Eight Ways to Save Money on Your Pets in a Ruff Economy
Animal shelters across the country are reporting being inundated with dogs and cats being given up by families who say they can no longer afford them. Here are some fun, healthy and easy ways to save money on your pets until the fiscal crunch is over! If you have any more questions and comments ask Dear Lucky on www.animalfair.com !
1. Buy your cat and dog food in bulk instead of buying individual boxes and cans of pet food.
For Instance, Iams Dog ProActive Health Minichunk:
8# = $12.99
40# = $32.99
Buying the 40# is over 50% less expensive! Large bags are found at major pet retailers
such as Petsmart.
2. Unfortunately you might have to get rid of your dog walker until times get better, so walk your dog yourself! Not only will you save money, you will get fit -- how's that for an extra perk. It's worth it for you to both make the time and rearrange your schedule.
3. Sorry to burst your bubble but dogs don't care about fashion, they are fine with last year's leash and collar. Try sparkling up your old collars and leashes yourself with affordable Crystallized Swarovski Elements.
4. Learn to groom at home. Boutique groomers cost up to $100 to groom your
dog, Petsmart offers all variations of grooming products, various shampoos for your dog or cat that make it less than a dollar to groom your dog!
5. Make toys for your pet. Get creative and go back to basics with what people used to use as toys, such as a string from a ball of tinfoil for your cat or kitten to play
with. Trust me, they will love it just as much as any expensive toy!
6. Make sure to keep your yearly vet appointment -- whatever you
do -- don't skip this! This will save you money in the long run!
7. Wash and dry your dogs paws in the mud room before letting him or her roam your house or apartment. This will help you save money on carpet, rug and floor cleaning.
8. Want a dog or cat? Adoption is a great and affordable option. Don't
waste money on buying a pet when so many homeless animals in local shelters in need of rescue and a loving home.
Follow Wendy Diamond on Twitter: www.twitter.com/wendydiamond
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Iams tests on animals. I wrote to them and the woman who answered my letter couldn't say that they don't. She talked and talked and talked about the dogs that they keep at the facilities as "studies".....
My dogs eat brown rice, chicken or turkey, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, tomatoes, green beans, peas, pasta, potatoes and other healthy foods.
In 25 years I've only had one "vet" bill.($375) My dog was stabbed three times when two men tried to break into my home.
The other vet visits are for shots and spay/neuters.
In my opinion, in the long run, your first suggestion is likely to cost pet owners enormous amounts of money in the form of vet bills, and to compromise the health of their pet.
The vet industry is booming with the very same medical specialists that treat humans - there are now more than 23 veterinary specialties. Just like humans, our pets lead long and sick lives.
My personal opinion is that feeding pets such as cats and dogs the Frankenfoods in cans and bags that pretend to be pet food is akin to animal cruelty. The same is true of feeding our own bodies the junk most humans eat.
My wife and I are "staff" to two magnificent Tonkinese cats that are tenth generation raised on their natural diet. Hopefully, they will never see the inside of a vet's office, removing the cost associated with your suggestion #6. They are in perfect health, have beautiful coats and teeth, and a great disposition. They eat virtually all parts of raw ground-living animals, and munch on grass occasionally to act as a purgative. They have never eaten anything in a can or a bag.
To find out what nature intended humans to eat, I suggest reading "The Original Diet- The Omnivore's Solution."
Roy Mankovitz, Director
http://www.MontecitoWellness.com
The absolute most important thing that you should do is feed your pet a healthy diet and that is definitely not Iams! A dog eats the same food twice a day for years on end and yet most people have no idea what the ingredients are in the bag. Your dog doesn't deserve to eat recycled waste from our human food industry in the name of saving a buck.
I support my local economy by keeping my beloved dog walker. This luxury-necessity will be the last thing to go. I'd rather skip my pedicure.
100 feet of diamond braid rope is about $10 at the home improvement store and that's enough to make 8 to 10 rope dog toys. Better yet, find a friend who's into rock climbing and get them to give you their old rope.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-Rope-Dog-Toy/
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