The English Bulldog Puppy Blog

The role of being a dog owner is not just a privilege but a responsibility as well. These pets are dependent on us for their basic needs of food and shelter just to name a few. If you are considering adopting a dog into your life, you need to think seriously about the commitment that dog ownership requires. In the event that you already own a dog, you need to consider if you are fulfilling your obligations as its owner.

From the moment you purchase your new English bulldog puppy, you are aware of the costs of keeping a dog. Dogs can make wonderful pets that offer unconditional love, level of security plus health benefits. It’s hard to put a price tag on that kind of pet-owner relationship. You may not be aware about the long term costs involved when buying or adopting a dog. Let’s face it that in reality, the initial price or adoption fee is only the beginning. It’s common sense to know that getting a dog doesn’t only require time as a commitment but financial commitment as well.

Average Cost of Keeping a Dog

The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) National Pet Owners conducted a survey in 2005-2006 and was able to conclude that the average yearly cost of owning a dog is $1571. Let’s say if your English bulldog lives for 9 years, although most dogs live longer, that arrives to a figure of $ 14139, excluding the inflation rate. That’s only an average so costs can run lower or higher depending on your dog and your financial management skills.
The cost of raising your English bulldog entails maintenance such as nutrition, healthcare, grooming, training and necessary documents. Let’s study the real expenses, more or less the initial price or fee, in keeping a dog.

Newman’s Own®Organics Adult Dog Food Chicken & Rice Formula, 12.5 Pound Bag

Dog Food
There are different kinds of dog food. Start by purchasing puppy food and gradually changing it with adult food. You can buy dry, canned or packaged. The monthly cost ranges from $10 to $40 depending on the size of your dog. The cost of dog treats at an average is $7.00. You ma also want to give vitamins or supplements for your dog which costs $10-20 for one month.

Prevent Disease

Your dog needs a check up from a veterinarian. Basic appointments may run from $30 to $40. The cost of vaccinations can be expensive at an initial look but will save you money by rendering illness prevention. When your dog gets sick, you end up paying more than the cost of vaccinations for veterinary fee, treatment, medicines among other expenses when your English bulldog gets sick. Young puppies and adult dogs need shots to protection from illness which could run from $15 or higher.

The American Kennel Club Pet Healthcare Plan can help with the cost of providing quality healthcare throughout your dog’s life. You can do some research on pet insurances available that commonly include regular check ups for your pet.

The price of ignorance

An effective way to avoid paying more than what you expected in raising your English bulldog is to be smart when you choose a puppy. Remember that mixed breeds often have fewer health problems than purebreds. Have your veterinarian check your dog. You can also do research on the English bulldog breeds before you start looking. You have to adopt your own English bulldog for all the right reasons not jus because you feel sorry for it especially when you take a puppy from a shelter.

There is no such thing as a “free puppy”. Americans love dogs and don’t have nay second thought to spend money on them. Consider it as an investment so it only makes sense to be extra careful about choosing your own puppy. It is much better to pick a dog that matches your lifestyle. It may come as a shock when you spend $1000 on a puppy however it is worth every penny when your puppy is healthy and guaranteed defect-free. Be wary of puppies bred for appearance and not structural soundness, intelligence, health, and disposition which will often cost you much more than the price of a good puppy in health problems. Ask your breeder to show any medical proof that the parents and grandparents of your puppy are free of health problems. Both parents should have the disposition and intelligence as well as being well-trained. This guarantee may also cost you more time and money but it can be very worth it.

There are baskets full of purebred puppies for $75 to $300 each as shown on Sunday papers. Chances are they are unlikely to have parents bearing certified hips, eyes, elbows, or free of allergies. The parents of these dogs are often poorly trained and owners have never seen the grandparents. The stamp of dogs as “registered” doesn’t guarantee they are free from defects such as hip dysplasia, skin allergies, bone problems, behavior problems and eye problems. Don’t compromise the quality of the dog breed you choose. You get what you pay and ignorance can be a dear price to pay.

Dogs remain unmatched in their devotion, loyalty and friendship to mankind. It is a good idea to reconsider once you have your other expenses sorted. As your dog gets older, the costs of keeping it will mount up depending on the breed. There is no value on keeping a dog but it repays you in unconditional love deemed priceless. You can couldn’t ask for the huge difference of the presence of your English bulldog at your home.  It gets excited when you come home, the wagging tail at the sound of the leash being taken from its hook, the delight in the tossing of a ball, and the head nestled in your lap-those are only some of the rewards of being a dog owner.

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