The Cost Of Owning A Dog

Article Title: The Cost Of Owning A Dog
Author: David Beart

When that sweet little puppy face is staring at you, begging
you to take it home, it's easy for rational thought to go out
the window. And if that adorable face comes complete with a few
face licks, you're most likely already sold. The moment you're
being bombarded with wet kisses, you're probably not thinking
about all the time and energy, not to mention the cost of owning
a dog.

Besides the time spent training and caring for it, there are
also the basic expenses of food, a warm bed, grooming and
veterinary care. In addition, you'll want to have a few other
things on hand: a leash and collar for walks, toys for playtime
and treats for training. Most of these expenses vary from dog
to dog.

Take food, for example. A three-pound Chihuahua will eat less
than a 100-pound Great Pyrenees. But it's not only the amount
of food they eat; it's also the type of food. You can spend a
nominal amount on low-quality dog food that contains a lot of
fillers, and not enough protein and minerals, or you can spend
several times that amount on a special raw diet. While these
types of diets generally offer all the nutrients and vitamins a
dog needs, minus added filler, some dog owners like the
convenience of a dry or canned food.

As smaller pets take up less space, so do their accessories. A
teacup poodle-sized dog bed would never accommodate a Great
Dane. A tiny bed will cost considerably less than a large bed.
But then again, you may decide to forgo a dog bed altogether in
favor of letting the dog sleep on a family member's bed. A toy
that is the perfect size for a tiny Yorkie mouth could be
dangerous around a larger dog. A big dog could choke on a toy
meant for a small dog. Larger toys are in order if you're
getting a large breed dog. Buy a few nice toys, if you can.
Consider it part of the cost of owning a dog.

Grooming is another consideration. It's important that dogs
are bathed and brushed regularly. This helps keep their skin
healthy and their coat shiny. As some dogs are prone to skin
disorders, it's always a good idea to maintain good habits in
this regard. Some dogs shed more than others. Even dogs that
are touted as "non-shedding" breeds still shed, but maybe not as
much as others. The home of a golden retriever might harbor
tumbleweeds of dog hair in every corner, while in the home of a
maltese, you might only find a few hairs here or there. Regular
washing and brushing can help control shedding, though at
certain times of the year, dogs lose more hair in preparation
for the change of seasons. It's also important to keep a dog's
nails short. If nails are left to grow, the quick (the fleshy
portion on the underside of the nail) grows along with them,
making it difficult to trim nails short without damaging the
quick. If the nails are excessively long, it can be difficult
and uncomfortable for a dog to walk on them. To save money, as
well as bond with your dog, you can do all of the grooming
activities yourself. You'll spend more on the initial supply of
shampoo and nail clippers, but they'll pay for themselves the
more you groom your dog.

The most critical expense to consider is that of veterinary
care. Unlike toys and treats, this expense cannot be eliminated
in a pinch. This is a necessary cost of owning a dog. In a
perfect world, dogs would see the vet once a year. They'd go
for annual rabies and distemper shots, as well as tests to check
for other canine diseases. This schedule would stay in effect
for the life of the dog. Unfortunately, sometimes dogs need
more frequent vet visits. Ear infections, sprains and stomach
ailments are among the most common reasons dogs visit their
vets. Thankfully, these are usually temporary issues, and dogs
recover rather quickly.

But other diseases are much more serious, and much more
expensive to treat. It's said that fifty percent of all dogs
over age ten will die of cancer. But certain breeds of dogs are
more likely than others to have particular health issues, even
before that age. Bulldogs, pugs and other short-muzzled breeds
are predisposed to breathing problems. Hip dysplasia is not
uncommon in golden retrievers. Cocker spaniels are susceptible
to eye disorders, such as cataracts. Of course, most dogs live
long, full, healthy lives, but it's a good idea to research your
breed to understand what to expect.

Other items such as collars, leashes, toys and treats, run the
gamut from inexpensive to downright pricey. You can find
serviceable nylon collars and leashes, or you can opt for the
rhinestone-encrusted collar with matching leash. It's the same
with toys. You can find an inexpensive fleece chew toy, or an
indestructible rubber polymer bone. Dry kibble treats can be
purchased in bulk, or you can opt for natural treats that are
made with real meat and vegetables.

Whether you spend a lot or a little, your dog won't know the
difference. However, what he will know is how much love and
attention you lavish on him, and he'll be forever grateful. If
you figure affection and loyalty into the cost of owning a dog,
you may find that you get back everything you spent, and so much
more.

About The Author: David Beart is owner of the
http://www.professorshouse.com , a site dedicated to family,
relationships, dog health, and household issues.

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