by Melody Keilig
Pet ownership in the United Kingdom has grown exponentially since 2015. As a result, the country spends an estimated £10 billion annually on dogs! These costs include food, grooming, veterinary care, and toys.
Most pet parents in the UK live in the city, where the price of living tends to be higher. Plus, the cost of caring for your pet has only increased with inflation hitting hard. This past July, the annual consumer price index reached a record high of 10.1%, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Although inflation dropped to 9.9% in August, it is expected to rise again this October. Moreover, economists warn it could even spike to 11% due to the new household energy tariff coming this fall.
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II this month, the UK economy could see more changes. The 10-day period of mourning for the monarch could potentially slow the economy later this year.
However, price increases could slow down before October so being able to put some money away is more likely. With more than one-third of dog parents in the UK underestimating the cost of caring for their pets, many animals could get surrendered to shelters. So how can you prevent this devastating situation and have the means to pay for your pet during this time?
While the inflation rate remains stagnant for the time being, it’s a great time to figure out a new budget and invest in quality items to keep you afloat.
Because the Bank of England's traditional response to inflation is raising interest rates, this can encourage people to save money. For example, some homeowners may face higher monthly payments to their mortgage, but rising interest rates make borrowing more expensive.
The hope is that with less money to spend, people will buy fewer things and prices will finally stop rising so swiftly.
Although it's still a serious issue, at the very least, it's nice to see inflation falling for the first time in nearly a year. So, while saving rather than spending at the moment, consider the things you use every day that could use an upgrade. Perhaps something that will last longer, produce less waste, and be more eco-friendly.
Consider the pet care you're investing in. Are you routinely paying for a new dog brush because the cheaper versions don't last? Invest in a brush of better quality and you'll see the difference by the reduced number of trips you’re taking to the shop.
Properly disposing of dog waste is another problem with few great solutions. If you're still using puppy pads in this economy, you're paying twice what you would pay for a dog toilet solution. Using disposable puppy pads, even for a grown pooch, adds up to hundreds of pounds. That could tack on at least one thousand quid or more per year!
Not to mention the amount it costs to dispose of puppy pee pads once used. How many more rubbish bags must you buy due to the number of pee pads you dispose of daily?
One of the best pet care supplies you could invest in right now is the Porch Potty, an indoor dog grass patch that exponentially outlasts puppy pee pads! You can place the Porch Potty outside if you live in a flat with a balcony. But even without an outdoor space like a balcony or patio, this grass patch is sanitary to use indoors. It gives your dog the independence to piddle whenever they please.
Synthetic grass that typically lasts six months with easy replacement will let your dog get maximum use out of each grass patch. In addition, because regular rinsing with water keeps the grass patch fresh and clean until it needs replacement, this drastically reduces the amount of waste.
For stubborn odours, spritz the Porch Potty with our non-toxic TURFtastic spray. It also has the benefit of being biodegradable and safe for pets and humans! TURFtastic breaks down odours with natural enzymes and without adding fragrance. Instead, it gives your dog's toilet a clean, fresh-as-a-daisy scent.
Wondering where the waste goes after your dog uses the Porch Potty? With its self-draining system featuring a drain hose, the urine is collected in the Indoor Catch Basin (sold separately).
However, suppose you have an area where you can drain the urine, such as a nearby water source like a drain pipe, rain gutter, or patio run-off. In that case, you can easily direct the drain hose where you need it.
The Porch Potty is more than a regular grass patch with its all-weather wicker design. Not only can it withstand rain and snow, it can also handle below-freezing temperatures. In addition, the sturdy steel frame underneath the wicker surface keeps the Porch Potty in place, so there are no worries about it crumbling under pressure!
Consider the cost difference between the Porch Potty and puppy pee pads. With this grass patch, you get the benefit of a durable and reusable spot for your dog to use at any time.
Imagine having a lie-in this weekend or not having to get up in the middle of the night to let your dog out. Porch Potty is also great for dogs with frequent piddle emergencies, teeny bladders, and toilet training.
Can puppy pee pads do any of that? Don't spend more on solutions that will only end up in the rubbish. While saving money and cutting costs during this time of high inflation, invest in better solutions that will save you time, energy, and money in the long run.