If your like me your pets are part of the family.  We love our pets, but they can be expensive to care for, especially as they age. You never want to have to choose between your pet and your bank balance, so consider these simple tips for saving money while keeping Fido or Fluffy healthy and happy:

Our Family Springer Spaniel Marta

 Get regular checkups. The money you spend on vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and

routine medical care will pay off in preventing more expensive illnesses later.

 Groom at home. Lots of grooming—brushing, washing, clipping claws—can be done

on your own. Also learn to do the unpleasant tasks of cleaning ears and anal glands.

 Get annual dental care. Talk to your vet about keeping your pet’s teeth clean and

preventing infections. Dental problems are one of the leading causes of dog or cat

health problems as they age.