Owning a dog is fantastic, dogs make great companions and they are great listeners too! The rewards you get will always outweigh any negatives, and although dogs can be expensive, they do not need to be. Budgeting when you have a dog is essential to ensure that you can always afford to keep and look after your dog.
So, how much should you budget and what do you include in your budget? Check out our suggestions below:
Food and Diet
Your dog’s daily food intake will depend on the size of your dog and whether your dog is on a special diet. For example, if they are overweight, or even needing to put weight on, they will need a diet rich in protein and nutrients. Most dog foods come with a feeding guideline on the packet which will allow you to work out how much food to feed at each mealtime.
Once you know how much food you are using at each mealtime, you can then work out, for example, how long a 5kg bag will last. Dog food must be nutritional and rich in vitamins and goodness to keep your dog looking and feeling good.
Finding a good supplier online that is regular and reliable, such as Diamond pet, will ensure that you never run out of food and can purchase in advance in line with your budget, check out Diamond Pet here.
Exercise
If you live in a house with a backyard or garden then exercise should not be a problem. However, if you live in an apartment and outdoor space is a bit of a luxury, then you need to factor in how much it will cost you to provide exercise for your dog.
For example, if you have a nervous dog then you may need to purchase an enclosed outside space. If you have to travel to a place of exercise (like a dog park), then you need to budget for gas costs. .
Exercise is incredibly important to making sure your dog is healthy and happy, without the right amount of exercise dogs can become stressed and destructive.
Supplements
As your dog gets older they may require supplements for any health conditions, such as arthritis. For this they may need anything from CBD oil to fish oil or iron tablets. It is probably best to anticipate a monthly cost of between $10-$30 a month for older dogs.
Veterinary Care / Medical Costs
Just as with people, dogs have regular routine check-ups for their general health. Monthly and annual vaccinations also need to be budgeted for. You should consider pet insurance for any one off illnesses or accidents as vet bills can add up, but it is important to remember that insurance will not cover regular check-ups.
Now you have an overall guide to costs so you can set a monthly budget for your dog. If you have a younger dog, you’re looking at $30-$50/month, but as your dog gets older, that monthly price will go up a bit.
Your dog is most likely going to be a member of your family for the next 10-15 years, and ensuring they are as happy and healthy as can be, will keep them around for as long as possible.
*Photos by Helena Lopes
Do you have a dog? Let us know in the comments below!
