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I've worked at several animal hospitals and have seen owners spend literally thousands of dollars on products and procedures. There are a list of things that you can buy for your dog that will help save hundreds, if not thousands in the long run.
Ear problems are common and the medication can be expensive. Ear cleaners such as Epi-Otic can be bought for about $10 at your vet's office. This has a drying agent in it and should be used 1-2 times weekly to maintain healthy ears.

Hot spots are a nightmare, use a cortisone cream like Cort-aid when you first notice it. It puts the fire out, relieves itching, and promotes healing. If it has open sores or pus, see the vet.
Inappropriate urination is no picnic. While your pet is being treated, Use either Biologix carpet cleaner or Urine-Off. It costs about $15-25 for each bottle, but they work! Use a black light to find those invisible urine spots on the carpet, use the spray, it will dissolve the urine and turn its properties into a gas.
Lav-N-Derm Oatmeal baths are soothing for those who suffer from skin allergies- use a soap free shampoo and a cream rinse to promote skin hydration. Each bottle costs about $15-20 and lasts for about 10 baths.
OraVet is a barrier sealant used on dogs who have had a dental cleaning. It's about $25 for the take home kit and recommended by veterinarians to prevent the junk in the mouth from building back up on the teeth. It's used once weekly and is sponged on the surface of the teeth.
Furminators are a great grooming tool. It costs between $25-$45 for the tool, appropriately sized for your pet. It gently pulls the under hairs that shed like crazy, and decreases the amount of shedding during a given time.
Gentle Leader Collars are the best training tool when teaching a pet how to go for walks. This collar wraps around the muzzle, but allows the pet to open its mouth. When attached to a leash, the collar is designed to raise the head up when the pet tugs on the leash, forcing the pet to sit down. It costs about $30-$45 for the pack and has to be fitted.
You can find most of these products at your local vet's office and can be bought on-line as well.

Learn more about this author, Christine Nehr.
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