In times of Economic downturn, there are ways to save on pet bills.

When the economy turns south, many people will budget their money accordingly. Unfortunately during hard times, pets suffer as well. Sometimes owners do not have as much expendable income to be able to give pets the things they need. Fortunately there are some things you can do that will help you save money and give your pet the care it needs during harder times.

Save on Surgeries. – If your pet has a scheduled surgery coming up, it might benefit you to shop around. Depending on where you live, prices for the same services can vary dramatically. Often times prices in big cites are more expensive than if you look in the outskirts. It is not unheard of to save hundreds of dollars if you visit a vet a few hours outside of a city.

Save on Dental – Dental diseases are the most common ailments in pets. Periodontal diseases can lead to other health problems, including heart and kidney problems. It is recommended that you have your pet’s teeth cleaned once a year. The most expensive part of this treatment is the anesthesia. Brush your pet’s teeth or offer dental chews to prevent dental disease from getting to the point where anesthesia and a dental prophylaxis are required.

Forgo the Groomer – When times are tough, it is time to take matters into your own hands! Taking a pet to the groomer can cost $45 or more. Washing at home in the tub with store bought pet shampoo can cost pennies per time. You do the math! If you do not have the room or a tub, look for do-it-yourself pet washing businesses. These are popping up around the country and are far cheaper than a traditional groomer trip.

Bulk up! – Per pound, it is cheaper to buy in large quantities. This is true in dog food, cat food and cat litter. If you compare prices you will find that the price per pound is far less when comparing a 40 lb bag of food compared to an 8 lb bag of food. More retailers are carrying different brands of cat and dog food and supplies so shop around for sales or the best price on the food that you feed. If you have a freezer, you can rebag the food into Ziploc bags and store a portion in the freezer to keep it fresher longer.

Last but not least….

Rotate toys vs. buying new ones. People love their pets, and the new toys can be tempting when going to buy the necessities. If you are like most pet owners, your house is already full of toys, and your pet has some favorites. Instead of buying new toys, rotate the ones you already own. Keep some hidden and give them to the pet less often. This will keep current toys seem more new if the pet does not get to play with them as much.

Things to Consider When Getting Your Pets Presents

One of the ways to help ensure that your pet is not only healthy, but happy, is playtime. Whether the playtime is while you are at home or when you are at work, giving your pets an outlet with which to exercise their natural prey-chasing behaviors alleviates boredom and curbs destructive behaviors. When choosing what toys to give to your pet, it's helpful to keep in mind that the process is much like choosing which toys your children play with.

While cats tend to be somewhat particular with what they like to play with, dogs tend to want to play with anything and everything that captures their interest. Cats generally prefer to interact with a toy that has movement, as this triggers their prey-chasing behavior. Laser lights and feathers tied on strings make great toys, but do require your participation. Playing with your cat will help keep your cat in good physical condition and help prevent obesity. Dogs are basically interested in toys that have a taste or smell that appeals to them (for the most part, the stronger the scent, the more intense the interest).

Sometimes the most common household item is the most dangerous for your pet. Everyday items such as string, ribbon, rubber bands, plastic milk jug rings, paper clips, pins, needles, coins, erasers, pens, even dental floss are easily ingested by your pets. A simple suggestion is to pet-proof your home just as you would child-proof your home.

To occupy your pets while you are at work or even while you are at home, be sure to make toys available to them. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind when considering which toys to give to your pets:

• Toys should be appropriate for your pet's size. Toys which are too small for your pet can easily be swallowed or become lodged in your pet's throat.
• If a toy has parts that can be chewed and/or ingested, it is best to avoid it. Adornments such as ribbons, strings, doll eyes, buttons, or other removable parts can choke your pet or lead to stomach upset or possibly internal blockage or lacerations.
• If a well-loved toy becomes well-worn, throw it away. Broken or torn toys present the same dangers as toys with removable parts.
• A good rule of thumb, base your purchase by reading child safety labels. If the toy is labeled as being safe for children ages three and under and doesn't contain a dangerous filling, then it is safe to give to your pet. Dangerous fillings include nutshells and polystyrene beads, but be cautious with so-called safe fillings as well. Anything that can be swallowed may choke or otherwise injure your pet. Stuffed toys should be played with while under your supervision.
• When it comes to chewable toys, such as rawhides, always check with your veterinarian as to which ones are safe for your pet. As with stuffed or soft toys, chewable toys should also only be played with under your supervision. A safer alternative are very hard rubber toys. They will last longer as well. Just remember that cats generally do not like hard toys and may ignore them.
• For the “squeaky” toys, always remember that when alone and bored, the noisemaker at the center may be an unavoidable challenge. A determined pet may destroy the squeaky toy just to get at the noisemaker and your pet may wind up ingesting it. Squeaky toys are another play thing that should be used under your supervision.

Choosing the right toy for your pet can not only give them a good source of entertainment while you are at work, but can also offer a fantastic bonding experience for you and your pet. For the most enjoyable playtime experience, be sure to choose a new present for your pet carefully.

One Medicine Cabinet For The Entire Family (Including Your Pet!)

Did you know that some of the over-the-counter and even prescription medications that you have in your medicine cabinet may be used to treat your pet? Many of the prescription medications that veterinarians prescribe are also the same medications that your doctor might prescribe to you for various ailments. However, this does not mean that you should attempt to treat your pet without a veterinarian’s expert advice, as dosages and frequencies are often VERY different for pets than for us humans.

For the most part, veterinary prescriptions are meant for pets and human prescriptions are meant for people. But there are some medications that can be used both for you and your pet! These medications may be used in treating everything from stomach aches to car sickness. Among the common household human medications that can be used for your pet are:

• Buffered aspirin (for pain relief -- keep in mind, though, this is not recommended for cats! Also, do not use Ibuprofen or Tylenol for your pets. It should be buffered aspirin only!)
• Vitamin B (to stimulate the appetite)
• Benadryl (for allergic reactions and itching)
• Dramamine (car sickness)
• Pepto Bismol (used for diarrhea, vomiting, and as an antacid)
• Mineral oil (helps with constipation)
• Kaopectate (relieves diarrhea)
• Canned pumpkin (relieves constipation)
• Pepcid (for use as an antacid)
• Robitussin DM (for coughs -- this is also not recommended for cats)
• Imodium AD (relives diarrhea -- not for cats!)

If your pet is showing any signs of discomfort, you should always check with your veterinarian. You should also call your vet before dispensing any household medications or treatments. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and your vet can tell you whether or not the medications are still considered safe and acceptable based on the latest findings. In addition, your vet can tell you the correct dosages and give you peace of mind by informing you of what to watch for and how long your pet may feel ill.

Between your vet and your medicine cabinet, your pet can soon be feeling better after having gotten into the garbage. Just a little advice on how much Pepto Bismol to spread on a piece of bread will have your pet well again in no time!