Cost of owning a dog?

[lb2006]

Well, I'm sure I won't be the first to tell you that you should look into German Shepherd Rescues...

But i'm a crazy dog mom who volunteers for rescue & sees what wonderful dogs come into our program (and made us foster failures!)
That being said, dogs are an expense.

There are many variables for food expenses - do you want to feed your dog a high quality food? If so, you'll spend quite a bit more per bag than food with fillers, etc.

Depending on where you live determines some vet costs. We live in a town about 30 minutes outside of a large city. Our vet is cheaper in our town v. the city.

Obedience training - again, depends on where you live, unless you plan to use the PetSmart/PetCo trainings.

And remember you need to give monthly heartworm preventative & flea/tick treatment. As well as microchip your dog!!!!

[lb2006]

Also, i'll say with our house, we have two german shorthaired pointers & spend close to $100/month on food. One of ours has allergies to LOTS of foods, so food is an expense we're fine with.

HW and flea/tick preventative cost around $20-$30 month per dog

[whitemerlot]

Didn't you recently say in a different thread that you would not spend more than a couple hundred dollars on medical care for a pet?

The cost to purchase a dog is nothing compared to how much you can spend in medical care.

[lb2006]

agreed with above - before we had bloodwork completed on our female for food allergies, we were spending $700+ annually on vet visits for recurring ear infections/ear scopes/surgeries.

[rfs13]

Dogs are expensive -- that is all
I'm biased though because I have a great dane and a weimeraner with terrible food allergies so they cost significantly more than your average dog.
I spend about $125/month feeding them and take them to luvmypet for vaccinations. We didn't put these guys through formal training because we had been through it in the past and just used the techniques we learned. But training was a couple hundred.
Definitely have a pet emergency fund! Vet bills for the unexpected injury or health issue can really add up quick!

[Deleted]

Do not buy a dog. There are plenty of German Shepherds at shelters or in foster homes. There are 296 on petfinder.com within 100 miles of my ZIP code, for instance.

Larger dogs are known to have hip problems, so personally, I would want a dog that is full grown or mostly grown to ensure they don't have such issues.

Obedience training will depend on if you want one-on-one or group instruction. We spent ~$100 at PetSmart for an 8 week class. Our neighbors spent ~$500 for one-on-one instruction in their home.

Food will depend on the type of food you use. You will want to check out dogfoodanalysis.com and pick at least a 5 star food.
Food for our 12 lb bichon mix is in the $45 range every 3.5 months. For a big dog it can easily cost that per month.

We budget $300/year for our dog's shots, flea/tick treatments and heartworm pills. However, we pay extra for an additional blood and fecal test b/c of a tick-borne disease our dog contracted at a year old.

Our dog gets groomed ~6-8x per year at ~$50/visit.

ETA: We spend $26/day on doggie day care about once per month, and it costs $40 to board her overnight. We have friends who have a similarly sized dog who take her 2-3x per week for day care, but were able to purchase a package that brings the per day cost to ~$17.

[chessie]

Cost of dog? Around 1k-2500 depending what kind of breed your looking. Show, pet, or show/pet. We spent 1k on our GSP for Show/Pet quality.
Obedience Training? 135 for basic 8 week class and another 135 for advanced stuff
Food? 50-100 a month for grain free
Shots/Vet bills? Shots- 6way from tractor supply is 5.99,/Rabies vaccines from city every three years is 10 bucks,
Other? You will need to consider yearly license for the dog- in our town its 10 a year.
Dog insurance, around 20-30 a month. Flea/Tick-around 15 a month. Misc- shampoo/toys...around 15 a month.
Pet sitters-anywhere from 20-30 a day- when you go away.

I would highly recommend insurance- saved me thousands. Two acls for our bully were 1500 a piece and they paid 80% for each in full. Medical care, is the biggest expense.

Owning a pet is very expensive.  One Emergency visit can rack up 500-2k very easily.  THings to think about prior to owning a dog though.

[LoveTrains]

I easily spend $5000+ a year on my dog.

I have spent $750 in the last two weeks for his yearly vet exam, some bloodwork. Medicine for an ear infection, etc.

He is getting a dental in February that will be another $500.

His food is $60/month and his meds are a lot more.

[LoveTrains]

The other thing I wanted to add is that if you do rescue it will still cost several hundred. Our adoption fee varies between $200-$400 based on age of dog and health issues. My pug rescue spent over $50K last year on vet care for our pigs.

[donnamartingraduat]

As PP have said, please do not buy a dog. GSD are all over rescue -- you can find a purebred without an issue. Plus, you will not be able to get a GSD from a reputable breeder this spring -- reputable breeders typically have 1-2 year wait lists.

We have two dogs (one medium and one large). Or budget for them is $300 per month -- and we easily spend that. Between regular vetting (including allergy meds for one during the summer), food, treats, toys, care for them when we are out of town, unexpected bills, etc. When we started keeping a budget - we were shocked at how much they cost.

Again, please consider a rescue!

[whitemerlot]

pandce.proboards.com/post/1905600

[Deleted]

We have 2 bigger dogs. Hard to break out exactly what 1 eats vs the other, so figure half of this:

About $50 a month for food, maybe less now that we switched to Costco brand. About $500 a year for shots, checkups, heartworm test, flea meds, and heartworm meds. About $25 month for high deductible insurance. $100 2-4 times a year for grooming (I feel this is optional, we could do it on our own). Probably $15 or so a month on treats or toys.

Also consider dog sitting or kenneling if needed. We do dog sitters and pay about $40 per night.

[Deleted]

I'll state the obvious here - make sure you can have a German Shepherd wherver you're going to rent. They may not allow it, or their renters insurance may not allow it.

I know someone recently who adopted a and had to take her back bc her apt said the breed was on the NO list.

[emilyinchile]

Shelters usually have a pretty full personality profile and will help you find an adult dog that likes kids. But if you're only able to spend $500 on a pet in an emergency situation, you should ideally not get a dog.

[halfpint]

I would assume at least $1000 for the puppy from a breeder.

Obedience training, depending on where you go and what you get, I'd assume at least a couple hundred. Depends on if you do a class, individual training, and how much you can do on your own. We did a group basic puppy socialization class, and a basic clicker training class, and I think we spent about $250 for each dog.

We spend $60/month on food for two dogs - one small, one medium. We buy premium, grain-free food. I wouldn't skimp on food and buy cheap - it can make a difference in skin and coat quality, allergies, digestive issues, etc.

As a puppy, vet bills are expensive. You're in for vaccinations, fecals, rabies, etc. fairly frequently. I'd budget maybe $1000 for the first year, and also keep in mind that puppies are more likely to get in scrapes. Our Cairn jumped from a second floor landing when he was 10 weeks old. Amazing that he didn't really get hurt, but it was still a vet visit to get him checked out. They also like to swallow strange things.

Also, think about any kind of travel. Boarding costs add up fast, at about $40/night for our favorite place. Will you both be gone long hours? Do you need to hire a dog walker? Daycare?

[chessie]

Jan 21, 2013 14:43:17 GMT -5 jjwritergirl said:

Wow, everything is so expensive! I think if I show my husband these numbers he will decide to wait (thankfully!)...

We are concerned about getting a full grown dog that may have an aversion to children. Is this a valid or completely dumb concern? My thought was that a puppy who grew up around kids/babies would be more inclined to act properly around them. If we looked into adoption, how would we learn these things?

Could look at it in a few ways, if you get a puppy do you have the time to train it..literally taking it out every hour until its house trained.  You would have to watch the puppy around the kids non-stop until both kids and puppy were trained.  Older dogs are easier- but you would still have to train them in your house and then train the kids. 

If your looking into adoption for an older dog- look for a dog that is good wit people, and kids obviously.  Some dogs will not be well suited for families.  Either way you will have to spend time training the dog in order to make them your perfect dog. 

[LoveTrains]

Jan 21, 2013 14:43:17 GMT -5 jjwritergirl said:

Any good rescue would not give you a dog that is bad with kids if you say you want them.

My adopted pug is amazing with children. I got him when he was six.

[Deleted]

Jan 21, 2013 14:33:06 GMT -5 whitemerlot said:

Didn't you recently say in a different thread that you would not spend more than a couple hundred dollars on medical care for a pet?

The cost to purchase a dog is nothing compared to how much you can spend in medical care.

Oh yeah. Yes, DO NOT GET A DOG.

[lb2006]

Agreed. I'm a volunteer/board member for a GSP Rescue & to adopt from us is $300. Our rescue spends tons of money each year on pulling/vetting dogs. Includes up-to-date vaccinations, microchip, spay/neuter, and some socialization in the foster home Although if you've met a GSP, they can be wild all of the time!

[Deleted]

Jan 21, 2013 14:43:17 GMT -5 jjwritergirl said:

Wow, everything is so expensive! I think if I show my husband these numbers he will decide to wait (thankfully!)...

We are concerned about getting a full grown dog that may have an aversion to children. Is this a valid or completely dumb concern? My thought was that a puppy who grew up around kids/babies would be more inclined to act properly around them. If we looked into adoption, how would we learn these things?

You can find dogs that are good with kids or other pets.

My cousin recently got a Belgian Malinois (very similar to German Shepherd) from a breeder, after their GSD died. The dog had been introduced to my cousin's 2 daughters - 4 and 8 years old - several times before they brought her home. Like, they went to visit the dog every weekend (breeder wasn't far from their home) They waited til she had some training when she was brought home, too. I want to say the dog was in the 6 months old range. Anyway, the dog was home with them a few weeks and ripped my cousin's younger daughter's ear nearly clean off. She was completely unprovoked. So it is hard to say even with puppies who are introduced to their owner/owner's children early on that you won't have a problem. I'd much rather have a dog whose temperament with children and/or other pets is proven.

[steph96]

I think everyone else has covered the basics. One thing we didn't think about was having the yard sprayed for fleas, ticks,and those dang stickers that get caught in their hair/paws. I'm pretty sure the cost of this varies by area.

[chessie]

Jan 21, 2013 14:47:42 GMT -5 lb2006 said:

Agreed. I'm a volunteer/board member for a GSP Rescue & to adopt from us is $300. Our rescue spends tons of money each year on pulling/vetting dogs. Includes up-to-date vaccinations, microchip, spay/neuter, and some socialization in the foster home Although if you've met a GSP, they can be wild all of the time!

Which one do you volunteer for? I been trying to find a nother one!! Love our current GSP

[chessie]

Forgot to include fencing, whether actual fencing-(might need permit) from town, or invisible fencing.

[Deleted]

Jan 21, 2013 14:33:06 GMT -5 whitemerlot said:

Didn't you recently say in a different thread that you would not spend more than a couple hundred dollars on medical care for a pet?

The cost to purchase a dog is nothing compared to how much you can spend in medical care.

That is exactly what I was thinking/remembering.  Well, I remember something about never more than $1,000, which is still laughable.

We vary in costs per year, depending on what comes up.  Good food probably runs us $50-$60 a month (that's how much the bags are, DH does the feeding, so I'm not exactly sure how long they last, maybe a bit more than a month).  Medical care in the last four months for a generally healthy overall dog, who has random fever unknown origin (i.e. not a put-him-down sort of condition for anyone with a heart): $2,000+.  And that's just for basic tests and antibiotics.  Surgery to remove a lump: $600.  One overnight trip to the emergency vet a few years ago: $1,200.  Dog care when we're out of town: $40 to $60 a night (so vacations suddenly get a lot more expensive).  Startup costs (crate, bowls, leashes, collars, tags) were probabaly a few hundred. 

[donnamartingraduat]

Jan 21, 2013 14:43:17 GMT -5 jjwritergirl said:

Wow, everything is so expensive! I think if I show my husband these numbers he will decide to wait (thankfully!)...

We are concerned about getting a full grown dog that may have an aversion to children. Is this a valid or completely dumb concern? My thought was that a puppy who grew up around kids/babies would be more inclined to act properly around them. If we looked into adoption, how would we learn these things?

It's great that you are thinking about this ahead of time!  It is a valid concern. However, a breeder isn't necessarily the answer.

First, if you want a puppy, you can get one from rescue.  It may take a little while to find a purebred GSD puppy, but it can be done.  Especially come summer.

If you are really worried about how a dog would act with kids, I would actually recommend adopting a slightly older dog (maybe around 1 year?) from a foster based rescue.  Many of the families who foster have children, so they already know how the dog reacts around kids.  It takes out the guesswork!  If you get a puppy from anywhere, you don't know how they will do with children once they get older.  While good socialization can do a lot, there are personality differences that you won't see until a dog is a bit older.

We always adopt 1-2 year olds and it is awesome!  Still young and energetic, but out of the trouble-making stage.  Plus, both of ours had already been housetrained!

[lb2006]

Chessie, PMed you!

[chessie]

Jan 21, 2013 14:56:18 GMT -5 jjwritergirl said:

Jan 21, 2013 14:51:24 GMT -5 @juno said:

That is exactly what I was thinking/remembering.  Well, I remember something about never more than $1,000, which is still laughable.

We vary in costs per year, depending on what comes up.  Good food probably runs us $50-$60 a month (that's how much the bags are, DH does the feeding, so I'm not exactly sure how long they last, maybe a bit more than a month).  Medical care in the last four months for a generally healthy overall dog, who has random fever unknown origin (i.e. not a put-him-down sort of condition for anyone with a heart): $2,000+.  And that's just for basic tests and antibiotics.  Surgery to remove a lump: $600.  One overnight trip to the emergency vet a few years ago: $1,200.  Dog care when we're out of town: $40 to $60 a night (so vacations suddenly get a lot more expensive).  Startup costs (crate, bowls, leashes, collars, tags) were probabaly a few hundred. 

My mouth is truly agape. I am so glad I asked for all these costs. 

Random though, how did you know your dog had a fever? (I am laughing and picturing you feeling their forehead.)

normal body temperature for dogs is between 101 and 102.5 F- You take the temp obviously from the butt. Add to the list of costs, you will need a first aid kit.
-gums turning gray

• Lethargy
• Depressed mood
• Shivering
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Coughing
• Nasal discharge

[RoxMonster]

We've had our dog a month and have incurred more costs than we foresaw (can afford it, have the money for it, but just unexpected costs we didn't think about).

We adopted so it was only $75 to adopt, but she developed kennel cough as soon as we got her (very common in shelters), so we had to antibiotics for that, for her ear infection, and then she has terribly dry, flaky skin and allergies. We've tried a few things for that.

We had her wellness check, two vet visits for being sick, and I think all that with her medications has been around $300 so far. Her flea and heartworm for 6 months was $180. Because of her skin allergies, she needs a certain kind of food which costs $50 for the largest bag and we have to buy that about every 2 weeks. We also spent $300 at Petsmart the day before we got her just getting all the dog "stuff" you need: leash, collar, bed, toys, water and food bowls, etc. We also have to get grain-free homemade treats from a local dog bakery because of her sensitivities and those are $10/pound. We pick up a pound about once/twice a week.

She also has terrible fear and anxiety that we did not see exhibited at the shelter. So we are having a behaviorist come every two weeks for $55/session to work with her. Right now we can't have people over or take her on walks her fear is so bad and she is not ready for group classes.

I would say we've spent well over $800 on her and we've only had her a month. Now some things may be one-time costs like a bed or leash, etc., at least until she outgrows or wrecks them! But no matter what the dog seems like at the breeder or shelter, medical issues, allergies, anxiety issues, etc. may appear that you weren't aware of, and therefore, unexpected costs. It's worth it to us because we love her and want to give her a good life, but it certainly is not cheap.

[Deleted]

Jan 21, 2013 14:56:18 GMT -5 jjwritergirl said:

Jan 21, 2013 14:51:24 GMT -5 @juno said:

That is exactly what I was thinking/remembering.  Well, I remember something about never more than $1,000, which is still laughable.

We vary in costs per year, depending on what comes up.  Good food probably runs us $50-$60 a month (that's how much the bags are, DH does the feeding, so I'm not exactly sure how long they last, maybe a bit more than a month).  Medical care in the last four months for a generally healthy overall dog, who has random fever unknown origin (i.e. not a put-him-down sort of condition for anyone with a heart): $2,000+.  And that's just for basic tests and antibiotics.  Surgery to remove a lump: $600.  One overnight trip to the emergency vet a few years ago: $1,200.  Dog care when we're out of town: $40 to $60 a night (so vacations suddenly get a lot more expensive).  Startup costs (crate, bowls, leashes, collars, tags) were probabaly a few hundred. 

My mouth is truly agape. I am so glad I asked for all these costs. 

Random though, how did you know your dog had a fever? (I am laughing and picturing you feeling their forehead.)

He shivers and starts getting lethargic.  He also stops eating and sometimes has vomiting.  We take his temp. (not a fun job, I assure you), and then hit the vet, hopefully not the e-vet, when it gets dangerously high.  We've been to the vet with it 5 times this year, and two vets can't find anything wrong with him other than a dangerously high fever; he can't tell us where it hurts, so it's just a mystery at the moment.

[CloudBee]

Jan 21, 2013 14:46:22 GMT -5 emilyinchile said:

Shelters usually have a pretty full personality profile and will help you find an adult dog that likes kids. But if you're only able to spend $500 on a pet in an emergency situation, you should ideally not get a dog.

I agree.  One quick trip to the emergency vet when our dog ran into a bush and got poked in the eye with a stick cost $1,200.  The emergency trip when he chewed and swallowed part of an electrical cord (from the vacuum) cost double that.

One bad ear infection or stomach bug that requires meds (or special food for a couple weeks) and a few repeat visits can cost hundreds, even at a reasonably priced facility.

Our dog is generally very healthy, but we end up spending a decent chunk on one freak ER visit, a tummy issue, or ear infection that won't go away without a few visits, probably once per year.