For many pet owners and their pets, money is no object. But expenses like food, grooming, routine vet care, toys and kenneling can add up quickly, making it difficult for budget conscious pet owners to afford their shaggy partners.
According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, the average annual cost of keeping a dog exceeds $1,200. For frugal pet owners who want to provide the best possible care to their furry friends while keeping costs low, here are five tips:
1.Stay on top of your dog’s medical needs.
Some owners may attempt to cut costs by visiting the veterinarian less often, but this may cost more in the long run. Routine check-ups can catch minor problems before they become major health issues. If check-ups or vaccinations are out of your budget, look out for clinics, where vets will vaccinate or spay and neuter pets at reduced costs.
2. Take care of your dog’s mouth.
Teeth cleanings at the vet are very costly and can be avoided completely if pet owners choose to take oral care into their own hands by brushing their dogs’ teeth. If a dog’s teeth are healthy, oral care probiotics such as Teddy’s Pride (www.myteddyspride.com) are a good substitution to brushing to offer fresh breath and whiter, cleaner teeth. Pet owners simply sprinkle the odorless, tasteless probiotics on their dog’s food once a day.
3. Buy in bulk.
Buying large amounts of pet food at once can help you save, not only on the food itself, but also on the gas needed to get to the store. Just be sure to purchase a high-quality dog food, as poor nutrition can negatively affect your dog’s health.
4. Groom your pet at home.
Grooming expenses can add up quickly. Trimming nails and washing pets yourself can lead to big savings each month. Just be sure to do your research first to avoid mistakes that could be detrimental to your pet’s health.
5. Treat common ailments, yourself.
You may want to talk to your vet to develop the best treatment plan for your specific pet for fleas, ticks and heartworms. This will also require a bit of research, but it will be much less expensive to order the treatment yourself than to consult a vet for each individual ailment.
For more information, visit www.teddyspride.com.
