Budget Hints

In today’s tough economic times, everyone has an eye on the budget and that

includes expenditures for dog food, supplies, and care. We’ve all had to cut back

on costs, including those that involve our dogs. However, with a little preparation,

research, and even some home cooking, you can continue to make your dog’s

life as rich as it ever was while saving money at the same time!

Measure the Dog Food

How much should your dog be eating every day based on his weight? Do you

know? All too often, it’s easy to just pour the kibble in the bowl but that might not

be the right amount. Overfeeding not only fattens your dog (potentially leading to

costly veterinary bills) but also wastes expensive dog food. Measure first!

Clip Those Coupons

Old-fashioned coupon clipping can save you big bucks at the grocery store. The

Sunday newspaper is an excellent source for dog food and dog treat coupons.

Many coupons have expiration dates just a month or two after their publication

date so buy now and stock up for later.

Search for Dog-Related Coupons Online

Before you head to the grocery store, do an online check for coupons at sites

such as:

• http://www.couponmom.com/

• http://www.coolsavings.com

• http://www.couponbugs.com/

Visit the Manufacturer’s Site

If your dog especially loves a particular brand of dog food, visit the

manufacturer’s website for potential coupons and offers.

Make Your Own Dog Biscuits

3/4 cup hot water

1/3 cup margarine

1/2 cup powdered milk

1 teaspoon salt

1 egg, beaten

3 cups whole wheat flour

In large bowl pour hot water over the margarine. Stir in powdered milk, salt and

egg. Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time. Knead for a few minutes to form stiff dough. Pat

or roll to1/2 inch thickness. Cut into bone shapes. Bake at 325 degrees for 50

minutes. Cool. These biscuits will dry quite hard. Makes about 1 1/4 pounds of

biscuits. Cost: around 30 cents per pound. Variation: Increase margarine to 1/2

cup and add 2 teaspoons sugar

Check Thrift Stores for Stuffed Toys

If your dogs are like ours, stuffed toys have pretty short lifespans. It makes sense

to buy used stuffed animals for them to enjoy; thrift stores and garage sales are

an excellent source for animals as cheap as 25 cents each. Just as if you were

purchasing a stuffed toy for your dog at the store, make sure it doesn’t have any

eyes or buttons that can be pulled off and choke your dog. Baby toys which are

extra soft are a good choice.

Buy Good Quality Chew Toys

Our Lab mix can go through cheap chew toys in a matter of hours. If you have a

power chewer in your house, it’s more economical to invest in high quality dog

toys such as Kong, a firm rubber toy/treat dispenser that comes in classic and

extreme levels of durability.

Rotate Those Toys

Just like children, dogs tire of the same toys so don’t leave them with their toys

for an extended period of time. By rotating out the toys, you’ll be giving him a

“new” toy without having to actually buy a new toy!

 Search for Online Store Coupons

Ordering a chew-proof dog bed from Orvis or a Pet Roomba to clean that dog

hair? Check for online coupons before placing your online order by doing a quick

search like “roomba coupons” or “roomba coupon code” before you do your

ordering. We’ve found $25 coupons and free shipping coupons this way!

Shop Off-Season

Buy plush dog beds, dog sweaters, etc. at the end of winter season. Like to dress

up for Halloween? Hit the sales right after the event and you’ll be set for next

year.

  Consider Pet Insurance

Pet insurance can help with many veterinary costs but be sure to read the fine

print. Some don’t cover annual exams or routine visits and shots; others don’t

cover accidents. Also, ask about the amount of your deductible.. Even with these

limitations, pet insurance can be a great help with unexpected vet costs. If you

don’t opt for pet insurance, consider setting up a saving account where you

deposit the cost of that pet insurance; you’ll have that money available to cover

later vet bills.

Form a Dog Sitting Coop

The next time you plan a trip out of town, save money on kennel costs or pet

sitting fees by forming your own dog sitter coop. You and fellow dog lovers can

trade off dog sitting, feeding, providing medication, and giving companionship to

dogs whose owners are on the road. What, your friends don’t have dogs?

Consider trading out babysitting time in exchange for dog sitting.