If you’ve recently got a new pup or are considering adding a furry friend to your family, you may be wondering how much dog vaccines cost. It’s a fair question, considering the fact that vaccines are a vital part of maintaining your pup’s health. Pet ownership is no easy feat and is often accompanied by a pretty price tag. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about the cost of getting your dog vaccinated according to a standard puppy vaccination schedule.
Overall Dog Vaccination Costs
For your pup’s first year, you should expect to pay roughly $170 on average in total puppy vaccinations cost. This is a mid-range point, but depending on your geographical location and the prices of your local veterinarian, you could be looking at more or less.
Your first-year costs will be the highest, as the booster shots may be less expensive or not needed annually.
Individual Dog Vaccine Costs
Core Vaccines
Core vaccinations are those that are recommended for all dogs, regardless of their lifestyle or risk factors. These vaccines protect against the most common and serious diseases that can affect dogs. The core vaccines for dogs include:
Rabies: This is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is fatal. All dogs should be vaccinated against rabies.
Distemper: This is a viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It is fatal in many cases. All dogs should be vaccinated against distemper.
Parvovirus: This is a highly contagious virus that attacks the gastrointestinal system and is fatal in many cases. All dogs should be vaccinated against parvovirus.
Adenovirus: This is a virus that can cause respiratory disease. It is not fatal, but it can be severe. All dogs should be vaccinated against adenovirus.
DA2PP – DHPP
The DA2PP or DHPP vaccine is a core vaccine for dogs that protects against four deadly diseases: canine distemper, adenovirus type 2, parvovirus, and canine parainfluenza. This combo vaccine is usually given to puppies at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, and then boostered annually. The cost of the DA2PP vaccine can vary depending on the vet clinic, but it is typically around $25-$35 per dose.
Rabies
Rabies is a virus that affects the central nervous system, and it is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. The good news is that there is a vaccine available to help protect your dog from this deadly disease.
The rabies vaccine is typically given to puppies at around 16 weeks, and then again at one year. After that, your dog will need a booster shot every three years if you reside in the United States (for citizens abroad, you usually will need a booster every 1 year). The cost of the vaccine will vary depending on your location and vet, but it is typically between $20 and $40 per dose.
Non-Core Vaccines
Noncore vaccines for dogs are vaccinations that are not required for all dogs but may be recommended for certain individual dogs based on their lifestyle and risk factors. Examples of non-core vaccines include the Bordetella vaccine (for Kennel Cough), the Lyme disease vaccine, and the Leptospirosis vaccine.
The most important thing to remember is that even if a shot is considered to be a ‘non-core vaccine’, it does not mean that it is not important. Vaccinating your dog against potential diseases and infections is one of the best ways we as pet parents can keep them healthy and happy. Talk to your veterinarian about which vaccines are right for your dog.
Bordetella
The Bordetella vaccine is a vaccine that helps protect against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacteria that can cause respiratory infections in dogs. It is also known as the “kennel cough” vaccine.
The vaccine is given as an injection or as a nasal spray and is usually given to puppies at 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters given every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. After that, the vaccine is given annually. The cost for the initial series of vaccinations is usually around $50-$100, and annual boosters typically cost around $15-$25.
Symptoms of Bordetella infection include coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. In severe cases, pneumonia can develop. Infected dogs can spread the disease to other dogs through close contacts, such as during grooming or play. The best way to prevent Bordetella infection is to vaccinate your dog against it.
This vaccine is recommended for dogs that are often in social settings with other dogs, such as doggy daycare, group walks, or dog parks.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a blood disease caused by infection with the Leptospira bacteria. The disease affects humans and animals and can be passed from animal to human. The most common symptoms in dogs are fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, and increased thirst. If left untreated, leptospirosis can lead to kidney failure and death.
The vaccine for leptospirosis is given in two doses, four weeks apart. Puppies should receive their first dose at 8 weeks of age, with a booster at 12 weeks of age. Adult dogs should receive a booster every year. The vaccine is typically given by your veterinarian, and costs around $20-$30 per dose.
Though the leptospirosis vaccine is not officially a core vaccine, many veterinarians urgently recommend you have your dog vaccinated, as this disease can have a potentially devastating outcome. In addition, this is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is easily transmitted from animal to human, which also
H3N2 & H3N8 Influenza
H3N2 & H3N8 Influenza is a serious respiratory illness in dogs caused by two different strains of the influenza virus. The H3N2 strain is the most common and is responsible for most of the outbreaks of canine influenza in the United States. The H3N8 strain is less common, but can also cause respiratory illness in dogs. Both strains are highly contagious and can spread quickly through populations of dogs that are not vaccinated against them.
The best way to protect your dog from these viruses is to ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations. There are two different vaccines available for dogs, one for each virus. The vaccine schedule for these vaccines is typically two shots given two to four weeks apart, followed by an annual booster.
The cost of the vaccine will vary depending on where you get it but is typically around $30-$40 per shot.
If your dog is exposed to either of these viruses, it will likely develop a cough, runny nose, and fever. More severe cases can lead to pneumonia and even death. If you think your dog may have been exposed to either virus, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing serious illness or death in dogs.
Lyme
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that can affect both dogs and humans. The disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to dogs through the bite of an infected tick. Lyme disease can cause many symptoms in dogs, including fever, lameness, joint pain, lethargy, and loss of appetite. In some cases, the disease can lead to more serious problems such as kidney failure or even death.
The Lyme disease vaccine is designed to protect dogs from the bacterium that causes the disease. The vaccine is typically given in a series of two or three injections, depending on the brand used. The first vaccination is usually given when the dog is between six and eight weeks old, with booster shots given every three to four weeks until the dog is 16 weeks old. After that, booster shots are typically given once a year.
The Lyme vaccine is not 100% effective, but it can help reduce the severity of symptoms if your dog does become infected with the bacterium. The vaccine is generally safe for most dogs, but as with any vaccine, there is a small risk of side effects such as fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Dogs who live in areas where Lyme disease is common (such as the northeastern United States) or who are at increased risk for exposure to the bacterium (such as hunting dogs or those who travel frequently) should be vaccinated against the disease.`
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
There is no “typical” puppy vaccination schedule, as the timing and types of puppy vaccinations can vary depending on the individual pup and its risk factors. However, most vets will recommend a series of puppy vaccinations starting at around 6-8 weeks of age, with booster shots every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is around 16 weeks old. After that, adult dogs will need an annual booster shot to maintain their immunity.
Other Costs You Must Take Into Account When Getting Your Dog’s Vaccines
What many people may not know about dog vaccinations’ cost is that there are often costs alongside the actual shots that are required for your dog to have his jabs. Your pup will likely require a wellness exam at most of his vaccine appointments, which falls in the range of $30 – $50.
Your veterinarian will also recommend flea and tick prevention, heartworm tests, heartworm prevention, fecal test, and deworming. These are all preventative health measures in order to ensure your dog lives a healthy life.
Does Pet Insurance Help with Dog Vaccination Costs?
It’s no secret that pet insurance can help offset the costs of unexpected veterinary bills. But what about routine care? Does pet insurance help with dog vaccination costs?
The answer is, it depends on the policy. Some pet insurance policies will reimburse you for a portion of your dog’s vaccinations, while others will not cover them at all. And still, other policies may have partial coverage for certain vaccines but not others.
To figure out whether your pet insurance policy covers vaccinations, the best thing to do is to give your insurer a call and ask them directly. That way, you’ll know for sure what is and isn’t covered before you incur any expenses.
Summing Up
Your puppy shots for your dog’s first year will be the most expensive year, with costs running an average of $170 (exclusive of physical exam and other preventative treatments such as heartworm or tick and flea medication).
Consider getting non-core vaccines if your dog has high-risk factors or lifestyle habits that may make him more susceptible to the disease. For example, if you board your dog frequently, you’ll certainly want to get the Bordetella vaccine. If your dog lives in New England, you’ll undoubtedly want him vaccinated against Lyme. This will raise your vaccine costs, but in the long run, your dog will be better protected against these diseases.
