By
Brian on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 |
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Cost of puppy vaccinations?
We have a 9 week old Papillion that will need his second set of shots at the end of March. I am just curious if anyone knows the approximate cost of the following vaccines:
The 4-in-1 shot for Distemper, Paraifluenza, Adenovirus and Parvovirus
Leptospirosis
Lyme disease (my vet said this is optional, because Lyme disease is not common in our area, should I still get it?)
Canine Cough
We are definitely going to get them done, no matter the cost. But it’s just good to know in advanced, so we can work it into the monthly budget for March.
Approximate cost is fine, we really just want to know if it’s going to be $20 per or more like $50 per.
Thanks!
I meant like $20 or $50 per shot, there is only one puppy!
He will be getting them all in one appointment at the end of march (when he is about 3 months).
If Lyme disease isn’t common in your area, and if your dog isn’t going to be out and exposed to a lot of ticks, then you don’t need the vaccine. The Lyme vaccine is really only good for those high risk dogs that get exposed to a lot of ticks (like hunting dogs) or who live in an area where Lyme is common.
Prices vary between vets. (I noticed you asked this in Canada, but I’m afraid I can only give prices in United States dollars and you can convert.) In my area, one vet may charge US$50 for a package including the exam, DA2PP vaccine, kennel cough / Bordetella vaccine and fecal floatation for parasites and US$20 for the Lepto vaccine. Another vet may charge US$35 for the exam, and US$15-$20 apiece for each vaccine and the fecal floatation. So for a puppy exam, DA2PP vaccine, kennel cough vaccine, Lepto vaccine and fecal float – which you really do need to get, since all puppies are at high risk for roundworms and other parasites – you would be looking at probably US$70 to US$100. Sometimes leptospirosis is included in the DA2PP vaccine so it doesn’t cost much more than a single vaccine.
Remember, you not only have to budget this for March, but he’ll need another set of shots in April too, and maybe May – including a rabies vaccine at his last visit. Plus you will have to consider that he needs monthly heartworm and flea meds – about US$10 for heartworm and US$15 for flea protection each month, but cheaper if you buy a whole years’ worth at once. Also, a neuter (around 5-6 months of age) costs US$200 or so, but fees really vary between vets.
As far as Leptospirosis goes, it’s not considered a “core” vaccine by the AVMA and AAHA, so your puppy may not need it at all – you’ll have to discuss the risks with your vet. (Technically, kennel cough isn’t a core vaccine either, but most dogs do need it because they go to the grooming salon or boarding facility. Puppies tend to need it because it’s good for them to go to socialization classes with other dogs.)
