Are older dogs more expensive: Guide, costs and advice
Whether you’re considering adopting an older dog, or your pup is aging faster than you’d like, we look at the costs of caring for an older dog.
Pet insurance provided by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.
Average monthly cost of owning a dog
The average monthly cost of owning a dog is different for every family. It can vary hugely depending on their breed, lifestyle and insurance. You’ll need to consider health checks, booster vaccinations, flea and worming treatments and the day-to-day expenses, like food, toys, poo bags and more.
Small dogs are generally cheaper in terms of cost than medium or large dogs. According to Rover.com, dog owners in the UK spend on average between £48 and £252 per month on their pet.
These amounts could be higher for dogs on special or prescription diets, or those that need ongoing vet care. It also doesn’t include the initial cost of adopting a dog, specialist care for an older dog, vet fees, day care, insurance, grooming costs or training classes.
Full-cost breakdown of owning an older dog
Owning a dog is the experience of a lifetime – you can’t put a price on waggy tails and playful paws. According to BSAVA, dogs are considered old at 12.5 years of age. But it does help to be aware of the potential costs if you’re considering adopting an older dog, so you can be confident you can financially care for them.
Insurance
The cost of pet insurance varies based on a few things. The price of insuring an older dog can be affected by your location, as well as your dog’s breed, size and age. Typically, it’s less expensive to insure dogs without breed-associated risks or health worries. Breeds that are considered at high risk of developing health conditions, such as flat-faced breeds like Pugs or Bulldogs, may cost more to cover.
Insurance costs can rise during your dog’s lifetime – and cost more when they hit their senior years. Age has an impact on price, as health conditions or dental concerns are more likely to occur in senior dogs.
Dog walker or day care
It can be tricky to navigate pet care and other commitments, like work or family life. Hopefully, you have a support network of neighbours or friends who can help share the load. But for longer-term solutions, you may consider professional assistance.
According to Battersea Dog & Cats Home, if your dog is left for over four hours at a time you should have a dog walker or a daycare setup. Every dog is unique and will respond differently to being left alone. For dogs with separation anxiety, which can be a common behaviour in senior dogs, more constant care could be a good idea.
Healthcare
Both young and senior dogs need to be kept up to date with routine treatments, like defleaing and worming, and vaccinations. Even if your old pup isn’t going outside as much as they used to, both indoor and outdoor dogs need regular flea treatments. So you will need to account for these in your cost of owning a dog.
It’s also recommended that senior dogs have twice-yearly health checks. It’s best to be on top of their health in their later years. If there’s anything concerning, it’s important to know sooner rather than later to help your old hound get back to feeling their best.
Essential items for an older dog
As your dog gets older, they may need some extra adjustments to their routine. You may need to implement some diet changes or home environment switch-ups ups which may come with extra costs.
Here are some special items you may decide to purchase for your older dog to help keep them comfortable:
Special bed
Your older dog deserves the very best in their golden years. And that includes the best possible throne for their weary legs. Specially designed orthopaedic beds could help to support aching bones and joints. These beds are made with high-density foam that helps to reduce pressure sores and injury risk.
Make sure their bed is easy for them to get to, but somewhere they can retreat to for some peace and quiet. It should be away from draughts and close to their food and water bowl too.
Dog coat
Just like elderly people, older dogs may need some extra help keeping toasty – especially in winter. Your old pup may benefit from wearing a coat to protect against rain and cold weather.
Elevated bowls
Senior dogs may struggle to bend down to reach their food bowl as easily as in their puppy years. An elevated food and water bowl could help to reduce arthritis pain, as eating from the floor involves your old pup shifting weight onto their front limbs.
Non-slip rugs
As your dog ages, they may become less stable on their feet. Slippery and smooth surfaces can be a challenge for senior dogs to walk on. Upgrade their environment with non-slip rugs so they can have better grip and still enjoy a potter around the house.
Senior dog food
Your vet may suggest that your old pup would benefit from a specialised senior dog food. Food designed for senior dogs can be formulated with high-quality protein and nutrients that may help your pet feel their best in their old age.
Just like with all pet foods, the pricing for senior dog food depends on the brand, quality, quantity you’re buying and the type of food (dry or wet). Speak to your vet about the most appropriate senior dog diet for your best pal.
Older dog pet toys
Playtime is still important when your pet ages. As they start to slow down, mental stimulation can help to keep their brain mentally active. Consider investing in toys for older dogs, like puzzles or interactive games, to take playtime up a notch and keep your old pup entertained.
Protect your pooch
Pet insurance is important at all ages – from puppyhood to the golden years. Knowing you have cover in place for your hound can help take some of the financial strain away if they get into mischief or develop a condition in their senior age.
At Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance we offer a variety of policies so you can choose the best for your furry family, from lifetime cover to maximum benefit.
FAQs
Are older dogs cheaper to feed?
Older dogs aren’t necessarily cheaper to feed, although they may have a smaller appetite than when they were a growing pup. It’s still essential that your old hound gets the nutrients they need in old age. Any significant weight gain or loss could be a sign of an underlying condition, so it’s important to check with your vet if you notice any changes.
What is the average medical cost for an older dog?
There are so many variables that affect the medical cost of looking after an older dog, from routine treatments, vaccinations and biannual vet appointments to unexpected vet visits or medications. Owning a pet is a big responsibility – and that includes financially.
How much does grooming an older dog cost?
The price for dog grooming can depend on the breed, coat type, size and age of your dog. Costs can also vary per location, and whether your groomer has a mobile operation or has a salon. An older or anxious pet may need a longer appointment time so they can have breaks, and the groomer can take their time. Professional grooming costs can vary from £20 to over £100 depending on the service, area and products the groomer uses.
Important Information
Sainsbury's Bank plc, Registered Office, 33 Charterhouse Street, London, EC1M 6HA (registered in England and Wales, no 3279730) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (register no. 184514).
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd is an appointed representative of Sainsbury's Bank plc. Sainsbury's Bank plc acts as an introducer to Pinnacle Insurance Ltd who is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (register number 110866). Registered office: 4th Floor, Limelight, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JH. Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd. Sainsbury's Bank plc and Pinnacle Insurance Ltd are not part of the same corporate group.
We do not provide personal recommendations to customers.