While litter boxes are mostly associated with cats and some small pets, dogs can also be litter box trained. Dog litter is an alternative to puppy pee pads, and it can be a helpful backup for dogs to relieve themselves while you’re away from home. However, it does have some disadvantages that may not make it the best option for some dogs. So, it’s important to spend time weighing the pros and cons before deciding to use dog litter.
What Is Dog Litter?
Dog litter comes in different forms. The most common types of dog litter you’ll come across include newspaper pellets and clumping clay. Dog litter does often look and act similarly to cat litter. So, you could technically use cat litter if your local pet store doesn’t carry any dog litter.
Advantages of Dog Litter
Dog litter has several advantages that can make it a better alternative to puppy pee pads. First, dog litter is often incorporated with deodorizing and odor-locking ingredients, so it can do a better job of reducing urine odors than puppy pee pads.
The texture of dog litter feels more natural than flat puppy pee pads, so dogs often have an easier time getting used to using them. Many dogs can mistake rugs for pee pads and are more likely to have accidents in the home. Dog litter can reduce the occurrence of potty accidents in the home because it doesn’t bear any resemblance to carpets and rugs.
Lastly, dog litter can be an eco-friendlier option than pee pads if you use dog litter made with recycled or biodegradable materials. In contrast, pee pads use plastic and will take up more landfill space than eco-friendly dog litter.
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Disadvantages of Dog Litter
There are cases in which dog litter isn’t the best option for some dogs. First, it’s most commonly used with smaller dogs. This is because dog litter is usually capable of absorbing urine for smaller dogs, but larger dogs may produce too much urine for litter boxes. It’s also difficult to find litter boxes designed for medium and large dog breeds, so larger dogs can miss the litter box.
For obvious reasons, dog litter isn’t a good option for dogs that like to dig. It can get messy very quickly for both dogs that like to dig and dogs that like to scratch their paws against the ground after they relieve themselves.
How to Set Up a Dog Litter Box
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If you think using a dog litter box would be good for your dog, it’s important to create a substantial litter box station. First, purchase a litter box that’s big enough for your dog. Your dog should be able to fit inside the box and have a little extra room. It’s also important to get a litter box hood or a litter box with high walls, especially if you have a male dog. This will prevent splashing and urine leaking to your floors.
Next, choose your dog litter. Pellets are usually the eco-friendlier option, but you also have to change out this type of dog litter and clean the litter box more frequently than clumping dog litter. While clumping dog litter offers more convenient cleanup, it can be messier than pellets. It’ll get stuck to your dog’s paws, and it’s likely that you’ll find dog litter tracks around your house. If you choose to use clumping dog litter, make sure also to purchase a litter box mat. A litter box mat will help trap dog litter that sticks to your dog’s paws and reduce the amount of tracking.
Make sure to purchase a dog litter scoop. Scooping out urine and feces from the dog litter box will help make dog litter last longer and reduce odors from permeating throughout your home. You can also purchase litter additives or deodorizing crystals and mix them into the dog litter to trap odors.
Conclusion
Overall, dog litter is a considerable choice for smaller dogs that require frequent potty breaks. It usually isn’t a good option for larger dogs because it may not be able to absorb and contain their urine adequately.
If you plan to use dog litter, make sure to weigh your options and choose the right kind of dog litter and litter box accessories. Having a good litter box setup will help reduce litter box odors and keep messes contained, and you’ll be sure to reap all the additional benefits that dog litter has to offer.
Whippets are often confused with Greyhounds due to their similar size and need for speed, but this breed is all its own. Sometimes called “the poor man’s racehorse”, these medium-sized pups are known for being fast, agile, athletic, and incredibly friendly. If you’re considering bringing one of these canines into your home, it’s important to get an idea of how much that will cost you, both immediately and in the long run. There are a lot of costs associated with dog ownership, some of which you might not have thought about!
Whippets live anywhere from 12 to 15 years, so you’re looking at long-term financial responsibility. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at how much it will cost to bring a Whippet home and how much it should run you in monthly costs. You’ll find a lot of variation in costs, but initially, you can expect to pay $296–$1,300 and then $180 to $530 a month for one of these dogs.
Bringing Home a New Whippet: One-Time Costs
The one-time, upfront costs of bringing home a Whippet can vary greatly. It really depends on whether you adopt a dog or decide to shell out for one from a breeder. Then, there are the initial setup costs (food, crate, dog bed, etc.), which can also vary depending on whether you go with items that are more or less expensive.
Free
Chances of finding a Whippet for absolutely free are slim, but you may come across someone who needs to rehome their Whippet because they can longer care for them. You might also find a Whippet for free via a rescue organization, but even then, you’ll probably need to pay a small cost.
Adoption
$50–$500
Adopting one of these dogs from a shelter or rescue organization is an excellent option. Not only will this save you money on the upfront costs of purchasing a Whippet, but you’ll also be saving a life. The cost of adopting a Whippet from a shelter or rescue often includes items like up-to-date vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and sometimes even spay/neuter, which saves you even more.
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Breeder
$800–$1,500
Purchasing a Whippet from a reputable breeder will cost the most, but it also guarantees you a purebred dog if that’s what you’re in the market for. The cost of buying your dog from a breeder will often include the first round of vaccinations, as well. But ensure you are using a breeder who’s reputable; otherwise, you could end up with a dog with health problems, costing you a lot more money in the long run.
Initial Setup and Supplies
$296–$1,300
Of course, when you first get a dog, you’ll also have to obtain a variety of supplies so your new pet has the proper setup. These items include crates, dog beds, food, toys, treats, vet visits, and more. The cost of initial setup for your pup will vary, depending on whether you go for items that are priced lower or higher.
List of Whippet Care Supplies and Costs
ID Tag and Collar
$15–$25
Spay/Neuter
$100–$400
Microchip
$25–$50
Leash/Harness
$5–$125
Dog bed
$10–$340
Crate
$37–$500
Food & Treats
$10–$100
Food & Water Bowls
$6–$25
Nail Clippers (optional)
$6–$20
Brush (optional)
$4–$30
Shampoo/Conditioner
$8–$25
Toys
$30–$60
Carrier
$40–$100
How Much Does a Whippet Cost Per Month?
$180–$530 per month
There will be monthly costs associated with your Whippet, which we’ll cover below. Some of these items may not end up being ones you need to pay for each month, so there’s a bit of variation in how much monthly costs will run you. Some of the included monthly costs are food, entertainment, and grooming.
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Health Care
$20–$100 per month
How much you spend each month on health care for your Whippet will depend significantly on where you live. Those living outside cities will likely pay much less for vet visits and vaccinations, so costs vary greatly. And after the first few months, once your dog’s initial vaccinations and spay/neuter are covered, you shouldn’t have to spend much on health care on a monthly basis. At most, you’ll likely only be spending money on tick and flea prevention.
This average cost doesn’t cover accidents or illnesses, of course. So, keep in mind that at some point, your pet will probably get sick or injured, and you’ll have to take them to the vet to have them fixed up.
Food
$30–$50 per month
Whippets may only be medium-sized, but these pups are big on energy, so they need a protein-rich diet to keep up. High-quality dog food can range in price, depending on not only the brand but whether you serve your dog dry, wet, or subscription dog food. Subscription foods are priciest, but they’re typically much better quality and made with ingredients that are healthier for your dog.
Grooming
$10–$40 per month
Whippets are very low-maintenance when it comes to grooming due to their short, smooth coats. Mostly, you’ll simply be brushing your dog once a week or so, then cleaning their ears, trimming nails, and giving them a bath as necessary. If you purchased the supplies to do that during the initial setup, you won’t be spending much monthly on grooming.
But if you aren’t comfortable trimming your dog’s nails yourself or would rather have someone else bathe them, you’ll need to seek the services of a groomer. This is another area where pricing can vary wildly depending on where you live.
Medications and Vet Visits
$20–$100 per month
As we mentioned, unless your dog is ill or gets injured, you probably won’t be taking them to the vet every month. However, if your dog has a chronic illness that requires monthly medication or vet visits, you will be spending some. How much depends, again, on where you’re located and what’s going on with your pet. But in most cases, you won’t have monthly vet visits or medications to pay for.
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Pet Insurance
$50–$100 per month
Pet insurance isn’t a necessity, but it can help a lot with health care costs in the long term. And, as with health care, how much pet insurance costs will depend on the area you live in since some states offer pet insurance for less than others. Different pet insurance companies will also get you different pricing, so be sure to shop around for the best deal if you decide to invest in pet insurance!
Environment Maintenance
$30–$40 per month
Maintaining your pet’s environment shouldn’t take much, but you will need to occasionally replace items. Bedding, such as dog beds or blankets, can sometimes be ruined by accidents or be chewed up if your dog is feeling a bit destructive, which would require replacement. And dog toys will eventually wear down or get torn up, so you’ll need to purchase more. You’ll also want to be sure to replenish cleaning supplies, as needed, for getting rid of urine stains or safely cleaning out your dog’s crate.
Bedding
$10/month
Cleaning supplies
$10/month
Toys
$10–$20/month
Entertainment
$20–$100 per month
Whippets need lots of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy, so they need to be entertained. While this might, at times, be as simple as letting your dog into the backyard to run around, other times you’ll need toys or games. You might want to invest in something like BarkBox, a monthly subscription box with toys and treats for your pet. You might also want to enroll your pet in training or agility classes; your Whippet will have a blast and learn a lot!
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Whippet
$180–$530 per month
Since some of the above costs likely won’t be a factor each month, your total monthly cost for owning a Whippet should be on the lower side of this estimate. And some items listed above, like pet insurance, are optional, so you may choose to save money by not purchasing them. But owning a Whippet will probably cost almost a couple hundred dollars each month.
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Additional Costs to Factor In
There are more costs to factor into your decision than just the above, though. One such cost is what you will do with your pet if you’re traveling; if you’re bringing them with you, you may have to pay more for room and board, but if you’re leaving them behind, you’ll need to consider the cost of boarding or a dog sitter. Another cost you may need to factor in if you work often is the cost of a dog walker to come by and ensure your pup is getting enough exercise. Boarding, dog sitters, and dog walkers typically cost $25–$50/day.
There’s also emergency vet care, which we’ve mentioned above. Depending on what your Whippet needs, this could cost a bundle, anywhere from $200 to upwards of $1,000. Having pet insurance will help offset emergency costs, but it also adds a monthly cost to owning a Whippet.
You may run into the cost of classes, too, if you use a dog trainer or sign your pup up for agility classes. These can range from $50 to $200 a month, depending on where you live and the company you use.
Owning a Whippet on a Budget
If you’re on a budget, you may still be able to afford a Whippet. One of the easiest ways to save money is by adopting a dog from a rescue or shelter; this is not only cheaper but may also save you the cost of initial vaccinations and even a spay/neuter. Though pet insurance is a monthly cost, it can save you tons if your dog has a situation that requires emergency vet care. Pet insurance can even save you money on routine vet visits if you choose the right plan. You can also save on food costs by purchasing in bulk. However, if you do this, ensure you have an air-tight container to put dog food in so it doesn’t go bad before your pup eats it!
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Saving Money on Whippet Care
Pet insurance is a fantastic way to save on the care of your Whippet, as we’ve already discussed. Ensuring your dog makes it to routine vet visits will also save you in the long run, as these routine visits can often catch illnesses or conditions earlier rather than later. Engaging your pet in enough daily exercise will also go a long way in keeping them healthier for longer!
You can also save money on your Whippet’s care by grooming them at home. Learning how to clip your dog’s nails may take a few tries, but it’s much less expensive than taking them to the groomer or vet every time you need it done.
Conclusion
If you’re considering purchasing a Whippet, you’re likely looking at $$296–$1,300 in upfront costs, depending on whether you adopt or not. After that, you’re looking at monthly expenses of $180–$530 for this dog (though that will likely be on the lower end). When purchasing a Whippet, you’ll also need to factor in items like dog walking, boarding, and emergency vet care.
There are some ways you can save on costs, though, if you have your heart set on one of these pups. Whether it be getting pet insurance for your dog to save on health care or buying food in bulk to even out costs, it is doable.
Considering you’re getting a new friend who will be around for a while and offer plenty of fun, it should be worth it, though!
