LindaAcup
04-11-2005, 03:53 PM
A dog's life
04/10/2005
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It takes more than a big heart to care for a rescued pound puppy, so
plan to invest time, money
By SANDRA ECKSTEIN, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/09/05
Thinking about making a furry new addition to your home? More than
300 dogs (and even some cats) await forever homes at the fourth
annual Animal Rescue Fair on Sunday.
But owning a dog involves more than just tying it in the yard and
feeding it.
"Why even get a dog if you don't want it to be a part of your
family?" asked Susan McCullough, author of "Starting Out Right With
Your New Dog" (Innova, $12.95). "If you just want to keep it
outside, then maybe you should rethink if you even want a dog."
Those who are ready to own a dog should know that it's a long-term
commitment, she said. Dogs usually live 10 to 15 years — some can
make it to 20 years. And like any serious commitment, dogs aren't
cheap.
Before taking the plunge, consider a few basics about owning a dog.
Bringing home baby
Many new dog owners overlook the essentials that go with pet care.
Before Fido gets home, he needs the following to ensure a smooth
transition:
• A crate: They're useful tools for housebreaking and containing a
potentially destructive dog while you're away. If used correctly,
many dogs learn to like their crates and consider them a safe haven.
Unfortunately, a crate needs to match the size of the dog, so get a
small crate for a puppy, then a larger one when it grows. If the
crate is too large, the puppy could relieve itself in one end and
lie in the other. Prices vary by size and quality, but a simple
crate, such as the Petmate Deluxe Vari Kennels at Petco, ranges from
$39.99 for a small to $89.99 for an extra-large.
• Food: A 22-pound bag of Purina Dog Chow costs $8.59 at Petsmart,
but most vets recommend a better grade of food, which usually
contains more meat and fewer additives, preservatives and fillers
like grains. Super premium foods are usually found at smaller pet
stores, like the 15-pound bag of Solid Gold Hund-n-Flocken for
$21.99 at Highland Pet Supply (404-892-5900) in Atlanta.
• A collar, leash and tag: Most people know they need a collar and
leash, but a tag is even more important. Fewer than 10 percent of
the animals that show up at animal shelters have a tag that could
get them home. Put your contact number on the tag, and leave the tag
on at all times. You can get a tag quickly at Petsmart, which has a
machine that will engrave it as you watch. Prices range from $6.50
to $8.50. Better yet is an implanted microchip ($30 to $40 at most
vets) because it can't get lost.
Collars and leashes range from basic models, available for less than
$10 at almost any pet store, to posh numbers like the Burberry check
model from Neiman Marcus — the large collar is $180, the matching
leash $165.
Better with age
While puppies are always cute, Sugar Hill vet West Hamryka
encourages people to consider adopting an older dog.
"That's what I always get," said Hamryka, past president of the
Georgia Veterinary Medical Association. "The house training is often
done, there's less chewing, plus you know what the size and
personality are going to be. I see very few problems from people who
adopt adult dogs. I have far more people who have problems with
puppies."
Stephanie Shain, the director of outreach for the Humane Society of
the United States, said another advantage of rescued dogs is they
are almost always spayed or neutered and have their shots.
"That can save a lot of money because just a spay or neuter can
easily cost more than $200," she said. Most rescue groups charge
less than that for dogs that have also received most preventive
shots.
Medical care
• Monthly heartworm medication: Heartworm disease, a fatal condition
caused by parasitic worms that invade a dog's heart, is epidemic in
Georgia. It can be prevented with a monthly pill available at the
vet's office. The drug costs about $25 to $75 a year, depending on
the size of the dog. Curing heartworm disease can cost $400 or more,
and it is extremely hard on dogs.
• Rabies and other shots: A rabies shot is required by law. Budget
at least $50 for the shot, including the veterinary office visit.
Other shots, like those to prevent parvo, distemper and kennel
cough, are recommended, although they're not always necessary each
year.
• Monthly flea and tick treatment: Prices typically range from $120
to $160 a year for prescription treatments, depending on the size of
the dog. Over-the-counter treatments are cheaper, like the Zodiac
Flea and Tick Collar for large dogs at Wal-Mart ($5.97), but are
less effective.
• Teeth cleaning: This is usually done every few years after the age
of 3 to 5 years, depending on the dog. Prices generally start at
$100.
License
Check with your county to see if it charges a licensing fee. In the
metro area, the fee ranges from $3 to $25.
EXPENSES TO CONSIDER
• House-training products: If you're getting a puppy, you might want
some puppy training pads. And Nature's Miracle solution neutralizes
the smell of pet accidents in your home. A gallon is $14.99 at
Petsmart.
• Grooming products: You'll need a brush, comb, small scissors and
nail clippers, unless you always want to pay someone to handle
grooming. Different coats require different brushes or combs, so
seek advice from a professional groomer to select the proper tools.
Items typically range from $8 to $20 a piece.
Dropping your pooch off at the local groomers will set you back at
least $30, depending on the service and the condition of the dog's
coat.
• Exercise pen: Usually called ex pens, these are great tools for
containing your dog inside or outside the home, especially when it's
a puppy. Expect to pay $40 to $75. It's also a good idea to invest
in baby gates to limit your dog's access around the house.
• Seat belts: Just like humans, dogs need to be buckled up in the
car. So pick up something like the PetBuckle Travel Harness, which
attaches to a car's seat belt. It's $29.99 at Petsmart.
• Cleaners: Face it, no one wants to cuddle with a smelly dog. Eye
and ear cleaners, special shampoos, breath fresheners and other
specialty products address doggie needs.
OBEDIENCE TRAINING
All dogs need obedience training. Unless you're a dog trainer,
you'll need to hire an instructor. Choices range from short courses
available at many pet stores (usually under $100 for six to eight
classes) to private lessons in your home that can cost $100 an hour.
Look for classes that use positive reinforcement, which means they
avoid choke or pinch collars and do not force dogs to perform. The
Association of Pet Dog Trainers at www.apdt.com provides a list of
resources.
PICK-UP BAGS
Avoid nasty looks from neighbors by picking up after your dog. This
convenient, refillable container, which holds about 30 bags, will
make the process less yucky. $7.99 at Target.
TREATS
Dogs don't live by kibble alone. Buy them some good yummies like
these Bil-Jac Liver Treats, $2.99 for 10 ounces at Petsmart.
FOOD AND WATER BOWLS
Use your old cereal bowls, or spring for something cute, like this
crown bowl from Target for $5.99.
EXPENSES ADD UP
Each year, the average dog owner spends about:
• $241 on food
• $211 on vet bills
• $202 on kennel boarding
• $68 on treats
Source: A 2004 survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers
Association
04/10/2005
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It takes more than a big heart to care for a rescued pound puppy, so
plan to invest time, money
By SANDRA ECKSTEIN, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/09/05
Thinking about making a furry new addition to your home? More than
300 dogs (and even some cats) await forever homes at the fourth
annual Animal Rescue Fair on Sunday.
But owning a dog involves more than just tying it in the yard and
feeding it.
"Why even get a dog if you don't want it to be a part of your
family?" asked Susan McCullough, author of "Starting Out Right With
Your New Dog" (Innova, $12.95). "If you just want to keep it
outside, then maybe you should rethink if you even want a dog."
Those who are ready to own a dog should know that it's a long-term
commitment, she said. Dogs usually live 10 to 15 years — some can
make it to 20 years. And like any serious commitment, dogs aren't
cheap.
Before taking the plunge, consider a few basics about owning a dog.
Bringing home baby
Many new dog owners overlook the essentials that go with pet care.
Before Fido gets home, he needs the following to ensure a smooth
transition:
• A crate: They're useful tools for housebreaking and containing a
potentially destructive dog while you're away. If used correctly,
many dogs learn to like their crates and consider them a safe haven.
Unfortunately, a crate needs to match the size of the dog, so get a
small crate for a puppy, then a larger one when it grows. If the
crate is too large, the puppy could relieve itself in one end and
lie in the other. Prices vary by size and quality, but a simple
crate, such as the Petmate Deluxe Vari Kennels at Petco, ranges from
$39.99 for a small to $89.99 for an extra-large.
• Food: A 22-pound bag of Purina Dog Chow costs $8.59 at Petsmart,
but most vets recommend a better grade of food, which usually
contains more meat and fewer additives, preservatives and fillers
like grains. Super premium foods are usually found at smaller pet
stores, like the 15-pound bag of Solid Gold Hund-n-Flocken for
$21.99 at Highland Pet Supply (404-892-5900) in Atlanta.
• A collar, leash and tag: Most people know they need a collar and
leash, but a tag is even more important. Fewer than 10 percent of
the animals that show up at animal shelters have a tag that could
get them home. Put your contact number on the tag, and leave the tag
on at all times. You can get a tag quickly at Petsmart, which has a
machine that will engrave it as you watch. Prices range from $6.50
to $8.50. Better yet is an implanted microchip ($30 to $40 at most
vets) because it can't get lost.
Collars and leashes range from basic models, available for less than
$10 at almost any pet store, to posh numbers like the Burberry check
model from Neiman Marcus — the large collar is $180, the matching
leash $165.
Better with age
While puppies are always cute, Sugar Hill vet West Hamryka
encourages people to consider adopting an older dog.
"That's what I always get," said Hamryka, past president of the
Georgia Veterinary Medical Association. "The house training is often
done, there's less chewing, plus you know what the size and
personality are going to be. I see very few problems from people who
adopt adult dogs. I have far more people who have problems with
puppies."
Stephanie Shain, the director of outreach for the Humane Society of
the United States, said another advantage of rescued dogs is they
are almost always spayed or neutered and have their shots.
"That can save a lot of money because just a spay or neuter can
easily cost more than $200," she said. Most rescue groups charge
less than that for dogs that have also received most preventive
shots.
Medical care
• Monthly heartworm medication: Heartworm disease, a fatal condition
caused by parasitic worms that invade a dog's heart, is epidemic in
Georgia. It can be prevented with a monthly pill available at the
vet's office. The drug costs about $25 to $75 a year, depending on
the size of the dog. Curing heartworm disease can cost $400 or more,
and it is extremely hard on dogs.
• Rabies and other shots: A rabies shot is required by law. Budget
at least $50 for the shot, including the veterinary office visit.
Other shots, like those to prevent parvo, distemper and kennel
cough, are recommended, although they're not always necessary each
year.
• Monthly flea and tick treatment: Prices typically range from $120
to $160 a year for prescription treatments, depending on the size of
the dog. Over-the-counter treatments are cheaper, like the Zodiac
Flea and Tick Collar for large dogs at Wal-Mart ($5.97), but are
less effective.
• Teeth cleaning: This is usually done every few years after the age
of 3 to 5 years, depending on the dog. Prices generally start at
$100.
License
Check with your county to see if it charges a licensing fee. In the
metro area, the fee ranges from $3 to $25.
EXPENSES TO CONSIDER
• House-training products: If you're getting a puppy, you might want
some puppy training pads. And Nature's Miracle solution neutralizes
the smell of pet accidents in your home. A gallon is $14.99 at
Petsmart.
• Grooming products: You'll need a brush, comb, small scissors and
nail clippers, unless you always want to pay someone to handle
grooming. Different coats require different brushes or combs, so
seek advice from a professional groomer to select the proper tools.
Items typically range from $8 to $20 a piece.
Dropping your pooch off at the local groomers will set you back at
least $30, depending on the service and the condition of the dog's
coat.
• Exercise pen: Usually called ex pens, these are great tools for
containing your dog inside or outside the home, especially when it's
a puppy. Expect to pay $40 to $75. It's also a good idea to invest
in baby gates to limit your dog's access around the house.
• Seat belts: Just like humans, dogs need to be buckled up in the
car. So pick up something like the PetBuckle Travel Harness, which
attaches to a car's seat belt. It's $29.99 at Petsmart.
• Cleaners: Face it, no one wants to cuddle with a smelly dog. Eye
and ear cleaners, special shampoos, breath fresheners and other
specialty products address doggie needs.
OBEDIENCE TRAINING
All dogs need obedience training. Unless you're a dog trainer,
you'll need to hire an instructor. Choices range from short courses
available at many pet stores (usually under $100 for six to eight
classes) to private lessons in your home that can cost $100 an hour.
Look for classes that use positive reinforcement, which means they
avoid choke or pinch collars and do not force dogs to perform. The
Association of Pet Dog Trainers at www.apdt.com provides a list of
resources.
PICK-UP BAGS
Avoid nasty looks from neighbors by picking up after your dog. This
convenient, refillable container, which holds about 30 bags, will
make the process less yucky. $7.99 at Target.
TREATS
Dogs don't live by kibble alone. Buy them some good yummies like
these Bil-Jac Liver Treats, $2.99 for 10 ounces at Petsmart.
FOOD AND WATER BOWLS
Use your old cereal bowls, or spring for something cute, like this
crown bowl from Target for $5.99.
EXPENSES ADD UP
Each year, the average dog owner spends about:
• $241 on food
• $211 on vet bills
• $202 on kennel boarding
• $68 on treats
Source: A 2004 survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers
Association