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" Do your pets and your pockets a favor\u2014practice preventive medicine and deal with small problems before they become bigger, costlier ones, says Lila Miller, D.V.M., senior director of animal sciences at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Read on for more tips.   GET FREE ADVICE on training and health questions from the ASPCA&amp;#039;s toll-free Ani-Med hotline at 888-252-7387. Prerecorded responses are available 24 hours a day, but you need to enter a three-digit topic code. Obtain a list of codes by calling 610-254-7963 or visiting their Web site. Whenever you call the hotline, you&amp;#039;ll receive coupons for pet-care products.   SKIP CANNED AND PRICEY PET FOODS if your pet is healthy. Dry food is not only less expensive, it&amp;#039;s equally nutritious. Choose food that contains a meat protein source as one of the first two ingredients on the label.   TRY A HOME BREW to kill fleas. In a blender or food processor, liquefy a handful of orange and grapefruit peels, 1 tablespoon dried rosemary and 2 cups water. Place the mixture in a pot and heat on low for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the liquid and spray on your pet, working it into the coat and avoiding the eyes.   INSTEAD OF BUYING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS from your vet, order them at a discount through the mail. Suppliers include UPCO (800-444-8651) and Medi-Mail Pharmacy (800-331-1458). "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.womansday.com/life/pet-care/a2842/how-to-be-a-thrifty-pet-owner-4770/>