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If your dog or cat has ever been attacked by fleas, you know it’s uncomfortable for your pet, and uncomfortable for you to watch the constant scratching. But these pests can be more than a nuisance for your pet. In one day, a single flea can bite more than 400 times, consume more than its body weight of blood, and lay hundreds of eggs, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. And your furry friend can contract dermatitis from the flea saliva, and permanent hair loss and other skin problems from the constant scratching. Flea bites can also cause anemia. But fleas aren’t the only pests that can cause trouble for your pets. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, and in turn your pet can bring ticks into the home, putting you and your family at risk. You’ll want to protect your pet, of course, but it’s important to be cautious when using flea and tick products. In April, the Environmental Protection Agency issued an advisory about spot-on pesticide products for pets and intensified its evaluation of the products due to an increase in reports of bad reactions, ranging from skin irritation to burns, seizures, and in some cases, death. Spot-on products are generally sold in tubes or vials and are applied to one or more areas on your pet’s body, such as in between the shoulders or in a stripe along the back. While spot-on products can be effective treatments for fleas and ticks and many people use them on their pets with no harmful effects, the EPA asks pet owners to carefully follow label directions, monitor their pets for any signs of a bad reaction after applying, and to talk to their veterinarian about responsible use of these products.

Follow these safety tips when treating your pet for ticks and fleas:

1. Always read the label carefully

before using a flea and tick product. If you don’t understand the wording, ask your veterinarian or call the manufacturer before using.

2. Follow the directions exactly

If the product is for dogs, don’t use it on cats or other pets. If the label says use weekly, don’t use it daily. If the product is for the house or yard, don’t put it directly on your pet.

3. Keep multiple pets separated after applying

 a product until it dries to prevent one animal from grooming another and ingesting a drug or pesticide.

4. Talk to your veterinarian before using a product

on weak, old, medicated, sick, pregnant, or nursing pets, or on pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to flea or tick products.

5. Monitor your pet for side effects

after applying the product, particularly when using the product on your pet for the first time.

6. If your pet experiences a bad reaction

from a spot-on product, immediately bathe the pet with mild soap, rinse with large amounts of water, and call your veterinarian.

7. Call your veterinarian

if your pet shows symptoms of illness after using a product. Symptoms of poisoning include poor appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive salivation.

8. Do not apply a product to kittens or puppies

unless the label specifically allows this treatment. Use flea combs to pick up fleas, flea eggs, and ticks on puppies and kittens that are too young for flea and tick products.

9. Wash your hands immediately

with soap and water after applying a product, or use protective gloves while applying.

10. Store products away

from food and out of children’s reach.

It doesn’t take long for pet owners to figure out just how expensive animals can be.  Sometimes it’s like owning a child.  Some of the expenses you may incur are shots, neutering or spaying, an invisible fence, litter box, cat litter, food, leashes, toys, chew toys, cage or home, travel carrier, and more.  Although these things can be expensive, there are some ways to help you save.

1. Sign up for a Freecycle account

Just last week I gave away a 3-tier cage.  There are others giving away pet accessories and some freecycle groups will allow pet listings.

2. Consider adopting an animal from a rescue organization

A few years ago, we adopted a cat for $80.  She was spayed, declawed, and had all of her shots.  The $80 adoption fee was much less expensive than paying the vet bills for a kitten.

3. Find an older veterinarian

When I was growing up, my family always took our animals to an older veterinarian because he was less expensive.  He had been out of school for years and he did not have the expenses that younger vets have so he was able to offer cheaper rates.  I was fortunate to find an older veterinarian where we live now which is good because we adopted a kitten last year.  The vet that we use does not charge for office visits.  He only charges for the cost of his supplies.  I was able to save over $60 on my kitten’s first round of shots.  (Some people may not agree with going to older veterinarians.  I am trying to save money.  It is not my goal to put someone else through college.)

4. Consider using a veterinary school for care

Some veterinary schools offer services to the public.  Of course, you’re not seeing someone with experience, but these students are supervised by their instructor.  If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you may just consider using their services for basic needs such as vaccinations.

5. Groom your pet at home

Trim their nails, wash them, give them flea treatments, and cut their hair.  All of these expenses can really add up quickly. 

6. Keep your dog in a fenced-in yard and keep your cat inside

When animals leave your yard, they are more susceptible to parasites, injury, and other dangers.

7. Research, research, research

If you’re thinking about getting a new pet, then I strongly urge you to research price of the pet and the needs that they have.  Because of our research, we have kept ourselves from purchasing a chinchilla, a hedgehog, and I’m sure some other critters as well.  We simply found that these pets were not for us.

8. Research the different brands of food

Most expensive doesn’t always mean best.  For a while, we were able to buy an equivalent generic of the brand we wanted to use. 

9. Use internet

If you are brand loyal to the pet food you purchase, then visit the company’s website. Sign up for their newsletter and special promotions.  Many companies will email you coupons and special offers. 

10. Check your local veterinarian’s bulletin board

I can’t tell you the number of animal postings I’ve seen on vet’s bulletin boards.  I guess if you have an animal that needs a home, a vet’s office would be the place to post the ad because those people are likely to care about animals.  Many people will give their animals away if they know they’re going to a good home.

Well, that’s my list of 10 ways to save money with pets and animals.  I can think of a few more ways, but I want to hear from you too.  Can you add something to this list?

1. Protect your pet from burns

Winter is the time of year when house fires are more likely to occur. Take special care to monitor wood stoves, space heaters and other heating sources to protect pets from being burned. Burning ambers can get into your pet’s coat, or he may be curious and touch hot surfaces. Make sure your smoke detectors have fresh batteries and include your pets when you develop a house fire evaluation plan.

2. Use care with candles

Candles are often part of the winter ambiance. Candles are also one of the leading causes of house fires. They can be knocked over by jumping cats, running dogs and wagging tails. Ensure the candle is well weighted with a dome to protect pets. Do not leave the room where there is a lit candle.

3. Place a fire sticker on your window

Fire hazards are at their peak during the winter months. Place a sticker on your windows to alert firefighters that there are pets inside. Your local humane society or the ASPCA often provides such stickers free of charge. You can also make your own sign. Use a boldly visible paper such as neon and stick it on the inside your windows. Write – "ATTENTION FIREFIGHTERS – PETS INSIDE." You may also want to indicate the number and type of pets such as "2 DOGS and 1 CAT."

4. Take special care with antifreeze

Buy antifreeze that does not contain ethylene glycol. Antifreeze is very toxic due to this chemical component. It is sweet and tasty to pets, and lethal even in small quantities. Buy brands that do not contain ethylene glycol, such as Sierra, and be sure to keep all antifreeze out of reach of your pets. Even antifreeze without ethylene glycol is toxic in large quantities.

5. Beep your horn

Cats often curl up in warm engines in the winter and suffer severe injury from the fan belt when the engine is started. Beeping your horn before starting your engine can help scare cats away.

6. Prevent frostbite

Frostbite is injury to tissue that occurs when an animal is exposed to freezing temperatures (often accompanied by high winds). Keep your pet warm — provide warm bedding indoors. Minimize exposure to cold temperatures, especially pets that are used to being primarily in warm climates or indoors. Provide good bedding and warm doghouses for outdoor dogs. Severely cold temperatures are intolerable for even the toughest of pets. When the temperature is below freezing, consider allowing your pet to spend sometime indoors. Consider adding a doggie door to the garage or basement door to allow safe escape from severe temperatures.

7. Take special care around bodies of water

Be careful around frozen lakes and bodies of water as weak areas can allow pets to fall through. Keep your pets on a leash and do not allow them to navigate on the ice.

8. Protect your pets’ feet

Snow and ice often call for rock salt on sidewalks and driveways. Wipe snow and ice off your pet’s feet – even clean between the toes — after outdoor walks. Be especially sure to clean paws of lime rock salt or calcium chloride salt, both of which can cause vomiting and diarrhea if the animal licks it.

9. Provide fresh water

Ensure your outdoor pet has plenty of fresh water. You can buy commercial dishes that do not freeze, or you can change the water as needed, depending on the temperature.

10. Prevent carbon monoxide problems

During the colder months, various heat sources are used to keep us and our pets warm. Make sure these appliances are in good working order. Pets are home more than people are, so they might be affected by carbon monoxide before you notice a problem. Pets kept in the garage area are also at risk if you warm your car up. Make sure that there is some ventilation and air circulation in garages. Have your furnace checked for leaks or high levels of carbon monoxide. Place carbon monoxide detectors in various rooms of the house.