MONEY
We love our furry friends, but the cost of living is biting. How can we pay less and keep our pets in good health?
Cash point
HELPING YOU SPEND WISELY, SAVE MORE AND EARN BETTER
The cost of pets and pet-related products and services have soared by 11.4% in 2022 and research shows 28% of pet owners are worried about being able to care for their furry friends, with many searching for advice on treating their pets at home. Vet Michael Lazaris of vetsonthecommon. com urges caution. He says, “some common ailments may be treatable at home, but there are serious underlying issues, which only your vet can diagnose”. With that in mind, here’s some expert advice on how to keep your furry family members healthy but without breaking the bank.
FOCUS ON PREVENTION
A lot of expense can be avoided with simple preventative care. “Keep up-to-date with regular parasite prevention, yearly vaccinations and ensuring your pet is a healthy weight,” says Michael. “This way, your pet is statistically less likely to become ill.” For cats and dogs, brushing teeth early can help prevent dental disease setting in. Michael also suggests familiarising yourself with things that can be toxic to your pet if ingested to avoid emergency healthcare costs. “Never keep lilies in your house if you own cats as these are extremely toxic to their kidneys”, he warns. “There’s a long list of toxic foods for both cats and dogs to be aware of, like grapes, chocolate, onions, macadamia nuts and garlic.” Check the PDSA website for a long list (pdsa.org.uk). Neutering pets can also help save money in the long term. “Neutering reduces the risk of fighting, especially with cats. That will cut the likelihood of nasty cat bite abscesses and infections like cat flu.” Check local charities to see if they offer free or reduced-cost neutering and vaccinations if you’re on a low income.
PICK A POLICY
Vet’s bills can run into thousands of pounds, so insurance is a good idea to cover serious illness, although it won’t cover routine vaccinations and neutering. “There are different policies,” explains PDSA vet Lynne James. “Premiums are calculated based on your pet’s age, breed, postcode and any claims history. Lifetime cover provides a financial limit for all new accidents and illnesses, combined per year. Some only cover accidents and others only cover third-party liability – such as accidental injury or damage caused by your dog, although this may be included in other comprehensive insurances.” Look at comparison sites such as moneysupermarket. com, but always double-check the quotes directly on the insurer's own website, too. Also try MoneySavingExpert. com which has up-to-date advice on pet insurance and also features offers. The pet insurance market is geared up for cats and dogs, so there are no comparison sites for more unusual pets, but MoneySaving
