With the economy the way it is, we’re all watching where our dollars go. That goes for pet care, too. By focusing on prevention, you will keep your pet healthy and avoid expensive procedures without sacrificing Fluffy or Fido’s health.

Here are some tips:

• Keep pets fit and trim – Many pets we see are overweight, and that extra weight increases the chance of some serious health threats such as arthritis, diabetes, or cancer. To help maintain a normal weight on your pal (you know when you can feel the ribs on your dog, or see a waist line on your cat), make sure to measure your pet’s food (with an actual measuring cup – not a “coffee can”!), minimize the treats, and work in a daily exercise regimen.

• Do It Yourself - You can learn basic grooming at home, from bathing to nail trims. Don’t know how? Ask your groomer or vet how they do it and you can save some money! Also, learn to brush your pet’s teeth, or find the right chew toys to use to lengthen the time between potentially pricey cleanings.

• Buy Smart- You can still buy toys for Shadow or Sadie, but you don’t need to get designer clothes, collars or pillows. Also, when getting food or litter, buy in bulk to take advantage of the savings, and store the product in airtight containers.

• Work with your Vet- Ask your vet if Bowzer or Brenda need all the shots that they are recommending (but don’t stop going in at least once a year). Wellness exams can spot problems when they are smaller and usually easier to treat. And ask your veterinarian to write prescriptions for expensive medications that can be filled at wholesale places like Costco, or to prescribe the generic form when possible. Finally, take advantage of monthly specials that some veterinarians offer.

• Be Prepared- Pet insurance is growing in popularity because many people don’t want the cost of treating their four-legged friend to dictate whether they seek veterinary care or not. There are many different plans and options (I like Pets Best Insurance personally), so check them out before deciding.

I hope you all are weathering the financial storms we’re going through, and I wish all of you a happy and healthy holiday season, and all the best for 2009!

Til next time, Dr. Steve

User Rating: / 2
PoorBest