Why an Emergency Fund for Your Dog Matters in 2018
By Patty Moore, a newer blogger @WorkMomLife and http://workingmotherlife.com. Dogs are wonderful companions, and they are good for your health too. Medical studies from around the world have shown that dog owners enjoy lower blood pressure, healthier weight, better cardiovascular fitness, less stress, less depression and higher self-esteem, all of which can lead to longer lives. It makes sense that owners want to return the favor by staying vigilant about keeping their canine family members healthy. Yet no matter how prepared owners believe they are to care for Fido, they likely haven’t planned for an emergency vet visit. As with any of life’s uncertainties, having a financial plan in place matters.
What a Pet Emergency Might Cost
Most dog owners know the typical costs of caring for a dog, and many can cover routine health care such as vet exams, worming, flea prevention, teeth cleaning and vaccinations, which may add up to several hundred dollars a year. They budget for it. But until it happens, few owners realize what emergency pet care costs, which can run into the thousands. One common emergency treatment is gastrointestinal foreign body surgery, needed when a dog swallows a diaper or a corn cob. That can cost upwards of $3,500. Worse, if your dog swallows a toxin such as poisonous mushrooms, treatment could cost nearly $7,000. What about heatstroke, which happens often in some parts of the country? Heatstroke treatment can exceed $4,000. If your dog has chronic vomiting and diarrhea, it could be pancreatitis -- $3,000. You get the idea. One unexpected injury or illness can upset your finances, forcing you to dip into savings or take on debt. You might be one of the lucky owners who never faces it, but most aren’t so lucky. On the other hand, you could be financially prepared so all you have to worry about is your dog getting better.
Planning ahead for your dog’s health means budgeting for routine care and setting aside money for the unexpected. An emergency fund gives you peace of mind and lets you focus on your dog’s recovery instead of the bill.