Owning a pet isn't just a joy; it's a big responsibility. You don't just bring it home and play with it. You have to nurture it, exercise it, feed it, train it...and yes, occasionally take it to the Vet.

I would venture to guess that many pet owners never gave a thought to the annual cost of veterinarian services associated with owning a pet when they selected their pride and joy! It pulled at their heartstrings so much that the thought of vets was the furthest thing from their minds. It was all about the food, treats and toys!

While there are wonderful new medical treatments available to pets today, the cost associated with them is rapidly increasing. Without pet insurance, many pet owners find they just cannot afford the care they would like to provide for their pets.

There are pro-active ways you can cut health care costs without sacrificing your pet's well being. To help your pet live a longer, healthier life, follow these simple tips:

1. Spay or neuter your pet early if you have absolutely no plan to breed them! It keeps males from developing "marking" behavior, keeps pets from prowling when others are in heat (thereby eliminating the chance they may be hit by a car, attacked by another animal or "pet-napped"), and most importantly it keeps the population of unwanted/stray pets down.
2. Pet-proof both inside and outside your home: Keep medicines and harmful chemicals/household cleaners safely out of reach. Keep poisonous plants where pets can't reach them and be diligent about picking up leaves and berries they may drop. Opt for artificial plants where practical. If you have fences or gates, be sure they are secure, strong enough to hold your pet in and other pets out. Be sure they don't present a choking hazard should a collar or tie-out get ensnared. Use only non-toxic paints and stains on anything likely to be ingested by an aggressive chewer.
3. Keep cats inside: it's proven an outdoor cats life is considerably shortened when left outside to fend for itself. Be kind and keep it indoors. This will also eliminate the potential for a lot of possible disease related illnesses.
4. Get pets vaccinated early and be sure to be diligent about annual boosters. Prolonging this step will almost certainly guarantee your pet will become infested with parasites or become ill with another malady. Prevention is worth a pound of cure, so do it as soon as the pet is the proper age. Many animal control organizations, including some animal shelters and your local Humane Society may offer low-cost programs. If you live in a college town with a Veterinary school, there may be free or low-cost programs, as well. It doesn't matter where you go. It matters that you actually go.
5. Be conscious of your pet's weight. Like humans, they have a "healthy weight" you should maintain. Obesity leads to orthopedic problems, heart disease and diabetes as well as other medical disorders. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight as well as a balanced diet. There are many healthy food choices on the market specially formulated for pets with weight issues, diabetes, food allergies, etc. Find the one that suits your pets needs and stick with it. If your pet is continually licking its paws, suspect a food allergy. Wheat, corn and soy are the biggest sources of allergies in pets, so check your treat boxes and food containers for ingredient lists. Eliminate one at a time in different foods until the symptoms subside (that includes the supplemental treats). When the licking stops, you've found the food formula you should stick with.
6. Always have plenty of fresh water available for your pets. If they are outside dogs, be sure their water supply does not freeze (let's face it, if it's that cold they shouldn't be out there anyway!) A well-hydrated animal is generally a healthier animal.
7. Practice good hygiene: Groom and trim nails regularly to prevent infections of the skin and nail beds. Brush your pet's teeth two to three times a week with specially formulated pet toothpaste - never human toothpaste. If you pet will not allow you to do this, opt for some of the new dental sprays, gels and rinses on the market today to reduce the plaque buildup that can cause tooth decay/loss and gum disease. Alternatively, provide suitable chew toys and treats, but be careful of bones. Never give poultry or pork bones, as they can splinter and cause serious problems that can lead to death. Poor dental/oral health in pets is the number one cause of heart disease later life, so develop a routine and stick with it early. See your vet if considerable plaque develops so that it can be removed professionally.

As you learn your pet's habits, anything out of the ordinary will become obvious. If their habits or routines suddenly change, there may be a health problem. If their breath suddenly develops a foul odor, it may indicate oral disease, gastrointestinal problems or diabetes. Skin and ears should not emit odors. If they do, you should seek the help of a veterinarian.

Your pet should see a veterinarian regularly for a check-up, just like you. Many medications like heartworm medicine is unavailable without a prescription, so make an annual visit to be sure everything with your pet is progressing well and that you have the proper preventative medications. Some medications may be available as samples, but you have to ask for them.

If a procedure is necessary that you cannot afford, ask for discounts. If they aren't available, seek out a veterinary school to see if they offer what you need at a reduced cost by their students.

You are the caretaker. If you don't understand something, ask questions until you do. Question anything that doesn't seem right and never be afraid to refuse a treatment until you seek a second opinion.

Doing the "routine maintenance" eliminates a lot of unnecessary "major reconstruction" down the road. Being a Pet Parent is not only a blessing; it's a tremendous responsibility. Consider pet insurance, which helps defray major costs. Most importantly, if things just don't seem quite right, they probably aren't. See your vet.