The entire world is struggling economically and most of us are also feeling the pinch. It’s a known fact that keeping companion animals healthy and happy costs money. You might have previously been able to afford a good lifestyle for your pets, but suddenly life happens, and you are now faced with a tight budget. Here are a few tips to help you save.
Food
- Pet food is an expense that you’ll always have. Start by searching for the best prices for the same food online or in-store, or phone around to see which vet shops offer the best prices.
- If you are currently paying the best price available, then consider moving to a brand of food at a more affordable price. But before you change your pet’s food, always discuss this with your vet first to ensure that you give your pet food of similar quality.
- Do as much research as possible. Some brands offer food with similar ingredients at equally high standards as the food that you’re giving your pet now. You could switch from a super-premium food to a premium food or even to an economy food. You’ll be surprised at how much money you can save while still feeding your cat or dog good-quality food.
- Be careful of buying in bulk. Don’t upsize to a 10kg if you normally buy 2kg food, as the food can spoil before you’ve had a chance to feed it to your pet. If you have to buy in bulk, see if you can find six or 12 packs of food at a discount. Beware of the best-before date to ensure that the food will still be fresh when you feed it to your pet, and also make sure that the food is properly sealed and stored.
Training and exercise
- To help your cat and dog stay healthy, make sure that they get regular exercise and train them often. This might not prevent any illnesses or diseases, but it will help them to stay fit and in shape, and in general, in good health.
Medical expenses
- One way to cut medical expenses is to shop around in your area for an affordable vet with good rates. Get some referrals from other customers to ensure that you still get professional care for your pet.
- Although it may sound expensive, it is worth taking your pet to the vet for an annual health check. This way, the vet may detect a disease in its early stages and may be able to treat it in time.
Would you like to read the rest of this interesting article? Get the December/January 2023 edition of Animaltalk magazine now from retailers, or order a digital or printed copy from www.coolmags.co.za.
