Layout:
Home > Do pets need to be expensive?

Do pets need to be expensive?

April 18th, 2006 at 04:06 am

I have read off and on how expensive pets are. You know the stories, those that say they can cost almost as much as a child. Seriously, I just read this stuff and wonder what in the world are they doing.
Anywho, in the theme of this blog (that is - savings!), here are my thoughts on ways to save with pets (and btw, I have a dog and cat, so that is where my history lies).
And one more thing, these are my thoughts on the subject. Don't take this as gospel or an expert's opinion. Take what makes sense to you, and if you think its out of line, ignore it! YMMV

Remember they may be part of the family, but they are dogs or cats. They don't look at the world like we do. They have sympathy, feelings, and all that, but really, all they want is warmth, companionship, fun, food, and a nice place to curl up. Oh, and perhaps some excitement once in a while. (and maybe a nice mouse for your cat to play with?)
They don't need expensive toys. For dogs, find used tennis balls at yard sales or near tennis courts. Dogs love them. For other toys, look at yard sales or thrift shops for cheap, but solid stuffed animals. If there is a little something wrong with the toy (a small stain perhaps), you can get it for less than a dollar usually. And the dog will love it. Just amke sure the stuffed animal is solidly sewn together, so it will hold up to rough-housing.
For cats, just try strings. They usually like them. My cat will amuse himself with tie bands from loaves of bread. I would try to buy him a toy for a dollar or two, but he kept going back to the tie band. I finally gave up, and he will play with them for hours.
For food, you can supplement their food (dry or canned) with certain types of scraps from meals. Especially dogs, as in the wild they will eat most everything of an animal if they are hungry. Of course use common sense here.
Check with your city or county to see if they have discount veterinary service. This is usually once or twice a year, so be ready to go when its available. For me I got a rabies shot for my dog a month ago for $10. But it was available for only 2 hours, so it was then or else, and I got us packed up and in the car when we needed to go.
Buy food in bulk (within reason)(and with a coupon). There is a site you can get a free food coupon. Go to: http://www.purinaone.com/30day_landing.asp

Take a few minutes and play him/her. Its free, you will make them happy, and it should make you happy. And isn't that why you got a pet in the first place?

OK, these were just a few thoughts. I haven't tried to come up with the costs for my dog and cat, but thinking it over, I would estimate they cost me maybe $250 last year. And people keep saying how good mannered they are, so I don't think I have made a mistake in how I care for them.
Again, YMMV.

8 Responses to “Do pets need to be expensive?”

  1. boomeyers Says:
    1145330069

    Its not the pets that are expensive, it is the vet bills! Yes, they are just dogs or cats, but when they need care...... you'll spend almost as much on them as the kids!

  2. contrary1 Says:
    1145333217

    As with all services, try asking for cheaper vet bills, discounts, free services. The worst that can happen is you get a resounding "no". But, in the best of circumstances, I've got bills reduced, some services offered for free and of course, free meds as samples from the reps. It helped when I took one or two of the kids from my house in with me, they could be very persuasive......... The vet knows I use my animals in an informal pet therapy situation here. Also used my chihauhau as a nursing home dog for a year........... he got special treatment from the vet for that!!

    And, don't forget the savings we dog/cat owners have in the long run, re; our health. Documented that we have lower blood pressure & all the benefits from that!! Smile

  3. carol Says:
    1145334766

    You have some very good ideas here. We have six cats, so we buy our dry cat food in 20 lb bags, buy the store brand of salmon, however we do indulge them in Purina Kitten chow and whole milk. If you look at the some of the pictures of my kitties, you will see that Claw is the largest of all the cats. Being bobcat/domestic mix, he is a full three feet long. weighs about 22 lbs, and has an appetite not to be believed. Plus he's just turning 2 years old. If he doesn't go and get himself killed(God forbid), he will reach his full growth by the time he's 3 years old and will weigh close to, if not right at 30 lbs.

    It really is, in my opinion, the vet bills that cost us so much. We are lucky to have one that charges low fees, and has a good bedside manner with animals. Needless to say he is covered up in business.

  4. baselle Says:
    1145336143

    Got to agree with the rest about the vet bills. I have a 19 yr old cat, which, fingers crossed, will still stay healthy. He still eats some dry food, but due to his age, we give him a bit of wet food. He has his brand, and we know where it could be had for the cheapest.

    We've saved a bit on the vet bills by careful observation and a bit of luck. Cat would get into a fight, and we would treat the absesses ourselves with a bit of h2o2. Cat would stop eating and we would check the litter box and his habits. Does he try to eat, but can't (teeth?), is he lethargic and crabby or hides (that's a sure sign for the vet), or is he nonchalant. Does he try to use his box? If nothing comes out cat sure doesn't want to put anything in. Smile

  5. fern Says:
    1145367359

    I wouldn't leave my cat to play alone withe the twisty thing, or tie-band, as you call it, as it's small enough that she could accidentally get it lodged in her throat. Any small pieces of string, same thing.

    Since my cat is an indoor only cat, i don't bring her to the vet for annual shots like rabies, distemper etc since her chances of getting that is nil. Vets like to get everyone to do that, but of course, it's added revenue for them so take what they say with a grain of salt.

  6. Ima Saver Says:
    1145368752

    I have my first ever outside dog, Lucy. I found her freezing to death in a barn over 14 years ago. She sleeps on an elec. blanket in the garage and has never left our property. She is just a mutt, but a healthy mutt. She has only been to the vet once, and that was to be spayed.
    I probably spend about $6 a month feeding her, plus she loves scraps.
    I would like to see someone raise a kid on $6 a month,
    My inside dog, little Holly, does not go to the vets for shots either. She never goes outside except on her leash. i do spend to get her bathed and groomed, but to me she is worth a million dollars!

  7. Jose Says:
    1146923351

    I totally agree. You can keep a cat or a dog for a small ammount.
    Veterinary bills are difficult to overcome... But there is no need for organic food or expensive toys or expensive decorations for pets.

  8. SMB Says:
    1149176877

    Nice to read a post that sounds like it's coming from a true animal lover. Many of the "pet expense" posts I've read in the blogosphere seem to have a tinge of negativity about them.

    You're right about pets not caring about expensive toys. I bought my dog pricey "smart toys" until I realized he preferred the cheap squeaky toys from the hardware store. Fine with me!

    My dog is 9 and very healthy. I haven't had to spend anything at the vet beyond the normal vaccines, etc., but we should probably start planning for his later years...

Leave a Reply

(Note: If you were logged in, we could automatically fill in these fields for you.)
*
Will not be published.
   

* Please spell out the number 4.  [ Why? ]

vB Code: You can use these tags: [b] [i] [u] [url] [email]