Jerry Green Dog Rescue’s tips on cutting down the cost of looking after your pet

Jerry Green Dog Rescue offers tips on how to cope with the cost of living crisis as a pet owner...

Sadly, the cost of living is very challenging and pet owners are increasingly feeling the pinch.

Food bills, vet costs, equipment and grooming bills can be a source of stress for owners as they worry about how it could negatively affect the welfare of the dog. Here, we have gathered some tips which can help you cut costs a little, while continuing to meet your dog’s needs.

Make your own toys - Dogs don’t care how much you spend on them so, instead of buying pricey toys, consider making your own ones out of old packaging and newspaper or repurpose fabric from old clothes and give it a new life as something exciting for your dog. Just ensure what you are creating is safe and appropriate.

Use your dog’s toys smarter - By rotating your dog’s toys, you can maintain the novelty of their existing toys to keep them exciting and make them last longer!

Consider pre-loved - Local dog rescue centres or charity shops will often have pre-loved dog items for sale, such as harnesses and beds, so you can pick up a bargain.

Keep up to date with vet care - Emergency vet bills can be the most worrying cost that comes with owning a dog. The easiest way to reduce the chance of encountering an emergency vet bill is to protect your dog against preventable common illnesses with vaccinations, wormer, tick and flea treatments. Some vets even offer payment plans or subscription options for their preventative veterinary care, which works out cheaper in the long run.

Look after their teeth - Working with your dog to get them to accept having their teeth brushed can help to keep their teeth healthier for longer and reduce the chance of expensive treatment.

Weigh up your insurance options - Although this does come at a cost, it could save you down the line. Make sure you are aware of your excess, any exemptions in your policy and the value you are covered for. If the cost of lifetime cover is a little too steep for you, gather quotes for a 12-month policy for now.

Talk to your vet about medicines - Shopping around for medications for your dog could help you shave a few pounds off their cost. If your dog is prescribed medication by your vet, there is the option to pay a fee for this prescription, which you can then fill online at a reputable veterinary dispensary, such as VetUK. Talk with your vet for advice on this.

Learn the grooming basics - By making sure that you are aware of your dog's grooming needs and learning how to best care for their coat at home, you may be able to save a little on grooming bills or stretch the time between clips. If you are unsure, talk to a reputable dog groomer or your vet.

Review your dog’s diet - If you are feeding them more than the recommended amount, you will be spending more on food than you need to and may be putting your dog at risk of overfeeding related health concerns. Feeding guides can be found on the back of most commercial dog foods, which will give you a recommended daily allowance to feed a dog based on weight. Remember to feed your dog based on their ideal weight rather than their current weight. Buying in bulk can also work out more cost effective per serving.

Call on your friends and family - If you use a dog sitter or walker, why not try building a relationship with your neighbours or setting up a group of family, friends and colleagues, they may be more than willing to come and spend some time with your pooch and save you hiring a professional. If they are fellow dog owners, be sure to offer the favour in return!

If you are struggling, call us on 01205 260546 or emailing slincs@jerrygreendogs.org.uk.