What is the real cost of owning animals?

Help and advice for every animal-lover Ask the vet

I’m thinking of getting a dog, are there any hidden costs I should be prepared for?

Getting a dog is really exciting, but it’s a big commitment to take on. They need daily exercise, regular flea, tick and worming treatments, vaccinations, a healthy diet, toys etc. Dogs can be surprisingly expensive depending on their breed and size – a general spending estimate based on a medium dog is at least £7000 up to £27,000 across their lifetime. It’s important to be prepared for illness or injury, so I’d recommend taking out pet insurance to minimise the impact of unexpected vet bills. It’s also best to outline a small monthly budget for ongoing care once your dog is home.

My cat keeps shaking her head and I’m worried there may be something wrong with her ear. Should we go to the vet?

Our pets have many ways of telling us when they’re in discomfort. It sounds like your cat may have a problem with her ear, which could be an infection, ear mites or a foreign body down there. I’d advise booking an appointment with your vet so they can perform a thorough examination, prescribe appropriate treatment and get your furry friend on the mend. In some cases, a general anaesthetic may be needed to flush the affected ears. Avoid buying any over the counter products before having your cat examined, as they could cause your cat pain or make the problem worse.

How can I protect my pet from the sun?

As the weather gets

warmer, there are many ways our furry friends can safely enjoy some fun in the sun. Pets are just as prone to sunburn as we are, especially in areas where fur is thinner or paler. I’d recommend grabbing a pet safe sun cream to apply on any exposed and sensitive areas, such as their ears, nose and tummy. Make sure they have access to shade and fresh water at all times. Don’t walk dogs in the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest. For smaller pets like guinea pigs and rabbits, a blanket or tarpaulin draped over the corner of their run will provide shade, but make sure there is good air flow, so heat doesn’t build up inside.

My dog has recently put on quite a bit of weight. Even though we feed him diet foods and go for lots of long walks, he’s struggling to get rid of it. Is there anything else we can try?

Dogs who struggle with obesity are at risk of many health problems, as well as a shorter life expectancy. It’s great that you’ve changed to a diet food and your dog is exercised daily. Arrange a vet check, so they can check for other possible causes for his weight gain. Your vets may recommend a pet weight clinic, to support you in helping your dog lose weight. When using treats for reward-based training, take out 10% of your pet’s daily food allowance, to avoid additional calories. It’s also helpful to weigh your dog every other week so you can keep track of any changes.