WSVN — Many of us have pets in our homes, but most of us don’t know that everyday items in our houses can be hazardous to them. In tonight’s Money Monday, we show you some of the biggest hazards to your pet and your wallet.
Dogs will eat anything and a whole cheese knife might be the extreme, but if your dog gets a hold of something it shouldn’t, it’s going to cost you.
Dr. Michael Fleck, Veterinarian: “They can be very expensive. It depends on how severe the problem is when you take it to the Veterinarian.”
Dr. Michael Fleck has been treating animals for more than 35 years. He said it’s worth taking some steps around your home to keep your pets and your wallet safe.
Dr. Michael Fleck: “The major one that I see in my practice is where the pet gets into the garbage.”
Pet Expert Charlotte Reed saw this with her pets. Her trick? A trash can that locks.
Another big hazard you probably have in your purse right now: chewing gum.
Charlotte Reed: “Whether it’s sugarless gum or not, you want to make sure you don’t drop it.” If your pet eats it, it requires an emergency trip to the vet, which can cost nearly $200.”
Your bathroom is also full of dangers.
Charlotte Reed: “You don’t want to have your soap so that your pet can actually take it off and chew it up because this will cost money because he’ll have a stomach irritation.”
Bath toys are a major hazard.
Charlotte Reed: “A pet can swallow this and then of course cost you thousands of dollars worth of surgery.”
Even clothing items can be a danger.
Charlotte Reed: “One of the most commonly chewed items is a pair of pantyhose.”
Dr. Michael Fleck: “You’re talking a minimum of $150- $200 just for that basic of a kind of treatment.”
A lot of breaks and back problems can happen in the bedroom too.
Charlotte Reed: “They might jump down in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, and they break their leg.”
So have pet steps available for your pet.
Dr. Michael Fleck: “The average cost of a pet, medically, is around $611.”
The key to not adding to that already pricey vet bill is pet-proofing your home and checking for these hazards.
Charlotte Reed: “If you get pet safe, you’ll save lots of money and have less visits to the doctor.”
For more pet saving tips from Charlotte, go to: www.charlottereed.com/index.html or www.amcofbradenton.com/aboutamc.html