Having a curious little puppy at home is a source of hilarity most of the time. If your pooch is one of the many dogs who like to gnaw on everything and anything they can get their teeth on, they can be a point of stress, too.
The good news is that most puppies grow out of their insatiable desire to chew on your stuff. But until then, their habit of getting into things may result in a rush trip to the vet.
Are You Dealing with an Emergency Right Now?
Fido swallows your stash of chocolate whole, or you see them bite at a hornet’s nest. With your pup’s life on the line, you don’t think twice about rushing them to the vet — even if it’s after hours.
In most cases, your quick thinking will save your dog’s life. Unfortunately, urgent vet care comes at a steep cost. You’ll pay even more if you have to take them in after hours or on a holiday.
Handling these unexpected vet expenses is easier when you set up an emergency fund. But hindsight is 20/20; if you don’t realize the importance of an emergency fund until after a pet emergency, you might have to look for other ways to pay your bill.
If you’re just shy of what you need, you can visit a lender like Fora to learn about how to apply for a line of credit. If approved, you can draw against your line of credit to cover your expense. With your billing statement due roughly a month later, you have time to go on a strict budget and save money for this bill.
You may reduce what you draw against your line of credit by talking with your vet. Some sympathetic vets are willing to arrange a financing plan that defers your payment or breaks up your bill into several installments.
Preventative Measures: Avoiding a Pet Emergency
By all means, build an emergency fund and learn more about a line of credit. These safety nets are tremendous support systems in a stressful situation. But wouldn’t it be better if you could keep these safety nets on the back burner? Follow these tips to reduce the risk of your dog eating something they shouldn’t.
Know the Human Food Your Dog Cannot Eat
While Fido will try their hardest to convince you to share your all meals, you should be careful with what you give them. Check out this list of dog-safe human food.
Meanwhile, avoid the following foods:
- Alcohol
- Almonds
- Avocado
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
- Garlic and Onions
- Grapes and Raisins
- Macadamia Nuts
- Walnuts
Don’t Bring These Plants into Your Home
Most cat owners know to be wary of the plants they grow in their homes. But dog owners should share their caution. Many popular plants and flowers are toxic to dogs:
- Aloe
- Begonia
- Bird of Paradise
- Calla Lily
- Daffodil
- Dahlia
- Daisy
- Dieffenbachia
- Lily of the Valley
- Peace Lily
- Umbrella Tree
Keep Problematic Items Locked Away
It may be unrealistic to remove all problematic foods and plants from your home. So, be sensible. If you have a green thumb, move all your plants to the top of cupboards and bookshelves where your dog can’t reach.
As for food, don’t leave anything out on your counters. You should also move all your food to the top cupboards. Some dogs are smart enough to open the bottom cupboards with their noses, so putting food out of reach will foil even the wiliest pup.
Follow the same rules for cleaning supplies. Move your laundry detergents, air fresheners, and cleaning solutions somewhere your dog can’t access.
Subtle changes to your lifestyle can protect your dog’s life and your budget!