Photo (c) Dogfessions.com
Studies show expense is one of the top five reasons people give up their pets to shelters. And these days, with the economy in such a bad state, pets are being hit hard. But there are lots of ways to fit Fido and Fluffy into the budget and still maintain their quality of life -- and yours. This weekly series will feature practical tips that every pet guardian can use while the purse strings are tight.
This week's topic? Treats!
It's fun and it feels good to offer a pet extra treats. Treat-giving shows that we love our pets and want the best for them, right? Sure, but treats are an added expense that the pet can live without. And guess what? If you offer your pet his regular food the same way you offer treats, he won't know the difference.
Portion out your pet's regular allotment of food, and then parcel it
out as treats. Stuff a rubber toy with part of the meal to keep a dog
busy while you're away, or put some kibble into a treat-dispensing toy
that he can play roll around to get the food -- amusing for both you and him.
Cutting back on treats or eliminating them while times are tight can even help your pet's health. Many pets are obese, or on the heavy side, and will get a health benefit from cutting a few calories. Better health means fewer trips to the veterinarian's office, saving even more cash.
Got a catnip junkie? Did you know that you can grow your own? I found catnip seeds online for as low as $1.45 a packet -- the dried stuff costs more than twice that. Plus, it's a fun little project, and your cat will appreciate the effort.
Have your own money-saving pet tips? Share them here!
Nikki Moustaki is a dog trainer, animal expert and pet industry consultant who shares her home with two rescued Schnauzers, Pepper and Ozzie, and two parrots. She is the author of moer than 35 books, including Dogfessions: Secret Confessions from Dogs, based on her popular Web site, Dogfessions.com. Her pet Web sites include Dogvice.com, Catfessions.com, Pugfessions.com and Bullyfessions.com.
Cutting back on treats or eliminating them while times are tight can even help your pet's health. Many pets are obese, or on the heavy side, and will get a health benefit from cutting a few calories. Better health means fewer trips to the veterinarian's office, saving even more cash.
Got a catnip junkie? Did you know that you can grow your own? I found catnip seeds online for as low as $1.45 a packet -- the dried stuff costs more than twice that. Plus, it's a fun little project, and your cat will appreciate the effort.
Have your own money-saving pet tips? Share them here!
Nikki Moustaki is a dog trainer, animal expert and pet industry consultant who shares her home with two rescued Schnauzers, Pepper and Ozzie, and two parrots. She is the author of moer than 35 books, including Dogfessions: Secret Confessions from Dogs, based on her popular Web site, Dogfessions.com. Her pet Web sites include Dogvice.com, Catfessions.com, Pugfessions.com and Bullyfessions.com.
My dogs/cats go crazy for any kind of meats or cheese. My dog loves dog treats, pretzels, and more. One of my older cats loves twinkies! It seems weird but he will do anything to get one! :) I was eating a twinkie on my couch and he jumps up on me. He starting meowing so I gave him apart of my twinkie. He bit it off my finger so fast! He wanted more and he kept jumping on me. So I set it on the table so he wouldn't bite my finger anymore! :) Twinkies might not be the best food for him, but oh well. My cat's name is Kit Kat.
I love it! That is way cool man! The steps weren't that complicated too, which is great.
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Ann
http://largepet.info
I like your dogs
I give my dods carrots... they go crazy for them. I tried given them their regular pet food in a toy or just as a treat... well let me tell ya it didn't work. They spit the food right back out!
Another home treat, is not as healthy as carrots but they love that too. I take some of their regular food and mix it in with a little bacon fat and keep it in the freezer. They love those!
i am looking for any kind of puppies but pit bulls in the PIttsburgh,PA area. I can't have pit bulls my landlord doesn't allow me.. If you would contact me via e-mail that would be great.
My friend and I have found that cooking a tiny extra bit of chicken works as a great treat for our cats. They get the little leftovers that would otherwise go to waste and we get great treats to use for training. My vet said it helps keep the teeth clean, so there's a small health benefit, too, so long as we remember to subtract the calories from the cats' regular diets.