Are Cheap Dog Toys Really Saving You Money?

I have a one year old hound dog who absolutely loves his cheap dog toys. He also loves the kids' toys, the neighbors' toys, and sometimes even my toys! (He ate the remote) Every week on payday the first trip I used to make was to the store to buy Duke a new toy or two. The problem is that I could only afford to buy cheap dog toys. I had to stick to the toys in the $5 bin. Within a few days after giving Duke his new toys he has either destroyed them, or completely consumed them. So the next week, I'd be back at the $5 bin once more.

Do you have a dog who loves to destroy his toys? How often do you have to replace them? If you are like me and have to replace your cheap dog toys at least weekly. Is it worth it to buy the less expensive brands of toys only to have to buy them again? Or, would it save money to buy a more expensive toy? Will a more expensive toy last longer? In my case, I don't think so. Remember, my dog ate the remote. He can chew through pretty much any toy on the market, I think.

So where do you find cheap dog toys that you won't mind replacing after Rover has had it for a day or two? This might surprise you, but I like to go to the local thrift stores. There you can find small balls for pennies, small to medium stuffed animals for under a dollar, frisbees and throw toys, even sheets and blankets that you can cut up and turn into pull toys for less than the cost of one dog toy at the pet store. Stock up and give Rover one at a time so you can make less trips to replace them.

Another place to find cheap dog toys is right in your own home. Do you have a closet full of slippers and shoes that you no longer wear? Some people will tell you not to give your old shoes to the dog because he will think he can chew on all of your shoes, but I don't find that to be true. I suppose it depends on the dog. Do you have some old tennis balls or frisbees around the garage? These make great dog toys. How about unused water bottles? Fill them with water and toss in a bouillon cube, then freeze them and toss them out in the yard for the dog. The first time he punctures the plastic with his teeth and smells the beef or chicken from the bouillon, this will be his favorite toy. While that one is melting, or being eaten, have another waiting in the freezer.

I ask you once again, are cheap dog toys saving you money? If they aren't then you are paying too much.