A Kenneling Alternative

medical expenses

November Is Adopt a Senior Pet Month

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November is a month that I can really get behind. Not only does my favorite food holiday, Thanksgiving, occur in November, but it is also  Adopt A Senior Pet Month. 

I often tell people that one of my favorite types of dogs are old ones. The  golden years are full of naps on the rug in the sun, ambles about the neighborhood, and treats and tummy rubs. Yet, the cuddly cuteness of new kittens or puppies often overtakes us. How could it not?

But as you consider adding to your Floofins Family, don’t forget that some of the last animals to be adopted from shelters are the seniors. Sure, the little ones are squirmy and wiggly and cute, but the soul in the eyes of a dog that has reached an age of wisdom comes with some great benefits.

One of the reasons I adopted an adult dog was because I despise housebreaking training. While I know it doesn’t take forever and most pick up on it quickly enough, I hate cleaning the carpet, the tile, the rugs. And I just wanted a dog that would already know the “rules of the road” when it came to urination. Senior pets already have that down pat, in most instances.

Further, you know what you are getting. Personality is on full display and often you have a complete list of the features of the model you are taking home. A win-win for the pet and for the family. 

And I hear you. The old ones are more likely to have health issues. Well, let me point you in the direction of a charity that I adore: the Mr. Mo Project. https://www.mrmoproject.com

This couple, Chris and Mariesa Hughes, made it their mission to house senior pets and they cover the medical expenses for the rest of the dog’s life. It makes a great option for donations if you are so inclined this holiday season.

So, keep those senior pets in mind when you start looking for your next floofin.

Do You Need Pet Insurance For Your Floofin?

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Like people, your faithful pet will most likely need to see a doctor at some point in their life. If you are lucky, it will be for very routine matters. That will make it relatively easy to calculate how much you will likely need to set aside on an annual basis for your pet’s medical expenses.

However, even the most healthy among us can be unexpectedly hit with an unplanned medical emergency that we did not see coming. It could be an accident, a hidden hereditary flaw, or just the realities of a long life and aging.

So, when you consider the cost of having pet insurance against not having pet insurance, how do you decide?

Let me give you an example of a recent experience I had with my senior dog, Ginger.

Senior Pet Experience

When Ginger, who is currently 10 years old and a rescue of unknown origin, began skipping meals (unheard of) and stumbling periodically on walks, I took her to the vet. For roughly $300 I found out that her physical exam and blood work deemed her to be healthy. The stumbling and legs giving out continued.

At the suggestion of a behaviorist that I worked with to transition a new pup into our home, I took Ginger to a specialist to examine her for physical issues that might not have shown up in blood work. This included a gait analysis; telemedicine visit; and a 30 minute in-person evaluation. Total cost: $276. They recommended X-rays of the spine and pelvis. With the X-rays and a pain medication prescription, I chucked nearly $600 on that visit alone.

Final Results

My dog has arthritis and spinal disc disease. I can run her through one month of rehab for nearly $800 that will include exercises, massage, electrical stimulation, etc. While I am still considering that option, I have to say that pet insurance sounds like a pretty good idea right now. I don’t have any for Ginger, but her new roommate – the puppy Jameson – may end up with some type of insurance to avoid this same situation down the road.

I am fortunate to have had an emergency fund saved up that will cover her expenses. Also, I have a credit card that allows zero percent interest on charges at her normal vet’s office (for a certain number of months for charges over a certain dollar amount).

However, I am not the average person. You’ve probably heard the statistics that the average American doesn’t have $500 on hand for an emergency. I don’t have a spouse, children, or other factors that would turn those dollar values into decisions between my pet’s health and feeding my children or making a car payment to get to work. That makes me extremely lucky. I’m fortunate that the pain medication alone seems to have altered the quality of life for Ginger. She is playing and doing things she hasn’t done recently. Will I need to spend additional funds on her down the road? Most likely.

If your pet is healthy and you wondering what choices you would have made if Ginger were your dog, now might be a good time to examine the costs and coverage of a pet insurance policy. September is Pet Insurance Month. I promise I’ll do the same as I consider what is best for my finances and my new puppy.