5 Smart Ways to Save Money on Pet Costs
By Ashley Watson
Pet Naturals has just come out with a new line of Daily Best products, including daily multi-vitamins for Kittens, Puppies, Senior Dogs, and XL Dogs. This made us start thinking about how pets have different health needs as they age, and all the ways that preventive healthcare can actually save money on pet costs in the long run.
From vet visits to vaccines and monthly food costs, pets can be expensive. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about how to save money on pets. Some suggestions we found on the web could even be dangerous to your pet. That’s why we wanted to put together a list of safe and smart ways to save money as a pet owner, focusing on preventive care for your dog or cat.
Here are five suggestions for meeting your pet’s needs without breaking the bank:
1. Go for Quality
When buying food for your pet, be sure to look for quality in terms of nutrition and ingredients. For cats and dogs, look for canned food with high moisture content and a high percentage of protein (check out our post on reasons to feed your cat wet food). If you are buying dry food, try to get a food with fewer carbs. Check out the label to ensure that the food is made with quality ingredients and without fillers. Compare the different brands if you want to make sure you are getting a cost-effective pet food, and you can always ask someone at the pet food store or your vet for recommendations.
Buy in bulk when available. Ask your local pet food store if they will order a case of your pet’s favorite food. This prevents frequent trips to the store, and some stores even offer a case discount. Even if it’s a little more expensive, getting the higher quality food will pay off in terms of preventive health for your pet.
2. Don’t Forget About Vaccines and Hygiene
In addition to high quality food, there are plenty of ways to provide preventive healthcare for your pet. Make sure your pet has all the necessary vaccines, and of course, spaying and neutering pets also prevents the spread of disease. Dogs are highly susceptible to heartworms, so it is important to give your dog heartworm medication. Grooming your pet can save money at the groomer’s, as well as help you check for fleas and ticks.
Dental hygiene is also an important part of maintaining your pet’s health, for both cats and dogs. Ask your vet how often you should schedule dental cleanings. You can also buy products that help clean their teeth and freshen breath. Check out our line of Oral Health products for dogs and cats, along with our Smelly Cat and Scoot Bars for dogs.
3. Exercise and Play
Regular exercise is important for both dogs and cats. This can help support cardiovascular health, along with joint mobility and comfort as they age. While it’s easy to get your dog outside for a walk or run, indoor cats are slightly more challenging when encouraging exercise. Playing with your cat will help provide opportunities for regular exercise. A little catnip can also put more spring in their step!
4. Weight Management
Exercise, a proper diet, and keeping and eye on your pet’s weight will help ensure that they stay within the recommended weight range for their size and breed. Your vet will also keep an eye on your pet’s weight, which is another reason it’s important to schedule regular visits for both cats and dogs. You can also supplement overall weight management with food and treats formulated for overweight pets. We recommend K9 Slim Down to help support weight management and weight loss in overweight dogs.
5. Schedule Regular Visits to the Vet
This is perhaps one of the most important ways to save on medical costs for pets. Regular visits help your vet catch any problems early on, which helps prevent emergency vet costs and expensive treatments. If you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior or digestive problems, it’s important to take your dog or cat to the vet as soon as you can. Cats and dogs are both susceptible to bladder and GI issues that can be easily treated if they are detected early.
What are some of the ways you help cut down on pet care costs? Share your tips with us on our Facebook page.