Vet swears by 4 preventive measures for your dog that can save you a hefty medical bill

These small steps can help avoid major medical problems down the line and the major costs that come with them.

PUBLISHED 19 HOURS AGO

(L) A vet checking on a pet dog.; (R) Stethoscope, calculator, and pen on medical billing statement on table. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Monty Rakusen; (R) Prapass Pulsub)

Pet care costs can add up quickly, and for many families, staying on budget is a top priority. But skipping care can often lead to bigger vet bills later. Veterinary expert Dr. Mark dos Anjos says the key to saving money is not avoiding vet visits altogether, but instead investing in basic, preventative care, per Parade Pets. These small steps can help avoid major medical problems down the line and the major costs that come with them. He further shares that the total cost of owning a dog can vary greatly, but over their lifetime, it could be as much as $50,000. Larger dog breeds usually cost more, but even smaller dogs can cost at least $15,000 throughout their lives.

A vet checking a large dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Lourdes Balduque)

1. Heartworm-proof your pup

One of the most important things you can do for your dog is to give heartworm prevention. Heartworm is a serious and often deadly disease that, once it hits, is both painful for the dog and expensive to treat, costing thousands of dollars. “Dogs will suffer and even die without treatment, and some will even die when treated,” said Dr. dos Anjos. Fortunately, prevention is much more affordable. There are even low-cost, non-prescription options available. Still, fewer than half of all dogs are on heartworm prevention, often because of the cost of annual testing and prescriptions, or simply a lack of awareness.

Vet checking ear of a pet dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Maskot)

2. Beat fleas and ticks fast

Flea and tick prevention is another area where a little spending now can save a lot later. Fleas not only make dogs uncomfortable, but can cause allergic reactions, infections from scratching, and painful hot spots, especially in long-haired breeds like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, or even Shih Tzus. “If the fleas continue to bite, the dogs aren’t going to get better,” Dr. dos Anjos warns. While some flea control products require a prescription, many long-standing options are now available over the counter. Though they come with a price tag, they prevent unnecessary suffering and costly vet visits.

A woman shocked after looking at a bill. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | fizkes)

3. Vaccinate to protect

Vaccinations are another smart investment. Core vaccines like parvo, distemper, rabies, and hepatitis protect dogs from painful and often fatal diseases. “The vaccines may not be cheap, but they’re a lot cheaper than treating a sick dog,” Dr. dos Anjos notes. Although pets don’t need every vaccine every year, skipping them entirely is a risky choice that could lead to severe illness and high treatment costs. According to PetMD, the cost of vaccines for puppies and dogs can change depending on where you live. On average, the basic DHLPP vaccine usually costs between $20 and $60 per dose, and the rabies shot is typically around $20 to $30. Other optional vaccines may cost more or less, but most are under $100 each.

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4. Schedule yearly checks

Regular check-ups may seem like an added expense, but they’re one of the best ways to catch problems early. An annual physical exam can help detect mild health issues before they turn into something serious and expensive. “It’s still a good investment,” says Dr. dos Anjos. Plus, with new AI tools available to help spot early warning signs, pet owners have more support than ever in keeping their pets healthy. Combined with professional exams, this technology can help avoid emergency vet visits and save money in the long run. Furthermore, PetMD also suggests investing in pet insurance as another way to prevent high medical bills.