I first adopted my dog Molly, I was so excited. She was the first dog in the first kennel at the SPCA, and the only dog in the group not barking. My fiance and I were instantly drawn to her.
We continued down the row of kennels, looking into the cages and seeing dogs of all different shapes, sizes and energy levels, but none of them got our attention like the little black and white dog in the first kennel.
After walking her around outside of her kennel for a few minutes, it became even more clear that this was the pup for us. She wasn’t spayed, and the shelter wouldn’t release her until she was, so we shut her back into her cage, and put our name down for her with the office staff. She’d be ready to pick up in a few days, but in the mean time, we were off to get her supplies.
That was six months ago, and since then, I’ve learned a lot about the huge industry that is pet products. For every genuinely useful or essential product, there are ten poorly constructed or downright pointless products sitting right next to it on your shelf or screen. So, today I’m going to go through some of the pet products I think are completely worth spending money on, and, just for fun, some that aren’t a good investment.
A Strong Collar
Our first stop when picking up Molly’s supplies was to Walmart, where I picked up a typical collar with a plastic buckle. Within one week, the flimsy buckle was snapping loose. So back we went, to replace the cheap-o collar with one with a strong metal clasp.
Tartar Busting Bones
Poor dental hygiene can lead to costly teeth cleanings and other nasty diseases if left untreated. To combat this, invest in some tartar busting bones. The rough surfaces naturally clean a dog’s teeth when chewed on, and keeping tartar at bay early on means cheaper long term dental care (better breath too).
High Quality Dog Food
Now, I’m not saying you need to go out and buy the $30 bag of organic, free range, human grade dog food. But in the arena of nutrition, dogs aren’t that different from people. Poor quality food contributes to poor quality health, and an unhealthy dog is an expensive dog. High quality food also contributes to better breath, a shinier and softer coat, and less…erm…waste.
A Dremel Nail Grinder
Unless you want your floors, couches and skin all scratched to hell, you need to clip your dog’s nails. With some care and positive training, nail clipping can easily be done at home, without any need for a trip to the groomer. I bought a pair of cheap nail clippers, and their dull edges means I have proceed with nail clipping very carefully in order not to hurt Molly’s little paws. To make the project easier yet still save hundreds at the groomer, consider investing in a Dremel Nail Grinder instead.
The Furminator
Pets shed. A ton. I have a long haired cat and a short haired dog in four hundred square feet of living space. To cut down on the crazy amount of hair that can accumulate ridiculously quickly, good quality brushes are a must. The furminator is great for that.
Things That Aren’t a Good Investment
This, this, this, oh and this (although that one is kinda cute).
Not everything that is put out by the pet industry is a worthwhile investment, or even remotely useful. In fact, most of it is probably crap just released because pet crazy people love to spoil their animals. To make your dollar go further, make sure to invest in high quality items that will keep your pet healthy, and help you save money over the long term.
What’s your number one indispensable pet item? I want to know!
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DC@Young Adult Money says
Thanks for sharing these! Especially with getting my first dog in a few weeks, this is useful. I want to make sure I have all the stuff for the dog before going and getting her, so I have been looking at different products. The one thing I am concerned about is nail clipping but it sounds like it can be made into a relatively easy painless process.
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MoneySmartGuides says
I would agree with the furminator. We have two cats and they shed non-stop. I thought once winter comes, they are supposed to stop shedding, but these cats don't. As a result, hair was/is everywhere…even on clothes I'm pulling out of the washer and dryer! The furminator has definitely cut back on the hair. I don't even want to think what the house would be like without it!!
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Leslie says
I've never owned a dog (on my own) but I've had cats. It's amazing how cheap owning a cat can be if you're just creative! Need a cat toy? Save your boxes & any cardboard! Need a cat bed? Throw a blanket in a cardboard box, voila! Need a scratching box? Sacrifice an old yoga mat!
The items you should spend money on for cats are food and litter. Cheap cat food (anything bought not at a pet store) is like junk food. Your cats will love it and eat it quickly and it won't fill them up. You'll end up buying more because it won't last as long as high-quality, healthier cat food. Quality litter clumps better which means you waste less and there is noticeably less smell.
Holly@ClubThrifty says
Yeah, we once bought the cheap stuff for our dogs and they had…um…digestion problems until we got them off of it. Totally gross.
Laura Elizabeth says
This is great, thank you! I bet my dog will love these c:
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Katie says
I have to totally agree with you. Good food is a must!
SavvyFinancialLatina says
sounds to me like pets are expensive.
apenny4athought says
Thanks for the list, I'm looking at getting a puppy in the new year and I'm trying to plan for all the expenses. This really helps!
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Sara says
We swear by the Furminator too! What a genius product – expensive but worth it when you have dogs that shed like crazy. The guy that invented it is from this area and has the most incredible giant mansion you've ever seen. Apparently he's doing very well off that one! 🙂
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HandlingWGrace? says
Indispensable dog item is Advantage. Fleas equal a very unhappy Momma.
Roxie says
I am crazy. I have 6 dogs. Of those dogs, 4 are rescue dogs. Lucky for me they are fairly small. One is a Basset Hound that weighs in at about 60. I buy their food at Sam's club. Their best brand..I also feed them chicken. I can buy chicken for .99 a pound and I will use it to make them 'treats' with it. (I dry it like jerky)
The one thing I do think is a waste of money is the Dremel tool to do their nails. I got one. I thought it would be wonderful. WRONG !!! The noise scared the dogs so much that they were uncontrolable. I thought my older dog was going to have a heart attack. So I am someone who clips the nails.
I also just get their basic shots and the heart worm test. I can buy the heart worm medications at Walmart for less than the vet sells it for.
Leslie says
A couple people have mentioned pet food at Costco. Just a friendly reminder that the Kirkland pet foods were included in the recall earlier this year!
StudentDebtSurvivor says
Great tips. We spend more for our pets (1 pup, 2 kitties) food and treats then most people. We wouldn't eat a steady diet of junk food and we don't want our pets to eat junk either. Yes it's more expensive to buy the "good stuff", but I'm a firm believer that if you can't afford to treat your pets like family, you shouldn't adopt them.
URFinanceSimple says
I definitely agree with your post, especially on buying a strong collar and a high quality dog food. When we first got our dog (a bischon), we bought her a thin collar with cute designs. But after a week of using it, she snapped the buckle loose. So we decided to get her a heavy-duty collar that will last for a long time. As with her food, I always bought her the best I could find. What your dog eats will relate to how healthy they are.. plan and simple!
Crystal @ PET says
We always invested in good good (Science Diet or Blue Buffalo), but we had to go even more expensive with our Pug as he developed allergies. Now I long for the days of the $30 15 pound bag of food. But it does keep him from losing his hair and becoming lethargic, so it ends up being worth it for us.
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Crystal @ GAC says
According to the doggy dermatologist, it's certain breeds. Pugs are famous for it sadly…
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Evan says
Have you thought about getting insurance? I think it is overpriced in terms of risk, but we have had it since my dog was born just so we never had to ask ourselves the question, "how much is too much?"
Jarrod says
The truth is that you simply don’t know what’s in your dog or cat’s food. Even some of the so-called “premium” brands of pet food are riddled with filler products and even cut up organs. Pretty nasty stuff.
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