Be healthy, green and save money, too! Here’s a list of seven top tips for what to invest in, and what to save money on, during tough economic times. Keep Fido safe and healthy, and help the planet, too, with these eco-friendly pet care solutions!
Limit Vaccinations
Many vets recommend annual booster shots for a wide variety of diseases, but did you know many pets already have protection from their puppy shots and over-vaccination can actually be detrimental in the long term?
Invest in a titer test to determine if your pet still has immunity from previous shots; it will help you decide which vaccines to give and which to eliminate. If necessary, get a second opinion about which diseases your pets are really at risk for, based on your geographical area and your pet’s lifestyle and specific requirements.
Save money by not vaccinating for every disease under the sun. Many vaccines cause harmful side effects and are administered for diseases that are not especially serious or life threatening. Discuss the options with a reputable holistic vet. Some vaccines may not be needed at all—saving resources and offering a holistically healthier solution for your pet as well.
Preventive Care
Invest in well-pet checkups to nip any looming health problems in the bud. Catching problems early can save money in the long run because it’s often possible to use more moderate approaches. Taking time to fi nd out what may be on the horizon for Fido, in terms of health concerns, can also shed light on preventive measures like different food or supplements, which can slow down the progression of a disease like arthritis and stave off the use of costly prescription drugs. This approach is holistically better, too: Many prescription drugs have adverse side effects like upset tummies, which may be countered with—you guessed it—more costly prescription drugs!
Take a Walk
If Fido likes to join you while running errands, try walking instead of hopping in the car. The benefi ts? You can save money on gas; both of you get some much-needed exercise; you support your local economy by shopping locally (see below); and you may meet some new human and canine friends along the way. Take a hike, too; it’s a great way to explore natural habitats, invest in good health and get fi t, spend quality time with your hound; and it’s usually free of charge, too! Check out The Canine Hikder’s Bible and online at www.hikewithyourdog.com for hiking locations in your area.
Bathe Your Pup Less Often
Weekly baths aren’t usually necessary for most pets. It can be hard to refrain from lathering up your pup frequently when you’re in the habit, but the benefi ts are plenty. First, the natural oils in the coat will be allowed to replenish themselves, which can result in less itchiness and sensitivity. One bath per month is usually optimal for most pets.
Invest in a good natural shampoo when you do bathe your pup. Natural, high-quality bathing products tend to have fewer chemicals and parabens, and are made with healthier ingredients like oatmeal that help to nourish the skin and coat. Cheap shampoos are a bad expense as they often contain substances that aggravate the skin.
Save water at the same time and the planet will thank you, too! With the money you save, you could still go to the local pet wash and support your local economy by investing in a new herbal tincture, supplement or natural treat for Fido.
Buy Local
Support your local pet store and shop in your neighborhood! This not only keeps your money in your own community but helps to reduce pollution. Your pup would love it if you took him with you to the local pet store to stock up on supplies. If you walk instead of ride in the car, so much the better!
If you do have pet supply (and other) items shipped to you, try to plan ahead and make use of lower rates on ground shipping. This not only saves money but is considerably more ecofriendly, too. Having items shipped to you by air freight costs much more and results in a much bigger carbon footprint for the item you bought.
Eat Well
Invest in good food for your animal companion. Downgrading diet may seem like an obvious savings, but it is almost always a false economy. Lower-grade pet foods are laden with byproducts, chemicals and fi llers that take their toll on your pet’s liver, kidneys and other organ systems. Cheap foods fi lled with grains such as wheat, corn and soy can also trigger allergies in sensitive pets—itching, ear infections and gastrointestinal up set—that warrant trips to the vet for steroids or other medications and end up costing more in the long run. Good food is a cornerstone of good health and well worth the investment!
Make some treats
Invest in some good ingredients and prepare some homemade cookies for your pet. Not only does this save money on unnecessary packaging but homemade treats are usually healthier for your pet, too. You could even make some pet treats as a fun and novel gift for your animal companion’s favorite friends. Homemade gifts are fun to receive, and eco-friendly, too.
Tags: Eco-Freindly Pet Care, Fido Friendly, Pet Health, Preventive Pet Care
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