We love our pets and they are as much a part of our family as our children – without the tuition costs! These professional recommendations will help you to maintain your pet’s health with the lowest overall costs and aggravation. If you are interested in additional ways to save money on your pet’s care – check out the resource box on the bottom.

 

1. Never Give Pets People Medication Unless Specifically Prescribed By Your Veterinarian.
 
It is important to keep your medicines out of reach. Pets, especially dogs, can sniff out and gulp down your family’s medicine, which is both dangerous and even lethal.
 

Medicines made for humans can kill your pet; in 2010 the ASPCA listed human drugs in the top 10 pet toxins.
 
NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen are the most common pet poisoning culprits, but acetaminophen, antidepressants, decongestants and muscle relaxants, are just a few of the human drugs that pose health risks to pets. Human drugs can cause kidney damage, seizures, and cardiac arrest in a dog or cat.
 
If you suspect your pet has consumed your medication — or anything toxic — call the 24-hour ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Also be sure to immediately check with your vet, and if it is during evening or weekend hours when your regular veterinary clinic may be closed, check for a local 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic and take your pet there for an examination. Many metropolitan areas have these clinics.
 

2. Seek out a specialist.

Animals can develop tough-to-treat medical issues that are best handled by a specially trained vet. If your pet develops a problem or condition that is not improving or requires testing or procedures beyond the scope of your regular veterinarian, consult a specialist.
 
These specialists generally have three to five years of additional training and are better equipped to deal with complex, unusual or rare symptoms and ailments. Once cured, you can resume treatment with your regular veterinarian.
 

3. Cats need extra attention.

Cats are very good at hiding diseases, so it’s challenging to know when yours is sick. It is not only necessary that your cat gets an annual checkup but if you notice any unusual or new behavior this could be indicative of a problem
 
Subtle changes such as weight loss, eating less, not greeting you at the door or peeing outside the litter box can be significant with cats, and should prompt a call to your veterinarian.

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