The costs of owning a canine are higher than many owners anticipate. The initial investment can cost up to $3,000 or more; food expenses add another $500 to $700 to the annual bill; grooming, veterinary care, and medications (if necessary) can tack on an additional $1,000 per year. And that’s just the beginning.

It’s no surprise that owners are looking for ways to slash their dog care expenses. The problem is, they usually cut back in the wrong places (e.g. veterinary checkups), putting their canine’s health at risk. There is a much better solution.

Below, we’ll offer four tips for lowering the ongoing costs of dog ownership. The following suggestions are long-term solutions that may cost a few dollars upfront, but will yield large savings down the road.

Tip 1 – Annual Trips To The Veterinarian

When you think of veterinary care, you probably think of the bill. But don’t let this dissuade you from making an annual appointment for your pooch. Your vet has the equipment and expertise to examine your pet and pinpoint problems before they worsen. He can check your canine’s heart, lungs, and dental health before treating him for fleas, ticks, and heartworms.

By catching problems before they evolve into full-blown crises, existing health issues can be resolved relatively inexpensively. If you wait, however, they may become more severe and costly to treat.

Tip 2 – Obedience Classes

This is another dog care expense that is actually an investment. It will save you money over the long run. Not only will professional training classes help your pooch become a better companion, but they’ll also make him less likely to get into trouble. A well-behaved canine is one that is more inclined to heed your commands.

He’ll come when you call him; he’ll stay when you warn him to do so; he’ll be easier to control in situations where a confrontation with another pet is possible. As a result, you’ll be less vulnerable to lawsuits and emergency veterinary bills.

Tip 3 – Proper Nutrition And The Right Foods

As mentioned earlier, regular veterinary care helps identify health problems before they worsen. In a similar fashion, feeding your canine high-quality commercial dog foods can help prevent digestive issues from forming. Cheaper brands seem adequate on the surface, but are actually made with a high volume of filler material. Not only does this filler lack vitamins and nutrients, but it is difficult for dogs to digest. The food is cheaper in the short run, but may lead to veterinary bills in the long run.

There are many high-quality dog foods that offer the vitamins and nutrients your canine needs at a reasonable price. This is not the area to skimp.

Tip 4 – Twice-Weekly Checkups At Home

Between annual visits to the veterinarian, your canine may still develop small problems. Get into the habit of checking his coat, ears, and eyes twice a week. Check his breath, since bad breath may be an indication of dental problems or digestive issues. Look for lumps or other irritations on his skin. They may be harmless or they might be a sign of a serious condition.

Brush your dog’s teeth two or three times each week. That will help prevent plaque from forming and turning into tartar. Tartar is far more difficult to remove than plaque. Once it forms on your canine’s teeth, you’ll need to have the veterinarian remove it.

The four suggestions above merely pose a starting place. You can also reduce your dog care expenses by spaying or neutering your pooch, making sure he receives the proper vaccinations, and grooming him at home. The key is to avoid cutting back in the most important areas. Give him access to regular veterinary care; enroll him into professional obedience classes; and invest in high-quality commercial dog food. While there is an upfront cost to these steps, you’ll find the long-term costs of ownership will plummet.

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