It’s no secret that having a dog can get expensive; whether it’s money you’re needing to find to pay for their insurance, food, or medicine, we know that it’s not always easy to get by comfortably when they’re so susceptible to hazards (both from the world around them and the ones they cause themselves!).
That’s why, sometimes, it’s handy to treat your pets to something that isn’t going to break the bank. In this post, we’ll be showing you how items that you may already have lying around the home (or which you can likely find for a very reasonable price), can be re-purposed for your furry friends. Whether you’ll get a thank you or not, though, is another story.
DIY Dog Toys
If you’ve got a pooch that loves to absolutely devour gifts—rendering toys completely useless within moments of actually receiving them—then using some material from old clothes to make these particularly sturdy toys is a great way to keep them entertained.
All you need to do is cut up some old denim, fold it up, tie a knot, and you’ll have an amazing chew toy that no dog – well, ok, most dogs – will be able to destroy, despite their best efforts!
Frozen Pooch Popsicle
If you need your dog to start drinking more water, this is one particularly creative way to do it! First, get their favorite toy. Then, submerge it in a rounded plastic bucket (with soft corners!) with cold water, and put the bucket in a freezer for a few hours.
When you take it out, use a knife (carefully!) to ease the ice out of the bucket. You’ll need to make extra sure that there are no sharp edges which your dog could cut themselves on, but most rounded plastic or rubber buckets will do a good job of preventing this on their own.
Once its ready, put the ice block in your garden and watch as your dog spends hours valiantly licking away at the it to get their toy back. It’s fun and tasty for them, and it’s an easy way to ensure they’re staying well-hydrated even on those hot summer days!
Doggy Suitcase
If you’ve got an old suitcase lying around, one easy project you can complete in minutes (depending on how extravagant you want to get!) is creating a dog bed. You can do this by finding a cushion large enough to cover the base of the suitcase, and – if you have time – cutting out some foam to provide a reliable and yet comfortable foundation for your dog to relax on.
If you’re feeling particularly creative, you can even make a custom cushion by measuring the foam and then finding a suitable fabric to cover it. Not only will your dog love his stylish new accessory, but it also means that the bed can provide a nice aesthetic touch to your home while still keeping costs low.
There are endless ways to keep your dog happy and comfortable in your home without spending much money. For more articles like this, keep checking back here at MamaWantThis, as we’re always preparing new and exciting posts to help you spruce up your home!
