This past Tuesday was National Dog Day, but we’ve decided to make it National Dog Week! I love my pets, but I don’t love shelling out large amounts of money on them. So I’m always looking for ways to continue to give them the best and highest quality care and food… but at lower prices.

18 tips to save money on your dogs

 

 

I bet you haven’t tried all these ways to save money on your pets.

1. Instead of taking your dogs to the groomer every month, take them to a place where you wash them yourself every other month, which can save $20 or more every other month. They supply everything you need. (From Angela Geary of Professional Pet Care Services.)
2. Clip your dog’s nails yourself.
3. Feed them high quality dog food to keep them healthy, which will help with the vet bills.
4. Use a low-cost vet clinic for basic veterinary care such as vaccines, neutering and spaying, microchipping.
5. For older dogs, try to get vet insurance. Do research on the breed of your dogs — if they don’t know, do a DNA test for $150.00. That way you can find out if their pet has a propensity for certain conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, cancer — and you can keep an eye out for symptoms. The earlier it’s treated the better the outcome for the animal and for the pocketbook. (From Debbie Tippit Clark, a volunteer for Pet Orphans of Southern California.)
6. Feed your dogs baby carrots as a snack. (From Bargain Babe Reader Mark.)
7. Find a trainer that might barter training for a skill the dog owner has like producing a video ad.
8. Rotate a dog’s toys on a bi-monthly basis (except for his or her favorite, of course). When the dog sees a loved toy after a break from it, it’s like Christmas morning all over again. (From Bargain Babe reader Rachel.)
9. Some dogs like a snack that’s free – ice cubes! (From Bargain Babe reader Andriana.)
10. Make your own dog food.
11. Form your own dog walking co-op with neighbors.
12. Check out bargain sites for dog owners.
13. Sign up for coupons – for example, if you “Like” Natural Balance’s Facebook page, they will provide printable coupons to you.
    

    Starbarks Dog Toy with Squeaker

14. Find unique, dog toys cheaper than you’d find at the pet store. They make great gifts, too! This handmade Starbarks Dog toy is available on Etsy for only $10.
15. Think your pooch is cute? Others might, too! Why not consider dog modeling? I met a dog at the vet today who is a professional model – she even recently appeared in Vogue! (Seriously!)
16. Check out My Pet Savings for “pet coupons, freebies, deals & more.” You can subscribe via email or RSS.
17. Free dog ecards are a great way to brighten anyone’s day!
18. For a laugh or a smile, check out this cute video:  The Adventures of Moosie: Boy Dachshund. It’s free!

How do you save money on your dogs?