Doggie Costs...The Financial Side Of My Furry Friend.

Under constant revision. 07.14.2006 - Brownie had an episode of major diahrrea, and it went on for a whole day and half so I took him to the vet. He was okay, and doc felt it was best to just give him some pills to help ease his stomach and then keep an eye on him. Well, all tests and visit fees came out to $81.00. Total cost to date: $4,301.79. Poor guy, he had another episode yesterday...I'm gonna take it easy on the treats and keep him on just his kibble and celery (for fiber). 06.22.2006 - Dog Food (Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul): $35.00 Treats (Bully sticks, yeah weird that I just wrote about another kind of bullies): $12.00 Wholistic Pet Salmon Oil (32oz): $36.00 Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM (Triple Flex, For me and my dog actually): $30.00 / 150 pills Total to date: $4,220.79. 05.16.2006 - Bought dog food. Total to date: $4107.79. 05.15.2006 - Bought reflective breakaway collars, ball, id tags, and bed. Total: $4072.79. 04.28.2006 - Hold your breath, $220.77 for microchipping, treats, a couple toys, leash, antibiotics, and flea medicine (almost ~$90.00! for 6 months). Total to date: $3,992.79 04.24.2006 - $110.00 pet insurance, standard plan. Total to date: $3772.02. 04.15.2006 - $40.00 for additional classes. $48.95 for food. Total to date: $3662.02. 04.07.2006 - $117.57 some flea/tick medicine, treats, and toys. Yeah, I spoil my dog... :) Total to date: $3573.07. 04.04.2006 - I received $125.00 from the other dog owner to cover half the vet costs. But I also bought Brownie some new toys, $13.00. So I'm subtracting 112.00 from the total cost of my dog, never thought that would happen! Current to date cost: $3455.50. 03.31.2206 - $3567.50...bought food. 03.07.2006 - He needs some antibiotics for his skin infection, $38.50. Total cost, $3538.50. 02.27.2006 - Orginal Post: So I got a dog in September of 05. He's a chocolate labrador. He's great! Total costs to date, February 27, 2006: Purchase: $1400.00 Vet bills: $750.00 (includes flea and heartworm medicine) Toys: $300.00 Bed and crate: $340.00 (2 wire crates, one plastic, two beds) Supplies: $250.00 (nail clipper, shampoo, bowls, collars, leashes) Food & Treats: $150.00 (nothing fancy right now, maybe eventually switch him to a better food...but he's been doing great on what he's eating right now.) Neuter/spay: $50.00 Classes: $40.00 Dog day care: $220.00 (For 11 days, plus 1 free bath...on occasions where it's raining, he can run around with other dogs. Good for socialization and when I need to do something for a day. I've only use 2 days out 11 day package so far.) Total: $3500.00 Cost per month: $583.33 I figure the cost per month will decrease as he gets older. Vet bills were high initially because of the vaccinations and check ups. Also, he had an emergency visit because of a dog bite. But the companionship of a dog is well worth it. Here's a short list of reasons why: 1. Every morning he's happy and bouncy. It brightens my day. 2. He's a character when it comes to eating time... 3. Keeps me active. 4. Has a tendency to drool when waiting for a treat...very funny. 5. Lets me know when someone is outside...he has a mini-bark. It's not as harsh as his full on bark. 6. Sleeps with his legs in the air...it's hilarious. 7. He just makes my life better... Other Doggie cost posts I stumble across: http://smbmoney.blogspot.com/2006/03/pet-ownership-costs.html