Did you know that owning a dog costs about $1000 for the first year alone? Then, it costs about $500 each year after that -- and that's just for the basics!

According to a report I saw on the news this morning (on my local FOX news channel in Nashville), there are a number of ways that you can save money when you own a dog.

Here are a few...

Here's an illustration showing exactly how to apply these products directly onto your dog's back, beneath his thick coat.

Some Tips:

Just be careful not to overdo it...

It's important that you use the correct dosage based on the weight of your pet. And never apply a topical flea & tick preventative to a dog younger than 7 weeks of age.

Also, remember to always wash your hands very well after applying the product to your dog's coat ...or wear rubber or latex gloves when you're applying topical flea and tick treatments on your dog.

Just as important: If you have two or more dogs, don't allow them to "mouth" each others' fur for the next day or so. (Dogs often do this instinctively when they're playing.)

Despite the fact that these are the safest (and most effective) pesticides available for use on pets, you must remember: They are pesticides!

Some lucky dogs (and even some breeds) seldom, if ever, need their nails trimmed. But if your dog spends most his time indoors and doesn’t go for regular walks, it’s easy for his toenails to get too long. 

If you hear your dog’s nails click when he walks on a hard floor, it’s time for a trim! 

Letting a dog’s nails become too long can be uncomfortable at best, and downright painful or harmful at worst. I’ve seen some poor dogs with nails so long they curl, causing the toes to twist against the floor. 

But most dogs are just in need of a good ol' fashioned nail trim. 

No worries... long nails of any size, shape, and color can be gotten back into shape with a little patience and some good dog nail clippers.

Use your best judgment...

If your dog is showing a particular symptom or dealing with a doggie ailment, then anything you can show the vet that might be related to "the problem" will usually be helpful when it comes to diagnosing and/or treating your pet.

Here's when you should take samples to the vet... what type of samples to take... and how to gather & transport your samples (e.g. dog pee or poop).

With less than 1 ounce of pet fur, you can make a bookmark, ear warmer, headband, hair scrunchie, shoe laces, decorative flowers, hearts, sachets, or even an entire skein of yarn. (Most of these cost under $20.)

With 3 ounces or more, they can custom make an item for you. Prices typically range from $20 to $60 and higher for larger customized items.

View all pet fur creations.

I've been trimming my dogs' nails for years...

Still, I could never figure out what that little metal bar (on one side of claw- or scissor-type nail trimmers) was supposed to be for.

Call me crazy, but it just always seems to be in the way.

I must be the last person on earth to figure out what that sliding silver metal piece on a nail trimmer is for!

If you've ever wondered how in the world to accomplish the task of brushing your dog's teeth, here's a great instructional video that teaches you how to brush your dog's teeth.

I's filled with all of the best tips for brushing your dog's teeth... and making sure that he enjoys it!

Check out the video below...