Older pets need lots of care, but this important care can add up in cost quickly. Veterinarian bills, medication, special food, vitamins, supplements and toys can mean more money. Of course, we only want the best care for our senior dog. Fortunately, there are many ways you can save money while still making sure your senior pet gets everything they need for a wonderful life. Read on for money-saving tips for senior dog care!
First, you may not be sure you have a senior dog. If so, read How Old is My Dog? Then read on for tips to save money while caring for your dog.
When it comes to nearly any supply your pet needs, your first step should always be looking for the best deal. This might mean buying in bulk, finding sales or coupons, or looking for cash back offers. If you shop through sites like Rakuten, you might even find stores with free gift offers when you make a purchase. Finding ways to buy new items at lower prices will make a big difference.
You can also consider picking items up second-hand. For example, you may be able to find a gently used pet ramp online at a reasonable price. This kind of item isn’t likely to be too affected by usage, so you shouldn’t see a big drop in quality. However, for some items, such as leashes, it’s usually best to buy new. You don’t want to wind up with a worn down leash and risk having it break, which could lead to an escape.
Just like humans, pets tend to need more medical care as they get older. Caring for your pet’s health can be costly, and many pet owners have a hard time affording the expense. There are few words that can explain the heartbreak of needing to turn down a medical procedure because you don’t have the money to fund it.
One way to avoid exorbitant medical expenses is to invest in pet insurance. This will help cover some of the costs of major medical expenses, and save you from having to make heart-wrenching decisions in the event of an emergency. You can get different plans depending on your pet’s needs. Talk with your vet to see what kind of coverage you should consider.
In addition to pet insurance, it’s a good call to have an emergency vet fund set aside for your older pet. Most pet insurance is paid out through reimbursement, meaning you usually still need cash up front for procedures. If you have money set aside, you don’t have to scramble if that day does come.
Set yourself a savings goal and put away a little bit each month until you reach it. A good minimum is a thousand dollars or so. Although this may not be enough to cover the full medical costs for every emergency, it will likely be sufficient to qualify you for a payment plan.
Senior dogs still need lots of play, although they may not have the energy or dexterity to play like they once did. For example, your pup may not run as much as before, but he can still play in the yard. Encourage play by getting out with your senior pal and a favorite toy to toss around. If you want something new, try an easy-to-make toy by cutting treat-sized holes in a plastic soda bottle. Then you have a homemade puzzle feeder. These simple, low-cost ways to have fun with your pet will engage their sense of play and help keep them happy and stimulated.
A key part of keeping your dog active is taking care of their joint health. Just like humans, senior pets are prone to the painful joint disease of arthritis as they age. This is why it is so important to maintain your senior pet’s joint health.
Many ask what is the best senior dog food for arthritis? Or the best dog food for senior or older dogs with arthritis joint problems? The answer is they should have any dog food they already enjoy, with an added joint supplement like Glyde® Mobility Chews.
Supplements like Glyde promote healthy joints so your dog enjoys more youthful mobility for a longer time. High-quality supplements aren’t cheap. Look for strong key ingredients, such as New Zealand green lipped mussel (GLM), glucosamine and chondroitin in your joint supplements. Remember, just as with most things, you get what you pay for. If you try and skimp on something as important as this, you may not get the results you want for your dog. Consider signing up for an auto-ship subscription as a smart way to save with every order, plus shipping is free.
Senior pets need us to do what’s best for them and for us. Make sure you’re making wise financial decisions, so you’ll be able to support your furry friend. By following a budget, focusing on finding deals, and using the resources at your disposal, you’ll be able to comfortably afford your senior pet’s needs.
— Submitted by Special Guest Columnist Cindy Aldridge, a writer from ourdogfriends.org.