Of course you love your pooch, but caring for your furry buddy can get expensive. Here’s how to care for your dog on a budget.

You want your dog to have the best care. You don’t want to deprive him of going to the vet or getting groomed regularly. You also don’t want to deprive yourself of the essentials.

Don’t fret: you can save money without compromising the quality of care for your pet. You can do this in little ways that your dog won’t even notice. Plus, you’ll get to spend more valuable time with your furry companion. Here are ten ways to to care for your dog on a budget.

1. Take your dog on walks regularly.

Take your dog on daily walks. This is free, but it will keep your furry companion happy and healthy. Healthy dogs don’t go to the vet as often, nor do they require special food or medicine. It’s a good way to keep your own health on track too!

2. Buy a basic collar and leash.

Buy your pet a good quality, but inexpensive leash and collar. Resist the temptation to go overboard! We know that your dog is practically royalty, but she doesn’t need a diamond-studded, cashmere-lined collar, particularly if she’s a chewer.

3. Give your dog a haircut. 

Skip the groomer and style your dog’s do, yourself! Keep in mind, you’ll have to invest in some proper dog grooming tools up front – but it should pay off over the long run. If you go this route, be very careful with your clippers and scissors! You don’t want to nick any senstive bits. Here’s a guide on what to expect when grooming your own pup.

4. Choose affordable vet services.

Something all dog owners can agree on – vet costs can get crazy expensive! When choosing a vet, shop around. Not all vets charge the same. If you live in an urban area, it might be worth driving a few kilometers to find a vet who charges less for services. Check around to see if there are any veterinary schools that offer reduced rates. And don’t forget to comparison shop online for your pet’s prescriptions!

5. Invest in high-quality food at an affordable price. 

This is a fine line to negotiate. You shouldn’t buy food that’s too cheap for your pets, but it’s not necessary to buy them the high-priced premium foods either. Try to find the best sweet spot. Determine whether or not your pet has any food allergies or sensitivities. If your dog is pretty healthy and resilient, you could probably buy food that’s less expensive.

While you can buy your dog food anywhere, check out online retailers like Amazon to check out what kind of reviews various dog food brands are getting. As well, look into DIY recipes instead of buying prepackaged dog treats. A Kong stuffed with your dog’s own kibble, plugged with either a spoonful of peanut butter or a mouthful of wet food is a great idea. Freeze them to make the treat last a little longer!

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