Toner/Astringent -- Use witch hazel instead. No need to dilute -- use full strength. You can also rinse with a splash of Apple Cider Vinegar after cleansing -- it balances out the ph of your skin.
Thursday, September 26, 2019
14 Ways to Save Money on Your Pet
1. Take Your Own Photos
You can take great pet portraits yourself without hiring a professional photographer. You can even learn to take pictures of your active cat with some practice.
2. Schedule Complete Physicals There’s no way to prevent your pet from ever getting sick, but the most cost-effective way to deal with an illness is catching it before it gets serious. Be sure to schedule a complete physical whenever you visit your vet. By providing a full physical and performing blood tests or other diagnostics if necessary, your veterinarian is more likely to catch a condition before it gets worse and more expensive to treat.
3. Make your own toys
Seems kind of silly, especially when you want to spoil your little love, but a quick DIY search will tell you how to make an easy catnip mouse, to a towel braid. Just be sure to avoid any choking hazards that they can pull off! They will love you playing with them!!
4. Create a Pet Budget
If you’re not already keeping track of your monthly pet expenses, start now! Take note of how much you spend on your pet and make an allotted monthly budget. This way you’ll be mindful of how much you’re spending and able to keep yourself from going overboard.
5. Avoid Expensive Fashion Items
From rhinestone collars to customized sweaters, there are a lot of options for pet apparel these days. Most pets, however, don’t need these expensive accessories, so save your money and stick with purchasing only necessary apparel, like a well-made collar, an ID tag and a comfortable leash. Try Craigslist or Nextdoor to find items other owners don't need anymore. Most neighborhoods have some sort of "take my stuff for free" facebook page for people that are cleaning out their stuff
6. Groom at Home
Pet grooming is important, but there are a number of procedures you can perform yourself instead of visiting an expensive groomer. Take the time to learn how to perform pet pedicures and coat care.
7. Seek Out Inexpensive Cat Scratchers
You can purchase inexpensive scratching posts, “scratch trays” made of corrugated cardboard or door hangers with cardboard or sisal surfaces instead of splurging on an expensive cat scratcher. Also consider making your own scratchers by wrapping a cheap sisal rope around a new or used post to make it last longer, or around a log or tree limb. Just be sure whatever you create is stable enough to not fall over on your pet and tall enough to offer a good scratch.
8. Keep Up-to-Date With Vaccines
The best way to keep from paying large medical bills is to keep your pet protected against diseases that will be costly to treat. Take action by making sure your pet is up-to-date on all preventive care, especially vaccinations.
9. Find Alternatives to Expensive Boarding
Instead of leaving your pet with an expensive boarder when you go on vacation, try looking for a hotel that allows pets. Check the hotel’s website or use online resources like PetsWelcome.com and PetsCanStay.com to find pet-friendly accommodations. If you don’t want your pet to stay with you, check out alternative boarding options like DogVacay.com and Rover.com, which, depending on your geographic location, could cost more or less than standard boarding facilities. These websites offer regular homes with vetted owners that your pets can stay with starting as low as $15 a night. Keep in mind, though, that when using an option like this, you're responsible for making sure the home is a good fit for your pet. Don't be afraid to ask questions to find out what kinds of animals your pet will interact with, whether all other animals in the house are up-to-date on vaccines, as well as anything else you might need to know to feel comfortable leaving your pet. A free boarding option is developing a pet-sitting system with any friends who also have pets. If they agree to watch your pet while you are away, return the favor when they go on vacation.
10. Get Pets Spayed or Neutered
Money spent on these procedures will keep you from having to spend even more on medical expenses associated with intact pets (such as an emergency surgery to remove an infected uterus), as well as the costs of caring for a litter of kittens or puppies in the future.
11. Make Exercise a Priority
By making sure your pet gets regular exercise, you can ward off obesity and channel his energy into a productive action. This can save you money on future weight-related medical bills, not to mention replacing items chewed up out of boredom and excess energy in the long run. Consult with your vet about what exercises would be best for your pet.
12. Buy in Bulk
When you see sales, stock up on products you definitely know your pet will use. Visit warehouse clubs to find good deals on large quantities of items your pet loves.
13. Buy Clumping Litter
Avoid expensive litters made from exotic ingredients and spend your money on clumping litter for cats. You’ll spend less on cleaning cat mess as a result. If you want some odor control, don’t shell out for litters with scents like lavender. Clumping litter with a touch of charcoal is less expensive and gets the job done.
14. Perform Routine Dental Care
Try to get your pet used to daily brushing and maintain good dental health practices at home in addition to routine dental exams at your veterinary clinic. Keeping your pet’s teeth clean all year long can help you avoid expensive procedures in the future. This isn't just a matter of your pet having better breath (although that's certainly a plus); poor dental health can also lead to tooth loss and infections that spread to the heart, liver and kidneys.
Instead of leaving your pet with an expensive boarder when you go on vacation, try looking for a hotel that allows pets. Check the hotel’s website or use online resources like PetsWelcome.com and PetsCanStay.com to find pet-friendly accommodations. If you don’t want your pet to stay with you, check out alternative boarding options like DogVacay.com and Rover.com, which, depending on your geographic location, could cost more or less than standard boarding facilities. These websites offer regular homes with vetted owners that your pets can stay with starting as low as $15 a night. Keep in mind, though, that when using an option like this, you're responsible for making sure the home is a good fit for your pet. Don't be afraid to ask questions to find out what kinds of animals your pet will interact with, whether all other animals in the house are up-to-date on vaccines, as well as anything else you might need to know to feel comfortable leaving your pet. A free boarding option is developing a pet-sitting system with any friends who also have pets. If they agree to watch your pet while you are away, return the favor when they go on vacation.
10. Get Pets Spayed or Neutered
Money spent on these procedures will keep you from having to spend even more on medical expenses associated with intact pets (such as an emergency surgery to remove an infected uterus), as well as the costs of caring for a litter of kittens or puppies in the future.
By making sure your pet gets regular exercise, you can ward off obesity and channel his energy into a productive action. This can save you money on future weight-related medical bills, not to mention replacing items chewed up out of boredom and excess energy in the long run. Consult with your vet about what exercises would be best for your pet.
12. Buy in Bulk
When you see sales, stock up on products you definitely know your pet will use. Visit warehouse clubs to find good deals on large quantities of items your pet loves.
13. Buy Clumping Litter
Avoid expensive litters made from exotic ingredients and spend your money on clumping litter for cats. You’ll spend less on cleaning cat mess as a result. If you want some odor control, don’t shell out for litters with scents like lavender. Clumping litter with a touch of charcoal is less expensive and gets the job done.
14. Perform Routine Dental Care
Try to get your pet used to daily brushing and maintain good dental health practices at home in addition to routine dental exams at your veterinary clinic. Keeping your pet’s teeth clean all year long can help you avoid expensive procedures in the future. This isn't just a matter of your pet having better breath (although that's certainly a plus); poor dental health can also lead to tooth loss and infections that spread to the heart, liver and kidneys.
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