| g for our beloved pets need not be expensive. Even | | | | be done only every three years instead of annually, so |
| with the rising costs of goods and the economic slump, | | | | as to prevent over-vaccination. |
| we still want to pamper our pets one way or | | | | Shop Around |
| another—but in less costly means. There are | | | | In times of economic slump, it’s time to bargain |
| many ways to save on pet care; it’s just a | | | | hunt and find lesser priced products and supplies for |
| matter of resourcefulness. | | | | your pet including pet food, medications, and vet. Pet |
| Do the Grooming Yourself | | | | superstores do not necessarily charge the cheapest |
| To lessen the trip to your pet doctor in urbane scrubs, | | | | prices available. Scour the internet for discounts or go |
| take care of the needs of your pets in matters of | | | | around your neighborhood and compare prices. |
| hygiene and health. Preventive care is a lot less | | | | Mom-and-pop pet shops may be offering lower prices |
| expensive than special treatment. A simple task you | | | | than big chain pet stores. For pet medicines, the |
| can do on your own is brushing your pet’s | | | | internet is a great place to hunt for discounted |
| teeth regularly. This will go a long way to saving you a | | | | products. When comparing prices, make sure that the |
| lot of money since a vet dental-cleaning, can cost as | | | | dosage and quantity are the same before your buy |
| much as $200 per visit. Other pet maintenance that | | | | the product. You may also want to consider hunting |
| you can learn to do on your own is trimming your | | | | for a less costly veterinarian. Routine visits to the vet |
| pet’s claws and brushing their coat regularly. | | | | average from $150 to $210 a year. Going with a less |
| You can ask your vet about the proper way to trim | | | | costly vet does not mean that you have to sacrifice |
| your pet’s claws and other proper pet | | | | quality. Some of the big and popular pet clinics are |
| grooming. Regularly brushing your pet’s coat will | | | | more expensive because of their image and what |
| significantly reduce grooming costs. If you have a pet | | | | they spend on marketing, but less pricey clinics may |
| cat, regularly brushing its fur will lessen its hairballs. For | | | | just provide the same quality of service, if not better. |
| dog owners, you can ask your vet how to properly | | | | Compare the prices of the services by checking out |
| clean your dog’s ears to prevent ear infection. | | | | what routine visits cover. |
| Reduce Trips to the Vet | | | | Choose Necessity Over Fashion |
| You can ask your veterinarian if annual vaccinations | | | | Resist the urge of buying pet accessories that are not |
| are really necessary, and if there is a possibility to | | | | really necessary or are simply fashionable. Fancy pet |
| reduce the number of times you have to get your pet | | | | clothes, carry bags, and lavish pet gifts are completely |
| vaccinated. The American Animal Hospital Association | | | | unnecessary, not to mention, expensive. Giving your |
| changed its recommendation of core vaccinations to | | | | pet quality time and playtime is a lot more invaluable. |