To keep your puppy healthy for life, read up on the cost and schedule of puppy shots.
The most proactive action you can take to protect your dog from illness and save money on future medical expenses is vaccination. You might bristle at spending a chunk of money right at the outset, but it’s worth the investment.
In a reputable veterinary practice, you can expect to pay between $25 and $75 per vaccine or choose vaccination packages that are less expensive. You might bristle at spending this chunk of money right at the outset, but it’s worth the investment.
Whether you have an adult dog or a puppy, as well as your location, will affect the cost of puppy shots. Let’s find out.
How Much Do Dog and Puppy Vaccinations Cost?
Whether you decide to administer both core and non-core vaccines, as well as whether you need any additional vaccinations for the places your dog will be traveling, will determine the precise cost of your pet’s shots.
Typically, some vaccinations are included in the adoption fee if you are adopting your pet from a shelter or rescue group. In order to ensure a healthy start, young puppies in particular are frequently not adopted by families until they have undergone a thorough medical examination and received their first vaccinations.
Below is an estimated average cost you can expect for your dog or puppy’s vaccinations:
- Routine vaccinations: 1st year – $100–$350, Annual cost – $80–$250
- Heartworm prevention: $24–$132 annually
- Flea and tick prevention: $40–$200 annually
- Distemper vaccination: 1st year – $20–$30, Annual cost – $40–$60
- Rabies vaccination: 1st year – $15–$25
- Deworming: 1st year – $20–$50, Annual cost: $80–$200
Even though these vaccinations are expensive, you might be able to prevent your dog from developing later-stage health problems that would be much more costly.
The price of vaccinations for your pet’s health insurance may help. You might want to take a look at Lemonade if you’re considering getting pet insurance. This company offers balanced, customizable insurance and helpful customer service.
We always recommend comparing multiple policies is the best way to know if you are getting the coverage that you need.
What Types of Vaccinations Does My Puppy Need?
Because their immune systems are still developing and they are more likely to contract an infectious disease, puppies typically need a series of vaccinations. The vaccination schedule for puppies is usually three to four weeks apart with the final vaccination administered around four months of age, but your veterinarian could alter the vaccination schedule based on your puppy’s risk factors.
Core puppy vaccinations include:
- DHLPP vaccine. This shot protects against leptospirosis, parvo, parainfluenza, distemper, and adenovirus (hepatitis). These illnesses can spread to humans and affect your puppy’s intestines, kidneys, liver, respiratory system, joints, and energy levels.
- Rabies vaccine. This vaccine guard against rabies, a fatal and incurable disease that can infect humans. The state-by-state list of rabies vaccination requirements can be found below.
Optional vaccines your vet may recommend for your puppy include:
- Bordetella vaccine. The main culprit behind kennel cough is the bacteria bordetella, which can result in violent coughing, vomiting, and whooping fits. It may even cause death in some circumstances. This vaccination might be needed if you intend to board your pet or drop it off at daycare.
- Influenza vaccine for dogs. This aids in warding off canine influenza, also known as parainfluenza or CAV-2, which can affect puppies and cause kennel cough. It is not as widespread as bordetella, though. If your dog shares a home with other dogs, you should think about giving him this vaccine.
- vaccine against leptospirosis This aids in preventing the spread of leptospirosis, a disease that can leave your puppy feeling ill and causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, extreme weakness, and lethargicness. Leptospirosis can spread to people and is found in soil and water.
- Lyme vaccine. This aids in defending your puppy against Lyme disease, a condition spread by ticks that can harm your puppy’s heart, kidneys, and joints, and cause neurological disorders.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
- 8 weeks: Distemper/Parvovirus Vaccine + Intestinal Parasite Test
- 12 weeks: Distemper/Parvovirus Vaccine Second Round + Intestinal Parasite Test
- 16 weeks: Distemper/Parvovirus Vaccine, Bordetella Vaccine, Rabies Vaccine(1-yr) + Leptospirosis Vaccine + Dog Flu Vaccines
A veterinarian can advise you on the best vaccination schedule for your puppy, as we already mentioned. Your dog’s vaccination schedule might appear slightly different.
Our biggest piece of advice: finish each course of vaccination that you start. To put it another way, make sure to administer the second round of vaccinations if your pet’s initial shots require boosters. Your pet won’t develop the necessary immunity to the diseases if you don’t.
Why Do Puppies and Dogs Need Vaccinations?
In order to keep your pet from catching contagious diseases, vaccinations are given. Some regions offer vaccinations against particular illnesses that are common or that your dog is at high risk for. However, puppies start receiving a standard set of vaccinations between the ages of six and eight weeks.
Rabies, parvovirus, distemper, and hepatitis are just a few of the illnesses that can affect puppies. They are immunized against these illnesses through a series of vaccinations given in their first three months of life.
Regardless of whether you are adopting an adult dog or a puppy, speak with your vet to determine the schedule for your pet’s vaccinations. If you’re unsure of the animal’s previous vaccination history, your vet may advise that you give a series of booster shots to make sure they are up to date.
If you live in an area that is prone to ticks, we recommend asking your veterinarian for medication/vaccinations to prevent tick-borne diseases. They can provide you with the information you require for any illnesses that are prevalent in your area or state.
Summary
To assist you in budgeting for your pet, we’ve provided you with the typical prices for dog and puppy vaccinations. You should budget between a low average of $115 and a high average of $230 for your dog’s first-year vaccinations. In light of your lifestyle and the area where you live, your veterinarian should be consulted regarding the vaccinations that are advised for your pet.
FAQs
How Much is a 5-in-1 Vaccine for Puppies?
The CPV-DHLP vaccine, also called the 5-in-1 vaccine, costs Php 400 or more. Distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parainfluenza, and parvovirus are all protected against by the CPV-DHLP vaccine. Your dog should receive this vaccine between the age of 10-12 weeks.
Is It Okay to Be Late on Puppy Shots?
Late puppy vaccinations can compromise your pet’s immune system. If you haven’t started your puppy’s vaccination process or have missed a scheduled vaccine booster, it’s important to get your puppy on a vaccination schedule. If your puppy is late or overdue for vaccinations, talk to a vet as soon as possible.
How Many Shots is a Fully Vaccinated Puppy?
These will include the core vaccines, which are administered in a series of three: at 6-, 12-, and 16 weeks old. DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza) is one of the primary vaccines. Additionally, a rabies shot for your dog is required; these typically cost $15 to $20.
