Things You'll Need:
- Pet
- toothbrush
- pet toothpaste
- Quality feed
- Safe Toys
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Step 1
Feed your pet only appropriate feed and the appropriate amount. This will save money on wasted calories that go to fat production and negatively affect the health of your pet. Higher quality feeds typically do not have to be fed in larger quantities to obtain adequate nutrition.
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Step 2
Exercise! Most activities that provide exercise to your pet are free or require very minimal accessories. You may need leashes, harnesses, or collars for walking outside. You may also need toys such as balls or laser pointers for exercise indoors. Not only will this help to keep your pet healthy, but it will also help to decrease destructive behavior. Some destructive behaviors can lead to expensive emergency visits.
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Step 3
Don't skimp on preventative care. Physical exams and preventative medicines (heartworm, flea, tick, and intestinal parasite prevention) are critical for avoiding more costly treatments and illnesses. Routine dental cleanings (floating or beak trimming for other species) are a fraction of the cost of multiple extractions or metabolic disorders due to inability to eat appropriately.
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Step 4
For dogs and cats, brush their teeth or use an at-home dental diet or treat. While daily use is best, using these products a few times a week can greatly slow the progression of plaque and tartar and decrease how often your pet should get a dental cleaning. They are not to be used instead of a dental cleaning, as this may lead to more costly extractions in the future.
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Step 5
Take advantage of referral and multiple pet discounts. Ask the veterinary office staff about discounts for referring others to their hospital. Be sure those you refer list you on their new client forms. If you have multiple pets with the same practice, you may get a discount, although this is sometimes dependent on bringing them in at the same time.
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Step 6
Buy preventatives and chronic medications in bulk. Some products will have mail-in rebates for buying a years worth at a time. Medications have a dispensing fee (regardless of whether purchased online or at your veterinarian). Typically, this fee is the same whether you buy 1 month or 3, so buy as much as you can at a time to reduce the number of times you are charged this fee per year.
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Step 7
Programs and packages have their place. New puppies and kittens need multiple visits, vaccines, dewormers, and tests throughout their first year of life. Add to this their injuries while learning that not everyone wants to play with them, falls from uncoordinated attempts to climb, and illnesses while their immune system grows, and you have many additional trips to the veterinarian. Elderly animals will develop new lumps and bumps, be more likely to need dental cleanings every 6 months to a year, and need blood work to monitor their condition or screen for illnesses.
