Finances for Fido
Budget Wisely Before Gifting a New Canine Family Member
By Camp Bow Wow
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We’ve seen the television ads during the holidays that feature a happy family gathered around a tree delightedly cuddling a fluffy new puppy adorned with a floppy bow. While the picture may seem Norman Rockwell perfect, don’t forget to count the long-term costs of adding a new furry member to your family. Too many people realize far too late they woefully underestimated the obligation of taking care of a pet for a lifetime.
If you get over the sticker shock of a pup’s initial price tag (thousands of dollars for some designer breeds), you’ll want to consider whether to purchase pet insurance to offset major vet bills or set aside funds to pay for medical treatment. Furry family members require regular checkups to ensure they stay healthy, and elderly pets will have increased needs like senior adults. Rabies vaccines are mandatory, and others, like Bordetella, also are required if you have your pup boarded or groomed. Flea, tick and heartworm protection range in cost but are a must in San Antonio’s warm climate. All it takes is one de-flea disaster, and you’ll never forget your pup’s pest prevention again.
Do you travel or work away from home for long hours? Pups, like small children, aren’t able to fend for themselves. You’ll want to make arrangements for pet sitting – whether you enlist a neighbor, kennel, or sign your pup up for camp – all with differing price tags and advantages.
You might not realize it, but pet supplies add up. Even if you eschew holiday costumes or designer duds, you’ll still need a soft bed, perhaps a kennel or doggy playpen, food and water dishes, collar, leash and toys – and especially if your precious pup is teething. Scrimp at your own risk. What’s the replacement cost of your couch cushion or chair leg? Will you train your pup yourself, sign up for a class or hire a reputable professional? You’ll want to invest the time and treasure to ensure your pup develops good social manners.
You’ll need to budget for food and treats. Some human-grade food delivers right to your home, with a price tag to match. But a bargain brand might not deliver the optimal nutrition you’d want.
Will you bathe Fido at home or have him groomed? Some breeds require more than just a trip to the tub. They need regular coat maintenance to avoid getting matted and soiled. And every dog needs their nails trimmed. Most vets also recommend teeth brushing to prevent dental decay that can turn into costly cleanings and/or tooth extractions later.
Don’t be swayed by the adorable doodle or long-haired French Bulldog being sold by the side of the road. Purchasing a dog from an unknown source can be a recipe for disaster. You have no assurance the furry bundle has been properly vetted. It may be carrying heartworm, or even worse – Parvo – which can be deadly for pups. And with no family history to gauge, you could be setting yourself up for more than a decade of costly special food for sensitive stomachs, allergy shots, medications or even surgery to correct congenital conditions to which overly bred breeds may be prone.
When and if you decide to take the plunge – and there’s nothing like the unconditional love and loyalty of furry family member – budget wisely and set aside funds for emergencies. You’ll save yourself financial stress and be able to enjoy your precious pup more wholeheartedly.
