I'm curious about how much time, effort, and money other EFers spend on their pet(s).
Dog/Cat Owners - How much time/effort/money do you spend on your pet(s)?
11/26/2011
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I forgot to mention about monthly flea and heartworm preventions, darn it!
11/26/2011
We have one dog, and three cats. They are bathed and claws trimmed bi-weekly. The dog is licensed and vaccinated, but the cats aren't since they are always indoors. I know some people will disagree with this, but they are well looked after, and at the tiniest sign of anything they are taken to the vet. The dog hasn't been fixed, but each cat has been. I don't really know what else to add
11/26/2011
Quote:
is pend teh required amount of time on grooming teh rest of the time its just on loving my dog
Originally posted by
Rossie
I'm curious about how much time, effort, and money other EFers spend on their pet(s).
11/26/2011
I take one of my dogs to be groomed about once a month. the other one has short hair so he doesn't go to the groomer. I give each of them a bath about twice a month and wipe their faces on every couple of days. I don't brush their teeth though. One is microchipped, but the other one isn't. They are both licensed.
They are my babies, so I try to take good care of them
They are my babies, so I try to take good care of them
11/26/2011
Quote:
Wow! After reading this poll I feel like a lazy cat owner! She is most like a roomie than a pet. I take her into the vet when she needs it, and get her the minimum required shots, and of course feed her and talk to her (better than myself), but that is IT!
Originally posted by
Rossie
I'm curious about how much time, effort, and money other EFers spend on their pet(s).
11/26/2011
I wouldn't call having pet insurance actually taking care of your pet. Take it from someone who worked as a vet tech, they are a waste of money. The companies make their money by making you feel like a bad owner for not having it, upgrading it, opting for expensive procedures, etc. Some vet clinics will even push the insurance plans because they know that owners with them are more likely to spend more money on unnecessary extras.
My advice: Budget for your pet's vet visits. Put money aside in your bank account every month. It'll collect (some) interest, be there when you need it, and can be used for other things in case of emergency.
My advice: Budget for your pet's vet visits. Put money aside in your bank account every month. It'll collect (some) interest, be there when you need it, and can be used for other things in case of emergency.
11/26/2011
Other: I give my own vaccines. (No point in paying someone else to do something I was paid to do for several years.)
11/26/2011
I have to take my dog in technically every two weeks to have her anal glands expressed since she has a problem with one of them. It's a real pain, but it beats having to do surgery to "fix" the problem.
As for the diet I feed her, I buy store brands. However, her diet has been calculated down to the last calorie and amount of protein she needs to be healthy by my vet. Sorry, but I get a little defensive over the diet I feed her. I've had too many people tell me that store brands are bad, but I'm going to trust my vet who has been certified in animal nutrition.
And every night when she lays in her bed, I have to tuck her in with a blanket. If I don't she will whine and cry until she gets tucked in.
As for the diet I feed her, I buy store brands. However, her diet has been calculated down to the last calorie and amount of protein she needs to be healthy by my vet. Sorry, but I get a little defensive over the diet I feed her. I've had too many people tell me that store brands are bad, but I'm going to trust my vet who has been certified in animal nutrition.
And every night when she lays in her bed, I have to tuck her in with a blanket. If I don't she will whine and cry until she gets tucked in.
11/27/2011
Great question!
11/27/2011
Quote:
Alot..but worth it!
Originally posted by
Rossie
I'm curious about how much time, effort, and money other EFers spend on their pet(s).
11/27/2011
Quote:
It's a good practice to brush your dogs teeth daily, read this to understand why.
Originally posted by
Taylor
I take one of my dogs to be groomed about once a month. the other one has short hair so he doesn't go to the groomer. I give each of them a bath about twice a month and wipe their faces on every couple of days. I don't brush their teeth
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more
I take one of my dogs to be groomed about once a month. the other one has short hair so he doesn't go to the groomer. I give each of them a bath about twice a month and wipe their faces on every couple of days. I don't brush their teeth though. One is microchipped, but the other one isn't. They are both licensed.
They are my babies, so I try to take good care of them less
They are my babies, so I try to take good care of them less
I'm glad you're taking care good of your babies!
11/27/2011
Quote:
I admit full coverage pet insurance is a lot of money, and most of the time I don't claim as much as I've paid annually, but it buys me peace of mind. My plan covers all routine preventive cares, and protects my dog against any unforeseen accidents or illnesses. A simple tooth extraction may cost you over twelve hundred dollars, how much money do you plan to stash away each month? Also, nobody talked me into buying pet insurance, my whole family have health insurance, so why not my dog (he's a part of our family too!).
Originally posted by
Drakoni
I wouldn't call having pet insurance actually taking care of your pet. Take it from someone who worked as a vet tech, they are a waste of money. The companies make their money by making you feel like a bad owner for not having it, upgrading it,
...
more
I wouldn't call having pet insurance actually taking care of your pet. Take it from someone who worked as a vet tech, they are a waste of money. The companies make their money by making you feel like a bad owner for not having it, upgrading it, opting for expensive procedures, etc. Some vet clinics will even push the insurance plans because they know that owners with them are more likely to spend more money on unnecessary extras.
My advice: Budget for your pet's vet visits. Put money aside in your bank account every month. It'll collect (some) interest, be there when you need it, and can be used for other things in case of emergency. less
My advice: Budget for your pet's vet visits. Put money aside in your bank account every month. It'll collect (some) interest, be there when you need it, and can be used for other things in case of emergency. less
11/27/2011
Quote:
My groomer checks my dog's anal gland before she bathes him, so far he's always clear back there.
Originally posted by
xoflxokcxo
I have to take my dog in technically every two weeks to have her anal glands expressed since she has a problem with one of them. It's a real pain, but it beats having to do surgery to "fix" the problem.
As for the diet I feed ... more
As for the diet I feed ... more
I have to take my dog in technically every two weeks to have her anal glands expressed since she has a problem with one of them. It's a real pain, but it beats having to do surgery to "fix" the problem.
As for the diet I feed her, I buy store brands. However, her diet has been calculated down to the last calorie and amount of protein she needs to be healthy by my vet. Sorry, but I get a little defensive over the diet I feed her. I've had too many people tell me that store brands are bad, but I'm going to trust my vet who has been certified in animal nutrition.
And every night when she lays in her bed, I have to tuck her in with a blanket. If I don't she will whine and cry until she gets tucked in. less
As for the diet I feed her, I buy store brands. However, her diet has been calculated down to the last calorie and amount of protein she needs to be healthy by my vet. Sorry, but I get a little defensive over the diet I feed her. I've had too many people tell me that store brands are bad, but I'm going to trust my vet who has been certified in animal nutrition.
And every night when she lays in her bed, I have to tuck her in with a blanket. If I don't she will whine and cry until she gets tucked in. less
There's a lot of high end brands sold at stores. I wish I can buy store brands and save some money, but my dog has a very sensitive stomach, so he can only have prescription food.
I put a blanket on mine also, or else he'll curl up like a shrimp when he's cold!
11/27/2011
I spent $6000 on vet bills for one of my cats. After his first surgery to remove stones from his bladder, my husband commented "Don't ever tell my mother that we spent $3000 on a cat." The second surgery was to remove a piece of sponge that was stuck in his duodenum. The little guy likes tearing sponges apart and must have swallowed a piece.
But I don't take them to the vet unless they're sick. They're feral born and you have never seen such terror on a cat's face as when you try to put them in a cat carrier.
It helps that my next door neighbor is a vet. She can give them a look over without as much anguish for them.
But I don't take them to the vet unless they're sick. They're feral born and you have never seen such terror on a cat's face as when you try to put them in a cat carrier.
It helps that my next door neighbor is a vet. She can give them a look over without as much anguish for them.
11/27/2011
I'm sure I'm like most cat staffers (aka owners) and have found that cats prefer the free toys (milk rings, caps, etc) over expensive store bought toys.
I make sure they're spayed/neutered and not overtly ill. They're all indoor cats, so I'm not too worried about fleas, ticks, worms.
I make sure they're spayed/neutered and not overtly ill. They're all indoor cats, so I'm not too worried about fleas, ticks, worms.
11/27/2011
Quote:
Even with dogs, why is it that they always want the free things. Toilet paper rolls are a big one. I just dont understand. Its like a kid who rather play with the box than the toy.
Originally posted by
El-Jaro
I'm sure I'm like most cat staffers (aka owners) and have found that cats prefer the free toys (milk rings, caps, etc) over expensive store bought toys.
I make sure they're spayed/neutered and not overtly ill. They're all ... more
I make sure they're spayed/neutered and not overtly ill. They're all ... more
I'm sure I'm like most cat staffers (aka owners) and have found that cats prefer the free toys (milk rings, caps, etc) over expensive store bought toys.
I make sure they're spayed/neutered and not overtly ill. They're all indoor cats, so I'm not too worried about fleas, ticks, worms. less
I make sure they're spayed/neutered and not overtly ill. They're all indoor cats, so I'm not too worried about fleas, ticks, worms. less
11/27/2011
I voted "I have more than one cat" automatically ... and then remembered again that I lost my 19-year-old "kitten" recently :-( and am down to one cat.
I didn't vote "prescription" or "store-bought" food because I buy schmancy expensive natural food for them. So pricewise, it's like prescription, but it's more holistic/natural-fancy as opposed to medical-fancy. I just figure if they're eating more or less the same thing every day, and it's from a can or a bag, they can at least have the good stuff. I used to make food for my dog, but then I had a kid and it got to be too much.
The other thing that we do that reflects money (though not so much time/effort) is use a vet that makes house calls. It costs somewhat more, but it's worth it for having the critters be calm, plus we don't have to get ourselves there and wait in a waiting room, so it does save time and we can rationalize it to ourselves that way.
I didn't vote "prescription" or "store-bought" food because I buy schmancy expensive natural food for them. So pricewise, it's like prescription, but it's more holistic/natural-fancy as opposed to medical-fancy. I just figure if they're eating more or less the same thing every day, and it's from a can or a bag, they can at least have the good stuff. I used to make food for my dog, but then I had a kid and it got to be too much.
The other thing that we do that reflects money (though not so much time/effort) is use a vet that makes house calls. It costs somewhat more, but it's worth it for having the critters be calm, plus we don't have to get ourselves there and wait in a waiting room, so it does save time and we can rationalize it to ourselves that way.
11/27/2011
Quote:
Milk rings! My 19-year-old used to come running any time someone opened a milk jug or bottle of beer. Then she'd play fetch, including bringing whatever it was back to us. It was totally her idea, too -- I mean, no training (it wouldn't really occur to me to try training a cat.)
Originally posted by
El-Jaro
I'm sure I'm like most cat staffers (aka owners) and have found that cats prefer the free toys (milk rings, caps, etc) over expensive store bought toys.
I make sure they're spayed/neutered and not overtly ill. They're all ... more
I make sure they're spayed/neutered and not overtly ill. They're all ... more
I'm sure I'm like most cat staffers (aka owners) and have found that cats prefer the free toys (milk rings, caps, etc) over expensive store bought toys.
I make sure they're spayed/neutered and not overtly ill. They're all indoor cats, so I'm not too worried about fleas, ticks, worms. less
I make sure they're spayed/neutered and not overtly ill. They're all indoor cats, so I'm not too worried about fleas, ticks, worms. less
11/27/2011
I have two cats. They get all the veterinary care they are supposed to get as far as shots and check-ups and what-not. Other than that, I try to play with them every day. If they want attention, they will let me know. They don't like to be ignored. The biggest expense was for a couple of cat trees for them. Well worth it though. The cats love them. They are indoor cats, so they have their own place to play, and it keeps them off the bookcases.
11/27/2011
I have two cats. They had all their shots/vaccinations and microchips before I adopted them, but I don't bother taking them for regular check ups unless there's a problem, because they're indoor cats. I also have given up clipping their nails regularly. Ah well.
I play with them everyday and they have lots of toys (lots of socks with catnip, strings, and scratch posts around the house.)
I play with them everyday and they have lots of toys (lots of socks with catnip, strings, and scratch posts around the house.)
11/27/2011
I have one cat and one dog. The dog will eat home cooked meals, but the cat won't unless it's just some meat.
Both eat top brand store bought biscuits and the cat also gets vet bought prescription tin food.
The cat is low maintenance (unless she wants some cuddle time. But the dog being a very large German Sheperd (and a long haired one at that) requires a lot of exercise and attention constantly. He regularly needs brushing to get rid of the excess fluffy undercoat.
They are both treated with heartworm, worms and fleas, but I don't get my pets loaded up with the vaccinations. None of all the pets we've had growing up have had them and none have had anything that the shots would have protected them against. So in my opinion, unless they were mingling with others animals, they aren't necessary.
Both eat top brand store bought biscuits and the cat also gets vet bought prescription tin food.
The cat is low maintenance (unless she wants some cuddle time. But the dog being a very large German Sheperd (and a long haired one at that) requires a lot of exercise and attention constantly. He regularly needs brushing to get rid of the excess fluffy undercoat.
They are both treated with heartworm, worms and fleas, but I don't get my pets loaded up with the vaccinations. None of all the pets we've had growing up have had them and none have had anything that the shots would have protected them against. So in my opinion, unless they were mingling with others animals, they aren't necessary.
11/27/2011
We give our cat her rabies shot every year because she has a tendency to hunt squirrels. And she gets flea meds every month. We also have her chipped. She eats a moderately-priced kibble as well as whatever she catches (indoor/outdoor cat) but we try to keep track of how much she's eating and drinking.
12/07/2011
I have one cat and one dog. They get their nails clipped and brushed when needed and they certainly enjoy store bought food. They both get their rabies shots when the time comes (though the cat stays indoors, the dog has a runner and leash), and they both got their required beginning shots. As far as annual vaccinations, they get what is needed. There are a lot of things that just seem to be too much and if their situation doesn't call for all those extra shots, then they don't get them. I do believe that sometimes, there's way too many vaccinations being passed out (not only in animals but humans as well). My animals don't come into contact with other animals. The cat stays inside and is only in contact with the dog (and is in a carrier when taken for rabies shots), the dog is in the house or outside in the yard or streets when walking and rarely comes into contact with other animals other than the occasional lost dog or others whle getting rabies shots.
03/10/2012
I have a dog and two cats. We groom them like every other week or when they need it. My dog used to go to the groomer every month or two, but lately we've grooming her ourselves. We occasionally bush their teeth. We clip our dogs nails and one of our cats (the other doesn’t use her nails). We generally feed them store bought pet food, weight control for our dog, and hairball control for our cats. We have been trying to feed them more natural things and chopped up veggies to keep them healthy. We buy them new toys when their old ones get to worn, and we have pet/pillow beds for them. My sister grows cat grass so they can have a bit of the outdoor since they are indoor cats. They also have an electrical litter box since the poop like crazy!
And they are always up to date on all their checkups and vaccinations. We do not microchip our pets. Our cats always get de-clawed in only their front paws.
We are actually pretty good about our pets. They are family members too and deserve care.
And they are always up to date on all their checkups and vaccinations. We do not microchip our pets. Our cats always get de-clawed in only their front paws.
We are actually pretty good about our pets. They are family members too and deserve care.
03/10/2012
Quote:
Our dog is like a family member and we treat him as such. He gets regular grooming (by myself), bathing, nails trimmed, fur trimmed etc. We don't feed him anything fancy, but we do feed him the "more expensive brand". He sleeps in bed with us, he goes everywhere with us, we include him in family functions and what not. He is microchipped and regularly sees a vet. I don't know what we'd do without him. We got him just after we lost our daughter two years ago. He was our "Therapy" dog and he's been our family ever since.
Originally posted by
Rossie
I'm curious about how much time, effort, and money other EFers spend on their pet(s).
03/10/2012
Total posts: 26
Unique posters: 20