Did you know that there are 5.9 million dogs and 7.9 million cats in Canada? Whether you have a fury ball of love, a fish, a ferret, a bird or a snake, taking care of your pets can costs you a lot of money especially when they get sick. Here are some tips that can help you saving money while taking great care of your companion.
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Save on food
Pets food are expensive! You can go online to food company’s website to find coupons you can print or offers. However, don’t go for the cheapest bag of pet food. Research what is more appropriate for your pets and spend a little more to get good food in order for your pet to be happier, healthier and active a lot longer.
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Don’t forget about shots and pills
It is better to treat your pet each month with an anti-flea, anti-tick and anti-heart worm shot or treatment than having to bring it to the vet when it is too late and that a disease has been detected. It is expensive but it is always cheaper than what you would have to pay for to treat Lyme disease or heart worms.
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Ask around to different vets
Like you would do when you get sick or need a specific treatment, do not hesitate to call or visit different vet and ask about their prices.
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Make your own toys
If you have a dog, you can save a lot of money by doing your own knot. Simply go to a hardware store and buy a huge rope to cut. You can also find tutorial online to make toys out of things you already have at home (for instance, a towel, a milk jug or t-shirts …)
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Question yourself about pet insurance
Most insurance companies will ask you to pay a higher premium if you own a breed that is more susceptible to get sick with age. You can consider to open a saving accounts where you can deposit the money the insurance would have cost you each month.
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Brush their teeth
If you have a dog, bruising its teeth can add up to four years to its life. Be sure to buy a tooth paste that is meant to be use for animals and try to stick to brushing its teeth at least once a week. It can help to prevent a lot of diseases in the future.
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Groom at home
You don’t have to go to a pet salon to take care of some basics grooming. You can learn online how to perform pet pedicures or coat care.
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Look for inexpensive cat scratchers
If you have a cat, you know that Felix can sometimes express itself on your coach or rug. You can purchase very cheap cat scratchers made out of corrugated cardboard or you can DIY your own. You just have to wrap a cheap sisal rope around a log or heavy stable object.
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Don’t skip exercise
What is good for you is good for you pet. Whether you have a dog or a cat, it is important that they stay fit. While walking a dog every day is quite mandatory and easy to do, it can be more difficult if you have a cat. You don’t have to buy expensive toy, a bottle cap or an aluminum ball can do the trick (just make sure they don’t swallow or eat it.
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Buy second-hand
You can find in perfect conditions collars, dish and kitty condo in yard sales or thrift stores. Make sure to disinfect, wash or vacuum before giving it to your pets. You can use sprays like Lysol to get ride of bacteria and fungi.
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Use a measure cup
Your dog, cat, ferret needs a certain amount of food each day depending on its age and weight. Look at the instruction on your pet food bag or ask to your vet. Most of the time you give too much. By following those instructions, you will make a bag of food last longer and save money.
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Make your own cat litter
You can find several “recipe” online. You only need shredded newspaper and baking soda. You’ll save money and use an eco-friendlier product. Some say it even works better than the one you can find in stores.
Owning a pet can cost you from $500 to $10,000 each year for a dog and between $300 and $5,000 for a cat. Before buying or adopting an animal, take into consideration those costs. If you go for it, those simple tricks will help you enjoy your new fury friend and take good care of it while saving money.
