Welcoming a dog into your life is one of the most exciting things you can do. For many couples, a dog is the first step towards starting a family, and in western cultures, dogs are seen by most people as mini-humans who need the same care and attention as babies.
One of the worries for most new pet parents is how to pay for the dog you’re welcoming in, and if you adopt a breed that has known health issues, those dog expenses could mount up quite a lot over its lifetime.
Common health problems
Dogs can suffer from all kinds of health problems, just like humans can, which is why it’s essential to make sure you find a veterinarian you like and trust.
Getting pet insurance is a good idea and may help to cover the cost of veterinary care. However, it’s still likely that you’ll need to spend money first before your insurance company reimburses you for any care if they deem it appropriate.
It’s a good idea to keep a ‘pot’ of money set aside for any unforeseen doggy health issues. If this isn’t possible, and you know your insurance company will reimburse you, then a quick loan might be a good idea. A simple short-term loan can be approved in minutes, allowing you to pay for the vet’s fees on the spot and give you time for the insurance company to reimburse you the fees.
Avoiding health problems
Some dogs will be fit and healthy for almost their entire life and may even pass away at a good age with not many health complaints, but for other dogs, the issues can be severe almost from birth.
It must be said that bad breeding is a serious issue, and avoiding designer breeds such as brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs, etc.) is a good idea, as cute and as lovely as these dogs are. For more information on brachycephalic breeds, look at the British Veterinary Association’s breed to breathe campaign.
Other breeds known to have health issues due to bad breeding include Labradors who regularly suffer from elbow dysplasia and German Shepherds who may be at risk of hip dysplasia and arthritis issues.
Before you buy or adopt your new puppy, do your research, meet the puppies’ mother, and ask for any health reports. If there is something suspicious about the breeder, pull out of the sale immediately and contact the relevant authorities.
Other costs
Aside from health fees, the two other most expensive parts of owning a dog are boarding fees and supplementary health fees (such as grooming). Grooming can, for some dogs, be a luxury that isn’t very necessary, but for other breeds, such as the Bichon frisé, grooming is an absolute necessity.
When it comes to boarding, there are lots of options, which include:
- Staying with friends or family
- Using a dog walking service if it’s not overnight
- Overnight dog sitters at your home
- Home boarders
- Kennelling
When it concerns your financial situation and dog expenses, consider the above points to ensure that you and your new furry friend are as happy as possible.
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