Pet owners forced to choose between heating and eating or caring for animals'

"Pet owners are being forced to make a terrible choice between heating and eating and whether to take their sick or injured pet to the vet for treatment, the UK's leading vet charity says. More than half (51 per cent) of people say they are worried about the cost of vet care, according to the PDSA"

"PDSA Animal Wellbeing PAW report, amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. One pet owner concerned about the rising costsis 37-year-old Laura Atherton. Ms Atherton has a disability and lives alone with her nine-year-old Bichon Frise named Poppy, who she described as her "whole world". Laura noticed Poppy wasn't acting like her normal self in the weeks before Christmas last year. She wouldn't urinate as often and she seemed distressed"

"and anxious, panting even when resting. She decided to take Poppy to the local private vet where they suspected the dog to have Cushing's disease - a condition caused by abnormally high levels of the hormone cortisol - which her breed is prone to. The disease is not normally curable but can be managed with lifelong medication and regular checkups."

Pet owners in the UK are being forced to choose between heating, food, and veterinary treatment amid the cost of living crisis. The PDSA Animal Wellbeing PAW report finds 51% of people worry about vet costs. One owner, 37-year-old Laura Atherton, lives alone with her nine-year-old Bichon Frise, Poppy. Poppy showed signs of illness such as reduced urination, distress, and excessive panting. A private vet suspected Cushing's disease, a lifelong condition manageable with medication and checkups. Financial strain complicates access to ongoing treatment and care for vulnerable pets.

Read at www.independent.co.uk