10 Money-Saving Tips for Pet Parents

Do you spend more money on your pet than necessary? We love our four-footed companions but caring for them, especially if they get sick, can become expensive.

Consider these money-saving ideas that also work to keep pets healthy. They can help you to spend less without neglecting any of your pet's needs — or forgoing the pleasures of being a pet parent.

1. Keep your pet's weight within a healthy range. By not being overfed, your cat won't put on pounds that could lead to diabetes — and you won't have to replenish kibble as frequently.
2. Exercise your dog daily. Sticking to a heart-pumping regimen for at least an hour a day not only helps keep your dog healthy, it can be as physically demanding of you as a costly health-club workout.
3. Take care of your pet's mouth. Commit to brushing teeth and inspect gums for redness and swelling. Decayed and broken teeth and untreated gum disease can lead to serious illness.
4. Visit your veterinarian. Bring your pet in for regular check-ups and keep vaccinations current. It can be life threatening for an unprotected animal to be exposed to certain diseases — and they can also be very expensive to treat and cure.
5. Combat fleas and ticks. Plan on providing your pet with uninterrupted coverage with products such as Activyl monthly spot-on flea control or Bravecto which defends against fleas and ticks for up to 12 weeks with each dose.
6. Make your house pet-safe. Always close doors securely and make sure your pet can't escape through an open window. Store toxic products where dogs and cats can't get to them. Relocate cords that might choke, strangle or electrocute a pet. Even items like loose string and rubber bands can provoke a trip to the emergency room.
7. Craft DIY toys. Have you priced pet toys recently? They cost a fortune! Check out Pinterest for homemade dog toys and homemade cat toys that are inexpensive to make and can entertain your pet for hours, if not days.
8. Don't buy pet clothes. Unless you have a shorthaired dog or hairless cat and live in a place where it gets frigid, your pet doesn't need a wardrobe. If she does, consider making your own. If you knit or crochet, download a free pattern at Lion Brand. You can also cut down a small or child's old sweater and refashion it for your pet with a few stitches.
9. Subscribe for freebies. Sign up for your favorite pet brands' newsletters, Facebook pages and Twitter feeds for news of sales and to get discount coupons.
10. Trade for pet sitting services. Have to go out of town? Trade services with a friend who loves your dog or cat. You can even try apps like Bark'N'Borrow where you can find a sitter or earn extra cash by becoming one.

Bravecto is for dogs 6 months of age or older, and is approved for pregnant, breeding and lactating dogs. Side effects may include vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive thirst and flatulence.