Ageing dog on a limited income.

[Dogface]

My dog will be 9 at xmas. Last week, dog was vomiting over 24 hours, visit to the vet cost me $500. In the past I have tried dog insurance. I won't name the company, but they were the worst company I have ever dealt with. Rip off. So I am looking at pet insurance again. Medibank seems to be the cheapest. I will soon be on the age pension, as my only income. How much is reasonable to spend on an aging dog? $10000? I have Vetpay, but I am rarely in credit. Unfortunately I might have to make a tough decision in the next few years. 

[Mairead]

People may not realise there is a post here because of the blank space. Better change it.

Choice magazine (should be available in your local library) looked into pet insurance a while ago and I believe even gave it a Shonky Award because it was such a useless system. Maybe it has changed.  I never used it because it wasn't worth the money. It may have exclusions for preexisting conditions and advanced age.

You may be better off putting money aside each week for emergencies. If you think that is impossible go see a free financial advisor.

You may want to have a chat with the vet about possible future health problems and how to prevent them or recognise them early. Wait and see is never a good idea.

Get a detailed quote before deciding on treatment.

The amount to spend? As much as it takes for the quality of life of the animal that is your responsibility for all of its life.

Edited September 30 by Mairead

[Redsonic]

Just to add to the above, I think 9years is the oldest any pet insurer will take on a new dog. For most, the cut-off is 8. The last few years have seen some new underwriters in the market, so there is more competition and more options than when Choice did the original comparison. Insurance is still very costly, and you would probably be better off self insuring. Don't forget that vet costs vary and, if you communicate your financial limitations to the right vet, they will avoid all but the most necessary diagnostics & treatment.

[Rebanne]

At 9 your premiums for your dog will be high. And all previous illness and injury will counted as preexisting. I would put what you would pay each fortnight in premiums aside. We all have our limits on what can be spent, money wise, on our pets. There are so many different things to factor in.  It's impossible to advice you. Bottom line quality of life for your dog is what counts. 

Not long ago I put down my beloved senior. He was struggling somewhat, he was a good age for his breed, but I said enough, for both him and me. Some people would have kept him going but for what? A few more weeks or months?  I wanted him to go in comfort and with dignity. I did not want him to fall and not be able to get up, to struggle, maybe in pain, but most likely in confusion and fear. I owed it to him.

Do the best that you can for your dog, that's all he asks from you.

[sandgrubber]

Old dogs tend to run big vet bills.  To reduce these, be very cautious about authorizing tests, and before authorising any expensive procedures, get clear about how long they may prolong life, and what quality of life the dog can expect after undergoing the procedure.  Sadly, many vet practices have been bought by corporate entities and operate for profit.  Practice managers encourage futile and expensive tests and treatments, and owners are made to feel guilty if they opt out.

 

Many vets will be frank with you if you ask what they would do if they were in your shoes.

 

I've heard many awful stories about people spending several thousand only to prolong the dog's life by a few months, and those months were painful for both dog and owner.  One reason insurance costs for old dogs are so high is because they pay for a lot of such exercises.

 

 

Edited September 30 by sandgrubber

[Dogsfevr]

At 9 yeasr i doubt you ll get any benefits for many things that will be pre existing plus the waiting period .
Better as mentioned to put money into a seperate account & the money will always be there if the worse scenario happens with your dog .
I do insure my youngsters up to 15 months then dont bother unless a real issue means keep it .
I have a great vet with a great common sense approach & old fashioned mindset .

Avoid chain vets,look at what your feeding ,how many meals Old dogs like people often do better on smaller multi meals & fat level appropriate .

depending what the outcome was of that $500 it may not be an expensive bill but if you leanrt something to change from it a cheap bill still.
Older dogs come with vet bills 

[Dogface]

Thanks for the replies and advice. I'm probably better off paying my Vetpay balance down.

And get her on a low fat diet. I won't be getting pet insurance.   

Edited September 30 by Dogface

[Boronia]

sometimes your home and contents insurer has extra pet cover as an add-on, usually it is just for accidents (NRMA) and there is an age cut-off, the cover pay-out is usually below $1000 and that additional policy is usually under $100 annually. it's worth checking with your insurer

[Rebanne]

16 hours ago, Dogface said:

Thanks for the replies and advice. I'm probably better off paying my Vetpay balance down.

And get her on a low fat diet. I won't be getting pet insurance.   

sounds like a plan. Try not to stress about it all. I've had more vet bills for a couple of young dogs then I've had for all my old dogs combined.

[jemappelle]

Another thing to look as is things like vets that use Best for Pet (I think there are others now).  I paid a monthly fee of $35 (a few years ago now) and got big discounts off everything with one of my elderly cats.  We got free consults and she developed an eye problem so we were at the vets every week or two for months.

[Loving my Oldies]

On 14/10/2024 at 10:59 AM, jemappelle said:

Another thing to look as is things like vets that use Best for Pet (I think there are others now).  I paid a monthly fee of $35 (a few years ago now) and got big discounts off everything with one of my elderly cats.  We got free consults and she developed an eye problem so we were at the vets every week or two for months.

Oh gosh, that is interesting.  My vet ended up being a Best for Pet practice, but I didn't even consider joining.  

 

In terms of overservicing, Shala has a condition we have been treating for a couple of years (gets nasty infections around her vulva) and the time before last, vet and I agreed it was looking pretty nasty.  She suggested that Shala might need an operation, but to leave it until one of the other vets came back from leave and, in the meantime, treat with another cream.  When I took Shala back after a few weeks on the medication and the other vet was back, they both agreed she looked much better and did not need the operation.  On the other hand, they was a hold up with tablets she was on and the vet charged me over $8 a tablet for a few to last me until order was received and $27 for a new script.  

 

Bunches and Beatrice (Pekingese) and Shala also need regular eye check-ups at the eye specialist.  Last time I was there I was in and out in less than 20 minutes for the three of them and the charge was $435.00 ($145 for each of them).  I do understand the cost of the equipment and the expertise I am paying for but $145 for a bit over 6 minutes each!!!

 

At the moment, I can meet all these expenses, but in a few years when all my super has gone (thanks to Beatrice and a tick ), I will be in a very different situation.  I cannot imagine how some people manage and understand @Dogface's fears.   

[Kazm]

Our vet has a pet club which sounds the same. I pay $45 a month and all consultations are free plus 2 free after hours consultations. Vaccinations are free, 10% off all products, 1 free blood test, urine test  and an X-ray per year. Plus other things as well. I joined years ago and it works well. I always work out how much I would have spent and paying the $45 monthly always works out cheaper. Having free consultations is great. At different times we’ve been backwards and forwards to the vet and gosh knows how much would have been spent. I love it

[Dogsfevr]

All the vets here who offer in house plans are often double the price for procedures ,meds & products .
They have to make the costs up somewhere.
They generally offer you in the plan monthly flea/tick/heartworm which vary as to whats sent & you dont get a choice or even asked if your dog is product sensitive .
We have had numerous clients on those plans who are Like the consults are free & we are like yes but you pay double to triple on the locked in items & procedures .

[sandgrubber]

15 hours ago, Kazm said:

Our vet has a pet club which sounds the same. I pay $45 a month and all consultations are free plus 2 free after hours consultations. Vaccinations are free, 10% off all products, 1 free blood test, urine test  and an X-ray per year. Plus other things as well. I joined years ago and it works well. I always work out how much I would have spent and paying the $45 monthly always works out cheaper. Having free consultations is great. At different times we’ve been backwards and forwards to the vet and gosh knows how much would have been spent. I love it

Sounds great, especially if the vet is a good one.  

[Kazm]

Sandgrubber, they are the best vets we’ve been to in years. Cannot fault them in anyway. We always feel like we’ve been treated properly and they are always keen to listen and talk. And best of all they think Molly is a super little dog.