I'm thinking of saving up some money to buy a West Highland Terrier pup (and saving a few hundred more in case something happens and it should have to go to the vets) and I was wondering how much I'd have to pay a month for food, keeping fleas away, bedding, pet insurance etc. Thanks :)

Hi I own a 9 month old westie. He costs me roughly £30 a month in food and treats. I just treated to a new bed that was £14 quid. I have him insured that cost £11 a month. If there was any advise about keeping a westie I would say make sure your firm but fair. If you don't know what your doing with them they will try to be the boss. Oh and he will need a hair cut twice a year that cost me £25 a time.

Feeding a high quality kibble - £10 per month
Pet insurance (although you are better off opening a savings account and saving the cash yourself, pet insurance companies are very strict on what they pay out for) - save £10 per month in a savings account for emergencies)
Frontlining costs about £20 for 3 pippettes which last 6 months (each pippette lasts 2 months) so monthly would cost £5
only need to buy one bed so that would be a one time thing, although you may enjoy buying new stuff so say £5 per month.
Overall approximately £30 each month.

I have a little jack russell and she is on the prey model diet, it costs me about £3 a week to feed her, she doesn't need to be frontlined as fleas do not like feeding from a raw fed dog so they are naturally repelled, basically your dog is a lot healthier on a raw diet and it costs less :)

I have a similarly sized dog (schnauzer mix, 18 pounds) and i pay around $10/month for food. I pay around $25/month for flea/tick and heartworm prevention. But i tend to buy the latter in bulk, so i could spend $150+ in one trip and be covered for most of the year.

My suggestion to new pet owners is to save up a few grand. No joke. It's better to have MORE than you need, as opposed to less. And if you don't have constant, consistent income... don't get a dog.

Breakdown:

- The dog itself is going to be around $100 (shelter rescue) to well over $800 (reputable breeder - do research to figure out how to spot good breeders from bad ones!) That's a good chunk of change right there.

- You're looking at $200+ in initial supplies, $50+ for first vet check, and i would be safe to say $50+ per month for food/prevention/treats.

- General yearly medical care for non-emergencies (shots, minor illness/injury) can run $500+.

- Emergencies can run $500 in one go. Some insurances are picky and may not cover certain things. I never bothered with insurance so i couldn't tell you anything else.

- Grooming for this dog will likely be $30+ every 8 to 10 weeks. Then you have to consider that this dog will need boarded for vacations (or may require more $$ on your part if the dog comes with you). This dog may need training classes. You may opt to do day care. Etc, etc.

Not sure on food for a small dog but not too much.

It is all the vaccinations / flea / wormer and bits and pieces that cost the money.

Google round some insurance companies as you can get quotes online.

Try Animal Friends and see what they come out at.

Bedding and toys etc can always be got cheaply.

I have a chihuahua, a dog of similar size and she costs me around £40 a month or so.

shop around a bit for stuff like food though, i always take advantage of the deals tha t supermarkets do, they are a great way of stocking up.


good luck with your new dog.