In the midst of the global recession, dog owners are finding it necessary to reduce the cost of caring for and maintaining the health of their dogs. The cost of veterinary care for last year (2008) is estimated at $10.9 billion, up nearly one billion from last year. USA facing a depressed economy with thousands of jobs disappearing and a down stock market, most of us are delaying dog care because we can’t afford vet and dog treatment. Read these tips to save money on pet expenses you once thought were necessary.

1. FEED YOUR DOG LESS. In a study by Purina that used 48 Labrador Retrievers in a 14-year study, dogs “fed lean” (received 25 percent less food compared to their peers) eventually developed the same health problems as their groupmates as they aged, but required treatments for the disease that developed 2.1 years later. As a result, treatment began at a mean age of 12 years versus 9.9 years. One secret to longevity is to feed your bulldog healthy, lean foods (not too lean) that eliminate fattening foods that contain corn. So it’s not about feeding your dog a particular brand or letting your dog overeat to keep him healthy. Remember, fat dogs pose health risks that need expensive treatment.

2. FEED QUALITY FOOD. It may sound strange to spend more on high-quality dog ​​food, but it’s your best chance for long-term dog health and lower vet bills. Once you start feeding your bulldog wisely, you will notice allergies; Intestinal problems, joint pain and other ailments disappear. You may want to switch your dog’s diet from supermarket brands to kibble to canned food. Gradually switch your pet’s diet to cooked or raw frozen or fresh raw foods.

3. STOP REWARDING YOUR DOG WITH DANGEROUS TREATS. You may not be aware of the risks involved when your dog is given hard-to-chew food treats. Treats such as cooked bones, rawhide chews, pig’s feet, and more can lodge in the tracheas and intestines. Surgery for blockages and perforations is not cheap. Surgery can remove these blockages, but it may be too late to save your dog’s life.

4. REGULAR BRUSHING OF YOUR DOG’S TEETH. Dental problems often equate to expensive vet bills. One way to prevent tooth decay in your dog’s teeth is to feed him low-carb foods and brush his teeth at least three times a week. Use a good toothpaste intended for dogs and not humans. You can apply and brush your dogs teeth with a super soft toothbrush or gauze wrapped around your finger as a substitute for a toothbrush.

5. DO A BLOOD TEST ON YOUR DOG. Dogs age faster than humans, making them more susceptible to disease. Older dogs should have a blood test every six months. A complete blood test is the easiest and only way to detect a disease while it is still curable and cheapest to treat. Have your dog checked for heartworms, regardless of whether he takes medication or not.

6. STOP UNNECESSARY VACCINATION. It makes no sense to vaccinate your dog against diseases your dog is unlikely to get and against diseases your dog has already developed immunity to. In addition to wasting a great deal of time and money, over-vaccination will have adverse health consequences that will ruin your dog’s health and cost you a fortune in veterinary bills.

7. STOP GIVING UNNECESSARY OR DANGEROUS MEDICATIONS TO YOUR DOG. Check the medications you give your dogs, especially steroids and arthritis medications. Typically, allergic drug reactions will develop after multiple doses of the drug. Signs of allergies include scratching or itching, facial swelling, or hives, as displayed by your pet. When your dog has overdosed, you need to contact your vet as soon as possible, which is another medical bill for you.

8. KEEP TRASH, RECYCLING BINS, AND TOXIC CHEMICALS AWAY FROM PETS. Dogs love to look through garbage cans looking for food. The downside is that dogs tend to stay that way much longer. This habit can lead to food poisoning. Stale food found in the garbage is rich in bacteria that will make your dog sick with diarrhea and vomiting. It’s best to keep an eye on your dog or put him on a leash when no one is around. By keeping your dog out of trash cans, you’ll save trips to the vet for food poisoning.

9. WASH YOUR DOG’S FEET (OR PAWS). Ensure the cleanliness of your dog’s feet after a walk on pavements full of chemicals, such as city streets and roads with salt. Be very careful around areas of the park that may have been recently treated with herbicides or other potentially dangerous chemicals. Chorus using toxic chemicals in your home or garden. Once these chemicals stick to your dog’s paws, it won’t be long before they reach your dog’s mouth. You may be risking your English bulldog developing cancer later on.

10. ONLINE SEARCH. You can save money on flea and tick control, ear care products, vitamins, joint care supplements, and other over-the-counter maintenance items sold at pharmacies and online pet supply stores. Check out the specials on offer and compare low prices with free shipping included on most orders.