Local dog owner, Saige Hansen and her boyfriend, Josh Luchenski, attempt to play tug-of-war with nine-year-old purebred chihuahua, Louis (back) and three-year-old blue chihuahua, Winston (front).
For many pet owners, having to dig deep into their pockets or having to say goodbye to their furry little friend, is a harsh reality.
Saige Hansen, pet owner of a Louis, nine-year-old purebred chihuahua and Winston, a three-year-old partially hairless blue chihuahua said she was caught in an uncomfortable situation when she felt guilted into dental procedures that would leave her with hefty vet bills.
Winston and Louis have both experienced health concerns, including severe weight loss, arthritis and periodontal disease.
Both Louis and Winston had been diagnosed with periodontal disease. Louis is considered a severe case, while Winston’s case has just begun.
Hansen had been told in order to reverse Louis’ periodontal disease; he would need six to eight teeth pulled. This surgery would cost her just over $3,000.
That cost included only the pulling of the teeth. She said it was going to cost hundreds more to get the cleaning he desperately needed as well.
Hansen said she felt stressed and panicked because she knew she wouldn’t be able to afford the procedure.
“It was hard to hear the price because I know I couldn’t afford it. I also knew that the disease would come back and I’d probably have to pay in the future to have more teeth pulled,” she said.
According to the Dog Time website, the best way to fight periodontal disease is to prevent it with proper diet, being responsible about what you allow your dog to chew and maintaining proper oral hygiene.
Back in 2017, Alberta government introduced legislation that required veterinarians to communicate with clients about their fees before procedures are completed. The legislation also allowed vets to publish fees for the public to refer to.
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One vet commented to say only about five per cent of pet owners within the southern Alberta have pet insurance.
Petsecure is one of the top Pet Insurance companies within Canada. They say Petsecure can give pet owners the peace of mind and comfort knowing various family finances are protect in case a pet needs vet case. Prices vary depending on the plan a pet owner chooses between $52 to $155 per month.
Hansen said she’s taken her dogs to various vets throughout Lethbridge and surrounding areas because she wasn’t happy with the treatment and prices of clinics.
Veterinary pricing throughout Alberta ranges drastically since the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association states veterinary practices are allowed to set their own fees. This is because veterinary clinics are private businesses and no government subsidies are involved.
According to the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, the money from services goes towards drugs and supplies, hospital equipment, office expenses, rent, wages and net income.
Hansen said she was aware most dogs would eventually need dental cleanings, but said she felt like the veterinarians were “shoving the prices down her throat” before evaluating her dog’s condition.
“They made me feel like I had to get the surgery, or my dog was going to die,” she said.
Hansen said she felt like the vet took advantage of her young age, lack of knowledge on the subject matter and guilted her into feeling like she was a bad pet owner if she didn’t go forward with the surgery.
“The bond between my dogs and I is so strong and I know that if they are in pain, they would like them know,” she added.
After reaching out to several veterinary clinics within Lethbridge and surrounding areas, no one agreed to comment on their reasoning for the respected clinic prices.
