After finally getting some decorative storage bins to fill a bookshelf in our living room with, I realised that two of these boxes have been designated solely for my dog's items. One box contains several different shampoos and conditioners, a flea comb, a fur brush, a nail trimmer and ear cleaner solutions. The other box houses some of her chew toys, bandanas, sweaters and treats. As I was labelling the bin with her name, it struck me just how bloody ridiculous it is that she has so many things. She's a dog for goodness sake! I can't even imagine how overboard I will get when I have human babies instead of just a fur baby.
Having a pet is definitely a financial investment and it is not something that most people take into consideration when they first fall in love with the cute face staring up at them at the shelter or store. There are food, medical, grooming, entertainment expenses along with whatever damage a mischievous puppy may do when left alone. But there are several ways to lower these costs if you go about being a pet owner wisely.
   
Although it is incredibly tempting to grab the cheapest bag of dog food when you've run out of your normal Pedigree Chum, cheap dog food brands are less costly because they are typically chock full of unnecessary filler ingredients such as grains or wheat. Budget your monthly expenses so that you can purchase holistic brands that are all natural and human grade for your canine. And while it is painful to see the final amount rung up by the cashier, this change in better food will reap many health benefits that will be worth it in the end such as a shinier skin and coat and a longer lifespan. Don't forget about treats! You can whip up your own canine snacks by following the recipes on Dog Treat Kitchen.
   
Unfortunately for us, dogs are incapable of trimming their own nails or brushing their teeth. It is the responsibility of their owners to maintain good grooming habits for their pet, which will also lead to fewer medical expenses in the long run. This online video gives some great instruction on how to brush your dog's teeth, something that you should do daily. Again, proper maintenance, although time consuming at the moment, will be beneficial as your dog ages.
   
But all these things aren't what you bought a dog for, is it? You want to play with your pooch and spoil him with squeaky toys galore. My toy count for Bella is up to twelve right now and she definitely does not play with all of them. In fact, she rarely shows any interest in a toy past the first fifteen seconds she first encounters it. So instead of hunting for something that she will love to play with and ending in disappointment, I keep her toys in rotation so that there is always something "new". My Labrador is highly food driven so my favourite solution to toys left behind is to stuff old rubber ones with dried dog food after cutting a hole in it and taking out the squeaker. With supervision, I give her this food stuffed toy and let her figure out how to get it out. There's nothing like a free transformation!
   
Also, stick with durable toys if your dog is a tough chewer. Knotted rope toys, Kongs and Nylabones are known for their ability to resist hours of chewing and will hopefully keep your dog from gnawing on your Prada heels. Of course, Savoo has numerous savings vouchers for all of these items. Or, if you're especially crafty, try making your own dog toys with ideas from Make and Build Dog Stuff.