What are the ongoing costs of a dog?

Brie

FrankRizzo said:

Thanks but what does this have to do with the monthly costs of a dog?

Sorry - I didn't see any question about monthly costs of a dog.  The post title is "ongoing costs".  To me that means more than just financial - which admittedly as a non-dog owner I don't know.  But as someone who has had pets I know there is an emotional costs as well.  And the flip side emotional and sometimes financial benefits - like having a dog means you'll be healthier from being out walking more and are less likely to be burgled compared to us cat owners. 

If you feel my comments aren't relevant then I'm happy for you to ignore them.

p.s. I think a golden retriever would be lovely.  Again - just my opinion.

ejsmith1

There are always ways to keep down costs. Go to a dog club run by volunteers rather than someone doing it for a living, just make sure they are fear-free. Groom, bath and trim nails yourself, groomers will often give you lessons if you aren't sure how. Learn how to remove ticks yourself, do a basic first aid course. Don’t forget wear and tear on your car, home, garden and vacuum cleaner. If you want to feed raw you are going to need a big, or extra freezer. Holidays can be an expense, kennels are pricey and demand vaccinations like Kennel cough. If you take them with you you will often be charged extra, and a passport takes time and more money. Strike up a friendship with someone at dog training or the park though and you might be able to board each others dogs when needed. You won't be needing a personal trainer though, and you will never eat mindlessly again, especially with a goldie🤣

ladyholly

Dont forget vet bills are pricey and you are likely  to find they go up as your dog gets older. In my area a basic consult is between £35 and £40 with no treatment. I have recently had a sick dog euthanised. £306 including individual cremation and returning her to us in a scatter box.

If you decide to get a dog please either insure it or put money away each month in a seperate account for vet bills. Be aware that as dogs get older their insurance goes up as does your excess and there is often an extra such as paying 10% of any bill.

I obviously dont know your personal circumstances but be prepared for the long haul you are looking at up to 20years with your dog. The rescue centres are full of dogs who owners either had a change of circumstances or they get bored with the ongoing comittment. Bigger dogs do tend to have shorter lives.

In exchange for the expense and work you will get unconditional love, a friend for life, loyalty and unfortunately heartbbreak when they die. Ifyou go ahead good luck. I have 2 (was 3 until a few days ago) and love having them.

Naomim

We had a cavalier who didn't need much exercise, insurance was about £40 a month and boy! did we have our money's worth as he had a heart condition. His food was about £40 - £50 a month and he wasn't interested in toys.

We now have a labrador/GS cross. A sheprador 😁. She's 7 months, bigger, full of beans and eats more. Insurance is £35 a month, food & treats are about £70 - £80 a month. Already been through 3 leads at about £10 each. She ate her soft bed 🤦‍♀️ Harness was £25 but should last her as it's expandable. £150 on training classes that were invaluable but training is a constant ongoing thing and more classes won't be ruled out. She loves toys and shoes, she's chewed up 3 pairs of my work shoes but thankfully has left the furniture alone. She needs lots of exercise but I'm sure I'm also losing inches. She had a consultation at the vets yesterday to discuss when she'll be spayed. That was £52 for basically a friendly chat and a quick once over on her hips, teeth etc.

Dogs are an amazing addition to the family but they do need the ongoing care and attention and will give it back tenfold if treated properly.