Budget Dog

How to Put Your Dog on a Budget
Tips for Saving Money on Your Dog Food, Dog

Products and Dog Care
By the manufacturer of Dog Clothes

http://www.diapersfordog.com
































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How to Put Your Dog on a Budget
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Table of Contents

Introduction ........................................................................................................... 3
Saving Money on Your Next Dog .......................................................................... 4
Saving on Dog Food ............................................................................................. 5
Saving on Dog Toys & Supplies ............................................................................ 7
Saving on Dog Health Care .................................................................................. 9
Saving on In-Home Care .................................................................................... 11
Saving on Dog Grooming .................................................................................... 12































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How to Put Your Dog on a Budget
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Introduction













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!
Remember, your priorities aren't necessarily your dog's priorities. You might be
worried about finances, but your dog isn't! As Cesar Millan, best known as
National Geographic's Dog Whisperer, says about dogs:
...they don't care if their collars have "bling." They don't
care if you live in a big house or even if you have a job.
They care about other things...

No doubt it's your job to tend to your dog's needs and some of those needs
involve money. With a little extra effort, though, you can save money and even get
closer to your canine at the same time.

And never forget: the best things you can give your dog--your own time and
love--are free!











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How to Put Your Dog on a Budget
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Saving Money on Your Next Dog












Adopt a Shelter Dog
Shelters are a budget-friendly way to obtain a pet. Although fees and services
vary from location to location, for about $100 you can adopt a dog who has been
spayed or neutered, received a health check, and received shots appropriate for
his age. Compare that to the cost of a purebred puppy--or even that "free" puppy
that will require all the above medical care--and you'll see the shelter dog makes
financial sense.

Look for Purebred Dogs from Shelters and Rescue Groups

Did you know that according to statistics from The National Council on Pet
Population, Study and Policy, about one-fourth of the dogs in shelters are
purebred dogs? Shelters and rescue groups (many of which specialize in a
certain breed) are a great resource for purebred dogs. To search for a particular
breed of dog in your area, visit http://www.petfinder.com . This site allows you to
search by zip code, breed, gender, age, and size.
















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How to Put Your Dog on a Budget
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Saving on Dog Food











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.






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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

Make Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
3 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
1/2 cup cornmeal 1/2
cup oats
Blend wet ingredients together. Whisk dry ingredients together and mix into wet
mixture to form a ball of dough. Roll out and shape. Put onto a non-stick cookie
tray or lightly greased one. Cook 20 minutes at 400 F. Turn off oven and allow
the biscuits to cool in oven until crisp and hard. Store in airtight container.
Make Vegetarian Dog Biscuits

2 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup dry milk powder
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tbs. brown sugar
2 vegetable bouillon cubes
3/4 cup boiling water
1/2 cup carrots, shredded (optional)
1 egg
Dissolve bouillon cubes in the boiling water. Preheat oven to 300F. Mix all
ingredients into a ball and roll out to about 1/4" thick. Cut with bone-shaped
cookie cutter, or strips, or a cutter shape of your choice. Bake at 300 degrees for
30 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet.


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How to Put Your Dog on a Budget
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Saving on Dog Toys & Supplies














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!
Make Your Own Dog Toys

Get innovative with items you have around the house and create your own dog toys!
Cut jeans into strips and tie them together for a tug of war rope. Drill holes through a
tennis ball (or use a plastic whiffle ball) then thread blue jean strips through the
holes; finally, tie knots on each end for a fun toy to toss.



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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.

Shop Thrift Stores for Baby Gates
Need to restrict a new dog from certain rooms of your house? Pet superstores sell
special dog gates to prevent access - but look for baby gates at thrift stores and
garage sales at a fraction of the price.






























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How to Put Your Dog on a Budget
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Saving on Dog Health Care












Look for Pet Vaccination Specials
Many groups, especially local animal shelters, sponsor low-cost vaccination
clinics. Call your local animal shelter and ask if they know any upcoming pet
vaccination clinics in your community.

Ask About Vet Payment Plans
If you are hit with unexpected vet bills, it doesn't hurt to ask about payment plans.
Many offer affordable plans so you can split the cost of treatment over a period of
months.
Shop Around for a Vet

All vets do not charge the same fees. Especially if you have a new dog and don't
yet have a vet, it pays to make a few calls and ask the cost of their basic office
visit.
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.
Order Medicines Online

Check online veterinary pharmacies such as http://www.1800petmeds.com/ and
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/ for many pet medicines, flea preventatives, etc.

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Some medicines will require a prescription from your veterinarian; some will not.
These online pharmacies frequently run specials for discounts or free shipping.

Find Out If Your City Has a Low Cost Clinic
Just like low cost clinics for humans, many communities have low cost animal
clinics. At your local shelter if your town has such a clinic where you can obtain low
cost spaying and neutering as well as immunizations.
Sign Up for Online Newsletters

Many online pet pharmacies and pet superstores offer free e-newsletters; look for
exclusive offers, online coupons and news of upcoming specials in these
newsletters.


































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