No time to visit the vet or a pet grooming center? Try these wise cent-saving tips to keep your pet well-groomed and healthy.

Sure you’ll have to take your pet to be groomed by a professional sometimes or get the needed dog supplies, but with the expense, it makes more sense to keep him clean and healthy at home.

1. Don’t let your pet romp in tall grasses or thorny patches. Burrs and thorns will stick to his fur, causing it to become matted. Thorns might even cause injury.
2. Set up a ritual. Comb through your pooch’s hair at least twice a week. Do this at a regular time so it becomes part of the routine.
3. Learn to read your pet’s behavior and noises. Whining and scratching his ear may mean a bug got in or he has an ear infection. Dragging his bottom across the floor may mean he has worms and may need to be treated professionally.
4. Keep him away from other dogs’ territories. Dogs tend to be ferociously territorial — event he most timid will bark at an intruder — so be on guard when walking your dog. Dog fights usually result in a torn ear, dump of fur gouged out, as well as dog bites.
5. Get your dog used to having his mouth checked. Occasionally open and probe his mouth. If you do this regularly, it would make it easier for both of you to give him medicines / vitamins and to check if he seems to have problem in his mouth or throat.