is a recently published 168 page book by Paris Permenter and John Bigley on how to care for your dog on a budget.According to the authors, Barkonomics offers over 300 dog tips organized by area of your dog's life, from where to get your dog food to finding veterinary care and prescriptions. They talk about training, travel, and more.
One of the major reasons we held off on getting a dog for so long was the perceived expense it would add to our budget. I'm more than happy to learn from others who have walked this path before me on where to find the best deals to add value to our dog's life which in turn adds value to ours.
You can read a 28 page free sample of Barkonomics right here!
Here's are the authors' ten top tips for cutting costs with your canine:
1. Sign up for newsletters of favorite companies. Many dog food and treat manufacturers offer electronic newsletters that provide exclusive discounts and coupons.Barkonomics: Tips for Frugal Fidos retails for $9.95 and is available at Amazon.com and on order from major booksellers. Twenty percent of the book's proceeds will be donated to the pet non-profit selected each quarter by the readers of DogTipper.com.
2. Follow favorites on Twitter and Facebook. Just about every company has a Twitter and Facebook presence these days (just check the company website for links). You’ll often find some great fan/follower discount offers that are only promoted through social media.
3. Go the DIY route. Consider learning some grooming and dog training skills. You'll find numerous free videos at sharing sites such as YouTube for everything from trimming your dog's hair to teaching your dog to stay.
4. Start a price book. A price book helps you identify sales patterns and recognize a true sale price when you see one. Make entries for your pet's staples such as favorite dog food brands so you'll be able to compare per pound prices and identify the best buy.
5. Learn whether your pet's prescription can be filled at the drugstore. Many dog prescriptions can be filled at the drugstore, often at a savings (and you’ll have the option of generic, low-cost equivalents for some drugs.) Also, some drugstores offer prescription clubs with lower costs--and family pets can be added to many of the prescription clubs.
6. Check your memberships for special offers. Check all your memberships--from auto clubs to work-related affiliations--for special partnerships offering discounts on everything from pet insurance to boarding services.
7. Consider pet insurance. Investigate pet insurance options while your dog is young, if at all possible. Do your homework and learn about exclusions and limitations, balancing the monthly premium against the amount of coverage.
8. Make your own home cleaning products. Simple, inexpensive ingredients such as white vinegar and baking soda are the basis of many homemade cleaners, ones that are "green" both for the environment and for your pocketbook. You'll be keeping your dog safe by not introducing chemicals into his environment--and saving money at the same time.
9. Shop thrift stores and garage sales. When it comes to dog accessories, you can sniff out many bargains by shopping for used products. Items such as stainless steel bowls and dog crates can be found at a fraction of the price of their new equivalents. Also look for purchases that can be repurposed for your dog's needs (that child's sleeping bag can be stuffed with rags to make a great dog bed!)
10. Get proactive. Prevent costly problems before they start by taking your dog to his annual veterinary exam, spaying and neutering, brushing your dog's teeth, and dog-proofing your home to prevent expensive accidents.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
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