Follow your vet’s recommendations when it comes to preventative medicine (heartworm preventative, vaccinations, blood tests, etc.).
Do you think heartworm pills are expensive? Well, the cost of heartworm preventative is chump-change in comparison to what it costs to treat a heartworm positive dog.
Depending on the dog’s weight, a month of heartworm preventative can cost $3-8. If your dog tests positive expect to pay $500-$1000 (or more) to have him treated. Egads! That’s a mortgage payment for some folks.
And by the way, ALL DOGS are at risk for acquiring heartworm disease, even if living indoors. It only takes ONE bite from an infected mosquito. I’ve seen all kinds of dogs test positive for heartworm. The past few our clinic treated included a Chihuahua, a Bouvier, a Siberian Husky, and a Labrador retriever.
There has been a lot of discussion lately between the veterinary community and vaccine manufacturers. Thanks to scientific advances the immunity provided by many pet vaccines is lasting longer. Therefore, many veterinarians are recommending giving boosters on certain vaccines every three years instead of yearly. That will save you money!
Hopefully your veterinarian has jumped on this bandwagon. Vaccines are essential in protecting our pets against deadly viruses. But the less vaccines we have to give the better. It all depends on your pet’s age and lifestyle. Talk to your vet.
(At the end of this reports you’ll find a link to the latest canine vaccine guidelines published by the American Animal Hospital Association.)
Blood tests often reveal hidden health problems. If a disease is detected early, it will be both easier and cheaper to treat—for both you and your veterinarian. Treating diseases involving kidney failure and liver disease will cost you lots of money if your pet is in the later stages.
Even if your pet’s blood tests are normal you will have a baseline of his healthy values if there ever is a problem in the future. Not a bad investment.
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