Many people who plan to welcome a four-legged family member save up for the purchase price itself, but forget about what comes after.
"Sometimes you see comments that dogs are so expensive to buy. Those people probably haven't understood that the costs that come after the purchase will be considerably greater," writes Janina Pfalzer, press officer at the Swedish Kennel Club, in an email.
The dog needs everything from a food bowl to food, poop bags and perhaps a crate for the car. A compilation made by Icabanken shows that a dog can cost between approximately 62,000 and 110,000 kronor during the first year.
Dog daycare is an item that quickly becomes very expensive – and if you can do without it, for example by working from home, you can save many thousands of kronor.
Another thing that stands out is insurance, says Magnus Hjelmér, everyday economist at Icabanken.
Use a toothbrush
He advises comparing different insurance policies at Konsumenternas, which provides independent guidance.
There are great comparisons of different dog insurance policies, what is included and how they work.
However, that doesn't mean you should skip insurance completely - veterinary costs can quickly add up.
Both Magnus Hjelmér and Janina Pfalzer recommend learning how to clip your dog's claws and trim their fur at home. By not having to take your dog to a groomer, you can save a lot of money.
And if you're already on the move with the nail clippers, it's just as good to also take out the toothbrush.
"Brushing your dog's teeth will hopefully prevent the need for dental cleanings, which are expensive, often have to be done quite regularly and are not covered by insurance," writes Janina Pfalzer.
Tip: Second hand
Many of the one-time purchases, such as dog crates or dog beds, can be found used at significantly better prices. However, you shouldn't skimp on good food for your dog and care when needed, says Pfalzer.
"But even here you have to be smart and if it's not life-threatening, you can call a digital veterinarian first for advice," she writes.
Perhaps most important of all is to prepare yourself before you fall in love with a cute puppy, according to Magnus Hjelmér. He advises reviewing your finances and calculating how much you can afford to spend on your daily life, even with a new family member.
Many people have a buffer for when their fridge or car breaks down, but not for possible vet visits. And the dog actually becomes not only a friend but a potential unforeseen expense as well, he says.
Collar and leash: 400 SEK
Brush: 150 SEK
Food bowl: 100 SEK
Water bowl: 100 SEK
Dog bed: 600 SEK
Dog toys: 200 SEK
Nail clippers: 140 SEK
Dog cage for car: 1,000-9,000 SEK
Puppy course: 1,200 SEK
Insurance (example for golden retriever): 3,000-5,000 SEK/year
Vaccinations: SEK 800-1,000/year
Food (medium-sized dog): 8,000 SEK/year
Poop bags: 400 SEK/year
Dog daycare (20 days/month): 2,800-6,000 SEK/month
Trim the coat at a dog groomer (five times a year): 8,000 SEK/year
Nail clipping (once a month): 3,900 SEK/year (150-500 SEK/time)
Total: SEK 49,700–110,190/year
Source: Icabanken
