Money-saving Tips for New Dog Owners

Being a dog parent can be expensive. Trips to the vets, whether scheduled or emergency, can hit your wallet hard. Then, there is, of course, the expenses for food, grooming, toys, and beddings, to name a few. It is estimated that the first year of owning a dog can cost you up to $1,000. If it’s your first time to own a dog, these tips might help in getting you through this fun and exciting part of your life without breaking the bank.

Adopt instead of buy
If you are still in the searching stage, this tip is for you. Adopting a dog can save you a lot of money because buying a furry friend can cost you between $500 to $1000. Adoption costs range from $50 to $200 depending on whether the dog is from a rescue group which has covered expenses on grooming, vets, and boarding, or a shelter in the city.

DIY this, DIY that!
Dog supplies such as toys and beds at pet stores are expensive, and some of them are not even durable. Why not try to make them yourself? To start off, you can browse through the internet for inspiration as a lot of dog owners are already doing this. Then head to your local DIY store to shop for everything that you need. Just make sure that your handmade toys and beddings do not have materials that are potential choking hazards.

Groom at home
Pet grooming is very important, but instead of regularly going to an expensive groomer, you can take the time to learn how to do it yourself. Some dog owners are afraid to clip their dog’s nails mostly because of nail clippers that are hard to use. Shop around for alternatives such as nail grinders if you find yourself too uncomfortable with clippers.

Take care of your dog’s teeth
Brush your dog’s teeth every day and thank yourself later. Most dogs after the age of 4 get periodontal disease. You can cut down on this risk by making it a habit to brush those chompers on a daily basis.

Do not skimp on preventive care
This is one of the easiest ways to help your beloved dog live a long, healthy life, and also potentially save you hundreds of dollars. Dog health problems that are caused by bacteria and viruses are costly to treat. Luckily, there are vaccines that can prevent them so make sure to complete your dog’s vaccinations. Take your dog to wellness exams regularly, too. Early detection of any disease can save you money in the long run.

Get your dog moving
Another way to keep your dog from having health problems down the road is to give it plenty of exercise. This way he can avoid getting overweight and developing destructive behaviors such as excessive chewing, in the future. This can also help you tackle behavioral problems your pet may have.

Ditch the fancy outfits
Your dog doesn’t need a fancy collar or a customized sweater. Spend your hard-earned money on necessary apparel like an ID tag, a comfortable leash, and a durable collar.

Allot a Pet Budget
Your monthly expenses will inevitably be affected once you own a pet, so make sure you create a pet budget. Set a reasonable amount that you can spend on your dog every month and list down every item or service you spend on.