woman's best friend
gourmet diets that are nutritionally balanced. These gourmet diets can be pricier, but a plus for your pet if you can afford them. If gourmet diets do not fit your budget, you can get good, nutritionally balanced diets for less. For a medium-sized dog, a regular, well-balanced dry food diet can cost around $230 a year. The water and food bowls for your dog food can be around $10 to $20. Last but not least, veterinary care. Keeping your pet healthy by having yearly exams and vaccinations is a very important part of keeping your dog healthy. Preventive, good quality veterinary care needs to be part of the budget. A yearly exam including vaccinations, fecal, heartworm test and monthly parasite prevention (this includes heartworm, flea, tick and intestinal parasite prevention) can be around $350 per year. Extras that are routinely done such as anal glands, nail trims and ear cleanings can be around $50 to $100 per year depending on how frequently these are needed. So to sum it up, in your first year of owning your medium-sized dog, it may cost you around $2 per day, which includes a crate, food and water bowls and a good leash and collar, which are usually one-time purchases. But with all the love and attention that they give us in return, I’ll say it’s the best $2 that you can spend in a day. ■
Dr. Beatriz Segarra is the owner and veterinarian at the Village Animal Hospital on Abbotts Bridge Road in Johns Creek. www.thevillage animalhospital.com
AD OP TM E
Pet of the Month
L
eslie is a beautiful black (with a sprinkling of white) Spaniel/ Border Collie mix weighing just 25 pounds. Thanks to the volunteers at
Furkids/Small Dog Rescue, Leslie was rescued from a high-kill animal facility just in time to become someone’s perfect pet. This playful puppy needs a warm, caring forever home and for someone to love her as much as she will love that someone special. Because
Leslie is still a puppy, she will require a lot of time and commitment as she matures. Please make sure your schedule can accommodate Leslie’s needs prior to applying. To find out more about Leslie, or to apply for adoption, please go to www.furkids.org.
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