Dog Vaccinations

There are a number of canine vaccinations to consider, and many on offer; the specific ones needed will vary based on your location, but the most common are listed and explained below. Veterinarians will charge a fee for pre-vaccination examinations, though this is occasionally included in the charge for the most common vaccines.

Core Vaccines

• Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza (DAPPv or DHPP)

This is the first vaccine that your puppy should receive, and should get their first shot at 8 weeks of age, followed up at 12 weeks, and again at 16 weeks. These shots range from $50-$150, and are the most likely to contain the price of the pre-vaccine exam within their own cost, but asking for a price estimate is never a bad idea. These shots are essential for young puppies, as they build immunity for the canine annual vaccinations later down the line. At 6 months, a dog can be given an annual booster, and some locations offer a triannual booster following the first year of vaccination.

• Rabies

This is one of the most commonly-required vaccinations a township or city will require your dog to have - it's also essential for things like boarding your animal with a dog daycare or having them groomed. This vaccine is typically given at 4-6 months of age, and must be boosted yearly, though some veterinarians offer a triannual booster, after the first year of vaccination. The cost for these shots ranges from $50-$120, depending on the length of the booster shot.

Additional Vaccinations

• Kennel Cough

This vaccine prevents very-common respiratory infections that dogs most often pick up in places with many other dogs. While optional, if your dog will spend time in a daycare, boarding center, or at a dog park, this vaccine is indispensable, and often mandatory, though many groomers do not require it. It is often offered both as an injection, and as an intranasal spray, which typically costs a bit less. The Kennel Cough vaccine is an annual shot, which will have to be boosted every year, at a cost ranging from $30-$90, depending on your area.

• Leptospirosis

This vaccine prevents infection by a parasite which spreads with the urine of raccoons, skunks, squirrels, opossums, and mice. It is very difficult to treat, and can live in the ground for years. This vaccine is optional, but highly recommended for animals spending any amount of time outdoors without supervision. It is similar to the DAPPv vaccine, in that the first shot only gives protection for a month, before being followed up on with the annual vaccine in the following month. Each vaccine ranges from $30-$70, and must be renewed yearly, though the initial one-month shot does not need to be repeated if the vaccine schedule is kept.

• Lyme

This vaccine protects your dog against the Lyme disease carried by ticks. It, like the Leptospirosis vaccine, requires a one-month initial booster before the vaccine. While the need for the vaccine can be mitigated through the use of tick prevention like Advantage or Revolution, the area and lifestyle of your home and your dog may make the vaccine useful nonetheless. The vaccines typically cost $30-$70 each, and must be renewed annually.

Some Final Points

• Shelters often offer vaccinations at much lower rates than veterinary hospitals and clinics, often pricing their shots below $50. If you adopt a dog from a shelter, it is very likely to be both dewormed and updated on vaccines pertinent for its age, but always make sure you know a dog's vaccine history before getting one.

• Some dogs will have allergic reactions to vaccines in the week following their injection: look for repeated (2-3 times in an hour) vomiting, bloody diarrhea, collapse, or difficulty breathing. If any of those symptoms appear, return to the veterinarian immediately.