Your dogs are really just like us. They need the same things to stay healthy. The only difference is that they do not need the willpower to live a happy and healthy life, they just need to have an owner that is willing to make the right decisions.
It might not always be easy for us to do the right thing. We eat the wrong foods, we don’t go to the doctor, etc, etc. Our pets do whatever we tell them to. This means that you can keep them on the right track health-wise a lot easier than you keep yourself on the path. In addition, taking care of your dog the right way can save you a lot of money. Let’s take a look at some of the things that you can do to have a healthier dog and save money in the process.
1. Buy Good Food
It might seem contrary to savings but you really are what you eat.
Cheap dog foods are cheap for a reason. They are poor quality and composed of a lot of cheap filter. Buy a better dog food and you will save money in the long run because your dog will be healthier.
Cheap kibble is like cheap fast food. If you ate from the dollar menu at your local drive in for every meal, how healthy would you be? Not very. It goes the same for your dog. Feed them low quality food and they will not be very healthy. This could lead to some expensive vet visits and could even cause problems like diabetes. Having to constantly give your dog injections is not going to be fun or cheap.
Stick with a good quality, mid level price food to save money and have a happier dog.
2. Buy Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is one of those things that may or may not be of value to you.
Use it just once or twice and it can pay for itself but if you have an exceptionally healthy pet, it might be a waste of money.
If you are on the fence as to whether it is going to be a deal or a dud, ask yourself two questions.
First, ask yourself if you have a problematic breed. If you have a good old fashioned mutt or mixed breed dog, you are less likely to have health issues. There is usually a bit of inbreeding with purebred animals and the influx of fresh genes with a mix tend to produce a genetically healthier animal.
In addition, some breeds are just prone to having problems. Large breeds, for example, are often prone to hip problems. This could mean future surgeries that could be very costly.
The second question that you need to ask is if you could afford to pay for an emergency out of pocket. Emergency vet bills could easily reach the 3000 dollar level or more in some situations. Could you come out of pocket that much money or would you have to face a difficult euthanasia debate. If you don’t want to have to face that difficult decision, insurance might be for you.
3. Get A Vet Contract
Many vet clinics are starting to offer pet health contracts with low monthly payments of just a few dollars. You might have to shop around to find one but if you do, you will be rewarded for taking regular care of your animal.
Most of these contracts offer something similar to this. For a monthly fee, you get a set amount or even unlimited vet visits. You then get a discount on services, medicine and procedures that your pet needs.
These contracts can be a great deal if you use them. They not only save you money, but they also encourage you to take your animal in on a regular basis.
4. Adopt A Dog
The animal shelters are overflowing with animals that need a good home. For a low adoption fee, you could take home one of these animals and save a lot of money versus going to a breeder or even getting a bad credit pet loan. Many shelters even have discounted adoption periods, usually at times when they are at or near capacity.
Not only are dogs cheaper from the pound, but a pound puppy saves you in a number of other ways.
Most will either come already spayed or neutered. That or they will come with a voucher to have the procedure done at a vet clinic. This is usually included in the adoption price.
In addition, most of these animals will be mixed breeds. Mixed breeds do not have the genetic issues that often accompany a pure bred dog. Most of the times, a mixed breed dog will have less health problems.
5. Take Good Care Of Your Dog
Obviously we love our pets and want the best for them but life can be hectic.
We do not always do the right thing for our dog and this is not good for them or your wallet. Dogs need several things to be healthy.
Exercise is of particular importance and no, letting them out in the yard is not sufficient. A daily walk can benefit both you and your dog. It can make both of you healthier by helping to keep muscles strong and by keeping the weight down.
Also, be sure to take your dog to the vet regularly. Dogs can not tell you when they are feeling bad and they often pay through the pain. Try to get your dog to the vet twice a year to catch any problems before they get any worse. Save your dog some pain and yourself some money in the process.
