And though there are some inexpensive ways to save on pet care, Dr. Regina DeLorenzo of the Somers Point Veterinary Hospital says cutting the wrong things can be more costly in the long run.
She says you don't want to skip on vaccines.
"Paying the money for the vaccines an the heartworm preventative and the flea and tick and the de-wormers is going to save them a lot more down the line," she explains.
An anti-tick treatment for a large dog for one year costs about $200. Treating that same dog for Lyme Disease or another tick-borne illness that can lead to kidney problems or arthritis, can cost $1000 or more.
Heartworm prevention costs about $100 a year -- treating heartworm costs over $700.
Not all pet preventative care costs money, though.
Dr. DeLorenzo advises keeping cats inside. Indoor cats are less susceptible to car accidents, catfights, fleas and ticks.
And watching your pet's diet is also a cheap way to keep Vet costs down. Just as with people, obesity puts pets at-rish for diabetes and arthritis.
She advises following the guidelines of pet food packaging. Feed your pet according to the amount he or she SHOULD weigh. And if they need to slim down, use fresh veggies in your regular pet food to make it more filling. She says there's no need for expensive diet pet food.
For more tips on pet care, click on the Somers Point Veterinary Hospital's website.
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