New research from DNA testing company Wisdom Panel and pet health tracking brand Whistle Health has found that half of UK dog owners are concerned about the affordability of their pooches.
Data suggests that an additional 62% rank unexpected vet bills as their biggest fear.
However, famed TV vet Dr Scott Millar of popular ITV shows like This Morning has revealed some of the excessive habits of pets that could indicate something is wrong.
As part of our series of Masterclasses, @ITV @This morning veterinary @drscottym welcomed a group of visually impaired children into his practice to show what it takes to be a veterinarian… with the help of his pet Scully!🐶
Watch the full video on our YouTube ➡️ https://t.co/uYHP7WYXsU pic.twitter.com/yCyePG3DUt
— Guide dogs (@guidedogs) October 1, 2022
Getting back into those habits and acting fast can save you thousands of dollars in vet bills later.
Dr Scott warns UK dog owners of excessive pet habits that could cost them thousands of dollars
Here are the excessive pet habits that could cost thousands of dollars if left untreated:
- Excessive licking could lead to acral licking dermatitis resulting in costs of £400.
- Excessive sleep could be a warning sign of a bleeding tumour, leading to costs of £3,000.
- Overeating could suggest poor food absorption and pancreatic insufficiency resulting in costs of £2700.
- Excessive alcohol consumption can suggest kidney disease and, if left untreated, can lead to costs of £2,500 to diagnose and treat effectively.
- Excessive scratching can be the result of an allergy which, if left untreated, could result in bills of £1,400 to diagnose and permanently treat.
This Monring’s Dr. Scott recommends a ‘test and follow’ mindset for pet care
ITV This Morning vet Dr Scott Miller said: “Vet bills can be hugely expensive, but there are plenty of ways pet owners can cut those costs – some of the most obvious changes, such as the amount of food and exercise, to monitoring their health.
“By investing in testing and tracking technology, such as pet DNA kits and wearable pet devices, dog owners can take the lead in identifying common health risks early on. to breed while tracking a dog’s behavior for clues to ongoing issues.”
“A simple wearable device will detect habits such as heavy drinking – which could indicate kidney disease and, if left untreated, could cost thousands of dollars to treat.
“Similarly, itching and scratching can indicate issues such as an allergy which, if caught early, could save the owner a lot of money down the road.
“With a frightening number of dogs being abandoned due to the rising cost of living, being proactive in animal care allows owners to regain control and save money.”
Dr. Scott’s 10 money-saving tips for dog owners
- Essay: DNA testing your dog can help you be aware of any health issues he is vulnerable to, especially breed-specific issues. This can help you choose the best pet insurance.
- Follow up: Wearable pet technology that tracks behaviors like licking, scratching, and sleeping can help you monitor your dog’s health just by looking at your phone.
- Informed grooming: Knowing your dog’s grooming needs is important as some breeds can be groomed at home, saving you up to £40 a month, but it’s important to check with a qualified groomer.
- Food intake: 30% of dogs taken to the vet are overweight, so checking your dog’s nutritional needs with a vet could prevent health issues.
- Regular exercise: As with humans, staying active can improve your dog’s health. Make sure they have at least an hour a day.
- Checkpoints: Check the tail and nose after each walk for grass seeds, fleas, or wounds.
- Simple first aid: Learn some simple first aid and vital statistics so you can calmly monitor your dog.
- Oral care: Use chews, gels and brushing to keep your dog’s teeth clean, as gingivitis and tooth loss can cost an average of £750 in vet bills.
- Ear care: Using liquid cleansers to remove dirt or excess wax from their ears can protect them from yeast or bacterial infections.
- Free veterinary advice on the go: Make the most of new technologies to track your dog’s health as well as virtual vet appointments.
Dr. Scott Miller, Wisdom Panel, and Whistle Health have come together to share much of this information.