Jacqueline Byrne
Veterinary Relationship Manager, Many Pets
Josephine Tanser
Liability & Recoveries Clams Handler, Many Pets
Ryan Wheaton
Vice President Brand, Many Pets
Avoid the common pitfalls of new pet parenthood — such as unexpected costs due to illness and behavioural issues — with careful planning and a focus on preventative care.
If you’re thinking of becoming a first-time pet parent, there are some simple decisions you can take which will make life better for your pet, for you — and for your bank balance.
Choose a breed that fits your lifestyle
Before bringing a puppy or adult dog home, it’s important to work out which breeds will best fit with your lifestyle. So, carefully research breed characteristics before making your choice. “For instance, a flat won’t be an environment where a working dog like a border collie will thrive,” says Jacqueline Byrne, a Veterinary Nurse who is also Veterinary Relationship Manager at insurance provider ManyPets.
“Also, the breed you choose will have a bearing on the kind of insurance cover you’ll need because certain breeds are particularly prone to certain conditions.” Sadly, Byrne has first-hand experience of this. “I had a boxer dog,” she says. “As a vet nurse, I knew boxers are prone to heart conditions and cancers, so I took out a good insurance policy. Unfortunately, my dog did go on to develop a brain tumour. Consider their genetics when choosing the right cover for you.”
It’s not just one-off costs or emergency care that can be expensive
Cost of medical treatment and maintenance
Prepare for unexpected expense, too, stresses Josephine Tanser, who has a new chihuahua puppy called Posy. “People don’t expect puppies to have big medical costs,” she says. “But at 12 weeks, Posy had open heart surgery for a congenital issue. It cost around £6,500. Without it, her lifespan would have been one year at best.”
It’s not just one-off costs or emergency care that can be expensive. “The cost of chronic illnesses can also be significant,” says Ryan Wheaton, Vice President Brand, ManyPets. “Our dog, Lola, had a lifelong condition called Cushing’s disease — and the treatment for this can be hundreds of pounds a month.”
Taking preventative measures saves future expense
Taking preventative measures can help save big bills later on. “As an example, greyhounds are prone to teeth problems, so it’s a good idea to get them used to having their teeth cleaned with a little finger brush,” says vet nurse Byrne. “You may want to consider an insurance policy that covers dental illness.”
Some behavioural issues and costs can also be avoided if dogs are trained at an early stage. That means getting puppies familiar with a range of different experiences, such as introducing them to busy environments and different people, plus getting them used to being on their own. “It’s another reason to look into breed characteristics,” says Byrne. “Some can have very distinctive behavioural traits, so find out what you need to do to keep your pet happy and comfortable.”
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