We all want to treat our dogs to the fancy life– but let’s face it, in today’s world, that’s not always a reality.
The American Pet Products Association crunched the numbers, and they added up that that the average American spends at least $1,593.00 a year on dog care. That’s a lotta bones.
Thank goodness we found these money-saving tips over at Life + Dog magazine!
Do It Youself
- Make Your Own Dog Food
Shop when vegetables are in season and invest in a slow cooker and a good cookbook to feed premium food at a fraction of commercial prices.- Make Your Own Toys
Interactive toys are the best way to keep your dog occupied. Make your own toys out of water bottles or braided T-shirts, or make your own interactive feeder from a football with two small holes cut into each side.- Self-Service Grooming
Save costs by brushing your dog’s teeth at home, dematting his fur in between groomings and looking into self-serve dog washes in between trips to the professional. Don’t forget to ask your groomer if they have a referral or loyalty program.Use Coupons
- Newspapers
Use tried-and-true methods like the Sunday newspaper for valuable coupons on popular dog food brands. If you find something exceptional, buy another copy—it will quickly pay for itself!- Stay Connected
Sign up for company newsletters and follow your favorite brands on Facebook and Twitter.- Go Digital
Applications like Coupon Sherpa can download coupons directly to your smartphone. It’s easy, automatic and keeps all your coupons in one place.Other Great Tips
- Lower Costs of Vet Care
Reduce the costs of your veterinary care by keeping up with annual examinations to get in front of any potential issues, spay or neuter your dog for numerous health benefits, and consider investing in a pet insurance plan to protect yourself from costly emergency procedures.- Travel with Your Dog
Avoid the cost of boarding. Use sites like Dogtipper.com and GoPetFriendly.com to find the most dog-friendly locations to visit.- Puppy-Proof Your Home
Before bringing a puppy home, you should puppy proof just like you would for a baby. Remove fragile items from the ground level, don’t leave your new shoes lying around, and proactively ensure your dog doesn’t get into something they shouldn’t.
How do you save money on your dog? We want to hear your ideas!
