Hidden Dog Costs You May Not Be Prepared For

Are you worried about the costs of owning a dog? If so, then it might be worth thinking about the different expenses that you need to manage. Some of these are widely discussed by pet owners and others are less apparent. Here are some of the costs that you might not be fully prepared for. 

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Insurance

First, you need to make sure that you are thinking about the cost of insurance. Insurance costs always increase as your dog gets older. The reason for this is that they are more likely to have issues with a variety of health conditions as they age. That’s why you might want to consider switching your insurance provider once your pet reaches a certain age. This is similar to how the initial insurance you choose will not be suitable for the entire life of a car. You need to choose another plan that matches your budget and your requirements. 

Diet 

It’s also worth considering the cost of food for your pet dog. Some dogs will require a special diet. This is a problem because it means that you’ll need to spend extra money on food. Some food is also recommended but not required. For instance, you could have a yorkie. If that’s the case, then you need to know about yorkies and their vitamins. These vitamins will help ensure that they stay healthy in the long term and avoid some of the typical health problems that can develop as dogs continue to age. 

Training 

Next, you should think about training costs. Training a dog will take time. This means if you don’t have the right amount of time, you’re always going to struggle to ensure that your dog is as obedient as you need. Professional trainers are available but they do cost money. It’s also worth noting that some dogs are more difficult to train than others. As such, it can take more time with an increased number of lessons to get them to learn what they need. This is something that you will definitely need to consider and keep in mind if you are thinking about getting a larger breed of dog. 

Kennels 

Finally, when you have a dog, you may need to manage the cost of kennels and fit this into your budget too. This will be important if you are planning on still going on trips but you don’t want to take your dog with you. There are different kennels available at a range of budgets. As such, it’s just a matter of finding an option that matches your price point. You should also make sure that you are checking the reviews to ensure that a kennel will provide the standard of service that you expect. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the key costs that you may not be prepared for when you have a dog. By factoring these into your budget, you can guarantee that you’ll have a more clear picture of the costs that you will incur as a new pet owner.

Healthy Dogs Don't Feel So Ruff!

We’ve seen the advertisements on the television about dogs that are left behind and neglected; they tug the heartstrings and make you feel like you need to hug your furry friend tighter. The health of your dog is one of the most important issues when owning a pet, as a sick or neglected dog doesn’t just decline in their physical wellbeing, but in their emotional health, too. Training a dog for disasters means an obedient dog in good health. A strong, healthy dog who is obedient is one who can help you in those stormy times! But, how do you keep your dog as healthy as can be?

If you are exploring getting a new dog for your home, then you need to pay attention to how to keep your dog in the best condition you can for a long and happy life. With the following help, you can manage to care for your perfect pup and enjoy a mutual respect with your family member:

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Vet Care. Pet insurance – which cannot be stressed enough – is important. The moment you make the decision to own a dog is the moment you should be researching the best veterinary care that you can afford. Vaccines, medicines and any other care needed within the course of a dog’s life needs an expert to help, so you should ensure they have the best care available.

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Nutrition. It’s no secret that dogs can get through a lot of food. Making sure you choose a brand of food that is recommended by your vet, as well as healthy pill treats for dogs can keep your dog healthier for longer. The diet your dog has will have a direct impact on their skin, coat, nails and digestive health, so food is an important factor. With plenty of fresh water available, your dog should stay healthy. Keep a watch on your dog’s health and keep consistent over their food intake so that you can note any changes in health.

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Exercise. Dogs that stay cooped up often suffer for it physically and so it’s important not to underestimate the amount of exercise your dog needs. It’s not just a case of taking them for a walk and having done with it, as lack of exercise can cause destructive and unruly behaviour. Dogs are not designed to be cooped up inside; they need 1-2 hours per day of solid exercise for their health. Don’t skip it – look at it as that you aren’t just exercising your dog, you’re exercising yourself, too.

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Grooming. Teeth, coat and nails are all things to keep an eye on when you have a dog. Plaque and a buildup of tartar can lead to health problems that will cost you more in the long-run than buying oral rinses and dental treats! Monthly nail trims, baths (unless muddy!) and brushing their coats are all ways you can ensure that your dog stays healthy and happy.

Being a good dog owner means more than just a bowl of food in the kitchen. It’s showing your dog love enough so that they feel comfort, happiness and health in your home!