Proud pet parents across the country agree that owning a dog is priceless. However, there are lots of expenses that come with caring for your favorite canine: The American Kennel Club (AKC) estimates dog owners dish out an average of $2,500 per year on food, veterinary expenses, grooming, pet sitting and more. Additionally, more than one-quarter of dog owners surveyed by the AKC said annual costs "exceeded their expectations." To keep your four-legged friend from licking your budget dry, follow these 9 savings tricks! 1. Sign up for loyalty programs. Take advantage of rewards programs offered through your favorite pet stores for freebies, special promos and dollars-off future purchases. Petco's Pals Rewards program gives members $5 for every $100 in purchases, for example, plus special pricing on products throughout the store. Your local pet store might offer a loyalty program or points as well, so inquire about your options. 2. Double the discount with g