Owning a pet in Singapore can be expensive. One visit to a vet in Singapore averages $40 to $250 for consultations, with medication and operation costs on top of that.
When you add it all together, the average dog owner in Singapore spends $25,800 over ten years, while a cat owner spends at least $15,000 over the same period, according to some local research. You can see an item by item breakdown of costs here – from the cost of adoption to grooming costs and accessories.
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There are ways to reduce the cost of owning a pet, but it is important to be smart about it. Start with the basics, such as removing potted plants that are poisonous to your pets.
“Saving money is important but you also have to think about your pet’s health and welfare,” says veterinarian educator Dr Simone Maher.
Here’s how to keep your pets healthy and happy, and avoid the expensive pitfalls.
One easy way to save money is to avoid fad and novelty products such as sparkly collars and deluxe pet carriers. We know cute pet beds are incredibly tempting, but you don’t really need them. “As long as your pet has a comfortable and safe bed to sleep in, it does not matter if it is a box lined with your old towels, or a designer dog bed,” explains Dr Maher.
As for toys, she suggests you search the internet for video tutorials on how to make safe and eco-friendly pet toys out of scraps of ribbon and household objects. “The truth is, that dogs and cats are just as happy playing with a cardboard box or the cardboard tube in the middle of a toilet roll. You don’t need a $50 toy,” says Dr Maher.
If you are not the crafty type, you can join groups on social media that give away items for free, including gently used pet accessories. One to try in Singapore is the recycling app Olio.
One visit to the vet in Singapore can cost $250. And that does not include unexpected expenses such as surgery, which can easily cost $5000.
For this reason, pet insurance is highly recommended because it can save you thousands if your pet falls ill or has an accident.
When you are checking insurance options, take note of plans that have co-insurance and deductibles. Co-insurance refers to the portion you pay when making a claim. Let’s say your pet insurance plan offers a 20 percent co-insurance on vet surgery. If you claim for a pet surgery costing $5,000 in total, you will get just 80 percent of the costs back. The remaining 20 percent (or $1000) will have to be paid fby you. Deductibles work in a similar way in that you have to pay some costs yourself
It seems complicated, but deductibles and co-insurance do have the benefit of keeping premiums affordable. You can check out some pet insurance options here.
Does your cat expect expensive food that has to be bought from speciality stores?
Dogs can eat vegetables and meat, but cats are “obligate carnivores” – this means they have to eat protein and meat because their body cannot make some vitamins and minerals. Cats cannot be vegetarians. But this does not mean you have to feed your cat expensive chicken and steak every day.
If you have concerns about what your pet is eating, it’s a good idea to talk through options with your vet. “It’s important that your pet eats a good variety of food. But you can mix good quality dried pet food together with your meat leftovers at home, such as leftover chicken or human-grade meat” says Dr Maher.
You can find tips and advice on all kinds of pet nutrition at the RSPCA website Knowledge Base. It includes tips on what to feed cats, dogs, rabbits, pet reptiles, you name it!
Trying to brush a dog’s teeth is not easy, but dental disease can lead to heart and kidney problems. If you get a puppy, Dr Maher suggests you try and get them used to having their teeth brushed when they are very young.
Ask your vet about toothpaste for dogs, because human toothpaste contains the fluoride mineral, which can upset your dog’s tummy.
Another way to improve your dog’s dental health is to include some raw bones or rawhide tooth chews in their diet. You can get raw bones cheaply from meat stalls at the wet market. But do avoid poultry bones because they are too small for dogs to eat safely.
Big beet and lamb bones act like a toothbrush for your dog. And all that chewing also stimulates saliva, which is full of antibacterial power to reduce dental cavities.Edible treats such as rawhide chews can help with dental health.
If your dog tends to gulp their food, they may chew the rawhide too fast or swallow big pieces. This can cause choking or blockages. So if your dog tends to gobbles their food, speak to your vet for advice on how to keep their teeth clean.
Prevention is better than cure, so keep up to date with your pet’s vaccinations, worming schedule, flea liquids and tick control.
“Such preventative measures pay off in the long run,” says Dr Maher. She also suggests you regularly brush long haired pets to prevent their hair tangling and matting and causing sweating and skin problems. Some dogs and cats in Singapore also benefit from having some of their fur shaved off, to reduce overheating and skin problems. Your vet can advise you.
Taking care of your pets does cost time and money – but as every fur parent knows, a pet gives you back so much love and joy, the costs are totally worth it!
Text: Bauer Syndication/ARE Media