Cost involved with buying a puppy?

Help!!!!

I know prices for buying vary but what other costs are there
What roughly would I be looking at for vet fees etc
Have only moved back to Ireland so never had an animal here

VonVix

With a puppy, the price can truly vary. You should expect to pay around €600-€1000 for an IKC registered puppy with health tested/titled parents/lineage, price will vary depending on breed. A puppy should already have his/her first set of vaccinations and be microchipped prior to you getting him/her, so you won't have to worry about paying for that. You will have to pay for the puppy's next set of vaccinations which usually happens when they are at the 10-11week mark, I can't off the top of my head remember how much this would cost generally speaking, but it's not huge.
You will need to get a dog licence which costs €20 for the year or €140 for the dog's lifetime.
You will need to think about food, a good quality 15kg bag of food will cost about €50, give or take.

Then accessories, bed/toys/cleaning products/crate (if applicable)/grooming if you get a long haired dog, etc.

Pet insurance is something you should seriously consider, this can save you hundreds of euros in the long run.
Also something you should seriously consider is a basic obedience course for puppies, these courses help set a puppy up for life in terms of socialisation (with other puppies and strangers) it can also help you if you are having any issues (house training, biting, etc.) as there should be experienced people to get help from. The first 2-4 months of a puppy's life is critical when it comes to exploring the world, without proper socialisation during this time you can end up with a fearful dog or a dog who is uncomfortable meeting strangers and/or other dogs/animals.

Help!!!!

VonVix wrote: »

With a puppy, the price can truly vary. You should expect to pay around €600-€1000 for an IKC registered puppy with health tested/titled parents/lineage, price will vary depending on breed. A puppy should already have his/her first set of vaccinations and be microchipped prior to you getting him/her, so you won't have to worry about paying for that. You will have to pay for the puppy's next set of vaccinations which usually happens when they are at the 10-11week mark, I can't off the top of my head remember how much this would cost generally speaking, but it's not huge.
You will need to get a dog licence which costs €20 for the year or €140 for the dog's lifetime.
You will need to think about food, a good quality 15kg bag of food will cost about €50, give or take.

Then accessories, bed/toys/cleaning products/crate (if applicable)/grooming if you get a long haired dog, etc.

Pet insurance is something you should seriously consider, this can save you hundreds of euros in the long run.
Also something you should seriously consider is a basic obedience course for puppies, these courses help set a puppy up for life in terms of socialisation (with other puppies and strangers) it can also help you if you are having any issues (house training, biting, etc.) as there should be experienced people to get help from. The first 2-4 months of a puppy's life is critical when it comes to exploring the world, without proper socialisation during this time you can end up with a fearful dog or a dog who is uncomfortable meeting strangers and/or other dogs/animals.

Thanks for the reply, yeah had an idea what was needed
We ended up getting a female sheepdog been to the vets with her & all good
since shes been home she seems a bit timid but I guess its just because its all a bit much for her

ShaShaBear

Help!!!! wrote: »

Thanks for the reply, yeah had an idea what was needed
We ended up getting a female sheepdog been to the vets with her & all good
since shes been home she seems a bit timid but I guess its just because its all a bit much for her

It took you 6 hours to get a dog???...

Cherry Blossom

ShaShaBear wrote: »

It took you 6 hours to get a dog???...

It took me 15years from when I started looking into it :pac:

Help!!!!

ShaShaBear wrote: »

It took you 6 hours to get a dog???...

Yes....we been thinking about it for a long time. So someone offered a female sheepdog for free so we got her.
Just need to train her now

VonVix

Did she come from a farm-like/rural environment?

Sheepdogs in this country are rife with anxiety/fear problems, it can be largely genetic, and a lot of them don't know how to cope if they don't have a 'job'. Get socializing her ASAP. I'm not kidding when I say that. It needs to be a daily thing for you and the puppy. Experiences need to be positive and lots of food (for a little puppy, I'd be using their kibble) involved, reward behaviour you like. If a situation gets too much for a puppy (crying and running away for example) remove the puppy from the situation or further away from whatever is scaring her.

Sheepdog puppies can be really delicate psychologically. Gentleness and encouragement will go a LONG way.

It might sound silly, but keep talking to your puppy/dog, let her know when you like what she is doing, even if it's her just sitting down quietly doing nothing. Sheepdogs are ridiculously smart, that's why they are so sensitive, they don't forget bad things easily.

Help!!!!

VonVix wrote: »

Did she come from a farm-like/rural environment?

Sheepdogs in this country are rife with anxiety/fear problems, it can be largely genetic, and a lot of them don't know how to cope if they don't have a 'job'. Get socializing her ASAP. I'm not kidding when I say that. It needs to be a daily thing for you and the puppy. Experiences need to be positive and lots of food (for a little puppy, I'd be using their kibble) involved, reward behaviour you like. If a situation gets too much for a puppy (crying and running away for example) remove the puppy from the situation or further away from whatever is scaring her.

Sheepdog puppies can be really delicate psychologically. Gentleness and encouragement will go a LONG way.

It might sound silly, but keep talking to your puppy/dog, let her know when you like what she is doing, even if it's her just sitting down quietly doing nothing. Sheepdogs are ridiculously smart, that's why they are so sensitive, they don't forget bad things easily.

When we brought her home first she was a bit timid walking with her leg between her legs but today shes wandering around with tail wagging. She came from a farmer, last of the litter. The only problem we are having is her using the kitchen floor for the toilet even though we have brought her outside. She just comes back in a goes on the floor.
She is so quite no barking or crying she just hanging around taking things in

ShaShaBear

Help!!!! wrote: »

When we brought her home first she was a bit timid walking with her leg between her legs but today shes wandering around with tail wagging. She came from a farmer, last of the litter. The only problem we are having is her using the kitchen floor for the toilet even though we have brought her outside. She just comes back in a goes on the floor.
She is so quite no barking or crying she just hanging around taking things in

It takes months to toilet train a pup. How long are you waiting outside with her?

Help!!!!

ShaShaBear wrote: »

It takes months to toilet train a pup. How long are you waiting outside with her?

The missus took her out for about 10mins ( I know not long enough ) this morning. Its only been 24hours so not looking for miracles. We got a can of toilet training spray & she just went near where I sprayed so its a good start.
Will be taking her to puppy training next week as well

denismc

It can take a longer walk than 10 minutes before they will get the urge to wee. Put some newspaper near the door while they are being housetrained, if its a young pup they may not be able to hold their bladder all night. So get them out last thing at night and first thing in the morning.
Its inevitable there are going to be accidents so be patient and don't scold them when accidents happen.

kylith

Don't put paper down. If you train them to go on the paper indoors you're really just making a rod for your own back because you'll have to untrain it later.

Start as you mean to go on. Take her out regularly, wait until she goes. When she does use a phrase like 'go pee' or 'get busy' or something and give her a treat when she's done. You'll have to get up a couple of times during the night to let her out too.

VonVix

Help!!!! wrote: »

When we brought her home first she was a bit timid walking with her leg between her legs but today shes wandering around with tail wagging. She came from a farmer, last of the litter. The only problem we are having is her using the kitchen floor for the toilet even though we have brought her outside. She just comes back in a goes on the floor.
She is so quite no barking or crying she just hanging around taking things in

Believe me, the barking and crying can still come yet. You most likely have gotten yourself a working dog here, if she comes from lines of working farm sheepdogs. Don't be surprised if you see ankle nipping in your future, along with nipping in general. Don't be surprised if you notice her having strong urges to herd as she ages. Get her in puppy socialisation classes ASAP. I can't suggest this to you strongly enough through mere text.

Try and avoid thinking your puppy will be grand long term because she is coping relatively okay now, as they age and get into their teenage years they start solidifying their opinions and beliefs of the world. Puppies tend to be social butterflies, but as they mature their sociability with new people/animals declines along with their enthusiasm to meet someone new and if she is simply avoiding contact with strangers now as a very young puppy (for example) that can develop into barking/growling at strange people as she gets older.

I don't mean to be scaring you with all this, not at all, I have just dealt with so many puppy and adult sheepdog owners in the past that I hate seeing these cycles continue without dog owners being aware of how much of an impact they have when it comes to creating a confident and well rounded dog... plus I'm really tired so I'm babbling on lol...

ShaShaBear

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I am currently on my second nightmare collie dog.
They make a fabulous pet if cared for correctly, but the time you have her at now is utterly crucial. I missed out on this period with both my boys and it had a detrimental effect on their quality of life. I cannot stress that enough.

Help!!!!

VonVix wrote: »

Believe me, the barking and crying can still come yet. You most likely have gotten yourself a working dog here, if she comes from lines of working farm sheepdogs. Don't be surprised if you see ankle nipping in your future, along with nipping in general. Don't be surprised if you notice her having strong urges to herd as she ages. Get her in puppy socialisation classes ASAP. I can't suggest this to you strongly enough through mere text.

Try and avoid thinking your puppy will be grand long term because she is coping relatively okay now, as they age and get into their teenage years they start solidifying their opinions and beliefs of the world. Puppies tend to be social butterflies, but as they mature their sociability with new people/animals declines along with their enthusiasm to meet someone new and if she is simply avoiding contact with strangers now as a very young puppy (for example) that can develop into barking/growling at strange people as she gets older.

I don't mean to be scaring you with all this, not at all, I have just dealt with so many puppy and adult sheepdog owners in the past that I hate seeing these cycles continue without dog owners being aware of how much of an impact they have when it comes to creating a confident and well rounded dog... plus I'm really tired so I'm babbling on lol...

Yeah she tries a little bit of nipping but stops when told to & gives a cheeky look. The neighbour next door has 2 dogs so we took her out today a few times for her to see them. We will be taking her to puppy classes this week as well. We are under no illusions as to what to expect we are both willing to work hard to give her the best life possible & to help her be a good dog

Help!!!!

ShaShaBear wrote: »

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I am currently on my second nightmare collie dog.
They make a fabulous pet if cared for correctly, but the time you have her at now is utterly crucial. I missed out on this period with both my boys and it had a detrimental effect on their quality of life. I cannot stress that enough.

Yeah shes settling in nicely so far & picking up a few signals. She hadn't much human contact where she was so is lapping up all the attention shes getting.
Shes getting a lot of love but we are still being firm with her

Help!!!!

OK a bit of an update:

We had the puppy for a couple of days when she started not wanting to stand so we took her to the vet where she stayed for a week on drips, the vet said she had a viral infection. Then last Monday she was ok again & we took her home. She was loving being here going for little walks & playing but then Saturday the same happened so she's back at the vets.
Has anyone any experience with puppies & viral infections?

DBB

Has the vet put a name on this infection?
How is it affecting her?
What age is she, and when did she finish her course of vaccinations?

Help!!!!

DBB wrote: »

Has the vet put a name on this infection?
How is it affecting her?
What age is she, and when did she finish her course of vaccinations?

She is 4 months old she got her vaccinations 2 weeks ago when we got her.
The vets not sure whats wrong with her
Basically her temperature goes up & she doesn't want to get up

ShaShaBear

Help!!!! wrote: »

She is 4 months old she got her vaccinations 2 weeks ago when we got her.
The vets not sure whats wrong with her
Basically her temperature goes up & she doesn't want to get up

Time to take her to another vet.

DBB

I wouldn't necessarily think the vet can do any more other take a wait-and-see approach whilst treating pup with antibiotics and fluids. Parvo can be quickly tested for now, I'm assuming the vet has done this already. Otherwise, viruses can be hard to pin down. I'm assuming bloods have been taken OP?
Did she get her full course of vaccine OP, as in, an initial vaccination followed by a booster shot 2-4 weeks later?
It is odd that she just won't get up, without the other usual viral symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, inappetance etc.
Keep us posted OP, hopefully she'll be okay.

Ashbx

Hope she gets better soon!

I cant agree more with Von Vix and Sha Sha Bear. I have a border collie who is absolutely brilliant at the best of times but her timidness and uncertainty of things definitely get the better of her sometimes! Really do your homework on this breed and start your hard work early!

Cherry Blossom

I would be inclined to contact the person you got the pup from to see if they know if any of the other pups has any symptoms, and maybe tell him to pass on your details if any other new owners have an issue. There might be another pup from the litter at a different vet and it may be helpful to combine information from 2 or more cases.

Help!!!!

She got the initial vaccination which resulted in all this happening. She was tested for parvo which shes ok. She is on 2 types of antibiotics to try to get rid of the infection. The infection seems to sap the strength out of her, hense not being able to stand.
We had an xray done & theres a separation between the tibia & fibula but we have a pain killer for that which seemed to be working ok. The vet spoke to a expert on this a he said it should mend over time.
Shes home now & shes quite alert but she wont stand, the leg seems to be giving her discomfort & when we lift her to help her stand it doesn't help. We're going to have to be patient with her. Shes eating & drinking water when we bring it to her.
She didn't have the best of starts on the farm but we are determined to give her as much help as possible

DBB

Jayney... your poor pup! I'm sure you're terribly worried about her. She's battling a viral infection and a sore leg too.
Does the vet know what caused the separation between the tibia and fibula?
Hopefully it'll be all upwards from here for her

Help!!!!

She wasn't looked after by the farmer. He mentioned he was feeding her Weetabix and milk.
I think if she can just get over the virus she will be ok. She stood up a couple of times yesterday so at least that's encouraging

Help!!!!

OK just got home & shes still lying on her bed, she hasn't moved to go toilet or anything ( hasn't even gone on her bedding ) She is eating & drinking fine if we bring it to her. She is quite alert, looks to see whos coming into the room & watches what we're doing.
Yesterday there was a couple of times she tried to get up & wobbled & fell down & I'm wondering if maybe this has kinda affected her & shes scared to stand now. This & the fact shes on Kelsium 20mg 2 tablets twice a day, Marbocare 20mg once a day for the virus & Metacam for the leg. The drugs might be making her feel week. Shes sleeping a lot which is a good thing. I guess the only thing we can do is wait & see when the prescriptions finish

Cherry Blossom

A good few years ago my sister brought me with her to see a pup that someone had saved from being drowned. Double merle collie type dog. The people had been feeding her bread and milk. There was something not right with her back legs and she just wanted to sit all the time. We took her to the vet who said it was a calcium deficiency. She was right as rain after 2 or 3 weeks of proper food.

Help!!!!

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

A good few years ago my sister brought me with her to see a pup that someone had saved from being drowned. Double merle collie type dog. The people had been feeding her bread and milk. There was something not right with her back legs and she just wanted to sit all the time. We took her to the vet who said it was a calcium deficiency. She was right as rain after 2 or 3 weeks of proper food.

Yeah this is what I'm thinking, there's nothing wrong with her appetite that's for sure. Just doesn't want to use the back legs, granted the left one has a problem but shes not interested in standing at all

SillyMangoX

I'd say if you can at all, use a sling to support her belly and back legs to get her standing some bit, just to try build up some strength there (vets permitting of course!) you can make a handy home made one with a towel or even one of those large shopping bags with the side panels cut out like in the attached picture!

Help!!!!

SillyMangoX wrote: »

I'd say if you can at all, use a sling to support her belly and back legs to get her standing some bit, just to try build up some strength there (vets permitting of course!) you can make a handy home made one with a towel or even one of those large shopping bags with the side panels cut out like in the attached picture!

yeah thanks that's a good idea will get onto it now

Help!!!!

Right been trying the sling but the little f@&ker keeps her legs straight like shes stretching. Think I'll wait till its feeding time & see will it work then

Help!!!!

Shes back at the vets.....front left knee/elbow swelled up. Vet reckons it could be caused by not getting enough mothers milk

ShaShaBear

Poor pupster

Help!!!!

Doing bloods today....if this brings more bad news I think we will have to put her to sleep : ((((

SusieBlue

Hopefully it won't come to having to put her to sleep, that sounds very drastic.
Best of luck hope the poor pet gets better soon.

ShaShaBear

Help!!!! wrote: »

Doing bloods today....if this brings more bad news I think we will have to put her to sleep : ((((

Put to sleep? That sounds very drastic for a viral infection that the vet hasn't even diagnosed yet. Who suggested having her put down?

SusieBlue

ShaShaBear wrote: »

Put to sleep? That sounds very drastic for a viral infection that the vet hasn't even diagnosed yet. Who suggested having her put down?

These were my thoughts too but I'm not overly educated on animal viruses so wasn't sure if saying it was drastic would be appropriate.

I agree putting her to sleep sounds very dramatic considering she hasn't had much treatment or been given a chance to recover properly yet.

Help!!!!

Its not just a virus though.....it could be neurological as well. Problems with walking on back leg, swelling on joints.
The poor girl has a lot of problems. Believe me its the last thing we want to do & we want to give her the best chance possible

tk123

Poor pup My advise from experience with Bailey and his legs is to get a second opinion if it does come down to putting her to sleep. He'd be dead now if my vet didn't organise a second opinion from a different ortho specialist!