15 Hacks That Will Save Dog Owners Some Money

You are bound to spend more when you become a dog parent. Nevertheless, there is good news: just because you want to provide for your dog doesn’t mean it should cost you an arm and a leg. In this article, we’ll let you in on some hacks to save money as a dog owner. Let’s begin with the fun stuff, shall we?
DIY Dog Toys

Your creativity will prevent you from purchasing expensive dog toys. If you braid old clothes together, you can have a strong tug toy; if you tie a tennis ball in a sock, you have another toy. There is no limit to what can become a toy. You can look up ideas online or invent a new one.
Homemade Dog Treats

Treats bought at stores have some drawbacks, one of which is that they can be more costly than making them yourself. Another is that they may contain preservatives that may harm your dog’s health and make you incur more expenses. Check out simple recipes, and your bank balance will thank you.
Bulk Buying

If you must buy treats, then you should buy them in bulk. The cost per unit is always cheaper that way. Do it for all your dog’s supplies—food, toys, and accessories. It’s easier to find a discount when purchasing in bulk. All you need is enough space to store them safely.
Use a Slow Feeder

Thanks to slow feeders, you can force your dog to eat slower. While this prevents your dog from overfeeding or eating too quickly, it also makes them feel full on less food. When this happens, your food supply will be longer, and you’ll spend less feeding your dog.
Regular Grooming at Home

Do you know that buying grooming tools and learning how to use them on your dog is an investment that will save you cash? Getting professional grooming services may not feel like a lot, but eventually, it becomes a considerable sum. If others living with you also learn to groom, it’ll save you some time.
Preventative Care

Prevention is, and will always be, better than cure. Don’t make missing vet checkups a habit; ensure you get all vaccinations. If you notice symptoms of a sickness, call the vet’s attention to you. Treating a full-blown illness can be a pocket drainer, but prevention will save you from it.
Pet Insurance

No pet owner wishes to receive a huge and unexpected bill from the vet. Sadly, we never know what the future holds in this regard. You can do your best, but your pet will still develop a health problem. You can find pet insurance that suits your budget and your dog’s needs.
Self-Training

We know you want your pet trained by a pro, but if you have time to spare, you can train it yourself and keep that money. Countless blogs, videos, and books can guide you through this. If you have a friend who is really into dogs, you can invite them to assist you.
Dog Swaps

Dog swaps are cool and simple. You and another dog owner will watch each other’s dogs when you are unavailable. That way, you and your swap partner won’t have to pay for pet sitters. Text your friends or knock on your neighbor’s door to see which wants to swap with you.
Reuse and Repurpose

Stop and think before you rush to buy a new thing for your dog. Do you have something you can repurpose to solve what you want to spend money on? For instance, purchasing bedding for your dogs may be optional when you have a blanket or towel you no longer use.
Use a Budget-Friendly Dog Food Brand

Loyalty to a big brand name may mean spending more money on food for your dog than you should. If you look for other options, you may discover something more pocket-friendly that offers balanced nutrition. It helps to consult your vet to make a good choice when switching brands.
DIY Dog Bathing Station

You don’t have to take your dog to a groomer whenever you want to bathe it, especially if it requires a lot of bathing. Just set up your dog’s bathroom. You have options when it comes to this. It can be an outdoor space where you can use a hose.
Home Remedies for Minor Issues

When your dog has minor health issues, you can use home remedies instead of the vet. You can always ask the vet about things you can do on your own when facing a specific problem whenever you visit them about that problem. It’s not advisable to use a remedy not recommended by a vet.
Shop Secondhand

You’ll be surprised how many things you can find for your pet in thrift stores—physically or online—and garage sales. They aren’t just available; many are still in perfect condition. No matter what you need to buy, you’ll get a better price for the already-used version.
Buy Multipurpose Products

Many products serve multiple purposes, and by getting them, you will save both money and space. There are crate tables that can carry books and flowers, serve as dog crates, and shampoos that can also condition your dog’s coat. Purchasing the two separate items will typically cost more.