tips for caring for your pets through winter

Many people consider their dogs to be furry kids and want to buy them lots of toys to play with. However, the cost of those toys can add up quickly and put a serious dent in your budget. Luckily, there are a variety of things you can do to cut the cost of toys for your canine friend while still ensuring he or she has something to play with. Here are two easy ways to save money on dog toys.

Take the Do-It-Yourself Route

Possibly the easiest way to save money is to make the toys yourself. Many people have items lying around the house they are not using that would make great toys for their dog friends. For instance, cut an old t-shirt into ribbons and then braid the ribbons. Cut a hole in an old tennis ball and slip the braided rope through. Tie knots at either end of the braided rope to secure the rope, and use it to play tug-of-war with your dog.

Another simple do-it-yourself project is a chewing toy made from hemp or jute rope and dried sweet potatoes. Cut the sweet potatoes into rings, remove the center using a cookie cutter, and place in the oven at 250 degrees for about 2 ½ hours each side. After the sweet potatoes are dry, take the rope and tie a thick knot at the end. Slip on a potato ring and then lock it in place by tying another knot. Alternate until you've used up the rope. You now have a healthy chew toy for your dog to gnaw on all day.

You can find a variety of easy do-it-yourself dog toy projects by searching online.

Shop at the Right Time

Another excellent way to save money on dog toys is to shop the seasons. You can get some really great deals on dog toys after the Christmas and New Year's holidays when retailers are trying to empty their shelves to make room for the new stuff.

When shopping for other items like food and treats, keep an eye out for clearance sales. You can sometimes find great toys at a fraction of the normal price. A good time to look is at the end of each season (e.g. winter, spring) when stores are turning over their stock to make way for new seasonal items.

Saving money on dog toys ensures you have enough money in your budget to take care of your dog's other needs, such as vet care. To find great toys for your canine friend, visit a pet store.

For a pet supply store, contact a store such as Mid Cape Pet and Seed Supply, Inc.