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Low Budget Pet Care
By Patricia Heller
Providing for pets in a struggling economy does require some creativity. Here are some simple things to help lower the expenses:
Change the Way You Shop
Purchase large bags of dry food and store in airtight canisters (keep product information). Buy canned foods by the case. Split your large order with a friend. Try different brands of cat litter as an inexpensive variety may work for you. Shop discount stores for toys, collars and bedding.
Do it Yourself
Learn to brush, bathe and trim your pet’s nails. You may be able to reduce visits to your groomer. Brushing your dog or cat’s teeth (using animal-specific tooth paste) can lessen the need for veterinary dental visits.
Minimize Accidents
Keeping your cat indoors will completely eliminate encounters with wildlife, traffic, and other pets and will lessen exposure to disease, parasites and poisonous substances, such as antifreeze. Keeping your dog on a leash or in a fenced yard will afford him the same protection.
Spay and Neuter
If providing for one pet is difficult, allowing a pet to breed is just multiplying the problem. There are several low/cost spay and neuter options available in our area. Contact the Potter League today for a list of clinics and financial aid possibilities.
Keep Your Pets at Their Best
Health is no accident. People who watch what they eat, exercise regularly and get routine medical exams, are the most likely to remain healthy. They are also better equipped to deal with illness if it strikes. The same goes for animals, so create a healthy lifestyle for your pets:
Don’t Let Your Pet Get Overweight
Resist the temptation to feed lots of treats or people food. Overweight animals, particularly dogs and cats, are more likely to develop serious and costly health issues such as diabetes, arthritis and cancers.
Provide Daily Exercise
Take your dog walking at least once a day. Play fetch or throw a Frisbee. Create a doggie play group with some friends and schedule regular play sessions in your yards or at a park. Playing with your felines will provide great exercise. Save money by creating homemade toys. Try a cardboard box with holes cut into it, a string with some feathers tied at one end, or my favorite, some fresh catnip wrapped in a sock. Bunnies, small mammals and birds all remain healthier with some regular physical and mental stimulation.
While you might want to cut down on medical bills, routine visits to your veterinarian are worth the cost. Animals age much faster than people and a lot of physical changes take place in a year. Add to that the fact that animals cannot tell you how they are feeling and you will understand why wellness exams are so important. Your veterinarian provides preventative care and intercepts potential health problems before they become expensive and heartbreaking situations.
There are more things you can do to keep medical costs down. When choosing a veterinarian, shop around. Fees can vary from one practice to another. Ask about discounts for seniors and multiple pets and special promotions such as Dental Health Month (February). Although yearly exams are crucial, some vaccinations need only be given every 2 to 3 years. Again, ask your veterinarian. And, if your pet requires a prescription drug, find out if it can be obtained at a pharmacy as a generic brand. Once you establish a relationship with a veterinary practice, you may be allowed some flexibility if you ever need a payment plan for an unexpected expense.
Consider Pet Health Insurance
Compare rates and coverage. Depending upon the company, policies can cover everything from preventative care and common health problems to catastrophic illness. If insurance is out of the question, start a pet emergency fund. Putting aside just a few dollars a month will give you some peace of mind in the event of an emergency. Finally, when it comes to treating a seriously ill animal, be realistic. Discuss all the options with your doctor and decide what is best for both you and your pet.
Choose the Adoption Option
If you are looking for a new pet, check with your local animal shelter. Many shelters have animals already spayed or neutered, trained, and up to date on their vaccinations. It’s a great place to start your search for a perfect pet.
Patricia Heller
Patricia is Director of Outreach and Development for The Potter League for Animals, a full service animal shelter located at 87 Oliphant Lane in Middletown, Rhode Island.
They have a large selection of dogs, cats and small animals for adoption.
The Potter League also offers volunteer programs, obedience classes, pet loss support meetings, humane education and much more.
Feel free to contact Pat at 401 846-8276. You may also visit www.potterleague.org.
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