Pets - Saving Money Tips

[jeffrey]

1. Before buying a pet, research how much it will cost to care for the pet. take into account the cost of food, medical expenses, toys, accessories, training and time.

2. Smaller pets such as mice and hamsters are much less expensive to keep than larger pets like dogs. The also require less attention.

3. Consider purchasing needed pet toys and equipment at garage sales or flea markets to get them a t a fraction of the price of new items.

4. Consider adopting a pet from the local animal shelter rather than purchasing from a pet store or breeder. They will be much less expensive and you are saving an animal's life in the process.

5. Apply for pet freebies. These are some of the most abundant on the Internet as companies try to win your business.

6. Join an Internet website or discussion group focused on the type of pet you have. These groups will give a wealth of knowledge and advice that will save you hundreds of dollars

7. Avoid buying pet food from your vet. It will be the most expensive purchasing it there. If your vet recommends a certain pet food brand, make note of it and try to find it someplace else.

8. Compare prices on pet food. Most brand names come with basically the same ingredients, but their prices can vary greatly. Comparison shopping can save you a significant amount of money.

9. Purchasing food in bulk when possible at warehouse and discount pet stores can save you money. Be sure to compare these prices against sales at local stores that can sometimes be even better.




10. Use coupons and search the Internet for special discounts and promotions on food and other items you need on a regular basis.

11. Consider making your own pet food. There are a number of books that have recipes you can find at your local library, or you can go online into many pet specific sites and discussion groups to learn how to do this.

12. Always feed your pet the correct amount of food Overfeeding pets is common which not only costs extra in terms of money for food, but also in health and vet costs.

13. Get the proper treatments, shots and vaccinations for your pet when they are recommended. Failing to do so will likely cost you hundreds of dollars in later medical expenses.

14. When pet ailments occur, take care of them right away to help prevent costlier treatment in the long run.

15. Get your common vaccinations at pet stores or animal welfare agencies instead of at your vet. They will usually be subsidised and cost much less at these venues.

16. Take the time to become familiar with common ailments for the type of pet you have and remedies for them. The Internet has a large amount of information, as well as your local library and online discussion groups.

17. Vet prices can vary quite dramatically. Take the time to call and compare local vet prices. Choosing your vet solely on the lowest prices, however, should be avoided. You want a vet that you can trust with your pet's life if an emergency situation does come about. The best way to find a trustworthy vet at a reasonable price is to ask your friends and neighbors who have pets.

18. If your pet is a former stray, let you vet know. Some give discounts when treating former stray animals.

19. Learn to groom your pet yourself. Your local library or the Internet will have information on how to properly groom your pet. Although certain pets need special grooming care, most pets you can groom yourself and save the expense of paying a professional.

20. If you have pets that you wash in your tub, invest a dollar or two in a simple rubber strainer. This will help keep your pipes from getting clogged and save you the expenses associated with unclogging them. It will also extend the life of your pipes.

21. Consider purchasing and installing pet doors. This will reduce the cost of heating your house in winter and cooling it in summer as you won't have to open and close the door for your pet each time he must go out.

[kathsew4u]

I also use the water after we get done with out baths. You dont have to use soap
Just using the water will clean them without danger of soap being left on their skin causing itching and hot spots.

Also making your own treats. A easy and fast treat is buying hot dogs on sale and slicing them the size of coins and then microwave them for 10 minutes and you now have jerky hot dog treats I still keep them in the frig just to be safe.

[amomof4]

Consider a pet (dog or cat) that doesn't need grooming such as a short-haired dog.

[PrincessPerky]

Does anyone know if cats need vegetables? The stray that visits eats leftover vegetables, but wont touch fruit. I just want to make sure I am not hurting her by letting her fill up on stuff she can't use?

[terry1156]

Don't feed cats (or dogs) onions. Very bad for them and they can die. Chocolate can also be lethal

[PrincessPerky]

Thanks. I knew about the chocolate and fortunatly have the same opinion of raw onions . (as in bad for me)

[amomof4]

My guess is that it won't hurt him. Can't say the same for my dogs. A lot of things give them gas. Yuck!

[amomof4]

Terry:

This is interesting. I never heard it before. Do you know why? Not that my dogs will eat it anyway. But I sure would be interested in the why's.

[terry1156]

Onions, shallots and chives all have chemicals in their make-up that damage red blood cells. This can cause "hemolytic anemia" or "Heinz body anemia" and eventual death. Raw onions can also cause ulcers and irritation of the mouth, esophagus and stomach. It seems the same effect occurs with garlic in cats so garlic should not be fed to them. Small amounts of garlic seem to be okay for dogs.

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which acts as both a diuretic and a cardiac stimulant. Although this does very little to humans, it does on dogs and cats and can lead to a number of problems including death

[loveofpets]

Originally Posted by PrincessPerky

Does anyone know if cats need vegetables? The stray that visits eats leftover vegetables, but wont touch fruit. I just want to make sure I am not hurting her by letting her fill up on stuff she can't use?

A cat's primary diet should be meat-based, not vegetable. Most cats don't like fruit, and if she's a stray, she's probably eating the vegetables just because she's hungry. While brand name pet foods are usually less expensive, they are also the equivalent of McDonald's every day. It's okay for pets every once in a while, and if that's what you can afford, so be it. The best foods for pets are all natural ones -- just as for people food, take the time to read the label on pet foods..you'd be surprised!

[sszippy]

I have a 14 week kitten and a 17 week kitten..Any advice on kitty food: Wet vs Dry and for how long?? It is getting VERY expensive

[loveofpets]

Kittens need to be on kitten food for at least the first 10 months of their lives - and preferably for the 1st year. During that time, their bodies continue to develop and grow the kitten food provides them with the nutrients their bodies need. I don't know what brand of food you are feeding your kittens, but the best options for their optimal health is not cheap - brands such as Max Cat, Natural Choice, Wellness, etc. all have the meat content that helps kittens and cats thrive. Your grocery store options are more grain filled and therefore don't provide felines with the optimal nutrients that help them thrive. And, in many cases, their stomachs can't digest these grocery store options as well, and the likelihood of them getting sick (vomiting) the food increases (speaking from experience). I went from grocery store brand to Max Cat and Natural choice - my cats love it and they are much healthier (lower vet bills) than they've been in a long time.

If you think just the food is expensive, I'm curious as to how you'll handle the vet bills (regular annual check ups, shots, ongoing care when they become elderly -- it's not cheap). I sure hope that you went into this not expecting pets to be inexpensive and for life!

[PrincessPerky]

The stray around here that used to hunt for most of her meals is having some major gas due to the cat food we have been giving her (kittens need a safe place, apparently that is my garage, according to her)

Yesterday she dashed out the door so she could hunt I think, anyway she seems to be doing much better today, poor thing. I can't wait till it is safe for the kittens to be outside and learn to hunt (I know far far in the future)

[sszippy]

Hi Princess, you gave me some good advice in the past regarding my two kittens. I was wondering if you had any advice for me regarding the one kitten that I had to raise since he was 3 weeks old. Since he has always thought of me as his Mother, when he gets tired, he wants to suckel...He is getting too big for this, and I don't know what to do to stop this..Any advice?

[PrincessPerky]

Me advice on kittens? couldn't be me. Don't know much on kittens.

But I used to have a cat, I think it left its mom to early (not 3 weeks, but early) it would 'nurse' on my other cat. Odd but the older cat tolorated it fairly well, considering it was a boy!

Anyway not sure what you mean on suckling, I hope you are talking about cuddling or something, I am a bit err oldfashioned for anything other human animal interaction.

I imagine a kitten is like a kid, gradual weaning and subbing something else (petting, scratching) would prolly work.

How old is he? The kittens are getting rather old and judging by Fires eating habits, she is still nursing quite a bit (takes a lot to make milk)

[doglar]

Cats are true carnivores unlike dogs. Dogs can get some nutritional value from non-meat foods like vegetables, but cats cannot. They need the meat or else it is as if they are starving.

[Fern]

Re: #15, if you have an indoor only cat, it's not necessary to get them the various vaccinations, which can be very expensive.

[shengmei]

For tip #6, www.catforum.com is an excellent resource.

Also, kitten foods are usually higher quality than cat foods.

[Scamper]

You don't need expensive products to clean up pet messes. Take and get up as much as possible. Then take 1/2 cup of distilled water, 1/4 cup ammonia, and 1/2 cup vinegar. The rest tap water. You need to add enough water to fill a 32 oz spritzer bottle. This will clean up urine, feces, and vomit.

[Scamper]

Pet Tips:

Never give a pet to a child without parental approval.

Never give a young child a small animal as a pet. A young child must be taught how to handle the animal, as not to cause injury.

Never buy a pet from any establishment that appears dirty, or where animals appear lifeless. Unsanitary conditions breed unhealthy animals.

Never buy from a pet owner who is reluctant to answer any of your questions.

Your local veterinarian should be able to recommend reputable establishments.

Never buy a puppy or kitten until at least 6 weeks old. The ideal age is 8 weeks.

Never listen to anyone that says, an animal under 4 months old, has had all his shots.
It hasn't.

Make sure you get all necessary papers, if buying a purebred.

Pet store owners are not necessarily reliable, sources of information on animal nutrition, or care. If you have questions, on care and food for a pet. Then see your vet.

Make sure the size dog you buy, will fit in your house. Large dogs require space.

If children are in the house, make sure the dog will do good with them.

How much grooming will be needed. Who in the house will be responsible for it.

How much traveling do you do. Some dogs don't do good in kennels. Keep in mind the cost is more, with larger dogs.

When buying the food. Remember that dry food is an excellent source of nutrition, and good for teeth and gums. Make sure the lable reads COMPLETE AND BALANCED.

Don't feed your dog before, or immediately after exercising.

If moist food is not eaten within two hours, refrigerate it.

When dogs are outside use an angel food cake pan for a water bowl. Secure it with a stake. This will keep it from getting knocked over. Fill this bowl often on a hot day.
This will prevent dehydration, and heat stroke.

Don't give a dog milk. It can cause diarrhea.

If you change your dogs diet, do it slow. It can cause diarrhea.

Never let your dog drink from a toilet. Keep the lid down. Several bacterial infections are communicable, from human to dog and visea versa, through the stools. Toilet bowl cleaners are also toxic.

Dogs eat grass because of a stomach upset. shortly after eating grass, they will vomit.
A veterinarian 's attention is necessary, to rule out physical problems.