Most cubs are separated from their mother around six weeks of age. This is also around the time their baby teeth come in and they should get their first series of shots. It’s always a good idea to see the vet with any new puppy; even if he is not old enough for vaccinations. This way they can be properly dewormed and checked for common birth defects. Here is a rough estimate of the veterinary costs associated with a new puppy. These figures are extremely variable and may not accurately represent veterinarians in your area:

Typical first visit (6-8 weeks of age):

Physical exam $0-$50

Combined Distemper/Parvo Vaccine $30-$50

Fecal exam $10-$40

Deworming $5-$35

Average total cost for the first visit $35-$175

Typical second visit (9-12 weeks of age):

Physical exam $0-$50

Combined Distemper/Parvo Vaccine $30-$50

Fecal exam $10-$40

Deworming $5-$35

If your puppy is 12 weeks old, he is old enough to be vaccinated against rabies. However, many vets will wait until the puppy’s final visit (around 16 weeks) to administer this vaccine. There are several other vaccinations that can be given at the puppy’s second visit. These shots are often given again at the puppy’s third and/or fourth visit. Some vaccines are usually only given in certain parts of the country (Lyme disease, rattlesnake venom, canine influenza). Some vaccines, such as Bordatella (Kennel Cough), can only be given if your puppy will be around many other dogs, such as at a training class, kennel, or dog park. The average price of each of these vaccines is around $25. If given, these vaccines will require a second booster. Also, your puppy will be old enough to start preventing heartworm and fleas and ticks at this time. If your pup is a larger breed, she will need to purchase single doses of these medications until they reach a stable weight. Single doses of heartworm prevention typically cost $10-$15 and single doses of flea and tick prevention typically cost $15-$30.

Cost for puppy’s second visit at 9-12 weeks of age $35-$175

Any additional vaccines (depending on country area and lifestyle) $25/vaccine

Heartworm/flea and tick prevention (single doses) $25-$45

Estimated total cost for puppy’s second visit with heartworm and flea/tick prevention $85-$250

It will be necessary to repeat the same vaccinations given at the puppy’s second visit. The cost for the third and fourth puppy visits will be about the same as the 9-12 week puppy visit. The number of visits/vaccinations your puppy requires will vary based on location and the age at which the vaccinations were started. In general, puppies should receive vaccinations every 3 to 4 weeks starting at 6 weeks of age. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING is that the last 2 vaccinations at around 12 and 16 weeks are NOT MORE THAN 28 DAYS APART. If more time elapses between the last two vaccinations, another series of boosters will be required at the appropriate time. This will ensure that your puppy has adequate immunity to the diseases for which he has been vaccinated.

Average cost of all puppy visits combined $300-$950

*TIP: Many vets will offer a free or discounted physical for healthy puppies. Finding a vet who will do this will incur a significant amount of expense at each visit.

This is just a rough estimate of the costs of vet visits while your dog is still a puppy. Most of the vaccinations your puppy receives will continue to be given into adulthood. Dogs require distemper and parvovirus vaccinations yearly throughout adulthood. Bordatella, if given, is required every 6 months. Vaccine rabies varies in its frequency. This variation depends on the age and size of your dog. Most puppy shots last about a year. After the year of vaccinations, most dogs can receive a 3-year vaccination. This means that your dog will need to have a new rabies booster at least once every 3 years throughout his life. Dogs, just like people, also require regular physicals and checkups. Between physicals and vaccinations, plan to take your dog to the vet at least once, if not a couple of times a year. If your dog is a consistent weight, you can purchase 6 months to 12 months of heartworm and flea and tick prevention. The cost of these drugs varies by weight and whether you buy a brand-name drug or a generic drug. The cost estimates for 6-month supplies of these drugs are:

Average price per weight of 6 months of generic heartworm prevention:

0-25# $22

26-50# $35

51-100# $45

Average price per weight over 6 months of brand heartworm prevention:

0-25# $30

26-50# $48

51-100# $63

Flea and tick prevention can be very expensive, but in this case you get what you pay for. Brand-name products tend to be much more effective than generic or over-the-counter flea products. If they are products that are to be applied topically, be sure to follow the guidelines on how to apply the medication. Also be sure to properly space medication application from any baths your dog has or receives. If you are using flea and tick medication correctly, but are still experiencing problems, your home or garden may be infested with fleas and require treatment, such as bombing and/or extermination.

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