As
responsible pet parents, we have an obligation to care for our furry friends in
sickness and in health. But as pet care costs rise, how do we do what’s best
for our pet? Here are a few tips to help you save money on your pet’s health
care.
Schedule
Regular Check-Ups
Don’t
skip your pet’s yearly exam. It’s much more expensive—and risky—to treat
illnesses than to protect against them. It’s also a good idea to shop
veterinary practices by comparing fees for preventative care.
Personalize
Your Pet’s Vaccines
Some
vaccines are optional, while others are essential in preventing serious
diseases. Never skip any shots required by local laws or mandatory for your
pet’s protection, but do talk to your vet about personalizing your pet’s
vaccine protocol.
Spay or
Neuter Your Pet
Spaying
or neutering your pet can save a lot of money by preventing serious health
problems, including uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers. Many local
shelters provide resources for low- or no-cost spay/neuter surgeries.
Brush
Your Pet’s Teeth
Dental
disease can lead to heart and kidney problems and expensive procedures. Start a
dental routine to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. Ask your veterinarian
what products to use and how often. Don’t use toothpaste made for people, which
contains fluoride and may irritate your pet's stomach. Visit our Dog Grooming Product page to
learn more.
Protect
Your Pet from Parasites
Flea
and tick infestations can cause a host of costly medical problems from minor
skin irritations to life-threatening blood loss. Stick with a topical flea and
tick solution to keep the critters at bay. Make sure to only use products as
directed. Never use a product intended for a dog on a cat.
Toss
the Cigarettes
Secondhand
smoke is no joke for pets—it can cause asthma, bronchitis, lymphoma and oral,
nasal and lung cancers. Quit now and you’ll save money on vet bills. At the
very least, avoid smoking around your pet.
Consider
Pet Health Insurance
If the
cost of an emergency veterinary visit or serious illness would be a financial
strain, consider investing in pet health insurance while your pet is healthy.
Be sure to read the fine print, though—not all plans are created equal.
Buy High-Quality
Pet Food
A good
quality pet food—formulated under the guidelines of the American Association of
Feed Control Officials—is often more cost-effective than a homemade diet. Avoid
overfeeding your pet, which can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Visit our
Groom
Your Pets at Home
Save
the price of a visit to your groomer with regular nail-trimmings and brushings.
It’s good for your pet, it will reduce the amount of hair floating around your
home, and your cats will have fewer hairballs.
