Healthy pets, healthy wallet

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Nicole Daugherty doesn't have the extra cash to spoil her beloved dogs, Rambo and Cashes.

But that doesn't keep her from being a good pet owner.

On a recent afternoon, Daugherty was hitting old tennis balls with a racket at Gilbert Park -- to the obvious pleasure of her little Chihuahua and black Labrador.

"They're healthy and active," said Daugherty, a 27-year-old Yakima resident.

Local veterinarians and other experts say the healthier you keep your pet -- through diet and exercise -- the less cash you're likely to spend on costly medical visits.

This week's Your Money focus is for the countless readers in the Yakima Valley who want to remain good pet owners while keeping an eye on their pocketbooks.

After all, not everybody can do it, says Patsy Dye, who directs shelter operations for the Humane Society of Central Washington.

"There are definitely more strays this year," she said. "I do fear a lot of people are just letting their pets loose, because when you surrender your pet to us there is a fee.

"And if you can't afford to feed your pet, you probably can't afford to pay that fee."

For those who plan to keep their pets, there are several ways to save money.

Daugherty, for example, says she and her boyfriend choose to groom and bathe their dogs themselves, instead of paying somebody else to do it.

"But we feed them good, more expensive dog food because it's better for their systems," she said. "A good diet, no table scraps. It's simple."

Watch your pet's weight, recommends veterinarian David Hinz of the Yakima Veterinary Clinic.

"Keeping weight under control will save them some money in the long run," he said. "And if you buy better quality food, you don't have to feed as much ...

"The problem is a lot of people go to the higher-quality food, but still feed them the same quantity."

A good rule to keep in mind is that you should be able to feel and count your pet's ribs pretty easily, Hinz said.

Ask your vet what a healthy weight is for your pet. Many will allow you drop by on a regular basis just to weigh the pet on a large scale and see how the diet is working.

The down economy has affected his clinic over the past year, Hinz noted. Many established clients are choosing to delay some procedures like routine teeth cleaning.

"But many of the folks that we see would sacrifice themselves or whatever to take care of their pets because they love their pets," Hinz said. "So many times, they're part of the family."

Joan Arnold, a local pet store owner, agrees. She hasn't noticed a drop in food sales to regular clients at Yakima Tropical Fish & Pet Village.

In a supply room away from the squawking birds and bubbling fish tanks, she leaned into a fold-up chair and said most pet owners she's gotten to know over the years will do anything for their pets.

"Maybe they'll buy a little less of treats, fish tanks -- the impulse buys," she said. "But most of your pet owners are good, conscientious people and they're going to look after their pets."

That's how Yakima pet groomer Tina Macaulay also views her clients' relationships with the pets she grooms. She said she's noticed some pet owners -- especially those on fixed incomes like Social Security -- may space out their visits by a few weeks or months.

Most groomers will clean animals' ears, anal glands and toenails, she added.

"That will help keep your pet healthy," Macaulay said. "I think a lot of people don't realize that. It is like going to the beautician, but then there's the aspect of grooming that's their health."

* Melissa Sánchez can be reached at 509-577-7675 or msanchez@yakimaherald.com.

Tips to save money

* Don't overfeed your pet. Ask the vet how much your pet needs to eat, and don't give it more. This will save you money in two ways -- you'll spend less on excess food, and your animal will be healthier. Like humans, a healthy diet will mean less costly medical visits in the long run.

* Avoid impulse buys. Does your cat or dog really need extra treats? Not only is that extra money, but your pet might not need those additional calories.

* Make your own toys for your pet. Instead of buying Fido a new plaything, try tying two socks together instead. Chances are, the dog won't notice the difference.

* Ask the vet whether there's a home remedy you can try for your pet's ailments. If your dog or cat has unusual growths, ask whether its necessary to remove them right away, or if you can delay the procedure.

* Consider homemade treats for your pet. The Internet is full of recipes for special treats for dogs and cats.

* Check your local library for videos on grooming and clipping your pet. It might be time-consuming at first, but you'll spend less money. How often you need to do it depends on the pet's fur, so ask your vet.

* Keeping your pet active -- with regular walks, runs or trips to the park -- will keep it healthy. And good health means less money spent on medical visits in the long run.

* If you're planning to be out of town for a few days, consider asking a friend or neighbor to feed your pet instead of spending money on kennels. Work out an arrangement where you can take turns swapping the duty.

Financial help to spay, neuter your pet

The Spay & Neuter Assistance Program -- through Yakama Nation Legends Casino, the Humane Society of Central Washington, and other organizations -- provides free or low-cost surgeries for pet owners. Anybody can qualify.

Applications are available at the Humane Society, 2405 W. Birchfield Road in Yakima.

If you're in a position to help ...

... there are hundreds of abandoned or stray pets that could use it. The Human Society's food shelves -- usually kept full this time of year through donations -- are now bare, says shelter manager Patsy Dye. Consider making a donation. Visit the shelter, call 509-457-6854 or check out www.yakimahumane.org.