How much does a dog cost? In this case, love has a price.

It was that thousandth dog video on Facebook that did it... you can no longer resist. You want a dog and you want a dog now!

But before you start looking for your perfect pooch, here’s a little reminder. A dog represents an investment of 10 to 15 years, both in love and money. For example, a crossbreed shepherd, can cost about $3,000 per year. For the whole of its life. Of course, costs vary enormously according to your dog, but whatever the hound, you’re going to have to make a dog budget. Here is an (almost complete) list of expenses related to dogs. Because an informed owner is a caring owner.

Not all dogs cost the same

Small dog, big dog, purebred, mixed, the options are many and prices vary a lot. Patrick paid $1,000 for his goldendoodle. He adopted it at 9 months old from a family who paid $3,000 for it from a breeder. Geneviève is head-over-heels in love with her miniature dachshund that cost her $1,600 from a breeder who had had a cancellation. You’re going to have to wait to several months before getting a dog from a breeder. And talking of breeders, make sure you choose an ethical and responsible one. This way you have a much better chance of walking away with a healthy animal. After all, you are about to make a serious long-term financial and emotional investment.

Adopting an animal that’s looking for love at the SPCA is less expensive. Plus, it saves a life. So, think about it, it’s definitely worth a try. The important thing is to meet the dog and see if that special magic happens.

Grooming. Keep your dog beautiful and healthy.

Grooming a dog can be purely aesthetic (long live the poodle cut), but it’s also practical. A good claw cut can prevent health problems and in addition, keep your floor from being ruined. Full grooming isn’t necessary for all breeds of dogs and shaving is actively not recommended for certain breeds. Did you know that a dog’s hair helps with its thermoregulation? All this being said, it’s important to budget for any necessary care. You can, of course, do the grooming yourself, but you’ll need to be patient and have the right equipment. And with a big dog, it’s probably going to take two of you. Unless you do that thing with the peanut butter thing on your forehead…

Essential accessories

Here, the list expands quickly and you may develop other needs over time, especially if you play sports with your dog.

• Cage: practical during the first months and easy to find second-hand.
• Leash: unless you live far, far away in the woods.
• Pee pad if it's a small dog: disposable or washable depending on how green you want to be.
• Harness: better for walking on a leash.
• Long leash: very practical for letting your dog run in the woods and helps to stop it if it meets a skunk.
• Food bowl or interactive toy that helps the dog to expend energy when it eats.
• Water bowl: you don't want to your dog to get thirsty. Drinking from the toilet could lead to an unexpected visit to the vet. Clean out his bowl regularly and think about replacing it with a water fountain that keeps water fresh.
• Cushion: because your pooch will spend a lot of time sleeping.
• Winter boots: you wouldn’t walk on snow or ice without boots so why should your dog?

Food to feed your furry friend

We get it, a Chihuahua is going to eat much less than a Great Dane. But there are other things to consider. The quality of ingredients varies with the cost of dog food. Want to avoid avoid picking up runny poop all day? Make the investment. And if you decide to go raw, expect to pay even more. Remember that food quality greatly influences the life expectancy of your animal. If in doubt, seek advice from a specialist at your Mondou retailer.

Remember, you may need to change your lifestyle a touch. Leaving a chocolate bar on your desk or putting grapes in your fruit bowl on the counter is a no-no. These are foods your dog should never eat. After having had your sandwiches stolen a couple of times, you will start to understand that you can no longer leave any food lying around.

Registration with your municipality

Depending on the town you live in, your dog may be required to wear an identification tag at all times. Costs vary, but the principle remains the same. If your dog is lost it can be returned to you thanks to its file number. You could also add another tag with its name and your phone number. If your dog ever runs off, a friendly neighbor can bring him back to you much faster than the town hall.

The vet, vaccines, injuries

It’s better to go to the vet than to mourn your animal’s loss because of negligence. And when you get the bill, just close your eyes and think about your dog’s little face. It’ll help with the pain. Because vets cost a lot! For example, an emergency veterinary consultation costs an average of $125. An annual appointment is definitely recommended for vaccine reminders, antiparasitic protection etc. And don’t forget, females will need to be spayed and males neutered. They’ll be happier that way.

Accidents can happen. Patrick had to rush to the vets with his goldendoodle because of an open wound, courtesy of a scratch from another dog. His dog had to take medicine for 10 days and wear a cone on its head (stop laughing please). In addition, the wound had to be washed twice a day. There will be unforeseen accidents with your dog so a small canine emergency cash cushion will be essential. Hopefully, you won’t have to use it. Another option is to insure your dog for health issues, but be warned, this is far from cheap.

Toys and treats

Inevitably, you will want to make your dog happy, and at some point, things are going to get out of hand. Halloween costumes, scarves, sweaters, stuffed animals, the potential to spend money is endless. How much will it cost? Who knows, especially if your dog ends up with more coats than you. Eventually you will have to separate the essential from the superfluous. On the other hand, in order to teach your dog tricks, treats are a must.

Doggy surcharges

When camping, or at hotels or chalets, you may be charged extra for the additional cleaning necessitated by your dog. And if you decide to leave your dog at home, don’t forget that it will need to be looked after.

Dog sitting

If friends or family can’t dog sit, boarding is a solution. Depending on the number of nights and the quality of care, prices vary a lot. Be careful, not all kennels offer the same services. If your dog is active and is used to going outside, choose a place where it can enjoy periods of play outside in complete freedom.

If this all sounds like a lot of money, well… it is! The dog column has just appeared in your expenses. It’s going to cost you time too. Appointments at the vet, walks, buying food, all of this eats into your time. But the truth is that every second you invest in your dog is worth it. You’ll enjoy a more active and less stressful life and the gift of unlimited love. And who knows, maybe you can make money from your bundle of joy by turning it into a pet influencer on Instagram 😊 We look forward to becoming a dedicated follower!

Source: https://www.protegez-vous.ca/loisirs-et-famille/cout-chien