In a bad economy pet owners are looking for responsible ways to save money on pet care. Here are ten ways to save on pet care without causing stress to pets or yourself:
Prevention. Prevention is the best way to save money on pet care. It’s less expensive than treating illness, so schedule regular checkups to diagnose and treat health problems before they become worse. Prevention includes vaccines and flea and parasite control.
Neuter Pets. Neutering pets can prevent injuries from roaming and fighting. It also prevents uterine, ovarian and testicular cancer.
Proper Nutrition. Overfeeding pets will cost a pet owner more for food and disease treatment. Overfeeding pets leads to obesity which contributes to pet health problems. Proper nutrition in appropriate amounts will keep pets in better health, improve immune system function and avoid vet bills. Avoid inexpensive pet food high in fillers and byproducts that can contribute to or cause illness and disease such as feline urinary tract infections, kidney disease and diabetes. More about Pet Obesity More about Pet Nutrition
Tooth Brushing. Pet dental disease (tartar, gingivitis, loose or infected teeth) can lead to heart and kidney problems. Keeping pets teeth healthy will save money in the long run. Check with your vet regarding the proper steps for keeping pets teeth healthy.
Exercise. Make sure pets are getting adequate exercise to improve health, immune system health, cardio vascular health and reduce stress. More about Pet Exercise
Minimize accident risks. Keep cats inside and dogs on leashes or inside fenced areas to minimize the risk of accidents and fighting to avoid vet bills. Minimize the risk from poisonous foods, household chemicals, plants, medicines. Keep poisonous items beyond the reach of pets.
Pet Insurance. The cost of emergency vet care for accidents and serious illness is high. Consider investing in pet insurance especially if your pet is young and healthy.
Smart shopping. Use on-line pet food manufacturer and local store coupons. Take advantage of sales. Buy in bulk for items like pet food, grooming supplies, kitty litter, and toys. Comparison shop for food, medicine, grooming supplies and veterinarian care.
Veterinarian Clinics. Clinics are often less expensive than private vet practices for routine care and checkups
Outsource less pet care; do more yourself. Consider taking on more pet care such as bathing, grooming and walking. Learn to do these things yourself. Barter your own goods and services in exchange for pet care, grooming, sitting or supplies.
Home - General Information
Your pet will thrive if you can provide him with a predictable, calm and safe home environment and schedule.
Pets like a predictable schedule. It is best for your pet if you can maintain the same schedule for their walks or exercise periods and meals. If you give them a treat after grooming them, they will expect this every time. The ability to predict these events lowers your pet’s stress.
Pets also have social needs. Dogs are pack animals, and many birds are pair-bonded or live in the wild in large flocks. Even a cat (who can be a bit of a loner) still needs regular attention from you. Part of creating a stress-free home environment includes addressing your animal’s social needs.
If you are
gone for long periods of time, your pet may become
lonely so pay attention to your animal when you are home. Sometimes this can be as simple as making space for them in
the rooms where you spend the most time. Put a dog bed down in
your family room. Encourage your cat to lie in your lap while you watch TV or read a book. Bring the bird cage into the room where you read your newspaper or chat with your family.
Consider how to prevent your pets from being lonely and to keep your pets stimulated while you are away. You may need to hire a pet sitter
or a dog walker,
buy a companion animal, buy special toys that make your pets play for food, or even leave out stuffed animals or a t-shirt that smells like you. It’s up to you to see that your pet remains stimulated but safe whenever you are away for more than a few hours at a time.
And finally, don’t forget, even you can be a source of stress in your animal at home. Animals can feel your stress and are more sensitive to your moods than you would think. If you are anxious or angry, your pet is going to notice.
You can learn more about how to create a predictable, calm and safe environment for your pet in the appropriate pages of this web site.
Overfeeding pets leads to obesity which contributes to pet health problems. Proper nutrition in appropriate amounts will keep pets in better health, improve immune system function and avoid vet bills. Avoid inexpensive pet food high in fillers and byproducts that can contribute to or cause illness and disease such as feline urinary tract infections, kidney disease and diabetes. 
often less expensive than private vet practices for routine care and checkups
