How to save on pet expenses

Dogs are expensive. And rightly so: they deserve care, attention, protection, and assistance. And above all, a more than dignified, more than sustainable life. Let's remember: they are our lifelong companions, and they bring us great joy and pleasure. Beware of wasting their wonderful companionship. From food to toys, from accessories to vet visits: for every expense, there's a way to avoid wasting money and save money.

Index of topics

How much does it cost to keep a dog?

A precise calculation of the amounts we need to include in the family budget (another thing to always keep in mind: pets are part of our family) is not easy, as there are so many variables, including unexpected expenses. Let's look at two examples. If the dog lives with a single person or a couple who doesn't want to take it with them on trips or outings, then the pet care costs also include the costs of: dog sitting. Second example: if a dog is fortunate enough to live a long time, it's inevitable, just like with humans, that veterinary expenses, including medications, will increase. Generally, the cost range for a dog, without excess and following the advice we offer in this article, ranges from €20 to €100 per month. This is nothing compared to the compulsive excesses, and therefore waste, that some pet lovers experience. In England, a country where easy money and easy waste often circulate, the findings of a study on the truly astronomical costs of dogs among high-income families caused quite a stir. The cost reaches €1.800 per month, equivalent to €23.500 per year. These figures are unsustainable for individuals and families with normal incomes.

How to save money on food

A significant component of dog costs is food. Here, you simply need to be aware of two things. The first is that veterinarians almost always advise against feeding dogs kitchen scraps. They don't guarantee the necessary balanced diet. Dry and canned food, kibble, and biscuits are needed: in other words, store-bought food if you don't know how to make them (well) at home. Hence the second point: choose products that offer the best value for money. Just like with family groceries.

Dog food needs to be purchased methodically. That is, always choose large packages (they're generally more convenient), check for a long expiration date (dry foods usually have no expiration date), do basic online research to find the best value, and choose a trusted supplier you can stick with. And if you have a lot of kibble, store it in glass jars or airtight containers. This preserves flavor and freshness.
Don't be superficial with product labels: just read them carefully and understand how much the dog food you're buying contains truly natural ingredients. And its "authenticity" isn't, perhaps, a marketing bluff. pet industry.
Speaking of food, if you need bones for your dog to play with, don't look for expensive fake ones: go to a trusted butcher, and they'll be able to provide you with what you need, while ensuring maximum safety for your dog. Free of charge.

Dogs aren't all the same, just like humans. They have their own uniqueness. And a dog's breed, the species to which it belongs, is very important for establishing a proper diet and, in general, a lifestyle that combines health and savings. Here's a complete list of all the different breeds. dog breeds with their characteristics.

Homemade dog food

Homemade dog food is made with greens, vegetables, and ground meat. There are various diets you can choose from, depending on your dog's condition (whether he's at a healthy weight, overweight, or prone to obesity). Dogs also need a healthy, balanced diet, which should include carbohydrates in moderation. Finally, you can prepare your own at home. dog biscuits which cost a fortune in specialized shops!

Homemade cat food

Homemade cat food is certainly a low-cost option, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's harmful to the animal. There are several options. recipes with carrots, rice, lean meat, or fish and rice. But there are also foods that should absolutely not be given to cats.

What Dogs and Cats Can't Eat

When feeding your pets, especially dogs and cats, be very careful about what you choose. There are some foods that dogs and cats absolutely cannot eat.

PotatoThey contain solanine, a substance that can harm dogs. Feed them sparingly, well-cooked, and in small doses.
Coffee and tea. Strictly forbidden: they unnecessarily excite dogs and cats, and can cause vomiting and intestinal problems.
Chocolate. In this case, the risk arises from theobromine, a substance that can even poison dogs and cats.
Sweets, cakes and ice cream. They contain sugars in doses that alter pets' metabolism (hence obesity and diabetes), and be careful with milk, too: older animals may no longer be able to digest lactose. And that's trouble.
Dried fruit. Especially walnuts and chestnuts, but also almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts: dogs and cats have difficulty digesting this type of food.
Raw foods. Dogs and cats aren't suited to a sushi-based menu. Their bodies function differently than ours and don't digest this type of food well. Always cook meat, fish, and eggs for them.
avocado. It contains persin, a fungicidal toxin, which is highly toxic to pets.
Fruit. Not all fruit is suitable for dogs and cats, as it is for us. Avoid grapes and raisins, for example. But in any case, whatever fruit you give to a dog or cat, be extremely careful to ensure it doesn't contain seeds. They are extremely dangerous.
Leftover bones, especially chicken bones. This is one of the most common mistakes made when feeding dogs and cats at home. Dogs, in particular, are fond of bones, and they play with them as well as eat them. This causes the bones to become splinters, ready to perforate the intestines.

How to save money with the vet

After food, there is the cost of veterinarianDon't be stingy. Would you do it with the doctor on whom your health depends? So it's not right to do it with your dog's doctor. Instead, don't be obsessive with unnecessary tests and investigations; don't waste time and money on unnecessary visits. And choose a vet who will stay with you for the animal's entire life.

How to save money on accessories

One area of spending where waste is just around the corner is that of gadgets for dogsFor example, collars and leashes. If you feel like treating yourself, do it: but don't overdo it. Moderation is a part of sustainable living, for humans and dogs alike. Instead, pay attention to two essential components of these items: they must be comfortable for the dog, and of good quality. Avoid saving money on counterfeit products. It's a waste, as you'll have to constantly re-use them, and you're not taking proper care of your dog. An old but original leash is better than a new but poor-quality one.

How to save money with games

The same goes for toys. This is an important variable you can seriously consider to save on dog expenses and significantly reduce your pet budget. Have fun making DIY dog and cat toys at home. This includes recycling, reusing, and salvaging many items that would otherwise end up in the trash. Your dog will be happy, and you'll have avoided unnecessary waste.

Save money with adoption

But the first and most significant savings you can make with pets is to adopt a dog or cat, rather than buying puppies, especially purebred ones. It's a gesture of love and generosity, which will help you strengthen the emotional bond with your pet from the start. And it will represent a huge saving on having one at home.