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Those furry waggy-tailed creatures may make brilliant loving pets, but they’re also very expensive to look after. If you’ve got a dog (or are thinking of getting a dog) here’s how you can spend less cash on your canine companion.
Shop around for food
Food isn’t something you want to spend too much or too little on. Cheap dog food won’t have much nutrients in it and so won’t keep your dog in good shape. However, there are lots of pricey premium dog foods that won’t do any better for your dog than a standard brand. BARF for adult dogs is one of my favorites! Often you can save money from buying in bulk. By going on coupon sites you can also grab yourself a nice discount.
Do your own pet grooming
You don’t have to get your dog professionally groomed. You can brush their hair and their teeth with products available on the market. By going online you can usually find yourself a better deal than you can in a store. Some people may prefer to get a professional to clip their dog’s nails, as the quick can be hard to locate.
Keep them exercised
Regular walks will keep your dog healthy, which means less visits to the vet. Walking also has other benefits such as wearing down their nails naturally and discouraging destructive behavior indoors. Each breed will require a different amount of exercise, so bear this in mind.
Create your own DIY toys
Keep your dog happy may require giving them chew toys, but this can grow expensive. Fortunately, there are many easy DIY solutions to this. Old t-shirts can be braided together and turned into your dog’s very own custom chew toy. Dog treats meanwhile can put inside an empty water bottle, which will entertain your dog for hours as they try to get the treats out.
Compare vet prices
When your mutt does need to visit the quack, don’t automatically go to your local vet. When it comes to expensive procedures such as surgery, prices can often differ from vet to vet. Try ringing around other surgeries in your area for the best quote.
Beware of pet insurance
Some owners will automatically think to take out pet insurance for their dogs. However, you should always weigh up the risks with the costs first. Insurance rates will always be cheaper for a pup than for an older dog that is likely to need more vet visits. With older dogs, you could end up paying more than you’ll ever spend, whilst you may be able to get a fixed rate with a puppy or young dog that ensures you get the most out of your scheme. Pedigree breeds can often be more prone to illnesses and genetic conditions so getting insurance for these kind of dogs can be worthwhile. With a mongrel or mixed breed you could be taking more of a risk. The likes of Compare The Market are great places for comparing pet insurance.