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Pet care on a budget: Ways to save money

Keeping a pet can be a costly endeavor.

There are numerous necessary expenses, from food to veterinary care.

With the rising cost of living, many pet owners worry about how they will afford to care for their furry buddies. If that is you, stay on this page as we attempt to do pet care on a budget.

Save on pet-related costs

It’s no secret that taking care of a pet can be expensive.

But there are ways to save money on pet care without compromising your furry friend’s well-being.

One way to save is to train your pet yourself. There are plenty of resources out there, like books, online courses, or even YouTube videos.

Another way to save is by shopping around for pet insurance. Rates vary depending on the company you go with, so compare policies and find the one that’s best for you and your pet.

Reduce the cost of food

You love your furry friend, but sometimes you find yourself spending too much money on them. Well, we’re here to help! Here are two ways to reduce the cost of pet food:

Make your pet food

Fret not, it’s not as hard as you might think. There are plenty of recipes online that will show you how to make food for your pet that is both healthy and affordable.

Buy pet food in bulk

This can be a smart way to save money, especially if you have a pet with a huge appetite. Talk to your go-to pet store to see if they offer discounts for buying in bulk or look out for special promotions.

Do it yourself grooming

Image Credits: newsweek.com

Have you tried doing some of the grooming tasks yourself?

There are some simple things you can do to keep your pet looking good without spending a fortune.

For example, most dogs don’t need to be bathed that often. You can save money by using dry shampoo or giving them regular brushing instead. And if your pet needs a trim, there are plenty of tutorials on how to do it yourself online.

Make your toys and treats

Making your toys and treats is our final way to save money on pet care. Not to mention, it’s a fun way to show your pet some extra love.

There are all sorts of instructions out there for homemade toys and treats, but here are a few of our favorites:

For toys, you can make a simple toy out of an old sock. Just stuff it with some fabric scraps and your pet will love the smell that comes with it.

As for treats, you can make your jerky out of chicken or beef, or bake some tasty dog biscuits using flour, oats, and peanut butter. Your pet will adore the taste and you will treasure the savings. Win-win.

As we close, you can save money on pet care by making a few small changes to your routine. Shop for pet supplies online to get the best prices, feed your furry buddy a homemade diet instead of buying ready-to-eat food, and do DIY grooming instead of paying for a professional groomer. Don’t forget pet insurance too!

Low-Maintenance Cat Breeds To Bring Home

Cats are wonderful companions, especially as pets kept indoors. They are generally low-maintenance and are not difficult to provide care for. There are many breeds of cats that go beyond the black or white cat you see in the television. In fact, the International Cat Association (TICA) officially recognizes 71 breeds as of 2018. That is a lot!

If you are keen to own a cat, you may choose from these adorable low-maintenance cat breeds.

#1: SCOTTISH FOLD

What makes the Scottish Fold unique is its ears that fold forward and lie close to the head. This cat is a lovely addition to any home due to its adaptable personality and its short stature. They are unlikely to attempt any grand leaps or obstacle courses. It can get along with other cats, dogs, and children. Their thick coat is surprisingly easy to maintain as it requires brushing once or twice a week.

Global singing sensation Taylor Swift is a proud owner of Scottish Folds. Her Scottish Folds Meredith and Olivia were both named after fictional television characters.

#2: SPHYNX

The Sphynx is a hairless cat breed, which is often the first choice of cat owners with allergens. The Sphynx’s fur feels more like fine hair or peach fuzz. Not only will its owner get less allergy attacks, but it will not need to groom its fur regularly.

This is an independent cat that is happy to amuse itself while you are busy indoors or outside with your friends. You may invest in a cat tower as the Sphynx enjoy jumping around.

#3: BRITISH SHORTHAIR

Known for its easygoing temperament and undemanding personality, the British Shorthair is popular amongst many cat lovers. It is affectionate, but not needy. It is the perfect companion for people who are looking for cats that stay away from trouble while they are not home. This cat’s short and dense coat is easy to maintain. A good weekly combing should be sufficient to remove the debris and to distribute the skin oils for a healthy coat.

#4: MAINE COON

The Maine Coon originally descended from ship’s cats. It is the largest domesticated cat breed. It is known for its chill, almost dog-like personality. They love the outdoors and can even be walked on a leash. Despite its long coats and large stature, it only requires minimal grooming. This is because its fur is silkier. You just need to comb it once a week and you are good to go!

Although it enjoys human interactions, it can easily entertain itself and is not considered as clingy. Let it freely play on its own.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Always remember that although these cat breeds are seemingly simple to take care of, you are still responsible for your cats. Love and treat them properly.

Sources: 1 & 2

Surefire Ways To Save Money While Taking Care Of Your Pets

As much as you love and adore your pets, long-term care adds up. From pet medications to cleaning supplies and vet visits, it is essential to reduce your expenses without endangering your pet’s health. Fortunately, there are many simple saving tips that can employ to keep the costs to a minimum.

CULTIVATE A SAFE SPACE

Responsible care starts with creating a safe environment for your pets. Prevent hefty and harmful accidents from occurring by storing poisonous, sharp, and dangerous items out of your pet’s reach. For instance, bleach and other household cleaners may cause serious accidents for your pets. Yarns can also get stuck inside your kitty’s intestines and cost you more than thousands of dollars for the surgery.

CONSIDER PET ADOPTION

The age-old advice encourages us to adopt and not to shop. Instead of making an impulse purchase at a pet shop, you can rescue lovely animals from animal rescue centers and other animal organizations. You can provide an adopted animal a wonder new life for a lower purchase price compared to investing on a purebred animal. Purebred animals such as Golden Retrievers can cost up to S$5,000, especially if they come with a pedigree certificate.

This tip is beyond saving money. It brings the fulfillment of knowing that you have saved a life too. Just ensure that you are adopting from a reputable animal welfare organization or a rescue center. One example is the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Singapore, houses a variety of animals since its existence in the 1800s.

REDUCE THE VET TRIPS

The best way to eliminate medication costs is to prevent diseases. Vaccination is truly cheaper than the treatment for your pet’s disease. Consult your vet about the vaccination that your pet needs such the vaccination against Feline Panleukopenia virus. This virus is a highly contagious, severe infection that causes gastrointestinal, nervous system, and immune system diseases.

If your pet is already sick, ask the professional if a generic brand of medication works as well as the branded one. Generic brands are cheaper than the branded ones but they can also give the same effect.

MAKE YOUR OWN PET TOYS

Resist the temptation of purchasing several pet toys from pet stores. Often times, cheap plastic toys are poorly made and can easily get broken. Handmade toys work just as well. Moreover, you will be able to make sure that your pet’s preferences are met, using safe materials.

Most cats are fond of cardboard boxes and laser pointers. While, most dogs are fond of tug-o-war toys or empty plastic water bottles tied-up in a sock. Search thru the web for more ideas!

SLASH YOUR PET’S DENTAL EXPENSES

Gingivitis can damage your pet’s kidney and your finances since it requires expensive treatment and professional cleaning. To avoid this, do regular dental care at home. Wrap a significant amount of gauze on your finger and swipe your pet’s teeth. Brush your pet’s teeth using pet-friendly toothpaste, which may come in savory flavors such as chicken or malt. Toothpastes usually cost about S$10 per tube.

GROOM YOUR PET AT HOME

It is not only safer to groom your pet at home during this time, but it is also cheaper. It is possible to groom your long-haired furbaby at home. All you have to do is to equip yourself with an ear solution, pet shampoo, brush, and nail clippers.

Opt for a pet shampoo that can ward off parasites and fleas such as the ones available in Carousell, Lazada, and Kohepets. Having this special formulation is helpful due to Singapore’s hot weather.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Which of these pet care saving tips are you already using? Feel free to share us some of your coveted tips!

3 Affordable Online Pet Stores Offering The Best Services In Singapore

George Eliot once said: “Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.”

Animals are creatures that love us genuinely without judgment that even words cannot describe the bond we form with our pets. Most of the times, the loyal and affectionate bond formed goes way beyond the “master and pet” relationship that people treat them as members of the family.

With that special bond, you only want what is best for your pet. This is why it is extremely important for you to find a store that sells the right food, accessories, and pet care products. Look no further, as this list will give you four of the best online pet stores in the country. Furthermore, these prices are inclusive of GST already (no hidden costs yay!).

1. DOGGY FRIEND

Doggy Friend maybe one of the cheapest online pet stores out there but their services are optimum. Looking at their user-friendly website that is easy to navigate, I saw a wide range of dog and cat food brands. You will definitely find a product and price that suits you best.

Doggy Friend, as a company, focuses on pet supplies such as clothing pieces, toys, dental accessories, and food supplements. Currently, they are having promotions on food including: Bow Wow Treats Mix N Match: 3 for $10 and Special Dog Wet Food (400g) for S$2.55. While their ongoing online sale is mainly on toys including: Qoo Santa Pet Toys for S$2.50 and JU-BE Bowling Pin for S$6.

Image Credits: facebook.com/Doggyfriend-1460708560842852/timeline/?ref=page_internal

And if you want to give a present for your pet loving friend but you do not know what to get him or her, you may buy a Doggy Friend gift certificate instead. Their gift certificates range from S$10-S$50.

Website: doggyfriend.com.sg

2. PETS’ STATION

One of the pet stores that date way back is Pets’ Station. From a family business that emerged in 1969, Pets’ Station had rapidly expanded over the years. With over thousands of products available at competitive prices, you can expect a variety of premium pet supplies that are exclusive to their shop alone. What is special about Pets’ Station is that they offer grooming services (for as low as S$45) and sell cute pets too at their 7 physical stores islandwide.

Are you eager to browse through their products? Then, grab the chance to participate in their warehouse sale this coming Saturday and Sunday!

Image Credits: petsstation.com.sg

Website: petsstation.com.sg

Outlets: 7 store locations

3. KOHE PETS

Where else can you find an online shop that is convenient, easy to navigate, accessible, and offers free samples?

Yes your read that right! Kohe Pets online shop regularly offers free samples for their products so you will find it easier to decide the perfect treat that your pet will truly like.

Furthermore, Kohe Pets has a huge selection of more than 2,500 reasonably priced products ranging from the popular brands to the unique brands that are hard to find in Singapore. Their focus leans more on healthy and whole pet foods. According to testimonials, their deliver is swift as customers receive their orders usually on the next day.

Image Credits: facebook.com/kohepets

Lastly, Kohe Pets are always generous with their promotions that some items are set to 20% off or Buy 1 Get 1 Free scheme!

Website: kohepets.com.sg

Sources:1 & 2

Savvy Pet Care Saving Tips

From pet medications to cleaning supplies and vet visits, these pet care measures add up. Even the pet’s food expenses can add to the pile of cost. This is why it is important to cut down pet care costs without endangering your pet’s health. Spend less with these Savvy Pet Care Saving Tips…

1. SLASH YOUR PET’S FOOD BILL

Some owners overfeed their pets, leading to a condition called obesity. But, feeding a smaller amount can improve your pet’s health and save you money. Consult your vet about the appropriate food amount your pet needs. To save more, you may buy pet food in bulk.

2. DENTAL CARE FOR LESS

Gingivitis can damage your pet’s kidney and your finances since it requires expensive treatment and professional cleaning. To prevent this, do regular dental care at home. Wrap a significant amount of gauze on your finger and swipe your pet’s teeth.

3. CUTTING DRUG COSTS

The best way to cut down drug costs is to prevent diseases. Consult your vet about the vaccination that your pet needs such as one against Feline Panleukopenia virus. Vaccination is truly cheaper than the treatment for your pet’s disease.

If your pet is already ill, ask the professional if a generic brand of medication works as well as the branded one. Generic brands are cheaper than the branded ones but they can also impart the same effect. And if your pet needs a drug that we take such as antibiotics, compare around the several pharmacies to get the best price.

4. PREVENT ACCIDENTS

Image Credits: Gavin St. Ours via Flickr

Keep poisonous, sharp, and dangerous items out of your pet’s reach. For instance, acetaminophen, household cleaners, and liquid potpourri can cause accidents. Yarns can also get stuck inside your kitty’s intestines and cost you more than thousands of dollars for the surgery.

Save on pet-related costs

Reduce the cost of food

Do it yourself grooming

Make your toys and treats

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