How to Provide Quality Pet Care and Spend Less
Make Caring for your Pets More Affordaable
Pets costs money and money is tight right now. Can you reduce your pet budget and still provide your pets with the things they need? These suggestions will help you keep your pet pals in the style they deserve.
Prevention is Important
Just like in humans, preventive health care is the key to avoiding dangerous and costly medical problems in pets. Make sure pets are up to date on vaccinations and spayed or neutered. You can find many of these services at low cost clinics that specialize in such routine preventative care.
When you use these clinics, however, physical exams are often not included. If possible, make at least one annual visit to the vet. He can examine your pet and look for any problems that may be arising. It is much less costly to treat a health problem in the early stages before it has advanced.
Keep your pets fit and trim. Monitor the amount of food they eat and limit the number of treats you give them. Make sure they get plenty of exercise as well. Obesity in animals contributes to many costly problems such as diabetes, joint troubles and cancer.
DIY
Learn to provide some of the basic services your pet needs. Discover how to trim your pet’s nails or give him a bath. Regular brushing and a little trimming prolongs the time between expensive visits to the groomer. If you brush your pet’s teeth yourself, it won’t be necessary to have them professionally cleaned as often.
Some people may find it more economical to make your pet’s food and treats. There are many simple recipes available online. When you become your pet’s personal chef, you know exactly what your pet is eating. You’ll be assured the food is fresh and has the nutrients you feel are important.
Now would be a good time to forego the dog walker, as well. Your dog loves spending time with you and going for walks together provides you both with needed exercise.
If you have sewing skills, try making your own pet bed or fashionable trimmings. Not only will you save money, your pet will have customized accessories.
Shop Wisely
If you choose to buy food, buy in bulk. Get the large bags of food and litter. It may cost more for the initial layout, but the unit cost is less and will save money in the end. If you feed canned food, get the large cans and store leftovers in the fridge. Buy at stores where you get discounts on case purchases. Take advantage of frequent buyer programs. Go online to your pet food company’s website, look for downloadable coupons, and check the papers for sales at stores near you.
If you can’t resist doggie fashions, take advantage of sales near the end of the season. If dog coats are marked 50% off in March, you can find the latest style and still get good use from it the rest of this winter and next.
Don’t cut toys out of the budget completely. Keeping your pet active and stimulated is important to its overall wellbeing. Chew toys for puppies are particularly important and certainly less expensive than replacing a pair of shoes.
Prevent Accidents
Make your pet’s safety a priority. If your pet is hit by a car or accidentally poisoned, it can cost thousands of dollars to save their lives. Unfortunately, many pet owners have been forced to have their pet euthanized because there was no possible way to pay for needed treatment.
Keep cats indoors to avoid communicable diseases and injuries and make sure dogs are always on a leash or in a fenced in area. Remove houseplants that are toxic to pets and secure items such as antifreeze, drain cleaners and other poisonous substances in a non-pet accessible location.
If you haven’t considered pet insurance before, this might be a good time to investigate the coverage. Even if you cannot afford the type that covers routine exams and office visits, for as little as $10 a month you can find policies that will pay in case of accidents or serious illnesses.
Times are tough, but don't sacrifice your pets wellbeing because of a tight economy. There are many ways to save money and still provide your pet the care it deserves. And remember, what your pet wants most – your love and attention - is free. Go ahead and spoil them…the right way.
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