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Consider pet insurance, or setting aside some money each month for your pet in case of an emergency. Although veterinary medicine is still a bargain compared to other health services, most of us would be hard pressed to pay a big veterinary bill out of pocket.
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Emergencies like these can end up hitting your wallet very hard.ĭespite all of these precautions, some pets will just get into trouble or develop a serious disease. Pets who roam freely are often hit by traffic, get into fights or eat something dangerous. Next, when exercising your pet, use appropriate restraints and confinements. A well-exercised pet is less likely to be overweight and suffer from obesity related problems such as arthritis, certain cancers, or diabetes. Playing with your pet has health benefits as well. Since behavior issues are the number one reason for abandoning pets, this fun task might literally save your pet's life. First, play with your pet! Veterinary behaviorists all agree that a tired dog is a happy dog and happy dogs don't tear up furniture or get into trouble. But don't worry you can still save on your veterinary bills with a few simple steps at home. But, most of these animals end up coming into the veterinary hospital with out of control infections.Īlways check with your veterinarian before giving any over the counter human medication to your pet! Many pet poisonings are caused by human medications. Some pet owners simply use topical antibiotics on bite wounds or lacerations in order to avoid treating the pet when initially injured. Pet emergencies shouldn't be a place for shortcuts either. The EPA has received more than 25,000 reports of over-the-counter pesticide reactions in pets since 2003. Sadly, according to the Center for Public Integrity ( ), these over-the-counter products are likely responsible for a sharp increase in pet deaths and adverse events in recent years. Choosing a lower cost flea product or a "do-it-yourself" dewormer at a general merchandise store is another option a pet owner might try to save money. Improper preparation could make the whole process worthless. Some need proper mixing in order to work correctly. Vaccines are delicate biological suspensions and require constant refrigeration to be effective.
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While this idea sounds like a cost-saving measure, there are many risks. Some owners might choose to buy vaccines online or from a pet store. Similarly, intestinal parasites or even fleas and ticks, are capable of transmitting serious diseases to our families. Diseases like rabies and Leptospirosis are zoonotic, meaning they can be spread between animals and people. Vaccinations and parasite prevention are important parts of maintaining your pet's health and yours as well. First, don't skimp on wellness or preventive care. Knowing what you can safely do at home to lower your pet's healthcare costs is a good way to insure a healthy pet and a healthy wallet. And believe it or not, others might give up their pets completely. Sadly, some pet owners choose to avoid veterinary visits as one means to save money. But, when money is tight, extra expenses need to go. We spoil them with birthday parties, presents, and all manner of toys and treats to keep them happy.
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Studies have repeatedly shown that a large majority of pet owners consider their pets as a family member.
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