With the economy being in the state it is, due to multiple factors, households across the country have to make cutbacks – just to make ends meet. With the seemingly endless increases in food and gas prices, it is understandable that many families need to cut out luxury buys.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that your pet is a luxury, they are not – they are part of the family and should be treated as such. There are five simple ways for you to spend less on your pet without it affecting their quality of life.
1. Homemade Treats
Pet treats can cost a fortune, and those costs will quickly add up until you think you can’t afford to keep your pet anymore. Instead of letting your financial woes escalate to such extreme solutions, start making cuts to your spending habits.
One way to save a significant amount of money each month is to make their treats at home instead of buying expensive pet shop versions. There are more than enough recipes available online with ingredients you probably already have in the grocery cupboard.
2. Groom Your Pet At Home
Instead of paying a small fortune to have your pet professionally groomed, you can learn to do it yourself at home. Start by brushing your pet daily after a run, which limits their shedding, and bring it down to a manageable level.
By grooming your pet yourself, you will also notice changes to their bodies that might require veterinary assistance. Not only will early detection save your pet’s life, but it will also save you loads of money in emergency vet bills.
3. Practice Good Dental Hygiene
By brushing your dog or cat’s teeth daily, you will significantly protect them against mouth and tooth infections that can wreak havoc on their systems if not treated.
Not only will brushing your pet’s teeth help to prevent bad breath, but it will also keep your pet healthier for longer. Some pet insurance policies cover dental cleaning, so keep that in mind when searching for pet insurance for smaller budgets.
4. Buy Fewer Toys
Pets have varying levels of intelligence, and no matter how smart you think your dog is – he will never notice if you hide an old toy and bring it out a few weeks later, pretending that it’s new.
Dog chew toys can cost an arm and a leg, especially for the good quality ones that are made from safe ingredients. Be creative with ways to make toys for your dog, they’ll be just as happy with a homemade toy as they are with an expensive store-bought one.
5. Don’t Skip Vaccinations
As pricey as they may seem, and as tough as your financial situation gets – you should never skip vaccinations for your beloved pet. Those vaccinations may not seem like much but they will make all the difference in the world when it comes to keeping your pet safe against those viruses and diseases.