Guest Posts

Guest Post: Review on the Banfield Wellness Plan

by Kristy on April 10, 2011

Hello all, my name is Jennifer and my best friend is Capone. I know, I know “Man’s best friend” and all, but from day I looked into his big brown eyes I knew we were meant to find each other.

Sure drool comes with dogs, feeding, exercising, play-time, and sometimes barking. Maybe you’ll even be lucky enough to find one that likes to cuddle with you while you watch TV and sleep by your bedside at night. I had done the research, watched Dogs 101 a million times and knew exactly what I wanted. I wanted a loyal, loveable companion that I would raise to know our children and become part of our family. I started begging my husband for a puppy, an English Mastiff to be exact. The drool comment is making you laugh isn’t it?

We found an ad for English Mastiff puppies not 25 miles from where we live. We made the call the very next day. My husband was still not sold on a puppy that could potentially get so big. I however had a totally convincing story. We have enough space in our house, hard wood floors, the kids are all old enough to take him for walks and I am only working part-time so problem solved.

We gather up the children and set out to see the litter. I knew what I wanted: a fawn male. No of course they didn’t have one available that would be to easy. Then it happened, the pups father walked in. He walked up to me started sniffing. I asked if it would be OK to pet him and did so. Love at first sight. He instantly took to me. I told my husband that is what ours will look like when he is all grown up. Provided we could find one. We were preparing to leave when his owner approached me to tell me that he too was available.

I couldn’t believe it! A nice friendly, house trained, beautiful, exactly what I wanted Mastiff was available? You’re joking right? I didn’t mean to say it out loud it just kind of came out. We brought him home that day. From then on he has, literally, been by my side, trying to sit on my lap, or in my bed!

I did what all new parents do. I called around checking local veterinarians out, asked friends, researched them on-line, and drove past them to check the building out. Though we had offices closer to our home we decided upon Banfield The Pet Hospital. Their slogan is even “Treating Your Pet Like Family”. That is exactly what Capone is to me. I called Monday morning and I was able to get in Tuesday. Banfield is open seven days a week and usual office hours are 9 AM until 7 PM (Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM).

Being neurotic can be expensive, but not with Banfield. We purchased a Wellness Plan. Banfield has a few to choose from Basic: essential wellness, Basic Plus: active prevention, and Optimum: special care. These all are tailored to puppies, dogs, kittens, and cats. You pay an initial fee and a small monthly fee. We were able to go with the Basic plan because of Capone’s age and he has no medical needs at this time. We may at any time upgrade to a more inclusive plan but we do not have the option to down-grade.

We have been to the vet several times in the last few months. No, no he is fine; I am just a little over protective when it comes to my babies. Our savings total so far $477.46. This includes vaccines that are covered, office visits, blood work, and discounts on medications.

The staff at my local Banfield is amazing. The veterinarian and staff are knowledgeable, caring people. I have not had one bad experience whether it is a phone call or a visit with them. Capone can be quite a handful when we venture out, almost 200 pounds, so the staff always tries to get us into a room as quickly as we walk in. I would recommend all pet owners check out their local Banfield and speak with the staff to see if a Wellness Plan would work for them.

Jennifer is proud pet-parent to an English Mastiff named Capone. She is a reader of My Pet Savings and was kind enough to send me her perspective of Banfield and how having a pet health insurance plan can help you save money.

How about you, do you have a plan under Banfield or any other form of a pet health care plan? Would you recommend it?

Guest Post: How to Save on Your Pet’s Health Care

by Kristy on April 7, 2011

I am currently owned by three beasts: Sebastian, my 12-year-old Chihuahua, and Artie and Dilbert, two adopted cats who have been in residence for about three months now. Artie’s approaching three years old. Dilbert will have his first birthday in May. I have also had cats in the past. The biggest tip I have for saving on pet care? To avoid needing it in the first place.

My first suggestion is to adopt a mixed breed cat or dog. Studies have shown that, over their lifetimes, mixed breed pets will have less health problems and need less veterinary care than will pure breed pets. Next, get your pet spayed or neutered as soon as reasonably possible. According to the ASPCA spaying your pet helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer while neutering your pet prevents him from getting testicular cancer.

While the goal is to avoid the need for veterinary care, you must provide an ounce of prevention to avoid a pound of cure. So, make sure that your pet gets to the vet once a year for a full exam and that he or she is kept current on whatever shots are needed. Once your pet is a “senior”, it’s likely that your vet will recommend bi-annual visits. You might be tempted to ignore this advice, but consider that dogs and cats age much more rapidly than we do. Waiting a year to take a senior pet for a vet exam would be akin to our going to the doctor only once a decade after 50.

Keeping your furry friends in your home or yard is also crucial to their overall health. If you keep your pets close by and control the time they spend outside, you’ll be able to limit their exposure to fights, predators, cars and abuse as well as theft. Within your yard, and when walking in the neighborhood, be careful to avoid lawn fertilizer! It is dangerous for pets to be exposed.

Also, consider the benefit of feeding your pets good-quality food. We’ve all heard that “we are what we eat.” This adage is no less true for our pets. High-quality pet food will help maintain your pet’s health throughout his or her life. Similarly, think about the cleaning supplies you use, especially for floors. Why floors? Our pets—especially dogs—will eat off the floors. And dogs and cats walk on our floors with four bare paws that they then lick clean. Now think about the possible effects of your using—and their ingesting—toxic cleaners, and perhaps consider using vinegar next time instead.

Carrie blogs over at Saving and the Single Girl. She shares some great tips on saving money. Read her article on ways to save on pet needs, and meet her four-legged crew! :)

Guest Post: 5 Surprising and Healthy Dog Treats Hiding at Home

by Kristy on April 5, 2011

Renee emailed me this kind email requesting to share this helpful post with all of you:

“What a great site! As an animal lover and dog owner, you always have something I am eager to read but more importantly, your articles keep a tight budget in mind. I loved your adorable suggestions in “Halloween Pet Costume Deals”! Unfortunately, I am not very good with a sewing machine and cannot afford to buy costumes for myself, my children, AND our dog. By following your links, we were able to find a an adorable costume on the cheap (plus, a bulldog dressed as a bubble bee is just about the cutest thing in the world!) I have really appreciated what I have garnered from your blog and I was inspired to suggest a guest post I feel your other readers would find beneficial.”

For the joy man’s best friend brings us each day, he deserves a ton of pampering and more! It’s no surprise we find ourselves rushing time and time again to grocery stores and pet shops to pick up the tasty treats that set our dogs’ little tails a-wagging. Of course given time, with the rising cost of goods, these excursions prove to be expensive ventures and eventually there are days when our furry friends will have to go without their longed-for rewards. However, there’s no need to fall prey to those puppy dog eyes and get in over your head with extra purchases, as there are ways of scrounging up healthy and delectable treats using ingredients normally found at home.

Dog treats need not contain all those artificial flavorings to be as tasty. Neither do they need to be packaged in colorful wrapper to appeal to your dog’s senses. In fact, when it comes to rewarding your pet, homemade treats are sometimes better and healthier. Make your dogs happy with simple concoctions you can create from normal everyday items found around the home:

  1. Go Green

    2. Some people think that like kids, most dogs also hate vegetables. But this is actually false. Aside from being healthy, veggies are irresistible to your furry friends and the crunchier, the better! Prime choices for vegetable treats include baby carrots, green beans, and peas. However, before starting your dog on a vegetable diet, make sure to have them checked for digestion problems, as the fibrous components of these dishes might pose a significant threat to their health. In this situation, cut or mash vegetables for easier digestion.

  2. Starch It

    3. Human food containing complex carbohydrates is a nutritious and delicious substitute to traditional dog treats. The dishes contained in this category are lower in fat compared with commercially bought dog treats, allowing your pet to live long into their later years without suffering from health problems such as obesity. Serve your pet a bowlful of pasta or cooked rice. Any type will do though macaroni is a proven favorite. Starchy products are good for weight maintenance or for inducing a sick pet to gain more pounds. They also provide a storehouse of energy for the dogs’ everyday excursions.

  3. Dairy, Dairy Quiet Contrary

    4. Trust us and give your dog a lick or two from an ice cream cone. Not only will he enjoy it, it will also benefit him in more ways than one. Dairy products contain a healthy amount of fat, although consumption must still be monitored to avoid making your dog obese. Also check your pet for any heart ailments first as excess amounts of fat and cholesterol can be fatal. Next time your dog does something right, give him a couple of licks on a bowl of ice cream or provide him with a dab of cream cheese.

  4. Eggs, Eggs, Eggs

    5. Like all things taken in excess, this particular animal product can be unhealthy for your dog if given in large doses. However if properly controlled, eggs provide the protein necessary for your pet to build healthy musculature, which is needed for all the vigorous activities such as running, jumping and climbing. One whole or half a hard-boiled egg with the yolk isolated can serve as an ideal treat. You can include the yolk if you want your pet to gain weight but again be on the lookout for signs of heart ailments or obesity. Also note any kidney problems such as difficulty in urinating, which may be a result of a high-protein diet.

  5. Get Baking

    6. Creating your very own dog treats at home is very simple. Most baked goods call for unhealthy ingredients but here’s one nutritious recipe you can try! This procedure involves a blend of oatmeal, whole wheat flour, bananas and honey, which all fall into healthy categories of dog treats. Aside from being good for your pet’s well-being, these ingredients are relatively cheap and are easy to find around the home or in any grocery store. So when you shop for yourself, you’re also shopping for your pet.

Implement these healthy practices into your pet’s diet and you’ll have a happier, healthier companion to shoot the breeze and play Frisbee with. And while some say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, anything’s possible with these treats!

photo credit

See Also:

-Homemade Dog Treats

-Make Your Own Frosty Paws

Renee Bedford is a mom and wife who believes in teaching her children to be self-reliant and prepared. She knows that not only will these skills keep them safer, but they will also make them smarter! Besides being a committed mother, she also works for the Christmas Tree Market, where they sell an array of classic and unique artificial Christmas trees.

How about you, what types of treats do you give your dog(s)?

Guest Post: The Best Ways to Prepare for the Cost of Veterinary Bills

by Kristy on March 31, 2011

The High Price of Pet Care

More and more people are learning of the exceptionally high costs associated with owning a pet. Not only are you obligated to provide nutritional food, shelter, toys, and more, you must also present health care when necessary. Vet clinics can be very expensive with the simple check up exam costing well over $50 at some clinics. Instead of being forced to spend countless dollars on veterinary bills, you can look for alternatives that help bring the cost down without sacrificing quality.

Comparing Prices of Local Veterinary Clinics

When you begin searching for a vet to care for your pet(s), it is helpful to look further into the prices they offer. It is easy to see a nice veterinary clinic with good reviews from clients and be tempted to sign up your pet as well. Before you go ahead and make this decision, it is helpful to compare clinics based on the prices that are being advertised from each. You may find that particular clinics- while definitely a great option- are hiking up their prices substantially. Being patient and shopping around can help you find a fantastic deal for animal care.

Considering the Investment of Pet Insurance

The best thing to do when you are trying to save money on vet care is enrolling in some form of pet insurance. While it may have been looked at as unnecessary years ago, it is becoming more popular due to the high cost of veterinary bills. In order to find a quality insurance provider, you need to browse around and get quotes from companies such as Banfield, VPI, and PetsBest. Comparing the prices from each provider for the plans they offer allow you to really get an idea of what the best deal. Selecting the appropriate amount of coverage for your pet can make a huge difference in the cost you pay upfront at the vet clinic when you go in. Instead of being forced to pay a high co-payment for an exam, you can have your bill covered and other services greatly decreased in cost.

Creating a Savings Account for Pet Care

One of the best ways to avoid surprise when it comes to the cost of veterinary care is through starting a savings account dedicated for this purpose. By placing a little bit of money regularly into this account, you will have money stowed away in the chance that your pet becomes injured or ill. Instead of getting overwhelmed with a high veterinary bill, you can have the peace of mind that the cost is already taken care of.

Stella Workman is a freelance writer and blogger who usually looks at savings account deals over at SavingsAccount.Org. Her most recent review looked at the best saving account rates.

What is Clicker Training?

by Kristy on March 10, 2011

More and more we hear about pet training classes that are based on “clicker training”. The large pet stores-such as Petco and Petsmart has integrated them into their obedience regime and I often hear the plastic clickers popping at the dog park. Interested in attempting clicker training with your dog or cat? Here are a few facts to help you decide if clicker training is for you.

  • Clicker training is based on positive reinforcement. This means that, instead of physically directing an animal when it doesn’t behave, you choose to reinforce your pet with treats when they do what you want them to.
  • The clicker (which can also be a whistle or a word like “Yes!”) is called the “bridge”. Basically, clicker training takes into account that we can never present a treat fast enough to immediately let an animal know what they are doing right. The bridge becomes a communication tool to let your pet know at the exact instant they perform the desired behavior.
  • The clicker is shaped into this “communication tool” by initially pairing it with food rewards. One click, one treat-until you click and your pet looks seriously interested in you or the clicker. Then you know the clicker is “loaded” or associated with food for further use.
  • Clicker training can be used with any animal. It was originally developed by trainers working with marine mammals. Remember that high school psychology class about B.F. Skinner and his rats? Clicker training is that experiment in action. It has been used to train everything from dolphins to dogs to goldfish.
  • Clicker training doesn’t always mean you need a clicker. As I noted above, you can choose to use a clicker, a whistle, or a word as a bridge. Owners of deaf animals frequently use the click of a flashlight beam or a thumbs up signal. Load it with treats and you are ready to go.

The ins and outs of clicker training are subjects of entire blogs themselves. If you are interested in attempting this training regime with your pet, consider visiting Clickertraining.com, a website run by an excellent trainer, Karen Pryor. I have found that clicker training with my pets leaves me with a well trained pet that comes running to train, as opposed to a fearful pet that I feel some classical training programs can create. Give it a try and let us know your experiences with
clicker training!

Resources:

Karen Pryor, Getting Started: Clicker Training for Dogs Kit

StarMark Dog Training Clicker

Do you use a clicker to train your pets or another form of training?

This article was written by our new contributor Lindsay. She is a current veterinary student, former zoo-keeper and animal trainer, and owns several animals. Learn more about this author on our contributor profile page.

Tips and Tricks for DIY Grooming

by Kristy on March 7, 2011

Many of us have foregone the pricey visit to the groomer in favor of at home grooming. Many of us, in the midst of a soapy, furry mess, have wondered if it was truly worth the money saved. Here are a few tips and tricks to make at home grooming stress free for you and your pet.

  • Assemble your tools ahead of time. This might seem like a no brainer but it’s easy to forget the ear wash or nail clippers in the midst of corralling Fluffy. I’ve assembled a “grooming box” that lives in my hall closet and is my go to for bath and grooming time. I have shampoos, brushes, ear wash, cotton swabs, eye lubricant, clippers, nail clippers and styptic powder. Your kit might include more, might include less but at least it’s all gathered together.
  • Invest in the right tools for the job. At home grooming is likely less expensive than monthly or bi monthly trips to a groomer but it’s not completely without cost. Invest in the right tools to save over time. Use shampoos formulated for pets (soap free if your pet receives monthly flea and tick control like Advantage or Frontline) and, if hair clipping is involved, save yourself from fighting with dull blades and faulty motors by purchasing a set of reliable clippers.
  • Avoid turning bath time into a trip to the vet by following a few simple rules. Never remove mats with scissors; they are often so close to the skin you risk cutting your pet and possibly needing sutures. Buy some eye lubricant and add a dab to each eye before bath time to keep shampoos and other products from irritating the eyes. If you are going to do at home nail trims, make sure to have decent nail clippers and consider some styptic powder to stop bleeding in case of a nail cut too short.
  • Use grooming time to assess your pet’s health. Bath and clip time is a great time to take note of any new lumps or bumps on your pet, wounds, ticks, and your pet’s dental status. Frequently, pets are brought to a veterinarian because of something their groomer noticed and pointed out. At home grooming means taking the extra time to note any skin issues or dental disease and address it at the veterinarian.

A clean pet isn’t always a happy pet (or so my pup loves to convince me of with post bath rolls in the dirt) but they may be a more welcome addition to the couch or bed at night! Save yourself money by grooming at home and make the project easy as pie by preparing ahead of time and investing in the right tools!

This article was written by our new contributor Lindsay. She is a current veterinary student, former zoo-keeper and animal trainer, and owns several animals. Learn more about this author on our contributor profile page.

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