Dog ownership can be expensive, but it doesn’t always have to be. There are lots of steps you can take to help keep costs as low as possible. Creating a monthly budget for dog ownership is important because it allows you to see where you need to spend money and on what. So, exactly what should this monthly budget cover and include?
Food: Special Dietary Requirements
There are a wide variety of pet foods on the market. Some are produced on a large scale, and this helps keep the cost down, while others are grain-free or suitable for specific diets or allergies your dog may have. Budgeting for the cheapest food around is not always cost-effective, as a lot of processed dog foods lack key nutrients, and this can affect your dog’s health and well-being. This means that you could end up saving a few dollars and cents by using the supermarket’s own brand of dog food, but you could end up spending more in the long run on supplements and vitamins.
Pet Insurance
No matter the breed or age of your dog, you may want to look at getting pet insurance. Pet insurance will cover your pet for any injuries or accidents, and paying a small amount every month will stop you from facing those larger bills. When you are looking at taking out pet insurance for your dog, you need to be certain about what the coverage includes and how much it will cost you each month. Some insurance premiums can initially look attractive with a low rate. However, you can find the cost often rises unexpectedly.
Veterinary Care and Treatment
All dogs will need to visit the vet at some point in their life, and you must budget enough for one-off visits and regular check-ups. Not all vet practices and animal hospitals are overpriced or unfairly priced. You will often find that there are a lot of practices that are there to support dogs and their owners. For example, at saltwateranimalhospital.com you can see that veterinary treatment is not overpriced and it is affordable. Allowing enough each month (and each year) for veterinary care and treatment is essential. Vet bills can quickly escalate, so it is important to check the affordability before signing up and registering your pet.
Vaccinations and Immunizations
To keep your dog as healthy as it can be, you are going to need to make sure you get regular vaccinations and immunizations. If your dog does not keep up to date with vaccinations and immunizations, you may be exposing them to nasty and harmful infections and diseases. These can sometimes end up being deadly, and they can end up being costly in terms of treatment. Booking and paying for immunizations in advance may save you some money; however, it is always worth asking vets and practices about any financial treatment plans they may have available to you. You may be able to pay every month for your dog’s care and treatment.