New Year, New Pet Expenses

This is my bear!It’s unfortunate that due to the economic strain, people are having to give up their dogs and cats. While pets can be expensive, there are ways that you can reduce and even eliminate some common pet expenses.

Homemade Goodies
Dogs love treats, so why not make your own at home? There are many recipes you can find online to help you bake easy dog treats. If you are not the baking type of person, start your own garden of carrots or broccoli. Or you can pick apples from your apple tree, if you have one, because some fresh vegetables and fruits can make healthy snacks for your dog. Just be sure to do some research on your breed before giving them certain vegetables and fruits.

Grooming
When you take your dog or cat to a local groomer, you usually have to drive there twice because they might not be able to get to your pet for an hour or so. All of this driving back and forth wastes your gas and time. Instead of paying high grooming costs, bathe and clip your pet’s nails at home. There are inexpensive nail cutters out there that are easy to use, and you can use inexpensive shampoo as long as it’s gentle on skin.

When it comes to brushing your dog’s teeth, make your own doggy toothpaste. By brushing their teeth regularly, you will hopefully reduce your chances of having to pay for dental bills in the future.

Medicines
Prescription medicines can be expensive, but if you make some calls to local pharmacies, you might be able to find a lower price. You can also see if your veterinarian has any free samples or if you are eligible for any discounts.

Pet insurance can be helpful, but you need to read the fine print. Some procedures and illnesses are not covered, so you might be throwing away money that you can’t afford to.

Pet Extras
It’s natural to want to splurge and get your pet a toy, but they can be costly. Stop at garage sales and pick up some stuffed animals. You should remove the eyes and any other choking hazards from the stuffed toys and wash them. For cats, crumple up some paper or cut off a piece of string. Another costly item is pet beds, but you can create your own by using an old blanket or pillow.

Although most of these tips involve you doing things at home, you should still make sure your pet gets its annual veterinarian visit and proper exercise. Paying for a preventative checkup is worth it, and exercise as well as a proper diet enables pets to be healthy and balanced animals.

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  1. HART (1-800-HART)
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    (new PetLvr post ).. New Year, New Pet Expenses: It’s unfortunate that due to the econ.. http://tinyurl.com/8pmhs4

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