How to Care for Your Fur-Babies on a Budget
The ASPCA estimates that pet owners spend an average of $695 a year for medium-size dogs, and $670 a year for cats. Health care makes up the largest chunk of this, but there are alternatives for families on a budget. With smart shopping and natural health care solutions, you can keep your fur-babies healthy at a manageable price.
Find Free Veterinary Services
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Low income families often qualify for free check-ups for their pets. If you need emergency care, local veterinary schools and other animal care groups can offer discounted or free health care. Options vary by state. Check out your local resources to see what options are now available to you.
Stop Buying Medications from Your Vet
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Many pet owners aren’t aware of the fact that they can buy pet medications from sources other than the veterinArian. You have the right to visit any pharmacy of your choice. Online pharmacies are an affordable choice for recurring medications. The same pharmacies that serve your human health care needs often carry prescription medications in the store for pets.
Purchase Generic Pet Medications
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Talk to your vet about getting generic alternatives to expensive pet medications. The generic savings for pets are often just as impressive as they are for people. In some cases, you can even use a medication made for humans as an effective alternative to a more expensive pet medication.
Buy Without a Prescription
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You don’t always need a prescription for pet medications like flea control. Buying off the shelf without a prescription will save you the cost of a visit to the vet. Get to know your pet’s needs and symptoms so you can treat common problems at home with over-the-counter medications.
Treat Your Pet with Home Remedies
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Home remedies are a great option for affordable pet care. Talk to your vet about natural remedies that you can use as an alternative to more costly treatments. A mixture of vinegar and water makes an effective treatment for ear infections. An oatmeal shampoo can ease many skin conditions.
Groom Your Pet at Home
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Grooming your pet at home is nearly always as effective as visiting a professional groomer once you learn the ropes, and it will save you a fortune. Do some research into your pet’s specific breed to learn how often you should wash, brush, and trim your dog’s fur. Get into a routine of trimming nails for both dogs and cats once a week to keep them to a manageable length and make the process as quick and simple as possible. Once your pet is groomed nicely, go ahead and reward him with Pet Toys on Price Grabber.
Manage Obesity Naturally
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More than half of all pets in the United States are overweight. Specialty pet foods designed to treat this problem will only increase your pet care costs. Instead, fight obesity naturally. Green beans are a filling low-calorie meal that will help your dog feel full without eating too much. Ample exercise is always a smart solution for obesity.
With these affordable treatment options, you can manage pet health for your dogs and cats on any budget.
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