Is it just me or is there a large number of people who are feeling a bit “depressed” by this economy? I am here to tell you that you are not alone. As a veterinarian, I have formed relationships with not only the pet but with my clients, the owners. When my clients come in, or call to inform me they can’t bring fido in because they have just been laid off, it breaks my heart. I am so saddened by the state of affairs we find ourselves in.
I would like to ask one favor though. I believe most of us are willing to help where we can, so I would ask that even though things are tight, please don’t leave fido as the last priority. These animals are a part of the family and by keeping them healthy we help keep ourselves and our families healthy. It has been shown over and over that pets are one of the best stress relievers around. And I am here to tell you it is true. I have 4 legged friends of my own, and I will give up that starbucks coffee or dinner and movie anyday to make certain they are cared for. I would ask you a question, are you willing to do the same? Do you think they deserve that minimal sacrafice to ensure they are still with us a month, a year, or two years from now? I do.
On average, the annual wellness visit can range from 140-200 dollars. In my practice this includes a full 12 system, hands on exam by me, the doc. It also includes a full set of vaccinations, a years worth of heartworm prevention and dewormer, a heartworm/or feline leukemia, heartworm test, an internal parasite screening and a urine exam to look for trace protein which can be an early indicator of trouble. If you average this out to a monthly and a daily amount it comes out to these numbers: Monthly (11.60-16.60) and daily (0.38 – 0.55).
thirty eight to fifty five cents a day. Most of us spend ten times that amount just to purchase a cup of coffee. Gourmet coffee (maybe) but still just coffee. So I hope I have shown you that these guys are worth the investment. One less coffee a week would pay for a years worth of health and wellness for that favorite canine or feline in your casa.
