How much is a puppies first vet bill?

Question

I'm getting my first dog and im just trying to see how much i should save up for the vet bills

Answer 1

In my most recent experience (5yrs ago) with a puppy's first vet bill it was $60,. The second was somewhere around $200,which included spaying.

Aded. how am I wrong for telling the truth and being a responsible dog owner?

Answer 2

I just took my 13 week old puppy for her first visit. She was a rescue, so the first two sets of puppy shots were included in the adoption fee. I ended up paying $340.00 for the exam, third set of shots, rabies shot, fecal exam, and meds (she had worms - very common in puppies). She goes back in 3 weeks for her 16 week visit.

The spay is included in my adoption fee.

You may want to call your vet and see how much they charge or see if there's an SPCA that offers low cost vaccinations.

Answer 3

It is usually recommended that they get a series of shots, usually at 8, 12, and 16 weeks.  Some vets may have you do four sets (depends on the vet)  The reason for the extra visits is to build up the dogs immunity.  At the last set of shots your dog will also get it's rabies shot, then it's just once a year after that.  The six mo. old mark is when you'll want to do the spay or neuter if you choose to go that route, and that cost will depend a lot on the size of your dog. The first visit on an average should cost $60-$75 (but your vet can give you the actual cost)  Your first year owning the dog will be the most expensive.

Answer 4

I go to a rather expensive vet (who is totally worth it), but for the very first vet visit that we had to take him to at 10 or 12 weeks it was around $120.00.  The previous owners took him on two vet visits prior to this, but I think he had only needed one.

Answer 5

Call around there are a lot of vets that will give a puppy plan that includes everything for the first year, shot,wormings and spay/neuter

Answer 6

It will vary dramatically depending on your location - But I'll break it down for you in my area.

Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccines to help boost their immunities as their mother's immunities wear off. Because of this, you'll need vaccines every 3-4 weeks from 8 wks to 15-16 wks.

The vaccines:

Da2pp/DHLPP/etc (Canine Distemper): vaccinates against a series of infections including Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Distemper, and sometimes Corona virus.

Vaccinate at ~8 wks, 12 wks, and 16 wks.

Cost: ~$18 per vaccine.

Rabies: Vaccinates against rabies - required by law in the US.

Vaccinate at 12 wks.

Cost: ~$10

The following you aught to consider IF they fit in to your lifestyle.

Bordatella (kennel cough): Highly infectious infection - causes respiratory issues. Is often required for boarding, and should be considered if you expect your pet to be social (dog parks, classes, etc).

Vaccinate at 6wks or older.

Cost: ~$21

Lyme: Transmitted by ticks - active infection causes lameness, joint swelling, paralysis, kidney failure. Should be considered if your pet will be exposed to wooded or grassy areas, including dog parks.

Vaccinate  at ~10 wks and ~14 wks or older.

Cost: ~$21 per vaccine

Leptosporosis: Bacteria found in standing water transmitted by wildlife. Should be considered if your dog will be exposed to wooded or otherwise non-domesticated areas.

vaccinate at ~12 wks and 16 wks.

cost: ~$10

Add to those ~$45 for your first visit, and ~$35 for each booster visit.

Flea and tick prevention should be used monthly, so add another $17 per month.

Heartworm prevention should be used monthly as well - so another $7 for that per month.

A canine neuter should cost between $120 - $200 depending on the age and size of the dog - a bigger dog requires more drugs, hence the increased cost.

A canine spay should cost between $200 - $300.