A pet is not a toy, this idea must be very clear before acquiring or adopting a pet. There are many cases of abandonment due to an inability to assume the responsibility of caring for the animal, but there are also those who do not take into account that it can involve a high economic cost, and end up having to give up their company because they cannot assume it.
For all these reasons, the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has carried out a survey in Spain to find out how much it costs on average to keep a dog or a cat per year covering their basic needs. The results have shown that keeping a dog in the country costs an average of 1,131 euros per year, while having a cat is somewhat cheaper, but not much more, since it would be about 945 euros.
In addition to the value as such, the analysis has also taken into account what the money is spent on, revealing that half of it is used for animal feed products, and the rest for hygiene and health. Dog owners spend approximately 47 euros per month on food for their pet, while those who have a cat spend about 44 euros per month.
Dogs require more veterinary consultations
Specifically, and going into more detail, it can be said that taking care of the health of dogs seems to be more expensive than that of cats, since it is estimated that the expenses in this item are 365 euros in the case of dogs and 202 euros a year in cats. In addition, hygiene spends 14 and 19 euros per month on dogs and cats, respectively, according to the report.
As indicated, in the last year 45% of dogs had to be taken at some point to be treated in veterinary emergencies, while in cats the figure was almost half, at 24%, so in this difference could be found the abyss of cost in health between one pet or another.
Dog owners spend about 47 euros a month on food for their pet, while cat owners spend about 44 euros for the same
With regard to their health, the study carried out by the OCU has determined that the most common are aging and skin and hair diseases in both pets. “Veterinary consultations are not uncommon: nine out of ten dogs have attended at least one scheduled consultation in the last 12 months, either to get vaccinated (85%), for a routine check-up (74%) or an antiparasitic treatment (56%). )”, they explain from the organization.
In the case of cats, seven out of ten needed to be taken to the veterinarian at least once in the last year, being emergencies 45% of the total, this occurs less in cats, which have an incidence of 24%. As we have said, having a pet is a great responsibility but it can also bring many benefits.
Having a pet improves mood
Among them, the OCU highlights that having a dog or a cat has a positive effect on mood. This statement is made after no less than 92% of dog owners and 81% of cat owners indicated it. And it is that, of the dogs, their sociability with children, their affection, their activity and their obedience stand out, while of the cats their cleanliness, independence and affection are praised.
Be that as it may, we emphasize again that a pet is almost or practically like having a child, a responsibility that must be assumed without hesitation. So, if you are thinking of adopting or buying a dog or a feline as a pet, assess whether you are going to be able to cover all their needs, emotional, economic and others, otherwise don’t do it.
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