Anybody have a budget / calculation of how much a dog costs per month?

johnsae Posted: Apr 27, 2005 09:09 PM

Anybody have a budget / calculation of how much a dog costs per month?

I am trying to convince FI to get us a dog, but he is very concerned about the costs involved. We would want a Chihuahua, and I aware that unexpected health issues may cause more money to be spent at certain times...but I'm wondering if you can lead me to an article, etc. that outlines how much dogs cost. (I only am looking for monthly costs, not the actual purchasing price of the dog).

Thanks so much!!

Jen2999 Posted: Apr 27, 2005 09:39 PM

Re: Anybody have a budget / calculation of how much a dog costs per month?

no but i will tell you our pup is 6 months and he has cost at least 1,000 just in vets bills with neutering and shots and what not since we got him...

My mom keeps telling me that after he is done with this puppy stuff its onyl really food and once a year the vet but SHEESH

HearzBellz Posted: Apr 28, 2005 08:39 AM

Re: Anybody have a budget / calculation of how much a dog costs per month?

Posted by Jen2999

no but i will tell you our pup is 6 months and he has cost at least 1,000 just in vets bills with neutering and shots and what not since we got him...

My mom keeps telling me that after he is done with this puppy stuff its onyl really food and once a year the vet but SHEESH

Yep, same with our pup. And if the pup is a rescue or was with other pups then you can also factor in the cost to treat kennel cough almost 95% of the time. After the first 6 - 7 months though, it is just yearly shots & visits, food& grooming
(and of course treats, toys & clothes for the pups in my house )

AnniesSS Posted: Apr 28, 2005 12:48 PM

Re: Anybody have a budget / calculation of how much a dog costs per month?

I usually spend about $150 or so a year on the vet visit, unless he's sick or something bad happens.

Food - depends on the size of the dog, but for my 43lb Charlie, he east a 50lb bag of food every 2-3 months.

Toys - your discretion and what your dog finds fun

I got Charlie from NSAl, so fixing him was included or very cheap and they gave us some food and the adoption costs were minimal.

jesslangen Posted: Apr 28, 2005 04:37 PM

Re: Anybody have a budget / calculation of how much a dog costs per month?

Peanut cost us a pretty penny to start. Then, she had a parasite because it turned out she came from a Puppy Mill. So initally between vet bills/spaying the first 6 months was about $1000.00. (That doesn't include the cost of her).

On a monthly basis...she goes through a 10lb bag every month-month and a half ($10) and I buy her treats once a month ($5) and at least 4 toys a month...she likes to pull the squeakys out of them and goes through about 1 a week. ($25).

So I guess she averages 40-50 a month.

ssdbk Posted: Apr 28, 2005 08:42 PM

Re: Anybody have a budget / calculation of how much a dog costs per month?

Oscar is costing us a lot. His initial vet visits, tests, shots, were over 300. Of course he needs food also. Then, I had to buy several different collars until I found the right one. I had to buy several toys until I found the right ones, and toys get old and need to be replaced. He likes to carry around his bowl and chew it, so I had to go get some really heavy ones that he cannot chew on or carry or hide. He is a short haired dachshund, and I find grooming to be fairly easy, so I don't take him to a groomer (one less expense), but of course I had to buy an ear cleaner, shampoo, baby wipes, a brush and now I need a nail trimmer. Oh, and I had to buy him a bed and get some baby gates. Because dachshunds are prone to back problems if they jump too much and because he really wants to be up at everyone else's physical level, I may also need a ramp to help him onto the couch (he can get there but it is not good for him). I was prepared for the costs and have no regrets at all, but the costs are very real!!!

Jen2999 Posted: Apr 28, 2005 09:58 PM

Re: Anybody have a budget / calculation of how much a dog costs per month?

yea fred has been soo much.. seriosuly a grand just on vets bills and then we bought him 3 dog beds so far, went through like 4 brandds of food before it stuck and he has innumerable toys.

CPAPPAS Posted: Apr 28, 2005 10:13 PM

Re: Anybody have a budget / calculation of how much a dog costs per month?

It's incredible how much vets make, kinda makes me rethink my profession! I have to tell you that the costs get worse as dogs age and become prone to illness. My parents spent about $30k on my two siberian huskies (one is 13 the other we just put down in january before my wedding ) I know it sounds like alot, but we never thought twice. It's amazing how these creatures become part of your family. I love them to death!