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Money Saver: 6 Ways To Save Money On Pets

DENVER (CBS4) - Most pet owners want to give their animals the best of everything, but does that always have to be the most expensive? Consumer Reports says "no."

Pets are expensive. The average dog owner spends $36 a month on food alone. Cat owners say they spend about $20 per month.

Consumer Reports say most pets can maintain a healthy lifestyle without all the expensive extras. For most dogs there's no reason to buy premium dog food and the new report recommends buying pet food at big box stores.

Another recommendation is newly available, over-the-counter flea-and-tick products. They are a good way to save money. Buying health care products such as toothbrushes and toothpaste for a pet can help avoid a plethora of pet problems.

Also, shop for veterinarian care. There can be a huge difference in charges for services. Don't automatically buy medicine from the vet because chain pharmacies may be less expensive. And think twice before buying pet health insurance, which often doesn't cover the most common costs.

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