As the economy slips into an economic tailspin, some pets are getting more tender loving care than others.

Some pet owners are cutting back on medications and skipping checkups, which could be putting pets at risk, veterinarians said.

“People are waiting a little bit longer, probably more than they should,” said Mark Marks, Lawrence veterinarian. “If they let some things go neglected too long, then it costs more later.”

Marks said he feels most people are taking good care of their animals, but he said it’s important not to wait to seek help if you think something’s wrong with your pet.

Meanwhile, some people are being extra careful to put the interests of their pets first, even during the times of economic uncertainty.

“We still have people making appointments to get their dogs groomed; we still have people that are buying the high-end foods to see the benefits that those foods provide,” said Amber Nickel, an owner of Pawsh Wash, 1520 Wakarusa Dr. “If you put a little bit of money into them, in their hygiene and in their daily feedings, then you’re going to save yourself pain and costs down the road at vets.”

While everyone might be a little nervous about the future of the economy, animal experts want to make sure pets don’t fall victim to shaky times.