KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) --- Many, including pet owners, are likely trying to save money in the current economic downturn. Animal doctors remind that while you're cutting costs, you should keep your pet a priority in your budget.

"They've been shown to decrease blood pressure, they make us live longer, happier lives", says Dr. Kevin Brott with Bearden Hill Veterinary Clinic.

He says not getting your animal the care it needs could harm not only your pet but your family's health. For example, if you don't keep up with heartworm pills, your animal could catch a parasite like a hookworm.

"Your children would be exposed when they played in your yard so it's important", says Dr. Brott.

Heartworm pill costs vary depending on your dog's size, but for an average size dog about 70 dollars will buy you a year supply.

Dr. Brott says he's seen some delaying yearly checkups, which also plays a major role in your animal's health. He says when pets are brought in for annual exams, he often finds small problems the owner isn't aware of.

"We might find a tiny little tumor and we take that thing off and you're done with it. Where if it got bigger and started to spread could have been a huge problem", says Brott.