and he will help you find the best option for you and your pal. A lot will depend also on whether your dog is an older dog or a puppy, as their needs and health conditions vary widely.
A good product will come with a guarantee based on vet or manufacturer recommendations, and the administration rate is normally monthly.
Some products on the market
Program®. It prevents dog flea infestation by preventing the growth of flea eggs. It comes in tablets, and in many cases is used with Capstar®, which kills adult fleas when an infestation has occurred.
Capstar®. It kills adult fleas. Comes in pills.
Advantage®. Prevents and kills fleas. Comes in liquid form.
K9Advantix®. Prevents and kills ticks, fleas and mosquitoes. Comes in liquid form and is waterproof.
Frontline Top Spot®. Prevents and kills fleas and ticks. Comes in liquid form.
Frontline Plus®. Prevents and kills fleas and ticks. Comes in liquid form and is waterproof.
Revolution®. Prevents heartworm disease, kills fleas, and controls ear mites and deer ticks. Comes in liquid form.
Sentinel®. Prevents heartworm disease, flea infestations, kills roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Comes in tablets.
Safety tips
Read the label instructions before using any medication in your dog.
Check your dog’s age and weight before applying or administering the medication.
Apply or give the medication as directed by your vet.
Never give cat medication to your dog.
