10 Cost Cutting Ways to Save Money at the Vet:
1. Good Nutrition
As humans we know that the quality of our health is directly tied to proper nutrition and the same is true for pets. Spend a little more for healthier food, treats and supplements and reap the reward of longer, healthier lives for your pets.
2. Regular Exercise & Healthy Weight
This one builds on good nutrition. Make sure pets have adequate opportunity for exercise to help them stay at a healthy weight and avoid expensive weight-related complications (diabetes, osteoarthritis, etc.).
3. Puppy and kitten proof your home.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so make sure that your pet’s home environment is safe for puppies and dogs of any age. Begin at the source by cutting your dog or cat off from any potential hazards. Pick up any small objects, put away cleaning supplies and other toxic chemicals, and secure loose cords and wires. Fences/safety gates also help keep pets out of trouble.
4. Good Home Dental Care
Brushing your pets teeth goes far beyond a pearly white smile. Good dental care prevents expensive cleanings or worse–the devastating and costly medical complications caused by poor oral health. A dental cleaning with extractions and oral surgery can sometimes cost up to $1000.00!
5. Grooming
Nail trims and keeping your pet’s coat shorter can help prevent injuries and infection that could end up costing you more in the long run. Some of these you can do from home (which save you money) but even letting the professionals help you out when you need it will help your pet stay safe and healthy.
6. Regular Wellness Exams
Do you know the saying that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?” This is true with pets as well. Preventative medicine allows your pet a regular examination for lumps, bumps, heart and lung issues and any intestinal problems that can occur. Trust us, the cost of this exam is well worth the savings if it can provide early detection and avoids major issues down the road.
7. Vaccinations
This one is a no-brainer: make sure your pets have the right vaccines on schedule to prevent a host of dangerous and costly diseases and medical conditions.
8. Leashes/Microchips
It’s extremely important to make sure pets are safely contained when not in the home. Make sure your pet is microchipped and the information is up to date, as collars and tags can fall off! There is a potential your pet can get away from you and lost, stolen, hit by a vehicle, get into altercations with other animals and otherwise hurt. A microchip or a $10 leash or pet carrier could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in medical bills, stress and loss.
9. Parasite Prevention
Know what’s more expensive than flea and tick prevention? Having your home fumigated after a flea infestation. Ditto for treating Lyme disease and disgusting internal worms.
10. Spaying/Neutering
Who doesn’t need to wake up 12 kittens in the laundry room? You don’t! Making sure your pet is spayed or neutered ensures they won’t bring home any expensive surprises–or contribute to the homeless pet population. Spaying and neutering also can completely prevent several health conditions such as testicular cancer and pyometra. Bob Barker was right.
Remember, a proactive approach to pet care and taking steps early to treat and prevent disease will save you huge amounts of money….and possible heart ache as well.
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