Here's How to Keep Your Pet Healthy Without Breaking the Bank

We sure love our pets. Not counting optional expenses, like potty training supplies, microchipping, and behavioral training, the annual cost of raising a dog averages between $700 and $1,000. According to Pettable, cat owners can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 per year to keep their furry baby in kibble. If you're fortunate enough to have a healthy pet, your out-of-pocket cost will be on the lower end of the scale. If your pet has a chronic condition or special needs, you may end up paying much (much) more.

There are no guarantees in life, but if you'd like to keep your pet out of the veterinarian's office as much as possible, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) offers these tips.

Help your pet stick to a healthy weight

Many of us have looked down into soulful little puppy eyes, only to give in and give them a "taste" of the vanilla ice cream they're subtly begging for. As happy as it makes them for a moment, human food is rarely a good idea. Not only is there too much salt and fat in human food, but a dog with access to both Pringles potato chips and a bowl of dog food is going to opt for the chips every time.

According to the Advance Pet Care Clinic, nearly 60% of cats and 54% of dogs are at risk for weight-related disorders. And once something like diabetes or kidney disease occurs, your veterinary bills are sure to shoot up.

In addition, a chubby pet (no matter how cute) is prone to bone and joint injuries. If you want your pet to feel good its entire life, stick to a healthy diet.

Make sure they have plenty of fresh, clean water

As humans, we are continually reminded to stay hydrated. Everything in our bodies -- from our brains to our skin -- craves water. The same is true for pets. The thing is, our pets need us to provide them with that water. Make it a habit to check your pet's water bowl several times a day, and to top it off with fresh water when needed.

It may be a simple solution, but offering plenty of fresh water is one way to help your pet remain healthy, while also cutting down on the number visits you make to the vet's office.

Get your pet moving

Like people, some pets enjoy lounging on the sofa more than others. AVMA says that dogs should spend 30 minutes to two hours on an activity every day. For cats, it's two play sessions daily for 10 to 15 minutes.

Your pet may need more or less, depending on their age, breed, size, and overall health. The point is to fulfill your pet's desire to move. Not only will it help control their weight, but it's also good for their mental well-being.

Don't skimp on wellness appointments

Keeping veterinary appointments to have your pet vaccinated against potentially deadly diseases like distemper, parvo, rabies, and panleukopenia is far less expensive or dramatic than skipping those appointments and dealing with a sick animal.

Another advantage of wellness appointments is that they often catch small health issues before they become troublesome and a drain on your bank account.

Maintain their healthy smile

The price of having your pet's teeth professionally cleaned can vary wildly, depending on the type of cleaning and any additional dental problems the vet runs into. However, you can count on paying between $250 and $900, on average.

If it seems silly to shell out so much money to clean a non-human's teeth, consider the number of health issues associated with poor dental health. For example, your pet can suffer tooth loss, gum disease, and even heart, liver, and kidney problems associated with dental problems.

If you're concerned about the high cost of caring for your pet, you may want to look into pet insurance. Some policies include wellness plans to pay for expenses like vaccinations, while others are there to minimize the amount of money you pay for major medical issues.