Frugality
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Braid strips cut from old shirts to make durable tug toys that resist fraying.
It is essentially free once you retire a shirt and can take a huge beating.
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Clean pet items at a laundromat using large machines and soak stains with an enzyme cleaner like 'Kids and Pets'.
Large machines handle the volume and the product removes odors and stains.
- Some laundromats have rules prohibiting pet items.
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Give a dog an old, worn-out sock as a toy if it is already trained not to steal new socks, providing a safe outlet for its interest in your scent.
One person found this stopped their dog from stealing socks, as the dog happily carried and slept with the designated sock.
- Only do this if the dog is already trained not to steal new socks.
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Put a tennis ball inside an old tube sock and knot it for a DIY toy.
It provides hours of frustrated playtime.
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Put ice cubes in empty plastic bottles for a noisy DIY dog toy.
The noise makes the dog love it.
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Use empty water bottles as noisy toys for puppies.
One 3-month-old puppy preferred noisy water bottles over loads of bought toys.
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Buy inexpensive dog bed pillows to use as floor cushions for children instead of buying expensive kid-specific furniture.
They are washable and children do not mind that they are technically dog beds.
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Wash fragile pet items or loose stuffing in mesh laundry bags to keep them contained during the cycle.
It keeps the items together.
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Bundle old, unusable socks together to create a durable toy for dogs.
One person reported their dog loved it.
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Research pet insurance providers carefully, as some may deny claims for pre-existing conditions or lack of prior testing.
One person reported Petplan denied a claim for parvovirus because the workplace did not test for it, despite the puppy showing no symptoms.
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Never let cats play with strings, charger cables, or Christmas lights to prevent destruction of electronics and potential injury.
Cats playing with these items leads to destroyed chargers and lights.
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Use baby onesies for dogs to keep clothing secure with under-snap closures.
They stay put better due to the snaps underneath.
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Brush your dog's teeth regularly to prevent expensive dental procedures later in life.
It saves money down the road.
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Set up automatic monthly transfers to a dedicated pet emergency fund to cover future veterinary expenses.
To prepare for costs as the pet gets older.
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Create a DIY hiding spot for pets during storms or fireworks using cardboard boxes or large containers lined with blankets.
One dog preferred a cardboard box and blanket over other options for hiding during storms and fireworks.
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Buy bulk bags of cheap squeakers online to replace those in destroyed toys.
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Turn off targeted advertising in platform settings to receive random ads instead of personalized ones, which helps reduce impulse purchases.
Opting out prevents the purchase of unnecessary items by removing personalized ad triggers.
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