Before I consider getting a dog,I would like to know how much does a dog cost per month. (not including vets and shots) just basic, grooming and feeding. Please I would love any advice.
Ps the dog I am planning on getting is a black lab puppy.

The initial cost will be supplies, food, treats. You will want to use a quality puppy food. Prices vary. I like Hill's/Science Diet brand. Eukanuba and Iams is good. Talk to your vet. Once you choose your food look on the package and it will tell you how much to feed the dog each feeding then you can figure out the cost. I have 5 dogs and go through about 70 pounds of food a month--But none of them are growing Labs.

Black labs only need to be bathed a few times a year. If you cannot do it at home contact a groomer to get estimates. Most go by weight/breed/condition of the coat. I just paid $20 for Poodle Mix and next week I am paying $45 for St. Bernard who has some matts in his feathers. I know this is cheap (that is why I go there :]--Plus she is good).

Also for a few months-or in my MJ's case a few years--keep in mind the cost of replacing, cleaning or repairing things--chewed shoes, diarrhea on your favorite throw rug, vomit on the couch.

Thanks that was helpful, I think I'll go to the store and check out the prices. ( I really don't want a dog that costs a million zillion bucks

First of all, I really hope that you will be adopting one of the many pups that they have in the shelters. I do disagree that Labs only need a bath twice a yr. A groomer twice a yr?. sure. Most Labs love water, so if you live near water, they love to go for swims. If not, and you have a backyard, a kiddie pool is always good especially in the summer. Of course you can get these for as little as $10-$20 dollars.

There is also the initial cost of spaying or neutering, which is a must. It not only keeps the animal population down, but you have a much more balanced and well behaved dog, and fewer health problems down the line. It greatly reduces the risk of certain types of cancer and other illnesses in dogs. The cost of this varies, but is extremely expensive if your dog gets sick. A lot cheaper to have the preventative measures taken.

You will also want to consider your pups initial shots if not already given, and all the booster shots he will need, and also have money put away for unexpected emergencies. (and believe me they do happen) Most vets will be happy to give you a price list.

Other things that will safeguard your dog, are products like Heartguard, Flea and Tick sprays, collars, or meds.

Their food of course needs to be of good quality, and have balanced vitamins and nutrients. That could range anywhere from approx $30-50 a month (depending on the brand, and where you live) Don't buy the cheap no name grocery store brands,. they are all fat and filler.

Then there are the other things you must have. Your dog needs to be licensed, and tattooing or microchipping are always a good choice, in case your dog is lost or stolen. A good leash and collar, rawhides, chew toys, throw toys, pull toys, a quality dog brush, a good nail clipper, a kennel, (if you choose to use one) pee pads, (if you go that route) and so many other incidentals that you don't think of until you need them.

When I got my Lab (cross) I didn't expect that in a relatively short period, how expensive it can really get. I can't tell you an amount, but what I can tell you, is in the last year, I have spent upwards of $2500.00 on my little girl. They do get expensive, but they are so worth the price!!

Ps, Trust me, I'm not rich by any stretch of the imagination, so I know it can be hard.

Well you see at my local spca they have a litter of black lab pups, and are sooooooooo sweet. Since they are in the spca they have already been nuetered, ecause that's there policy, and had many of there booster shots. I am also luck that a vet lives just down the road so I can ask him, all of these prices seem resonable I know there are unforseen expensies but I think they can be delt with. Thanks again for all your advice.

That is what the SPCA does here also, so that's a good thing. I was just trying to give you a heads up with the worse case scenario on cost. You're so lucky to have a vet lives down the street! Wow, what I wouldn't do for that! ;)

My little fur babe has had some really bad luck. We have a skunk infested neighborhood, and last summer she was sprayed 4 times. Twice straight in the face. I not only had to take her to the vet because she couldn't see, but I had to pay to have skunk traps set out. Then she somehow tore a dew claw, and had to have surgery to have it removed.

Just last month she was brutally attacked by another dog, and I had to call an after hrs vet, and she was rushed in for emerg surgery. So like I said, it's the unexpected things that can really cost you an awful lot of money. I hope your new pup isn't so unlucky, for his sake and yours!

Good luck with your new pup! I would luuvvv to see a pic when you get him/her, if you could post one. I love Labs (and all other breeds) and just can't resist their sweet little faces!

Keep in mind that if costs are going to be a concern for you, an adult dog will cost somewhat less than a puppy (fewer vet visits, hopefully not so much destructive chewing, etc.) And the bigger the dog, the higher the costs. Which I learned fast when I adopted a greyhound! Dog beds start at $20, but the cheap ones that will fit my dog are around $60. Nice ones run me around 90-100. And, of course, she has one for each room that we spend a lot of time in. Just some things to think about.

well you see at my local spca they have a litter of black lab pups, and are sooooooooo sweet. since they are in the spca they have already been nuetered, ecause thats there policy, and had many of there booster shots. i am also luck that a vet lives just down the road so i can ask him, all of these prices seem resonable i know there are unforseen expensies but i think they can be delt with. thanks again for all your advice.

One thing that concerns me, is that you say that this litter of pups has already had "booster shots" They need their initial shots before any booster shots to begin with. Booster shots are shots given later.

Please make sure the SPCA gives you all records of shots, and find out as much info as you can before you leave. Why the pups ended up there, etc. Most will "require" you to take your pup to your own vet, at your own expense, for a checkup, right off the bat, with a condition of the adoption, in order to ensure the dog will not end up back with them!

Pets can often come into the shelters with diseases such as parvo, and infect the other pets, so you need to be sure a thorough check-up is given right after you get your pup. It IS an added expense, but it is better than bringing your pup home, and finding out he has something that could become potentially deadly, or cost you 10 times as much in the end.

Oh yeah, I volunteered at the spca a while back, and nw dogs and dogs with contagious dieses are sperated from the pther dogs, and they keep it very sanitary. But I will take it to a vet and see what happens. (if I get one WITCH I HOPE)