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What It Costs to Own a Dog
By: Dr. John Williams
Penlights that double as lug wrenches, the latest buffalo meat and
chocolate cream pie diet book - ever wonder why all these
questionable items are grouped together in the checkout lane?
The answer is pretty simple: all of them fall under the heading
"impulse purchasing" – things we buy on impulse, without taking
the time to consider their usefulness. We are all susceptible. If you
don't believe it, look in your garage or "junk drawer."
While most impulse purchases are harmless enough, some are
anything but trivial. Consider an addition to the family - of the
four-legged variety. Often, well-intentioned people see a puppy
that captures their heart and, without considering the ramifications,
impulsively take the animal home.
The expense of owning a pet is probably the most overlooked
consequence of any pet-owner relationship.
Advances in pet care, especially in the development of pet foods
and medical research, have caused ownership costs to increase over
the last 10 years. Since it's not likely that this trend will reverse
itself any time soon, potential "pet parents" should consider their
finances before taking home a new pet.
While it is certainly not necessary that a dog have a diamond collar
or a Wedgwood china food bowl, all owners need to provide the
basics of professional medical care, quality food and adequate
shelter. The only other necessity for a responsible owner to
provide is love - and that's free.
Listed below are approximate costs of basic care for dogs. Costs
can vary widely, depending on where you live and specifics
associated with each individual pet.
The Cost of a Dog
The costs of a new puppy vary significantly. A mixed breed from
a local animal shelter will be a lot cheaper than a pure breed, and
the quality of the pure breed will push the purchase price even higher.
"Show quality" puppies with impressive pedigrees and desired
conformation characteristics will be much more expensive than
those designated as "pet quality." In addition, the type of purebred
dog will directly affect the costs. Common breeds, such as cocker
spaniels, schnauzers and beagles will cost less than the same
quality of rare breeds.
Small to medium-sized dogs
Estimated life span: 14 years
First year: $740 to $1,325
Estimated annual costs thereafter: $500 to $875
Total cost over a dog's lifetime is about $7,240 to $12,700.
Large to giant-sized dogs
Estimated life span: 8 years
First year: $1020 to $1,825
Estimated annual costs thereafter: $690 to $875
Total estimated lifetime cost: $5,850 to $7,950.
Puppies – The First Year
Veterinary Care/Laboratory Tests - $100 to $200
Physical examinations and Immunizations - $80 to $200
Internal/External Parasite Treatment and Control - $100 to $150
Spay/Neuter - $90 to $200. The cost often depends on the dog's
size and age.
Food - $150 to $250
Miscellaneous (collars, leads, crate, toys, bed, obedience training) -
$250 to $285
Total: $770 to $1,285
Dogs - Annual Costs
Veterinary Care/Examinations/Laboratory - $150 to $255
Immunizations - $60 to $75
Internal/External Parasite Preventatives - $120 to $190
Food - $150 to $300
Miscellaneous - $100 to $125
Total: $580 to $945
NOTE: Amounts vary considerably, based on factors such as growth
rate and size of the adult dog, types of food and unforeseen medical
conditions. Generally, puppies require more routine medical attention
than adult dogs. However, statistics show that older animals (those
over eight years old) will require more veterinary care than younger adults.
You should also note that costs vary between stores, veterinarians
and by region.
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/what-it-costs-to-own-a-dog/page1.aspx?utm_source=dogcrazynews001et&utm_medium=email&utm_content=petplace_article&utm_campaign=dailynewsletter
Posted on SHARE Yahoo group - July 15, 2008