MoneySaving for dog owners discussion

Twizzle1

I have adopted a collie x from a rescue centre as a loving companion. I was told about the behaviour issues relating to lunging at people, cyclists and joggers and social skills with some other dogs. I accepted and was prepared to take on these challenges. What I was not made aware of was separation anxiety.

Two years on this problem remains (and yes, I have tried the repetition exercises of leaving and returning). This has made my life almost impossible. I cannot consider getting a job unless I can work from home. The dog is stressed and barks constantly when left alone in the house - even while I am just outside. Going food shopping means taking the dog with me and leaving him in a ventilated car while I dash round a shop. He barks constantly attracting attention from people, who must think he has a cruel owner. Some have even threatened to report me. Any social activity has to include the dog.

I have owned two previous collie x rescue dogs and have never experienced this level of dependency. He is much loved but I definitely think this subject needs to be discussed when adopting a dog and should feature in your FAQ.

Rosha

Really great to see a responsible guide to getting a dog with lots of info and advice.

I have two comments that you may wish to use to improve the guide:
Firstly, it seems to be emerging that many designer cross breeds are less healthy than either pedigree parent eg Labradoodles have poorer hip scores than either Poodles or Labradors. As such some cross breeds may be less healthy than more 'traditional' cross breed 'mongrels' so you may wish to point that out to ensure that a designer cross breed isn't automatically mistakenly thought to be a healthier choice than a pedigree. They will need to research their chosen breed/cross breed.

Secondly, as well as rescue centres and breeders you can also apply for a dog from Guide Dogs. Guide Dogs rehome withdrawn (can be any age and a variety of reasons) and retired dogs that need homes. Another option for people looking into getting a dog to consider.

lola211

Both my girls are rescues & wont let me brush their teeth. Dental sticks are pretty useless if that’s your only option, and god knows what goes into them.
I was really lucky to stumble across this years ago. My girls are 10 & 13 (one is a jrt & small mouths usually have lots of problems). They get the occasional raw bone but that’s it except for Plaque Off. Their teeth are beautiful & strong, not a hint of build up.
I went to a new vet who was amazed when he inspected them. I thought the powder “scrubbed” their teeth, but actually there’s something in the seaweed that changes the environment in the mouth so plaque doesn’t stick to teeth.
A friend who was going to need £700 work on her dog used it for a couple of months & her did didn’t need the cleaning.

Gypsysmum

BikerChick90 wrote: »

Money saving tip for pet owners with large breeds.

I have a large Alsatian and beds are a fortune!
I recently bought a bargain orthopaedic memory foam double bed mattress on eBay, the human type of course, complete with a zip off cover. It had been hardly used, from a spare bedroom of a home and cost me £1 (I collected it in my car).
I then bought the biggest replacement dog bed covers I could find on eBay for £3.99. Using the cover as a template I removed the mattress cover and cut the mattress up into 4 rectangular pieces, then put dog bed covers on each piece. This made four extra large luxurious memory foams dog beds, as thick as a usual human mattress. Two for my Alsatian, two for my parents dogs.
Total cost for all 4 beds including the covers £17 and the dogs love them! Couldn’t buy one bed big enough for my Alsatian for £17 at pets at home!

Great tip! You can also get memory foam off-cuts on ebay if you only need one dog bed.

Gypsysmum

Over all some very good advice. As a behaviourist I was, however, disappointed to see the Jack Russel Terrier recommended as a good alternative to the needy Border Collie. Jack Russels are working dogs too and, as such, they need lots of exercise and stimulation to keep them on an even keel.
Much better to steer people who want an easy life towards one of the toy breeds. These have been bred for generations to be human companions.
All the terrier breeds can be hard work for people with limited time or energy.
The advice also goes, of course, for many working breeds.
If they were bred to do a job then they often will go freelance if not channeled in the right direction.

Gypsysmum

SheeranJ wrote: »

Yesterday I requested a repeat prescription for my 'young at hear' 13 year old Boxer who has problem teeth but an operation due to her age is not an option. The vet suggested an ongoing prescription for antibiotics at a cost of £250!! Having already looked online where the cost was over 50% less I asked for the prescription to buy elsewhere. 8 tablets from the vet to cover until the online order arrives (3 days) cost £40 and the online order for 84 tablets cost £49.00! I appreciate it may not always be the case that online is cheaper but it's got to be worth a look first?

Online pharmacies have huge warehouses and can bulk buy. Vets do not have this luxury. Vets also do need to make a living somehow. The overheads are enormous in a veterinary practice with all the high tech equipment and salaries for professional and non professional staff. Independent vets can sometimes be a better option than those belonging to large national chains. I have never seen a rich vet.

onwards&upwards

Gypsysmum wrote: »

Much better to steer people who want an easy life towards one of the toy breeds. These have been bred for generations to be human companions.

Or towards cats. Small dogs still need daily walks and proper training.

derekhopgood

Although the Kennel Club is a good place to find a puppy here are a few warnings.Assured breeder scheme does not include the requirement to carry out health checks on the parents .Always ask the breeders for the results of health checks .Also remember the Kennel club also registers puppies from puppy farmers.The only way to find out is to buy the Kennel Club Breeders Supplement which will show how many litter have been bred by each breeder.
Another way to locate a good breeder is to contact the Breed Club Secretary for each relevant breed.
The best web site to look at is Champdogs .co.uk. This site monitors relevant health checks for the pups parents. Always walk away if you have any doubts when you go to visit the pups and try to see them at 4 weeks and as many times as possible before they are ready to leave.

PussCatty

In order for people to borrow dogs via the BMD app, owners must first list their dogs as available for “borrowing”. This mean for an annual fee (about £50) people offer to walk your dog, have them for a visit or even look after them whilst you’re on holiday at no extra cost to you. Insurance is included and all potential borrowers are verified before you meet them.
It’s an amazing system and one we’ve used for a few years now. It means we get extra help (I’m disabled) and the dogs love their walks with the borrowers. An added bonus is the (human!) friendships made.

littleredhen

Disappointing comments regarding raw feeding - there is a great raw feeding community with lots of helpful tips and correct guidance re making sure your pet gets the correct amount of bone, protein and offal. Unfortunately some vets are against raw feeding and dismiss it out of hand. There are lots of poor quality dog foods on the market both dry and tinned. Like anything, if you are going to get a pet do lots of research and join groups online of your breed and canine enrichment groups etc. I have been raw feeding my dog since I got her, not only did the vet say its nice not to see an overweight dog but I don't prepare her food and not clean the surfaces down afterwards and I have NEVER had an illness related to raw feeding, whereas people I know seem to sickness bugs fairly frequently;)