'Greying' pet population a financial headache to owners

[dArKeR]

It is not only British people who are living longer thanks to better lifestyles and medical advances -- the country also has a growing army of "grey pets" who are costing their owners increasing sums in vets' bills.

According to the survey by an insurance company, many dogs and cats are now living well into their teens, thanks to better awareness among owners about keeping the animals fit, and developments in medical technology.

Of vets surveyed, 94 percent said they could treat more animal illnesses than a decade ago, while diagnostic tests such as ultrasound helped them detect cancer, arthritis and kidney and heart failure earlier.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20050610/wl_uk_afp/britainanimalspets

[CrispyQ]

1. This shot was taken 3 years ago, but

Bad Charlie will be 22 in a couple of months. Yep, he's an '83 model. He's doing great -- a little arthritis, but other than that, no problems. He's been receiving subcutaneous fluids for about 3 years & I think it's made a huge difference.

Got him at a pet store, before I was educated about pet stores. The clerk told me, "I'm so glad you picked him. Some woman had him for 2 weeks & brought him back. She said he meows too much."

He is the most vocal cat I've ever known!






For those interested, info on sub-q's: http://www.felinecrf.com/managb.htm

[Warpy]

2. The average age a well cared for, neutered, indoor cat can expect

is 17. The record is about double that. Dogs can reasonably expect about 12 to 14, depending on the breed. Having our companiions live into their teens isn't new. Diagnosing their illnesses when they get there and having treatments for them is.

My tomcat is 15, and he's a total teddy bear. I'll miss him when he goes. However, he's now reached the age when I will go for comfort, not longevity. He'll tell me when he's had enough and he's ready to move on.

[Sugarbleus]

3. High vet bills is why we cannot own a pet... =o(

I don't believe in keeping a pet that I cannot keep well...so, being in the ranks of the poverty class, I cannot enjoy the company of a loving pet. That really sucks...:(

[Stepup2]

4. It does suck.

Everything about poverty does.

However, my hats off to you for thinking about the well being of a pet and yourself before taking on the responsibility.

[Sugarbleus]

5. Thank you. I do take it seriously.

I adore animals and I pass my philosophy along to my family members. A pet is a family member, you can't just get one, get bored and then ignore it/dump it. Owning a pet is a responsibility to the animal and to others; it's a life time committment.

I will rescue stray animals to help them if I see one. I'll take it to a shelter for adoption; but I never go after a pet to keep for myself since I cannot afford the animal the best treatment it deserves.

:hug:

[China_cat]

6. Have you thought of fostering?

In our area the SPCA has a foster program that tries to keep as many animals as possible from euthanasia. They provide all medical care, you provide food and love.

It's how we plan to have animals around when ours go. We have a household full of aging pets. Five cats, all over 15...one 20. Four dogs, the youngest of who is about 10.

[Sugarbleus]

7. You know, I believe I've heard of that ...what a neat idea

A few years ago I was discussing a wild cat we found with another woman in the pet store. She mentioned there was a foster program for stray animals etc.

GREAT IDEA...I totally forgot about that. :thumbsup: