| Owning And Caring For A Dog- Don't Get Sticker Shock |
| Written by Chris Station | ||||||||
| Monday, 19 April 2010 | ||||||||
|
There is no doubt that dogs make great pets. But if you're thinking about getting a dog, you should be prepared for the fact that owning and caring for a dog can be very expensive. There are more than a few expenses, with the cost of purchasing him just the beginning.
There is no doubt that dogs make great pets. But if you're thinking about getting a dog, you should be prepared for the fact that owning and caring for a dog can be very expensive. There are more than a few expenses, with the cost of purchasing him just the beginning. If you choose a pure-bred, the actual outlay for the dog will vary. Certain breeds are just more expensive than others. A pure-bred dog that comes "with papers" will be more expensive, than a pure-bred without papers. Of course, if you intend to enter your pet in shows, registration papers are a must. Even a mixed breed puppy won't be free. The cost will often be reflective of where you get him and what mix he is. It's definite though that getting a puppy from a breeder or a pet shop will cost more than adopting a puppy or dog. Aside from the initial purchase cost, you will find that there are a few other one-time expenses that may occur at certain points in your pet's life. Some of these expenses can't be avoided. Others are really your choice. Just keep in mind that some of these optional expenses may make life with a pet more enjoyable and lower your stress level. Soon after you bring your new pet home, it's a good idea to pay a visit to your vet so he can give him a thorough exam. As you probably know, a puppy needs a series of vaccinations. Certain breeds require that they have their ears cropped or their tails docked. Neutering or spaying might be something you want taken care of later on. Some owners have their dogs tattooed for identification purposes. You may want to think about pet insurance to help cover the cost of illnesses or injuries. Some owners like to use doorway gates to keep their new pet restricted to a certain area. Many owners find crates a useful tool. Although some people think crates are cruel, they come in handy for house training. And many puppies actually find a crate comforting because it is small and cozy, so they feel secure. It's probably a good idea to purchase a comfortable dog bed right away. As soon as you bring your new pet home, you will want to establish some routines with him. And if you want to keep him off your furniture and bed, then you will need to provide him with his own bed. Unless you have experience in dog training, you may want to think about enrolling him in a training class or buy a training guide and do it yourself. All in all, a well trained dog is easier to live with. There are a few other expenses that you may incur. At times, depending on what kind of dog you have, you may need the services of a professional to groom and clip your dog or to kennel him temporarily. To provide him with a secure outside environment, you may have to fence in your yard or build a dog run. Don't keep him chained up on his own for any length of time. If you have plans to show your dog or you just want to find out more about the breed, there are several good magazines available. Or you may want to consider joining a kennel club. If you do enter your pet in shows, there will be entry fees as well as travel expenses. There are also going to be on-going expenses involved with owning and caring for a dog. These include food, license, leashes and collars, yearly check-ups and vaccinations, heartworm test and medication, flea control, toys, treats, dog bed, and grooming supplies. Of course, the list could go on and on. You may incur some, all, or even other expenses depending on any number of factors or circumstances. The bottom line is that owning and caring for a dog will be expensive. Isn't it better to understand and budget for these expenses before you go looking at puppies? Because chances are, you'll have a hard time resisting that cute little puppy once you see him. About the Author: To welcome your puppy into his new home, there is nothing more comforting than a cozy cave dog bed. Visit heateddogbedreview.com for more information. Views: 108
|
||||||||
Be first to comment this article
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|