Interacting with Dogs Affects Your Brain, Mood, and Focus

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: August 1st, 2024

New research from South Korea shows what happens in a person’s brain when they interact with a dog.

PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Shutterstock

The Positive Effects of Interacting with Dogs

To conduct this study, researchers used an electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure brain waves. A total of 30 adults participated in the study by first resting and staring at a wall for a few minutes and then interacting with Aro, a 4-year-old poodle. This allowed the experts to monitor what was going on in the brains of the participants during various interactions with the dog, and it helped them see how their brains changed as a result of being with Aro.

The participants engaged in eight different activities with Aro to see how each one would affect the brain. The activities were meeting, feeding, playing, grooming, massaging, walking, hugging, and photographing. In addition to having their brains monitored during each activity, participants filled out a survey after each activity to talk about the emotions they experienced.

The fascinating findings from the study showed that people felt better after they interacted with Aro. They were more energized, less stressed, and happier, and also experienced greater concentration and relaxation, with an improvement in their mood.

More Specific Insights Than Previous Research

Prior research found that dogs can have myriad effects on people, but this study shows how the brain itself changes when you interact with a canine companion. For example, alpha brain waves strengthened when playing with and walking with Aro, while beta brain waves were stronger when playing with, massaging, and brushing her.

Alpha brain waves are associated with relaxation, and beta brain waves are associated with concentration. Playing with Aro boosted both.

Whether they were giving Aro treats, taking her for a walk, hugging her, or any of the other eight activities, the participants experienced positive changes in how they felt because of the changes in their brain wave activity. Therefore, this research helps to further prove just how amazing dogs are, and the impact that they can have on our emotional and mental well-being.

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Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Scientists Reveal Why Cats Scratch Furniture and How to Stop It

Many cat owners get used to seeing torn cushions, carpets, and furniture that bear their felines’ claw marks. Scratching is normal behavior for cats but is often considered a behavioral problem by cat owners who sometimes turn to painful procedures, like declawing, as a quick fix.This has prompted an international team of researchers to investigate which factors influence undesired scratching behavior in domestic cats. The team surveyed over 1,200 cat owners in France about the daily lives and characteristics, as well as undesired scratching behavior of their cats. Their findings were published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “Here we show that certain factors - such as the presence of children at home, personality traits of cats and their activity levels -significantly impact the extent of scratching behavior,” explained Dr. Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas, the first author of the study and a veterinary researcher at Ankara University. “Our findings can help caregivers manage and redirect scratching to appropriate materials, which could help foster a more harmonious living environment for both cats and their caregivers.”Researchers discovered a link between certain behavioral and environmental factors and increased scratching behavior in cats. “Specifically, the presence of children in the home as well as high levels of play and nocturnal activity significantly contribute to increased scratching,” explained Salgirli Demirbas. Nocturnal activity in cats consists of behaviors exhibited at night. Heightened vocalization and playfulness during the night are usually the result of poor daytime stimulation or lack of social interactions. But it may also be a cat’s way of seeking attention. “While cats are naturally nocturnal, they can adjust to a human diurnal schedule if provided with structured and engaging activities during the day,” said the survey’s lead author.However, researchers found that stress is the main reason behind increased scratching. For example, the presence of children in the home, especially while they’re small, might increase stress levels and be one of several factors that can cause cats to scratch. Although it may seem unlikely, playfulness is another factor that can be associated with stress. You see, when cats play for a long time without a break, their stress levels can become high because of uninterrupted stimulation. Unsurprisingly, researchers discovered that cats described as aggressive and troublesome also exhibited higher levels of unwanted scratching. Although some factors that contribute to unwanted scratching - such as the cat’s personality and the presence of young children at home - can’t be changed, others can. For example, placing scratching posts in areas a cat spends a lot of time in or near their favorite resting spot can lessen the cat’s urge to scratch the furniture. Using pheromone diffusers and sprays is also an effective way to help your cat feel calm and confident in their environment. Pheromone therapy is often used for cats that show signs of anxiety and can prevent stress behaviors like scratching, crying, and hiding. “Providing safe hiding places, elevated observation spots, and ample play opportunities can also help alleviate stress and engage the cat in more constructive activities,” explained researchers.Engaging a cat in multiple play sessions that mimic hunting behavior is a great strategy to reduce stress and excessive scratching. This type of play will keep the cat mentally stimulated and help deepen the bond between the owner and the cat.“Understanding the underlying emotional motivations of scratching behavior, such as frustration, which seem to be linked to personality traits and environmental factors, allows the caregivers to address these issues directly.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Woman Shocked to Learn the Sick Puppy She Paid to Put Down Is Alive

A Maryland woman was stunned to discover the sick dog she took to be euthanized in Mongomery County a year ago, was back at the shelter and up for adoption.Kristie Pereira made a heartbreaking decision to euthanize her dog Beau after two different veterinarians told her that it was the most humane thing she could do for her beloved pup.So you can imagine her shock when she discovered her dog was up for adoption at the same rescue organization she adopted him from. Pereira, who now lives in San Antonio, said she paid $450 in late 2022 to adopt Beau, a two-month-old hound mix, from a Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation.Beau was constantly by her side, and the pair quickly became inseparable. The pup snuggled next to his owner while she slept, stayed by her side while she worked, and tagged along when she left the house.Unfortunately, Pereira soon realized that something was wrong with the pup, as Beau became unable to control his bowels and lift his hind legs. The pup’s veterinarian said that the problem was most likely neurological, and the blood tests showed that the pup might have liver issues. The vet prescribed liver enzymes and told Pereira that she would soon see improvements if the pup’s liver was the problem.The treatment didn’t work, and Beau’s condition became worse, so Pereira took him to an animal emergency veterinarian who agreed with the vet’s original assessment that the pup’s symptoms pointed to a severe neurological problem.The vet explained that further tests might cost as much as $12,000. Regardless of the high cost, Pereira claims she would have found a way to pay for tests if that would have saved Beau.Instead, the vet told Pereira that there was a slim chance of finding out what was wrong and an even smaller chance of it being something they could treat. At that point, the vet suggested it might be more humane to just euthanize the puppy.Pereira wasn’t ready to consider that option, and she spent the next month looking after the pooch, hoping that he’d get better. During this challenging time, Pereira consulted the staff at Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation.“Honestly, I mean, after I talked to them is really when I felt, you know, that I was going to be doing the right thing by putting him down,” said Pereira. “They really gave me that support and that encouragement that, although it’s hard, sometimes that’s the best thing to do.”After spending several sleepless nights with Beau, who was clearly in pain, Pereira made the tough decision. She took Beau to Montgomery County Animal Services in Derwood, Maryland, and paid $15 to have him euthanized. The staff explained to her that the shelter’s policy doesn’t allow the owners to stay with their pets as they are put to sleep, so she said goodbye to Beau and left the office.A year after she said goodbye to Beau, Pereira started thinking about getting another dog. While visiting her mother in Maryland, she decided to check adoptable dogs on the rescue’s website, when she came across Beau’s photo. The pup was bigger now but bore the same markings and had the same name the shelter had given him before she adopted him - Amos Hart.After calling the Montgomery County shelter, Pereira got confirmation that her dog hadn’t been euthanized after vets there determined he could be saved. The shelter called the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation and returned the pup to them.The rescue confirmed in a written statement that their vets didn’t find any neurological issues with the dog. Instead, they diagnosed Beau with a liver problem, which was cured by a $7,000 surgery. None of this was shared with Pereira, who said she would pay the surgery’s cost to get Beau back. Unfortunately, the rescue organization doesn’t rehome owner-surrendered pets with their former adopters and won’t make an exception in this case.Beau, AKA Amos Hart, remains available for adoption on the rescue’s website. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

'PrePup' Agreement Helps Owners Co-Parent After a Breakup

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Dog Achieves Internet Fame with Her "Puppy Parkour"

The internet has opened the door for a new type of celebrity, making it easier than ever for individuals (humans and pets) to achieve fame and recognition on a global scale. Thousands of people around the world log onto social media each day to enjoy funny, adorable, and unique pet videos. One such internet sensation that has recently captured the attention of thousands is Nola, a Treeing Walker Coonhound mix from New York. Vanessa and Ryan Marquette first met Nola when they brought her into their home as a foster. She was adorable and well-behaved, quickly connecting with the couple and making herself at home. It didn’t take long for the couple to fall in love. It was only three months after first bringing her home that they made it official and adopted her. “We could tell right away she felt so at home,” Ryan stated, “and she quickly became part of the family.” Not long after welcoming Nola into the family, a pet sitter mentioned that she was exhibiting an interesting (and potentially problematic) skill. They warned the couple that the pup had managed to jump over the tall fence that surrounded their property. Given the height of the fence and the fact that they had never seen Nola making any impressive jumps in the house, it was hard for the Marquettes to believe that she could leap over the fence in one bound. It seemed like an unbelievable feat. So, they pushed the idea aside and didn’t give it another thought. “I didn’t believe that she was jumping the fence. That’s a four-foot jump. That’s significant. She’s not the biggest dog in the world. So, I remember going out and walking the entire fence perimeter, looking for holes because I was like, there’s no way. She’s slipping out underneath somewhere doing something, and that’s how she’s getting out. Then I found nothing,” Ryan explained. However, after moving to a new home in Syracuse, New York, with a larger yard and trees around the property, they noticed something interesting. It wasn’t that Nola was “jumping” over the fence. Instead, she was using her own take of puppy parkour to scale the fence with the help of a nearby tree.

When Can a Puppy Start Eating Kibble?

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Americans Are Taking Their Pets to Mexico for Vet Care - Here's Why

The rising costs of veterinary care in the U.S. have spurred a growing number of pet parents to turn to Mexico for more affordable veterinary care for their pets. Valerie Silva of Indio, California, estimates that she saved hundreds of dollars on veterinary bills for her two dogs, Paco and Sunny, in one year. The first time she visited a Mexican veterinary clinic was in 2022, when her Chihuahua mix, Sunny, needed vaccines. Unable to schedule an appointment for Sunny at any of the local veterinary clinics, Valerie has found a pet hospital near her grandparents’ house in Mexicali. She was pleased with the service enough to come back to get Sunny spayed and have her other dog, Paco, vaccinated. Overall, she paid $80 for the spaying procedure and around $200 for eight shots for both dogs.“The price difference is insane,” Silva told USA TODAY. “It’s just so much easier being able to go in there and not have to worry about it being like $70, $100 for a shot.” The huge savings and easy access to affordable pet care have made traveling to Mexico attractive to many pet parents like Silva. Miguel Lazcano of New York City was in a difficult situation when one of his three dogs, a longhaired Dachshund named Henry, needed dental care. “We noticed some of his teeth were loose and his breath was getting worse,” said Lazcano. “They mentioned there was at least four extractions and the cost on the high end was around $5,000. And on the low end, was around $3,500.”Without pet insurance to cover the cost, Lazcano has already paid around $700 for Henry’s bloodwork. After getting Henry’s dental surgery estimate, Lazcano decided to research more affordable veterinary care in Mexico.Lazcano came across MaxiVet Express, a pet courier service that would take his dog to Tijuana, Mexico, for veterinary treatment at a fraction of the price. The owner of MaxiVet Express, Anna Ginsky, started her company after taking her dog to Mexico for dental treatment. Ginsky said she saved over $1,600 on her dog’s procedure in Mexico. “Mexican vets are definitely targeting U.S. pet owners to become their clients. They are making announcements in English. They are advertising more on the internet,” explained Ginsky.Ginsky’s clients travel from all over the country and then her team accompany the pets to Mexico while their owners stay stateside. Most veterinary treatments are finished within a day. Most pet parents opt to take their pets to Mexico for dental care and simple surgeries. The Mexican veterinarians Ginsky works with also offer follow-up appointments, wellness checks, and chemotherapy treatments. “It makes me really fulfilled to be able to offer a service like this. We have people cry when they learn what our prices are going to be and how affordable it’s going to be for them.” Henry, the longhaired Dachshund, traveled around 3,000 miles for his first veterinary appointment in Mexico. The vet performed an echocardiogram to ensure Henry could tolerate anesthesia before moving on with teeth cleaning and extractions.Ginsky called Lazcano regularly to keep him updated about his pooch. This is a standard procedure for Ginsky, who believes pet parents should be kept informed throughout the day, regardless of whether they are first-time clients or have used her services before. “Everybody loves their pet just the same. And they want to make sure that their pet’s doing OK,” she said.Ronald Richards, the owner of the clinic where Henry had his dental work done explained that the main reason veterinary prices are lower in Mexico is because labor costs less. “The doctors just don’t make as much money as they do in the United States. We don’t have medical malpractice insurance or anything like that. So here in Mexico, it’s really kind of buyers beware in regards to when you go to someone’s clinic for service.”Despite all the potential risks, Lazcano is comfortable with his decision and confident that Henry got the best veterinary care. Henry has made a full recovery after his surgery, and his breath is now fresh.  After spending only a third of what he would have to pay a vet in New York, Lozcano is now considering taking his other two dogs for veterinary treatments in Mexico. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

5 Popular Designer Dog Breeds

Designer dogs, or hybrid dogs, are a mix of two purebreds. Unlike mutts, you’ll know which breeds make up a designer dog. But, like any mixed breed dog, puppies will inherit the diverse traits of their parents, so there can be variations in temperament, coat, and other features, and this can make it a bit challenging to predict what these dogs will be like. Today, there are many highly sought-after designer dog breeds, whether they’re beloved for their looks, personality, or eagerness to work. Below are five designer dogs that have a lot to offer.

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What to Do If My Dog Eats Mistletoe?

The holiday season is a time for festive decorations, but for dog owners, it’s also a time for extra vigilance. Curious pups are often tempted to nibble on anything new and shiny, including mistletoe. While this iconic holiday plant is beautiful, it can be dangerous if ingested. Knowing what to do if your dog eats mistletoe is crucial for their safety and well-being.Why Is Mistletoe Dangerous?Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that contains toxic substances such as phoratoxins and lectins. Both European mistletoe (Viscum album) and American mistletoe (Phoradendron species) can be harmful to dogs, though the American variety is slightly less toxic. Every part of the plant — leaves, berries, and stems — is potentially dangerous. Ingesting mistletoe can lead to symptoms of poisoning, which may range from mild to severe depending on the amount consumed and your dog’s size, age, and breed.Symptoms of Mistletoe Poisoning in DogsIf your dog eats mistletoe, watch for the following symptoms:DroolingAbdominal pain (whimpering or restlessness)VomitingDiarrheaLethargyDifficulty breathingSlowed heart rateSeizures (in rare cases)The severity of these symptoms depends on how much mistletoe was ingested.What to Do If Your Dog Eats MistletoeStay Calm Panicking can make it harder to assess the situation and take appropriate action. Your dog may also pick up on your stress, which can worsen their agitation.Assess the Situation Try to determine how much mistletoe your dog consumed. Check for any remaining pieces of the plant to help estimate the amount ingested.Remove Any Remaining Mistletoe Safely dispose of any leftover mistletoe to prevent further accidents. Ensure it’s out of your dog’s reach.Contact a Veterinarian Call your vet or an animal poison control hotline, such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. Be prepared to provide details such as:The type of mistletoe (European or American)The approximate amount ingestedYour dog’s weight and current symptomsFollow Veterinary Advice Your vet may recommend bringing your dog in for treatment or monitoring them at home. Follow their instructions carefully.Preventing Mistletoe IngestionThe best way to protect your dog is to keep mistletoe out of reach. Here are some tips:Use Artificial Mistletoe: Fake mistletoe looks just as festive but is much safer.

Puppy Blues is a Real Thing – Just Like Baby Blues, Study Shows

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5 of the Rarest Cat Breeds

There are many cat breeds that you can choose from, and some are much more common and easy to find than others, including in shelters and rescues. Rarer cat breeds, such as those listed below, are harder to come by. They might not be as well-known or as popular as other breeds, and there may not be as many breeders as a result. Once you get to know the defining characteristics and features of these breeds, though, you might want to find a way to bring one into your family.

Do Grooming Gloves Work?

Grooming your pet is crucial for maintaining their health and hygiene, especially if you have a dog that tends to shed frequently or spends much of their time playing in the dirt and mud. However, the grooming process can be messy and time-consuming. This leaves many pet parents searching for a more convenient solution.Recently, a new grooming tool has been gaining popularity: pet grooming gloves. These gloves feature soft, rubber nubs on the palms that work like a brush or curry comb, gently removing loose hair, dirt, and dander.But do these gloves live up to the hype? Or are they just another gimmick? Let’s explore the benefits, drawbacks, and effectiveness of pet grooming gloves, including my experience using a grooming glove with my four pets.What Are Pet Grooming Gloves?Grooming gloves are a grooming tool that the groomer or pet parent can wear, keeping their hands and fingernails clean during grooming. It also eliminates the need to juggle a separate brush, with the brush-like nubs built directly into the palm of the glove. As you run your and over your pet’s coat, the built-in bristles or nubs work like a brush to remove loose hair, dirt, dust, dander, and debris.Different brands of grooming gloves/mitts have nubs or bristles of various lengths or styles. Finding grooming gloves best suited for your pet’s coat type is the secret to success. For example, a short-coated dog will benefit from gloves with nubs similar to a curry comb, while a longer-coated dog may need a longer bristle to reach into their undercoat.What Makes the Grooming Gloves Stand Out?You may want to switch from a regular brush to using a grooming glove at least part of the time for several reasons. Here are some factors to consider:Bonding TimeWhile any grooming session offers quality bonding time for you and your pet, using your hand to groom them in a petting motion creates a unique experience. This brings you closer together, allowing you to connect, showing love and affection through trust, which is so important for strengthening that special bond pets and their people share.Cleaner GroomingNot only do grooming gloves keep your hands clean during grooming, as they are protected inside the glove, but they are also surprisingly easy to clean! I’ll break down the steps of quickly and effectively cleaning your gloves later in this article.FlexibilityHave you ever struggled to reach a specific spot on your dog during grooming? Stiff brushes and combs can make it hard to effectively groom the nooks and crannies like your pet’s armpits or, in smaller pets, even around their neck/face. Grooming gloves, on the other hand (or paw), flex easily with your hand.Benefits of MassageIn addition to removing dirt and loose fur, the nubs on your grooming gloves massage your pet’s skin. Not only is this a comforting and enjoyable experience, but it can also have some significant benefits, including removing dead skin, improving circulation, relieving muscle tension, and more.Comfort for the GroomerWhile most of this list focuses on the benefits grooming gloves offer your pet, it’s also a more comfortable solution for you. Holding a brush or comb for an extended time, regardless of how the handle is designed, will eventually lead to cramping in your hand. Wearing a grooming glove allows you to work through a long grooming session with minimal discomfort.How to Use a Pet Grooming GloveWhether you’re interested in experimenting with grooming gloves or making the switch, the first step is finding a pair that suits both you and your dog.Sizing: Most companies offer gloves in various sizes, accommodating pet parents of all sizes and ages, including “junior” or children’s sizes if your grooming routine involves the whole family. If you are shopping in person, take the time to try on different sizes to ensure you are purchasing the one that best suits your hand. For those shopping online, carefully measure your hand as outlined in the sizing guide to find the recommended size.Glove vs Mitt: There is no “right” answer as to whether you should purchase a grooming glove or a mitt. This comes down to personal preference. Gloves will allow you to maintain the use of your fingers, while a mitt can cover a wider surface area.Bristle Style: The most common grooming gloves are made with soft rubber nubs, more like a curry comb than a brush. However, there are other styles on the market. Take the time to explore your options and find the style that best suits your pet’s coat type.Once you have found the right glove, learning how to use them is simple.Spray the silicone or rubber surface of the glove with a bit of water before getting started. This will help collect the fur and dirt instead of letting it fall all over. Place your hand, palm down, on your pet’s coat and gently rub in the direction of their hair growth. Continue with this brushing motion around the body.When you notice that the hair has started to collect in the glove, carefully peel the fur off and dispose of it. Spray the glove before starting again. Continue until you’re happy with the state of your pet’s coat (or until they become agitated and clearly need a break).Is it bathtime in your house? You can also use a grooming glove in the bath to help work the soap into your pet’s coat. This also offers a layer of protection on your hands for those bathing pets that maybe aren’t as happy with the idea of getting wet. Cat parents, I’m looking at you…How to Clean Grooming GlovesOne of the reasons that pet grooming gloves are so popular is the ease of cleaning. Once you have removed the collected fur from the gloves, they can be rinsed or cleaned with soap and water. Allow them to air dry.Remember that a quick rinse may not remove all the dirt and dander they have collected. It’s a quick solution between uses, but a complete clean is needed periodically to keep the gloves fresh and clean.Do Grooming Gloves Work for Cats?Yes! While most grooming gloves are marketed to dogs and dog parents, they are an excellent option for any pet with fur to maintain. I have seen them used for grooming dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, horses, and even llamas.

What is the Yearly Cost of Owning a Dog or Cat?

Sharing your heart and your home with a pet is a rewarding experience. But before you jump into adopting a new friend or gifting a furry companion this holiday season, you need to be aware of the financial responsibilities of pet ownership.While the initial costs of adopting a dog or cat might be relatively low, ongoing expenses can add up over time.Food and veterinary care are often the most significant costs of pet ownership. High-quality food tailored to your pet's size and breed is essential, as are regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and dental cleanings. Unexpected illnesses or injuries can also lead to significant vet bills, making a dedicated pet savings account crucial.Let’s break down the costs associated with being a pet parent…The True Cost of Owning a Dog or CatOften, when people consider adding a pet to their family for the first time, they focus solely on the cost of adoption. Finding a pet being rehomed for a low price or even given away “free to a good home” appears to be a low-cost and easy decision. However, this overlooks the expenses you commit to for the next 10-15 years (or longer).To help you make an educated decision on whether you are ready for the responsibilities of adding a pet to your family, here are the costs to consider: Recurring Annual Costs of Owning a PetMany costs related to owning a pet are guaranteed, recurring, and predictable. These are the costs associated with providing your best friend with the basic necessities of life, as well as some additional costs you can incur while improving your new pet’s quality of life.FoodAccording to a report from Rover, the average monthly cost of feeding a dog will range from $45 to $345.The exact cost to feed your new pet will depend on several factors, including their size, activity levels, and unique nutritional needs. Plus, when shopping for pet food, you’ll find that the cost can vary significantly from brand to brand.From wet foods to kibble, commercial diets to raw feeding – there are many options to consider. There are many low-cost foods, but the purchase price may not be the best indicator of whether they will be budget-friendly in the long term. The feeding guidelines on lower-quality foods often suggest feeding larger amounts to ensure your pet gets the same nutrients. This means they will finish the bag faster, requiring you to buy food more often.Failing to meet your pet’s nutritional needs will directly impact their overall health and well-being. This often means higher veterinary bills throughout their life.Regular Veterinary CareSpeaking of veterinary bills, there are ongoing costs here as well. There is a very wide range of costs associated with veterinary care depending on your pet’s age, previous veterinary care, preventative care, and more. At the very least, you must budget for your pet’s annual vet exam, necessary vaccinations, and dental care. Vet costs also vary from state to state.According to Care Credit, the average cost of a routine vet visit ranges from $50-250. Additionally, other costs you will need to consider include:Heartworm Testing: $35-50Heartworm Prevention: $9-11/monthCore Dog Vaccinations (Rabies & DHPP): $40-90Core Cat Vaccinations (Rabies & FVRCP): $40-70While not required, other vet-related costs that you may also face include non-core vaccinations (such as Bordetella, Lyme, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Feline Leukemia or Chlamydophila Felis), flea and tick prevention, or optional blood work recommended at specific stages of your pet’s life.GroomingYour new pet’s grooming requirements may range from easy home maintenance to extensive grooming appointments. This will depend on their species/breed and coat type. For short-haired dogs and cats, this could be as simple as brushing and nail trimming, which can be done at home (if your pet will tolerate it).However, those with longer coats may need further care, like bathing and hair clipping.A professional groomer can handle all these services, including ear cleaning and sometimes teeth brushing. However, the cost can range from $30-100 or more per session. How frequently you need to book a grooming session will also vary. Most groomers recommend rebooking approximately every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the pet’s specific needs.Pet Sitters/DaycareNot every pet parent will need to pay for pet sitters or daycare; it depends on your schedule and lifestyle. If your work keeps you away from the house for extended periods or you like to travel, this is a necessary expense to consider.The amount of time your pet can stay home alone will depend on several factors, including age, health, and energy level. The average adult dog or cat can be home alone for 8-10 hours or a standard workday. But this may be too long for puppies still going through the potty-training experience or senior pups who need to go to the bathroom more frequently.Dog daycare facilities cost $35-50/day on average. This assumes your pet is comfortable and well-behaved in this setting. If you need a pet sitter for a dog or cat, you can expect to pay approximately $20-30 for a single-pet drop-in visit. These costs will be higher if you have multiple pets, live in a more remote location, or expect the sitter to stay for a longer visit (or overnight).Training The cost of dog training will vary significantly, influenced by your location, the level of training your pup needs, and your chosen training approach. The secret to success is prioritizing training before their behavior becomes a concern.Basic obedience or puppy training classes generally range from $150-250 for a 4-6 session course. This is for dogs who have not previously completed basic training, creating a foundation for good behavior. It is not, however, the approach for addressing problem behaviors that have developed and need more specialized focus.Private 1-on-1 classes will be more expensive, costing approximately $100-150 per hour in most locations. This cost can run considerably higher for more intensive training or serious behavioral concerns. This includes dogs with severe separation anxiety, aggression, reactivity, and other destructive or potentially dangerous behaviors.Other ExpensesBeyond the above-listed costs, there are several other expenses to consider. This includes items like collars, leashes, harnesses, treats, toys, chews (for entertainment and dental health), pet beds, carriers, and other products needed to create the quality of life you envision for your new family member.

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