Our dog (11 1/2 years old) is on a new arthritis regimen--Previcox pills that cost $2.50 a piece, special food that costs 2x as much as Purina One, and we're supposed to be starting her on glucosamine as well. But wow, what a difference!
The week before her last vet visit, she had stopped even trying to go upstairs with us to bed. The 2nd day of the pills, she was racing up like a puppy again. Instead of us coaxing her to try and play, she's back to demanding attention after breakfast every morning.
So it's definitely worthwhile--but it will take some working around. It may come to as much as $900 a year! Hopefully, as the food and glucosamine kick in, we'll be able to discontinue the prescription. (She's already down to taking it every other day.)
I think we can still pay for the pet food out of the regular Everyday Expenses account, it will just take a little more adjusting on other groceries and take-out.
The prescription and glucosamine will have to come out of our Discretionary account, reducing the amount we'll be able to spend on entertainment, clothes and other extras. This is where the Snowmint envelope budget software I got is going to come in very handy. It's already forced me to see that the Philly flower show and the King Tut exhibit are way beyond our budget at this point. I don't mind, under the circumstances, and I'm really, really glad to be able to SEE it in time.
A new pet expense
January 25th, 2007 at 06:22 pm
January 25th, 2007 at 06:50 pm 1169751006
You could check out this link for an on-line pet drugstore: http://www.1800petmeds.com/pgroup.asp?LV=246&PG=Previcox
You don't necessarily have to buy from them, but you could use the pricing info you get from the site and negotiate with your vet for a lower price on the meds. No, your vet won't be happy about it. But if you need some encouragement, see Jeffrey's recent post about not being afraid to ask for a lower price.
I negotiated a lower price for my dog's Sentinel with my vet. After hearing him rant about on-line drug stores while I stayed calm, he finally agreed to match the internet price.
Also, regarding the food, if the food you are giving your dog now is sold from the vet's office you may want to look around to see if there is a comparable brand available from a pet supply store at a lower price. [It is entirely possible that your vet has a financial interest in pushing a particular brand.]
Finally, I am so glad to hear your pooch is doing so much better!
January 25th, 2007 at 06:58 pm 1169751510
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January 31st, 2007 at 04:04 pm 1170259464