Considering buying a Shih Tzu pup - advice please

sheramber

check with local groomers how much they charge and how often.

I don't know how often a !!!! tzu needs groomed- clipped- but some breeds need it every 6 weeks, others every 12 weeks.

Factor in the time and cost of getting there.

Will you have holidays where you take the dog or will you need to use kennels?

`you will need to spend time keeping the coat brushed and tangle free between visits to the groomers

Definitely take out a good insurance policy with cover for life. Read the policy documents carefully before buying to make sure you know what you are covered for and don't get a nasty surprise when you claim. Cheap is cheap for a reason.

tiz

The PDSA estimate the base cost of a small dog to be £70pm about £12,000 over lifetime

Which includes:
Set up For dogs – bed, toothbrush,
toothpaste, coat, lead, collar, tag, microchip, food bowl, water bowl,
initial course of vaccinations and monthly wormers to six months
of age, toys, neutering and car restraint.

Monthly costs include preventive treatments (annual booster, regular
flea/worm treatment) as well as insurance, food and a small toy
allowance. For dogs, this monthly cost also includes poo bags and
toothpaste.

But doesn't include: veterinary treatment, boarding fees, grooming
and replacing accessories

So you probably need to go a bit higher than £100 pm if you will need boarding and pick a breed that needs regular grooming. Plus factor in some excess payment for insurance.

Katiehound

If you are intending to use kennels whilst you holiday they will likely insist that your dog has the usual annual vaccinations. Mine now insist that dogs also have kennel cough vaccination (a further £24 pa)
Some vets have a lifetime plan- Vets4Dogs have- very reasonable if you live close to one- Vac4Life @ £99! Bargain

I buy my wormers online- they are either the same as sold by the vet or the same drug but produced by a different (well known) drug company. About a third of the price.That makes quite a difference as I have 2 dogs and have to worm to conform with Pet Passport rules.

Dog training. Ours is very reasonable as it is run by (very knowledgeable- ) volunteers on a not-for-profit basis. I would say that is essential- gives you ideas and is sociable for your dog too, and if you do have a problem there are folk to help.