How much do you have saved up for emergencies?

[JUJUBEE]

Hey everyone, this is my first post.

I've been doing a lot of research for a few months and read about the possible health problems these Frenchies could get.

I've decided I would get a frenchie puppy from a reputable breeder in the future. I'm 22 now and the last family dog we had was when I was 11.

I just want to have an idea of how much money you Frenchie owners have put aside for emergencies?

I also want to have an idea of having a dog insurance and other costs like routine checkups. I've read that it's significantly higher, especially on this type of breed and their age.

I know it varies greatly per country, but I'm in the UK and getting advice first hand from owners would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[Squishy Walnuts]

Welcome!! I don't have pet insurance but I know a lot of people on this forum do. I find pet insurance is way too expensive here in Ontario, Canada and I'd rather put money aside for any emergency vet bills. I put aside $40/month, which is half of what I was quoted for pet insurance for Wally my Frenchie. I'd rather keep the money than give them to an insurance company but that's just my personal preference. I hate buying any insurance I'm not legally obligated to have.

 

[hannah]

Hi there! Welcome to the forum. We have pet insurance for both our frenchies. Here in Canada it is $50 per dog so we spend $100/month.
When we are at a point when a big issue wouldn't put us out financially then we will not have insurance.
At this point in time we are not financially able to self insure so we have the policies!
Your right, it probably is different in the UK... I would do some research and get some quotes with every pet insurance company you are able to purchase and then you will be able to make a decision.
Ours covers up to $7,500 annually for each dog.

My friend didn't have her frenchie covered and he had to undergo surgery on his nares for a breathing issue. It ran her about $3,000.
She has since purchased insurance, but since she got the policy when the dog was almost 2 years old, it has exclusions on the policy because insurance doesn't cover pre existing conditions.
So if you do plan on getting it, it's good to get when they are puppies so there will be no exclusions!

If you have any other questions feel free to ask

 

[Alice Kable]

Hello and welcome to FBN. We insure ourselves and so far have been $$$$$ ahead by doing that. Pet care is part of our emergency fund!

 

[2bullymama]

:welcome3: to FBN

We have a credit card that is used ONLY for the pups emergencies..... when we use it, it is usually paid off when the bill comes in

 

[hannah]

:welcome3: to FBN

We have a credit card that is used ONLY for the pups emergencies..... when we use it, it is usually paid off when the bill comes in

That's a great idea!

 

[Chiana]

Frenchies are great companion dogs, but like any other animal with known possible health concerns, these costs must be considered before getting a puppy.

My advise for getting a Frenchie is that you should not struggle with purchase cost to get a puppy from a good breeder. The initial purchase cost is just the start what it takes to take good care of an animal. Frenchies are unfortunately prone to some health issues that can be rather costly to accommodate. Selecting a good breeder is a good place to start

We have an insurance, but in my country it is reasonably priced.
For sudden emergency costs, once an ear infection treatment was 1000eur in a week. Tail pocket infection treatment 1500eur at one go. But as all Frenchie lovers, we do everything for our little guys and their wellbeing.
For us, the insurance has been a financial life savior.

But on a finer side...having a Frenchie in our life is not all about medical bills. Those varies individually, just like with us humans.
These little guys are such a characters, I wouldn't change for anything

 

[MaplesMommy]

Welcome!! I don't have pet insurance but I know a lot of people on this forum do. I find pet insurance is way too expensive here in Ontario, Canada and I'd rather put money aside for any emergency vet bills. I put aside $40/month, which is half of what I was quoted for pet insurance for Wally my Frenchie. I'd rather keep the money than give them to an insurance company but that's just my personal preference. I hate buying any insurance I'm not legally obligated to have.

Thats how I do it,too

 

[WeeDex]

Hi there! Very good idea to ask this question, as so many don't do any research and then can't cope when the costs start coming in.

I'm in the UK so can give you an idea of our costs. We got Dexter at the start of July 2015.

Our insurance is an inclusive, ongoing post 12 months policy. So any ongoing issue in year 1 would be covered next year as long as we renew the policy. This costs £49 a month, with us paying the excess, plus 10% towards any treatments. This will pay upto £18, 000 a year.

We have a vet plan, that costs us £10 a month, and covers his worming & flea treatments, plus discounts on booster shots, neutering etc. And checks with the nurse during the year.

Dexter developed allergies at 3 months old, and has been in the vets more than once a month since August 2015. Sometimes weekly. Our bills have totalled over £1800 since then. We have been able to claim a lot of this back, but have to pay upfront then wait for the payment which takes weeks.

Next week he's being neutered and having nare surgery, plus exploring a lump that has developed on his head. It will be approx £250, depending on what needs done at the time. If the lump is problematic then who knows what the bill would be.

It's hard to put costs on the rest of the things that have gone along with all this - he's constantly on piriton so we buy that, have spent a lot on foods that he couldn't eat, shampoos that didn't help, a new vacuum to help with his dust mite allergy - I've no idea how much we've spent on all that.

I hope this doesn't sound like I'm trying to put you off! Dexter is just THE BEST!! We love him to bits and I can't imagine not having him! It's so much fun.

My advice would be to take out the best insurance you can afford, because in the long run it really pays to have it. Our premium will go up soooo much in June I'm dreading it, but worth it to have the little monster with us!

Hope this helps

 

[Jakeyjake]

Welcome to the forum! How great that you are considering the cost of owning a frenchie long term before actually getting one.
Frenchies are great companions and you will most definitely enjoy owning one. I would recommend the pet insurance in your circumstances, then you don't have to worry about whether you have saved enough money in the event of an emergency or surgery.
Good luck in your search!

 

[JUJUBEE]

Thanks guys, this has been very insiteful.

I know the my situations aren't the best for having a dog yet, but it's never too early to plan!

 

[butters]

Frenchies are great companion dogs, but like any other animal with known possible health concerns, these costs must be considered before getting a puppy.



My advise for getting a Frenchie is that you should not struggle with purchase cost to get a puppy from a good breeder. The initial purchase cost is just the start what it takes to take good care of an animal. Frenchies are unfortunately prone to some health issues that can be rather costly to accommodate. Selecting a good breeder is a good place to start :smile:

Frenchies are health NIGHTMARES if you don’t know what you’re doing. Basically everything we love about them is detrimental to their health. Their flat smashed faces make breathing problems pretty bad, they can overheat if they’re outside for too long because the shape of their throats and extra soft pallete tissue, more than 2 out of every 3 have hip or elbow dysplasia and skin issues, eye problems, on and on and on…

Here are some important things that will help you find a healthy frenchie:
1) check the bulldog club of America to make sure your breeder has an active membership. No membership doesn’t always mean shady but this will weed out most bad actors because of the ongoing requirements for breeders to stay enrolled.
2) IMPORTANT get documentation that your dog’s hips, elbows, knees are ok. I’ll include the link for more info they might have something you can print and take to your breeder but basically your breeder needs to guarantee your dog’s knees, elbows, etc. are healthy and this piece of paper does it
3) Also get paperwork for the eyes. Frenchie’s have notoriously bad eye problems and the organization is called CERF. I’ll include it at the bottom for you too.
4) As soon as you get your pup home take it to a respected breeder to check its health. Don’t trust your breeder’s vet paperwork. Not saying it’s false but always double check and if there’s any issues call your breeder stat.
5) Get educated on the unique health issues and special health requirements of frenchies. Assuming you followed the steps before this one you’ve got a healthy dog and with a good pet insurance plan you’re looking at maybe $50 per month or $600 per year to make sure that most of your future vet bills for accidents and illneses are covered
6) Compare and read reviews about the plans you’re interested in. Don’t even look at an accident plan or wellness plan without any comprehensive coverage. These dogs have so many hereditary health problems that all of them need pet insurance and full coverage too.
7) Before enrolling, check with your vet, talk to other frenchie owners online and also in person at meetups, ask around but get insured asap so the providers legally can’t raise your premiums or deny you because your dog had a documented health issue. As soon as that happens you’re going to pay a lot more and no companies will cover an existing condition.

Here are links to the French bulldog club, links to the eye and orthopedic certificates I mentioned, akc page talking about French bulldog health stuff and a tool I found helpful to compare the top pet insurance plans side by side. PM me or reply to this thread if you have any questions and I’ll try my best to help. Good luck :relaxed:

French Bull Dog Club of America
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
French Bulldog Health & Care Information - American Kennel Club
https://www.petinsuranceu.com/compare-pet-insurance/