Look after your pets for less with these simple hacks
From cuddly cats to doting dogs, post-pandemic life has seen a massive boom in pet ownership across the UK, increasing from 45% of pet households to 59%!
But as our finances feel the pressure, how much are we splashing out on our pets?
According to the Discretionary Spend Index from Online Betting Guide (OLBG), the amount we spend on our pets has massively increased in the past year.
Using data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the Index revealed that us Brits only spent around £186 on our furry friends in 2019/2020.
But as the research from OLBG suggests, this increased in 2021/2022, with £242 spent a year on pets and petfood by the average UK pet owner!
With rising costs across the board, it seems inflation has also impacted the price of owning a pet.
So, if you’re feeling the pinch when it comes to your pooch, you might be looking for some budget-friendly ideas to cut the costs.
Here are our top ways to reduce the costs of caring for your pet.
- Bulk buy food
In general, the bigger the package of food, the cheaper it will be.
And pet food is no exception.
If you know a certain type of food is your four-legged friend’s favourite or suits their diet, then buying in bulk can see you significantly cut the cost.
And always best to be on the lookout for bargains and offers too!
It’s also worth making sure that your pet’s food has nutritional value, as it will save you money in the long-term.
How, may you ask? By helping your animals’ health – meaning less trips to the vet.
- Keep up-to-date with jabs and dental care
Paying to vaccinate your pet may seem like a costly task in the first place, but it will save your wallet in the long run.
Caring for a pet who falls ill with something they could have been vaccinated against can prove more expensive than just forking out for a jab.
Likewise, it’s a good idea to keep on top of your pooch or kitty’s dental health.
When their teeth become significantly worse, your pet’s dental care can prove to be expensive.
There are some ways you can prevent this at home, such as regularly brushing their teeth with a natural pet-safe toothpaste or feeding them pet-safe raw fruit and vegetables, which will stimulate gums and freshen breath.
- Shop around for pet insurance
It can be heart breaking when your furry friend falls ill, and even more so when this comes with a hefty bill.
And with prices currently increasing in every industry in the UK, the reason for increased spending found by the OLBG Index, may just be because of increased vet bills.
One way to cut the cost is to invest in good pet insurance… and shop around to find the best price and value for money too.
The right pet cover can spread the cost, keep prices low, and lessen the blow when you have the unfortunate occasion of taking your pet to the vet.
- Charity shop bargains
As smart as your pet may be, it’s unlikely they know the difference between an extremely expensive toy compared to a budget-friendly one.
What’s more, they won’t know where you’ve bought it from, as they’re just excited to have a treat!
So why not check out your local charity shop for some second-hand toys that just need a new owner to give them some love.
- DIY care
When sticking to a budget, it’s time to take things into your own hands.
Learning how to care for your beloved animal when they have ticks or fleas can be highly beneficial.
Cut the costs even further by making your own natural spray to control parasites. It can be as simple as leaving lemon quarters in some boiling water overnight, and spraying on your pet once cooled.
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As prices surge when it comes to our precious pets, some handy hacks may just help you to keep in budget, and most importantly keep your furry friend happy.