Adopt a pet
If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, dog shelters in Perth are overflowing with lovely animals just waiting for a family to care for them. So, rather than spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a puppy, adopt an older dog. Make sure you always adopt through a reputable animal welfare organisation or shelter.
Keep up with preventative care
The best way to keep from paying large medical bills is to keep your pet protected against diseases that will be costly to treat. Do this by making sure your pet is up to date on all preventive care, including vaccinations and parasite prevention.
Buy food in bulk
Buy dry dog food in bulk or when it is on special at the pet food store or supermarket. You may also be able to get a better deal by ordering online. Just make sure that you store it correctly and that your furry pooch can eat it all before the use-by date.
Check your dog’s weight
Dogs that are overweight not only suffer from pain, exhaustion, and low energy; they can also suffer from serious illnesses which can lead to higher bills. Pay attention to their nutrition and how much they are eating, keep treats to a minimum and make sure they get plenty of exercise.
Avoid trendy fashion items
For your dog, not you! They don’t need a sparkly dog collar or a fancy coat. All they need is a well-made, secure collar, an ID tag and a comfortable lead. If you do want to buy them something special, check out your local charity shops and items advertised second-hand. Also, join your local Buy Nothing Facebook group where local communities offer items they no longer need, for free.
Your pooch won’t know the difference!
Dog sitting
Ask friends and/or family to pet sit when you go away and return the favour another time. This will save the cost of booking them into a dog kennels.
Dental care
Did you know that you should brush your pet’s teeth regularly? Tooth brushing has the same benefits for dogs as it does for humans – preventing damage that may be costly later in life. Plus, it prevents bacteria from entering your pet’s digestive tract and causing other health problems.
Talk to your vet about how often to brush your pet’s teeth and what products to use. Don’t brush with human toothpaste because fluoride can cause stomach problems if your pet ingests it.