This week: Dr Magdoline Awad explains why vet bills tend to be high

Pets are expensive but when accidents or illnesses occur, our cute companions can rack up thousands of dollars in vet bills. Find out why vet bills are usually so high.

Pets are expensive but when accidents or illnesses occur, our cute companions can rack up thousands of dollars in vet bills.

Veterinarians often cop it when the emotion fuelled by worry for a pet’s wellbeing is exacerbated by the financial burden.

Dr Magdoline Awad, SMARTdaily’s pet columnist and chief veterinary officer at Greencross The Pet Company, explains why it costs so much.

SURGERY SHOCK

We have to spend $3000 to have our seven-year-old cat’s teeth cleaned and some pulled. We already spent $4000 to have one of his legs removed, after it was dislocated. Why are the costs so high? We are reeling. Why it is not common knowledge we should brush our cat’s teeth every day? – Julia

While many pet owners plan for expenses, unexpected vet visits can really blow the budget. Picture: iStock

Quality healthcare – whether for humans or animals – costs money to deliver.

In Australia, Medicare subsidises many of our health costs and the PBS assists with medication costs. This means most of us are unaware of the true cost of healthcare.

There is no Medicare equivalent for pets, so pet owners are required to pay their pet’s vet fees, which is why many pet owners feel that vets are expensive – they have nothing to compare this to.

The level of veterinary care available for pets has improved exponentially over the years and veterinarians can do so much more for pets to keep them healthy and happy.

Vets have access to advanced diagnostics, including CT, MRI and ultrasound, as well as the availability of 24/7 emergency and referral hospitals, especially in major cities.

Smart Daily's vet columnist Dr Magdoline Awad. Picture: Toby Zerna

Many pet owners should consider their options when it comes to vet fees, including pet insurance, pet healthcare plans, savings plans or applying for credit.

Regularly brushing and flossing is the gold standard for good oral health, however even when we are diligent in doing this, we still require regular visits to our dentist every six to 12 months.

Many pet owners find it a challenge to regularly brush their pet’s teeth and our pets, like us, still need regular dental checks.

As vets, we can’t do a proper examination of your pet’s mouth without a general anaesthetic.

Just like your dentist, vets can only diagnose disease under the gumline with dental X-rays.

If extractions have to be performed, which is the case for your cat, then that takes extra time, and so those costs are factored in as well.

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