5 Ways to Save Money on Your Dog

When it comes to dog food, you can save money and still find a brand that's suitable for your dog.

Some dogs can't handle high-end food and are fine with grocery store dog food, he says. Pinney estimates that a 35-pound bag of dog chow on the lower end of the spectrum will cost about $20 to $25. But you could pay more than $70 for a higher-end bag.

Make sure you're not overfeeding your dog, Pinney says. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems, which can also drain money from your wallet.

There's a calculation you can make to determine how many calories your dog needs per day. Visit the American Kennel Club website to find your dog's ideal weight. Convert the weight into kilograms, multiply by 30 and add 70. That's the resting energy requirement, Pinney says.

If you have an adult dog that participates in normal activities, multiply the resting energy requirement by 1.8 to get the daily caloric intake. If your dog is a nursing mother or very active, multiply the number by 4, 5 or 6, depending on how active your dog is. If the dog has been neutered or spayed, multiply it by 1.6.?

Keeping your dog current on its vaccines and medications is key. But there are still ways to save money.

Stores often sell heartworm and flea-and-tick medication in combo packs. But your dog only needs the heartworm medication every month, not the flea-and-tick medication. Often, flea medications last longer than a month, and you can save money by buying them separately, Pinney says.

When health problems arise, you may need to meet with a vet, says Mandy Fults, vice president of the Texas Association of Registered Veterinary Technicians.

If the vet suggests a series of costly tests that you can't afford, ask what can be done to minimize the cost but still give the dog the treatment it needs. Also ask about any available payment plans to make a costly treatment less onerous on your budget, she says.

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