Sometimes we make impulsive purchases, which at first we like and enjoy, but as the days go by we leave them cornered in any corner. This is something that it should not be possible to do with animals, but nevertheless, it is done. Proof of this are the Protectors, in which many dogs and cats live and have been rescued from the street.
Let me tell you that just asking yourself how to know if I can buy a dog is a lot. Not everyone does it in good time, and sadly those "impulse purchases" end up being dropouts. Let's see then what does a dog need to live well.
Food and water
It is the most basic. A dog must be able to drink water every day as many times as he needs and, in addition, must be able to feed every day. Depending on the type of food you want to give it (natural food, Yum Diet or I think) it will cost you more, or less.
To give you an idea, natural food (carcasses, chicken wings, organ meats, and everything you want to buy in a butcher shop) can be available for a few $60 if the dog is large (30kg); The Yum Diet is fresh meat mixed with some vegetables that are sold in 6kg boxes and cost about 16 euros / box; and finally, a high quality feed (without by-products or cereals), can cost you about 60-70 euros a 15kg bag.
Veterinary expenses
Veterinary care is very important for the dog's health to be good. Here is a list of prices:
- Vaccines: about 20-30 euros each. They are given 4 during the first year, and one each year.
- Castration: males over 100 euros, and females 150-200 euros.
- Pharmaceutical products: about 10 euros.
- Visits: some veterinarians charge 20-25 euros for the visit.
- Microchip: 30 euros. It is mandatory.
Dog residences
If you are not taking your dog with you on vacation, you will have to leave it with someone. It is best to stay at home with a relative, but when that is not possible, there will be no choice but to take him to a kennel. And what can it cost to leave it for a week? More or less, between 100 and 200 euros, but it is always better to save 100 euros more in case you need veterinary attention during your stay.
Other expenses
Your dog will also need other things, which are:
- Bed: you can find it for 10 euros.
- Toys: between 5 and 30 euros. Interactive toys are more expensive (40 euros or more).
- Collar and leash: about 20 euros.
- (OPTIONAL) Canine sport: if you want to do agility or any other canine sport with your dog, you will have to pay a certain amount of money per month to the Club in question. That amount will be about 30 euros / month.
- (OPTIONAL) Box: It will help you a lot to relax and sleep soundly, even at home. Depending on the size, it can cost between 40 and 200 euros.
I hope this article helped you make up your mind. If in the end you want and can have a dog, Congratulations. Now it only remains to find your new best friend.