Advice
What to Save (and Spend) on with your Dog
How to use money wisely on your furry friends
A walk through any pet store will tell you one thing: there is an astonishing amount of pet products marketed to dog owners: clothes, treats, food, training, safety, etc. And of course, many of these products don’t come cheap! When I first adopted my two rescues, Olive and Bailey, I found myself overwhelmed on my first trip to Petco. I understood I needed the basics: leash, collar, food, bed. Yet, beyond these essentials, I was unsure of what I needed. After a series of trial and error purchases for two dogs with very different personalities, I have devised a way of buying the various products my dogs need. Here, I aim to share what is worth spending a bit more money on, and what products to skimp on.
1. SAVE: Dog Bedding
We all want our dogs to be comfortable. Bailey, my ten year old chihuahua mix, is a creature of comfort. If he could be continually wrapped in velvet, he’d be happy forever. He will lay on any soft, cushy surface, even if he knows he shouldn’t, i.e. the couch. However, I can give Bailey the comfort he wants without spending a lot. I buy blankets from the dollar store and put them in his crate on top of a crate cushion, and he’s perfectly happy. I also have given him some of my old, yellowing pillows. If I’m not going to use them, someone might as well get use out of them! Given my budget, I can’t in good conscience spend a substantial sum of money on something that my dog will just cover in hair and slobber. Olive and Bailey don’t seem to mind!
2. SPEND: Food
Providing high-quality food is one easy way to ensure your dog lives a long, healthy life. When I first adopted Bailey, I discovered that he was eating a generic dog food with a bunch of ingredients I couldn’t even pronounce. He was also very overweight; after some research, I found a healthier food, consisting of oats, carrots, lamb, banana, and peas, which Bailey happily scarfed down. With this diet change and increased exercise, he has lost several pounds. He now has much more energy and spunk; he runs around the house and plays in ways he never did before. The market of dog food is vast, making it difficult to figure out what food is actually “healthy.” Talking to my vet was the easiest way to figure out what kind of food I should be feeding Bailey and Olive. A few more bucks a month on dog food is worth a happier, healthier pup.
3. SAVE: Clothing
Clearly, your dog’s need for clothing will vary on its breed. In the winter, a greyhound will need much more insulation than a husky! Dog clothing can be quite expensive for such small, basic garments. Buying them second-hand is a great way to save money; Facebook Marketplace is full of options. Facebook groups for dog owners or your local neighborhood also frequently contain posts advertising dog clothing for sale. Not only does buying used goods save some cash, it is also much more sustainable. A win-win!
4. SPEND: Medications and SAVE: “Calming” treats
My first rescue, Olive, had severe separation anxiety and fear of men, due to a history of abuse. I tried every “anxiety” fix that Petco sold- calming melatonin chews, a Thunder Shirt, and a calming diffuser. While everyone’s dog is different, these over the counter remedies failed to calm her. Eventually, I took her to the vet and got her a prescription for daily Prozac, which has helped tremendously. It costs about twenty-eight dollars per month. While that might seem steep, it is cheaper than buying diffuser refills and more calming melatonin treats. Paying for a medication that I know calms Olive and helps her feel safe is worth every penny.
5. SPEND: Car Cover
When I first got my dogs, I scoffed at the idea of buying a car hammock, a large piece of fabric that attaches to the headrests of the front and back seats to form a sort of taco that the dogs sit in. I thought it was silly to buy something extra when the dogs were perfectly happy sitting in the backseat as it was. Then, on a road trip, they kept sliding around; if I have to slam on my breaks, given their small size, they can be flung towards the front windshield. I also recently got a newer used car, and realized that I did not want my new vehicle to automatically be covered in dog hair. The hammock, which costs about $50, holds the dogs safe and stable in the backseat; its waterproof lining also keeps the seats clean from hair, mud, and any possible accidents.
6. SAVE: Toys
When I first adopted Olive, I bought one soft, squeaky toy to bring with me to the shelter. Approximately two seconds into meeting Olive, I realized she had zero interest in toys. The same fact applies to Bailey. I could try to buy a variety of different toys to see if they liked them, but it seems rather pointless. Given their older age, all they want is attention, treats, and to sleep all day. Even if they did like toys, I would still try to find them at a bargain price. Walmart, Home Goods, and Five Below are three good places to snag a good deal on dog toys.
I hope these suggestions help you approach pet shopping in a thrifty way. Whenever I am about to buy something for Bailey and Olive, I ask myself, “Will they actually use this? Will they really like it? Can I return it if they don’t?” So far, these guiding questions haven’t steered me wrong!
