subject: The Cost Of Dog Ownership [print this page] The Cost Of Dog Ownership The Cost Of Dog Ownership
Some people say that owning a dog is like owning a boat, it is an undertaking with endless expenses. Once you get home with your dog (which you may have paid with a pet adoption fee costing somewhere between 50 to 200 and up for dogs of purebred) there are some demands that call for rapid action and thus must be fulfilled.
Principally, the correct kind of food that your dog needs must be available. Food selections are provided according to the dog's age in order for you to distinguish what food should you feed a pup and what is for an adult dog. There are even foods for both pups and older dogs with extra nutrients so that their exceptional needs will be catered to. Of course, you have to get food and water bowls that are the correct size for the dog. Pup bowls are effective in terms of being robust and they fit well to the floor making it easy for the dogs to eat and drink. A resting place for the dog is yet another thing that you need to arrange. That can range from flannel blankets piled up in a box to a fully fitted out doggie bed that could cost more than your own bed.
An outside dog needs a place to sleep that's protected from the weather. A dog placed inside a fenced kennel is not actually a pampered pooch. That's little better than prison. A concrete dog house is what an outdoor dog calls for. If you have a small dog, you can get him a cedar kennel for only two hundred dollars or for a large dog, expect to pay upwards of one thousand dollars for a cedar house that handles weathering well. Insulated walls are just the thing that your dog might want during the times when climates become extreme.
Unit plus installations are also offered to those owners who have enough money to pamper their pets as they can have additional units to their pet's outdoor doghouse such as an air conditioner or heating unit. You can also get an indoor dog house which permits medium-built or even small dogs to have some sense of privacy. Indoor doghouses which are made of rattan are also available in smaller sizes for under $100. You will tend to give your dog additional prizes as the time passes which can run from his necessities going to some perky items. Your chief, long term expenses will go to the maintenance of your dog like its vaccines, veterinary checkups, grooming and food.
The law requiring you to leash your dog is enforced to nearly all cities under your control when walking in public areas. An indispensable lead is what you need to attach to the collar of the dog. Leashes are available in a variety of colors and they usually come with dog collars as you can also match them with fine leather or duplicated jewels such as rhinestones or others depending on your budget.
The trendy dog wears designer collars and leads, which can match your designer clothing so you make a matched pair. A practical option for collar and leash is the reflective collar. You might love to walk or run with your dog when it is already dark, you will still feel secure together with your dog since the reflective collar can give you a choice for protection. Don't expect to find a dog toy section that is bigger compared to that of the toy section for tots in any department store. Dog toys range from inexpensive chew items and bones to toy frogs, squirrels or cats which can grant your dog the opportunity to feel dominant over other types of animals.
In cold and wet climates, doggie sweaters or raincoats are practical items. A sweater can provide additional warmth that small dogs may call for. The fashion to dress up dogs in everything from swimsuits to party dresses to Halloween attire to haute couture quickly runs up the tab for a new wardrobe that you love, but don't expect every dog to like the idea. Countless offers of books and videos about dog schooling are just everywhere as well as courses for grooming and training or exercises for your dogs. Saving money is something that you should always keep in mind. You might need them for your yearly fashion of taking pictures with your dog together with Santa Claus.
