A dog vet bill can be staggering, depending upon what type of services or medications you have received for your dog. There are many recommendations for yearly exams, shots, check-ups and dental work that are all necessary to keep your dog healthy. Your average yearly dog vet costs will vary, depending upon whether you own a puppy, a healthy adult dog or an aging dog with health problems. To figure an average of what you might expect to pay for the care of your dog, you must take several factors into consideration.
Puppies
Puppies are new to the world, and have bodies and immune systems that are still quite immature. In order for a puppy to grow healthy and strong, it must receive proper nutrients, both from a healthy mother's milk and from proper supplemental feeding. Additionally, a dog vet will want to keep a close eye on the puppy's progression and will recommend several different shots or vaccinations for the first year of its life. Keeping to the recommended schedule for puppy check-ups and shots will likely average between $150 and $500 for the first year of a puppy's life. This does not take into account any illnesses, viruses or other health problems that a puppy may experience.
Spay/Neuter
A dog vet may recommend you have your dog or puppy spayed or neutered. Not only does this help to cut down on the population of unwanted canines in shelters across the world, but it may also help to prevent certain health problems or other unwanted behaviors. This is a very common procedure with minimal complications expected. You can expect to pay $50 to $75 for this procedure, not including any medication for pain or potential problems after the surgery.
Healthy Adult Dogs
The yearly costs of visiting the dog vet for a healthy adult dog will probably vary slightly, depending upon the size of your dog. Larger breeds may require larger doses of preventative medication, as well as more time for dental work or a physical examination. Some vaccinations are recommended yearly, while others may only be necessary once every three years. Some controversy over vaccinations should prompt you to conduct further research into which shots may be most beneficial and how long the effects may last. On average, expect to pay between $150 and $300 for yearly vet bills, including shots. Dental work is necessary to keep teeth healthy and prevent other types of infection and disease. This may or may not be included as a part of your dog vet's regular checkup and exam.
Aging and Ailing Dog Bills
When your dog gets older and begins to develop health problems, your average yearly dog vet costs can skyrocket. You may be able to prevent many health problems by keeping your dog's weight down with exercise and proper nutrition, and natural or herbal supplements for dogs are always an option. If your dog does develop a serious condition, such as cancer, heart disease, kidney failure or a contagious virus or infection, you must make decisions both financially and for the well-being of your dog. Surgery, medication and long-term care plans may become extremely expensive.