Americans love their furry family members, but dogs can be costly. Pet bills, grooming, kibble and training costs can all add up to a significant amount of money.

Dog owners don’t have to spend a fortune on their pets. Many dog owners are able to do basic grooming at home and save up $500 annually on canine shampoos. Here are some tips.

* Try clipping at home. It might take some practice but it will save you time and money over the long-term. Start at the dog’s head and work your clippers in the direction of the fur. You should not cut the skin. You can use scissors to trim the fur around your dog’s face. All dogs require trimming. However, brushing is beneficial for all dogs. It encourages blood circulation and prevents fur mats.

* Keep that doggy smile healthy. If your dog’s mouth is causing bad breath, you should take immediate action. Although veterinary cleanings are possible, prevention is best.

Prevention can be as easy as sprinkleding probiotics on top of kibble to prevent your dog from getting sick. Teddy’s Pridewww.MyTeddysPride.com), a probiotic supplement containing ProBiora3, a special blend of oral probiotics or “good bacteria,”Your dog’s food can contain good bacteria. The good bacteria makes it difficult for bad bacteria to grow so that they naturally improve your breath. They also release hydrogen peroxide at low levels, which can whiten your teeth.

* Trim nails. Cut nails with a sharp razor. Take care not to slice through the quick. This is the area that contains nerves, blood vessels and nerves. The nails should be trimmed once a month.

* Clean your dog’s ears. You should schedule an appointment with your vet if you notice any redness in your dog’s ears or constant scratching. Ear infections can cause permanent hearing loss and are very painful. You should check your dog’s ears at least twice per month for signs and symptoms of an infection. Gently clean the ears with a cottonball and some water or mineral oil. Do not stick the cotton ball in the ear canal.