Pets are like family. When they get sick, you might feel like you’d do anything to get them well again.
Pet care can be expensive, however, and many people are shocked when they find out that their emergency vet bills cost more than the pets themselves. According to Money.com, the average emergency vet bill can cost from $800 to $1,500.
As such, it can help to have a plan to pay the bills if something happens to your furry friend. Here are three of the most common pet emergencies to be ready for:
Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reaction)
Rarely, a dog or cat will get bitten by a bug, eat something they’re not supposed to, or have a bad reaction to a medicine, which will send them into a life-threatening allergic reaction.
When this happens, the symptoms can be shocking for pet owners to witness: the animal might start vomiting, swelling, seizing, or even go into a coma.
This is a situation that usually requires immediate attention. If you notice symptoms of anaphylaxis, it is recommended to bring your pet in for urgent care, if you can afford it.
Unfortunately, one should be prepared for a rather large bill. The average cost to treat anaphylaxis can range from $500-$1,000, according to animal blog petcoach.co .
Intestinal Blockage
Does your animal like to eat things that aren’t always edible?
Many animals have chewing habits, but mouthy pets can get themselves into big problems when they swallow plastics or items that are too big to pass through.
When this happens, the swallowed item can get caught up in the intestines after a few days, creating an obstruction that could prove fatal.
Your animal may have a blockage if it displays any of the following symptoms:
- Throwing up
- Diarrhea
- Sensitivity when stomach area is touched
- Whining
- Difficulty defecating
If you think your animal may have a blockage, veterinarians recommend prompt action. The vet’s office may x-ray your dog, and if they do find a blockage, they may recommend surgery, which is often expensive. The costs to fix an intestinal blockage can range between $800 and $7,000, according to FrontierPet.com.
Cancer
Like people, pets can get cancer. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that 1 in 4 dogs will develop neoplasia (a tumor-like growth) and almost half of the dogs aged 10 or more will develop the disease.
The warning signs of cancer in animals are similar to those in humans, reports the FDA . This includes the emergence of lumps, open wounds that don’t patch up, and abnormal bleeding. Also, the dog may exhibit signs of distress, such as not eating and drinking.
Unfortunately, cancer treatment is one of the most expensive animal treatments there are, costing between $3,000 and $5,000, reports CBS .
It’s Hard to Put a Price on Love
Having a pet that’s in pain is often a heartbreaking experience and a financial strain. Often, spending money doesn’t seem to matter much if a beloved animal’s life is in danger.
In case of an emergency, it is recommended to have a plan in place to pay for future vet bills.