About 35% of Canadian households own a dog. For dog lovers, this is indeed the dream.

Having a furry friend waiting at home, tail wagging, and a pant at the end of each day is indeed a life to aspire to.

However, you have also probably heard that owning a dog does not come cheap. How expensive is it really? It’s estimated that owning a dog in Canada costs 3500 Canadian dollars annually.

The good news is, the amount is spread over time. Therefore, you can occasionally take payday loans with no credit checks in Canada to help you manage.

Here is a look at where the amount will go.

Initial Investment

The initial costs of acquiring a dog are higher if you are looking to acquire a purebred. A mixed breed is often cheaper.

You can save money down the line by acquiring a dog from a reputable source. These will come with full history, and you are unlikely to run into emergency expenses along the way.

Food and Treats

Your pup will need nourishment. This means well-balanced, nutritious food and treats.

The amount spent on food will vary depending on your dog’s size and energy requirements. The quality of food matters as well.

Also, if a veterinarian prescribes a special diet or supplements, the costs will likely be higher. The same will be true if you opt for freshly made food.

Toys

Toys are essential for exercise and mental stimulation.

Some toys like chew toys are also protective as they give the dog something to chew on rather than your property.

Rougher dogs get through their toys faster than gentler ones do. With time, if you learn that your dog can get rough, make a point of investing in tougher toys. This will save you some dollars in the long run.

Grooming

This will be mostly dependent on your dog’s hair type. Dogs with a long, healthy mane will require less grooming and primping than those with a fine, short fur.

The more grooming that is required, the higher the grooming costs will get.

Routine Veterinary Care

Routine trips to the vet aid in keeping your dog healthy. Ideally, you should do this once or twice a year.

During these visits, your vet will probably ask for lab work. While these tests might be costly, they are needed for preventative healthcare, and they help you catch and treat any underlying health issues before they deteriorate.

Similarly, factor in teeth cleaning at least once a year. Without this, you risk your dog’s teeth becoming diseased. Treating these or getting exactions does not come cheap.

As you can see, owning a dog is not a small undertaking. However, if you are a dog lover, the satisfaction of having and taking care of a dog is more than enough compensation.