No such thing as a ‘free puppy'
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
By Christine Cowett Robinson
The biggest myth of dog ownership is the “free puppy” myth. When you look at the costs of dog ownership, you’ll realize that your “free” puppy wasn’t so “free” after all.
• Feeding Costs — Feeding costs vary widely depending on the size of the dog you have, but you can count on at least $25 for a large bag of dog food. How long this lasts you will differ for each dog size. Feeding one large dog costs me an average of $100 every month. Cutting costs on dog food by purchasing cheap brands of food may not be a less expensive alternative either. Cheap dog food brands can contribute to allergy problems, gastrointestinal distress, poor immune system due to lack of nutrients, behavior problems and more.
• Basic Health Care — Every dog needs it: vaccines, dental for some dogs, annual exams and neutering. Even the very basics, provided your dog is healthy, well cared for and has no accidents throughout his life, can cost a lot money.
• Grooming — While some dogs can go through life without ever needing a professional dog groomer, many dog breeds have a high-maintenance appearance. Haircuts, nail trimming, bathing — all cost a significant chunk of change. If you want a certain type of dog, then you may be looking at grooming costs.
• Extras — Toys, treats, collar, leash and various other accessories all cost money.
Do your homework before bringing any pet home; they all cost money.
Thought I was clever; when I adopted my first dog I remember thinking, ‘short-haired dogs shed less, go for the short hair.’ Now that I have five dogs, what difference does it make? And actually I find that my short-haired dogs leave more of a mess. What can be done to help with a shedding problem?
“You and Your Dog” magazine gives us the following tips on shedding. Most dogs have two coats and when your dog sheds, it is usually getting rid of the undercoat. Light impacts shedding most. Indoor dogs in artificial light shed year-round, while outdoor pets shed mainly in the spring and summer.
Here are some grooming tips that may help you in your fight against shedding:
• A bath with warm water and a shampoo made especially for dogs helps loosen dead hair for easier brushing;
• Ask your veterinarian to recommend an appropriate brush for the most shedding control for your breed. A short-haired Boxer may need a rubber-toothed brush, but a Golden Retriever is better groomed with a slicker brush and a thorough combing;
• There are many products out there to help with your shedding problems — mitts, sprays, special shampoos and conditioners. You need to try them and see what works best for you and your dog.
I find a good bath and brushing work wonders on my short-haired dogs and I use one of the rubber curry-type brushes with the rubber teeth that also massage while brushing. I have also found that one tool for cleaning up the hair that works great is the Swiffer broom. It works wonders on hardwood floors and picks up gobs of hair, and then I just throw it away.
Don’t forget to reward your dog for being calm and polite when being brushed. A little praise goes a long way and helps your dog look forward to their grooming sessions.
The Northern Maine Fair will open soon; please remember that it is no place for a dog. Your well-mannered dog may react differently under stressful circumstances; leave your dog home!!
If you are looking for a friend for life, please check out the available animals at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
