Are you overwhelmed with hidden dog expenses?
What do I mean?
Have you ever come home to find your dog has chewed your favorite shoes into a million pieces? Or perhaps your pup loves to redecorate your home with shredded pillows?
Maybe you’ve even walked in while your furry friend was gnawing a hole through your couch. It can be frustrating, expensive, and with reflection, funny.
But there are solutions!
So, grab those chewed-up slippers. Put your feet up on that destroyed couch. Today we’re digging in and and discovering hidden dog expenses and how to compensate for them.
Budget tip:
With just a few easy steps, you can correct or prevent most bad behaviors that can cost you unexpectedly. It doesn’t cost much to help your dog help himself be better. Yet, it saves your budget and prevents a possible vet visit.
That’s all great and makes for a super win-win!
Why does my dog destroy everything?
There are those dogs who just love to get into mischief. Or there could be another reason why a dog destroys things.
These reasons include:
- Breed
- Bored
- Anxiety
- Untrained
- Too much-stored energy
I remember years ago I was dog sitting a little terrier and his Newfoundland best buddy. While the Newfie was laid back and calm, the terrier was redecorating to his liking.
Every time I stopped by to walk, feed, or play with them, the little guy had every pillow in the house on the floor. Each pillow sported its own unique wound from the experience. He even pulled a comforter through the doggie door and into the fish pond.
I admit, it was funny.
This little pup, I think, was a frustrated decorator!
Actually, his behavior was most likely a combination of issues. Including boredom, anxiety, lack of training, and breed. Thankfully, the owners knew he was a true terror or terrier.
How do I overcome unexpected costs for my dog at home?
There are at least 17 good ways to reduce the possibility of your dog causing you unexpected costs through destruction and other means.
1. Proper training.
With a bit of training and teaching your dog about boundaries you can avoid at least some of the destructive behavior.
Not sure how to train your dog with basic commands? This article will help.
Perhaps your dog knows the basics of obedience training, but you’re not sure how to train your dog to boundaries? In this case, this article will help.
2. Puppy-proof and dog-proof your home.
By putting things like chargers, pillows, and figurines out of reach, it will reduce destructive habits.
Uncertain how to puppy-proof or dog-proof your home? This article will help and show you why it’s important.
3. Chew toys and can be a lifesaver.
Or at least a furniture saver.
If your pup loves to chew on just about anything, then you could greatly benefit from a few chew toys. You may need to rotate the ones you have to keep your dog interested in his toys rather than your pillows.
Even a mind game, like this one, to occupy your dog’s brain can help with destroying furniture and other items.
4. Exercise can be a huge help.
If your dog is simply bored from not getting enough exercise, then he or she may turn to ways to entertain himself.
This could include gnawing on your baseboards. Thus, a well-exercised dog will generally have fewer behavioral issues. That’s simply because he’s not bored or has too much stored energy to use.
Want to take your dog for a hike, yet hate the back pain? This article will show you how to do it more pain-free.
5. Sour spray can help with carpet and furniture eating.
If your dog loves to eat or dig a hole through your carpet, then try some sour apple spray. Maybe your pup loves the taste of your couch?
Yep, a sour (or deterrent spray) will definitely help turn the yum into yuck!
Of course, test the spray in an incognito space to make sure it won’t harm your carpet or furniture. And don’t worry, it won’t hurt your dog.
You can purchase sour spray here.
6. Put up a physical barrier.
If your dog simply won’t leave a certain room or area, then place a barrier at the entrance to prevent your dog from entering.
Some dogs need this even with barrier training.
For instance, I have a friend who has kiddie gates in a few areas of her home. Even though her dog is about 5 years old, she still can’t grasp the barrier concept. So, a physical barrier works best.
This is a great doggie playpen, which can help a lot!
7. Lint rollers are awesome!
If you have tried relentlessly to keep your dog off your furniture or your freshly washed clothes to no avail, then turn to the almighty lint roller.
It’s much easier to deal with your furry friend’s pet hair with a simple lint roller.
There are even extra sticky pet rollers, like these which can really help!
8. A pet blanket can save your furniture.
If you have a high-shed dog or even a major drooler, then place a blanket or large towel over your furniture.
It’s always much easier to wash a blanket or towel than a couch.
Honestly, I use a blanket on a few pieces of my furniture for Henry. Although, he doesn’t shed. You never know when the zoomies will hit and he’ll try to attack the furniture like a squeaking toy for other dogs.
Henry relaxing on the couch with a purple blanket.9. New dog toys and rotating toys can help.
If your dog loves toys, then try to rotate the ones you have out to play with all the time.
For instance, put out 4 toys for 1-2 days, then put those up and get out the next set. A closed closet, drawer, or room can be handy for storing the toys out of lineup.
Does your dog simply not like dog toys? Then this article will help you play with your dog without toys.
10. Doggie playtime.
Not only does your dog need to be exercised, but playtime with other dogs can be great.
I know Henry is a lot more exhausted if he’s played hard with his best doggie friend than if I just took him for a walk or hike.
If your dog doesn’t have doggie friends, then find a great doggie daycare or even a dog walker.
Not sure how to find a good doggie daycare in your area? This article will walk you through the process.
11. Reward great behavior.
If you’re trying to teach your dog to not destroy your favorite chair or even a left-out suitcase, then encourage good behavior.
That means give your pup a dog treat and loves for being near the trigger without destroying it. This will help to positively reinforce the positive behavior.
Do you know that making homemade dog treats is easy and saves you money? It’s true and this article explains it all.
12. Separation anxiety is real!
Some dogs due to their prior traumas or even their breeds get horrible separation anxiety when left alone.
Henry doesn’t enjoy being left alone and will have an anxiety attack. I compensate for this with exercise, leaving the TV or radio on, rewards for being good, and when necessary a calming treat.
For example, I use the Mushroom Relax Pet Chews from Real Mushroom.
To get a discount on your Real Mushroom Relax Pet Chews, just click here, click on the pet tab at the top and you’ll see if listed. Most importantly use my blogging buddy’s, Layla’s Woof’s discount: LaylasWoof.
13. Dog safe zones are fabulous!
Also, providing your dog with a safe zone including a dog bed and dog toys may help.
I have a few dog zones for Henry, which really helps his anxiety.
Not sure how to set up a dog safe zone? In this article, I share everything you need to know.
14. Pet fees and deposits can add up.
Yes, your landlord may charge a pet fee for your furry friend.
But notifying your landlord of your dog, (small dog or large dog) can save you an eviction. With notice, a landlord may be willing to work with you to this hidden cost.
Want to learn more about how to negotiate a pet fee? This article will address all your questions.
15. An escape artist dog can drive you insane!
Yes, you may find out that you adopted a fence jumping dog.
But there are solutions that really aren’t costly.
This includes finding out why your dog escapes, exercise, a reinforced traditional fence or wood fence, and what I use for my small dog, Henry, a vibrating collar.
This is the collar I use for Henry.
Need more easy solutions for your fence jumping dog? This article has many you can install today!
16. Gardens can be dangerous!
Yep, there are many hidden dangers in your yard for furry friend.
However, with just a few easy steps you can rectify the issues. Of course, you need to know what to look for in the first place.
This article exposes those sneaky backyard dog dangers to keep your pup safe and your vet bill down.
If your dog is new, then you may also need to put up a temporary fence. In this article, I share how easy it is to install a temporary fence and not break your bank.
17. Homeowners insurance goes up.
Depending on your insurance, your dog’s breed, and even your location, you may see an increase in your homeowners’ insurance when you bring home your pup.
Will pet insurance help if my dog gets injured and needs veterinary care if I don’t address these hidden costs?
The end result of your dog’s medical expenses will depend on what your pet health insurance allows.
You will need to read your specific policy or call your insurance company.
Can taking measures to compensate for hidden dog expenses really help with my pet care costs?
Yes! You don’t have to buy new shoes, chargers, or furniture.
Or at the very least you won’t have to repair them.
Plus, you don’t have unexpected emergency vet visits from your dog eating something, which caused issues. Consider the following for a moment:
Related posts:
Summary of Chew, Pee, Love: Unveiling Hidden Dog Expenses
While your dog sitting in the middle of a chewed-to-smithereens pillow may make for a great social media post. It doesn’t help your wallet or your dog if anything is ingested.
Thus, taking a few measures to prevent hidden dog expenses of destruction, is a great thing. It helps your dog, even if a calm treat is needed. And it keeps your furry friend from having to make an emergency visit to the vet clinic.
So, enjoy your dog, including the funny moments. Heck, record them in a dog journal jar. I know I do! But try to compensate for those hidden costs when they redecorate for you.
Did you know how to compensate for hidden dog expenses? Will you make any adjustments to your home now?
READ LATER – DOWNLOAD THIS POST AS PDF >> CLICK HERE
Categories Other Savings and Tips
