Can My Dog Eat Money?

While money may make the world go ’round, it means nothing to your dog.

While most people enthusiastically or grudgingly accept money as a part of their lives, less so for dogs. Most dogs surveyed didn’t care at all about money. If your dog could eat money, they would be much more interested. But if they only knew how much it costs to keep them fed and healthy, they might care quite a lot.

The cost of owning a dog is about more than just the expense of food. Unfortunately, many people do not take the time to budget for a dog before getting one, leading to trouble down the road. Can you afford a dog? Learn your limits before you get a dog to help you make the right decisions. Financially providing for your dogs is a big part of being a responsible dog owner.

The cost of owning a dog can be estimated at about $1,400 to $4,300 per year. There are ways to save money depending on the choices you make. Contributing factors include your dog’s size and age, the region in which you live, your own lifestyle, and your dog’s individual needs.

Financial experts agree that important ways to make your dog more money-conscious are to talk to them about money and involve pooch in your finances

Talking about money should include your family’s views on the best ways to use money. Explain to them that saving is important to you because, for example, it helped you pay for your college education or buy your home. If you strive to live on a budget and without debt, talk generally about how spending only what you earn helps you worry less and enjoy the money you have. If you make charitable contributions, tell your pets about why those causes are important to you and why giving is meaningful. Even if a dog isn’t ready for facts and figures, he or she can understand the decisions you make and the impact they have.

As appropriate, include your pets in family meetings about budgeting and spending. While owners are the decision-makers, pets can join in celebrations when you’ve paid off a big debt or saved enough for a long-held goal. Explain how you’ve reached the goal—by cutting back on doggie snacks for example—and why it was worth doing, like no longer having to make payments on a car loan.

Whether it’s helping around the house or getting a job, encourage your dog to make some money of their own. Once they do, talk to them about possible ways to use their earnings, whether it’s for an immediate goal such as a chew toy or trip to the pet store or a longer-term target, such as a new comfy dog bed.

These conversations and experiences will give them a first-hand understanding of how money works and instill good money habits that can last a pup’s lifetime.