Owning a dog doesn’t come cheap!

Owning a dog can be a hugely rewarding experience- for many of us a life without dogs seems almost inconceivable. However, if you are thinking of getting a dog for the first time there are many factors which you need to consider. Primarily you need to decide if your lifestyle is suitable. Will you have enough time to spend with them and give them exercise? Does your home and garden have the required space? Many people consider these things before getting a dog, but what they often forget is just how expensive it can be to own a dog. Rescue centres up and down the country are home to dogs that have been given up because their owners could no longer afford them. Here is a breakdown of some of the costs which a dog owner can occur; think carefully if you can meet them before deciding to get yourself a canine companion.

Food
Dogs eat a lot- some a lot more than others! Whilst it is difficult to calculate exactly how much you will be spending you need to be aware that this is going to be a constant drain on your resources. The better diet you give your dog, the healthier it is going to be, but that doesn’t necessarily mean forking out for deluxe dog feed. But no matter what feed you decide to use, keeping your dog’s tummy full is going to run into thousands of pounds over the course of its life.

 
Equipment
There are literally thousands of products available for dogs. Everything from doggy diapers to mobility ramps are out their vying for dog owners attentions. Whilst you may have no need for many of these products, such as dog clothes, others are essential. Bowls, beds, leads and dog collars are all must haves for any dog owner- and they are all items which will need to be replaced from time to time. Although prices vary widely, it is often better to invest in a slightly more expensive product as it’s likely to last you much longer- but it need not be covered in diamante studs!

Grooming
All dogs need some level of grooming- and whilst you may be able to keep your dog in good condition at home, the occasional trip to a professional is unavoidable for most dog owners. Different breeds of dog demand different levels of care, so be aware of that when choosing which breed you would like to own.

Vets
Vets can be extremely expensive and unfortunately there is no way of getting around that. When you buy a new puppy you will have to have a series of vaccinations and boosters, these can cost several hundred pounds. One way around this is to give a home to an older dog that is already vaccinated. As veterinary bills can be so expensive, anyone that is considering getting a dog should look for insurance. There are loads of different policies available and it’s well worth shopping around for the best one. However, even those with insurance can be hit with hefty bills. At Dogscorner.co.uk, our dog, Spike, has had a series of health complaints, and whilst the insurance covered them up to a point, we have still had to pay thousands of dollars for his treatment.

Buying a puppy
Pedigree puppies can be extremely expensive- some breeds cost thousands of dollars. A great alternative to this is to take a dog from a shelter. Normally a small adoption fee of a hundred or so dollars is all that is required- and the dogs have had all the necessary, expensive inoculations. Not only will you be saving money- you’ll also be giving a loving home to a dog that has had a bad start in life- and that, without question, is priceless.