You go just a little beyond the budget to have the best hair stylist in town, trim the fat off your necessities for a pink mani/pedi twice a month but when it comes to true diva status, one flip of the television, one turn of the page in the hottest magazines and it’s clear to see that glamour . . . has gone to the dogs.

Sure, A list celebrities can afford to match their dogs to their wardrobes and throw the occasional c-note down on a one of a kind poodle-do. But what about the modern day dog lover whose purse strings aren’t quite as forgiving?
From doggie spas to poodle salons and everything . . . and we mean everything . . . in between, here is a list of splurges to splurge on and some of their equally hot DIY counterparts that let you skimp on the price but not on the style.

A Good Trim

While you don’t have to run out to the most expensive bulldog barber in town, a good trim can be well worth the dough. Drop the extra money on a good trim once or twice a year. A good cut will make it easier to trim your dog’s hair at home and ensure that you don’t give Spike any bald spots on his tail.

When it comes to doggie-dos, we recommend PetSmart’s grooming services to the pet parent on a budget. They get the job done without breaking the bank.

Yappy Yoga

Didn’t we tell you we meant everything? Thanks to Crunch Fitness your favorite workout routine just got a little weirder . . . but a whole lot more fun. Nothing beats a work out that kills two birds with one stone, i.e. exhausts both you and your pooch all the same time. Best of all, this program is offered for free, leaving you with enough money to stop by that donut shop on the way home. However, be forewarned, if you eat the donut you’ll have to come back for another round tomorrow.

Pooch Pedicures

While you might not want to paint her toes pink and encrust them with sparkly blue rhinestones it is well worth the cash to have your pooch’s pedicure done by a professional. Many pet owners put off a trim because of the nerves that come along with the job.
Maybe your pet is a move-around kind of guy who has to be held down by ten men of brut strength to be bathed, much less poked and prodded by a pair of clippers. Or maybe you just worry about cutting the nail too short. Many PetSmart chains offer pedicure services for less than the price of a new leash.

At Home Alternative

Rather try and go it alone? We’ve heard great things about PediPaws. PediPaws works by filing down the nail - not clipping it. The file is covered by a guard that allows you to get safe results with each trim.

Gourmet Treats

While our pet birthday celebrations may include the occasional chew toy and an hour of couch clearance, pups to the stars enjoy their birthdays to the sound of a DJ and the tastes of peanut butter cake made especially for canines.
While it may be a bit nutty to rent out the Ritz, with The Ultimate Dog Treat Cookbook you can make every day Gourmet Day for your pet. Most of the recipes are conjured up from simple steps that even a mutt couldn’t mess up. Best of all, when you make your own treats from home you save money and time. No more mid week fill ups at the gas pump and no more coming home from work only to realize you’re out of dog food.

When it comes to living large and in charge, it doesn’t have to break the bank. In the long run, a few splurges here and there can actually save you money in the end and add years to the long and healthy life of your favorite furry someone. Savings and healthy benefits? Now that’s something to wag your tail about!