17+ Dog Care Hacks That Can Save You Money

Having a dog can be pricey, and although their unconditional love makes every expense worthwhile, costs can stack up fast.

Luckily, there are plenty of clever tips and wallet-friendly hacks to lighten the financial burden. And remember—treating your furry friend to something special every now and then is always a well-earned delight!

Prevent Fleas And Ticks

Routine flea and tick prevention for your pet may seem costly at first, but it’s a wise investment that keeps your dog comfortable and helps avoid bigger expenses down the line. These parasites can carry diseases that pose serious risks to your pup’s health, making prevention essential.

Beyond expensive vet bills for treating illness, a flea infestation often requires buying multiple products to get rid of the problem—and you’ll likely need to replace many of your dog’s belongings too.

Ditch Canned Food For Larger Dogs

Canned food offers a convenient way to feed your dog, providing extra hydration and often packing more nutrients than dry kibble.

That said, for bigger dogs, buying enough canned food to fill them up can get pricey. To strike a balance between cost and nutrition, many owners opt for quality kibble while making sure fresh water is always available.

A Well-Exercised Dog Is A Healthy Dog

Active, healthy dogs usually get plenty of exercise, but those that are less active or spend little time outside face a greater risk of obesity and related health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and liver issues.

Carrying extra weight also puts added pressure on your dog’s hips, joints, and other parts of the body, causing pain and mobility challenges. These health concerns often lead to more frequent vet visits—and higher costs for you.

Join Pet Store Rewards Clubs

Many big pet retailers like Petsmart and Petco offer loyalty rewards programs, and plenty of local or independent shops do too. Typically, spending a set amount earns you gift cards or discounts on certain products.

The smartest move is to choose a favorite store and shop there regularly. That way, you can steadily accumulate points and take advantage of the deals they provide. Over time, those points really add up to meaningful savings!

You Don’t Have To Get Pre-Made Dog Treats

Store-bought dog treats aren’t essential for your pup’s survival, but they can be great for training and a fun way to spoil your furry friend occasionally. That said, you don’t have to rely on pricey commercial treats.

There are plenty of healthy options you may already have at home, like certain fruits and vegetables that dogs often enjoy. Just be sure to check which foods are safe before offering anything new to your dog.

Pick Your Vet Wisely

When taking your dog to the vet, not only do you have to pay a visitation fee, but also for whatever other procedures are done or medicine that is required. Sometimes, what you think will be a routine checkup can cost hundreds of dollars.

While your pet must get the care that it needs, there’s no harm with doing your research to save yourself some money. Some vets are more expensive than others, and it’s as simple as that. Go online, talk to friends… whatever you need to do to find the vet that’s best for you.

Trim Your Dog’s Nails

Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed is important to avoid overgrowth, which can lead to discomfort while walking and reduce the risk of accidental scratching or damage around the house.

Though professional groomers can handle this, trimming your dog’s nails at home is a great way to save money. It’s a straightforward process—just use a pair of nail clippers designed for dogs and follow the easy-to-find online guides.

Train Your Own Dog

There’s no doubt that hiring a professional dog trainer can make a big difference with challenging pets, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. If spending hundreds on a few sessions isn’t an option, the best alternative is to train your dog yourself.

Basic training techniques are doable for anyone—it just takes time, patience, and effort. Plus, teaching your own dog not only saves money but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.

Watch How Much You Feed Them

Naturally, you want to make sure your dog is well-fed, but overfeeding can be just as harmful as underfeeding. Feeding too much not only increases your food expenses but can also lead to serious health problems for your pet.

Overweight dogs are at higher risk for a variety of illnesses, often resulting in costly vet visits. Plus, carrying extra weight can shorten your dog’s lifespan—something no pet owner wants to face.

Don’t Waste Money On A Fancy Bed

Even if your dog loves snuggling up in bed with you at night, having a comfy spot of its own on the floor is still important—especially as they age and need more rest. But you don’t have to spend a fortune on expensive pet beds from the store.

Many dogs are just as happy with a simple folded blanket, or if you enjoy DIY projects, you can craft a cozy bed using old materials you already have around the house.

Take Your Dog For Routine Checkups

There’s nothing more draining on your bank account than an unexpected vet visit for a problem that could have been avoided. Regular check-ups help the vet assess your dog’s health, catch potential issues early, and keep everything in check.

While not every emergency can be foreseen, it’s always a good idea to have some savings set aside for unexpected situations.

Bathe Your Own Dog

If your dog is absolutely filthy and in need of professional grooming, it’s probably time to visit the groomer. But if your pup just smells like a dog or recently had a swim in the ocean, you can handle it yourself.

All you need is dog shampoo, a handheld showerhead, and some towels. Wash your dog just like you would wash yourself—while it takes a bit of effort, it’s definitely more affordable than a trip to the groomer.

Spay Or Neuter Your Pup

Spaying or neutering your dog is often a wise decision to avoid the unexpected arrival of puppies. While the procedure can be pricey initially, it will save you money over time by preventing the costs associated with caring for a litter of puppies.

Additionally, your dog will enjoy several health benefits, including a reduced risk of testicular or prostate cancer in males, and a lower chance of breast cancer in females.

Pet-Proof Your House

To reduce the chances of emergency vet visits, it’s important to pet-proof your home. This includes securing chemicals, covering wires and outlets, keeping doors closed, and removing any harmful objects from your dog’s reach.

While dogs typically do well in a safe environment, leaving them unsupervised in risky areas can lead to accidents. By taking a few precautions, you can avoid preventable trips to the vet.

Make Your Own Dog Clothes

Pet owners dress their dogs for all sorts of reasons, whether it’s to keep them warm, dry, prevent them from licking a wound, or just for style.

The market is flooded with dog clothes, and some owners spend more on their pups’ outfits than their own. If your dog needs some attire for any reason, consider repurposing something you no longer wear and adjusting it to fit your dog. It’s not only a more affordable option, but it’s also a fun, creative project!

Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Just like people, dogs need professional teeth cleanings every so often. Unfortunately, these procedures often require sedation, which can result in a bill that runs into the hundreds! If you’re really unlucky, your dog might also have cavities or other dental issues that need attention.

To prevent this, it’s crucial to brush and clean your dog’s teeth regularly, so you don’t get any unpleasant surprises when you visit the vet.

Don’t Buy Your Medication Straight From The Vet

It’s common for dogs to get sick and require medication from time to time, but unfortunately, it’s rarely affordable. When your dog gets a prescription, it’s worth comparing prices to find the best deal.

While your vet will often have the medication, their prices tend to be higher due to the convenience. Typically, you can find cheaper options online; it just requires a bit more effort on your part.

Buy Dog Food In Bulk

Although it’s been proven that making your dog’s own food isn’t very cost-effective, buying it from the bulk bin at the pet store is. Buying the bigger bag can save you around 25% off what you would normally spend buying multiple smaller bags.

Furthermore, you can save money on gas and your time by not going to the store as frequently. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that kibble only lasts around six weeks after it’s opened, so take the size of your dog into account.

Store Pet Food Properly

Dog food, even kibble, has an expiration date and should be thrown out when it goes bad. So, when buying food, check that expiration date, and come up with a plan for where to store it.

To keep it from spoiling, make sure you keep dog food in a cool and dark place and safely inside of an airtight container to get the most use out of it as possible.

Start A Pet-Savings Account

One of the worst things that can happen financially as a dog owner is not being prepared for an expensive emergency situation. Because you’re willing to pay whatever it takes to help your dog, it can put you in a bad financial spot.

The best way to prepare for this is to establish a separate savings account for your pet’s needs, so you always have money in case your dog has an unexpected problem.