How much does your dog cost you per year (on average)?

[Danimal]

Man you guys have some expensive dogs!

My dog is a yellow lab mix mutt and she eats 3 cups of food a day, so around 15 lbs a month and even though I buy the expensive stuff that is only about $20 a month. Aside from that she is generally healthy only going to the vet about 3 times in the 4 years since I got her. Once for kennel cough and a couple times for a skin rash, but even then the visits were about $300 total with medications. I know if something more serious were to happen it will be significantly more expensive, but that is part of researching the particular breed that you are getting. Some breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, heart conditions, pugs have respiratory issues things like that.

Also pure bread dogs need pure bread care and very often need specialized food that costs more a month than my dog eats in a year. My buddy bought two Dobermans and has owned them for five years. The both require $150 per month in specialized dog food or they shit diarrhea all over the house and one of them has had three hip surgeries all ready while the other one is starting to limp. Each surgery was something like $3000 and since he did not have them on insurance before the first surgery, his premiums are super high because they consider the dog "high risk" for needing additional surgeries. His dogs cost him a fortune, but he did not do the research on the breeds, breeder, or associated risks of owning that particular pure bread dog.

My little mutt is happy healthy and a great house protector. She is quiet, smart and adapts easily to changes in diet or environment. Not all dogs are that way, and really after you select a breed or traits you want to see in the dog it really comes down to the individual dog and the amount of time that you have to spend working with them. Every dog has their own personality and you have to select one that suits your life style and commitment to training. Some dogs require constant training and interaction or they get bored and chew up your entire house. Some you only have to tell them once and they got it for life.

I lucked out with my dog, and I would gladly spend much more every month if she needed it. She makes every day better, and you cant put a dollar amount on that.