While you would never sacrifice the well-being or happiness of your pet to save money, it sure would be nice to save a little cash here and there. Below, your vet in Crown Point, IN tells you about a few great ways to save yourself money without slighting your pet in the least.
Preventative Care Techniques
Preventative medicine is more effective—and far cheaper—than treating an illness or infection after the fact. Keep your pet’s vaccinations updated to protect against dangerous and/or contagious diseases, and make sure he or she is wearing year-round preventive medicines against fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and parasitic worms. Treating these issues will be costly later, so avoid them initially with preventative techniques.
Spaying and Neutering
Spaying and neutering is about more than controlling the homeless pet population. It will actually save you money in the long run, because pets who have had the procedure performed are at a minimal risk for genital cancer, breast and prostate cancers, and even more common issues like urinary tract infections. Dealing with these problems will be costly and worrisome down the road!
Grooming at Home
The majority of pets just need regular brushing and the occasional bath—using a pet-specific specialized shampoo, of course—to remain well-groomed. You can save yourself money by performing most of your pet’s grooming right in the comfort of your own home. Of course, if your pet has specific grooming requirements or a troublesome coat, you’re welcome to seek the services of a professional stylist.
Use Portion Control
Proper portion control is essential for keeping your pet healthy, and it also saves you money. By giving your pet too much food, you’re contributing to obesity, which will be time-consuming and costly to correct later in life. Plus, you’re wasting kibble and will have to buy more food more often! Ask your veterinarian to give you specifics on the proper portion size for your pet.
Skip the Extras
Let’s face it—your pet doesn’t really care if they’re wearing a name-brand parka or the latest high-fashion pet perfume. Expensive novelties like these are fun every once in a while, but they only waste money if you overdo it. Keep extras relegated to the realm of holiday gifts or the very occasional indulgence.
Want more helpful tips for saving money on pet care while keeping your animal companion healthy? Call your Crown Point, IN animal hospital.