Determine How Much Your Pet Is Worth
Has the cost of caring for your pet become too much? Exactly how much is too much to spend on a pet? The human society reported last year that there are over 73 million dogs in America, and 90 million cats. And this is only the ones that are known about and documented. A whopping 40 percent of all households have at least one dog, and 35 percent of all households have at least one cat.
Let’s assume for a moment that you bought your pet. For an average purebred dog, you might expect to pay anywhere from $400 – $1200 dollars. This is just for the puppy, and will only likely include your first puppy vaccination shots. Within a few months you will also be looking at the cost of additional veterinary visits, cost of chew toys, food, training, crates, supplies, and any repair costs for chewed furniture. A generally healthy dog will still incur on average $200 per year in veterinary bills and a cat’s average bill will be only slightly lower. But what if your dog or cat is not healthy?
The first step involves training your pets
The first things to keep in mind about your family pet is what things you can do to help lower the cost of maintenance. For starters, the first step would be to have your pets trained. You can either have your pets professionally trained, or you can choose to do this at home. There are many programs out there that will be quite effective for training all but the most aggressive canines. Unfortunately cats are not as trainable as dogs, but they still can be trained for some things like litter box usage. The better your pet is trained, the less likely they will incur potential damage to themselves or your belongings. The type and amount of training will also depend on the breed of dog you own.
Any dog owner who has had a puppy knows that they like to chew. This constant desire to chew things is often the greatest cause of property damage, next to digging, and frequently leads to a vet trip for some items that are accidentally swallowed whole. Some breeds, like golden retrievers are notorious for swallowing almost any item. Mine once swallowed an entire sock. Luckily though, this sock filled with grass was vomited up safely an hour later and did not require surgery to remove it. Make sure your puppy is trained to chew on specific items or toys. Once the puppy has learned that these items are good and others are bad, you can lessen the chance of emergency vet visits
Training your pets will also offer the benefit of pets that listen to their owners. Pets like to go for walks. Larger breed dogs such as Malamutes or German Shepherd can be quite strong and hard to control. There are wonderful training aids available to help curb your dogs of the desire to pull on his leash. One such item is often seen on a horse, and it is called a halter. First of all, when used properly, a halter will not harm your dog in any manner. I used one quite successfully with a large malamute, which is a breed of sledding dogs that are known for pulling.
The halter is designed to be placed over the dog’s muzzle and attached to a leash or collar. When the dog starts to tug on the leash, the halter will provide a slight backwards tug on the dog’s nose forcing the dog to turn his head. This gives the dog a moment of pause to let them know they should not be pulling ahead. Within a few days of using this item the malamute went from constantly strong pulling to gently walking beside the owner. The owner no longer worried about the dog running off and getting hurt.
The top issues that you will need to address for training purposes will include potty training, digging, biting, jumping, and coming when called. Training your pet will make your pet happier, and less likely to get into trouble in some manner. The pets will no longer poop in your home, they won’t jump on strangers, and you will be able to control them when you’re out in public.
Other issues besides training,
A well trained pet will considerably help to lower your overall cost of ownership. But there are also other steps that can be taken as well. One thing that we think about for ourselves is called preventative maintenance. A good number of animal owners do not think about brushing their pet’s teeth, regular pet baths, or general grooming. This is often thought of for the “show dog”, or the “high society” pet. But just like us, they can become infected with a myriad of disease or health issues due to being unclean. Regular bathing will also help control any potential problems with fleas, ticks and other parasites.
With a little time, patience, and practice you will be able to do a professional quality grooming in your own home. This does not need to be done by a vet or some expensive grooming shop. If you do not have the time to do this yourself, then make sure you shop around for a good groomer. Get recommendations from friends, family or your vet.
Pet foods are also a big concern when it comes to cost. Many people do not realize that most store bought brands of dog foods are not good for your pets. Think of this like eating fast food every day. Much of the common dog food consists of filler products. These can be ground up chicken, pork, or beef bones or other parts. Some pets may even develop allergies to commonly found ingredients in these major brand foods.
Pet foods with a high content of filler will not satisfy your dog’s daily meal or nutritional requirements. This will often lead to repeat feedings to satisfy your dogs hunger, and if your dog remains hungry it may resort to chewing other items again. Try to keep your pet on a consistent diet as well. Too many changes from one brand to another can cause problems with their stomach or digestive systems.
We often think buying a 50 pound bag is cheaper. Until years down the line and our pet is losing his fur or becomes unhealthy for no apparent reason. Make sure to ask your vet about healthier alternatives to buying these “cheap” store foods
We own pets because we love them. They have grown to be parts of our families. We take them with us when we go on vacations, we walk them everyday through rain and snow, and we do our best to care for them. Many of us would say that our pets are priceless and that we would pay any price to keep our loving pets with us a little longer. Unfortunately we often think of this when it has become too late, or too expensive, and this does not need to be the case.
If you have a pet that you love, then like any child, get them on the healthy path early on. Feed then good quality foods, take them for regular checkups, and keep your dog clean and well trained. Consider getting things like baseline x-rays for comparison so that you will know if your pet has hip or elbow problems in the future. If you think of your pet as one of the family, then please treat them like one and take care of them with preventative care. Your pet will thank you for this treatment with many more years of additional love and devotion.
Derek Wood
View all articles by Derek Wood
|
|
100% Bronze cloisonne enamel palace Evil Guardian Door Fu Foo Dog Lion one Pair $21,150.00 |
|
|
Hot Dog Cart – Perfect condition, used one season! $2,900.00 |
|
|
Hot Dog Cart – One Year Old – $2,500.00 |
|
|
Chinese Royal Feng Shui red Bronze exquisite Foo Dog Lion beast statue one Pair $1,992.00 |
|
|
14K GOLD SWAT TEAM – GUARDIAN DOG TAG – ONE OF A KIND $1,895.99 |
|
|
Burgess Makes Bears Rare Prototype Dog Movable Part it’s One of a Kind To date $1,525.00 |
|
|
RARE JAN SHACKELFORD ONE OF A KIND GOLF DACHSHUND DOG DOLL $1,500.00 |
|
|
Little Dog Laughed: Level Two, Grade One : Workbook $1,048.05 |
|
|
30″ DUB 30×10 DIRTY DOG 8×6.5 Chrome ONE Single +0 Replacement Wheel RIM $899.00 |
|
|
GRAHAM~SPORTING DOG~1ST~ONE OF 100~1904 $950.00 |
|
|
11″chinese Refinement Feng Shui Pure Bronze Foo Dog kylin beast Lion one Pair $920.00 |
|
|
WDCC GRAVEYARD SHIFT CARETAKER AND DOG HAUNTED MANSION ROOM FOR ONE MORE NEW COA $785.00 |
|
|
101 ONE HUNDRED ONE DALMATIANS MOVIE POSTER DOG DISNEY $755.00 |
|
|
26″ DUB 26×10 DIRTY DOG 8×6.5 Chrome ONE Single +15 Replacement Wheel RIM $599.00 |
|
|
John Seerey-Lester One Dog Night Canvas Giclee $675.00 |
|
|
Garmin Astro 320 Dog Tracking Bundle DC40 DC 40 Collar One Year Warranty $599.99 |
|
|
26″ DUB 26 inch DIRTY DOG 5×5 Chrome 5×127 ONE Single Replacement Wheel RIM $499.00 |
|
|
22″ Dub 22 inch DIRTY DOG 6 lug 6×135 Chrome ONE Single Replacement RIM Wheel $495.00 |
|
|
ONE OF A KIND Amazing 18K Jadeite Jade Dog Lover Pendant GRADE A $550.00 |
|
|
22″ DUB 22×9.5 DIRTY DOG 8 Chrome 8×6.5 ONE Single +10 Replacement Wheel RIM $459.00 |
|
|
22″ DUB 22×9.5 DIRTY DOG Chrome 6×5.5 ONE Single +20 Replacement Wheel RIM $449.00 |
|
|
22″ DUB DIRTY DOG Wheel 5 Lug 5×112 Chrome One RIM $459.00 |
|
|
22″ DUB DIRTY DOG Wheel 6 Lug 6×5.5 Chrome One RIM +35 $459.00 |
|
|
22″ DUB DIRTY DOG Wheel 6 Lug 6×5.5 Chrome One RIM +20 $459.00 |
|
|
One of a Kind, Custom Hand Tooled, Bull Dog Saddle Bags $499.00 |
|
|
Garmin Astro 220 + DC 40 Collar Combo System for 1 to 3 Dogs (U.S. Only) $504.95 |
|
|
22″ DUB 22×8.5 DIRTY DOG 5×115 Chrome ONE Single +15 Replacement Wheel RIM $425.00 |
|
|
Huge Black Wrought Iron Custom Made Dog Kennel bed crate (One or Multi-Dog) $500.00 |
|
|
c1880 Cat and Dog Stories as Told to One Another Scarce $485.00 |
|
|
20″ DUB 20×10 DIRTY DOG 5 lug 5×112 Chrome ONE Single +40 Replacement Wheel RIM $399.00 |
|
|
22″ DUB 22×9.5 Dirty Dog Chrome 6 lug 6×5.5 One SINGLE+35 Replacement Wheel RIM $399.00 |
|
|
22″ DUB 22×9.5 DIRTY DOG 6×4.5 Chrome ONE Single +35 Replacement Wheel RIM $399.00 |
|
|
22″ DUB 22×8.5 DIRTY DOG 5×4.5 Chrome ONE Single +35 Replacement Wheel RIM $399.00 |
|
|
22″ DUB 22×9.5 DIRTY DOG 5×5 Chrome ONE Single +12 Replacement Wheel RIM $399.00 |
|
|
22″ DUB 22×9.5 DIRTY DOG 5×5 Chrome ONE Single +35 Replacement Wheel RIM $399.00 |
|
|
c1880 Cat and Dog Stories as Told to One Another Scarce $432.19 |
|
|
Petsafe PIF-300 Wireless + IF-100 One DOG NEW + FREE $449.95 |
|
|
DT Systems Super-Pro Elite Remote Dog Trainer One No SPT-2420 $425.27 |
|
|
LYNN HANEY BIG BEAR HUGS DOG U WILL LOVE THS ONE $395.00 |
|
|
Classic Strike One Dog Tracker – 216 MHz Remote Training Collar Remote Trainer $399.00 |
|
|
Classic Strike One Dog Tracker – 217 MHz Remote Training Collar Remote Trainer $399.00 |
|
|
VAN BRIGGLE DOG ART POTTERY BOOKEND One Only GREAT CONDITION $400.00 |
|
|
Seth Ciferri (One Off) Weiner Dog Tattoo Machine $400.00 |
|
|
Reservoir Dogs ( One Sheet, Original, Lined Backed & Restored ) $400.00 |
|
|
Ron Lee’s “DOGS” Statue– Excellent condition, RARE, only one on eBay! $400.00 |
|
|
LORRAINE CHIEN EXCLUSIVE One of a Kind WOOSTER, jointed Mohair Dog, hand made $400.00 |
|
|
RESERVOIR DOGS Original 1992 One Sheet Quentin Tarantino $400.00 |
|
|
Dogtra EDGE REMOTE TRAINER 1 Mile Waterproof Trainer EDGE One DOG $399.90 |
|
|
brown big Dog cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00034 adult one size suit $369.99 |
|
|
20″ DUB 20×10 DIRTY DOG 5 lug 5×112 Chrome ONE Single +25 Replacement Wheel RIM $299.00 |
|
|
Adjustable Hatchback Dog Guard BMW MINI ONE D COOPER $297.03 |
|
|
China Stamp 1982 Year Booklet Lunar Year of the Dog, 1982,very good one $350.00 |
|
|
DOG DAY AFTERNOON Original 1975 One Sheet Sidney Lumet $350.00 |
|
|
STRAW DOGS Original 1974 One Sheet Sam Peckinpah $350.00 |
|
|
ZOMBIE DOG LIFE SIZE HALLOWEEN PROP! Exposed skull and veins on one side $349.99 |
|
|
Black big dog cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00038 adult one size suit $348.99 |
|
|
PETSAFE WIRELESS DOG PET FENCE PIF00-12917 ONE DOG NEW $329.95 |
|
|
Shar Pei Dog cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00031 adult one size custommade $329.00 |
|
|
white big dog cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00043 adult one size custom $328.99 |
|
|
Christmas Dog cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00030 adult one size Cartoon $319.99 |
|
|
Beijing bar white dog Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00462 adult one size Cartoon $299.99 |
|
|
BIG lucky dog cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00027 adult one size custom $299.99 |
|
|
Overalls dog cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00041 adult one size suit $299.99 |
|
|
Tri-Tronics Classic 70 G3 One-Dog Remote Trainer $299.00 |
|
|
Tri-Tronics Classic 70 G3 (single dog) Dog Remote Trainer for ONE Dog Train $299.00 |
|
|
big head DOG cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00044 adult one size suit $289.99 |
|
|
PETSAFE PIF 300 WIRELESS Dog Fence 1,2,3,4,5,6 Dog Containment System NEW + TOYS $279.95 |
|
|
PetSafe Wireless Instant Dog Fence BRAND NEW Pet Containment PIF-300 PIF-275-19 $279.95 |
|
|
PetSafe Small Dog Fence PIG00-10773 ONE Dog System 1 Acre $274.95 |
|
|
HUGE LOT SALE! Reservoir Dogs Series One and Two Complete sets $249.95 |
|
|
white black face DOG Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00461 adult one size Cartoon $269.99 |
|
|
cute Bolt DOG cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00495 adult one size Cartoon $269.99 |
|
|
Cartoon cute love dog Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00463 adult one size custom $269.99 |
|
|
Shar Pei dog cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00468 adult one size custommade $269.99 |
|
|
white big dog cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00467 adult one size suit $269.99 |
|
|
Cartoon Overalls Dog Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00465 adult one size suit $269.99 |
|
|
cute Bolt DOG cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00460 adult one size suit $269.99 |
|
|
cute blue DOG cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00459 adult one size suit $269.99 |
|
|
big Music Dog cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00466 adult one size suit $269.99 |
|
|
schoolbag DOG cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00457 adult one size suit $269.99 |
|
|
cute blue DOG cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00458 adult one size suit $269.99 |
|
|
2006 Nike Air Force 1 One AF1 Premium Low YEAR OF THE DOG Sz 8.5 9 RARE! stash $249.99 |
|
|
PAIR ANTIQUE BLOWN MILK GLASS DOGS ONE WITH BASKET 19TH C. $259.31 |
|
|
Petzip Happy Trailer is a Dog Jogger, Stroller & Bike Trailer all in one $264.95 |
|
|
White dog adult one size Fancy Dress Mascot Costume R00575 Cartoon custom made $259.99 |
|
|
Innotek SD-2000 Three (3) Dogs Electric Fence One Acre $255.95 |
|
|
Big Cartoon Lucky Dog Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00464 adult one size suit $249.99 |
|
|
Dog white cute Mascot Costume Fancy Dress Adult R00522 adult one size Cartoon $249.99 |
|
|
Dogtra New Advance LCD One Dog Training Collar 2300NCP $248.79 |
|
|
7″Chinese folk Feng Shui red bronze lifelike Foo Dogs beast Lion one Pair $240.00 |
|
|
Fashionista Designer Dog Cat Pet Carrier and Purse All in One $240.00 |
|
|
NEW SPORTDOG UNDERGROUND FENCE ONE DOG SYSTEM SDF-100A $239.95 |
|
|
SPORTDOG UNDERGROUND FENCE IN GROUND ONE DOG SYSTEM SDF-100A $239.95 |
|
|
2006 AUSTRALIA LUNAR YEAR DOG $1 ONE DOLLAR SILVER 1oz COIN PCGS MS69 $223.87 |
|
|
PetSafe Electric Radio Fence PRF-3004W One Dog 5 Acres $234.95 |
|
|
Big Rich dog cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00028 adult one size custommade $229.99 |
|
|
Big LULU dog cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00037 adult one size suit $229.99 |
|
|
Dogtra New Surestim LCD One Dog Training Collar 7100H $222.99 |
|
|
Snoopy DOG cartoon Mascot Costume Fancy Dress R00029 adult one size custom made $219.99 |
|
|
SPORTDOG SDF-100 ELECTRIC DOG FENCE CONTAINMENT SYSTEM $219.95 |
