Buy Pet Medications Online Plus 5 Other Pet Hacks

The website LifeHacker.com has made a name for itself by offering practical tips on getting the most out of life and technology. We would like to submit for your consideration our version of "PetHacker" -- a handful of eclectic, practical tips to help you and your pet make it during these economically challenging times.

1. Teach Your Cat to Use a Mouse

We think it's high time that Fluffy starts to contribute to the house. Therefore, teach your cat to use a mouse - the electronic kind - and point her in the direction of purchasing pet medications online. The whole house can save money when Fluffy starts buying her pet medications online; online retailers can often offer deep discounts on over-the-counter pet medications.

2. Get Fido to Sign Up for a Dog Toy of the Month Club

Does Fido destroy chew toys at an increasingly rapid rate? Maybe it's time he signs up for a Dog Toy of the Month club. Yes, these clubs really exists. It turns out that buying your pet medications online isn't the only way to use the Internet to save money on pet products.

3. Got a Runner? Get a GPS

If you're the type of driver who's always hearing the words "recalculating", just wait for what you'll hear once you add a GPS tracking system to your dog or cat. You won't be getting directions from point A to point B, but you'll always know where on Earth your pet has gone to. For anyone who's suffered the trauma of a lost pet, a GPS tracking system for pets offers incredible peace of mind.

4. Deals of the Day Rock

If you haven't signed up yet, you need to look for a good Deal of the Day site. Not only will the wacky daily descriptions of discount items that they feature give you a much-needed laugh, you also might find coupons for pet supplies. While the discounts might not be as deep as the aforementioned opportunity to buy pet medications online, many local coupons offer pet store and vet discounts.

5. Julia Childs Ain't Got Nuthin on You

Save money and keep your pet healthy by making your own dog and cat food. Oh, we know - it sounds like a pain in the neck. Actually, it's fairly easy. Once per week, you'll throw a bunch of pet food ingredients together in a crock pot. After you watch your favorite movie while snuggling with your Chihuahua on the couch, you'll divide the crock pot batch into daily portions and toss it into the freezer. A little microwaving and hot water later and - presto! -- your cat thinks you're modeling her new life on one of those Fancy Feast commercials.

6. Seriously... Please Don't Sell Your Kidney

You may think that the only way you're going to be able to afford your vet bills this year is to sell a kidney somewhere in Mexico. Actually, although adding another monthly bill is probably not what you want to do, you should consider pet health insurance, instead. Pet insurance will cover 70 - 100% of the cost of most accidents, illnesses, and injuries. The least expensive plans are only $6 per month.

Have your own list of usual or unusual pet hacks? Share them in the comments section below.