Yesterday my friend asked a question. What would you do if you had a dog that needed an expensive surgery? There seemed to be an insinuation that the dog was older and had been the best dog one could ever have. You, the owner of the unlucky dog with a torn ACL needed the surgery that will cost several thousand dollars, are in a "normal" period of your life. Whatever normal is for you.
What do you do? Do you have three or four thousand dollars to spend on surgery for your dog? Do you want to spend that money, which might be your vacation/house remodel/college fund/new car money, on your dog? When is it ok to say "I can't afford this and my dog is suffering. It's time to say goodbye and put him to sleep."?
One person said that without hesitation, they would spend the money. As long as her pet wasn't suffering (or continue to suffer after the surgery), she would gladly spend the money on her pet. If there was going to be long term pain or the expectation her pet wouldn't get better...then, yes, consider then to euthanize. But the cost? Pft, she'd get the money.
I'm of the same mind. I will not let my pets suffer. I think it's horribly unfair that my pets be in pain because I find it hard to let them go. But I will spend any amount of money for necessary surgery. Cavaliers are practically expected to have heart issues. I knew this (and the typical costs!) well before even looking for a puppy. I know one day I might shell out big bucks for Haiku. Horses are money burners. When they get hurt, it's expensive. There may come a day when Truby will face say, a colic surgery. That could be $5,000 - $10,000. Yikes. While I can't say straight up Yes or No, of all the considerations, money is far down the list. It's there, but it's not Number 1. Number 1 is Is this good for Truby, is she suffering and will the surgery cause or prolong suffering? I think the cost is 3rd or 4th, because, hey, ten grand is a whole LOT of money.
Anyway, another person had decided their budget for pet emergencies is about $200. If you've even taken your pet to the vet or been to a doctor yourself, you know $200 doesn't go very far. I agree with having a budget and a cut off number. Going into debt and getting over your head is not going to help anyone. So yes, figure out what you can afford. Do it when you're able to look at your finances logically and unemotionally. But when you're thinking about this, call some vets. Find out what things cost. Figure out if your number is reasonable. I asked the person, what if it's something like an abscessed tooth? It will cause the animal pain and suffering. It will have to have surgery and follow up care and medicine. It will cost well over that $200. But, once it's done, the pet will be happy and healthy again. Is it fair/acceptable/humane to say "I can't afford this and my pet is suffering. I am justified and noble is putting him to sleep."?
What you can do. Talk honestly with your family. Determine what you can afford. Create a special savings account for pet related emergencies. Don't use the fund for anything other than that.
Check out costs with your vet. Costs are rising. Medical care is expensive. Drug companies want top dollar for their meds whether it's for a human or a dog. Freakish accidents happen, but knowing the costs for routine stuff, say, a dental, or blood tests can help you plan.
Keeping healthy. Just like us, preventive care makes a big difference in our pet's health. Keeping your pet from being overweight can hugely lessen the risk of heart problems, diabetes, torn tendons and spinal problems, just like humans. Taking care of your pets teeth can help save money on dentals, but clean teeth and healthy gums can help keep the heart and other organs healthier too. Good, quality diets do the same for dogs as they do for us. Shelling out money for heartworm pills might seem like a lot, but comparing it to the very real risk of your dog getting heartworm and the costs involved it's a drop in the bucket. Not to mention how dangerous the treatment is! Ask your vet sometime. It's terrifying.
Insurance. Health insurance is a huge deal in the human world. But you can get insurance for your pets too! Ask your vet about what insurances they accept and recommend. We have it for Haiku and it's great. A warning: Check your bills and statements. They make mistakes all the time. From both ends, the insurance company and your vet. Our insurance, VPI, it good about fixing errors when they occur. The Whole Dog Journal has a good article about pet insurance.
Care Credit is another option. Again, ask your vet for more information. Many vets also have payment plans for emergency care. Ask your vet if they have payment policies to help you out.
There are options when it comes to paying for those unexpected and expensive emergencies. It's important to be informed ahead of time. It's important to make certain decisions ahead of time. Please, please take the time to get solid information. What would that abscessed tooth cost? If your dog is prone to something, like luxating patellas, speak with your vet. What are the medical options for this problem? What do those cost? How can we help avoid it? Learn about "old dog" things. Cancer, arthritis, etc. Again, how to avoid, what treatment options and costs. This can really help you plan financially for your pets golden days.
Correct information. Planning ahead. Keeping current with that information. Being honest and unemotional when making decisions. A veterinarian you trust. It's like preventing forest fires. Only you can do it.
Oh, and my first response to my friends question?
"I have to say, if Ethan snapped HIS ACL, I'd have him put to sleep in a second. I'm not paying for an expensive surgery or taking care of his lame ass afterwards. F that. I'm totally going out and getting a younger, richer husband. I mean, he's had a good life and all and I wouldn't want him to suffer."