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For an Extra Large Dog Bed

Approximate $ Savings: $245

I have a large breed dog who needed a new comfy dog bed. After scouring online and at pet and discount department stores for a cost effective option, I found that nothing was big enough or even remotely in my price range. I had a brain wave, buy a single doona, fold it in half, stitch it together and make a cover with old surplus fabric. It was done in an afternoon, with the help of my mother's fabulous sewing skills. I was lucky Mum had a fabric cupboard full of fabric scraps, but otherwise you could use a flannel sheet or doona cover fastened together with velcro etc. Total Cost $17, for the Kmart single doona.
​Contributed by Kristy Wilkinson, 6th June 2013

​Happy Pets and Happy Owners

​I hope my tip helps everyone who has dogs with long hair or double coats. It is very expensive to have your dog groomed i.e. fur trimmed, nails cut etc. starting at around $70.00 per visit. We have a large, old dog and she has lots of fur that floats around the house and we like to keep her trimmed and neat to make her less shabby and more comfortable. I looked into purchasing a dog grooming kit at Big W and was shocked at the price of $98.00. I then priced the cheapest family grooming set, purchased one for under $15.00, tried it on the dog and she fell asleep and started snoring while I continued to trim her shabby bits and tidy up the fuzz on her tummy. You can use the different size trimmer attachments and see what suits your dog the best. I have used it on her twice now and it works very well so I have saved $140.00 on dog grooming! $140.00 saved with a $15 purchase! I also purchased a pair of nail clippers from Big W for around $12.00 although I am yet to use them on her. Contributed by CarolB, 6th July 2012

​This Homemade Toy is a Doggy Favourite

Approximate $ Savings: $2.00 + a week

We had fallen into the habit of buying our dog a toy once a week. This was getting expensive as they are between $2.00 upwards depending on where you buy them. We now get an empty soft drink bottle washed out. Put a handful of dry food and his favourite treats in there. We then show him and screw the lid on. As he loves loud toys and treats, being a lab this keeps him occupied all day trying to get them out and costs us nothing. We have also found op shops will sell bags of 'used' toys for a $1.00 too and these come in very handy as doggy chew toys.
​Contributed by Anna McCandless, 23rd July 2010

​Doggy Doo

Approximate $ Savings: about $1/ week

​ As a loving (crazy) pet owner I clean up doggy doo from two big dogs on a daily basis. I save money whilst doing this by putting the waste into the bag it came out of i.e.. the dry dog food pack. It is strong and large enough to take the bulk until I fill it and then it goes into the bin on rubbish day.
Contributed by Rachel Ashworth, 1st July 2010

​DIY Dog Collar

Approximate $ Savings: $30

​ Having shopped around for a new large leather dog collar I could not justify spending $30 or more for my much loved pet. Browsing through my local op shop I came across leather belts, many different colours, sizes and designs so I bought one for $1.50. I trimmed it down to size making a pointed end and resizing it to fit my large dog, who now looks very spiffy in her new red leather collar!
Contributed by Denise, Parkes, 1st February 2009

​Look for the Doggy Pile at the Op Shop for Free Dog Bedding

Rather than buying new pet beds, go to your local op shop. I picked up a quilt (doonas or mattress protectors work too) free because it was in the doggy pile, cut it in half, and sewed the ends. You can even buy old doona covers, cut them in half, and you have instant covers for their beds. My local op shop has a special doggy section so they were free, and the doona cover cost me $2. Not bad considering dog beds are costing upward of $50! Also try your smaller op shops, I am finding the Salvos are getting expensive!!
​Contributed by Jolien, Fern Tree Gully, 29th April 2010

​A Soft Bed for the Family Dog

Approximate $ saved: $80

Looking around for a soft bed for our large old dog who has arthritis, and with prices at pet stores around $80.00 for one big enough I started thinking. We had been hanging onto some old air mattresses which leaked, so we cut one open, stuffed it with some old pillows, cushions, fabric scraps (yes I'm a hoarder) and stitched up the hole. Then we sat it on a wooden palette so she can get out of it easily and she loves it. Best of all it cost us nothing but a little time.
Contributed by Kay, Albany, 7th March 2010

​Smelly Dogs

Your lovely dog can have the disgusting habit of rolling in the most putrid smells, proudly they will return home stinking the place out, if you haven't got time to bath the offending mutt, add 125 ml white vinegar, a few drops of lavender essential oil in 1 litre of water, dip a sponge in it, then use it on the smelly dog with a quick rub down. The vinegar will remove the dreadful pong, disinfect your pet and leave him or her smelling as fresh as a posy.
​Contributed by Heather, Clagiraba, 26th September 2009

​Create a Favourite Toy for Your Dog

Turn your old tea towels into a toy for your dog. Find three old towels and cut two long strips from one, about 10cm - 12cm wide. Tie the towels together at the top with one of the strips and then braid the towels tightly. Use the other cut strip to secure the end of the braid.
​Contributed by Michelle, Donvale, 4th June 2009

​Stop a Digging Dog

If you have dogs that dig out under fences etc like my little Lhasa, get yourself some flat fencing or cement metal gridding - and push the fencing flat under the fence that's upright. Hold down by using tent pegs, the dog tries to dig and push his way out but he cant. Soon enough though they give up - takes about a week to stop them from trying. Usually you can find left over pieces of fencing at recycle places or at the dump or even at freecycle.com.au. I have put down this has saved 1000's of dollars as I won't have to worry about a vet bill if he had been hit by a car. It cost me $2 (for the tent pegs) as the dump was more then happy to provide me with the metal gridding.
​Contributed by Terri, Mt Morgan, 24th March 2009

​Cheap Pet Beds for Small Dogs or Cats

Approximate $ Savings: $50 each pet bed per year

​ I have recently found a cheaper alternative to buying pet beds from the pet shop. After years of buying 2 beds (one for each of my small dogs) at approx $50 each was unsatisfied with them as found that the shapes of them unsuitable to wash in the washing machine after they got a bit smelly. I was about to throw out a couple of old pillows when I realised that these could be used instead. I also use old pillowcases to cover them up. So now they can easily be thrown into the washing machine to freshen them up when needed, I'm recycling and the dogs love them!
Contributed by Kirstin, Meadow springs, 2nd July 2008

​Sweet Smelling Puppies

Approximate $ Savings: $18 per fortnight

Our local Petwise store (there are 2 locations in Brisbane, Cannon Hill and Macgregor) offer $2 DIY hydro baths on a Monday! This is an $18 saving per dog each fortnight. We currently save $36 a month between our 2 pups.
​Contributed by Alana, Morningside, 2nd September 2007

​Pets Health

To cut your vet bills by at least half give your dog Pooch Power Plus an all-natural supplement put on food every day. My dog now only goes to vet once a year for her shots. No more skin problems or arthritis or fleas. Go to www.poochpowerplus.com.au
Contributed by Margaret, Logan Reserve, October 18th 2006

​RSPCA Cuddles Program

Seeing as we aren't home very often to be fair on a dog we take our children to our local RSPCA and they participate in the "Cuddles Program" where they get to walk the dogs, play with the puppies and also the kittens and cats. This way our kids get to enjoy the companionship of a puppy or dog without the unfairness and cost of having one at home. They are also helping the local RSPCA and learning about volunteering.
​Contributed by Louise, Kings Meadows, July 22nd 2006

​Empty Plastic Milk Bottles

We all know that they make a great shaker toy for babies. I have found them to be a great dog treat toy. I put broken up pieces of dog treats into the bottle, squash the bottle and put the lid back on. As I am leaving to go to work I give it to my dog and he has to work out how to get the treats out. This works really well as it prevents him from getting bored while home alone, and my couch gets to stay in one piece.
​Contributed by Kristieanna, Busselton, September 25th 2006

​Fleecy Suit

When my dog was a pup, I cut the bottoms off old tracksuit pants. The cuff goes over the head, cut two holes for the front paws to go through & leave it long enough to cover the back. Can be washed, then replaced when needed.
​Contributed by Cheryl, Toongabbie

​Pet Hair

I have 2 dogs - both of which leave their hair in my car every time I take them out. The other day my mother was blowing the leaves with the garden blower. She opened the doors of the car and pointed the blower in there - hair went everywhere - mostly out of the car. It was fast and worked very well. Make sure you pick up papers first, but other than that it worked great.
​Contributed by Sue, Melbourne

​Keeping Pets Off Furniture

​Train your puppy to stay off the furniture by putting sheets of heavy-duty foil on the chairs where you are not sitting. Dogs don't like the foil, and after a couple of attempts, won't jump onto the furniture again.