$Cost of Owning a Dog$

[Desert Arabian]

As some people know, I plan on getting a dog as soon as I move out of the house, and get settled in a new house or apartment. I got to thinking, it won't be long until I move out, and I am applying for a job soon. I want to know how much I should start saving.

So...if you don't mind me asking...roughly how much do you spend on your dog/s every month. By that I mean, food bills, vet bills, toys, etc. (Also, please tell me how many you have and what breeds they are- that counts towards the price too.)

Thank you soooo much!

-YellowLabLover

[binka_nugget]

Good idea! Okay well..

The prices for two shelties this month are as follows:

food: (roughly) $20 (They're fed raw)
toys: $30 at least
Obedience: $220
New Leashes/collars/harnesses:$35
Two new ID tags: $15
City Licenses:Roughly $50 for both
Kai's neutering: $120
Flea preventative:$10 (per month)

*Keep in mind, this is in Canadian currency.

[KYS]

Do you know what size dog you will be getting?
The smaller the dog, the cheaper your monthly feeding
bill will be.

Food:
Our 2 Large dogs go through approx. 40 pounds of good
quality kibble dog food every 3-4 weeks.
Cost $ 27.00 for a 40 pound bag.

Can food/or people food that I add to their food,
approx. $2-3 dollars per day for both dogs.

Vet bills: I would say on the average about $200-300 per dog
a year. Sometimes less and sometimes a lot more depending
on accidents or illness.

Shelter:
Dog house, bedding, fencing if needed.

Accesories: toys, leashes, collars, brushes, combs,shampoo,
toe nail clippers etc. etc.

Flea/tick products:

Depends on size of dog.
For Front line I pay $36.00 for a 3 month supply
that accutally lasts me 6 months.

Dog licence fees:

I am sure their is more, but I drew a blank.

[Desert Arabian]

Originally posted by KYS
Do you know what size dog you will be getting?

I am leaning towards a Lab, Boxer, or Dane. So....large/extra large breed. But, of course that could chage, I could run across a tiny little mutt at the shelter and fall in love. But, I am leaning towards one of those three breeds.

[jenluckenbach]

may I remind about a grooming fee depending on breed.

[stacwase]

Hmmmm -

Max (91 lbs)

$1500 in emergency vet and hospital bills in past 7 months
FrontLine about $40-$50 every six months
Heart Guard about $50 a year (don't have to treat in winter)
$40/month food(premium)
toys variable
toenail clipping about $60/year

Jake (44 lbs)
$400 in emergency vet bills this year, plus immunizations (can't remember price)
FrontLine about $40-$50 every six months
Heart Guard about $40 a year
$20/month food (premium)
grooming about $50/year (I clip his toenails)
toys variable

But - I can't put a price on the joy they've given me.

Edit - I forgot to mention boarding fees for miscellaneous trips. I would say we spend about $400 a year on boarding.

[dukedogsmom]

Well, Duke's on all Science Diet now so it's pretty expensive. A 20lb bag of food is around $22. And a case of his canned food is about $36. That lasts over a month, though. Vet visit for things like yearly shots ran around $120. Plus, I use Revolution(for worms, fleas, all those things) That's $17 a month. When they're sick, it's really expensive. Back in April, he was at the vet for a whole weeks and it was almost $1,000. He had pancreatis(sp) from some greasy gravy. I suggest don't even start on feeding them people food if you were considering it. I really didn't realise how harmful it was. Duke almost died because of it. Good luck on finding the dog for you!
I forgot about doggy day care. That's $14 a day or 7 for a half day. Also, get him bathed there in the cooler weather. That's $25.