Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
· Nutrition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your pet is where is all starts. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 45% of all U.S. dogs and 54% of all U.S. cats are overweight or obese.
· That's roughly 70 million dogs and cats at increased risk for diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure and various forms of cancer.
· Diseases equal high cost to you and your pet. Avoid these high medical expenses, by keeping your pet on a healthy diet or rewarding them with low-calorie treats. Avoid the unhealthy table foods like bread and meat.
Use Nutritional Supplements
· Yes, they work for dogs too! Nutritional support in addition to a healthy lifestyle is one of the most important elements of human and pet healthcare.
· Vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids helps to promote your pet's immune system and keep them as healthy as they can be.
· Strong immune systems = minimal infections. Save money and keep your pet healthy!
Keep Up With Annual Examinations
· While at first this may seem like an unnecessary expenditure, a thorough physical examination by your vet can save you money in the long run. Early detection of diseases and conditions can save you thousands of dollars in medical bills in the end.
· *Pets aged 1-6: a standard physical examination, yearly
*Pets aged 7+: a standard physical examination + simple blood/urine tests, yearly
Use a Premium Dog Food
· Some of the most common reasons for vet visits include vomiting and diarrhea, due largely in part to poor diet and food. Poor quality pet food can cause these messy and unpleasant problems for you and your pet, as well as unnecessary vet bills..
· Dr. Ward recommends Rachael Ray Nutrish, an all-natural dog food or Isaboo bites as a healthy alternative to high-calorie foods and treats.
3 Year Vaccinations – They Work!
· In 2005, the USDA approved the first 3-year distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis vaccine for dogs and in 2006, they approved it for cats.
· These specific vaccines are used to help reduce the risk of vaccine-associated adverse events and save you money. Some vets often offer discounted vaccine procedures, just talk it over with your vet!
Get Pet Insurance
· Insurance is primarily used for 2 reasons: the unexpected and the expensive. This proactive solution to avoiding your favorite pet's unexpected medical conditions can end up saving you thousands of dollars in vet/surgical bills.
· Check the internet for pet healthcare plans.
· There are many new major medical coverage plans with low annual premiums available that are cost effective.
