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.