Video: How to Perform Dog CPR

Dog CPR could save your dog's life. Encourage all of your family members to watch this video, so you are prepared in case of an emergency. For more information, please consult your veterinarian.

How Much Does It Cost to Own a Dog?

Are you considering getting a dog or cat? Before you do, it is important to understand the cost of owning a dog or cat.  Here are tips from Savings Experiment: Cats vs. Dogs.

“The results are clear, and it's not even by a whisker. For most lifestyles, dogs are higher-maintenance so they're more expensive. Although cats and dogs tie in some arenas, there's not a single category in which cats are pricier.”

When adopting a pet from the ASPCA, there is an adoption fee, but it does include spaying or neutering, micro-chipping, and shots. For a dog, expect the adoption fee to be between $75 and $200. Add to your dog budget other costs, such as routine health care, pet insurance, food, treats, special dietary needs, dog toys, a leash, a pooper scooper, waste bags, dog walkers, and kennels.

You can save money on bags by using the Doody Digger pooper scooper, since you don’t need to dispose of the bag after only one use. Stand up the Doody Digger when not in use and the weight of the waste will virtually seal the waste bag closed. When the bag is heavy, replace it with the inexpensive Doody Digger waste bags or reuse grocery store bags.

Is Your Dog Obese?

Pet obesity is a growing epidemic. A survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and Mars Inc.'s Banfield Pet Hospital found that more than 50% of dogs and cats in the US are overweight or obese. An article in The Wall Street Journal explored the causes and treatments of pet obesity.

“The main culprit: owners who routinely overfeed pets, don't exercise them enough and are unaware of the severe, and costly, health problems caused by excess weight. Common woes include diabetes, arthritis, kidney failure, high blood pressure and cancer. Research also suggests that pets fed less over their lifetime can live significantly longer.”
 

“To encourage weight discussions, Banfield is rolling out software into its 770 hospitals that will require vets to give pets a Body Condition Score on a scale of 1 (too thin) to 5 (obese) during routine office visits.”

Following feeding directions on packages can still result in overfeeding. Larger breeds need significantly more exercise than smaller breeds. Dog resorts, camps, and treadmills may be appealing, but the cheapest treatment is smaller healthier meals and more exercise for both dogs and owners!