One of our dogs has just had a litter of 12 pups (Pure bred Fox Red Labrador's if anyone is interested!!
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I had the bitch and one of the pups at the vet for suspected mastitis in the bitch and concerns of not feeding for the pupper. Everything was fine with the bitch but got antibiotics for the pup. £92.
By the time the pups leave us the vets fees will be over £500. So yea, not cheap.
I pay £15 a month for each of our dogs to be on the vets pet plan. This covers a health check up twice a year, flea tick and worming treatments, claw clipping as necessary. Not bad value I dont think.
Vets are expensive. Pet ownership is expensive. But when I need the vet to save one of my dogs lives or significantly improve it through diagnostics and treatment, any cost will be heavily offset by the happiness and wellbeing of my dogs.
I liken it to a tradesperson coming into your home to fix a leak in your shower. 10 minute fix and a charge of £100 (for example).
You're not paying £100 for 10 minutes of work, you're paying £100 for years and years of experience and learning to enable that person to come and do their job or you.