Protect your pet’s health

Show how much you love your pets by protecting their health during the cost-of-living crisis February is the month of love – from Valentine’s Day on the 14th to Love your Pet Day on the 20th.  One of the best ways you can show your pets just how much you love them is by protecting their health. There’s no doubt
Featured image for Protect your pet’s health
28th February 2023

Show how much you love your pets by protecting their health during the cost-of-living crisis

February is the month of love – from Valentine’s Day on the 14th to Love your Pet Day on the 20th.  One of the best ways you can show your pets just how much you love them is by protecting their health.

There’s no doubt that this can be especially challenging during the current cost-of-living crisis. However, there’s lots you can do – and help is available for people and pets most in need.

The world's oldest and largest animal welfare charity RSPCA: states: “It can be stressful when your pet is unwell and, if you're also worried about money, this can make the situation feel worse.”

Rehoming charity, Dogs Trust, agrees, revealing: “Our monthly poll of the UK’s dog owners, run by YouGov, shows that 48% of respondents thought they would find it more difficult to give their dog all they needed, compared to before the cost-of-living crisis began. Vet bills continued to cause the most worry; around half (48%) of dog owners said vet bills were currently their biggest financial canine concern for the coming year.”


Don’t wait and worry – it’s much better to seek advice quickly

Hoping that the problem will go away on its own really won’t help. The RSPCA advises: “The longer your pet is unwell the worse their illness can become. Getting your pet to the vet quickly tends to lower the long-term cost of vet bills, as well as helping improve your pet's wellbeing sooner.”

The charity recommends that the first step towards helping your pet is to get in touch with your local veterinary practice: “Although it can feel awkward to talk about money, it's good to speak honestly with your vet about what you can afford as there may be alternative options.”


TOP TIP – HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR PET IS UNWELL

If you're unsure how quickly to contact a vet, you can check your pet's symptoms for free using Vet Help Direct's online symptom checker or book an online or virtual consultation. Vets aren't normally able to prescribe medications through virtual consults, but they can help determine whether your pet needs urgent attention.


Practical tips when money is tight

 

To help you take care of your pets’ health when your finances are stretched, the RSPCA has these useful tips:

  • Avoid DIY remedies to cut costs – When you have money worries, it can be tempting to try home remedies. Unfortunately, many common human products and medications can be very harmful when used on pets. For example, paracetamol is highly toxic to cats and ibuprofen is very toxic to cats and dogs. Complications can be serious and lead to much higher vet costs. In some cases, it can result in the loss of the pet, as symptoms may not be seen until serious damage has been done.
  • Don’t rely on the advice of untrained people – Well-meaning friends, who are not professionally trained, may offer you pet health advice, but this may not be suitable or safe to use on your pet. This is why it's very important to always speak to your vet first if you notice a change in your pet's health or behaviour.
  • See if you can get medication at a cheaper cost – Costs can vary for the same medication, so it's worth asking your vet if they can write a prescription to use at an online veterinary pharmacy, where the price may be lower. Veterinary pharmacies that buy large amounts of medications can often put a lower price tag on them. By contrast, many vet clinics are small businesses, and they cannot purchase large amounts of medication and use it all before it expires, which is why prices can be higher. Be aware that your vet will still need to charge for writing the prescription.

What to do if you can’t afford a vet treatment estimate

  • Ask if there are alternative, less expensive treatments – Unfortunately, there's no NHS for pets and vets need to charge fees to keep their clinics running. While vets are usually unable to lower the cost of their treatments, there could be other treatment options your vet can offer. Lower-cost treatments can offer good results, but these options may come with less certainty or with more risks than the higher-cost alternatives. This is something your vet can explain to you.
  • Find out if you could sign up to a payment plan – Some vets offer payment plans through a credit company if you need help spreading the cost. Not every vet can offer this, but it's worth asking if this is an option. To decide if signing up for a payment plan is right for you, the RSPCA suggests contacting: The Money Advice Service, Citizens Advice, Step Change or National Debtline.
  • Consider changing your vet – Vet fees vary based on location, which equipment and tests are available, the vet's experience and speciality. You may want to get a second opinion from a different vet clinic or hospital. There are some vets that set out to provide low-cost services and, in some areas, you may find a not-for-profit clinic through companies such as the Animal Trust. You can also find a list of vets in your area here >>
  • Find a charity that could help – Some animal charities help owners struggling with vet bills, either by providing some of the payment or by offering reduced costs through their own clinics. In most cases, you'll need to fit specific criteria to use them so check first. To see if any of the below charities offer services that are available in your area, check out their websites. You may find there are charities for your area.

Animal charities that may be able to help include:

  • Cat's Protection offers free and low-cost neutering schemes throughout the UK. 
  • Dogs Trust offers free and reduced-cost vet assistance for people who are in housing crises or are homeless.
  • RSPCA – Through its local branches and hospitals it can sometimes help with vet bills. Check with your local RSPCA to see if you are eligible for low-cost vet care.

Is your dog a Burgess dog? Your cat a Burgess cat? Your small pets Burgess small pets? Join the Burgess Pet Club for exclusive offers and rewards.

CARE MORE Find lots of useful advice on caring for your small pets from Burgess, the pet experts. Training, nutrition, grooming and general care. It's all here >>


If you found this interesting, you may also like:

SHOW YOUR PETS THE LOVE Make a pledge to your dog, cat, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, hamster, degus, gerbils, rats or mice that you’re going to be the best pet owner you can possibly be.

PET INSURANCE EXPLAINED Cat insurance, dog insurance, rabbit insurance – what pets can get cover? Can you get pet insurance for pre-existing conditions? Can you get pet insurance for older pets? Can you get multi-pet cover? We answer some of the most commonly asked questions to help you make an informed decision about pet insurance.

KEEP CALM AND CALL THE VET If your much-loved pet suddenly became unwell or suffered an injury, would you know what to do? What symptoms should you look out for that suggest the situation is serious? When should you call the vet? 

FINDING A VET FOR YOUR SMALL PETS Did you know that just like hospital specialists, vets have different areas of expertise? That’s why, if you have small pets, it can be a good idea to seek out a vet that specialises in small animal medicine. Plus, how often should you take your small pets to the vet? And how can make it a less stressful experience for them?

VACCINATIONS – VITAL FOR US AND OUR PETS Find out how vaccinations work, what dog vaccinations, cat vaccinations, rabbit vaccinations and ferret vaccinations protect against, when your pets should be vaccinated and lots more essential information...

COST EFFECTIVE WAYS TO LOOK AFTER YOUR SMALL PETS You may not have a big budget, but as long as you’ve got a little imagination and a bit of know-how, you can do marvellous things with loo rolls, an old fleecy scarf and some cardboard packaging.

SMILE PLEASE! CHECK OUT OUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LOOKING AFTER YOUR DOG’S TEETH How many teeth does a dog have? When do dogs lose their puppy teeth and get their adult teeth? How do you clean a dog’s teeth? Why is it important to clean your dog’s teeth? Find out the answers to all these questions and more.

CARING FOR A GOLDEN OLDIE CAT Just like humans, elderly cats suffer from conditions associated with ageing. One of the most important things you can do to help your older cat lead a stress-free, comfortable life is to ensure that all their resources are in easy reach.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR GUINEAS AND BUNNIES FROM PESKY PARASITES When it comes to protecting our small pets from mites, fleas, flies, ticks and mosquitoes – and any other irritating and unwelcome pests – a four-pronged attack is the best approach.

CARING FOR YOUR GOLDEN OLDIE DOG As dogs enter their senior years, they need extra care and tailored nutrition to help them manage the various ailments that come with advancing age – from stiff joints and smelly breath to hearing loss and visual impairment – or even developing a sensitive digestion.

THE SECRET TO HEALTHY, HAPPY GUINEA PIGS Guinea pigs have long enjoyed the status of being one of the most popular pets – which is something they undeniably deserve. However, in order to help them live their best guinea pig lives, it helps to see things from their perspective.

REGULAR CHECKS FOR YOUR BUNNIES As well as ensuring their pets have essential vaccinations, owners play a huge role in keeping their rabbits happy and healthy. Keeping a close eye on your buns is the best way to ensure all is well. Our handy checklist can help you keep tabs on your cottontails.

HAMSTER HEALTH CHECKS As well as providing nutritious hamster food and creating a suitable hamster habitat for them to thrive in, there are some important health checks that you should carry our regularly to ensure your hamster is in the pink.

HOW ARE YOUR CHINCHILLAS DOING TODAY? Unlike dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets, chinchillas don’t require a yearly vaccination. This means that many are never taken to the vets for check-ups. That’s why it’s really important to give your chins a weekly health check yourself.

 

Blog categories

Dogs

Dogs

Cats

Cats

Rabbits

Rabbits

Guinea pigs

Guinea pigs

Small animals

Small animals