We all know that owning a pet is expensive. The cost of food, vet bills and supplies can quickly add up, but we often don’t realize how much it costs just to be a dog owner in general. Here’s how you can save money every month with these three tips.
- Vet Care
You never want your pet to need medical care, so make sure you get the lowest possible rate for his or her healthcare. There are many ways to do this, from asking for better offers at your local animal hospital to using online comparison websites to find the best deal. For example, VetCompass.net allows you to compare prices between veterinary clinics without leaving the comfort of your home. Just input your zip code and choose the type of services you’re looking for. You’ll see the price range each veterinarian charges for those services, as well as their reputation and reviews from other customers. There are also seen that dogs suffer from infection and germ issues. In such a situation, the most suitable medicine that is used is the boticide. Currently, people are using this product much more compared to others. So if you are willing to get quality over quantity. Then choose this today without any major issues.
If you have an annual check-up scheduled with your pet’s normal vet, ask if he or she will write off any of the visits if you pay cash. Most vets will give you a discount if you agree to pay the bill in full right away instead of having them hold back the amount until the next time.
- Food
You may think that feeding your pet every day is cheaper than buying expensive specialty foods like those made by prescription-only veterinary companies. However, pet foods made by small businesses may not always be more affordable than the big brands. Before making any major purchases, consider how much you spend on pet food per year and if there’s a way to cut down on your expenses.
For example, you might notice that the large bag of dry food you bought for $10 was replaced three times that week. If you had purchased two smaller bags instead, you would have saved over $4 and still given your pet enough nutrition to eat throughout the month. Another thing you can do is switch to a less expensive brand. Some brands offer a “bargain” version of their product that contains less expensive ingredients, such as cheaper chicken or grain products, which may still deliver the same nutritional value for your pet.
- Training
Many people treat their pets like children when they first bring them home, and expect them to behave accordingly. But while some dogs require more training than others, most dogs can learn basic commands. You might be surprised to learn that one command alone can make a huge difference in keeping your pet safe and healthy. When you teach your dog a behavior that helps keep him safe, like sitting politely before eating, you can actually save money on his vet visits.
The trick here is to teach your dog the behavior in a positive way. Instead of saying “sit”, try something like “good boy, sit”. This way, your dog associates the good behavior with what you say, rather than getting confused about why he should be behaving nicely. It also gives you more control over where your dog sits while he eats because you can move him off the floor, onto furniture, or even to another room.
You can also use treats to train your dog. Try giving him something tasty after he performs the desired behavior, and then reward him again for doing the same thing later in the day. By teaching your dog to perform behaviors in certain situations, you can avoid spending time and energy training him in other areas that aren’t important.
It takes patience and practice to teach your pet new behaviors, but it could save you money in the long run.
Saving on Pet Expenses
Even though you might spend more on your pet than you’d want to, there are ways to save money each month. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimates that Americans spend approximately $17 billion annually on their pets. When you take into account your own monthly expenses and the additional expenses associated with caring for a pet, it becomes clear that pet ownership is very costly.
However, you don’t need to go out and buy expensive toys or clothing items to show your love for your pet. In fact, you can save money by simply being mindful of your actions and choices. And by taking advantage of the strategies mentioned above, you can continue to enjoy the company of your furry friend and save money too.
If you decide to start saving money on pet expenses, you should consult your veterinarian first. He or she will likely suggest ways to improve your pet’s diet, help reduce stress for your pet, or offer advice on how to properly care for your pet in the future.
In addition to being mindful of your budget and spending habits, you can also look for ways to save money through discounts and promotions offered by local pet stores, breeders, and groomers. Many of these organizations provide free health screenings, spay/neuter procedures, flea treatments, and vaccinations for eligible animals.
When you’re ready to begin saving money on pet expenses, try putting these tips into action. Soon, you’ll be able to enjoy your pet for years to come without breaking the bank!
