With prices steadily rising, many families are being forced to give their dogs up to animal shelters because they can no longer afford to care for them. If you are one of the many families trying to avoid sending your dog to a kennel because you're financially pinched, try cutting your pet care expenses until your monetary situation changes.

Stick to the Vet Care Basics

With rabies vaccinations, heartworm medication, flea treatments, and such, veterinarian bills add up fast. Until things loosen up financially, you should limit your vet expenses to the absolute basics.

Instead of getting prescriptions for expensive flea medications from your veterinarian's office, use over the counter ones from your local pet store. Non-prescription flea medications are cheaper, and just as effective. If you're not sure what to buy, the sales associate at the pet store will be able to answer any questions you have about the flea prevention products.

Treat your dog's minor nicks and scrapes at home. Hydrocortisone sprays, and liquid bandages that are specifically made for dogs can be purchased from the pet store.

Groom Your Dog at Home

If you own a dog breed that requires frequent grooming such as a poodle, it can cost you anywhere from sixty to eighty-dollars every six to eight weeks--and when you're already scratching to make ends meat, the expense can be an added burden. You can save money by learning to groom your own dog. The initial cost of dog grooming equipment can be a bit high, but after two or three uses the supplies pay for themselves.

Don't Overfeed Your Dog

The excess food you're feeding your dog can really add up. If you cut your dog's portion sizes (only if you're giving him more than he needs) by a fourth of a cup each day, you can get two to three more feedings out of a large bag of dog food. This saves you money and it also helps your dog from becoming overweight. s

Buy Generic Dog Food

Most store brand dog foods have the same ingredients as those fancy brand names and they cost a lot less.

When dogs are welcomed into our households, they become part of the family. The idea of giving them away because we can no longer afford to care for them is heartbreaking. Finding ways to cut the cost of caring for your dog makes it less likely he'll end up in a shelter.