From: zebella

 As many animals as I have, and as far as I am from a vet--I have more
than a few <G>

1) Check into feeding a raw (BARF) diet.  A websearch online will give
you a ton of info.  I haven't bought dog food in 2 years and my dogs
look better than they ever have.

2)Vaccinations: Give your own.  You can order them from any vet supply
company such as Jeffers.  It is easy, and will save you a bundle.  Also
check into the newest recommendations---some vet schools are saying we
over-vaccinate, and now recommend only vaccinating every 3 years.

If you don't want to do it yourself, keep an eye out for shot
clinics---I've seen these held at Petsmart, feed stores and shelters,
where they give the shots at cost.

3) Wormers:  We worm our dogs, horses and goats with injectible cattle
wormer--ivermectin.  It is given orally to all of them.  It is NOT
recommended for collie type dogs, as they sometimes have an ivermectin
sensitivity.   

4) Call your vet before you take your pet in.  Learn how to take
temperatures, pulses, respiratory rates.  Know what is normal.  These
are the first things your vet will ask you.  If you have a pet who has
to have blood drawn often, you might ask your vet to show you how.

5) Groom your dogs yourself.  I was lucky enough to have an older lady
teach me how to groom my poodle.  There are a ton of videos and books
out there now, and you will recoup your costs in 4-5 groomings.  Jeffers
also has the best prices on clippers.  Learn how to express anal
glands....your vet, groomer or a book can tell you how.  Clip nails
regularly.

Tracy