Enter now for a chance to win a Martha Stewart Pets prize pack from PetSmart!

Jul
20
2011

UPDATE: The blog contest has ended. Good luck to all the entrants.

Can’t afford to treat your pet to a day at the groomers? Here’s your chance to win an at-home spruce up for your canine best friend.

We’re giving away a Martha Stewart Pets prize pack to five lucky winners! Each winner will receive a microfiber pocket towel, a microfiber bath towel set, a microfiber sudsing mitt, and a dual-head brush—a prize pack valued at $100!

To enter, comment on this post with your most creative tip for how to save on pet essentials (such as food, toys, and grooming). You have from now until tomorrow (July 21) at 11:59 AM.

Read the official rules here. Good luck!

COMMENTS (263)

  1. My lab has a very sensitive stomach and can only eat a certain brand of dog food that’s sort of pricey. I order his food online and I am set up with automatic shipments every 2 months. With automatic shipping, we save 15% on every order and sometimes a bag of treats is thrown in for free to sample!

  2. I wait for great coupons in the sunday paper and then stock up. :)

  3. We do all of our grooming at home, saves a lot of money rather than paying a groomer to do the same thing.

  4. Diana Winstead | July 20, 2011 at 12:13 pm |

    Go to manufacturer’s web site

  5. Iwaituntilpetsmartsendsmegroomingcoupons:)

  6. A cheap toy for our 8 month old Jack Russell Terrier is an empty 16 oz. soda bottle with the cap, ring and label removed.

  7. get your kids to brush the cat daily to prevent hair balls

  8. zula mc farlain | July 20, 2011 at 12:14 pm |

    i do without a lot of extra’s so my pets can have the best .. I rather spend to give them the best than wasting it on eating out every night.

  9. Melissa Bails | July 20, 2011 at 12:14 pm |

    I save by doing it myself, from baths to clipping toenails. I also use coupons and hit the clearance section for anything for my 3 dogs!

  10. First, coupons, coupons coupons! Second, I take my dog to a groomer that will cut her bangs for free between visits. Since the number one reason I get her groomed is to get her bangs trimmed, this really helps me cut back on grooming costs.

  11. My animals can only eat certain foods otherwise they get terribly gassy. So when I see a great sale on their dog food, paired with my coupons, I stock up! I have four bags of 40lb dog food sitting in my garage that will last me a few months with them!

  12. My German Shepherd and I visit the high school in the evening and he finds all the lost tennis balls that have gone into the bushes! Free toys for him to fetch! =)

  13. Belvie Gilleland | July 20, 2011 at 12:15 pm |

    Save on summer treat & fun by making your dog’s own “pup-sicles”! Use plain yogurt, some soften dog food and water… Pour into ice cubes trays or cups and freeze overnight! Perfect outdoor summer treat! :-)

  14. I sign up for newsletters from pet food/pet toy companies since they include coupons sometimes. I also request samples. I shop sales and price match. I will make toys for my pets out of household items.

  15. These mitts look amazing I would love to win. The way I save on items and food for my pet is to call the manufacturer for items I purchase and let them know that I use their product and request coupons. I shop at PetSmart and they take competitive coupons. With all this said the savings really do add up and my wonderful Savannah has the best of everything. We both win.

  16. I always shop with coupons for dog food and treats. I try to combine store coupons with manufacturer’s coupons. I also trim my dogs’ nails and give baths on a regular basis at home instead of paying for the service at the groomers. I’ve purchased a good used kennel from craigslist, too! That saved me over 50%!

  17. My pets all have birthdays…..and I invite all my pet loving friends.

    I send out a wish list for them. Such as a scratching post and treats for the kitties. Or bones and brushes for dogs. I use to even do it for the fish (aquarium pieces and flakes). I then make cake (both for us and the pets)….and we have a little party at my house.

    I tend to end up with more then enough for my animals for at least a month or two. And my friends tend to bring me all the coupons for whichever ones having a birthday.

  18. carmine daddario | July 20, 2011 at 12:15 pm |

    Great items with all the pets I have I could use it

  19. I save by using coupons (of course) & also by getting freebies. I don’t have a baby, or small children, but have found that many of the free samples for them, such as baby wipes, are super handy for pet care! :D

  20. I have a small stockpile of dog food that I’ve gotten for great deals. So it’s there when I need it, and I didn’t have to pay full price!

  21. Louann Champion | July 20, 2011 at 12:15 pm |

    I use a lot of coupons. When the treats and food my pets like best are on sale, I go to stores with double coupons and get twice the savings. I also have friends and family who I exchange coupons with for even greater opportunities.

  22. My best tip is when I give my lil dog Bailey her bath I put a few drops of skin so soft from Avon oil in the water She smells great which it last along time and it helps repal bugs off of her!

  23. We save with coupons and watching weekly sales ads so that we can match sales with extra saving coupons. We also enter any freebies so we get samples and more coupons. If there’s a product we really like, we email them to let them know how much we love their products and they typically send more coupons.

  24. Samantha Carey | July 20, 2011 at 12:16 pm |

    I’ve tried to spoil my cat Buddy since I brought him home with what I thought was the best toys. I’ve recently discovered that he’s happy with a balled up piece of paper. It’s lightweight and noisy, just how he likes it. When he’s done (or after he puts it in his water bowl), I put it in my recycle bin.

  25. Living in the south we have major flea problems. And bathing in flea shampoo can only be done every week to 10 days as we worry about the effect on our pets. In between we bathe them in Dawn Dish Detergent. It is gentle enough yet really kills the fleas.

  26. Chelsie Cortez | July 20, 2011 at 12:16 pm |

    My dog loves the Kong toys with the easy cheese like stuffing in them. The only problem is, is that those cans are about $8.00 a piece and they don’t last long. My solution is to use wet dog food to stuff the Kong with instead. I put it in the freezer for a while and my dog doesn’t know the difference! I can buy a can of food for $.75 and that will last almost as long as the can of Kong Stuffing.

  27. We buy stuffed animals from the Goodwill or Salvation Army stores and let the dogs rip them up in the backyard. That way we are supporting our community and saving money on plush dog toys.

  28. I use coupons to purchase alot of my pets items. I also go to the dollar tree to buy toys,and ect. We are on a limited budget so we only buy items that are on sale or cheap and a coupon can be used with them. I am not brand loyal and neither is Minnie (my dog) she loves to try NEW things :)

  29. look for great deals/coupons on the web! i received a free can of Alpo dog food in the mail not too long ago. the dog loves it!

  30. Sign-up for free samples to get high value coupon with extended expiration dates. Print coupons from Target.com to stack with manufacturer couupons. Wait for a good sale at Target (or at another store and price match), and STRIKE!

  31. Always use coupons and buy food on sale.

  32. I like to make my own pet toys out of fleece. I braid the fleece together for a great play toy for my big dogs. Also make little pouches out of fleece and slip a plastic water bottle in and then sew it up for a crinkly noise (they love it).

  33. I wait for coupons and shop at BJs Wholesale warehouse to stock up on dog food and toys and any other essentials my spoiled pooch needs.as for grooming I look for coupons from the entertainment book for Petsmart grooming :) other than that she gets a good old fashion doggie bath in our tub with oatmeal shampoo.thanks and goodluck to everyone.

  34. Coupons for pet food & the buy 10 bags get one free. I also use Cheerios in their Kongs then put just a little bit of peanut butter in the end.

  35. Karen McMaster | July 20, 2011 at 12:19 pm |

    I shop at walmart and petsmart because they are nearby and that saves me in gas and both stores carry the largest selection with the best over all prices and that brands that I want…this all equals a great value!

  36. Danielle Feliciano | July 20, 2011 at 12:19 pm |

    I’ve asked the groomer what I can do at home to stretch the time between appointments, as well as what tools to use. It took a one-time investment to get what I needed, and instead of monthly grooming trips, I now go every 10-12 weeks and do the rest myself in between appointments.

  37. The key to keeping expenses down is first to always be looking for a sale and then stock up! I like to look for toys at yard sales and thrift stores and it is also fun to make your own things with stuff around the house. As far as grooming goes you can either learn to do it yourself and buy a kit or look for coupons and sales….I like to say – never, ever pay full price for anything!

  38. We use our old hair brushs to brush our dog! Dog brushes are very expensive and instead of throwing out an old brush we save them for our dog :)

  39. francine grimm | July 20, 2011 at 12:21 pm |

    i do all grooming for four dogs at home. i buy fairly cheap dry dog food but spruce it up with beef broth i make myself in batches so they lap it up like ten dollar a bowl dogfood. it also gives them extra protein and vitamins so important for dogs without the expense of actual vitamins

  40. Don’t assume the cheapest food is the best. I have a chocolate lab-instead of feeding 6-8 cups of inexpensive food and cleaning up tons of dog waste from the yard-I purchase high quality food. I feed him 3-4 cups a day of the best food-and it comes out to be less per serving and much less yard clean up. The better product manufacturers often have high value coupons to help with the cost. Less vet bills for him and no weight issues!!

  41. I sign up for every coupon blog, every coupon website, AllYou mag is great for coupons. Word of mouth is a great way to find deals!

  42. Clipping coupons, watching for sales and great giveaways and free samples…Thank you Allyou magazine and blog!!!

  43. I make sure every time I go shopping I bring my coupons for pet food. Big savings every time!

  44. I take my dog to the acutal grommers a few times a year and I trim her hair and nails the rest on my own. We only buy her dog food with a coupon and I always look online to compare prices before ordering medicanes she needs (heartworm and flea)

  45. Barbara Price | July 20, 2011 at 12:23 pm |

    My kitty loves to be brushed and since she’s declawed, goes outside in a stroller every morning to watch the rabbits and birds. I used to buy expensive toys but a milk jug ring and tissue paper are always her top choice!

  46. I use to take my dog to the groomer to get a hair cut and my husband has been baddling cancer for a little over a year now and we have lost his income now, so I bought clippers and cut our dog myself. I also go to the Dollar Tree and get her treats, and watch for coupons and sales for her dog food. It’s amazing how much we have saved just on investing in the clippers!

  47. I don’t feed my dogs canned food as a part of their daily diet, but I do use canned food as treats. I buy it when I find a good deal on canned food and then divide it up into ice cube trays, top with water and freeze. An economical treat that also helps cool them down on hot summer days!

  48. We buy our pet food in bulk. Use airtight bins to keep the food fresh :)

  49. I do a variety of things to save on grooming needs. First, our dog Mollie was having dry skin so our veterinary suggested we get her a food formula designed to help with sensitive skin. Because we use the sensitive skin formula, Mollie is in a sense getting a grooming ‘supplement’ with her normal feeding which helps cut costs. Also, we bought oatmeal shampoo which helps her coat stay shiny – and reduces the dry skin and itching!

  50. I save money by contacting companies that make my dog’s favorite products. I have received some great coupons and even a box of toys by doing this!

  51. Kimberly Lambert | July 20, 2011 at 12:24 pm |

    How do I save on pet essentials?:

    We just got a puppy and have been to PetSmart at least once every two days. We ask the staff what is best for whatever need we have at that moment and they give us the best knowledge. They don’t steer us towards the expensive stuff either. They are very open to what they have seen works and what doesn’t. What I also love is the fact that if our puppy doesn’t like it, we can bring it back for a full refund. This is fantastic as puppies sometimes don’t like what other puppies like. Thank you Petsmart for helping make our puppy happy!!!

  52. carol mitchell | July 20, 2011 at 12:25 pm |

    I make my own “pawfect” toss’n'fetch toys by using those “1 sock dryer survivors” by stuffing them with the old squeaky parts that my Wolfie has already taken out on used PETSmart toys! Just fill the socks with anything, old cloth strips, treats, dead slipper parts :) or anything you have laying around that’s safe for doggies, add the old squeaky part and you have a “purrfect” chase toy! Presto/Puppyo, you’ve got a new toy! Doggone fun!

  53. Maggie Waterhouse | July 20, 2011 at 12:25 pm |

    I use fairly cheap pillows on my bed so when its time for new pillows for us, I use our old ones as pet beds for our furbabies. I sew the pillow into an old decorative pillowcase that is due to be ‘retired’ – if I dont have any, I just pick up some at the thrift store.
    Since the babies are not allowed to sleep with mommy & daddy, they love the fact that the pillows ‘smell’ like us which makes them happy to lay on them :)
    **extra hint – if you have bare floors, you can put a small piece of the ‘skid stop’ fabric on the bottom of your new pet bed to to keep it from sliding :)
    (its used under throw rugs to keep them from sliding & can be found at the dollar store)

  54. Cathy Bradford | July 20, 2011 at 12:25 pm |

    Watch ads for items on sale and use coupons!

  55. valerie fleming | July 20, 2011 at 12:25 pm |

    To save money for our pet we groom him at home. Every now and then some of the local pet stores will hold classes on grooming and care for your pet for free. So i make sure to sign up for all of those. Also, to save on dog food, since we have a rather picky dog. I will get samples of the dog food and see if my dog will even eat it before spending money on something that just sits in the bowl. To save money on dog toys, my family and I make them. We especially like making dog chew toys out of old jeans. We cut off the legs to our old jeans and tie knots in them all the way down the leg. Our dog loves them!! Even takes them on family trips…even to the post office. he never leaves home without his old jean chew toy.

  56. I search the internet and Sunday papers for my pet supplies. I am a coupon junky and my little guy sits right next to me while I clip coupons and runs to the printer anytime I print a coupon! We also do our own grooming. It’s cheaper and more importantly..it’s some fun quality time together with our little guy. He loves when the brush comes out!

  57. I sign up for my favorite dog food brand and have coupons sent to me-then watch for the PetsMart sale of the food which is usually once a month and I can get the good quality food at a decent price.

  58. For toys I can usually find packs of tennis balls at yard sales or even dog toys as well as grooming supplies. Also, after Christmas I buy the “Doggie gift bags” at large discounts and use the contents throughout the year. I just use a house towel for bathing. I only have 1 dog and he is on a diet now so I stick to measuring his food which also cuts down on how often I have to purchase it.

  59. I use a lot of the same tools for my multiple animals. Use the shedding blade and curry combs for the horse on the dog. I also look for specials on food and treats.

  60. Maureen Howard | July 20, 2011 at 12:29 pm |

    We make a sock toy! Whenever Peppercorns tears up a toy there is always a squeaker lying about. I throw it in the “everything drawer.” Then, when we have some socks that just don’t look good or do their job anymore, I ball about four of them up and stuff them into the thickest sock. I place that old squeaker in the middle and tie it all up! My dog thinks she has a brand new toy, I have saved money, and I’ve recycled the socks!

  61. I do all my own grooming, it is a great way to spend time with my dogs and is relaxing for us both! :-)

  62. With 2 dogs and 2 cats I try to save as much as possible on their food and toys. I will usually email the company and tell them how much there product is loved and they will send you coupons also get toys at the dollar store or make them my dogs love anything that crunches or sweaks so I used the empty 2 liter bottles or water bottles with wet dog food that’s frozen so they have to figure out how to get there treat while they get there fix of something that crinkles.

  63. Bette Anderson | July 20, 2011 at 12:30 pm |

    To stop a dog from bad behavior, simply place a few coins in an aluminum can. When he acts up, simply shake it. The dog will promptly stop and eventually will learn to quit his bad behavior.

  64. You can get great coupon deals on dog treats and sometimes even dog food if you watch the sales and pair your coupons with those sales. A lot of times, treats have great coupons right in the pack that you can use on your next purchase.

  65. I make my dog her toys out of spare fabric scraps, I braid them, stitch them, and she has a great time!

  66. Deborah Corey | July 20, 2011 at 12:31 pm |

    I stock up on coupons for most of their food. I haven’t had to pay more than $1 for a dog food per purchase for about 5 months now. I get the Sunday paper myself, my neighbors give me their coupon inserts, and ask my newspaper guy to give me the extra coupons he doesn’t use for the papers since they always give him extra. Between my store sales and either doubling or tripling the coupons most of the food is either free or under a buck. I have stocked up on dog and cat food for my critters that I wont have to buy food for at least 8 months. As for toys, I give them little things around the house I pick up. I get a childproof medication bottle and fill it up with uncooked rice lock the lid and toss it to my cat. She loves it rolling around and the sound it makes.

  67. I have Google searches saved and sent to me on web postings about my favorite pet products. I use keywords like free, sample, win. I get an email sent to me every time those words pop up and then I sign up or enter. Have received lots of samples, coupons and even have won some great products.

  68. i save money on my pets by using coupons for their food when it is on sale. my mini pin needs expensive dog food and i have everything set up to where when i get the petsmart coupon is about the time i need to buy more dog food, and it is usually on sale. our new puppy is on puppy chow so i just buy a huge bag when it is on sale. i look into clearance section for toys. i bath them at home but the puppy has dark nails so i have to take him in to get then done. again coupon time. i buy treats when they are on sale and use a coupon for those too. i also refer people to my vet so i get a gift card every time one of my friends go there.

  69. Scott Epstein | July 20, 2011 at 12:34 pm |

    My dog Sue a shitzu will like the prize very much.

  70. Samantha Passehl | July 20, 2011 at 12:34 pm |

    I go through every Sunday paper and clip coupons and I also go to internet sites that post coupons. I do all my own dog grooming at home. I also make my own dog treats, trying recipes posted online! They love trying new treats! That’s how I save money on my precious pups! Times are tough!

  71. I have 4 sweet rescue dogs and 4 sweet rescue cats. They are a handful. Our cats favorite thing to do is climb the cat tower to the ceiling. They claw it and bat at each other. It is the best entertainment for us. The dogs just want adoration and love. That’s all and toys and treats and to be let in and out all day and be played with and petted………

  72. Ashleigh Clarke | July 20, 2011 at 12:38 pm |

    Hold on to coupons and match them up to sales to get your favorite items at extra low prices!

  73. I clip coupons from Sunday papers and visit internet coupon sites. I also do all my own dog grooming from bathing, cutting, teeth and nails. I also make my own dog treat recipes I find online. My pups love to try new treats! Saves a lot of money in these hard times!

  74. Our dog is very picky about her food and does not like the large crunchy bits in her food. She is a large breed dog, so to feed her strictly canned food would be very pricey. I found that if I “soften” her food with warm water, she does a better job of eating but after she started to lose weight I knew I had to entice her more. I considered adding some canned food then after talking with the vet and having him suggest adding bacon or sausage grease (things we do not have in our home) I decided I would buy the cans of chicken and beef gravy from the soup aisle (.75 – .99 per can) and spoon some into her bowl each feeding and mix it up. The can lasts several feedings and I can even freeze small portions in an ice tray and just melt them as needed to make sure the gravy stays fresh for her. Problems solved..she eats better, I’m not paying a fortune for canned food, she gets the large breed food she needs, and she has gained back the weight she needed!

  75. I clip coupons and make sure to have them with me wherever I go! Last week I bought 3 packs of treats for $0.49 each because I had my coupons with me. Also sign up for brand newsletters, they will send out coupons sometimes.

    As far as grooming goes, when I pay to have them groomed, I keep up with it, trimming them myself every few weeks so it maintains the shape.

  76. Michelle Spayde | July 20, 2011 at 12:43 pm |

    We spend A LOT of money on our pets, so we save quite a bit by buying flea control in bulk, and having out Vet give us the appropriate dose for each pet.

  77. Beth Ehrlichman | July 20, 2011 at 12:43 pm |

    To save on pet food, we watch for sales and use coupons. We attend a pet expo every October & get rabies shots for $10-15 each (lot cheaper than the vet). Also, get the Frontline while there for about 1/3 the price our vet sells it for. Also, free nail trimming done there. Free admission & parking … walk away with pet food & treat samples … great quality time with Zeus!

  78. We buy Purina Pro Plan Puppy food and lately we’ve seen a $3 coupon inside the bag.

  79. I use coupons and go to a mom and pop store that is cheaper and has better deals then the big chain stores.

  80. Charisse Connor | July 20, 2011 at 12:49 pm |

    I take care of my animals myself. If they need vet treatment that I can do myself. I call and get what I need and take care of it at home instead of having a vet bill. I also have used sweet oil for ear infections instead of the medicines from the vet, also instead of using 1 flea dose on 1 dog I divided between 4 dogs–what a savings and it still works.

  81. I write the manufacturers and ask for discount coupons or anything they have to offer – most of the time they will have something for you!

  82. Jessica Harlow | July 20, 2011 at 12:51 pm |

    We use coupons (of course) and groom our St Bernard at home…from bathing and brushing to clipping nails. I can’t afford the spa for me or my pooch so we have spa day at home.

  83. Joanne Gregory | July 20, 2011 at 12:53 pm |

    Always save coupons and be proactive to the sales. Wash your dog yourself.

  84. Jennifer Olson | July 20, 2011 at 12:54 pm |

    I do clip coupons…but my best tip is making my own doggie treats….a little bit of peanut butter, some whole wheat flour, and a few other ingredients and you can have healthy biscuits your dogs will go crazy over! I like to use cookie cutters to give them special treats for holidays throughout the year. They are super cheap and I love to watch my dogs follow me around the kitchen when I make them!

  85. I have learned to do a lot of grooming myself at home. I also use coupons to by food and treats on discount to stock up.

  86. Trish Williams | July 20, 2011 at 12:55 pm |

    I save on all three. I have special needs animals that require special diets. The manufacturer doesn’t send out coupons, so I email them and request coupons. I do all their grooming at home and their toys are all purchased at garage sales and thrift stores. One persons treasure is another persons dog toy. :)

  87. I bathe my dogs myself to save money on grooming & my husband trims their nails. I mix Science Diet puppy food with Beneful puppy chow 1:1 to save money on food.

  88. First check for coupons online and from the Sunday paper. Second buy the sale items using coupons from the store flyers and online and ask if retailers will match or beat the cheapest price. Third buy professional quality clippers and clip your pets yourself. Fourth buy flea treatments in the largest pet size available. Use a small syringe to measure out and apply the appropriate amount for your pet’s weight, after removing the needle.

  89. I use coupons coupons coupons!! I clip them from newspaper inserts to online sites to magazines,anyway to save a buck!!
    I recycle most everything,I give our gog,Lucie paper towel ends,plastic bottle( with paper and top removed) old tennis balls. We only take her to the groomers when we have the extras. The kids like to give her a bath together,they love to wach her shake the water everywhere,lol and watch mom throw a fit!!!

  90. Good old fashion stick to play fetch…no need for expensive toys for my lab!

  91. I shop the end caps and look for clearance items!

  92. I coupon to save on dog food we groom our pet ourselves and give shots ourselves. We take him to the Vet for yearlys and for shots we cant give. My dog Rocks.

  93. I found a groomer who besides having great rates, will trim my dogs nails free in between groomings. I also watch online for specials and coupons.

  94. I use coupons and have my whole family save them for me, too. I wait for dog and cat clothing to go on clearance before buying (even buying for next year’s seasons ahead of time at clearance prices). We have 5 dogs in our family so we are constantly trading jackets, coats, hats–nothing wrong with hand-me-downs! I wash my dog’s sweaters in a gentle detergent and lay flat to dry, preferably in the sun to make them smell great; they last longer this way. I also look at yardsales for sturdy stuffed animals for my dog, and wash these gently and sun-dry, also.

  95. Use Dawn dish detergent to wash away fleas!

  96. We have a beautiful Anatolian Sheepdog and we save a lot of vet bills by giving him all his meds and shots. We also give him his bath in a baby pool which he loves and I save on his food by buying it in bulk and coupons.

  97. Our retreiver loves to retrieve apples. When she is tired, she eats the apple. Loads of fun.

  98. I walk my lab everyday for excecise. I bath him at home. I order his shampoo, conditioner, doggie clogne, toys and treats from Petco when they are on sale and offer free shipping. I purchase his food at the commissary.

  99. My pup has allergies and can’t eat the store bought frozen treats for dogs that are very expensive. For less than $3 and $2 if the yogurt is on sale, I make my own – 1 32 oz container of plain vanilla yogurt, a mashed banana, a little bit of honey and a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter. Mix it all up (I use my ice cream freezer to freeze it up a bit) and put in 3 oz plastic disposable cups and freeze. When I ask her if she wants a Frosty she goes to straight to the freezer. It’s her favorite treat!

  100. Coupons, coupons, coupons, collect them wait for a sale = free pet stuff!

  101. I brush my dog between grooming appointments to keep him from getting knots and burrs stuck in his hair. It’s good for him and he absolutely loves it!

  102. Geraldine Rider | July 20, 2011 at 1:32 pm |

    Our little Fox Terrier is almost human. She know what to do when you say throw the ball…she actually throws the ball. What hoot

  103. I have a short hair chihuahua named ChaCha. I use Avon’s Skin So Soft to rid her of fleas, keep her fur soft, shiny and smelling wonderful.

  104. To save on dog food, my husband and I got a basic membership to Sams Club. We have two pups and have found that Sams Clubs dog food prices are the best for our pups. We usually buy a 50lb bag for $40- not only does one bag pay for the membership it’s self, but the bag also lasts us 3 months!! To prevent creepy crawlers getting into the food we bought a big plastic container to pour all of the food in. It’s sealed air tight so no bugs can access it and it doesnt go bad!
    As for grooming, we bought a nice dog hair clipper set that came with a “how to” dvd. It was fairly cheap and we learned quickly.
    We always find great coupons for treats and love to save up to make sure our pups get nothing but the best :)

  105. I wait for sales and then stock up on food. As far as toys, I just buy them wether they are on sale or not!!

  106. I have a 2 dogs a corgi and a black lab, I’m constantly looking on Craigslist for pet supplies then I brush them and groom them at home

  107. Caroline Averkamp | July 20, 2011 at 1:45 pm |

    One tip to save on dog food is to ask your local butcher for scraps to buy, and then prepare, cook, freeze, and also can your own dog food. This may be especially helpful if your dog has a sensitive stomach or needs to be on a special diet.

  108. my husband grooms our dogs even my toy poodle but wed love to have one of these packages thanks

  109. Since retirement my husband and I have acquired two dogs that love unconditionally and keep us laughing at their antics. Gracie came from our local humane society and Sophie was rescued from a puppy mill. To keep costs down I do my own grooming. Sophie loves her bath, Gracie hates it. I take no shortcuts on dog food or health guard medication. Both love fresh vegetables and apples and a homemade dog muffin that they share for breakfast. As you can tell I love my furry “daughters”.

  110. I usually wait until I can find the food on sale and I have a coupon. My sister-in-law often sends me her dog food coupons.

  111. we have 2 rescue cats and 1 rescue dog. We purchased a furminator for $12 several years ago from ebay and brush “the boys” several times weekly. Not only does this make them happy, but it cuts down on the hair flying around the house. As for our Trouble dog, he loves chicken so when I boil chicken bones for stock, I always am able to pick off about a cup of meat from the bones. I add this to his diet food for the next several days and give him some variety in diet and a special treat. When we board the dog, the vet always clips toenails and gives a freshen-up bath the day we are picking him up as part of the boarding. At home, we have his shampoo and my husband bathes him. I use coupons for cat treats as the boys love trying new goodies. They would love this prize. Thank you for the opportunity.

  112. We brush our dogs daily to help lengthen time in between grooming. I cut my dogs myself, and only take them to the groomer to get their feet cut & nails trimmed, which costs $5 per dog. I visit the local thrift store to pick up stuffed animals for 10¢ each to cut costs on dog toys. I use coupons for every pet product I buy. I email pet manufacturers to request coupons & samples. I participate in website survey’s and questions to redeem for free pet food coupons.

  113. Belinda Pearson | July 20, 2011 at 1:56 pm |

    Well I have 3 pets, and they all eat the same kind of food which saves lots of money on that end. I bath them myself so that saves money on groomers. And I do buy them toys with squeakers but I buy them when they are on sale so that saves tons of money in that area also. I clip coupons coupons coupons on everything that I need and use….I would love to win this package so that I can at least give my pets some well deserved pampering since I can’t afford to give them all of the luxuries of a groomer, expensive pet food etc…please pick me, my pets will thank you for it :)

  114. We use baby wash for our dod to help his coat She loves it and no more scratching

  115. We save on boarding fees by taking our dog everywhere with us….on our Harleys. We pick the events we go to by whether or not they allow dogs. If the dog can’t go….then we don’t go.

  116. My dog has a very sensative system and is on special dog food. However, I’ve discovered that she does well eating chicken so to help save money I add it to her food. Not only does she get a treat with one of her meals a day but it saves a little on the prescription dog food.

  117. Cut up a dishtowel into strips…then braid it together for a playtoy. play tug of war or feth with it. You can use an old tshirt too.

  118. Tracey Henderson | July 20, 2011 at 2:34 pm |

    We have a vet supply store to buy the biggest bag of dog food in our brand so we buy 4-6 bags at a time, and we use Sam’s Club to buy their treats and rawhide chews in bulk. I’m always checking online for bargains and subscribe to numerous blogs that watch for coupons and deals as well.

  119. Michele Connor | July 20, 2011 at 2:35 pm |

    Always buy with coupons and stock up when items are on sale!

  120. cynthia beaumont | July 20, 2011 at 2:38 pm |

    For pet toys the day after a holiday I run and buy all the holiday themed toys half off! I still have 3 christmas stocking of cat toys!

  121. Amber Alverson | July 20, 2011 at 2:39 pm |

    I fill up a sock with crumpled news paper and catnip, tie off the top and give it to the cats as a cheap but exciting toy!

  122. alsia hernandez | July 20, 2011 at 2:44 pm |

    clip coupons and groom him at home.

  123. I collect coupons, Watch for wonderful giveaways from wonderful places such as yourself, and watch stores for ads.

  124. Michelle Washburn | July 20, 2011 at 2:56 pm |

    Collect coupons and search for weekly and monthly special deals, enroll in pet rewards programs.

  125. I bought clippers to groom our two dogs and my parents dogs at home. I use the sample packets of anti dandruff shampoo/conditioner we get in the mail on them to help reduce the pet dander. Makes them smell good and makes their fur soft and shiney!

  126. Sarina Silvers | July 20, 2011 at 3:03 pm |

    Instead of spending $40-$70 on food containers you find at pet stores, we bought a rubber maid (for approximately $6!)and keep our dog’s food fresh and tastey in that and store it in our pantry. Works like a charm!

  127. My pug has sensitive skin. Instead of using expensive shampoos, I bathe him, then soak him in an oatmeal bath. After a few minutes, I rinse him off and dry him with a towel. It works great.

  128. With our Lhasa apso, we first got her when we were stationed in spain then moved to london, where I learned how to do my own grooming on her since it was over $80. Then moving back to the states I just kept doing it my self.

  129. i would love to have that because both of my dogs have had puppies recently and for some reason they are both losing alot of hair and i do not know what to do about it because i can comb and brush them all the time and they are still losing hair.

  130. My dogs will only eat raw carrots for treats so it saves us money PLUS is healthier for the dogs

  131. My year old Golden/Shepard mix loves to eat ice cubes! Living in the AZ heat where it is 105 right now, makes for a cheap and cool treat for my pup!

  132. I have two large rescued Golden Retrievers that shed a lot because we live in the south. I keep them brushed as much as possible and wait on Petsmart to send me coupons for the grooming salon.

  133. Stock up on free samples to supplement for some meal changes or to save for treats.

  134. I have an all white ,blue eyed Siberian Husky that is hard to keep clean between grooming visits.Living on Social Security makes it hard to pay for grooming.I would like to have an easy way to keep her looking good without having to pay for as many grooming visits as I do now.

  135. My poor puppy just survived parvo. I saved money by not hospitalizing him. I treated him at home by feeding him fluids every two hours in a syringe….even at night!! It was really hard, seeing as how I have 6 children on top of this. Thank God, he is recovering!!! We could both use some spa treatment after this though!! Love my puppy :)

  136. Peggy Humbracht | July 20, 2011 at 4:49 pm |

    Our dogs love to chew on deer antlers that they find out in the fields when the deer shed their antlers. Great fun!

  137. A lot of friends have a cat or two and we trade cat toys (just like we do our books!). It’s like having new toys for each of our pet sets, with new scents on them to keep each kitty interested!

  138. I am a coupon clipper. I look for Sophie’s favorite dog food on sale and try to combine with coupons. I’ve also gotten some great free samples of food and treats from the All You daily samples.

  139. Stock up on items when I have a coupon & they are on SALE. Subscribing to their favorite brands email newsletters for a heads up on bargains. Buying in bulk helps too! I even make treats for them from dog recipe cookbooks -I got a deal on them @ Ebay!

  140. Kimberly Couch | July 20, 2011 at 5:34 pm |

    Our Siberian Husky puppy is HIGH maintenance in the activity category. She loves playing with ice cubes more than any other toy. Just have a towel handy to wipe up the melted cubes off he floor.

  141. Amanda Hoffman | July 20, 2011 at 5:42 pm |

    i wait until there is a sale than use coupons on top of it.

  142. Debbie McGrail | July 20, 2011 at 6:05 pm |

    I request free samples from the specialty brand foods, like Blue Buffalo, Natures Balance, of send for couopons by sending a nice email to the products you love, also I look for sample sizes to order, they are very low cost and last a long time for my three little yorkies. Also it’s very easy to make many dog toys, I belong to many forums specializing in the breed of dog. There are so many helpful hints on those sites.

  143. My cats eat Hills Science Diet. I signed up at the company’s web site and receive periodic coupons via both mail and e-mail. I also watch for sales at my local PetSmart and stock up when the price is right. (Check the date ~~ cat food lasts a long time!) For cat treats, I match sales with coupons. I buy litter when it on sale at the warehouse club.

  144. Barbara Vaughn | July 20, 2011 at 6:53 pm |

    I’m very fortunate to have a Petsmart close to me that has an awesome manager. He is so good about giving you coupons & helping you find the best deals in the store. He has helped me to get my dog food free many times with sales & coupons.

  145. Margie Kozich | July 20, 2011 at 7:17 pm |

    I make dog pull toys from strips of rags braided together then knotted on both ends. They’re great!

  146. We use three different types of shampoos on our dogs… sensitive skin.. itchy skin.. flea and tick. So to keep their skin from drying out from over shampooing… we mix an equal amount of each in a bottle and just need a squirt to take care of it all at one time.

  147. Instead of buying the Youghound yogurts at over $2 a pop, we buy a large tub of organic, no-fat vanilla yogurt and mix it with some heated peanut butter and honey. Then we pour it into individual cups, such as bathroom cups, and freeze ‘em as a nice cool treat for our puppy in the hot weather!

  148. My fiance and I save by grooming our dog at home. I search the internet for free promos and coupons everyday. Titan has a free bottle of vitamins and bones on the way right now. We also look for activities that are “pet friendly” so that we can all go out on Saturday night and have fun! :)

  149. I like to make homemade dog treats for my two dogs. They take no time to make and they love them. I buy the ingredients when on sale and with coupons. Save money this way. Also we collect our change and cash it in when its time for our dogs to go to the groomer. This way it does hurt the pocketbook quite so much!

  150. Teressa Felts | July 20, 2011 at 9:38 pm |

    I use coupons and purchase their toys when they are on sale, stocking up. I then put the extras away in a closet and trade out so they think they always have new toys to play with.

  151. I take my dog to a little pet store to get her nails trimmed. The cost is 5.00 but with at least a 10.00 purchase it is free. It really helps and they do a good job!

  152. My cats love paper bags, empty boxes and such much more than any of the toys I have bought for them. So I set out a bag or box until they tire of it, take it up, wait a week and put out a new one. Doesn’t cost anything.

  153. My 1 year old lab gets my daughters old stuffed animals she no longer wants. Then he enjoyes every minute of ripping the stuffing out and removing the eyeballs and squeakers, it’s kinda like stuffed animal surgery!

  154. darlene miller | July 21, 2011 at 1:40 am |

    i buy a metal curry comb for horses ,they work really great when my doggies are shedding and they are a lot cheaper to buy,

  155. Amy Lunceford | July 21, 2011 at 7:59 am |

    For grooming we have purchased everything we need, one item at a time. We saved enough money to purchase one item and then start over. We now have it all and can do all seven dogs at home which saves a ton (five poodles, 3 standards, and 2 schnauzers, 1 giant). It has helped us tremendously especially having four children as well!

  156. I look for coupons for grooming. The groomer I have been using honors all competitors coupons. Every 2-3 months we receive a mailing “clipper” which has advertisements and coupons. There is always a $10.00 coupon off grooming at another groomer. I clip this coupon and since I have 2 dogs I ask my sister for her coupon. Also, in between cuts we shampoo the dogs ourselves.

  157. A couple of week’s ago i purchased a 2 1/2 lb Daschund 8 week olf puppy. I had lost my 13 year olf Daschund about a year ago and she was my heart, but now I have a new baby and I named her Ooddles of Love. I am single and on a budget, but I want to do things right for her, so she will have to go to the vet regularly to keep her heathy, and I will cut corners, by trimming her nails, brushing her teeth, and keeping her flea and tick free. I will make her toys out of what ever I can find. With her being a puppy she loves everything. As for treat’s I will keep a can of wet dog food and roll up balls to give her. I have no kids, she is by baby and my heart, so together we will be frugal. Less is sometimes better than more.But there will be OODDLES of Love.

  158. I do my dogs grooming myself. I give her great haircuts, I clip and file her nails, and I brush her teeth and blowdry her everyday so she’s looking and smelling fresh. I save all the receipts from previous bags of dog food and when I have so many saved, I turned them in to get free bags of dog food. And when her stuffed animals are torn, I restuff them with socks and they’re good as new!

  159. I save on cat food/cat treats by using coupons
    and shopping at Dollar stores for toys, collars, flea collars…. basically everything I need for my cat

  160. I buy cat food in bulk and clip their nails myself to keep my furniture from being shredded!

  161. Toby, our yorkie loves bath time. When bath time comes around he hides and makes a game of it. Giving his bath at home not only saves money but is a special bonding time we enjoy. I bathe Toby and my husband always blows him dry the hair dryer. All three of us enjoy this special time.

  162. I have a snoodle who would really enjoy all of the products in the package!! He just got fixed so he’s still a little under the weather!!

  163. When I bake a chicken, I pick all the meat off the bone & give it to my kitty. Her toys are things that would normally be thrown away…yarn, celephane, tile spacers, etc…Thanks for hosting.

  164. I follow on facebook

  165. I learned to trim her nails and bathe her, so we can do that at home and save the cost. Also, I buy tons of the smallest bags of her dog food that I can with a coupon- saves more than buying the big bags!

  166. I have a Bichon that is a rescue dog and I have to do all of her grooming at home

  167. We have 2 chocolate labs, so between food and other essentials it can get quite expensive. To head off illness and promote good digestion I give each of them about 1/4 cup of plain, nonfat yogurt each night. It’s inexpensive and they think they are getting a special treat.

  168. Hi,
    We save our coupons, trim our guys hair in between haircuts, as well as bath him ourselves. He does go for his haircuts every few months! We take him to visit his mommy at the nursing home every week. We adopted him nearly a year ago and love him. And, we just bought him a doggie lifevest for when we go on walks by the river, he loves the water.

  169. Homemade toys, homemade beds….my critters seem to like those the best anyway! And RESCUE please!!

  170. We have a Malti poo who weighs 5-7 lbs. Feeding her is incredibly cheap. With all of the free samples we get in the mail I rarely have to purchase dog food or treats!

  171. I normally buy my dog food at the local in town Feed store- I like to support my local stores and they have a coupon several times a year for $5.00 off a $30.00 purchase !! I find the prices there are so much less than the chain pet stores!!

  172. lorri langmaid | July 21, 2011 at 11:07 am |

    I go to the $ store, get some cheap tennis balls, then head to the Dog Park. Our Golden can spend hours chasing that ball.

  173. Patty Farnsley | July 21, 2011 at 11:07 am |

    I am a couponer so I am always on the lookout for pet coupons! I also go to manufacturers websites and sign up for savings there, plus I write to them and receive some really good coupons from them as well that way. I am also always on the lookout for freebies and free samples online for my fur babies! They love getting mail because they know it is something for them!

  174. Instead of buying expensive treats for our dog we sign up for free samples of different dog foods (or buy a small bag) to reward our dog! And we swap dog sitting with a neighbor that also has a dog to cut costs further. Duncan (our dog) loves it (or at least I think he does!).

  175. I save money on training by going to youtube and finding tons of helpful dog training videos as well as signing up to manufacturing sites for free samples.

  176. We like to save up the scraps from our meat entrees and freeze them. When we’ve got enough, drag out the meat grinder and then save smaller amounts in little ice cream scoop sizes. We can sprinkle it over food that she is fussy over or let her chew on the meat cube. Keeps her rather busy.

  177. I wait for coupons, and then check the ads at our local stores for things to go on sale. We have a wonderful Westie! :)

  178. we use coupons for all of our dog’s food … and since he can only have one brand due to sensitivities, it can me very complicated! We also get lots of good treats! But one thing we do to help with with the budget and help with his sensitive skin, we use baby shampoo to wash him. It lacks all the harsh chemicals but into alot of dogs washes!

  179. I stock up on treats with coupons and snag freebies as much as I can. I also take the dogs to a local groomer once every two or three months, since they do such an amazing job, they stay clean, and smell fresh for at least a month!! I stock up on pet food at Sams Club when I get the chance too!!!!

  180. Amanda Barnes | July 21, 2011 at 11:08 am |

    My Roxie would love it :0)

  181. Coupons and samples!!!

  182. I make sure to bring along all of my pet food or supply coupons to the store just in case I spot something in the clearance section, on sale or with a price cut.

  183. Joelle Walters | July 21, 2011 at 11:08 am |

    brush often so you don’t need to bath them as much

  184. I use coupons to buy food for my dog and take advantage of sample offers from pet stores.

  185. Christy McNeley | July 21, 2011 at 11:09 am |

    I always back homemade treats for my dogs. Easy to do, I know what’s in them and they love them!

  186. use coupons

  187. we save on canned food by getting it at wal-mart over Safeway…..about .20 a can

  188. brenda haubert | July 21, 2011 at 11:10 am |

    I bake my dog her treats. Once a month a spwnd part of the day making biscuits and treats. They are better for her than the store bought kind, and the kids have a blast using the cookie cutters . Riley knows when I get the pans out she is getting somethng, of course this is a problem if I make the family cookies.

  189. I make my dogs treats, bathe and clip their nails. And use coupons whenever possible.

  190. i like to buy toy while on sale & use a coupon so it’s even less expensive. it saves a lot of money.

  191. Lisa Williams | July 21, 2011 at 11:11 am |

    We have a 10 year old Golden, who due to age cannot stand for the hour or so needed for grooming at a groomers or he is sore for days. So we fill his kiddie pool and bath him, or my husband takes him in the downstair man cave shower in the winter. We also cut the feathers off his feet to keep them looking tidy. Savings have added up, wish we’d done it sooner.

    We also have to 12 week old kittens, who came to us because our son took in their mother who had been hanging about his parking lot, only to find out she was pregnant and not wanting to just put her back out, kept her to end up with 3 kittens. So I clip their nails and look for coupons, stock up whenever I see a deal. Want to get them on a grooming routine early.

  192. Use the internet to find and print coupons for all my Baby’s needs. Then use it again to see
    where and when those items are on sale!

  193. christine York | July 21, 2011 at 11:12 am |

    Don’t forget to wash your pet toys.

  194. There are lots of ways to save on pet items. You can clip coupons, write to the company, get freebies from AllYou, etc. I like to use my free shampoo or body wash to bathe my dogs. They get clean and smell fantastic!

  195. I have written to my dog’s favorite food companies to obtain some coupons to cut down on the cost of food. He is a 70-lb Basset Hound that I got from a rescue. I give him a bath in my own bathtub. Because he is so low, I will plug up the bathtub to let the water rise so I can make sure all the soap is gone from his belly and legs.

  196. Tami Burleson | July 21, 2011 at 11:12 am |

    I have 2 Yorkies and taking them to groomers each month costs $50.00. We had a recent family emergency so they were unable to go.
    I asked my Husband to help me give them a bath and he trimmed their hair. I was so impressed that he has become our groomer and we are saving money. Plus, they enjoy it better when we do it.

  197. Melissa Klinger | July 21, 2011 at 11:13 am |

    MY DOG ALWAYS needs to have a stuffed toy.in his mouth-its like a habit. So rather than paying $7 for dog toys at the store, we pick up small (safe to chew) stuffed toys that kid no longer play with from.yardsales. we throw them in the wash and they’re ready to be played with! Usually these toys are anywhere was 5 cents to 25 cents. I swear he has more toys than I had growing up! We usually rewash them each week since he loves bringing them in the dirt.

  198. I make all my own dog toys, as well as pet beds. I also make cool coats for my beagles by using a terry cloth towel and some quilt binding to fancy up the edges & use the left overs to make a tie in the front & around the tummy.

  199. I use coupons when I have them, and we do our own grooming.

  200. Michele K Winslow | July 21, 2011 at 11:14 am |

    I’m a frugal person & try to grab my Chocolate Lab, Molly Bell’s food when on sale & use coupons at the same time. Also, we try to do most of our own grooming at home. If you give her a KONG to play with it will last her forever, unless she looses it. All other toys haven’t been worth buying, she will have them destroyed in no time… :)

  201. I watch for coupons online and in the all you magazine. I get some great coupons and save lots of money.

  202. I try to use coupons as much as possible. With 2 dogs,I like to purchase food and treats that are good for them. In fact, one way I save is to put some of their dog food in a zip lock bag. I always shake the bag and say “treats”. They do not realize that when they are getting treats, it is really their dog food. This way they are not getting too many “high calorie” treats.

  203. I save coupons and then shop at Dollar General.They often have a coupon for $5 off on a $25 purchase on certain Saturdays. I stock up on those days.

  204. I always keep an eye out for coupons and stock up. I also have a great groomer who gives discounts for loyal customers, so I save there also. (Which is great, because there is no way I could do it myself!) Also, I have found some great recipes for dog treats that use products I would normally buy. And my pup loves them!

  205. You can save tons of money by doing your own grooming. All you need to buy is a good set of clippers that has a how-to video enclosed to actually SEE & learn how to do the specialty clips, and when you’ve perfected it on your own fur babies you can even make a few extra dollars grooming for friends & family.

  206. We now have 5 wonderful Brittanys (did have 7 but lost two of our seniors). We use coupons when possible for treats and meds, and do all of our own grooming at home. LOVE LOVE LOVE our dog “kids”.

  207. I save money my doing my own grooming, so this kit would come in handy

  208. I wipe my dog down everyday with dog wipes and then i dont have to groom as much.

  209. I go to any website I can find to search for coupons :-)

  210. I save money on my pets by making homemade treats. Like buying sweet potatoes when they are cheap and then slicing them up and dehydrating them. All natural potato chips for my dogs.

  211. I find coupons for the supplies and I do the grooming myself!

  212. I save on pet food by scouring the web for coupons! I have even found them on eBay!!

  213. Denise Twisdale | July 21, 2011 at 11:19 am |

    I watch for coupons and free samples. Do it yourself grooming is a great way to save money too.

  214. I make my own dog toys. I bought squeakers and sew up little toys and insert the squeakers. I also stock up on treats when I have great coupons.

  215. We make our own treats for our dogs. It is a way to make sure we know what they are getting and it also saves us money!

  216. Trista O'Dell | July 21, 2011 at 11:20 am |

    I like to make my own dog treats and pet food. It is a lot cheaper and I believe healthy for my pet. I like to bathe and clean my own pet, this also gives me and her time together and I can spoil her… I mean after all I chose to have her and I enjoy taking great care of her. :) She doesn’t play with toys much, but I try to get them when they are on sale and I also like to make them myself. Simple as a sock with a tennis ball inside, with it tied off. Toss it and watch them run after it to fetch. They will love it! :) Think creative, it is the cheapest way. It is recycling and after all it is going to get chewed up. :) And then, make another one. :) Love your pet and make things for them… makes a special bond. :) You can even sow them a soft, plush bed and blankets… :)

  217. A good friend and I get together and have a dog grooming day. She bathes, I blow dry, clean ears and clip nails. We splurge to get their hair cut and it’s worth it to keep them looking good!

  218. Michelle Perez | July 21, 2011 at 11:22 am |

    Our local feed company does a ‘buy 9 get 10th free’ deal. The manufacturer also has some great gifts on occasion..for the dog and the owner! lol

  219. dianne coomes | July 21, 2011 at 11:26 am |

    i use coupons and stock up also when things are on sale stock up otherwise nothing is to good for my babies

  220. my yellow lab hates baths,but loves to jump in the pond out back go figure..maybe those mits would help keep him clean..he loves fetching a tennis ball

  221. Michele Neuhouser | July 21, 2011 at 11:27 am |

    My most creative pet tip has to do with toys. Samson my 6 yr old Great Dane-Lab loves stuffed animals. He know the kids toys are off limits. My husband and I like to frequent garage sales, and usually 50 cents will bring him a nice “new” toy. He somehow knows when I walk through the door the stuffed animal in my hands is for him. (I also have a few in waiting in the closet for special occasions).
    Elvis, my 11 yr old black cat loves to play catch and return. I throw little pieces of tin foil rolled into a ball across the room, he runs after them and returns them to me. He could do this for hours.

  222. Joan Borowski | July 21, 2011 at 11:28 am |

    THE BEST toy is an empty milk carton (ring and cap removed) with cheerios! Scrunch the milk carton a bit and give it a toss. My Grandpuppy absolutely loves it, she’s learned how to toss it just right to get those cheerios out! My older dogs have even learned to follow her to get the extra cheerios…. why work at it when you have a puppy around!

  223. Michelle Schrock | July 21, 2011 at 11:29 am |

    No matter what type of dog bed we’d get our dog they would eventually get saggy. I buy people pillows when they are on sale for less than $5 and add them to the bed as extra stuffing. We also bought cheap crib mattresses and put her beds on top of those which has helped greatly on the wear and tear of her beds.

  224. lorene desjardins | July 21, 2011 at 11:29 am |

    I always shop for my dogs and hamster toys and treats after a major holiday when they are on clearance.

  225. Becky Carnicle | July 21, 2011 at 11:30 am |

    My schnauzer has very sensitive stomach, and I realized that making chamomile tea makes him all better and saves me a LOT of money on medications and vets! :)

  226. We shop the clearance aisles at petsmart! and use coupons :)

  227. I have two VERY active (but completely wonderful) Boxers. One loves to cuddle with her toys and treat them like “lovies”. The other likes to rip the toys to shreds and he enjoys every minute of it.

    So buying toys has become a very expensive process for our family. One solution I have found is to make some of their toys. I purchase fleece blankets on clearance (sometimes as chep as a couple dollars) and I cut the blankets into strips and braid multiple strands very tight with tight knots at the end. Just a couple blankets make a TON of toys! We even give them to our extended families’ dogs.

    You can actually be very creative by using different colors, different numbers of strips, and you can make different shapes. The toys come out nice and strong when done tightly enough and Moon gets something cuddly while Rocky gets something durable and tuggable/tossable. Win/Win. :-)

  228. Melane Gustavson | July 21, 2011 at 11:32 am |

    We groom at home as much as possible. I purchased some good tools to make the job easier and safer for our dog. We also use coupons, buy on clearance and purchase treats in larger bags if they are less expensive in bulk. We also play with our dog and take her for walks so she doesn’t need toys. Love is the best thing and it doesn’t cost a penny.

  229. Danielle Carawan | July 21, 2011 at 11:32 am |

    As a dog handler, my fellow handlers and I would take our dogs to the beach and let them play in the water… afterwards we would take them back to their kennel and spray them off with water – making sure to get in between their toes… they love that part!! At least mine did! Cheap easy fun for those of us living near the coast!!

  230. most creative way was putting foam in an old blanket to make dog beds…was getting pricey trying to find one for our great dane!

  231. I use my PetPerks card on weekends at Petsmart. The card gets you sometimes HUGE discounts on food, toys, and other everyday items.

    The FURminator is a brush that was recommended to me by a friend who is a vet technician. It removes 90% of shedding, and wow does it ever work with my cat!! I recommend it to everyone. Time is money, and less time vacuumming keeps everyone happy. :)

  232. I’ll start out with the fact that I have 3 very active little dogs and a cat and I always use coupons. I usually find coupons online for pet food and sometimes coupons that let me get treats for free. But my biggest advice is to really consider what kind of food you are feeding your pet. Buying cheep food might seem like your saving money but it’s mostly filler which your pets body won’t use and will just wind up as waste in your yard, it can also cause weight problems. I use a higher end food that has much more nutrients and is better for my pets overall health and yes it is a little more pricey BUT they eat less, poop less (because their bodies are using more of the food), and have fewer vet visits because they are healthy. So in all actuallity better pet food can save you money in the long run and extend the life of your pet which would make us all happy!!

  233. Sarah Shepherd | July 21, 2011 at 11:35 am |

    I look for buy one get one free deals and then match them up with coupons for extra special savings I need for my 3 furry babies! For a special treat I take them to Aunt Sue’s K9 Bakery.

  234. Karen Kolesnik | July 21, 2011 at 11:37 am |

    We love grooming our goldens at home. I thin their hair and shorten anything that looks too long and sloppy and we also use a clipper to even things out to keep them a little cooler in the summer. I don’t like to shave them because their coat protects their skin from sunburn. We also use a good dog shampoo and ocnditioner to keep them smelling fresh!
    As for toys, our girls love playing tug with each other. Whenever we cut a pair of denim jeans into shorts, we just take the pieces of the leg and tie a knot in the middle!
    A nearly indestructible and free toy and the dogs love to chomp on!! :)

  235. Christi Flint | July 21, 2011 at 11:37 am |

    We have 3 dogs and grooming can get pricey. My husband uses a dremel to keep their nails trimmed. It keeps them from getting crazy sharp and they don’t split. They seem to just destroy toys but are very happy with tennis balls.

  236. Our groomer retired, but gave us a great tip…Dawn dishwashing liquid to bath our furry friends with. It knocks out the stink, great for their coats(non-drying) and leaves them smelling fresh! And especially in the hot summer months, they get bathed more often!

  237. I bake dog biscuits for my little dog! He loves his Veggie Bites!

  238. Coupons, coupons, coupons. I haven’t paid full price for food for my cats for over a year now!!!!

  239. I like to use Avon Skin So Soft as bug repellent on my pets rather than toxins.

  240. We make our own toys using old socks and catnip for the kitties. The dog loves them as well. He is older and cannot grip or chew dog toys. The socks are easy for him to flip around and carry.
    As far as grooming, we purchased a kit and groom him at home. Dawn dish detergent does kill fleas and keeps the baby smelling fresh and comfortable.

  241. Tina Castellucci | July 21, 2011 at 11:42 am |

    Join Pet Smart’s Loyalty program for great savings on just about everything in the store, clip those coupons for extra savings and trade pet toys with your friends to give your pets a bigger variety of play things at no extra cost.

  242. I use coupons and take care of all the grooming at home!

  243. I watch the clearance shelves at the local pet store for discounted items. Along with watching the ads in the sunday paper for specials and instore discounts with my member cards and coupons of course!

  244. Lynn Phillips | July 21, 2011 at 11:48 am |

    Great gift for the animal shelter in my area.

  245. I clip coupons for all his treats, but he’s really picky about what he’ll eat. I also give him baths at home to cut down on grooming expenses.

  246. I always clip coupons.

  247. My dog is big 90 lbs and hates going for a ride so a visit for grooming is out of the question. Going to a vet requires a horse trailer she may or may not jump in. I only wash her outdoors in the summer and make sure I use lukewarm water. She is not fond of it but I use a collar and leash to hold her in place. Then when I turn her loose she runs like a mad dog to roll and get the stink back on. She is 14 and slowing down a bit.

  248. I save on dog toys by giving her old baby toys like the squeaky plastic blocks!

  249. I use my coupons I get in the mail from petco for 10% off plus look online for litter coupons.

  250. Jessica Goolsby | July 21, 2011 at 11:54 am |

    I’m a proud owner of 2 beautiful Boxers!! My dogs are not picky eaters, but I am picky about what I feed them. So I try to buy more natural dog foods and those kind are typically a little more expensive. With that being said, in order to get as good of a deal as possible I will first contact the company that makes the dog food/treats that I purchase and request coupons and samples from them. Also, I search the internet and local newspapers for coupons and sales. To save on grooming and grooming products, I basically do the same thing. I will search the internet and local newspapers for coupons and sales on any grooming and/or medicines for my doggies. I also signed up with my local pet store for special in-store savings and rewards in addition to using manufacturer coupons. I love my doggies.. they are my babies, so I tend to go the extra mile for them :)

  251. I save by using coupons to purchase food, toys, and treats. One of my dogs loves to fetch sticks. Sticks are much cheaper than any toy or ball I could buy him :)

  252. I have three dogs and toys get expensive! My youngest tears all the toys to shreds so my tip is TENNIS BALLS! For one, they last forever and secondly I can buy a can of three tennis balls for under $3!!! A single small rubber ball at the pet store is $5 and only lasts a week!

  253. I save grooming costs by taking my dog in the shower with me, and give her a scrubbing. The shower makes it easier to rinse her too. Afterwards bundle her in a beach towel to dry her off, the comb her dry.

  254. want to dress your pup in clothes but it is way to expensive, try old baby or toddler shirts. depending on the size of your dog, you can cut out the sleeves

    Use what you have around the house to entertain your pets. From old strings out of hoodies, to boxes that you get sent to you. Crinkled up news paper works well for some fun.

  255. Coupons!!!!!!!!

  256. My dog has very sensitive skin so I give him Fish Oil..I cut the pill open and out the inside juice on his dog food. He loves it!

  257. Peggy Knoblauch | July 21, 2011 at 4:52 pm |

    I sew alot of my dog’s toy’s. When our clothes wear out, I head to my sewing machine. It save alot on toy’s for them.

  258. Love cats? Have an endless supply of catnip by growing it yourself. I keep my catnip plants around all year by keeping them in a pot so I can bring them indoors during the winter. Make it more bushy by cutting it off right above growing points. Make toys with scraps and stuff them with a little cotton and the rest with catnip.

  259. Kathy Pringle | July 27, 2011 at 8:01 am |

    I have found that my dog’s respond to my voice when I am stern and serious. I teach them patience and obedience at home with their favorite treats. It may be a longer process and more frustrating one,but less expensive. I clip coupons for dog treats and can usually get their favorite kind, but if not we try new things then I wait until they go on sale then I use the coupons to purchase and stock up. I also check stores for discontinued brands because you can really save alot ,especially if you have a coupon. Some stores even double coupons up to 1.00 on the coupon which really helps and you can really get good buys then. You save money on obedience school plus alot of money on your dog treats. Love and affection doesn’t cost anything either.

  260. i would love to learn how to bake my own pet treats. i have several dachshunds. i want to keep them healthy

  261. i want to learn how to bake my own pet treats!

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