The new year is approaching and even though most of us tightened our holiday gift-giving budget, we’re feeling a pinch in our wallets. So this seemed like a good time to pass on some tricks I’ve learned from years of thrifty dog keeping.

Preserving  dogbeds: Even with washable covers, I replace dogbeds every couple years because the foam or filling gets stinky. When our last two terriers reached the incontinent stage, I wrapped their bed inserts in heavy duty garbage bags, then put the covers on. It saved the beds and made clean up so easy. If there’s an accident, just toss the bag and replace it. After those dogs were gone, I started wrapping each new pet bed in plastic. Now, the covers wear out before the bed does. King pillowcases make great replacement covers for small dog beds. For large beds, fold a twin flat sheet  in half, and sew the open side together, then sew one end together. Just slip the bed inside the case and fold the extra fabric under the bed.

Preserving people furniture: Everyone knows I’m the slipcover queen. But slipcovers aren’t waterproof, so  I protect the back and seat of my sofa from leaks and dog smells with a queen mattress cover.  You can buy the cheap plastic kind or use waterproof fabric, which will last longer. If you have an extra large sofa, you might need a king size. 

Catalogs:  You can save on almost every dog supply by shopping catlogs or online. The only thing I’ve found that doesn’t follow that rule is pet food. We use Foster and Smith for prescriptions, heartworm, and flea control, and          KV Vet Supply for general merchandise, which offers no shipping on orders over $50.

Prescriptions: Another way to save on prescriptions is to ask your vet if there’s a human drug replacement for your canine prescription. Hobbit’s Prozac is the same as people Prozac, so we have the vet call in the prescription to Target. We pay $4 there compared to $77 for the canine chewables from the vet. Walmart also offers $4 deals.

Supplements: Check healthfood stores for supplements in bulk. Most of them also have a small pet section. We buy Ella’s Ark Naturals probiotics from Nutrition Smart for half what it sells for in local pet stores.

Feed Stores: Livestock feed stores sell petfood, treats, bones, and pet supplies, usually at lower costs.

Vet Care: Ask your vet if  cost is negotiable, especially if you have more than one pet. Some vets are willing to compromise. Also, consider bartering. I bartered two painted scenes on  my vet’s office doors that paid for six months of vet work on two old dogs. Bartering can also work for grooming, training, and petsitting.

That’s all from me. If you have any pet thrifty tips, share them!