Cost of raising a puppy?

Question

I am looking into getting a new puppy. My mom said no because she can not afford to feed and take to the vet a new dog (would make total of 4), 3 cats, and my sister's rats. I have a job and some savings so I don't think that the cost would be that bad. She said that if I pay for it and take on the cost of my other dog that she'll strongly consider it. I figure that the first year will cost around $1,000-1,500. I'll need: cage, food, food bowl, leash and collar, puppy class, shots, neuter, grooming supplies (brushes, scissors, clippers-- for cocker spaniel), and some chew toys. What do you think it'll cost?

I pay about $20/month for my Maltese's Iams, about $0.54/can of Mighty dog and go through about 3 cans a week (this is when I had my other dog and her). So it's about $30/month for food.
Someone is always home so I don't need to worry about a dog walker.
My vet told me that the shots will cost me about $120, neuter about $60, flea and heartworm about $200.
Collars are about $7, about same for leash.
Cage (if buy new) is around $70.
I have lots of toys since I already have dogs. We don't buy dog treats.
Grooming supplies: $130 clipper set, $50 brushes/combs, $10 scissors, $30 stripper, and around $15 for shampoo and conditioner.
$100 for puppy classes.
So I think that my estimate is about right.
Is there anything that I left out?

Answer 1

The cost can always vary. Sometimes things come up you don't expect that cost alot! But it depends i figure 1,000 just on basic needs. I mean on vet bills alone I have spent well over 1,000. Between flea and heart guard and basic visits.

Answer 2

Bad idea.

A fourth dog increases the chances of having to pay for a medical emergency involving a dog that much more. If you don't have the money to account for that possibility then you shouldn't put yourself and the dog in a position like that.

Vet bills alone can amount to between $1000 and $2000 in the first year. Puppies get sick easily and also get hurt more frequently. Not to mention vaccinations.

Premium dog food can cost between $50 and $100+ per month, depending on the size of the dog. Count on a minimum of $50, even for a small dog.

Toys and other pet supplies are expensive too. Also, are you going to get a puppy? If you get a puppy, unless your mom will take him out while you're at school, you'll have to hire a dog walker. Young puppies can't be left alone for more than 4 hours at a time, maximum. A dog walker may cost between $75 and $100 a week.

Answer 3

spaying it cost 135, about 40 a month for food, 10 for a bowl, 120 a year for flea med, 80 a year for heartworm med, 44 for first shot and deworm, 34 for booster and deworm, 60 rabies and annual vaccine, leash 20-50, collar 10-50, toys and treats I spend about 50-100 a month, the cage depending on size can vary from 50-200. 20 for shampoo about every two months....That's about the basics for the first year.
And that's only if your dog is in perfect health, which puppies can get into a whole load of things.
I've probably already spent well over 2000 and I have had my puppy since April of this year...... but she is spoiled too!

Answer 4

The issue is that dogs are poor generalizers - it's not that the dog is "sneaky, greedy" etc, but that they have no intrinsic sense of morality or "rightness" and so only think something is "bad" if it has bad consequences. If it has never had bad consequences except with a human in the room, then how on earth are they to know that the rules still apply with the human out of the room? You need to train in such a way that corrections and rewards occur when the dog does not think you are present - i.e. hiding around the corner. Read here https://tr.im/uwPmA

I personally owned a Labrador Retriever (read: chow hound) that could be left 6" from a hot dog in a sit-stay for half an hour and not touch it - the word was "mine" and it meant that you don't touch that, even if I am not in the room, even if whatever, you DO NOT touch that. You could leave a plate of food on the floor for hours and not only would she not touch it, she would also keep the other animals (dogs and cats) from touching it.

In all probability, these dogs studied were just not properly trained/proofed before the experiment. With "proofing" to set them up and catch them in the act to give

Answer 5

There is no such thing as a free puppy, lol. Puppy supplies, leaving out the food, costs a LOT. Try to find a place that sells good ones cheaply, like Petco or another place like that.
For dog food, always read the back to see what is in it. Recently there have been dying animals because of something in the food.
Good luck!

Answer 6

It's good that You are being smart and doing the research first. In my experience, it cost alot of money. I had to buy my dog, ($700.00), vaccines for the first year ($120.00), quality dog food ( about 50.00 every month ! ) treats (40.00 a month)dog toys (50.00 a month), and not to mention the time. I take my out on walks every day for 40 minutes, plus obedience training the first year (199.00) . Also that is just the first year if you have No accidents. There is always Emergency Vet visits which start at 100.00 just to see the vet after hours. Also you would want to neuter/spay your animal, dental cleanings, etc. I also have Vet Pet insurance-health insurance for my dog at 39.00 a month. So,the costs are Never the same- can change month to month and its a big responsibility, financially and emotionally.

Answer 7

I think your estimate is a bit low.