With the significant increase in the cost of living, we know that people are looking for ways to save money. The good news is that with a little planning, you can save money on pet care while ensuring your pets stay healthy.
Don’t overfeed your pet
Overfeeding is the most common mistake pet owners make. Not only does overfeeding cost you more in food cost, but the extra weight can lead to serious (and expensive!) health consequences for your pet. According to the US Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 44% of dogs and 57% of cats are overweight or obese, leading to an increased risk for diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and various forms of cancer. It’s best to weigh your pet’s food vs. just using a measuring cup, that way, you can give them the perfect amount to keep them at a healthy weight.
Care for your pet’s teeth
Pets suffer from the same dental problems as people and should have their teeth brushed regularly – that’s why MV Vet gives our clients free pet toothbrushes! Dental disease can cause infections, loss of teeth and even organ damage. After weight control, the most important thing a pet owner can do to increase the quality of their pet’s life is brush their pet’s teeth, but only 10% of owners do so on a daily basis.
Keep up with annual examinations and vaccinations
Just like regular maintenance on a vehicle helps you avoid costly fixes down the road, annual exams and vaccines will help keep your pets healthy. Early detection of diseases and conditions can save you thousands of dollars in veterinary bills.
Consider pet insurance
If you avoid pet check-ups or feel anxious each time you visit the Vet because of cost, pet insurance can help you sleep at night. Further, if something serious does happen to your pet, your decisions can be based on ‘what is best for my pet’ vs. ‘what can I afford.’
Exercise with your pet
On an average weekday, it is estimated that pet owners spend less than half an hour playing and exercising with their pets. We spend three times more watching TV and surfing the internet. Exercising and playing with your pets will keep them healthy and happy, reducing visits to the Vet.
Feed quality pet food
Let food be thy medicine! When money is tight, it can be hard to resist the huge bag of cheap food available at the grocery store or feeding your pet human leftovers, but some of the most common reasons for vet visits include vomiting and diarrhea, due largely in part to poor diet and food. Veterinary diets cost more, but when you examine them on a cost-per-meal basis and nutritional quality, good food makes financial sense. Plus, most veterinary food manufacturers offer guarantees on their food, so if your pet doesn’t like it or if it upsets their tummy, you can return it.
Invest in quality toys
Don’t buy cheap, easy-to-shred pet toys. Either you’ll constantly be replacing them, or worse, your pet may end up needing emergency intestinal surgery to remove a foreign body. Spend a little more money on strong rubber toys that can be filled with treats for hours of chew time.
~ The MV Vet Team
Source: https://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/features/how-to-save-money-on-vet-bills-by-keeping-your-pet-healthy
Source: https://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/2477-lower-vet-bills-ernie-ward
Source: https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/pets/a41894833/money-saving-tips-pet-ownership/