Will you be forced to give up your pet when the cost of owning a dog is nearly £250 a month? Bedford News

But as prices continue to rise and family budgets are tightened, the cost of owning a dog is also rising, and many are wondering if this is too high a cost.

It’s fine to take your dog for walks and relax at the same time, but your pet needs to be fed, watered and there are, of course, vet bills to contend with – it all comes down to it. accumulated.

According to a recent survey by Burns Pet Nutrition, the true cost of owning a dog has risen to nearly £250 per month and could amount to almost £40,000 over the average lifespan of a pet.

The new figures have raised fears animal lovers may be forced to give up their dogs as the recent cost of living crisis begins to take hold.

The survey found that pet owners’ current monthly spend on their dogs includes £50 on food, £35 on insurance and £32 on dog walkers and dog daycare. Experts warn that these figures could easily increase by at least ten percent before the end of the year, as inflation and the war in Ukraine drive up the cost of raw materials and transport.

Burns founder and leading veterinary surgeon, John Burns, urged owners to think twice before switching to cheaper pet foods: “Poor quality pet foods are often filled with bulking agents that have no nutritional benefit. Dogs fed these will often produce more poop because their bodies cannot process all of the unnecessary ingredients.

“Higher quality dog ​​food can often be just as cost effective because it’s nutrient dense and the animal needs less of it. There’s the added benefit of having less poop to pick up! You can’t skimp on the care you provide to an animal and it’s a costly lifelong commitment.

The amount dog owners spend on things like food, vet bills, kennels, day care, deworming and leak treatment, toys, equipment and training averages £244 per month, according to a national survey of over 2,000 dog owners.

This equates to over £3,000 a year or £40,000+ over the average 14 year lifespan of a dog.

But research shows that most owners love their pets so much that they’re willing to spend whatever it takes to keep them happy and healthy.

Two-thirds say their dog is worth every penny, one-third say they give it the best of everything, and one-quarter say they shamelessly spoil their pet.

More than a quarter say they are already making financial sacrifices to own a dog, while a similar number say having one is worth going without a vacation or new clothes.