Pet Costs. Just a short note today, folks.. just want to pass along a couple of things that seemed overlooked in an article I read today. The premise of that article was to identify ways to cut costs and save on the care of your pet. (You can read the article here.) Though the writer does offer some ideas, other basic ways to save were omitted.
Most noticeably absent and a huge way to save on pet costs involves diet. Just as it is important for humans to eat a healthy diet in order to maintain a healthy body, the same holds true for your pet. Do you really purchase only enough food for your immediate human family each week, or do you often have left over foods that are wasted? Why not transform that left-over food into meals for your pet? Consider the package of meat typically purchased from the grocery store. Rarely do you find a pre-packaged selection of meat where each portion is measured to be at (or even near) the recommended serving size. Oftentimes, chicken breasts can be sliced into two portions per breast in some areas. If we eat the whole breast, we’re harming ourselves and depriving our pet of a healthy alternative to packaged food. Though this idea may not seem to save you much money at first, the next time you clean out the refrigerator, think about how much food is actually wasted, and compare the approximate price to that of the packaged food you currently feed your pet.
Consider preventative care for more than just preventing emergencies. Of course it makes sense to keep poisons locked away and to be careful when opening medications and such, but non-emergency visits can place a strain on the budget as well. Invest in items that will help prevent even seasonal issues such as allergies. For example, socks for your pet’s feet if he/she suffers from outdoor allergies is one cheap preventative measure, while keeping an eye on pollen counts and limiting your pet’s outdoor time on windy, high-pollen days is free. Constantly be wary of fleas and ticks in your surroundings so that you can take measures to prevent your pet from becoming infested and requiring treatment.
These are just a few ways to save on pet costs. Share your tips for saving money on pets with us via comment, Facebook, or Twitter!
