Pet Care on a budget- is it possible?
Pet care is more than a commitment of time, keeping a pet comes with costs. Expect to spend on veterinary visits, food, incidentals all add up. If you are on a budget this may mean making some adjustments.
Dogs and cats are not nearly as demanding as the advertising machinery would have us believe."
Do they require care and time? Yes, they are entirely dependant on their human family for basic needs. Pet care involves financial, physical, emotional and time commitments which are adjustable but non negotiable.
Costs of keeping a dog will vary based on the age, breed and even gender of the dog.
Further points to keep in mind are is the dog is a rescue? And if yes, do you know the medical history of a dog? These are all factors to consider before committing to bringing a dog into your home.
5 core monetary aspects of pet care to consider
Raising a puppy and keeping a pet in India is estimated to cost between ₹ 2000 & ₹8500/- per month. Of course these costs vary based on location, breed, age and sex of the dog.
These are the 6 core monetary aspects of pet care to consider
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- Veterinary Care
- Grooming
- Food and Diet
- Exercise and Entertainment
- Travel
1. Veterinary Care
The initial expenses on veterinary care include vaccines and de worming for puppies. As dogs age an annual check up is sufficient assuming your dog has no inherited diseases or physical conditions such as hip dysplasia.
If you have a female dog (rescued, adopted or purchased) it is advisable to sterilise the dog. This eliminate the risk of an unwanted pregnancy especially if your dogs depend on dog walkers.
2. Grooming
Grooming your dog is a simple process. Brushes, combs, gloves are simple and easy to use devices to brush your dogs coat.
Grooming as we know it today has evolved into a huge commercial venture. If you are on a budget, it is enough to ensure your dog is bathed occasionally with a good shampoo.
If you have a long haired dog, a simple daily brushing is essential. Regular coat care and maintenance go a long way in reducing the need for professional grooming services.
However, if you have a long coated dog, with sensitive skin, or you find you do not know how to handle a tangled or matted coat - contact a professional dog groomer.
3. Food and Diet
Food and diet are the foundation of a healthy pet. Invest in your dogs diet and it will save you and your dog on medical costs and potential illness down the road. A healthy well balanced diet is as essential for a dog as it is for a human being.
Which means food out of the package should be avoided as far as possible. Work with a pet nutritionist - especially if your dog has specific dietary needs or a medical condition.
4. Exercise and Entertainment
Exercise is essential for your dog, especially if you live in a city. Exercise is not only a physical need, it is also an emotional regulator. For dogs in cities who live their lives confined to small apartments with limited out door activities- making time for your dogs exercise routine is imperative.
5. Travel
Travelling with a pet is great fun, but can be expensive. There is a surge in pet friendly hotels, trains, even airlines. However, travelling with your pet comes with planning and preparation.
If you are traveling internationally- make sure all vaccine history as well as present vaccination records are updated and follow the requirements of your destination country.
Rescue dogs
Rescuing a dog is not merely an act of kindness. It is an emotional investment. Shelter dogs, street dogs, abandoned dogs are some of the most loving loyal members of your family.
However, always be aware that they have history and a past which may be traumatic. The mystery of their lives before you include them in can resurface in surprising ways. Aggression, fear, aloof behaviour or separation anxiety are all conditions which may require professional help.
Flat Faced Dogs
Pet care does not come with a manual. There are no set rules to follow and budget is not the only consideration. A loving stable home with a family who is involved in caring for their dog is more effective than all the toys and innovative products on the market.
Watch a street dog - the ones that live with pavement dwellers and the homeless. They are some of the happiest and well adjusted dogs you will ever meet. Because they have loving attentive families.
