How to save money at the vet

Anyone who has spent enough time with hunting dogs knows they share one undeniable trait: They’re expensive. If you haven't yet felt the financial strain of managing your hunting dog’s health, it's only a matter of time before you do.

Anyone who has spent enough time with hunting dogs knows they share one undeniable trait: They’re expensive. If you haven't yet felt the financial strain of managing your hunting dog’s health, it's only a matter of time before you do.

From gear and performance food to GPS collars and emergency vet visits, there are countless ways to spend your hard-earned money on your hunting dog. And that list doesn't even include gear, shells, gas, or hunting licenses.

First, let's clear up a common misconception: veterinarians are not just in it for the money. While I’m sure there are a few nefarious players out there, generally speaking we’re genuinely interested in helping your hunting dog while staying within your budget. It's true that we didn't pursue this career to live on ramen for another decade, veterinarians earn significantly less than our counterparts in human medicine despite similar educational investments. Our passion lies in helping animals and their owners, which brings a unique satisfaction that isn't measured in dollars.

1. Train Your Dog for Vet Visits

One of the simplest ways to save money at the vet is to properly desensitize your bird dog from a young age to the experiences they will encounter during a visit. I'm not impressed by the number of titles Rocco has if he can't handle a nail trim or requires multiple technicians to administer a vaccine. Training your dog to accept routine checks of their feet, mouth, ears, eyes—and yes, private parts—is essential.

Incorporate these checks into your regular training sessions. Teaching your dog that these examinations are normal parts of life can prevent costly interventions down the road. If your dog is difficult to handle, it might require sedation, which adds significantly to your bill. While sedation is sometimes necessary, routine procedures like nail trims shouldn't require it. Most bird dog owners already do an excellent job of this training, but it's always worth emphasizing its importance.

2. Build, Buy, and USE a dedicated Field First Aid Kit

In my experience, most routine field emergencies can be managed with a level head and a loaded first aid kit. I’m a big fan of both the field and truck kits built by Dr. Maples of Paradigm Sporting Dog because they’re stocked with the right supplies for addressing anything you’d encounter with dog while hunting.

Any issue—from a cut, scrape, exertion, or a porcupine tangle—that you can tackle in the field potentially saves you the time and expense of a vet visit.

However, none of the carefully curated materials in these kits carry any value unless you learn how to use them. Keep an eye out for an in-person canine first aid course near you. A little hands-on training, even if it costs you a couple hundred bucks, will more than pay for itself in a single avoided veterinary visit for something you can now handle on your own.

3. Compare Medication Prices

Many common pet medications have generic options and can be purchased from online retailers. Nearly all states require veterinarians to provide a written prescription if you want to fill it elsewhere. Some vets may not love that I’m sharing this advice, mostly because it digs into one of the last high-markup profit centers left in the clinic. But the writing’s on the wall, and online pharmacies have poured millions into market share that’s destined to evaporate this revenue stream from veterinary practices anyway. You might as well take advantage of the changing tide.

Consider your stance on supporting local businesses versus larger online pharmacies, and remember the convenience of obtaining medications directly from your vet, especially when dealing with an illness. Additionally, the support you get from your vet regarding these medications can also be worth the markup, as human pharmacists might not be as knowledgeable about how the medications they’re selling to hunting dog owners work in canine patients. 

A practical approach might be to purchase initial doses from your vet while fine-tuning the dosage, then switch to a cheaper pharmacy for long-term needs. Most vets will understand if financial constraints lead you to seek more affordable options. Again, selling you a prescription for your hunting dog is not part of our retirement plan.

4. Consider Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is a frequent topic among bird dog owners. Deciding whether it's worth the cost depends on your risk tolerance and financial situation. A severe injury or illness can quickly become a significant financial burden, sometimes forcing owners to choose between debt and euthanasia.

Generally, pet insurance companies are straightforward to work with. Vets get paid, you get reimbursed quickly, and your dog can receive the best possible care without the immediate financial strain. If I weren't a vet, I would definitely have insurance for my dogs, even though we've been fortunate to avoid major issues so far.

5. DIY Care and Wellness Plans

People's comfort levels with handling medical tasks for their dogs vary widely. I've seen an elderly nurse calmly join me during an emergency and a burly man faint at the sight of a needle. Know your limits and be honest about your abilities. That said, a canine field first aid course could be a smart investment in the event of an emergency. With experience, you may be able to triage a field injury or tackle a minor situation without paying to get a vet involved. 

An annual exam is essential to discuss your dog's specific vaccination needs, but you can also save money by administering boosters at home. While I strongly recommend having a vet give the initial puppy vaccines, administering boosters yourself (except for rabies, which a vet must give) can be a cost-effective approach. Ensure you follow proper protocols to maintain safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. It won’t do its job if its

If DIY isn't your style, many vet practices offer wellness plans that bundle exams and immunizations at a reduced rate. Committing to these plans can save you money over time.

I’m One of You

Owning a bird dog comes with unavoidable expenses, even for veterinarians. I've invested heavily in my education and shoulder significant student debt, all for a modest employee discount on vet bills. As a fellow bird hunter and dog owner, I'm here to share these tips to help you manage the costs of keeping your hunting companion healthy and running strong.