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.
Do pets need to be expensive?
April 18th, 2006 at 04:06 am
April 18th, 2006 at 04:14 am 1145330069
April 18th, 2006 at 05:06 am 1145333217
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!!
April 18th, 2006 at 05:32 am 1145334766
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.
April 18th, 2006 at 05:55 am 1145336143
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.
April 18th, 2006 at 02:35 pm 1145367359
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.
April 18th, 2006 at 02:59 pm 1145368752
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!
May 6th, 2006 at 02:49 pm 1146923351
Veterinary bills are difficult to overcome... But there is no need for organic food or expensive toys or expensive decorations for pets.
June 1st, 2006 at 04:47 pm 1149176877
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...