By Paris Permenter and John Bigley

Pinched pocketbooks have spelled success for thrift stores, and today there's a bigger selection of shops than ever. Most carry goods for the entire family, and with a little bit of repurposing, that includes purchases for your dog.

When shopping at your thrift store, be sure to watch for dog items that can be thoroughly cleaned either with a good scrubbing or in the washing machine. Here are supplies that make perfect thrift store finds:

Bowls Stainless steel bowls are good buys and very easy to find at most thrift stores. Expect to pay as little as $1 to $2 each for these nearly indestructible bowls.

By Dr. Jessica Vogelsang
From The Dog Daily

In the autumn, falling leaves and dried-out weeds release clouds of irritating particulate matter into the air, right where your dog is waiting to inhale them. As pets move indoors to escape the cold, mite allergies may develop.

Dogs trap allergens in their extensive sinuses. Fur is also a natural magnet for dust and particles, which means that your dog could be covered -- inside and out -- in triggering pollens. Add to that a warm autumn where the fleas are still around and you have one unhappy dog.

Dog allergies manifest in several ways, but the symptom most commonly recognized by owners is itching.