Last month when I shared our puppy adoption news with friends, I heard some interesting comments. Of course, many of our friends were thrilled we’d allow our kids to experience bonding and caring for a young puppy, but many others had concerns!
“Pets are a lot of work! Puppies are expensive! The veterinarian bills will be astronomical!” were just a few of the concerned comments we heard, and I must admit, the cost of adding to the family did cross my mind! Taking your pets to the vet for regular checkups can be costly, stressful to your pet, and take a significant amount of time. And most of the time, these trips are unnecessary if your pet is healthy.
Related: Reduce Vet Costs With Home Remedies for Pets
The truth is, if you are smart about it, pets can be such a benefit to your home and cost very little to care for, feed and love.
Many people are unaware you can vaccinate your healthy dogs and cats at home. I grew up helping my dad vaccinate his dogs, and I fully intend to vaccinate mine for their entire lives! It’s not only easy, it saves me time and a lot of money in the long run.
Pet vaccinations are easy to purchase online and in pet supply stores. The 5-Way Canine Spectra containing canine distemper, canine hepatitis, adenovirus cough (kennel cough), parainfluenza, and parvovirus is available at Tractor Supply stores for $7.49 and through online sources for as low as $3.89.
In my area of the country, the 5-way vaccination is standard, however in some states the 7-Way Canine Vaccine is required. Ask your veterinarian which one they recommend for your area. Note: All live vaccines need to be refrigerated, so keep that in mind if you are ordering online and be sure to read all the instructions.
A great resource for pet vaccines, including videos and printable instructions is Drs. Foster and Smith. Be sure to watch the videos for cat vaccinations and dog vaccinations and check with your veterinarian for recommendations. It’s as easy as it looks!
Cats can be given oral vaccines, sometimes placed in the nose or eyes, as well as the injected variety. In most cases the subcutaneous injection (under the skin, not in the muscle) is the form used for dogs. Either way, you save the the $40-to-$50 office visit and your pet gets protection from disease!
Vaccinations in the injection form can also be easily given, even for those without experience. In most cases, your pet won’t even feel the shot! Simply pinch up the skin around the neck and shoulder area and inject the vaccine subcutaneously (under the skin). Since the shot does not go into the muscle, your pet may not notice!
De-worming can also be done at home and the cost is minimal. This is normally in the pill or liquid form. If you are buying for one animal, pay around $1 per pill. If you are buying for more than one, buy in bulk for just a few cents per dose!
Related: Get More Great Tips from Our Savings Stars
Dog Vaccination Schedule
Unfortunately rabies vaccinations cannot be done at home, but that does not mean a trip to the vet. Keep your eye out for rabies clinics in your area. In most cases, just take your pet to the designated rabies clinic and pay around $10!
Our puppy is now 9 weeks old and I gave her the second 5-way vaccination at home today. I paid $7.49 and it took me approximately 5 minutes to mix and prepare the shot and inject the vaccine.
For this busy family, this is the way to go and we’re saving big, but still enjoying our pets to the fullest. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Please Note: I am not a veterinarian and recommend you conduct your own research and check with your veterinarian before administering any vaccines, de-wormers or medicines.
You Might Also Like
• Recipe: Crock Pot Pulled Pork with Carolina Sauce
• Earn Cash Back with Ebates for Online Purchases
• Homemade Foaming Carpet Cleaner for Spots
How do you save money and/or time on caring for your pets?
