4 Dog Care Costs You May Not Have Thought About

Posted on: 31 August 2015

Bringing a new puppy into your home can bring on a huge financial change in your life. This is because puppies have many needs including some that you may have not thought of before. It's important to know just how much you will be spending each month on dog care costs before you actually bring a dog into your home. This will ensure that you are thoroughly prepared and able to decide whether or not this is the right time for you to become a dog owner. Here are four dog care costs you may have overlooked:

  1. Grooming Costs: Many people forget that they are going to have to pay for special dog shampoos and even for a monthly haircut from your local groomers, especially if you decide to bring in a long-haired dog. It is important that you keep your dog groomed to ensure that their fur is soft and always comfortable for them. Even if you have a short-haired dog, you will still need to purchase special dog shampoo to bathe them at least once a month along with special dog nail clippers, and more. 
  2. Training Classes: Before bringing a puppy into your home, you may be prepared to train them yourself. However, this can turn out to be more difficult than you think, especially if you are out of the house often due to work or school. You may not have as much time on your hands as you thought to properly train your dog. So it is always important to factor in the cost of training classes in case you decide that you need them. 
  3. Pet Sitters: Factoring in the cost of pet sitters is huge. Even if you are only going to be gone one night, your dog should still have someone to look after them. They will need to be let outside to use the bathroom, have their water refilled, and more. If you don't have family or friends that can do this for you, then you will probably have to pay someone. You should also consider the cost of dog boarding where you would bring your dog into a facility to stay while you are on vacation. This allows your dog to have 24/7 care instead of one small visit from someone at your home.
  4. Emergencies: Is is very important to be prepared for emergencies. Dogs can easily become injured while playing outside or even in the house. You should be prepared to pay those medical expenses that may come up. You should also be prepared to pay for pet insurance to guarantee that the medical expenses don't hurt you too much financially. 

By considering these four dog care costs that you may have overlooked before, you can better determine whether or not this is truly the best time for you to become a dog owner. 

For professional veterinary care, contact an office such as Murrells Inlet Veterinary Hospital

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Keeping Your Pets Healthy

After I started staying home full time instead of working, I realized that my pets weren't as healthy as I thought they were. They basically laid around the house all day, and I started growing increasingly concerned about their well-being. I wanted to know more about their health, so I visited a veterinarian in my area. He gave me a few really good tips on reducing their caloric intake and encouraging exercise. Now, I can say that my dogs are truly healthy and energetic. This blog is all about keeping your pets healthy so that you can continue to enjoy their company.