How much does your dog cost a month?

My dog is about 400-500 a month....we adopted him from the pound about 2 years ago and we didnt know his medical history.....pet insurance was a fantastic idea

 

^^ that!!

and OP, dogs aren't very expensive. it's making sure they become a priority in your life that is the biggest factor you have to consider.

 

I got my border collie on the "puppy plan" at my vet. It was like $150 and it includes all their puppy shots, boosters, blood test, de-wormer, one month free heart worm medicine, and a discount for his micro chip.

 

You can change it anytime. Just change it slowly.

 

Ive got a question guys. My dog is 8 weeks and she will need heatworm medicine soon. She weighs roughly 10 lbs.
I can order a 6 month pack for a dog up to 24 pounds but I know by the time she is 8 months she will weigh over 24 pounds.
Should I just order the 24 pound pack?

 

Just do the math. If you can estimate that she'll be <24 lbs for 4 more months, is the 24 lb 6-pack cheaper than four 24 lb singles? If you guess wrong and need an extra month of meds before you're ready for an adult dose, your vet can always hook you up with a month's dose.

 

Sounds like a good question for your vet. You will likely be fine with the lower dose for a little while but talk to your vet. I wouldn't overdose the puppy, I would think it would be better to go with the lower dose for a month than the higher dose for 3 - 4 months.

 

Take a week or so to change over. Gradually increase the new and decrease the old.

She should be on heart worm pills now.

When she gets over 24 pounds, give her two pills.

 

To keep cost down, I administer all the shots (except rabies). Much less expensive and time consuming than going to the vet. For flea and tick control, the only product that I have had really good luck with is the K9Advantix II. For dog food I feed my bud http://www.tasteofthewildpetfood.com/ and I get complements on his coat and good behavior all the time.

 

I suggest that if you are going to be in the field with your dog and/or you live in a rural area that you find out about Rattlesnake Avoidance Training (it really works) and see your Vet for the Rattlesnake bite/venom vaccine.

The vaccine does not make your dog immune, but slows down the rattlesnake venom enough to get your dog to a Vet for proper medical care/treatment.