Healthy Paws Pet Insurance took 215,000 of their claims from a single year period and generated a Cost of Pet Care 2016 report which revealed that humans may be spending as much, or more, of their money on pet medicine and veterinary costs as they are on their own healthcare.
Animal Health Problems that Cost Money
The most common of health problems faced by animals include:
- Consumption of dangerous human food – When pets ingest chocolate or foods high in sugar or salt, it can upset and even damage their digestive system.
- Skin conditions – Skin-irritating conditions such as pruritus, mites, fleas, and dermatitis require fast treatment.
- Infections – Infections of the skin, ear, and eye don’t just cause discomfort for your pet, they can also lead to permanent injury.
- Allergies – Dogs who suffer from allergies can develop infections, scratch off their skin and fur, or develop respiratory issues.
- Chronic pain – Pain that just won’t go away can impair your pet’s ability to eat, walk, or even breathe normally.
- Growths – Lumps, cysts, tags, and other growths on your pet could be benign or a sign of something more serious.
Many conditions that raise veterinary costs for pet owners are those for which humans, too, frequently need care. Pets need help for urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and even heart and respiratory problems.
The Price of Animal Healthcare
Though the cost of veterinary care varies depending on the facility and pricing scheme of your pet’s veterinarian, the average cost of many treatments is surprisingly high:
- Monthly Heart Medication: $100
- Ear Infection: $250
- Stomach Treatment: $6,000
- Growth and Lump Removal: $15,000
- Heart Surgery: $20,000
Pets also receive testing and treatment using many of the same devices that humans use, including: MRI scans, CT scans, Hip surgery, Knee surgery, Laser surgery, Flu shots, Ultrasounds and Vaccines.
 |
| Though the cost of pet healthcare is rising, the average annual cost of pet ownership is still relatively low. Source: bls.gov |
Alternative medicine such as acupuncture can even cost more for pets than it does for humans. An acupuncture session for your pet averages about $80, but humans can receive the same treatment for $65 to $75.
Pets must also undergo X-rays and pain management for incidents such as broken legs or internal injuries. Pet care costs for fixes can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Bills Likely to Continue to Rise
The more we learn about the ability of animals to think and feel physically and emotionally, the deeper our relationships become with them. Pets are also integrating more into society; more businesses are allowing pets in the office, and cafes and restaurants are making pet-friendly areas larger. Pet care will probably continue to improve, but the cost of veterinary care will rise along with its quality.
