Save money and help your pet
Tuesday, December 2, 2008 11:12 AM PST
By Jura Koncius
The Washington Post
Printable version
E-mail this articleSure, you could cut down on the number of pet toys you buy, but there are many other practical ways to cut the cost of pet care in these challenging economic times.
We called California pet expert Warren Eckstein, who has a new Saturday radio show on Sirius, to get some ideas:
• If your vet prescribes medications such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs that are used for humans as well as animals, don’t always fill the prescription at the vet’s office. Try going to a low cost pharmacy such as Costco or Wal-Mart.
• Don’t forgo taking your pet for annual check-ups. Early diagnosis of a condition or serious disease is so important for your pet’s well being and it can also save you big money.
• Consider feeding your dogs or cats a nationally advertised brand of dog food available in supermarkets or pet super stores instead of the more expensive or designer varieties. Check with your vet first, of course, before making any changes in your pet’s diet and get their advice. Look for the AAFCO label (Association of American Feed Control Officials) on the pet food packaging; they test the nutritional value of pet foods.
• Fresh air and exercise go a long way in saving money because your pet will be a whole lot healthier in general. Eckstein also likes to give dogs a daily massage.
Your pet deserves as nice a bed as you have.
Today, stores are filled with dog and cat beds made of trendy fabrics with cushy fillings. But what is really the most comfortable sleeping spot for your pet that is easy for you to keep clean?
A new book “Clean Home, Green Home” by Kimberly Delaney (Morris Book Publishing/Globe Pequot Press; $20) has some great common sense ideas for pet beds that also make good eco-sense.
• The most important consideration in choosing a bed is washability. Beds can harbor pets, but also fleas and dust mites, so washing the covers frequently is important. Between washings, shake the bed outdoors on a regular basis. This can keep dander and dirt from spreading around the house.
• Try to find bedding that is filled with natural materials and covered with natural fibers. She suggests hemp, wool and organic cotton for exteriors. Natural fillings include kapok, buckwheat and recycled soda bottles. Avoid beds filled with petroleum based polyurethane foam — it is flammable and might contain formaldehyde.
• Cedar chips are a good choice for a filling because they deter fleas and naturally absorb odors.
More than 6 million American households have birds as pets. In fact, there are more than 16 million pet birds out there, according to the American Pet Products Association.
If you are considering buying a bird, here are some things to consider:
• Study the different characteristics of each breed and make sure the bird you choose will fit in with your lifestyle. Some birds like a lot of attention, and need toys and interaction to prevent from becoming bored. Some love to chatter and others love to scream, so decide whether you and your family (and neighbors) are comfortable with that if you choose something like a noisy macaw.
• Buy only from a specialized breeder or a reputable pet store.
• Make sure the bird looks healthy; check out if its eyes are clear.
• Take your bird for a check-up at your vet as soon after you get it as possible.
For more information, contact your local veterinarian and local clubs of bird fanciers.
TK wrote on Dec 2, 2008 11:59 AM:
Canine_Caretaker wrote on Dec 13, 2008 9:27 AM:
There are good foods out there that don't cost an arm and a leg (they aren't the best foods but they're still pretty good) including Natural Balance Ultra Premium Formula, Taste of the Wild, Diamond Naturals (particularly the 'Extreme Athlete' formula), and even Kirkland Signature dog food if you're on a tight budget; as long as you look for these foods at locally run retailers (as opposed to big chain stores like Pet Smart) and feed stores, odds are you will find a very reasonable price on them. "
Past Month's Most Commented Stories