There’s a lot of joy that comes from adding a furry friend into your family, but there are also costs to be aware of. How can you best prepare for your animal’s medical care costs? The ASPCA has 9 tips for cutting pet care costs, and they aren’t all what you’d think.
Schedule regular check-ups:
Contrary to popular belief, seeing your veterinarian less, won’t help cut animal care costs. The ASPCA advises pet parents not to skip your animal’s yearly exam. They say it’s less expensive to protect against illnesses than it is to treat them. For information on getting connected with a veterinarian, visit http://gotapetgetavet.ca
Personalize your companion animal’s vaccines:
Make sure you’re aware what vaccines are required by local laws, or mandatory for your animal’s protection. From there, the ASPCA says you can discuss with your vet what optional vaccines may be advisable for your furry friend to get based on their lifestyle and the region where you live.
Spay or Neuter your furry friend:
By spaying or neutering your companion animal, you can prevent serious health problems, including uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers, which can cost a lot to treat. For information on the Ontario SPCA’s spay/neuter services please visit ontariospca.ca/spayneuter.
Brush your animal’s teeth:
Just as you’re advised to brush your teeth regularly, companion animals also need a dental routine to keep their teeth and gums healthy. The ASPCA says dental disease can lead to heart and kidney problems and expensive procedures. Discuss with your veterinarian what products would be best for your furry friend.
Protect against parasites:
This is so important! In Ontario, ticks especially are active during more months of the year, and can transmit the agent causing Lyme disease. The ASPCA says flea and tick infestations can cause a variety of medical problems from minor skin irritations to life-threatening blood loss, which can be costly to treat. Consult your veterinarian for the best medication for your companion animal.
Toss the cigarettes:
Smoking around your companion animal can be toxic for their health. According to the ASPCA, it can cause asthma, bronchitis, lymphoma and oral, nasal and lung cancers.
Consider pet health insurance:
The ASPCA also advises looking into pet health insurance if an emergency vet visit would be a financial strain. If taking this route, do your research on the best plan for your lifestyle and animal. The new SPCA & Humane Society Pet Insurance Offered by Petplan® has coverage that is as unique as you and your furry friends and can be customized to fit your needs and your budget. Get a free instant quote now! Visit Ontariospca.ca/PetInsurance
Buy high-quality pet food:
Look for good quality pet food to feed your animal, and be careful not to overfeed, which can lead to obesity and other health problems. Visit the ASPCA’s Dog Nutrition Tips and Cat Nutrition Tips pages to learn more.
Groom your animals at home:
Though going to a professional groomer can be beneficial, it helps to get in the habit of regular nail-trimmings and coat brushing at home. It’s good for your furry friend, it can be a great bonding experience for you both and it will reduce the amount of hair in your home as well!
For more helpful tips from the ASPCA on your companion animal’s medical care, and more, visit their website!
