| I am a dog person. I love the wagging tails, the | | | | valid prescription that you can use anywhere to |
| licking tongues and the simple companionship that | | | | purchase needed medications. Just fax it to the |
| these pets provide. But I hate the way the | | | | online retailer and you?ll be all set. |
| expenses seem to pile up. First it?s the shots, the | | | | Pet food is another necessity to keep in mind. |
| food, the toys and then the new carpeting I need | | | | Hopefully, you?ll wind up with a dog that will eat |
| after training a puppy. Despite all that, I could | | | | anything in sight ? not a picky eater whose taste |
| never give up on my furry friends ? nor could | | | | buds will tolerate only the finest in doggy cuisine. |
| any other true dog lover that I know. Fortunately, | | | | Whatever food you purchase, try to get it in as |
| cutting down on these pet-related expenses is | | | | large a quantity as you can. You?ll save more |
| easy with a few of the following tips. | | | | money by purchasing in bulk than buying tiny ten |
| If you?re thinking of getting a dog, one of your | | | | pound bags each week. If you?ve got a picky |
| first major expenses will be shots and | | | | pooch, check with your local feed stores or |
| medications. Young dogs are required to have | | | | farmer?s supply stores ? you may be able to find |
| certain shots as they grow up, and these can be | | | | specialty brands at lower prices. |
| costly. If you?re adopting an older dog, you may | | | | If you?re a pet owner on a budget, indulging in |
| need to purchase medication to treat existing | | | | doggy day care, pet spas or any of the other |
| conditions. Check with your local pet stores to | | | | chic pet establishments that have recently popped |
| see if they offer any special low cost vaccination | | | | up is probably out of the question. If your dog is |
| clinics, which can save you a lot of money. These | | | | too big to be washed at home, check with your |
| events can charge lower rates because they | | | | local pet store to see if they have a pet washing |
| don?t have all the extra overhead associated with | | | | station with bigger wash tubs and longer hoses. |
| a full veterinary office. | | | | And if you crave a dog-free day of doggy day |
| You?ll also want to check with your local | | | | care services, why not pair up with a fellow dog |
| government to see if they offer any pet-related | | | | owner? One week, you drop off your dog at a |
| services. Some cities and counties offer low cost | | | | friend?s house for the day and then return the |
| vaccinations and spay/neuter procedures that you | | | | favor the next week. You?ll both get a little break |
| can take advantage of. Since these procedures | | | | without breaking the bank. |
| lead to fewer unwanted, unhealthy pets being | | | | Always keep your eyes out for pet store |
| born, the city benefits by cutting down on animal | | | | discounts in your newspaper and coupon circulars, |
| control and sheltering expenses. You benefit by | | | | and watch your local pet stores for clearance |
| saving lots of money on the same exact | | | | sales. You might be able to get that fancy toy |
| procedure that would be done at a veterinary | | | | you?ve been eyeing at a substantial discount. And |
| clinic. | | | | keep in mind that the things pets love most |
| If you find that your pet needs medication, you?ll | | | | aren?t necessarily store bought toys. My dog is |
| get a better deal ordering them online from a | | | | never happier than when he?s chewing on a |
| discount store. You can find basic pet medications | | | | homemade tug toy made from heavy duty rope |
| like flea and heartworm drugs at companies like | | | | found at the hardware store. So don?t let the |
| 1800petmeds.com, which offer the same | | | | expenses of pet ownership scare you off ? you |
| products at lower prices. You?ll still need a | | | | can share your life with man?s best friend without |
| prescription to order certain products online, but | | | | going broke. |
| your veterinarian is required by law to give you a | | | | |