A Lifetime Investment
National Great Pyrenees Rescue helps rescue organizations place dogs in homes that will keep them forever. Before the decision is made to adopt, we want to be sure that owners are aware of the day-to-day cost of keeping a large dog and also the cost of medical care for larger animals.
One study concludes that an average owner of a healthy mid-to-large-size dog should anticipate spending an average of $10,400 in food, vaccinations and pet-related expenses over the lifetime of the pet. A report by By Stephen Zawistowski, Ph.D., Sr. Vice President,
Animal Sciences, ASPCA, estimates the first-year cost of dog ownership to be near $1,500, of which only $400 is comprised of one-time costs.
Monthly heartworm treatments are a must for your dog, as well as flea and tick prevention. Grooming for large dogs is expensive as well. Expenditures can increase significantly if the animal develops diabetes or other chronic health problems. Large dogs can have a problem with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. This can occur when the dog twists on his hind leg; the twisting motion puts too much tension on the ligament and it tears. The cost of diagnosis, x-rays, and an operation can be $1,500, and the recovery period is 6-9 months. Cancer treatments can also be in the thousands of dollars.
We could go on and on, but you get the picture. For some, pet insurance can be a solution. NGPR does not endorse pet insurance or any particular provider, but believes owners should consider this option. You can download a Word document with more information about pet insurance options from here. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, veterinary bills are rising about 9 percent a year, almost three times the rate of inflation. These increasing costs explain why veterinarians often recommend pet insurance.
Your dog is a lifetime investment that will be repaid with unconditional love. NGPR wants potential owners to be informed about the cost of large-dog ownership, so they adopt dogs they can afford to keep.
