Neutering
It’s a sad fact that there are more cats and dogs than there are caring homes to house them. For this and other health reasons (such as reducing the risk of breast cancer in females and prostate conditions in males) you should have your pet neutered.
It can be done at any age, but is best if you can arrange it in the first year of your pet’s life. This will cost from £80 to £100 for female dogs and from £40 to £60 for males. Cats are more likely to cost around £30 to £50. Bear in mind that neutered animals require less food, which is good in itself as obesity can bring with it a whole range of health problems.
Loyal companions
Cats and dogs make wonderfully loving pets (although feline friends are more likely to need some personal space). It’s only fair that you therefore make sure you do everything you can to keep them in good health.
Vaccinations for dogs against Canine Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis and Leptospirosis should be given to puppies and boosters administered to dogs (usually on an annual basis). Expect to pay around £20 to £40 for the initial course and £10 to £20 for boosters. Kittens need to be vaccinated against Cat Flu, Feline Chlamydia, Feline Infectious Enteritis and Feline Leukaemia. This will cost from £25 to £40 at first, then £10 to £20 for adult boosters.
A matter of routine
Puppies will need worming tablets every fortnight until they are 12-weeks old. Adult dogs should be wormed at least four times a year, or more if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Kittens need similar treatment at four to six weeks, then every two to three weeks until they are four months old; and every two to six months thereafter.
Flea control is also an essential part of routine care for your cat or dog. Both worming and flea treatment are relatively low-cost treatments, but the complications that may arise if they are neglected could leave you facing hefty bills. The same can be said for dental care. Be sure to clean your pet’s teeth regularly or you could face paying hundreds of pounds for extraction and gum disease treatments.
Direct action
The above are just some of the basic requirements involved in caring for your pet shared by you and your vet. However, accidents, unexpected injuries and illnesses can all cause costs to rise considerably.
That’s why taking out pet insurance with Direct Line is the sensible option when you take on a pet. There are two levels of pet insurance to choose from. Direct Line Essential Pet Insurance insures against veterinary fees for a maximum of 12-months treatment of each illness, injury or disease (up to £4,000 per condition). Direct Line Advanced Pet Insurance insures against veterinary fees up to £6,000 per condition and there’s no time limit on reaching this amount. It’s important to note however, that our pet insurance will not cover the cost of vaccinations, neutering or any alternative health treatments.
Well looked after
Phone Direct Line pet insurance or check this website to find out about the other benefits of taking out Direct Line pet insurance. For instance, there’s an option for cover of up to £1,000 towards advertising to include a £200 reward if your pet strays, gets lost or is stolen; and optional holiday cancellation cover of up to £5,000 due to loss, illness or injury of your pet. So if you are tired of having to deal with the cost of every one of your cat’s ‘nine lives’, get Direct Line pet insurance in place for back-up!
Sources and further information:
www.allaboutpets.org.uk
For costs:
RSPCA
All costs in this article correct in April 2008.
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