An Ounce of Prevention: The Importance of Preventative Care for Dogs

Dogs

Simple things like exercise can make a big difference in your dog's health. Do you ever wonder if your life is destined for one veterinary bill after another? I do! With five dogs and five cats, it seems I'm running to the veterinary clinic several times a month for everything from medications to sutures to acute lameness. Just when I think everything is under control - one of the dogs swallows a thumb tack. Or our "rescue" cat tears the cranial cruciate ligament in both his knees-requiring surgery to the tune of $3,000. Our bionic stray now has better knees than I do.

Americans spent an estimated $28 billion for veterinary expenditures in 2011, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) 2012 U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, with $19.8 billion of the pie chart going to canine veterinary expenses. The AVMA estimated that dog owners spent on average $378 per year for veterinary care in 2011 - mainly for physical exams, vaccinations, drugs or medications (I spent that on my last visit!). However, the American Pet Products Association Inc., (APPA) estimates a 2013 figure slightly higher at $852, which includes routine veterinary care and surgical procedures.

Whether your own veterinary bills fall lower or higher than these averages, chances are you could save some money. Preventative care is key to reducing veterinary expenses.

To keep a leash on your veterinary costs, consider these 11 proactive steps:

1. Feed Well-Balanced, Good-Quality Food 
   Good nutrition contributes to healthy skin, strong bones and ligaments, and optimum health and longevity. It allows your dog to maximize nutrients while eating less, so your wallet benefits too. Shelling out money for premium dog food is more expensive up front, but the long-term benefits are worth it since good nutrition can reduce diet-related veterinary bills. It's the easiest and least expensive way to reduce veterinary expenses.
2. Limit Snacks
   Most pre-packaged dog snacks are not nutritionally complete and can unbalance a balanced diet. Limit treats to less than 10 percent of your dog's daily caloric intake so he doesn't gain weight.
3. Keep Your Canine Fit and Trim
   This is a biggie! Exercise goes hand in hand with good nutrition. Studies indicate that keeping your dog at the right weight can increase his lifespan by nearly two years. Overweight dogs are subject to diabetes, heart and respiratory problems, arthritis, increased surgical risk, decreased immune function and increased damage to joints, bones, and ligaments.