I've been debating for a while now whether or not to have Maya microchipped. On the one hand, she's a completely indoor dog who never goes anywhere without me, so when would she ever get lost? On the other hand, someone could always break in, or maintenance could accidentally let her out, or there could be a fire or other disaster and we get separated, or..... I realized that even if none of these things ever happen (and I hope they don't), there's always the possibility that she could get lost. And yes, she has a collar and tags, but what if they fall off?
So I called my vet to inquire about pricing. They charge $89, but they do all the paperwork for you. This seemed a little steep to me, but since it was my first call, I guess it could be in line with other vets. I then called the local animal control. They charge $20, but you have to do the paperwork. So basically my vet is charging me $69 to fill out a form? Wow. My final call went to a vet recommended by a friend. This is actually where Maya was spayed and where I had been considering making her permanent vet. They charge $30. I was amazed at the differences in prices for the exact same product. A $10 difference seems perfectly reasonable, but charging three times as much?!?!
Anyways, I made an appointment and Maya got microchipped today. She doesn't particularly like the vet, so she hid under my chair at first. She eventually ventured out, and she let the vet play with her and check her out, but she did not like that big needle. She turned her head so quick when the vet inserted it that I thought she was going to snap at her. But a second later it was over and we were heading home.
I know that if Maya ever gets lost a microchip won't guarantee her safe return, but it gives her another chance to make it home. I just think of it as a tag that can't fall off, and that means a little peace of mind.
Showing posts with label Vet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vet. Show all posts
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Pet Insurance
With Maya's recent injury (and the crazy vet bills associated with it), I decided I should probably look into getting some pet insurance. This is something that I had never considered before. I barely have insurance; why should I get some for a dog? Well, now I know.
If you've ever looked into getting insurance for yourself, you know how time-consuming it can be. Luckily, it's a little easier finding something for a pet. While it did take a couple of hours, I think I found the right one for us. I opted for "Accident Only" coverage. I figure I can take care of her regular appointments and vaccinations, etc; I just need a little help in case another 4-digit bill comes my way.
One thing I didn't count on was a broken leg being considered a pre-existing condition. I knew things like diabetes and hip dysplasia would be considered pre-existing conditions, but a broken leg? So basically, if she breaks any leg in the next 12 months, it won't be covered. While I'm hoping she never breaks one again, I was also hoping if she did, I'd have some coverage. Oh well.
If you've ever looked into getting insurance for yourself, you know how time-consuming it can be. Luckily, it's a little easier finding something for a pet. While it did take a couple of hours, I think I found the right one for us. I opted for "Accident Only" coverage. I figure I can take care of her regular appointments and vaccinations, etc; I just need a little help in case another 4-digit bill comes my way.
One thing I didn't count on was a broken leg being considered a pre-existing condition. I knew things like diabetes and hip dysplasia would be considered pre-existing conditions, but a broken leg? So basically, if she breaks any leg in the next 12 months, it won't be covered. While I'm hoping she never breaks one again, I was also hoping if she did, I'd have some coverage. Oh well.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Broken Puppy
Well, it finally happened -- I broke my puppy. :(
Ok, so I didn't actually break her, but I feel bad anyways. When I left home on Thursday morning, she was perfectly fine. When I came home that afternoon, she wasn't. She stays in her kennel when I'm gone and will run out when when I open her door, running circles around the living room and practically jumping into my arms. On this particular day, I opened the door, and she walked out very slowly. Then I noticed she was limping. I checked her over, but couldn't find anything wrong with her.
We ended up at the vet's office where x-rays showed a break in her rear leg. She came home with a cast that day and had surgery the following afternoon. She slept a lot the first couple of days, but is getting back to her normal self.
Through it all, Maya has been a trooper. When I found out her leg was actually broken, I was amazed that she hadn't cried at all. She even let me (and the vet) touch and manipulate her leg without so much as a whimper. She was putting weight on it by Saturday, and today I've already had to stop her from running and jumping.
She looks pretty pathetic with her shaved leg and cone head, almost like she's ashamed. I wouldn't want to embarrass her even more by posting a picture, so here's one with her little cast.
Ok, so I didn't actually break her, but I feel bad anyways. When I left home on Thursday morning, she was perfectly fine. When I came home that afternoon, she wasn't. She stays in her kennel when I'm gone and will run out when when I open her door, running circles around the living room and practically jumping into my arms. On this particular day, I opened the door, and she walked out very slowly. Then I noticed she was limping. I checked her over, but couldn't find anything wrong with her.
We ended up at the vet's office where x-rays showed a break in her rear leg. She came home with a cast that day and had surgery the following afternoon. She slept a lot the first couple of days, but is getting back to her normal self.
Through it all, Maya has been a trooper. When I found out her leg was actually broken, I was amazed that she hadn't cried at all. She even let me (and the vet) touch and manipulate her leg without so much as a whimper. She was putting weight on it by Saturday, and today I've already had to stop her from running and jumping.
She looks pretty pathetic with her shaved leg and cone head, almost like she's ashamed. I wouldn't want to embarrass her even more by posting a picture, so here's one with her little cast.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Update
Well, I talked to the vet earlier this evening and Maya is doing great (insert sigh of relief here). She'll be home tomorrow. I can pick her up anytime after 7:30 am, but I'll probably sleep in.....I'll probably pick her up around 8:00 am. :)
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Getting Ready....
So tomorrow is the big day -- Maya is getting fixed. I know it's for the best, but I can't help but worry. Part of me thinks it's evil to keep her from ever becoming a mommy, but another part of me thinks it's even more evil to let her become a mommy and then take her babies away.
I know she doesn't know what's going on, and that worries me too. I know that she's going to cry when I leave her at the vet's because she'll think I'm leaving her. The vet will be keeping her overnight, so leaving her bed and favorite toys with her will only add to this belief. I also know that she will cry at night. She hasn't spent a night away from me since I got her, so I'm not positive as to how she will react, but something just tells me she's going to cry.
And then there's the night before, tonight. She can't eat or drink after 8:00 pm. She never eats all her food at once; she's more of a grazer. I was worried that she's eat some of her food early, and then be starving at 8:30 or something like that and that I wouldn't be able to give her anything. But for some reason, she gobbled up most of her dinner tonight in one sitting.
Maybe this is a good sign; a sign that I'm just worrying too much. I hope so. Anyways, I'll write an update on her tomorrow.
I know she doesn't know what's going on, and that worries me too. I know that she's going to cry when I leave her at the vet's because she'll think I'm leaving her. The vet will be keeping her overnight, so leaving her bed and favorite toys with her will only add to this belief. I also know that she will cry at night. She hasn't spent a night away from me since I got her, so I'm not positive as to how she will react, but something just tells me she's going to cry.
And then there's the night before, tonight. She can't eat or drink after 8:00 pm. She never eats all her food at once; she's more of a grazer. I was worried that she's eat some of her food early, and then be starving at 8:30 or something like that and that I wouldn't be able to give her anything. But for some reason, she gobbled up most of her dinner tonight in one sitting.
Maybe this is a good sign; a sign that I'm just worrying too much. I hope so. Anyways, I'll write an update on her tomorrow.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Vet Visit
The puppy now has a name, Maya. :)
Maya had her first vet visit today, and the vet says she's a healthy little girl. I talked to him about her not eating, and he gave me a few tips to entice her. His first suggestion is mixing the dry food with some wet food. That worked like a charm. She smelled the wet stuff and started chowing down. That girl can eat!!
Maya had her first vet visit today, and the vet says she's a healthy little girl. I talked to him about her not eating, and he gave me a few tips to entice her. His first suggestion is mixing the dry food with some wet food. That worked like a charm. She smelled the wet stuff and started chowing down. That girl can eat!!
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