Over the past several years, just about everyone has felt the effects of the economic crunch that’s been happening world-wide. We’ve all had to find ways to cut corners and save some money to continue to make ends meet. While caring for your pet should always be a top priority, the good news is there are some ways that you can cut costs and still provide your animal companion with a happy, healthy life. Below, a Woodland vet shares some simple ways to care for your pet on a budget.
Keep Up with Wellness Care – Routine wellness visits provide the cornerstone to a lifetime of good health for your pet. And while dishing out money each year to your Woodland vet may seem like an expense, it’s likely to save you a lot of money in the long run because wellness visits allow for the early detection of any potential medical concerns so they can be addressed before they become a costly problem. Prevention is always cheaper than treatment.
Stay Up to Date with Vaccinations – Along with annual wellness visits, making sure that your pet is always up to date on any necessary vaccinations can help prevent a number of dangerous and costly illnesses and diseases.
Diet and Exercise – Make sure your pet is fed a nutritious diet as recommended by your Woodland vet. If you can’t afford quality pet food, there are plenty of recipes to make your own pet food at home. You should also make sure your pet receives adequate exercise. Obesity is a growing problem among companion animals and can cause a variety of costly medical complications if not properly managed. Keeping your pet fit can help prevent this.
Clean Your Pet’s Teeth – Good dental hygiene plays a critical role in keeping your pet happy and healthy. Dental disease is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in adult cats and dogs, and can wreak havoc on your pet’s entire body. You can prevent this by practicing home brushing and bringing your pet to your Woodland vet once a year for routine dental care.
DIY Grooming – Keeping your pet clean is important, but hiring a professional groomer can be expensive. Consider doing some of the work at home, such as bathing and nail trimming. If you’re unsure, speak with your Woodland vet. He or she can provide tips, techniques and demonstrations to help you feel more comfortable about the experience.
Caring for a pet on a budget is possible, if you know which areas to focus on. In many instances, prevention is the key to keeping costs down, because managing your pet’s ongoing health is much less expensive than dealing with medical conditions after they’ve already progressed. By following these tips and working closely with your Woodland vet, you’ll be able to keep your pet happy and healthy without breaking the bank.