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Poorly dog - how much????
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I got up yesterday morning to find my doggo really poorly.
Got her into the vets, tests done and found no organ failure which is good. Vets isn't sure what's wrong but has let her come home with pain relief and antibiotics as she improved during the day in the vets.
No improvement from last night,but hasn't gone down hill either.
The vets bill was £700!
Can you put a price on your animals before you say enough? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Insurance is what every dog owner should have, any other member of the family has health care covered so they should too!
I've only ever had to pay the excess on vet bills but I'd pay anything to make my dog well if I needed too, he's my baby. |
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By *TG3Man
over a year ago
Dorchester |
"I got up yesterday morning to find my doggo really poorly.
Got her into the vets, tests done and found no organ failure which is good. Vets isn't sure what's wrong but has let her come home with pain relief and antibiotics as she improved during the day in the vets.
No improvement from last night,but hasn't gone down hill either.
The vets bill was £700!
Can you put a price on your animals before you say enough?"
no you have to grin and bare it unfortunately  |
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I'm not saying I won't pay as she is my family.
There are people that can't afford unexpected vets bills and had to make that choice.
But vets are taking the piss on charging £15 for 14 paracetamol!!!! |
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By *TG3Man
over a year ago
Dorchester |
"I'm not saying I won't pay as she is my family.
There are people that can't afford unexpected vets bills and had to make that choice.
But vets are taking the piss on charging £15 for 14 paracetamol!!!!"
but that's why they've become vets to fleece the owners |
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"I got up yesterday morning to find my doggo really poorly.
Got her into the vets, tests done and found no organ failure which is good. Vets isn't sure what's wrong but has let her come home with pain relief and antibiotics as she improved during the day in the vets.
No improvement from last night,but hasn't gone down hill either.
The vets bill was £700!
Can you put a price on your animals before you say enough?"
My friend gives her dog paracetamol for pain relief. I would not do this but I have found alot of the meds and creams cheaper online. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I got up yesterday morning to find my doggo really poorly.
Got her into the vets, tests done and found no organ failure which is good. Vets isn't sure what's wrong but has let her come home with pain relief and antibiotics as she improved during the day in the vets.
No improvement from last night,but hasn't gone down hill either.
The vets bill was £700!
Can you put a price on your animals before you say enough?
My friend gives her dog paracetamol for pain relief. I would not do this but I have found alot of the meds and creams cheaper online."
If you get a written prescription from your vets for whatever they need there's places on line you can get exact same medicines for half the price. |
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"I got up yesterday morning to find my doggo really poorly.
Got her into the vets, tests done and found no organ failure which is good. Vets isn't sure what's wrong but has let her come home with pain relief and antibiotics as she improved during the day in the vets.
No improvement from last night,but hasn't gone down hill either.
The vets bill was £700!
Can you put a price on your animals before you say enough?
My friend gives her dog paracetamol for pain relief. I would not do this but I have found alot of the meds and creams cheaper online.
If you get a written prescription from your vets for whatever they need there's places on line you can get exact same medicines for half the price. "
Yes, this is what I done for my old dogs YuMove tablets. |
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"I'm not saying I won't pay as she is my family.
There are people that can't afford unexpected vets bills and had to make that choice.
But vets are taking the piss on charging £15 for 14 paracetamol!!!!"
I recently found an online outlet for pet meds, all you need is a copy of the prescription.
Vets - little bottle of Thiamacare £63.
Online outlet - £21.
It's exactly the same product, same bottle, same box, same "ingredients"
Winston |
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Veterinary surgeons should hang their heads in shame with what they charge.
My friend is CEO of a big vehicle franchise. His dog had to be put to sleep after a short amount of treatment. His bill was £2500.
He has now instructed all his managers of the outlets to overcharge and sting any vets. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Well yes I think you can.
As horrible and cold as it sounds but some people are under huge financial pressure I wouldn't judge someone for deciding they can't afford endless vets bills.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I got up yesterday morning to find my doggo really poorly.
Got her into the vets, tests done and found no organ failure which is good. Vets isn't sure what's wrong but has let her come home with pain relief and antibiotics as she improved during the day in the vets.
No improvement from last night,but hasn't gone down hill either.
The vets bill was £700!
Can you put a price on your animals before you say enough?"
They're part of your family, so there is no price limit.
When with ex wife we lived on a farm and one if the farm cats adopted us, it was half feral but used to come in the house, eat and sleep. One day I heard it howling outside, went out and it's back leg was caught in a wire trap, bleeding heavily, it had dragged itself to the house from where ever the trap had been placed. We took it to the vet.
The leg had to be amputated, the wire had already cut most the way through. After operation and all the drugs it was best part of £1000. Friends said we were stupid for a feral cat, but it had been around our house 3yrs so was family.
He lived with us 10yrs after, even with three legs he still managed to catch rats on the farm.
Sadly he got hit by a car outside home, didn't survive that one. |
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She's nearly 11 and has cost me under 1000 in vets bills exc annual jabs and spade, so not too much in all those yrs.
I do get that people really have to make the tough decision and I wouldn't judge people if they did.
I would of got the prescription from vets but she needed meds last night.
Personally, I think this is the end for my doggy, and because she is so anxious, especially at the vets, I prefer to nurse her myself.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Our 2 pooches are part of our family,get treat better than the kids to be honest  .We do have insurance for them but like mentioned above if anything major happened to them, we'd have to consider things depending on what the cost and percentage of making them better would be. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Insurance is a good idea but unless you've had the dogs from puppies and especially if they are rescue dogs with no health history it can be impossible to get or ridiculously expensive itself. |
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We always had German Shepard’s and recently got a pup. I wouldn’t hesitate paying for treatment for him or any pet.
I chose to take him on, I looked for him and brought him into my home so he gets looked after whether fighting fit or unwell….it’s unconditional with me. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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It’s a difficult one , you can’t be judged for not wanting to get in to debt . Vets bills take the piss though
My elderly cat ( who i subsequently lost) was insured - the vet knew I had a 2k limit on it and funnily enough it came to almost exactly that.
I’ve got 2 kittens now who I insure - I can afford 17 quid a month but I’d struggle with a massive vet bill x |
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By *eah BabyCouple
over a year ago
Cheshire, Windermere ,Cumbria |
"It’s a difficult one , you can’t be judged for not wanting to get in to debt . Vets bills take the piss though
My elderly cat ( who i subsequently lost) was insured - the vet knew I had a 2k limit on it and funnily enough it came to almost exactly that.
I’ve got 2 kittens now who I insure - I can afford 17 quid a month but I’d struggle with a massive vet bill x "
Vets bills are ridiculous, I can never understand why, my friends dog in Spain was attacked by another dog, it needed lots of stitches, overnight stay at the vets, antibiotics and the bill was 70 Euro, I’d say add another zero to that in the UK  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Probably going to sound harsh here but my dogs are just that, dogs. Much as I adore them and would be devastated should anything happen to them I would not pay into the 1000's to a vet.
I also believe the popularity of insurance has greatly inflated vet prices. 9 times out of 10 the fee will be just under the excess meaning insurance companies don't pay out. You're better simply putting the premium in a separate account and if you need it fine, if not its a bonus. I'm aware this won't cover the huge bills but speaking generally and as mentioned, these bills are huge due to insurance companies in the first place. I've always had pets pre insurance days and treatment costs were never as high as they are now. Companies and vets take advantage of people's attachment to their pet, its actually disgusting. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I'm not saying I won't pay as she is my family.
There are people that can't afford unexpected vets bills and had to make that choice.
But vets are taking the piss on charging £15 for 14 paracetamol!!!!"
You may say that but dog paracetamol is not the same as ours. Ours is poisonous to cats and dogs but dogs can have a specially made version. It costs what it costs, no economy of scale |
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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago
yumsville |
"Pet insurance made vets bills ridiculously high, it's a scam
"
Pet insurance for the most can be anything from £3-400 a year and I'd think people don't claim as they are not having major surgeries. The odd visit or prescription here or there is not worth claiming and potentially putting the cost up.
For the cost of insurance and expense of a surgery that can be anything from 5-9 grand, it's hardly a scam.
What I do find a scam are vets that are completely unqualified to do the jobs they are supposedly trained to do - resulting in repeat visits, repeat tests, useless tests and a prolonging of illness. |
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Might sound harsh but I had my dog put to sleep when I couldn't afford a bill of over £1000 for an mri scan.
I did have insurance and the issue was a spinal problem. He had been treated for it 3 years before with meds which worked so the insurance wouldn't pay out again as it was a pre existing condition.
My dog was in pain and couldn't stand up. The vet said he needed a scan to diagnose the problem then would need surgery costing another 3-4 thousand and no guarantee it would work.
I could have tried to find the cash but really didn't think I could and my dog was suffering. I did what was kindest for him but still feel really guilty and sad that I couldn't afford to help him.
All the insurance I had paid was a waste of money as they were not there when I needed them  |
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The other thing that people don't consider is shopping around when it comes to vet treatment,
A friend's dog clean broke it's leg, vet phones up - no empathy at all & rolls out 3 options in a business like manner:
1: pin/bolt the break - £1600
2: Amputate leg - £650
3: Put dog down £150
This was on a Friday & neither option would be actioned until Monday.
So said friend asks for x-ray to be emailed to her & forwards it onto 2 vets for a price,
1st vet gets back with price for bolting / pinning the break for £850 - the other vet says "if you can get here but 8:00am tomorrow I can do it for £500!
So a vast difference in price - just goes to show what Licence to print money excercise it is! |
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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago
yumsville |
"Might sound harsh but I had my dog put to sleep when I couldn't afford a bill of over £1000 for an mri scan.
I did have insurance and the issue was a spinal problem. He had been treated for it 3 years before with meds which worked so the insurance wouldn't pay out again as it was a pre existing condition.
My dog was in pain and couldn't stand up. The vet said he needed a scan to diagnose the problem then would need surgery costing another 3-4 thousand and no guarantee it would work.
I could have tried to find the cash but really didn't think I could and my dog was suffering. I did what was kindest for him but still feel really guilty and sad that I couldn't afford to help him.
All the insurance I had paid was a waste of money as they were not there when I needed them "
Mine had a blown disc, the surgery is only the first step. Yes they are exploratory but it's the months and years after from hydrotherapy and physio to adapting the house that adds to the cost along with time and mileage. The estimate sounds about right but if your vet was unsure you did the right thing, you need referrals to specialists for any major op to stand any chance of success. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Wow sorry to hear this is too vets cost us an absolute fortune which is horrendous there’s no price on his health he’s my best friend and my wife’s baby it’s unbelievable how attached we are and will miss him he’s 11 years old and hardly eating we are caring for him the best we can and will not let him suffer it’s truly heartbreaking hope yours will recover xxx |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Might sound harsh but I had my dog put to sleep when I couldn't afford a bill of over £1000 for an mri scan.
I did have insurance and the issue was a spinal problem. He had been treated for it 3 years before with meds which worked so the insurance wouldn't pay out again as it was a pre existing condition.
My dog was in pain and couldn't stand up. The vet said he needed a scan to diagnose the problem then would need surgery costing another 3-4 thousand and no guarantee it would work.
I could have tried to find the cash but really didn't think I could and my dog was suffering. I did what was kindest for him but still feel really guilty and sad that I couldn't afford to help him.
All the insurance I had paid was a waste of money as they were not there when I needed them "
I had trouble actually finishing reading this. That is awful. I really do feel for you.
Its heartbreaking losing a furry child. But also I understand the guilt you are suffering.
I think its fair to say any reasonable dog owner would agree you did the right thing. But such an awful decision for you to make.
Can I suggest (if you haven't already) maybe getting another dog? Preferably a rescue.
Dont think of it as replacing your dog.
You are infact giving another dog a chance of a better life.
And dogs have a natural gift of helping heal a broken heart.
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"I got up yesterday morning to find my doggo really poorly.
Got her into the vets, tests done and found no organ failure which is good. Vets isn't sure what's wrong but has let her come home with pain relief and antibiotics as she improved during the day in the vets.
No improvement from last night,but hasn't gone down hill either.
The vets bill was £700!
Can you put a price on your animals before you say enough?
My friend gives her dog paracetamol for pain relief. I would not do this but I have found alot of the meds and creams cheaper online."
I was advised by an on-call vet to give 1/2 paracetamol for pain twice a day. My boy is a cocker spaniel. |
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"Insurance is what every dog owner should have, any other member of the family has health care covered so they should too!
I've only ever had to pay the excess on vet bills but I'd pay anything to make my dog well if I needed too, he's my baby. "
This. My cat racked up an £1100 vet bill (Yep, no typo on the amount) mainly due to needing a couple of nights round the clock care. Insurance stepped up and we only had to pay the excess (about £100)
Hope your doggo gets better soon! |
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By *lueFireCouple
over a year ago
just somewhere around here |
"I got up yesterday morning to find my doggo really poorly.
Got her into the vets, tests done and found no organ failure which is good. Vets isn't sure what's wrong but has let her come home with pain relief and antibiotics as she improved during the day in the vets.
No improvement from last night,but hasn't gone down hill either.
The vets bill was £700!
Can you put a price on your animals before you say enough?"
No never they are family ?? |
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By *bi HaiveMan
over a year ago
Forum Mod Cheeseville, Somerset |
For those saying people without insurance are irresponsible....
Don't forget. Any claim no matter how minor will often cause future claims for certain areas to be excluded as a 'pre-existing condition' whether it is or not.
Have a dog, cat, horse or any animal with a bout of sickness that goes undiagnosed? You'll likely find bowel conditions excluded on renewal. Injured leg? That won't be covered again.
It's not just the rising cost of premiums that put people off insurance. It's the small print, the nightmare you often have getting a claim paid and the subsequent exclusions that make many insurance policies pointless.
Many just prefer to have a credit card sat waiting in case of emergency. And that can prove cheaper if you're lucky and have to claim once in an animals lifetime.
We've paid thousands in vet fees over the years largely because the animals were uninsurable, rather than because we didn't want insurance. And I'd happily sell a kidney to cover any bills for ours.
Except for the cat. Because as everyone knows cats are dicks. And he's pretty much abandoned us and chooses to live with a variety of neighbours these days.
A |
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By *eliusMan
over a year ago
Henlow |
"I'm not saying I won't pay as she is my family.
There are people that can't afford unexpected vets bills and had to make that choice.
But vets are taking the piss on charging £15 for 14 paracetamol!!!!"
No they’re not! You’re equating human care to those of our animals. There are no subsidies or NHS heath care for our pets. It’s a different set of rules and a different environment. However, we can agree that medication that is identical for both us and our pets, should be transferable across the pharmacy counter. My dog and I had virtually the same eye drops. £27 for hers, £9 mine - ingredients exactly the same! The pharmaceutical companies are to blame here not the vets!
Plus, please bear in mind that these vets that ‘are taking the piss’ have one of the highest suicide rates of any industry. They care (or at least most do)
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I would spend my last penny on my dog if she needed it, but I agree vet fees are so expensive.
I have pet insurance, but it seems like money down the drain. By the time you pay the excess and the fact that you may not ever need to claim, I often wonder if it may be better just to put the money in a savings pot in case she ever needs anything and then pay outright myself.
Out of interest, is it pretty easy to get prescriptions from vets so you can order online? I always thought they would be really arsey with anyone who did that or would charge an ‘admin’ fee which would cancel out most of the online saving anyways?  |
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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago
yumsville |
"I would spend my last penny on my dog if she needed it, but I agree vet fees are so expensive.
I have pet insurance, but it seems like money down the drain. By the time you pay the excess and the fact that you may not ever need to claim, I often wonder if it may be better just to put the money in a savings pot in case she ever needs anything and then pay outright myself.
Out of interest, is it pretty easy to get prescriptions from vets so you can order online? I always thought they would be really arsey with anyone who did that or would charge an ‘admin’ fee which would cancel out most of the online saving anyways? "
It depends what you're getting and in what quantities. If it's a one off pain med, it's usually quicker and easier to get it from the vet, if it's ongoing or something like a yearly flea treatment then the number of online pet chemists means you can search for the product and find the cheapest price is across several sites - google what it is you're buying now and see if it's cheaper as a comparison. Just ask for an online prescription it's around £9. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Insurance is what every dog owner should have, any other member of the family has health care covered so they should too!
I've only ever had to pay the excess on vet bills but I'd pay anything to make my dog well if I needed too, he's my baby. "
 |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I think it depends if the animal has an ongoing chronic condition that will cost hundreds of pounds that would make anyone pause. I wouldn't be able to afford that but having pets is or can be really expensive. My foster Alfie had an awful mite infestation when I got him I've spent about £600 trying to get rid of it so many rounds of steroids etc. Looks like he has another nail infection which no doubt will be another £100 or so. I love my boys luckily Jax has only had to go twice in the 4 years I've had him. Alfie has been about 5 times in a year lol . I will probably only have Alfie another couple of years he is getting old now and didn't have a good life before me but whilst I can I will do everything in my power to keep him comfortable. If he ended up with something nasty I doubt I would be able to keep up with the bills though. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Insurance is what every dog owner should have, any other member of the family has health care covered so they should too!
I've only ever had to pay the excess on vet bills but I'd pay anything to make my dog well if I needed too, he's my baby.
"
Unfortunately that's not always possible. Especially if you take on a rescue dog with existing health problems. Insurance companies wont touch them.
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By *ewisbi76Man
over a year ago
west edinburgh |
"Insurance is what every dog owner should have, any other member of the family has health care covered so they should too!
I've only ever had to pay the excess on vet bills but I'd pay anything to make my dog well if I needed too, he's my baby. "
For a cat I hit the £4k limit on my insurance policy and then spend another £1k in cash because there was always "just one more test we can do that might find something".
He had lost the use of his back legs and become incontinent but they couldn't find out why. in the end he had to be put down. |
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By *ustBoWoman
over a year ago
Somewhere in Co. Down |
"For those saying people without insurance are irresponsible....
Don't forget. Any claim no matter how minor will often cause future claims for certain areas to be excluded as a 'pre-existing condition' whether it is or not.
Have a dog, cat, horse or any animal with a bout of sickness that goes undiagnosed? You'll likely find bowel conditions excluded on renewal. Injured leg? That won't be covered again.
It's not just the rising cost of premiums that put people off insurance. It's the small print, the nightmare you often have getting a claim paid and the subsequent exclusions that make many insurance policies pointless.
Many just prefer to have a credit card sat waiting in case of emergency. And that can prove cheaper if you're lucky and have to claim once in an animals lifetime.
We've paid thousands in vet fees over the years largely because the animals were uninsurable, rather than because we didn't want insurance. And I'd happily sell a kidney to cover any bills for ours.
Except for the cat. Because as everyone knows cats are dicks. And he's pretty much abandoned us and chooses to live with a variety of neighbours these days.
A"
Exactly this. I had all my dogs insured and when I moved to the north I went to continue their insurance with the same company but because I moved from the south to the north of Ireland they wanted me to pay over £800 a year to cover the 3 dogs and then wouldn't cover any issues the dogs had anyhow. Even tho it was the same well known company after that I cancelled my insurance as there was no way I could afford over £800 for it. It had been less than 200 euros down south which I thought was good for 3 dogs cover.Such a jump in cost was unaffordable. |
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"Might sound harsh but I had my dog put to sleep when I couldn't afford a bill of over £1000 for an mri scan.
I did have insurance and the issue was a spinal problem. He had been treated for it 3 years before with meds which worked so the insurance wouldn't pay out again as it was a pre existing condition.
My dog was in pain and couldn't stand up. The vet said he needed a scan to diagnose the problem then would need surgery costing another 3-4 thousand and no guarantee it would work.
I could have tried to find the cash but really didn't think I could and my dog was suffering. I did what was kindest for him but still feel really guilty and sad that I couldn't afford to help him.
All the insurance I had paid was a waste of money as they were not there when I needed them
I had trouble actually finishing reading this. That is awful. I really do feel for you.
Its heartbreaking losing a furry child. But also I understand the guilt you are suffering.
I think its fair to say any reasonable dog owner would agree you did the right thing. But such an awful decision for you to make.
Can I suggest (if you haven't already) maybe getting another dog? Preferably a rescue.
Dont think of it as replacing your dog.
You are infact giving another dog a chance of a better life.
And dogs have a natural gift of helping heal a broken heart.
"
Unfortunately my circumstances have changed and I am not at home enough hours in the day to have a dog.
It would be unfair to leave it home alone for so long and I can't afford day care or dog walkers. Maybe when things improve I will look at getting another but not just now. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Veterinary surgeons should hang their heads in shame with what they charge.
My friend is CEO of a big vehicle franchise. His dog had to be put to sleep after a short amount of treatment. His bill was £2500.
He has now instructed all his managers of the outlets to overcharge and sting any vets."
I’m not a vet, but not far from it. No, vets shouldn’t hang their heads in shame. The cost of running an equine veterinary practice are eye watering and there aren’t many businesses where you run at a small profit margin. If you want to have a moan, look at how much doctors earn and how little hours they do. |
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September
One dog £2000
October
One dog (different dog) £600
December
One dog (again, a different puppy) £400 (so far)
If £2000 does the same again (and he's stoopid enough to try it) then I'd have to let him go |
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Search for an independent vet.. not a part of a larger group.
Our last three Bullies have been rescues, as such insurance was`nt really an option. Best plan is to open a savings account, even for a new puppy, to draw down on if needed.. hopefully never. |
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I fully understand that money is a huge issue, particularly for those without insurance. However just as important is the quality of life during and after the treatment. We had to say goodbye to our beloved eleven year old dog twelve days ago. We'd have paid anything to keep her with us but the vet found a huge inoperable tumour inside her and gave her two weeks max. Although chemotherapy wasn't mentioned we couldn't have put her through it whatever the financial cost. That was our first consideration and sadly there was only ever going to be one outcome. |
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"Insurance is what every dog owner should have, any other member of the family has health care covered so they should too!
I've only ever had to pay the excess on vet bills but I'd pay anything to make my dog well if I needed too, he's my baby. "
No spend what you have to.
We can't get cover for f a 9year old rescued German Shepherd.It so hard to get insurance on rescued dogs don't know about other rescued pets. |
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"Insurance is what every dog owner should have, any other member of the family has health care covered so they should too!
I've only ever had to pay the excess on vet bills but I'd pay anything to make my dog well if I needed too, he's my baby.
No spend what you have to.
We can't get cover for f a 9year old rescued German Shepherd.It so hard to get insurance on rescued dogs don't know about other rescued pets."
The age of the dog counts against insurance. Years ago I had all of mine (6 at the time) insured with one company. The instant one turned 9 her premium went up to over 100 per month - and I had another dog close in age and they wanted more than 100 per month for him too |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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U.K. vet bills are a joke - just a money earner for most surgeries. Vets in France are much cheaper and if they can’t cure your pet they tell you the truth and don’t just try any test going. |
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By *imbo59seMan
over a year ago
North Norfolk area |
"I would spend my last penny on my dog if she needed it, but I agree vet fees are so expensive.
I have pet insurance, but it seems like money down the drain. By the time you pay the excess and the fact that you may not ever need to claim, I often wonder if it may be better just to put the money in a savings pot in case she ever needs anything and then pay outright myself.
Out of interest, is it pretty easy to get prescriptions from vets so you can order online? I always thought they would be really arsey with anyone who did that or would charge an ‘admin’ fee which would cancel out most of the online saving anyways? "
If you request a written prescription from your vet, they have to (by law) provide one, although they are entitled to charge you for it (£20 seems to be the region they'll charge).
One of mine had surgery (£4500) on an elbow, and is now on painkillers & anti inflammatorys for the rest of her life....plus 6 monthly tests for any problems from the drugs. As all are following the initial injury and claim, it's part of the same claim. I submit a yearly "continuation claim" for prescriptions, tests and drugs (bought online..about 45% of vet prices!).
I work my dogs, so you never know when they may get injured, insurance is worth it for me, and it's a "for life" policy....although premiums can go up as the dog gets older.
I will confess to being a 30 year+ veteran of the insurance industry, and am more than happy to "discuss" things with the insurers!! |
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"I'm not saying I won't pay as she is my family.
There are people that can't afford unexpected vets bills and had to make that choice.
But vets are taking the piss on charging £15 for 14 paracetamol!!!!but that's why they've become vets to fleece the owners "
A large percentage of UK vets are owned by the same few companies, most of whom are themselves owned by investment groups and hedge funds. Many of the actual vets aren’t paid fantastically well and there is currently a rather large deficit as many European vets buggered off elsewhere when Brexit happened |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Insurance is what every dog owner should have, any other member of the family has health care covered so they should too!
I've only ever had to pay the excess on vet bills but I'd pay anything to make my dog well if I needed too, he's my baby.
No spend what you have to.
We can't get cover for f a 9year old rescued German Shepherd.It so hard to get insurance on rescued dogs don't know about other rescued pets."
Both mine are Romanian rescue dogs. It wasnt too bad getting insurance for them, but they were only 2yrs old.
Unfortunately 9yrs is old for a German Shepherd. Which the insurance company would take into consideration.
I took in a 14yr old West Highland Terrier in January 2021.
Due to his age....not a chance.
It cost £700 to have him put down in February this year
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Might sound harsh but I had my dog put to sleep when I couldn't afford a bill of over £1000 for an mri scan.
I did have insurance and the issue was a spinal problem. He had been treated for it 3 years before with meds which worked so the insurance wouldn't pay out again as it was a pre existing condition.
My dog was in pain and couldn't stand up. The vet said he needed a scan to diagnose the problem then would need surgery costing another 3-4 thousand and no guarantee it would work.
I could have tried to find the cash but really didn't think I could and my dog was suffering. I did what was kindest for him but still feel really guilty and sad that I couldn't afford to help him.
All the insurance I had paid was a waste of money as they were not there when I needed them
I had trouble actually finishing reading this. That is awful. I really do feel for you.
Its heartbreaking losing a furry child. But also I understand the guilt you are suffering.
I think its fair to say any reasonable dog owner would agree you did the right thing. But such an awful decision for you to make.
Can I suggest (if you haven't already) maybe getting another dog? Preferably a rescue.
Dont think of it as replacing your dog.
You are infact giving another dog a chance of a better life.
And dogs have a natural gift of helping heal a broken heart.
Unfortunately my circumstances have changed and I am not at home enough hours in the day to have a dog.
It would be unfair to leave it home alone for so long and I can't afford day care or dog walkers. Maybe when things improve I will look at getting another but not just now. "
That's completely understandable. And so good you accept its not right with your circumstances at the moment.
Fingers crossed for the years to come. |
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"U.K. vet bills are a joke - just a money earner for most surgeries. Vets in France are much cheaper and if they can’t cure your pet they tell you the truth and don’t just try any test going."
That said my dogs probably get seen quicker then I can see a doctor.
And I can get a home visit from the vet for the dog that is.. |
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We’ve recently spent £1500 on ours - bloody grass seeds in paw & a dodgy lump on her tummy. Spent thousands over the years as insurance ran out & she is full of allergies (grass, pollen, dust mites, mist foods).
I think we’d probably bankrupt ourselves before saying goodbye.
I used to roll my eyes at people who spent stupid amounts on pets but I finally get why they do.
For anyone thinking of getting a pet - make sure you have an unlimited lifetime insurance policy!!! |
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Never had insurance, it’s a gamble but any big vet bill we’ve had has worked out less than the cost of premiums.
Hope the pooch gets better x
