dog care

If you’re among the millions of Americans who wants to cut costs and increase your savings, taking a back-to-basics, simplified approach to life can offer a number of advantages -- among them, saving money.

If you’re looking for ways to slash pet-related expenses, there are smart and not-so-smart strategies available to accomplish your goal.

I encourage you choose wisely, not only for the well-being of your pet, but also to avoid unseen but potentially costly problems in the future.

DON’T Skimp on Routine Vet Visits

Skipping routine veterinarian exams – I recommend two per year -- to save some money in the short-term could backfire down the roa

Some avid outdoorspeople believe that a dog can appreciate a spectacular panoramic view as much as a human can. But when bringing your dog along on a camping or backpacking trip, you need to make extra plans specifically for your canine companion. Some things to think about:

PREPARATIONS

   - Make sure your dog is current on his vaccinations, and get a health check and certificate from your veterinarian.

The following information may help you decide which conditions are absolute emergencies, and which ones may let you take a "wait and see" attitude.

Sunshine, fresh air, and days spent relaxing outdoors are what summertime is all about. But with the hot summer weather come dangers, too. Here are a few tips to help ensure that you are your pet can safely enjoy the summer days together.

- Go for walks in the morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler.

- Keep your pet cool by providing plenty of shade and water.

- Bring water for your dog when engaging in outdoor recreation. To keep the water cool, freeze it overnight in a container.

Accidents happen. A first aid kit specifically meant for your pets is helpful because it provides stuff that's often not found in a first aid kit for people. You can buy a kit or assemble your own at home by gathering the items and storing them in a hard plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.

Pets often have minor illnesses or injuries that don't cause any lasting harm. Naturally you don't need to run to the vet every time your pet sneezes, but how do you know when it's time to go see your vet?

It can be hard to tell if your pet is suffering since so many animals hide signs of distress. Warning signs that all is not well with your pet include:

Changes in appetite, such as refusing to eat for a couple of days or showing no interest in food. While it's not uncommon for dogs to skip a meal here and there, but repeated refusal to eat could indicate something more serious.

Most pets will require veterinary care beyond basic health care at some point during their lifetimes. Pets owners naturally want to keep their pets as healthy as possible, and pet insurance can help with expensive vet bills.

If you're good at putting away "emergency" funds then you may not need pet insurance. Many people, however, find that unanticipated vet bills can cause a real financial strain.

Dogs are master manipulators... those pleading eyes or a cutely raised paw can quickly convince pet owners to give their pets a "little treat". Unfortunately, those little treats begin to add up - and too many calories can lead to fat dogs.

There's a myth that spaying or neutering your dog makes it fat. This is just an excuse. There are many spayed and neutered pets who are in good body condition. The key is providing your pet with adequate exercise and the appropriate number of calories.

Why bother to go through the hassle of keeping your dog in sleek shape? What's wrong with a few extra pounds?

Many pets love to go for a romp in the snow... but with the cold weather, some extra precautions should be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of our pets:

Keep your pet warm.

     Do not leave them outside for extended periods in the cold weather, as hypothermia and frostbite are real hazards. Watch for shivering. Some pets may require a sweater or jacket to help keep them warm when walking in the cold.

Keep antifreeze out of your pet's reach.

     Pets are attracted to the taste of antifreeze, yet it's extremely poisonous!