How to save $1k per year and give your dog a better life

Americans sure do love their pets. In fact, it is estimated that 65% of all households (or about 79.7 million homes) have a furry friend living alongside the human occupants. We love them like they are a part of our family, through good and bad times, and all the cute things they do. But they sure can be expensive at times.

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Is it possible to spoil your beloved pet, and save money?

Spending money on family pets is at an all-time high, with an estimated $60.59 billion dollars expected to be spent on our beloved pets in 2015 alone. From elaborate pet toys to swanky carriers, pet parents are in love with their animals and want to show them their affection by spoiling them. But if you are on a budget, you may find it becomes a bit easier to try to cut corners when it comes to the expenses that come along with caring for an animal.

With a little effort, and by following some simple guidelines found in this article, you can learn how to get the most for your money when it comes to providing a good home for your pets.

Here are some ideas that can facilitate a happy, spoiled pet and a bigger cushion in your budget. In fact, you could save up to $1k per year by doing these simple things, all while giving your pet a better life.

Preventative Care

Preventative care is one of the best ways to not only provide the best care for your pet, but also to save big money in the long run. It is important to work closely with your vet and follow his/her direction when it comes to your pets’ health. Even if it costs you some money up front, preventative care will save you big money in the long run.
For Puppies:
– Yearly shots
– Vaccinations
– Spay/neuter
Adult/Teen Animals:
– Yearly vet check (twice-yearly for older pets)
– Dental care

Don’t price shop for veterinary care. You’ll get the best care for your pet by working in partnership with your veterinarian, and once you have found a good one, building a relationship of trust and respect. In terms of human medicine, can you imagine searching for the cheapest pediatrician or cardiac surgeon? Of course not!

Despite your best intentions, accidents and illnesses can happen. That’s why it’s important to be sure you can cover your pet’s care by having pet health insurance. Similar to human health insurance, having this type of coverage will allow you to make the best decision based on your pet’s medical needs.

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Here are some other ways you can ensure that your pet has the best care while saving you the most money:

Keep your pet fit and trim.

A majority of dogs and cats are overweight and those extra pounds increase the likelihood of serious health problems such as arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. If your pet is overweight, get your veterinarian’s help to reduce weight slowly to avoid the health risks of sudden weight loss, especially in cats.

Learn to groom your animal at home.

Most people can learn to handle basic pet grooming at home, from bathing to nail trims. If nothing else, you can probably stretch out time between professional grooming for high-maintenance pets with some at-home care. Check your library for grooming guides and find breed-specific tips with an internet search.

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Brush your pet’s teeth.

This tip is more about health than grooming but it’ll lengthen the time between necessary but expensive cleanings at your veterinarian.

Minimize risk from accidents.

Having a pet who has poisoned by bad food or hit by a car can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars – and these tragedies can often be prevented. Keeping cats as indoor-only pets will prevent injuries and protect them from communicable diseases- a sturdy fence and the use of a leash will do the same for dogs.

Consider purchases carefully and buy in bulk.

You can save money buying the largest bags of food or litter, or get case discounts on canned goods. Split your dry food purchases with family or a friend, and store your portion in an airtight container. Buying in bulk is usually better than dropping in quality. And ask your veterinarian for recommendations in the price range you can afford.

Also, know if your pet has specific allergies, and purchase food accordingly. Food allergies are just as common in animals as they are in humans, if not more common in animals.

Look for freebies and secondhand items.

Check the classifieds, Craigslist and the Freecycle network to find bargains. Crates, cages and cat trees can often be had for next to nothing – or nothing at all. Don’t let supplies you no longer need rot in your garage. Sell them at a decent price, or give them away to other pet lovers, shelters or rescue groups.

Share services.

Other pet lovers are likely also feeling the squeeze, so look into sharing or trading services such as pet-sitting.

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These ideas are really just the beginning. If you focus on preventing illness and injury, covering your pet in case of emergency and looking for creative ways to cut costs on the rest, you really can save a lot of money without short-changing your pets at all. You can bank on it, or take all that money you will be saving and plan a vacation that you and your pet will both enjoy.

This guest article was provided by SuperMoney.com:

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