Treat Your Vet Visit Like a Mechanic’s Ride
Veterinarians and auto mechanics have a lot in common. They both solve pressing problems for people who often have no idea what’s going on and will never be happy to get a big bill.
The shock sticker is real, but that doesn’t mean every expensive trip to the vet is a scam. Part of owning a pet is paying for their medical care, which is often expensive. Unfortunately, it is also true that upsells are common in the veterinary industry. If you don’t want to pay for things that you – and your pet – don’t need, it’s a good idea to go to the vet’s office with the same attitude you would at a car dealership. Here’s how.
Take a friend with you (or take notes)
Having someone else in the room isn’t just for moral support – it’s difficult to assimilate and remember difficult information when you’re stressed. Your spouse or friend may ask questions you might not have thought to ask, and they may help you remember what the vet actually said.
Of course, this may not be an option at the moment. COVID-19 precautions will likely keep you from entering the building, let alone inviting a second person to see your vet. In this case, take a notepad and a pen with you to jot things down.
Ask the right questions
Most pet owners are poorly versed in veterinary medicine, which means every veterinarian visit is a learning opportunity. If you ask the right questions, you will leave with a better understanding of your pet’s health – and you might even avoid paying for a procedure it doesn’t need.
Two simple questions – “Why?” and how much?” – are of great importance. Whenever your vet suggests getting a test or procedure, ask why. If they do not provide details, please clarify: what information will they get from this test and how will it change their plan? What made them recommend this procedure over another? Finally, always ask how much something is worth before agreeing to it.
Attitude is everything here. You don’t want to be hostile or rude, but you also shouldn’t give up until you get reasonable answers. Finding balance is not easy – try to be as patient and polite as possible.
Take care of the basics yourself
The best way to avoid unexpected vet bills is to keep your pets physically and emotionally healthy in the first place. If you already go to the vet, this is obviously useless advice, but once everyone is back home, assess your pet’s daily routine. Are you giving them everything they need?
All pets are different, but these three things are pretty obvious:
- Keep their weight in check: Carrying excess weight is difficult for animals of all sizes, so make sure you don’t overfeed them. Digital kitchen scales make portioning food easy.
- Brushing your teeth: This is a bit tricky for adult animals, but if you start early, brushing your teeth regularly can prevent costly dental procedures.
- Take their emotional needs seriously : Behavioral problems can be caused by illness or injury, but most of the time your pet is just trying to tell you how he is feeling, so pay attention.
It may take a while to get used to the new routine, but the effort is worth it: doing simple things will keep your pet healthy in the long run, and that’s the point.