[color=darkblue]Tips for Saving Money on Dog Care[/color]

The recession has caused many people (including pet lovers) to take a long hard look at their finances and rethink their spending. With the increase in costs of many basic items and a recent record unemployment high - it may be important to consider ways you can cut corners at home. These corners may include pet care related costs.

Here are some tips that may help:

1. Reconsider Treats. Treats can be expensive. You may want to reconsider the number and type that you give. You can feed less treats by breaking them apart (this can also help maintain a healthy weight). Another consideration is to make your own treats.

2. Keep Your Pet at an Ideal Weight. Dogs that are at an ideal weight are generally healthier than those that are too thin or obese. Obesity can lead to arthritis and diabetes. You can keep your pet at an ideal weight by feeding less or encouraging more activity. Pets with less health problems require fewer trips to the vet, which we all know can be expensive. Also, it allows for your dog food to last longer and saves you money.

3. Provide Good Dental Care. You can help minimize the need for expensive veterinary dental cleanings by giving your dog good dental care at home. Daily brushing is ideal.

4. Learn to Trim Your Pet's Nails. You can prevent or minimize expensive trips to the groomer by learning to trim or grind your dog's nails at home.

5. Bathe Your Dog. You can save money on expensive grooming and bathing expenses by grooming your dog yourself . Some owners don't want to or like to bathe their dogs because it can be time consuming, difficult and messy.

You can literally bathe your dog in 5 minutes or less.

I know bathing your dog in 5 minutes or less sounds too good to be true. Most people spend 5 minutes just getting their dog to be still.