The random lost socks you were looking for probably weren't stolen by a dryer monster. The new toy you or your child saved up to buy and then suddenly can't find anywhere doesn't end up on an island of mismatched toys. There's a good chance your pet mistook it for a treat.
In other words, don't be too surprised. Pets have been known to eat poop and jump on the counter for a bite of your late-night sandwich.
If your puppy or kitten decides they want to munch on something they shouldn't, it can end up costing you a pretty penny. Veterinarian blog Preventative Vet estimates the cost of emergency treatment, and the numbers may surprise you.
Money.com has a breakdown of some of these costs.
- ER visits range from $100 to $200
- Blood test $80 – $100
- X-rays – from about $150
- Ultrasound – up to $600
- Hospitalization – $600 – $3500
- Emergency surgery – up to $5,000
Owning a pet isn't cheap, so try to reduce the number of strange things your pet can eat. It's easier said than done, but it's a wise investment in today's economy. Not only will you have to pay the vet's fees, but you'll also be losing out on everything the vet was feeding you.
Check out this list of items that your cute, cuddly, and precious pet will often eat.
- socks – You could chalk this up to kids hiding dirty laundry or the dryer monster coming back to haunt you. You may not realize it's a dog until some are missing.
- Ribbon – Cats love to play with nostalgic ribbons from Christmas presents, but that can cause big problems for your kitty.
- earphone – Listen to your favorite song for one minute. Then you have a hard time finding one or both of your expensive pet treats.
- razor blade – Avoid these under any circumstances, especially if pets or children are present.
- toy – Understood. Playing with toys is fun, but if your pet becomes bored or distracted, the toy will be thrown out and can become a problem for your pet.
- Hearing aids – This is a big problem. Not only will you likely end up in the emergency room, you may also have to replace your expensive hearing aids.
- hair band – I can't find it when I need it, and I wonder why. What started out as a tool to keep hair out of your eyes, turned into a pet toy, and then a snack that's a pain to swallow or give away.
Please be careful with your pets and belongings.
Pets people in Wyoming want to keep
Oregon Trail Pet Cemetery outside Casper
Just outside of Casper is the final resting place for beloved pets. Unlike Stephen King's story, they don't come back. But time is regaining its ground. The tombstone is sinking into the ground again. Artemisia and weeds have overtaken some of the stones, but the names still peek out, reminding me of the pets I no longer have.
Gallery credit: Bill Schwamle
