Did you know that cats usually hate water because their fur poorly insulates them when it’s wet? One exception is the Turkish Van cat, bred in central Asia. Its fur has a unique, water resistant texture. Once you have a pet, whether it’s a cat, a dog or a ferret, you have an obligation to take care of that pet as best as you can. For this reason it is important to schedule your pet for regular veterinarian exams. Here are three things you should know about going to the vet.
1. Good Care is Preventative Care
Did you know that in 2013 so far, pet owners have spent over $1,000 on average when their pet became seriously ill? Part of making sure your pet does not develop serious issues is taking them to the vet on a regular basis. The signs of impending illness you will fail to recognize are something the vet will pick up on, such as a loss of weight, an irregular heartbeat, or signs of an infection. The vet can also prescribe things for you, such as flea and worm medication, that keep potentially harmful critters at bay.
2. Average Cost for Vet Visits
Depending on where you live, the age of your pet, and what type of care it needs from your vet, the average vet office visit costs $50 to $100. Surgeries and other, more intensive work, however, will likely cost more. Unfortunately, 52% of Americans say that they have trouble affording vet visit costs on a regular basis. One potential save for this issue is pet insurance, which can help cover the cost for vet visits and treatments. Right now, about 1% of cats, and 3% of dogs are insured. According to Consumer Reports, however, pet insurance can be risky. Look for simple payouts that don’t rely on a judgement of what is “reasonable.” Compare expected premiums to average vet prices.
3. Finding a Good Vet
Not every office is the right fit for your pet. Before picking out a vet, check out online reviews to see what sort of reputation they have in the local community. Look for a vet office that is clean and organized, and has a staff that is knowledgeable and helpful. Certain offices are pet type specific, such as cat clinics, which can help keep animals more calm during the process.
What is the cost for vet office visits where you live?