Question: We're looking at ways to save money. How can I save on pet care?

Answer: Investing in the right pet care can help reduce costs in the long run and increase your pet's quality of life.

First, prevention will save you money. Controlling your pet's weight through proper diet, minimizing treats and providing regular exercise saves money on health care now and in the future. Overweight animals are at high risk for diabetes and other issues. Plus, an afternoon of outdoor fun with your dog costs nothing and helps keep you fit, too.

Keeping cats indoors to prevent injuries and protect them from communicable diseases keeps them healthy. Household hazards kept out of reach saves on preventable emergency care.

What you spend is important, too.

Taking your dog to the grooming salon every month is expensive. With a little bit of research, you can learn to groom your dog yourself, or at least stretch out the time between salon visits.

Q: Veterinarian care is so expensive. Any tips on how to save there?

A: Never skimp on a quality veterinarian. While not all vets recommend annual vaccinations, that is no reason to skip a yearly wellness exam.

Exams can spot little problems before they become expensive ones.

Talk with your veterinarian about your pet's health and your ability to pay. By asking about costs, tests and vaccinations, you and your veterinarian can partner on the best course of action for your pet's health and wellness.

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The Hawaiian Humane Society welcomes questions by e-mail, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Indicate “;Pet Ohana”; in the subject line. Or, write “;Pet Ohana,”; Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., Honolulu 96826.