Atthe end of the month I am always surprised how much money we spend on our pets.It can be expensive, making sure your pet has the very best.  So I thoughtit was time I created a strategy for how I could save money without deprivingmy pets of the things they deserve. Health Care is one of the most financiallytasking expenses so I spoke with my Vet and asked how I could cut costs? Hesaid that the best way to cut pet costs is to actively participate in apreventative care plan.

Here were some of hisrecommendations…

1) Brush your pet’s teeth.Teeth brushing can be as simple as using a cheap toothbrush and water. You canmix bouillon cubes and baking soda for homemade toothpaste as in this easy recipe.

2) Keep your pet’s fur clean! Bathe your pet once a week and brushing them every day.  Weeklybaths give you the chance to spot any problems on your pet’s coat and brushingensures that your pet doesn’t develop painfully matted fur or hot spots.

3) Help eliminate unwantedgerms by making your own doggie wipes.  In a zip bag or glass jar, fold upseveral paper towels.  Mix a cup of water and a few drops of doggieshampoo in a cup and then pour over the paper towels.  Seal them in a plasticbag and then you have some ready to use wipes for quick clean ups.

4) Eliminate harmful foodadditives by making your own dog treats!  Rachel Ray has some fun and easyrecipes like these Pumpkin Biscuits that I can make up and then freeze so thatmy pups have some great treats available all the time.

5) Look in your veggie drawerfor treats. My dogs love baby carrots, broccoli, and green peppers. Chat withyour veterinarian and check a site like Dog Heirs to make sure that the veggiesyou are sharing aren’t toxic. This will add antioxidants, vitamins and mineralsto your pet’s diet, helping ward off free radicals that may do your pet damage.

6) Know what is in your petfood.  Healthy pet food doesn’t have to break the bank, there arenutritious pet foods that are budget friendly.  I used Pet Food Talk tofind more about the food I fed and other choices available.  This helps mypet get the nutrition and fuel they need for a healthy system.

7) Concentrate on protein bymaking your own jerky treats!  Most pet foods are high in carbohydratesand don’t include enough protein to support strong, healthy muscles (rememberthe heart is a muscle too!).  Purchase an inexpensive cut beef roast andcut it into thin strips. Bake those strips in an oven at 145 degrees for sixhours. Store in a cool place sealed in an airtight container.

8) Keep your pet’s mind busywith “work to eat” toys.  They can be as simple as putting treats in amuffin tin and covering them with tennis balls to using a large cardboard boxwith some scrunched up newsprint or butcher paper.  Inside the box hidepet food, treats, and maybe even a Kong filled with peanut butter.  Thiswill help your pet with some much-needed mental exercise and also provide themwith a nutritious treat!

9) Maintain your pet’s exerciseroutine by creating a dog walking group.  I got together with a couple ofmy friends and we do a dog walk together three times per week.  Regularexercise will help keep your pet’s weight under control, warding off diseaselike diabetes and heart disease. If you don’t have time for a daily walk, getthe help of a local dog walker to ensure your pet gets out and about!

10) Make sure your pet hascompanionship.  Lonely pets experience more health related issues thenthose with a “pet sibling”.  Add to your family by adopting a shelter orrescue pet and make sure your pet has constant companionship!

Whatis your favorite money saving tip for pet care?