While dogs are Man’s best friend, cats and other pets are just as loved by their owners. Whether you have a smaller pet or a bigger one, they are always in need of attention and care that can sadly cost you a lot, especially if they get sick. Here are some easy tips and tricks that you can follow to help you save money while taking great care of your little ball of furs, feathers or scales.
Save on Food
Food is just as important to pets as it is for us. While buying the cheapest food may seem like the easiest option when on a low budget, it is not the best alternative. It is mandatory to give your little friend’s quality food to make sure they stay healthy. However, you can save a lot on their food by buying in larger quantities and look on manufacturers websites for coupons and special offers.
It is also a good idea to monitor your pet’s eating habits. Give them the same portion every day at the same time, so that they get use to a certain eating schedule and they do not over or under eat. Make sure to check with either the veterinary or a specialist at your local pet shop what portion you should give.
Make Your Own Toys
Dog and cat are usually very playful animals, and they love toys. To prevent them from playing with your furniture or other household items, make sure to provide toys for them. Instead of spending money on store-bought items, you can easily make your own toys for your furry friend. Look online to find easy ideas on how to make a new toy for them quickly. For example, you can cut old clothing into strips and braid them together to create a toy for your dog, and cats are easily amused by shoe laces and feathers.
Grooming You Pet at Home
Instead of taking your pet to a groomer, you can save a lot by doing simple maintenance yourself. You need to take the time to take care of your pet, as there are some things that they cannot do on their own. Take the time to brush your animal’s fur and learn how to safely cut their claws yourself.
It is also very important to brush your cat or dog’s teeth. Be sure to buy toothpaste made specifically for your animal and brush their teeth on a week, to prevent the development of many diseases and therefore veterinary expenses.
Taking Care of Your Pet’s Health
It is very important to closely watch your pet’s health closely, and a lot of that can be done from the comfort of your home. It is a very smart idea to prevent sickness and infection by applying a flea, tick and worm treatment to your pet every month. Of course the treatments are not free, but it is much more cost-effective to prevent than to have to pay for a bigger treatment or surgery if your pet contracts something. There are still some things that you will not be able to do yourself, and it is important that at least once a year you bring your pet to the veterinary to make sure that they are in perfect health.
Make Sure You Are Ready
Before adopting a pet, make sure that you are aware of the costs your decision will bring along. Pets need to be looked after and you should not adopt one if you are not able to provide a loving home for them.