Dogs can certainly steal our hearts away and become treasured members of our family, but that love and loyalty come at a very real price. Before taking on the responsibility of making a dog part of your family, be sure to consider these points from our Pet Doctor vets.
Expenses to Consider
When you are considering whether owning a dog is within your budget it's important to remember that different types of expenses occur with dogs.
One-Time Expenses
- Purchasing your dog
- Spaying or neutering your pup
- Cost of breed-specific surgeries such as tail docking
Recurring Annual Expenses
- Once or twice yearly routine exams
- Vaccines
Monthly Expenses
- Parasite protection
- Medications
- Food
Emergency Expenses
- Accidents
- Injuries
- Chronic Illness (diabetes, cancer, etc)
- Sudden Illness (Diarrhea, breathing difficulties, vomiting)
Calculating The Average Cost of Owning a Dog
Of course when it comes to estimating how much a dog costs the numbers vary wildly since there are so many factors to consider including the size and breed of the dog, the health risks of your dog's breed, and the services needed to keep your dog looking and feeling they're very best.
Beyond veterinary care and prevention, to get to a realistic cost of owning a dog you will also want to look at the cost of food (based on how much your chosen dog breed will eat), grooming sessions, toys, treats, beds, collars and leashes, obedience training, boarding for vacations, and possibly the price of hiring a dog walker.
Another factor to consider is your location. The cost of services ranging from veterinary treatment to grooming and dog sitting varies greatly between places. To get an accurate cost estimate, consider the breed you want, the breed's risk of chronic illness, and how much the pet services your dog will require in your location.
Ways to Make Dog Ownership More Affordable
If you have your heart set on having a dog as part of your family, there are ways to help make the annual cost of owning a dog more affordable.
Set Aside a Money Just For Pet Care
This may be an excellent choice for you if you are good at saving and budgeting. Whether you utilize a separate bank account or a jar in a safe place. Calculate how much you'd need if your pet had a veterinarian emergency, then set aside a sensible amount each payday. Having that money saved up may make veterinary emergencies less stressful when they occur.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance may be perfect for you if you are concerned about the high expense of emergency care or caring for a pet with a chronic condition. Pet insurance can certainly help to alleviate the financial strain of unexpected medical expenses, but it's critical to understand what your pet's policy covers before signing on the dotted line.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.