Economy Impacts Pets and Hypnotists

Here are a couple pieces I found on some of the impact our struggling economy is having on people:

• Pet owners skipping vet visits as economy sinks -- As the country slips further into an economic tailspin, with unemployment rates at the highest in more than a decade, pet owners are trying to give their dog or cat the best care they can on a more limited budget. For some, it’s a matter of simply cutting out the extras by buying fewer treats and doing more grooming at home. But some veterinarians say they’re seeing some pet owners skimping on preventive care by skipping checkups and even cutting back on some medications — which cuts costs, but could be putting their pet at risk.

• A Hypnotic Answer to Financial Angst -- Hypnosis has been used for years to help clients quit smoking, lose weight or sleep better. But recently there has been a surge of business from people who want help dealing with the stress of market turmoil, according to Dwight Damon, president of the National Guild of Hypnotists. The guild has more than 12,000 members.

Cue the creepy music now...

Comments

[Miss M]

I think I'm singlehandedly keeping our vet in business right now. I've spent several thousand in the last month for a series of routine visits and several not so routine issues. I've noticed fewer people in the waiting room and no problem getting same day appointments, I already guessed that people were cutting back on vet care.

[Jen]

I would never skimp on necessary care, but after my last annual visit for three dogs cost over $400, I won't be doing routine annual visits any more. Shots (rabies and DHPPV) are now good for three years. I don't need to have a heartworm test done on them annually when I am religious about giving them their preventative medication every month. I buy heartworm and flea medication online for a huge savings.

I have to wonder if vets aren't shooting themselves in the foot. At my vet, a routine office visit costs $58. Not including any medicines, procedures, etc. When I took all three in, I got a small discount off the visit cost, but it was still $58 plus $44 plus $44. For just seeing the vet. We were there maybe 40 minutes. I know running a practice costs money, and I really like my vet, but I still feel like I'm being held upside down and shaken.