Rabies vaccine and insurance question...

[BellaBlue82]

Originally Posted by dwerten

i use these as dentists use chlorhexedine to keep bacteria down in mouth. I also use gauze around finger and use oxyfresh pet gel. I also have the cet tooth paste chicken flavor but tend to use the wipes more after learing from non-anesthetic hygeniest she uses this and swears by it

Pet Dental Care: Drs. Foster & Smith Dental Clens® Pads for Dogs

Thanks so much for all of your advice, it's been a great help. Do they sell these wipes at Petsmart, or should I just buy them from this site?

[BonBon]

I think I remember your other thread about insurance. I have insurance on all my pups, but just for major health issues or accidents. When researching insurances, I found that you pay less for routine care than for the insurances that cover routine care. I would recommend you just pocket what your saving on not insuring that each month and you'll probably found you have a little left over.

Saying that, it isn't cheap owning a yorkie. I have an annual exam for one's, bloodwork, heartworm testing, fecals, etc., scheduled for next week and I'm expecting to pay at least $150 to $175. This doesn't count dentals, heartworm meds, flea & tick meds, etc. It does add up, so if you can save even $10 or $20 a month it will really help with her basic care costs. Good luck!

[BellaBlue82]

Originally Posted by bonbon

I think I remember your other thread about insurance. I have insurance on all my pups, but just for major health issues or accidents. When researching insurances, I found that you pay less for routine care than for the insurances that cover routine care. I would recommend you just pocket what your saving on not insuring that each month and you'll probably found you have a little left over.

Saying that, it isn't cheap owning a yorkie. I have an annual exam for one's, bloodwork, heartworm testing, fecals, etc., scheduled for next week and I'm expecting to pay at least $150 to $175. This doesn't count dentals, heartworm meds, flea & tick meds, etc. It does add up, so if you can save even $10 or $20 a month it will really help with her basic care costs. Good luck!

That's a good idea, I will do that! What you listed though, isn't too bad. When do they need to go on heartworm, flea, and tick medicine (my vet didn't mention anything about it when I took her for her checkup)? And do all dogs need it if they live inside and only go out to potty?

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by BellaBlue82

That's a good idea, I will do that! What you listed though, isn't too bad. When do they need to go on heartworm, flea, and tick medicine (my vet didn't mention anything about it when I took her for her checkup)? And do all dogs need it if they live inside and only go out to potty?

you are in las vegas i would look into heartworm further as i do not think you have a mosquito prob there like us in california do not so mine are not on heart worm

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by BellaBlue82

Thanks so much for all of your advice, it's been a great help. Do they sell these wipes at Petsmart, or should I just buy them from this site?

no i buy them on that site and they have awesome wee wee pads too if you have yours wee wee pad trained - we use washables now but i used those for years

[SweetPuppy]

How often should you take your pet to the vet for rabies shot?

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by SweetPuppy

How often should you take your pet to the vet for rabies shot?

it depends on the law of your county - call the local animal control and they will tell you the laws for your county. Most are at 3 years now but some are at 1 year which is horrible But remember this is for HEALTHY DOGS ONLY so if you have a sick dog you can talk to your vet and county about a Health waiver

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by BellaBlue82

That's a good idea, I will do that! What you listed though, isn't too bad. When do they need to go on heartworm, flea, and tick medicine (my vet didn't mention anything about it when I took her for her checkup)? And do all dogs need it if they live inside and only go out to potty?

I would ask your vet these questions. Please, don't ever be afraid to ask vets questions - you know your pup better than anyone and it is your right and your responsibility to make sure they get the best care possible. Usually, though they can start flea/tick protection at several weeks of age. My vet started my pups on heartworm meds at 5-6 months old, any older than this and they'll need to be tested before they can start the meds. And yes, in my area we definitely have to keep our pets on these preventatives all the time - it doesn't take but a split second for an insect to bite an infect them. We even have to keep them on HW meds during the winter. This all varies depending on what part of the country you live in and the risks there.

I don't think that my cost is too, bad. But, you live in a different area of the country so be prepared for your costs to be higher.

Did you get insurance on your pup yet? Who did you go with?

[BellaBlue82]

Originally Posted by bonbon

I would ask your vet these questions. Please, don't ever be afraid to ask vets questions - you know your pup better than anyone and it is your right and your responsibility to make sure they get the best care possible. Usually, though they can start flea/tick protection at several weeks of age. My vet started my pups on heartworm meds at 5-6 months old, any older than this and they'll need to be tested before they can start the meds. And yes, in my area we definitely have to keep our pets on these preventatives all the time - it doesn't take but a split second for an insect to bite an infect them. We even have to keep them on HW meds during the winter. This all varies depending on what part of the country you live in and the risks there.

I don't think that my cost is too, bad. But, you live in a different area of the country so be prepared for your costs to be higher.

Did you get insurance on your pup yet? Who did you go with?

No I haven't made any decisions yet... I'm kindof leaning towards just saving my own money each month in case anything happens, but I'm going to check around online at the cost of different insurances though, just to get an idea. I just forgot to ask the vet about these meds only because I bombarded her with 1000 other questions! When I take her back for her rabies shot I will definitely inquire about the rest!

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by BellaBlue82

No I haven't made any decisions yet... I'm kindof leaning towards just saving my own money each month in case anything happens, but I'm going to check around online at the cost of different insurances though, just to get an idea. I just forgot to ask the vet about these meds only because I bombarded her with 1000 other questions! When I take her back for her rabies shot I will definitely inquire about the rest!

I think saving is the best idea. That's exactly what I did when I only had 2 for several years. Now that I have 6, insurance is the best way for me to make sure I can take care of them if more than one got sick or injured at the same time.

Just keep in mind that a single surgery and/or treatmenst for some illnesses can cost several thousand dollars each and that is hard for someone like me to save (I always want to spend it on something else ). Good coverage insurance on a young, healthy pup should run about $30/month (this doesn't include coverage for annual wellness care). My two favorite pet insurance plans are Embrace and Petplan - they have excellent coverage for reasonable rates, and they have great customer reviews.

[BellaBlue82]

Originally Posted by bonbon

I think saving is the best idea. That's exactly what I did when I only had 2 for several years. Now that I have 6, insurance is the best way for me to make sure I can take care of them if more than one got sick or injured at the same time.

Just keep in mind that a single surgery and/or treatmenst for some illnesses can cost several thousand dollars each and that is hard for someone like me to save (I always want to spend it on something else ). Good coverage insurance on a young, healthy pup should run about $30/month (this doesn't include coverage for annual wellness care). My two favorite pet insurance plans are Embrace and Petplan - they have excellent coverage for reasonable rates, and they have great customer reviews.

Thank you, I will definitely check out their sites! Do all yorkies eventually get very ill or need some kind of surgery? I hate even thinking about it!

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by BellaBlue82

Thank you, I will definitely check out their sites! Do all yorkies eventually get very ill or need some kind of surgery? I hate even thinking about it!

i would recommend for that question being very careful with diet of these little ones not too many treats, etc

also get CareCredit Healthcare Finance - Payment Plans and Financing for Cosmetic Surgery, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Veterinary & Other Medical Procedures - i do home loans and it is always easy to get money when you do not need it but hard to get it when you need it so if you can get the max you can get and have it there in case of emergency as many times it can be as much as 12-18 mos no interest - i use this when i can to extend out the vet costs

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by BellaBlue82

Thank you, I will definitely check out their sites! Do all yorkies eventually get very ill or need some kind of surgery? I hate even thinking about it!

No, no!! I didn't mean to imply that. I just meant that if they do get sick or injured, treatment can be costly. This is true of ANY breed - not just yorkies.

[SweetPuppy]

Originally Posted by dwerten

it depends on the law of your county - call the local animal control and they will tell you the laws for your county. Most are at 3 years now but some are at 1 year which is horrible But remember this is for HEALTHY DOGS ONLY so if you have a sick dog you can talk to your vet and county about a Health waiver

Is that so...Thanks for the info

[charley11]

Originally Posted by SweetPuppy

How often should you take your pet to the vet for rabies shot?

In Illinois it is 1 time every 3 years.



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