Budgeting for Dog Essentials: Some Items are Worth the Extra Cost

Just like a child, your dog needs to be provided with essential things throughout his or her life. You need to keep your dog fed and happy, yes, but dog food isn’t the only cost you have to consider when getting a dog. Budgeting for dog essentials is important, definitely.

Spending money on your dog isn’t always about finding the best bargain, though. Your dog’s health and happiness are what matter most, and sometimes that means spending a little more to get the best quality.

That doesn’t mean that everything you buy has to be from a luxury or designer brand. But it’s definitely a good idea to invest in quality products.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance might not be a physical object that you need for your dog, but it’s still one of the most important things you need to buy. Your pet insurance can cover unexpected vet bills and it might also be able to help out with other expenses, such as emergency stays in kennels. It’s worth comparing pet insurance policies to find the right one for you. Take a look at the premiums you’ll pay, the copay, and what exactly it is that you get for your money. How much will your insurance pay out if you need to rely on it?

Training Costs

Another thing you should invest in when you first get your dog is training. You can train your dog yourself, especially because there are lots of resources out there to help you. However, if you want help, paying for a good trainer is really valuable. You could opt for a group training class or maybe some private sessions if you want one-on-one attention. Proper dog training is particularly useful for any dogs that might need extra help or have a specific problem to overcome. If you need help with a reactive dog, for example, it’s definitely smart to get a professional trainer involved.

Food and Treats

Your dog’s food is something you can end up spending different amounts on over the lifetime of your pet. You might begin with fairly cheap food before deciding to look for something better. There could be times when you need to spend more or less to fit the cost into your budget, just like you have to do with your own food. But, if you can, it’s certainly worth spending more on quality food. Cheap food might be conveniently available, but that doesn’t make it good. There are options like cold pressed dog food that make it easier to give your dog good nutrition. Also higher-quality food is often not that much more expensive, as your dog might need less of it compared to a cheaper food.

Grooming

Dog grooming isn’t just about keeping them looking cute and stylish. Dogs can require grooming for a number of reasons, including ensuring they don’t get too hot in the summer. Grooming also includes clipping your dog’s nails or maybe even expressing the anal glands, so it’s important for their health too. Some of these jobs are things your vet can do for you. But if you just want to get your dog bathed or clipped, you’ll need a groomer, unless you take on that job yourself. And if you want a good one, spending a little more might be necessary. A good groomer needs to know not just how to use a pair of scissors but also how to handle dogs.

Dog Toys

Toys for your dog don’t really have to cost a lot of money. You might be inclined to stick to cheap ones if you find that they get lost often or your dog makes short work of them and chews them up quickly. However, spending a bit more on toys might mean that they actually last a bit longer. If you buy more expensive toys, you can choose ones that are more robust and won’t fall apart as soon as you hand them over to your pooch. You might also want to look at interactive toys, which can be pricier but worth it for how they engage your dog.

A Durable Bed

Every dog needs a comfortable place to sleep. But some dog beds aren’t made as well as others. If you have a dog who likes to chew their bed, or maybe drag it around, you can find that it doesn’t last as long as you like. Investing in a bed that’s going to last is worth it if it means you won’t have to keep replacing it. Consider getting a bed that’s well made and can be easily cleaned. That will allow you to keep it looking good and ensure it’s comfortable for your dog.

Flea, Tick, and Worm Prevention

There are several preventative measures you should take to care for your dog’s health. In addition to their vaccinations, you need to make sure you are preventing ticks, fleas, and worms. These are products you can get without a prescription, but not all products are the same. Some of the cheaper products may not be very effective, and some vets will argue that over-the-counter options just aren’t as good as the prescription options. So it’s best not to skimp on these products if you want to make sure they work, especially if your dog already has a problem that needs to be treated.

Collars and Leashes

When you buy a collar and leash for your puppy, there’s no need to spend much. Your puppy will outgrow it before long, so it could be a waste of money to spend a lot. However, once your dog is fully grown, it makes much more sense to invest in a good collar and leash. You want these to be strong and sturdy and ideally to last a long time. Plus, you can have a lot of fun with collars and leashes, as well as harnesses, as there are many cute and colorful styles available.

A Car Seat Cover

A cover for the backseat of your car is a must if you often drive with your dog. It’s even more important if your dog is likely to be getting back into the car covered in mud. Seat covers are especially useful if you have a larger dog, as they will often lie across the backseat. A good seat cover will protect your seats from scratches, drool, and dirt. You can find cheaper options, but you’ll find those often don’t last that long. Spending a bit more will get you a more durable cover that will really last.

Safety

Keeping your dog safe is a huge priority, to avoid injury and illness. Some dogs can be amazing escape artists. If you have a backyard, it’s important to be 100% sure that your dog can’t escape. It might be worth looking into something like DogWatch hidden fences.

So, as you can see, budgeting for dog essentials isn’t as simple as it sounds. There are some dog items you can save on, but others are worth splurging on if you want to keep your dog safe, healthy, and happy.

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