Vaccinations for dogs protect pets from contracting fatal diseases. All acquired pets come with a financial responsibility due to their medical costs and the cost of food and maintenance. Dog vaccinations are divided into core vaccines and non-core vaccines. Core vaccinations are those that should be administered to every dog as per the vaccination schedule. Non-core vaccines are useful for only certain pets that are at risk for specific diseases.
Core Vaccinations/Boosters for Dogs
- Canine distemper
- Parvovirus
- Hepatitis
- Rabies
Non-Core Canine Vaccines
- Para influenza
- Leptospirosis
- Coronavirus
- Lyme vaccine
Average Cost of Pet Vaccinations
The cost for vaccinating puppies or pets in the first year ranges from $20 to $200.
Cost of immunization of adult dogs ranges from $60 to $100 annually.
Canine vaccination costs differ due to the dog's age and varying vet charges. Since puppies are at a high risk of exposure to disease, puppy vaccinations are recommended as early as 5 weeks of age. Although puppies are often vaccinated for parvo virus, certain pets may require additional vaccinations due to low immune systems or exposure to viruses.
Pet Vaccination Cost and Discounted Rates
The cost of the vaccination is largely reduced if pets are taken to a local government pet hospital or humane organization for pets. Often, combination vaccines are administered as they're more economical than individual vaccines. However, the rabies vaccination is administered separately according to local law. Pets that are adopted from animal shelters or humane organizations are usually given the first round of vaccinations at no cost to the pet owner.
Vaccinating Pets at Home
There are several vaccines that are commercially available for administration by pet owners. Although this procedure is cheaper than administering vaccinations at a clinic, owners should obtain the vaccine from a reliable source and follow appropriate procedures for administration.
Additional Pet Vaccinations
Dog vaccinations are fairly standard across different states. However, extra vaccinations are recommended for pets living in certain parts of the country. In addition, pets that are left at day care or boarding facilities may require to take non-core vaccines to guard against conditions like kennel cough.
Side Effects of Vaccinations
Vaccinations prevent dogs from contracting life-threatening diseases and are thus beneficial to both puppies and adult dogs. However, side effects of vaccinations include swelling at the injection site, fever and allergic reactions. These side effects are temporary and should pass away within 2 days after the shot.
Other Medical Costs
Along with the cost of immunizations, pet owners are required to pay additional costs toward laboratory tests, physical examinations and routine parasite treatment or control. The cost of veterinary care for puppies ranges from $100 to $200. Veterinary care for older dogs costs nearly $150 to $250 annually. Medical and home care expenses for canines in general, are higher for puppies and dogs over 8 years of age. Puppies have weak immune systems during the first year and hence require more vet visits. Older dogs also require medical care if they develop conditions like arthritis or chronic ailments.
Although vaccinations may be expensive, it's best to start immunizing pets from an early age to prevent more expensive treatment options in the future. Moreover, pets that are well looked after have both long and healthy lives.