Budget tips for dog!

[jesse8931]

Don't skimp on vet care...in the short term it may seem expensive but in the long run it will save your money by catching things quickly and making sure you have a healthy dog. Keep up on wellness exams every year. Do some research on what vaccines are recommended for your area and your lifestyle. Depending on where you live and what activities your dog will do will make a big difference on what vaccines you may chose.

I second investing in the Seresto collars. They seem expensive at first but last 8-9 months, are water proof and protect against fleas and ticks. We use one on our guy and I didn't find one tick on him all summer (ticks are a huge problem where we live).

Tri heart brand for heartworm medicine is a generic form that is really affordable. Heartworm meds are another thing that may seem like you're paying extra for but it such an easy thing to prevent and if you're dog should get it, it is expensive and very long process to treat.

Another thing I would recommend is puppy insurance. Again, another expense upfront but something that I LOVE knowing I have. I use Trupanion and you can set your own deductible. I pay $48 a month but that all depends on what you choose. It does not cover routine visits and exams but should you have an emergency like a foreign body, broken leg etc you will be covered. My dog eats anything and everything so I expect someday this will come in handy. I also like knowing that I will have it in place for when he's older and older dog issues pop up. Another alternative to this is just putting some money aside into a an emergency pet fund to have handy.

Have fun with your new dog!

What about the dogs that live in the wild or the dogs that have roamed this earth for thousands of years.
People treat dogs like humans but forget there dogs.

I have two huskies who love to kill small game and dig. Thats what huskies do they dont get flea treatments or heartworm.
I figure we've made it 6 years that way why change.

 

[disney144]

We definitely plan on spending well for his vet bills (just like ourselves). We intend to do the necessary vaccines recommended in the area.

Does anyone else have experience with dog insurance? We were looking at possibly doing healthy paws. We would do a higher deductible to keep costs low, but have it there for an emergency.

You guys have been so helpful! Only one more day until my fur ball is home!

 

[sibesx2]

What about the dogs that live in the wild or the dogs that have roamed this earth for thousands of years.
People treat dogs like humans but forget there dogs.

I have two huskies who love to kill small game and dig. Thats what huskies do they dont get flea treatments or heartworm.
I figure we've made it 6 years that way why change.

I have owned Siberians for over 15 years. They get flea treatment as needed (haven't needed it in over a year). I give vaccines every 3 years until they turn 6 and then they only get rabies as required by law. But my dogs get heartworm meds every month all year. It is a necessity here in the south and without it there isn't a question of whether or not they will get heartworms but when they will get it. Heartworms will kill a dog and the treatment for it is horrible and very dangerous. Not something I am going to take a chance on. Even dogs with thick coats get bit by mosquitoes.

OP congrats on your new pup!

 

[Fueledbycoffee]

Treats... Save the money on the cute treats at the pet store because they are expensive and generally not very good for them (hence the term). Instead "treat" with fruits and veggies. One of the easiest & cheapest things are frozen green beans or carrots. Put them in a ziplock in the freezer and grab whenever you need them. My dogs LOVE them! When taking obedience class, I liked using string cheese because I could just peal off a little piece at a time and it was healthier.

 

[NinaBella]

We definitely plan on spending well for his vet bills (just like ourselves). We intend to do the necessary vaccines recommended in the area.

Does anyone else have experience with dog insurance? We were looking at possibly doing healthy paws. We would do a higher deductible to keep costs low, but have it there for an emergency.

You guys have been so helpful! Only one more day until my fur ball is home!

USAA offers pet insurance.

 

[NinaBella]

I took our dogs to the vet regularly when they were puppies. They haven't been to the vet in over 6 years. We do take them to get rabies shots or else the groomers wouldn't take them. Instead of the vet we go to a mobile pet vaccine truck in our area. Never remembered to give them heart worm treatments so that was a waste. We never give them flea medicine either. They are indoor dogs and only go out for short walks or in the backyard for short periods. Never had any medical issues with them at all and they are now 10 and 11 years old. I expect we will have issues in the next few years. I do have friends who have dogs with all kinds of medical issues and allergies. We live in Florida.

 

[sunshinehighway]

Tractor Supply sells its own brand of dog food that good and much cheaper than the pet store brands. They even have a grain free version.
Our local pet store chains do vaccinations. They have a company that comes in twice a week. Its good because you can avoid an appointment charge from your vet if you only need vaccination.

 

[weeniecat2442]

What about the dogs that live in the wild or the dogs that have roamed this earth for thousands of years.
People treat dogs like humans but forget there dogs.

I have two huskies who love to kill small game and dig. Thats what huskies do they dont get flea treatments or heartworm.
I figure we've made it 6 years that way why change.

dogs in the wild also dont usually live as long as our domesticated dogs. i want my guy to be as healthy for as long as possible. He's part of my family. He's treated like one of the family- and sleeps in bed with us. For us, our animals get treated as well as we would treat any person. Just how we feel about them. I totally get not everyone treats dogs like that and that's fine too. if you feel comfortable not treating for heartworm or flea treatments that's obviously your choice.

heartworm is a bigger problems in different areas. I'm in the north east but my dog came from the south where it is a huge issue. but it does happen here and I choose to do what I can to prevent it.
As far as fleas go...I have 4 cats too and what a mess it would be to get fleas in the house! so i chose to prevent that as well
But again, it all depends on what you as an individual think is important and what your lifestyle is. I have a very social dog and we live in the city -doggy day care & every day at the dog park. We do kennel cough every six months. If my dog was just hanging out at home and didnt see other dogs I'd skip it. Also parvo was rampant in my area this summer. I was happy he was properly vaccinated for it.
Vet care has come a LONG way over the years and I choose to embrace it so that my animals live a long time.

 

[weeniecat2442]

We definitely plan on spending well for his vet bills (just like ourselves). We intend to do the necessary vaccines recommended in the area.

Does anyone else have experience with dog insurance? We were looking at possibly doing healthy paws. We would do a higher deductible to keep costs low, but have it there for an emergency.

You guys have been so helpful! Only one more day until my fur ball is home!

OP- please post a pic of your new guy!

 

[havaneselover]

Treats... Save the money on the cute treats at the pet store because they are expensive and generally not very good for them (hence the term). Instead "treat" with fruits and veggies. One of the easiest & cheapest things are frozen green beans or carrots. Put them in a ziplock in the freezer and grab whenever you need them. My dogs LOVE them! When taking obedience class, I liked using string cheese because I could just peal off a little piece at a time and it was healthier.

My younger dog has been on a diet and I've replaced about a third of her food with frozen green beans. She loves them and has taken off about half of the weight she needs to. Not sure why dogs love them but they do (and she is picky).

 

[Cadiewampus]

My younger dog has been on a diet and I've replaced about a third of her food with frozen green beans. She loves them and has taken off about half of the weight she needs to. Not sure why dogs love them but they do (and she is picky).

Yep mine love carrots, sweet potatos and cucumbers

 

[Grmnshplvr]

I clip my dogs nails to save money, also I found a great dog food Wegmans brand it is 4 out of 5 star quality and both do really well on it. With 2 90lb dogs this has been quite a savings. I also use green beans and carrots for treat training. Low calorie and much cheaper than dog treats.

 

[Pembo]

My boys all love frozen green beans but not frozen carrots. lol

 

[sibesx2]

Cheerios make a great treat for training. They are small and easy to carry in a baggie. All of my dogs love them.