I've been really wanting to get a dog lately...

[Tater]

I've wanted a beagle-type dog for a while now, but lately I've been giving it more serious thought. Haven't had a pooch since I was a teenager. The expense of it is all that is holding me back (vet bills...).
I took a quick peek online at some local shelters and all of the dogs were a minimum of $250. Most were more. That's a pretty big chunk of change right off the bat, they did have their shots already though. For any of you dog owners, was the overall expense more or less then expected? I guess what I'm afraid of is the dog that I'm really attached to needing high $ medical work and not being able to afford it.

 

[Mitchapalooza]

I dunno about cost but Beagles are some baws dogs. Love them.

 

[Tater]

I dunno about cost but Beagles are some baws dogs. Love them.

Me too. Even if it's a mixed, I'd like one that's part beagle.

 

[Monster]

It's an all in commitment.
The first months are the worst especially beagles.
Very smart dog but great deal of instinct.
He will howl all night at first if a puppy
He will mess in your house until broken correctly.
He will never lose his urge to run, track and hunt.
You can't take spontaneous trips.
He will need regular maintenance.
He will chew up some of your favorite shit.
He will never be unhappy to see you
He will never judge or hold a grudge.
He will be a loving loyal dedicated friend his entire life.

 

[Hawkeye OG]

If they have their shots already then thats ideal. I just got a puppy in August. He had some baby shots from the breeder but still needed 4 more. I'd say the average vet bill was between 50-80. That includes Heartguard. If you really want a dog, but are worried about the expense then get a dog that is a few years old. After the first year, dogs really only need an annual visit to the vet.

 

[bearmick]

Getting two is cost effective both in terms of your money and your time.

Money: most vets will give discounts on routine procedures like spaying when you get two done. More importantly, when they have a playmate, most of their potentially destructive energy is used up playing together, and they're much less likely to get bored and tear shit up. It's also hugely beneficial for their socialization.

Time: This might not sound like a big deal now, but it will come into play big time over the years - when you have two animals, you don't need to worry about how long you're leaving them alone, because they don't get bored and lonely. They're much less likely to have separation anxiety from you because you being out for any length of time doesn't = them being alone. This will be hugely convenient for you on hundreds of occasions throughout their life.

If you never take any of my advice again, trust me on this one. It's better for all parties involved.

 

[Hawkeye OG]

Getting two is cost effective both in terms of your money and your time.

Money: most vets will give discounts on routine procedures like spaying when you get two done. More importantly, when they have a playmate, most of their potentially destructive energy is used up playing together, and they're much less likely to get bored and tear shit up. It's also hugely beneficial for their socialization.

Time: This might not sound like a big deal now, but it will come into play big time over the years - when you have two animals, you don't need to worry about how long you're leaving them alone, because they don't get bored and lonely. They're much less likely to have separation anxiety from you because you being out for any length of time doesn't = them being alone. This will be hugely convenient for you on hundreds of occasions throughout their life.

If you never take any of my advice again, trust me on this one. It's better for all parties involved.

I am in this situation right now. I can't bring myself to get a second dog.

 

[Tater]

Great advice guys, I really appreciate it.

 

[Bigfoot]

Get a couple Husky's, and start a sled team. What we did.

But good luck tat beagles are good dogs.

 

[BaBaBlacksheep]

I've wanted a beagle-type dog for a while now, but lately I've been giving it more serious thought. Haven't had a pooch since I was a teenager. The expense of it is all that is holding me back (vet bills...).
I took a quick peek online at some local shelters and all of the dogs were a minimum of $250. Most were more. That's a pretty big chunk of change right off the bat, they did have their shots already though. For any of you dog owners, was the overall expense more or less then expected? I guess what I'm afraid of is the dog that I'm really attached to needing high $ medical work and not being able to afford it.

Don't take this the wrong way, I'm not trying to be an ass.... but if you look at $250 as a big chunk of change you're probably not in the position financially to be getting a dog right now. Some years dog ownership can be pretty cheap. But it's the unexpected vet trips/emergencies that can hit 4 figures real fast. It's not fair to the dog (or you) to be stuck in a situation where you can't give it proper medical attention.

 

[number51]

In the last 6 months we got a cat and a second dog, these places cost about 1/3 as much as a vet for shots, same for getting them fixed.

http://www.spayillinois.org/vaccine-clinic/

For real health issues we still go to our vet, but for standard shots and fixing, this is a great deal.

Our new dog was a 2 1/2 year old rescue. The vet thinks she is half Beagle half Australian Cattle Dog, dumb as a stump but a total sweetie.

 

[BaBaBlacksheep]

In the last 6 months we got a cat and a second dog, these places cost about 1/3 as much as a vet for shots, same for getting them fixed.

http://www.spayillinois.org/vaccine-clinic/

For real health issues we still go to our vet, but for standard shots and fixing, this is a great deal.

Our new dog was a 2 1/2 year old rescue. The vet thinks she is half Beagle half Australian Cattle Dog, dumb as a stump but a total sweetie.

Those are the best dogs sometimes.

 

[Spunky Porkstacker]

In the last 6 months we got a cat and a second dog, these places cost about 1/3 as much as a vet for shots, same for getting them fixed.

http://www.spayillinois.org/vaccine-clinic/

For real health issues we still go to our vet, but for standard shots and fixing, this is a great deal.

Our new dog was a 2 1/2 year old rescue. The vet thinks she is half Beagle half Australian Cattle Dog, dumb as a stump but a total sweetie.

Interesting mix...pics?

Nice that she's been spayed you don't want to have to worry about the Rangos of the world.

 

[bearmick]

I am in this situation right now. I can't bring myself to get a second dog.

Why not?

 

[Urblock]

If you have a big yard get an Aussie. Once they hit about 15 months you stop wanting to kill them everyday.

 

[number51]

Interesting mix...pics?

Nice that she's been spayed you don't want to have to worry about the Rangos of the world.

 

[Tater]

Man, with weather like this I bet it would be a pain in the butt bringing a dog(s) in and out of the house. Would have to mop the floor three times a day, and have wet dogs jumping on the couch.

 

[Tater]

Nice pooch 51.

 

[Hawkeye OG]

Why not?

Money. Time.

 

[Spunky Porkstacker]

Man, with weather like this I bet it would be a pain in the butt bringing a dog(s) in and out of the house. Would have to mop the floor three times a day, and have wet dogs jumping on the couch.

Some people put booties on the pooches little paws.