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Getting a dog and need advice
Posted on 2/5/13 at 2:20 pm
Posted on 2/5/13 at 2:20 pm
I'm looking for a dog right now, what are some things that no one thinks about expense wise when getting a dog? I haven't had one since i was a kid so i'll need all new dog stuff. Also I currently live in an apartment but I'm moving to a house soon. Probably 3-4 months til I'd be in the house so i'd like to have a dog that would be manageable in an apartment until then any recommendations would be welcome. almost any valid pet advice is welcome. TIA
This post was edited on 2/5/13 at 2:21 pm
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Posted on 2/5/13 at 2:22 pm to oklahogjr
Crate training...so a crate for one
Dog food bowls, leashes, collars, toys, chews, dog food, etc but I'm sure you've thought of these.
Dog food bowls, leashes, collars, toys, chews, dog food, etc but I'm sure you've thought of these.
Posted on 2/5/13 at 2:22 pm to oklahogjr
This post was edited on 2/9/13 at 9:06 pm
Posted on 2/5/13 at 2:26 pm to oklahogjr
quote:Hope you're friends with a vet or they will screw you over
I'm looking for a dog right now, what are some things that no one thinks about expense wise when getting a dog?
Posted on 2/5/13 at 2:28 pm to oklahogjr
I've got a Red Heeler, pretty smart dog and very trainable.
Posted on 2/5/13 at 2:36 pm to oklahogjr
Heartworm medication and flea treatment. You can get these in a combo medicine, but I've read that it's not as effective against fleas and ticks in Southern climates.
Posted on 2/5/13 at 2:38 pm to oklahogjr
Vet expenses and time and if you want an active dog I recommend a border collie smart as a whip and easily trainable
Posted on 2/5/13 at 2:41 pm to Miz Piggy
quote:
Heartworm medication and flea treatment. You can get these in a combo medicine, but I've read that it's not as effective against fleas and ticks in Southern climates.
Currently using trifectix, a combo med my vet just recommended. This is my first experience with it. In the past, I always used Heartgard for heartworms and Frontline for fleas and ticks. The second I see a tick or flee I will switch back to these two. Hoping Trifectix does the trick
eta: if you plan on neutering or spaying, go ahead and add in $150 to $200
This post was edited on 2/5/13 at 2:43 pm
Posted on 2/5/13 at 2:43 pm to MaesterMullen
If you travel a lot you may need to factor in the cost of boarding your dog/paying someone to watch him/her/at least getting a six pack for someone who watches the dog for you.
Posted on 2/5/13 at 2:45 pm to MaesterMullen
I have used Tri for a year and a half here in B/CS without any problems
Eta: my border collie is a working cow dog so she is around lotsa places to get into fleas and ticks and so far no issues
Eta: my border collie is a working cow dog so she is around lotsa places to get into fleas and ticks and so far no issues
This post was edited on 2/5/13 at 2:48 pm
Posted on 2/5/13 at 2:56 pm to Agforlife
quote:
I have used Tri for a year and a half here in B/CS without any problems
Good to know. We just bought some new heartworm, so I'll check it out after we run out.
Posted on 2/5/13 at 2:58 pm to Agforlife
Looking at getting a dog from the pound. for 60 dollars they have the dog neutered, chip it, and have the dog up to date on shots. The one in particular i'm looking at is a blue healer. I've had friends with blue healers before and they really liked them.
Thanks for all the advice I hadn't considered vet bills. How often are you supposed to take your dog to the vet?
Thanks for all the advice I hadn't considered vet bills. How often are you supposed to take your dog to the vet?
Posted on 2/5/13 at 3:08 pm to oklahogjr
If its an adult dog and it doesn't have a propensity to get sick or hurt only time you will need the vet is for some shots every year or two. Heelers are great dogs be prepared to walk it daily as long as you are in an apartment wont have to walk it as much when you get a yard
Posted on 2/5/13 at 3:08 pm to oklahogjr
quote:
How often are you supposed to take your dog to the vet?
Once a year for shots/checkup. Probably run you around $100.
And I cannot stress enough the importance of regular heartworm medication. You do not want to have to pay for treatment for a dog who's gotten heartworms.
Posted on 2/5/13 at 3:15 pm to Miz Piggy
Well this all seems reasonable. Thanks everyone I appreciate the help.
Overall would everyone hear say having a dog is worth it? I really enjoy playing with dogs and having them around but never got a chance to have one since I was in kindergarten.
Overall would everyone hear say having a dog is worth it? I really enjoy playing with dogs and having them around but never got a chance to have one since I was in kindergarten.
Posted on 2/5/13 at 3:20 pm to oklahogjr
Overall? Definitely! No one will ever love you the way a dog will.
Those times when I've come home and they've destroyed the mail, or a flashlight, or a remote? Eh....
Those times when I've come home and they've destroyed the mail, or a flashlight, or a remote? Eh....
Posted on 2/5/13 at 3:26 pm to oklahogjr
get a lab mix
Posted on 2/5/13 at 3:31 pm to oklahogjr
I am sure these have been mentioned, but as a recent puppy owner here are a few of the items in the first 6 months or so.
Vet visits, depending on how old and what he has received 2-4 visits, can cost a few hundred
Spay/nueter, depends on where you go but assume 1-400
depending on the size, a few collars and leashes as the grow
bowls
kennels(again depending on the size you may need more than one)
toys treats
food
flea meds
heart worm
bedding
replacements for destroyed things
truthfully, you are probably looking at 1k in the first 6 months to year, easy
Crate Train them, walk them(A LOT)
just remember while training and raising a puppy to not set them up for failure.
Vet visits, depending on how old and what he has received 2-4 visits, can cost a few hundred
Spay/nueter, depends on where you go but assume 1-400
depending on the size, a few collars and leashes as the grow
bowls
kennels(again depending on the size you may need more than one)
toys treats
food
flea meds
heart worm
bedding
replacements for destroyed things
truthfully, you are probably looking at 1k in the first 6 months to year, easy
Crate Train them, walk them(A LOT)
just remember while training and raising a puppy to not set them up for failure.
Posted on 2/5/13 at 3:35 pm to Miz Piggy
quote:
Once a year for shots/checkup. Probably run you around $100.
You should expect to spend more than this per year, especially if your dog has some type of medical illness (purebreds are more prone to some type of genetic illness). Girl dogs seem to do better in small places (such as an apartment). Boarding fees at vets can be pretty pricy. If your dog has to be on any medication, get it online.
quote:
And I cannot stress enough the importance of regular heartworm medication.
This. Also can be bought online
Posted on 2/5/13 at 3:36 pm to oklahogjr
yes its worth it. even when they are being bad its worth having one. Nothing beats coming home from school or the gym and having hb run up wanting to be petted
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