Owning a Dog: Making 'Cents' of It All

Ginger

So, you have the urge to get a dog, do ya'? Maybe you're even considering rescuing one from the Humane Society or No-Kill Shelters. I am all for that! As a matter of fact, all of our pets have come from shelters or taken in as strays, over the years. There are a few things to consider when you get that sudden impulse to run out and pick one up. Let's just say, I speak from experience. We picked up our dog, Ginger, in 2006 as a stray. A visit to the vet revealed that she not only had fleas, ear mites, and was malnutritioned, but she also had heartworms, which is deadly if untreated. Over $1,000 later, she was on her way to becoming a healthy dog again. We often joke that we got a mutt at a showdog price.Wouldn't trade it for the world though! You can read our rescue story Ginger's Lucky Day. Sure, you may be getting your new furry pet for free, but there is a whole other dynamic to consider first. Below is a breakdown of the average cost of owning a large dog. If you are thinking about getting a smaller dog, the only big variation will be adjustments in food cost and the larger procedures. The overall price of the necessary supplements and standard routine vet charges won't vary by a whole lot. So, before you head out, really think about whether or not you can afford the upkeep of a pet. It is no doubt a huge commitment. The last thing your new dog wants is to be bounced from home to home or worse yet, sent back to the shelter, because you made a rash decision.

*These numbers are an average based on our large, 85 pound dog. These are basic upkeep costs. I have not included the additional medicines needed for arthritis and hormones, as she gets older. But it is important to consider that as well.

Authority Dry Dog Food 34 Lb. bag (30 day supply at 4 cups per day) $30/month
*You can buy cheaper food, but those brands have fillers, corn, wheat, by-products, and other ingredients that can actually cause your dog to have reactions to...causing more problems later.

Frontline Flea & Tick Control (usually sold in a 3, 6, or 12 pk) $13/month
*Must be applied monthly. There are other brands available, but they are very close in cost.

Interceptor or HeartGuard (usually sold in 6 or 12 pk) $8/month
*A monthly heartworm prevention chewable tablet. There are other brands available, but they are very close in cost. I hear that Interceptor will no longer be available in some places.
Heartworm Test $40-55/year
*Most vets will not give you a refill on your heartworm prevention tablets, without running this test first.

Annual Physical $40/year
*May be required in order to refill certain prescriptions.

Wellness Blood Screen $100/year
*May be required by your vet, in order to refill certain prescriptions.

Joint Enhancer Tablets or Soft Chews (30 day supply, at 2 tablets per day)  $22-30/month
*This is optional, but something highly recommended. These tablets are made with glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, which helps protect the cushioning of joints. May help slow the progression of arthritis, as they get older, saving you in larger vet bills later.

Shots:
*These are basic upkeep shots. They do not include necessary shots for animals that have never had any. 
Lepto (yearly) $17
Parvo (every 3 years) $17
Distemper (every 3 years) $17
Rabies (every 3 years) $17

Other Vet Costs to Consider:
Average Office Visit *May be higher if an emergency $45-50
Xrays $50+ each
Grooming (based on dog size)- Varies
Dog License (if state requires it) $5-10 per year
Spray/Neuter Procedure (based on large dog, price varies on size) $375 Spay, $300 Neuter
Boarding (if vacation a lot)- Varies
Fecal Test (for worms, recommend yearly) $25
Microchip Identity Implant- $80-100

Optional Supplies to Consider:
Bones & Treats $2+
Toys $5-20
Large Crate $50+
Bedding $20+
Food Bowls $5+
Leash 10+
Nail Trimmer Kit $10+
*Dogs nails have to be trimmed monthly, to avoid the nail from getting too long, which can be painful for the dog. Vets will charge about $15 to do this for you.
Engraved Dog Tags $10
Doggie Door $50+
Fence-Varies
Dog Shampoo $5+
Dog Toothbrush Kit $10+

Always ask your vet if something is required or just recommended, prior to consenting. I have saved a lot of money over the years, by refusing treatments that I didn't feel pertained to my dog (ex. giving her a vaccine recommended for dogs who are boarded. We don't board our dog.) There are online sites that will sell you supplies at a discount. Be careful, as you never really know what you are getting. For example: If certain supplies are not kept at a required temperatures, they lose their potency. In return, you are buying the supply essentially null and void. Some of those online sites will require authorization from your vet, in order to purchase items such as Heartworm prevention. Let's just say, my vet refused to provide me with it one time, because they knew the online site I was using was known for selling items at sub-par. By buying through your vet, which I now do, you can rest assured that you will receive a quality item. Plus, some vets will actually price match, so be sure ask them!

These prices may vary based on vet, region, dog size, and other health issues. Always consult your vet prior to making any changes.