Dogs Are Expensive
If you own one, or more, you know, dogs are expensive.
A recent survey of 1000 dog owners nationwide wanted to find out if owning a dog was taking a financial toll on their owners. Simply put, the answer is…yes.
Here Are Some Of The Numbers
91% of the people surveyed said that they had experienced some degree of financial stress related to the cost of pet care for their dog.
66% of people say they’ve cut back on personal spending in response.
65% say that they’ve had to ask friends and/or family for money.
33% say they have taken a second job and/or looked for new income opportunities.
26% said that they spend $51 to %100 a month on their dog.
Another 26% spend between $101 and $250 per month.
About 1% spend more than $1000 a month.
The cost of dog food has increased 25% in the last four years.
The vet is 11% more in just the last two years.
55% said that they’ve delayed or cut back on veterinary services.
48% have made decisions about educational opportunities based on the cost of caring for their dog.
Where You Live Matters
27% of people aged 18 to 27 and 17% of those living in the Midwest are most likely to spend $500 or more each month on their dog.
22% of people aged 59-77 and 31% of dog owners living in the Southeast are most likely to spend $50 or less per month on their dog.
What About Food
Now we don’t have a dog, we have two cats. We’re spending close to $70 on food each month. We’re probably spending close to that in litter.
One small way we’re saving money is when it comes to the vet. There was a time when our oldest cat, Jonesy required sedation (gas) before being seen by the vet. That was over $100 just walking in the door. Now, at 14 years old, the vet is no longer comfortable putting him under and now, we have pills to crush up in his food to calm him down before his vet visit.
Don’t even get started on pet insurance!
Tick Season Will Be Extra Brutal - How to Protect Yourself
Do This Before You Go Outdoors
If you’re going outdoors, make sure to take precautions. The Pennsylvania Department of Health suggests treating clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. “Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings,” they state. Also, use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Finally, wear light-colored clothing.
Getty Images / Zbynek-Pospisil
Avoid Areas That Ticks Love
Of course, the best thing to do is to avoid any contact with ticks. So, try to avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass or fallen leaves. If you are in those areas, walk in the center of the trails. Just stay away from that tall grass at all costs.
Getty Images / Lee-J-Rouse
After You've Had Fun Outdoors
When you get inside, check your clothing for tickets. Remove any tickets that you find. Also, “Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors,” according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. They also suggest to examine gear and pets, shower soon after being outdoors and check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Finally, shower as soon as you come indoors.
Getty Images / Voronchuk-Daria
Where to Find Ticks on Your Body
When you come indoors, do that full body check for ticks. They tend to hide under the arms; in and around the ears; inside belly button; back of the knees; in and around the hair; between the legs; and around the waist. That’s according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Getty Images / Ladislav-Kubes
Do This If You Get a Tick Bite
Take it seriously if you get a tick bite. “If you develop a rash or fever within a month of removing a tick, see your doctor as soon as possible,” the Michigan DNR says. “Be sure to tell your doctor about your recent tick bite and when the bite occurred.”
Getty Images / Deagreez
Remain Calm
If you get a tick bite, above all, remain calm. It can be scary, but if you catch it in time, there are things that can help. That’s why it’s so important to do early detection and look all over your body and clothes after being outdoors. So, you don’t have to say no to going out doors, but say no to ticks.
Getty Images / cokacoka
