Pet owners are tightening their belts while still making sure their animals get the best they can afford

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Rising prices for veterinary care, food and pet-related products and services have pet owners looking for ways to save while still ensuring that their pets don’t have to do without. Even small changes can make a big difference. Regular wellness care or purchasing pet health insurance call for spending money upfront, but they can save your bacon if they mean discovering a pet’s health condition early or having the means to treat an expensive illness or injury.

We asked pet owners and experts around the country how they recommend dealing with higher costs for pet care. Here are their tips.

-- Take advantage of subscriptions to products you buy regularly. “It was a huge pain initially, but for recurring products, I set up subscriptions,” says Indiana-based Maggie Marton. “For nearly everything -- meds, food, fountain filters, Feliway, litter -- there’s a website out there that offers a discount for a subscription. All told, I spend 10% to 20% less on these items.”

-- Do it yourself. Christie Keith, who has four dogs -- one of them a giant breed -- has begun bathing and grooming her silken windhounds and Scottish deerhound herself instead of sending them to a professional groomer. Beth Quade learned to sew so she could make clothes and collars for her thin-skinned Italian greyhounds.

-- Take preventive care seriously. “Early intervention can save thousands,” says veterinarian Kathryn Primm, owner of Applebrook Animal Hospital in Ooltewah, Tennessee. “People think they are saving by doing an internet search and trying stuff at home, but many times it won’t work, and the delay makes the pet sicker.”

Preventing parasites also saves money. “Heartworm prevention ranges in cost based on size, but is usually less than $10 per month,” Primm says. “Treatment costs more than $1,000.”

-- Ask if you or your pet might qualify for special programs or discounts. Some veterinarians offer senior discounts, says Jose Kirchner of Sacramento, California.

-- Don’t wait until your pet is sick to establish a relationship with a veterinarian. It’s a good way to head off problems, Kirchner says. “They’ll know your pets and have records and prior lab results, avoiding the need for a more extensive workup and working blind with a pet they’ve never seen before.”

-- Get pet health insurance before problems develop. No pet insurance company covers preexisting conditions. Avery Folsom of Delta, Colorado, says, “I have pet insurance to help with vet costs, and PetCo has a program where they give store credit for taking your dog to the vet as well as discounts.”

Some employers offer discounted pet health insurance as an employee benefit. “It’s cheaper than buying it directly, helps with some routine costs, and is helpful for emergency visits,” says Linda Dennis.

Laura Anne Gilman of Seattle occasionally considers dropping her dog Max’s pet insurance, “then she goes and does something stupid,” and Gilman is glad she kept the coverage.

-- Be creative if your dog is a treat hound. Retired librarian Lis Carey’s Chinese crested service dog Cider -- with Carey as her amanuensis -- landed a gig reviewing dog treats for science fiction fan and industry news blog File 770 (bit.ly/3PHZVBu), for which Carey reviews books. The blog editors send treats directly to Cider, and she shares her opinion. Couldn’t hurt to contact the editor of your fave knitting or other special-interest blog to see if they need a canine or feline pet treat reviewer.

-- Quit smoking. “I have seven dogs, and I am actively quitting smoking,” says Kirst Clements, who is based in the United Kingdom. “I cannot afford to do (both smoke and care for my pets), and my dogs come first.”

-- Shelters may have programs that can help if money is tight. Austin Pets Alive! in Texas (austinpetsalive.org/resources/pass#Affordable%20Veterinary%20Resources), Jacksonville Humane Society in Florida (jaxhumane.org/pet-help/pet-owner-assistance), Calaveras Humane Society in California (calaverashumane.org) and Santa Fe Animal Shelter in New Mexico (sfhumanesociety.org/guardian-assistance) are among the shelters nationwide that provide services or information on local resources for food assistance, affordable behavior and veterinary care and other pet care needs.

Q&A

Can supplements

help senior pets?

Q: Are there supplements that can help my older pet? I want them to be around for a long time.

A: Supplements, sometimes called nutraceuticals, have a reputation for helping the body and brain to function well, but some are more useful than others. Some have clinical research to support their claims, while others may offer only clever marketing or celebrity endorsements. The following types of supplements may have benefits for your senior dog or cat.

-- Essential fatty acids: Known as omega-3 and omega-6, these EFAs are believed to help maintain brain function, boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.

-- Glucosamine with chondroitin sulfate: This combo nutraceutical, sometimes used together with EFAs, has some clinical evidence for anti-inflammatory effects and cartilage repair, both of which may help pets with arthritis.

-- Probiotics and prebiotics: Intestinal bacteria break down food into nutrients the body can use. Probiotics are doses of those “good” bacteria. Among their benefits, they can aid digestion, support the immune system and help ward off stress. Prebiotics promote growth of beneficial bacteria.

Choose supplements that have been evaluated in dogs and cats and with claims that are supported by research. Remember that supplements alone won’t help pets who are eating low-quality food or who are so overweight that their joints are begging for mercy. Often, a better diet or a good weight-loss program is what a pet needs more than any supplement. And pets are individuals. Not all of them need the same supplement program.

Talk to your veterinarian about what you’re looking for and whether certain supplements can help you meet those goals for your pet. An overall wellness strategy based on a comprehensive senior pet exam is the best way to help ensure your senior pet’s comfort and longevity. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Slow senior dog gait

indication of dementia

-- If your senior dog is walking more slowly than normal, it could be a sign of dementia, according to a new study from North Carolina State University, published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “Walking speed in people is strongly associated with cognitive decline,” say researchers Natasha Olby, Dr. Kady M. Gjessing and Rahna M. Davidson. “We hypothesized that the same might be true in dogs.” The researchers measured and compared gait speed in 46 adult and 49 senior dogs. Senior dogs who moved more slowly had more severe levels of cognitive decline based on owner-completed cognitive assessment questionnaires and did worse on cognitive testing. “When you look at functional aging, the two most important predictors of morbidity are mobility and cognition,” Olby said in a news release. “Mobility relies heavily on sensory input, central processing and motor output -- in other words, the nervous system -- as a result, mobility and cognition are super interconnected. When you have less mobility, the amount of input your nervous system gets is also reduced. It’s not surprising that walking speed and dementia are correlated.”

-- A tick-borne disease called “bobcat fever” (cytauxzoonosis) kills cats fast, often before owners can get them to the veterinarian. If your cat suddenly seems depressed, lethargic or won’t eat, get them to the vet immediately, even if they’ve been treated with a tick preventive. Learn more in our Q&A: uexpress.com/pets/pet-connection/2016/07/18.

-- Splash! Have you and your water-loving dog tried dock diving? If your dog loves running and jumping into water, this is the sport for him. There are three events: big air, extreme vertical and speed retrieve. Dogs who are good at all three can earn points toward an "Iron Dog" title. To find out more, go to dockdogs.com or northamericadivingdogs.com. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

The market for pet food, veterinary care, products and services won’t stop growing. Here’s what experts and pet owners are seeing

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Around the world, people spend $320 billion on pets -- for food, treats, veterinary care, grooming and more -- according to a new report by Bloomberg Intelligence.

In the United States, the world’s largest pet market, sales are expected to approach $200 billion by 2030, with global spending on pets expected to rise to $493.1 billion by the end of the decade.

Driving the spending increases are a growing pet population worldwide as well as longer pet life spans, which lead to greater expenditures for veterinary care, diagnostics and pharmaceuticals. Bloomberg predicts that a larger investment in drugs such as monoclonal antibodies and treatments for pain, parasites and skin problems could create about a $25 billion pet pharmaceutical market by 2030.

Another trend is that pet owners remain reluctant to reduce the quality of their pets’ food. Food spending is consistent even through economic downturns, according to the report. Pet owners might cut back on the frequency of professional grooming or begin bathing pets at home instead, but they are less likely to change their pets’ diet, says BI consumer staples analyst Diana Rosero-Pena, who co-authored the report. “You want to give them the best you can because there’s greater awareness of the ingredients we put in our bodies,” she says.

But inflationary pressures are leading to higher prices for pet food, veterinary visits, products and services such as grooming. With my own dogs, for instance, a cardiac ultrasound for Harper that was $470 in November 2021 was $760 for Sparkles in January 2023, a 61% increase. While spending is still strong, the price increases have some pet owners groaning, some rejoicing that they have pet health insurance and some making changes in spending, like cutting back on toys and treats or performing services themselves.

Bella, a 14-year-old pit bull owned by Cristi Bennett and Steve DeTata of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, is facing a second back surgery to decompress a disc. “Emergency vet and specialty services have gone through the roof,” Bennett says. “We are into the double digits on Bella’s hospitalization, and she hasn’t even had surgery yet! Thank goodness for pet insurance coverage, which will cover up to a certain amount, but out of pocket will still be astronomical. She had a similar stay and surgery in 2019, and it seems to have doubled.” Bennett and DeTata haven’t had to cut back on their spending for Bella, at least not yet.

Cat consultant Laura Cassiday of Dundalk, Maryland, feeds four community cats who hang out in her front yard, as well as her own eight indoor cats. She has stopped giving the community cats canned food because of the high prices.

Denise Nord of Minnesota feeds her three beagles primarily dehydrated raw and human-grade food. Prices for food and veterinary visits have gone up quite a bit, she says. “One ER visit for a bad urinary tract infection was over $1,000, including $400 for an X-ray.” She’s glad she currently has only three dogs and not six like she used to have.

According to Pet Business Professor blogger John Gibbons, although “petflation” is down, it’s still strong. It was at a record 12% last November, and in May it slowed from 10.4% in April to 10.3%. “That’s still 6.4 times more than the 1.6% average rate from 2010-2021,” he wrote in a June 19 post (bit.ly/46qSgxq). In the same post, he wrote that higher veterinary prices have led to a decrease in frequency of visits.

For their pains, though, analyst Rosero-Pena believes pet lovers can eventually expect to see more services, better services and better products for their four-footed companions. Next week: How owners save money.

Q&A

What kind

of collar?

Q: What’s the best type of collar to get for my new dog?

A: It can be overwhelming to choose among all the different collars at your local pet supply store. Fit and function are the most important factors to consider.

A flat collar is probably what you’re most used to seeing. It can be made of leather or nylon and is fastened with a snap or buckle. Buckle collars can be adjusted for length. This is the best choice for attaching an ID tag and for using with a dog who doesn’t pull excessively.

A collar should be not too tight, not too loose. You should be able to easily slip two fingers beneath the collar, demonstrating that it’s tight enough not to slip off, but not so tight that it’s constrictive.

Dogs with large necks and smaller heads or who are able to easily back out of a collar may do better with a martingale collar made of nylon and cloth. A martingale collar has an extra loop that tightens when there’s tension on the leash. If properly fitted, it won’t choke the dog.

Both flat and martingale collars have the drawbacks of putting potentially dangerous pressure on the dog’s neck or of becoming caught on objects or entangled with another dog’s collar or paw, causing choking. If you are concerned about these possibilities, consider using a harness instead. It must fit well to prevent rubbing and irritation. A harness should be removed when the dog is not out and about, so a microchip is important to have for backup identification.

If your dog is a puller, seek assistance from a trainer who uses positive reinforcement techniques so your dog can learn how to behave nicely on leash. You can find more information here: fearfreehappyhomes.com/video/choosing-and-using-dog-collars-harnesses-and-leashes-the-fear-free-way and here: fearfreehappyhomes.com/get-off-the-path-of-leash-resistance. -- Mikkel Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Senior dog home

opens in Wisconsin

-- A new home for seniors -- senior dogs, that is -- has opened in Baraboo, Wisconsin, reports television station WMTV. Jane’s Journey Home is located on 36 acres, where so far seven senior dogs rescued from shelters or adoption groups are being cared for. One is Ajax, who has hearing and vision loss, plus dementia. Dogs like him have a safe space at Jane’s, where it doesn’t matter if they have a house-training accident or are a little confused. The nonprofit is named after late animal lover Jane Barton, whose vision it was. Her son, Larry Barton, co-founded it with his wife, Melanie. Volunteers are welcome and can find more information here: journeyhome4dogs.com/new-volunteer-page. The next volunteer orientation is scheduled for July 15.

-- Pet owners facing hefty veterinary bills can seek help from the following sources: pethelpfinder.org, which has information on “financially friendly” veterinary practices, nonprofit organizations, social service agencies and specialty funds; a nearby veterinary college (find one here: avma.org/education/center-for-veterinary-accreditation/accredited-veterinary-colleges), many of which offer low-cost clinics for clients with limited incomes; or waggle.org, where you can see if your pet qualifies for assistance. Last but not least, consider purchasing pet health insurance before you face an emergency -- although no pet insurance covers preexisting conditions.

-- Nearly 200 detector dogs, primarily beagles and beagle-mixes, have worked in United States airports since 1984 to seek out contraband fruits, vegetables, plants and meat products from entering the country and threatening crops or the health of livestock and other domestic animals. The banned items may carry harmful plant pests or diseases. Known as the Beagle Brigade, the friendly dogs with the powerful sniffers are key to screening passengers and cargo. They can learn to identify 75 to 85 unique scents. Training takes two to six months, then they are paired with a handler. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker.

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Visiting wineries this summer? Don’t be surprised to meet a host dog or to find that your own dog is a welcome guest

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Rosie loves to spend time in the vineyard, especially during harvest season. In the evening, she relaxes with her friend Julia. Together, they give a “sniffspection” to a glass of wine. Rosie doesn’t drink, but Julia says she has a great nose.

Julia Cattrall, the winemaker for Duck Pond Cellars in Oregon, grew up with wine and with dogs, starting with Saint Bernards and a golden retriever-cocker spaniel mix named Luke when she was a kid. Rosie, adopted from the Great Pyrenees Rescue Society in Texas (greatpyreneesrescuesociety.org), is her third Great Pyrenees, a breed she first acquired as an adult to protect the chickens on her farm from coyotes. The large white guardian dogs enjoy being outdoors, are protective of their property and people, and have a laid-back energy level.

“The more I read about the guardian breeds, the more it really appealed to me, the idea of having a dog that had a sense of purpose around being present,” Cattrall says.

Rosie’s life is a little different than that of the dogs Cattrall grew up with. Those farm dogs were “dogs about town,” going off on their own and spending their days as they pleased. That lifestyle seems impossible to imagine now.

While Rosie still lives in the country and has plenty of space to sniff around, her territory is defined by a fence. “She doesn’t get to wander aimlessly,” Cattrall says.

Does Cattrall worry that Rosie will nibble on vineyard grapes, which, like all grapes, are toxic to dogs? Rosie doesn’t seem to be interested.

“We don’t let her out in the vineyard on her own very often,” Cattrall says. “I have known some dogs that will go for grapes, but she has not. I’ve never seen her try, but I can imagine for some dogs that have a sweet tooth, that could be an issue.”

As well as having and welcoming dogs on the premises, Cattrall has poured her love of dogs into her winemaking. Rascal Wines, one line created by Duck Pond, not only feature a dog on the label, every purchase gives back to animal welfare organizations -- more than $100,000 over the years.

“We’re definitely a team of animal lovers,” Cattrall says. “It’s always been an idea that has resonated with us and as an organization to have these brands have a higher purpose. The different brands each have their own area of focus. For the Rascal brand, because it is representative of our love for our animals, it’s the Humane Society and other animal organizations.”

Cattrall also sees dogs as a metaphor for the wine she wants to make. Her goal is to produce wines that are drinkable at the time of purchase -- expressive and friendly, much like a golden retriever. She knows that for many people, a Rascal wine might be someone’s first experience with an Oregon pinot noir. “I hope to be a good representative of the state, just like you might make friends with somebody because their golden retriever comes up and smiles at you in the park.”

Rosie isn’t the only dog at Duck Pond Cellars. In the tasting room, visiting guests will meet Steinbeck, a hound mix belonging to hospitality lead Ray. Tasters can also bring their own well-behaved dogs.

“We have a great outdoor space set up for tasting,” says Cattrall, “and they’re welcome inside the tasting room as well, as long as they behave themselves.”

Some wineries are known for distinctive architecture, expansive views or showplace cellars. Cattrall says Duck Pond has a more cozy feel going for it, a warmth and openness and friendliness signaling that everyone is welcome: dogs, kids, tasters and all.

“The dog-friendly nature both contributes to that and kind of flows from it,” she says. “Even if you don’t drink, there’s something for everyone. I think it’s a place where everyone can find something that works for them and that feels very much in the spirit of the golden retriever on the label.”

Q&A

What to know about

storing pet food

Q: What's the best way to store pet food, and how can I know if it has gone bad?

A: Pet foods contain preservatives to help ensure that food stays fresh, but once you open a can or a bag, the freshness level starts to decrease. You can take several steps to help food stay fresh and to know if it's time to replace it.

-- Check the "best by" date before buying. Don't buy the food if you don't think you'll be able to use it all before the date given.

-- Once you open a bag of dry food, use it all within four to six weeks.

-- If you feed dry food, keep it in the original bag instead of pouring it into another container. The fat in the food forms a film on the container, and you'll need to clean it regularly with soap and water to prevent the food from becoming rancid. It's better to place the original bag inside an airtight container to help it stay fresh and prevent raids by bugs or mice.

-- Store dry food in a cool, dry place under 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat can cause fat in food to go rancid more quickly.

-- If your pet doesn't eat an entire can of food at one meal, refrigerate the remainder in a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. The food will keep better that way than if you leave it in the can covered with a plastic lid or aluminum foil.

-- Use your nose. Give dry food a good sniff to make sure it doesn't smell stale. And even if it smells all right to you, trust your pet's sniffer. If he turns up his nose at the food or eats with less enthusiasm, it may be time to replace it. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Reptiles can be

good companions

-- Reptiles have a number of advantages as pets. They're quiet, can have long life spans, require little to no exercise, usually don't need to be fed daily and their waste is easy to remove. They even have personalities and form bonds with their people. Many are active and curious, making them interesting to watch as they explore their habitat. Depending on the species, reptiles can be good choices for both children and adults. Good "beginner" reptiles include ball pythons, bearded dragons, corn snakes and small box turtles or tortoises. Whatever you choose, do your homework to make sure you understand and can meet the animal's needs. Talk to an accredited expert before acquiring a reptile. That can be a veterinarian who specializes in exotics or someone who does reptile education for a rescue group or other organization.

-- If you see a dog who resembles a retriever with a curly coat, don't assume he's a Labradoodle. He may be an unusual breed called a curly-coated retriever. The curly, as he's nicknamed, was developed in the 18th century and is one of the oldest of the retrieving breeds. Bred to hunt pheasant, quail and grouse and retrieve waterfowl, the curly is a wickedly smart, independent thinker. His coat has small, tight, crisp curls. (Don't blow-dry it unless you want him to look like a Chia Pet.) The coat sheds a little year-round, with a heavier shed twice a year.

-- Do you smoke around your pet? You could be threatening his health -- and even his life. Secondhand smoke can cause malignant lymphoma in cats, lung and nasal cancer in dogs, and respiratory problems and allergies in both species. Other potential side effects include inflammation and pulmonary cancers. E-cigarettes aren't any safer: Pets can be poisoned if they eat the nicotine cartridges. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.