Springtime means lots of puppies available for adoption. Yes, we know they are fluffy and cute, but before you are pulled into their puppy charm, you should understand the costs that are involved with owner a younger dog.
According to the ASPCA, in just the first year of owning a dog you can spend nearly $2,000 on food, vet care, toys, licenses and much more. To make sure you are getting a dog that fits with your family, budget costs need to be a factor in the decision process. If a puppy is what you want, here are a few tips on things you need to consider.
Time for teething: As your new puppy is learning what he or she should or shouldn't do, it is inevitable that some of your furniture, clothes or shoes may fall victim to your puppy's teeth. You may want to factor in the costs of repairing furniture, replacing items of clothing or fixing marks left behind by your cute and cuddly pup. There are things on the market that help with the teething process and will deter your puppy from chewing on your favorite pair of heels or family heirloom.
Gates, crates and fences: Until you train your puppy commands such as sit and stay, it may be difficult to direct them on where they can and can't go. Puppies are naturally curious and will want to explore. If they are caught up in their explorations, they may tune out your commands. This is why it is important to invest in gates, crates and fences to help contain your dog. If you are unfamiliar with training a dog, we recommend you look into training classes. The Humane Society works with the Dayton Dog Training Club to help some of our adoptable dogs learn commands. This group also offers individual classes to the public and would be a great resource for new dog owners.
Food quality and quantity: All puppies start small and cute, but as they get older some can grow much larger. Know the breed you are adopting. As a dog grows in size, the amount of food you give to him or her will also increase. In addition, know if there are special dietary needs for your pet. If they need a specialized food, then there may be hidden costs involved that were not initially part of your budget.
Watching your puppy: Summer is the time of year when people tend to take their vacations. If your puppy is unable to come with you on your trips, then you will need to look into finding a pet-sitting service or a boarding facility to watch your puppy while you are out of town. The price for this can range due to the services provided, the size of your dog and the area where your dog is kept. Do your research and take a tour of the facility you plan to use before you leave so you can guarantee your pet is safe and your mind is at ease.
Check-up please: Just like humans, it is very important for your pets to go to the doctor regularly for checkups and care. From annual vaccinations and heartworm or flea medicines to grooming and dental work, keeping your pet in tip-top shape is a necessity, and that also needs to be factored into your budget. To help subsidize the cost of vet care, there is also a pet insurance option for owners. With pet insurance, you pay a monthly premium and the insurance helps cover some of your pet's medical and surgical needs.
Expect the unexpected: Just like buying a home or raising children, you need to plan for the unexpected. From your pet's accidentally eating something harmful to getting in a fight with a raccoon in the backyard, there are a number of unexpected things that can go wrong. Emergency care can be expensive and can easily rise into the thousands of dollars. It is recommended to have some money set aside to help in the event of an emergency with your pet.
With all this said, puppies are wonderful pets that can grow old with your family. Being prepared is the best plan for success with a new addition to your family and if you budget accordingly, you can rest a little easier knowing you and your family will be OK no matter what life may bring.
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