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What A Dog Costs

27 9:10:53
The average dog owner spends at least $1,000 on his or her dog every year. The costs really add up. Newspaper advertisements that say "Free to good home" forget to point out the expenses that will naturally come with the dog.

Just a few costs involved with dog care include food. Food can cost anything from $15 to $60 for a 20-pound bag. On average, a 20-pound bag will cost about $25. Those who want to buy a higher quality food for their dogs will spend more.

Vet bills are another big expense. Annual shots are about $100, plus the exam itself, which is around $50. Add in flea prevention medicine ($60 per year minimum) and heartworm prevention medicine (another $50) and not to mention the heart worm test which all vets seem to require ($40).

Sometimes you can find good deals on dog products online such as Frontline and dog food.

And that's assuming the dog does not have any injuries or illnesses throughout the year that require extra trips to the vet such as ear infections, sprained paws or kennel cough.

Even if little is spent on toys and chews, all dogs need something to chew on and play with. Each owner is going to be different when it comes to what is spent in this area. Most will spend about $50 per year.

Typical dog supplies most people buy include a bowl, collar, leash, identification tags and a kennel.

Other costs related to dogs include boarding, pet sitting, training costs, dog treats and grooming costs. What each individual dog needs and what each individual owner wants will vary.

Someone who travels a lot and owns a big, hairy Newfoundland is going to spend more on grooming and dog boarding than someone who owns a Chihuahua and never goes anywhere.

Luckily, there are ways to save on dog care. As already mentioned, many discounts are available for those who take the time to look for pet products online.

Other ways to save on pet care include grooming the dog at home rather than paying for a professional groomer. Or, instead of taking the dog to a boarding kennel, hire a neighbor or friend to pet sit.

Dog toys can cost a lot, but stuffed animals at garage sales typically cost about 25 cents. Fancy leashes and collars can cost $40 a piece, but basic nylon collars are about $8.

Healthy dog food can be expensive, but it's not so bad if it is mixed with a cheaper food. That way the owner is only buying the expensive bag every other month or so instead of every time the dog needs food.

Another way dog owners can save money is to cancel that gym membership and spend more time walking and running the dog instead. The dog and the human need the exercise!

One of the most important and easiest ways to save money on dogs that people often over look is to make sure that dog is trained and exercised.

A dog that knows the rules and does not have extra energy is not going to get into trouble, destroy things or bite someone.