dog medical costs – PetBudget | Pet Costs & Saving Tips

Over the past years, I have had the chance to work with multiple licensed veterinarians. One of them, Leslie Brooks, DVM, was kind enough to share her knowledge and years of experience. This post tells everything about vet costs for dogs and gives cost estimates to treat some of the most common health problems. You will also learn how often you should take your dog to the veterinarian and what type of preventive care should be done. A dog owner can expect preventive care expenses between $315 and $885 for the first year with a puppy and between $240 and $1,075 yearly for an adult dog. Prices will vary depending on location, medical acts performed, and the clinic. Parasite prevention is usually the most expensive part. The idea isn't to give exact numbers, but more of a reasonable range and an idea of what to expect during vet visits. We will also share tips to keep your pet healthy and save money along the way. Also, know that medical costs are only a small portion of the total cost of owning a dog. It is best to take a puppy to the veterinarian at least three times during the first year. After that, a yearly preventive visit for adult dogs is also recommended. Dogs suffering from medical problems could be required to go to the clinic more frequently. Preventive care for a puppy Puppy exams The first veterinary exam should be either when the puppy is acquired or at 5-6 weeks of age (sooner if the puppy was born in the home and if there are concerns). The two other exams during the first year will be planned according to the vaccine schedule.Dr. Brooks' opinion: puppies should see the vet at least three times during their first year of life.Estimated cost: each exam should cost between $30 and $50. Some clinics even offer a free first examination. Puppy vaccination Distemper virus, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza virus vaccines are given in a combination vaccine starting at 6-8 weeks of age and then every 2-4 weeks until the puppy is 14-16 weeks of age. This is to make sure they get full protection as the maternal antibodies wane.Dr. Brooks' opinion: highly recommendedEstimated cost: $15 - $30 per dose Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine is given when a puppy is at least 8-9 weeks of age and does not need a booster shot until the following year.Dr. Brooks' opinion: highly recommendedEstimated cost: $15 - $20 The rabies vaccine is given when a puppy is at least 12 weeks of age and does not need a booster shot until the following year.Dr. Brooks' opinion: highly recommended (usually required by law)Estimated cost: $15 - $20 Leptospirosis vaccine is given when the puppy is at least 12 weeks of age. It's a lifestyle vaccine, essential if the dog is exposed to wildlife, go camping, hiking, or plays in puddles, lakes, ponds, etc. Many vets give this vaccine combined with the core vaccine (distemper, parvo, adeno, parainfluenza).Dr. Brooks' opinion: highly recommendedEstimated cost: $15 - $25 unless it's already included with the core vaccine Influenza vaccine is given when a puppy is at least eight weeks of age. A booster shot is required 2-4 weeks later, and then yearly. It's a lifestyle vaccine, essential if the dog goes to a doggie daycare or is kenneled or boarded often, and if the daycare or kennels requires it due to intermittent influenza outbreaks.Dr. Brooks' opinion: up to the dog ownerEstimated cost: $35 - $45 per dose Lyme vaccine is given when a puppy is at least 12 weeks of age. A booster shot is required 2-4 weeks later, and then yearly. It's a lifestyle vaccine, vital if the dog is often exposed to ticks (goes camping, hiking, or living in a wooded area or on a farm, for example).Dr. Brooks' opinion: up to the dog ownerEstimated cost: $30 - $40 per dose Puppy deworming and fecal examination Puppies should be dewormed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age with Pyrantel Pamoate. This is an oral liquid they are given based on their weight. A fecal exam is then done to check for any remaining parasites and determine if subsequent dewormings are needed.Dr. Brooks' opinion: deworming is essential to reduce parasites and improve your pet's health. It should be done before the puppy is bought or adopted.Estimated cost: $10 - $15 per dose (deworming) + $40 -$50 for fecal examination Puppy heartworm prevention Heartworm medication is given once a month either as a topically applied liquid, or an oral chewable tablet or pill, depending on which product the vet recommends, and the owner prefers. Usually, it is recommended to buy one dose at a time until the puppy is fully grown (the medication dosage is based on the dog's weight) and then purchase a 6 to 12 months supply to save money.Dr. Brooks' opinion: heartworm medication is essential to prevent the development of heartworm disease.Estimated cost: $50 - $150 for the first year, depending on the dog's weight and brand used. The first dose is sometimes offered for free at the clinic. Puppy flea and tick prevention Flea and tick medication is given once a month either as a topically applied liquid, or an oral chewable tablet or pill, depending on which product the vet recommends, and the owner prefers. Usually, it is recommended to buy one dose at a time until the puppy is fully grown (the medication dosage is based on the dog's weight) and then purchase a 6 to 12 months supply to save money.Dr. Brooks' opinion: fleas and ticks are not just a nuisance. They are a real threat to your dog's health, making prevention very important.Estimated cost: $70 - $150 for the first year, depending on the dog's weight and brand used. The first dose is sometimes offered for free at the clinic. Spay or neuter It is recommended to spay (female) or neuter (male) when dogs are at least 4-6 months of age. Newer recommendations for large breeds are to wait until they are closer to 1 year of age before spaying and neutering. Some evidence has suggested this can help decrease the risk for bone and joint abnormalities and cancer later in life. However, spaying before the first heat cycle drastically reduces mammary cancer risk later in life for females.Dr. Brooks' opinion: up to the dog owner but typically recommendedEstimated cost: $100 - $500 depending mostly on the dog's size and clinic. Spaying is typically more expensive. There are low-cost clinics that may spay or neuter for as low as $50. Gastropexy (large puppies only) A gastropexy procedure is recommended for large, deep-chested dogs to be performed at the time of their spay or neuter to help prevent Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) later in life. GDV is when the stomach twists on itself and is a life-threatening condition that must be corrected with surgery.Dr. Brooks' opinion: up to the dog ownerEstimated cost: $200 - $400 when performed during the spay or neuter procedure MDR1 DNA test (specific breeds only) A DNA test for the MDR1 gene mutation (multiple drug sensitivity screening) could be useful for the following breeds: Collie, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, Bearded Collie. If the dog's parents haven't been tested for this, it is useful information to know before any surgical procedure and prescribing certain medications throughout the dog's life.Dr. Brooks' opinion: up to the dog ownerEstimated cost: $55 - $65 Breed and health DNA test There is a way to evaluate the risk of many genetic health conditions to start preventive care early on and plan for potential significant expenses. Along with Cornell University, Embark's veterinarians have developed a DNA test kit that enables them to evaluate the risk of over 190 health conditions. Embark is the most accurate and comprehensive dog DNA test on the market. It also tests for over 350 dog breeds.Dr. Brooks' opinion: up to the dog ownerEstimated cost: $150 - $200 Puppy medical costs recap Puppy medical costsCost estimateExams (x3)$120 - $150Core vaccine (x3)$45 - $90Bordatella vaccine$15 - $20Rabies vaccine$15 - $20Leptospirosis vaccine$0 - $25Influenza vaccine (x2)$0 - $90Lyme vaccine (x2)$0 - $80Deworming (x4)$0 - $60Fecal exam$0 - $50Heartworm medication$50 - $150Flea and tick medication$70 - $150First-year total$315 - $885Spay or neuter$100 - $500Gastropexy$200 - $400MDR1 DNA test$55 - $65Breed and health DNA test$150 - $200 A preventive vet visit for a puppy will cost between $45 and $235, depending on the vaccines and exams performed. There should be three visits during the first year. This does not include heartworm, flea, and tick prevention ($120 to $300 for the first year), or a spay/neuter ($100 to $500). Preventive care for an adult dog Vet exams An adult dog should be seen by a veterinarian at least once a year for preventive healthcare.Dr. Brooks' opinion: highly recommendedEstimated cost: $40 - $50 Adult dog vaccination Distemper virus, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza virus vaccines can be given once every three years after the dog is one year of age, assuming it received all of its proper puppy boosters.Dr. Brooks' opinion: highly recommendedEstimated cost: $15 - $30 Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine is usually given yearly (some kennels or dog daycares require it every six months).Dr. Brooks' opinion: recommendedEstimated cost: $15 - $20 The rabies vaccine is given yearly or every three years, depending on whether a one-year or three-year rabies vaccine was used.Dr. Brooks' opinion: highly recommended (usually required by law)Estimated cost: $20 - $30 Leptospirosis vaccine is given yearly. Many vets provide this vaccine combined with the core vaccine (distemper/parvo/adeno/parainfluenza).Dr. Brooks' opinion: highly recommendedEstimated cost: $15 - $25 unless it's already included with the core vaccine (the core vaccine is only given once every three years for an adult dog, though) Influenza vaccine is given yearly (unless the puppy didn't get it, in which case a booster shot will be needed after 2 to 4 weeks).Dr. Brooks' opinion: up to the dog ownerEstimated cost: $35 - $45 Lyme vaccine is given yearly (unless the puppy didn't get it, in which case a booster shot will be needed after 2 to 4 weeks).Dr. Brooks' opinion: up to the dog ownerEstimated cost: $30 - $40 Dog heartworm prevention Heartworm medication is given once a month either as a topically applied liquid, or an oral chewable tablet or pill, depending on which product the vet recommends, and the owner prefers.Dr. Brooks' opinion: heartworm medication is vital to prevent the development of heartworm disease.Estimated cost: $50 - $250 for the year depending on the dog's weight and brand used. Dog flea and tick prevention Flea and tick medication is given once a month either as a topically applied liquid, or an oral chewable tablet or pill, depending on which product the vet recommends, and the owner prefers.Dr. Brooks' opinion: fleas and ticks are not just a nuisance. They are a real threat to your dog's health, making prevention very important.Estimated cost: $100 - $400 for the year depending on the dog's weight and brand used. Fecal examination A yearly fecal exam could be recommended if the pet is regularly exposed to other dogs or wildlife or has inconsistent stool quality.Dr. Brooks' opinion: up to the dog ownerEstimated cost: $40 - $50 Heartworm test A yearly heartworm test can be performed to make sure the dog doesn't suffer from heartworm disease and continue giving heartworm prevention medication safely. If the dog has missed doses of heartworm prevention, a test must be performed to ensure it can continue to receive heartworm prevention safely and without risk of an adverse reaction.Dr. Brooks' opinion: highly recommendedEstimated cost: $35 - $45 Healthscreen bloodwork A yearly blood test can help detect any hidden medical condition and start treatment before it's too late.Dr. Brooks' opinion: up to the dog owner, but recommended for middle-aged and senior dogsEstimated cost: $75 - $90 Adult dog medical cost recap Adult dog medical costsCost estimateExam$40 - $50Core vaccine$0 - $30Bordatella vaccine$15 - $20Rabies vaccine$0 - $30Leptospirosis vaccine$0 - $25Influenza vaccine$0 - $45Lyme vaccine $0 - $40Heartworm medication$50 - $250Flea and tick medication$100 - $400Fecal exam$0 - $50Heartworm test$35 - $45Bloodwork$0 - $90Yearly total$240 - $1,075 A preventive vet visit for an adult dog will cost between $90 and $425, depending on the vaccines and exams performed. This does not include heartworm, flea, and tick prevention ($150 to $650 for the year depending on the dog's weight). Some common health issues for dogs On top of preventive care, your dog could need expensive medical treatments and procedures following an illness or condition diagnosis. Here are the most common medical problems according to our consulting licensed veterinarian, Leslie Brooks, DVM. I have asked her opinion on 151 types of dogs (purebred and mixed-breeds) to establish this list. The first column is the name of the medical problem. The second column is the percentage of dog breeds for which it is considered a risk. The third column is a cost estimate to treat this problem (can vary depending on many factors). ConditionBreeds at RiskCost EstimateAllergies53%$100 - $2,000 per yearDental disease39%$400 - $800Patellar luxation39%$300 - $2,000Cancer29%$500 - $10,000Hip dysplasia26%$500 - $6,500 per hipCranial cruciate ligament injury24%$2,000 - $4,000Gastric dilatation and volvulus22%$1,500 - $3,000Mitral valve disease20%$300 - $2,000Hypothyroidism19%$350 - $800Cataracts14%$1,500 - $3,000Epilepsy13%$500 - $2,500Arthritis13%$50 - $500 per monthElbow dysplasia11%$2,000 - $3,500Intervertebral disc disease9%$250 - $4,000Collapsing trachea9%$250 - $4,500Entropion, ectropion9%$800 - $1,500Otitis externa (ear infection)7%$150 - $300Addison’s disease7%$1,000 - $3,500Cardiomyopathy7%$600 - $3,000Glaucoma7%$300 - $1,500Progressive retinal atrophy7%$300 - $800Dilated cardiomyopathy5%$600 - $2,000Portosystemic liver shunt5%$2,000 - $5,000Bladder stones5%$300 - $1,500Heart disease5%$800 - $2,500 You can go to our breed directory page, click on your favorite(s) breed(s), and get great information in the medical costs section to know what applies to your dog and have more details. As you can see, some medical problems can be expensive to treat. Although purebred dogs may have a higher incidence of inherited disorders, mixed breed dogs are also likely to develop health conditions, such as cancer and heart disorders. No dog owner should have to make critical decisions about their pets based on their ability to afford care. That’s why pet insurance is more popular every year in the US. Pet insurance If you wonder whether or not you should get pet insurance, we have a simple step by step guide to help you make the decision. This could save you thousands of dollars. The good news is that there is a fantastic option on the market: Eusoh. It's my favorite solution, all dog insurance and coverage included. A remarkable fact is that Eusoh members pay $40 per month on average for complete health coverage. Compared to an accident & illness policy from a pet insurance company, which costs $49 per month on average, it's a great deal. In most cases, you get more for less with Eusoh. Community coverage VS Insurance Eusoh: Better than Pet Insurance for Complete Health CoverageEusoh is a community-based pet insurance alternative in which members share the cost of their veterinary expenses. You get reimbursed for your pet’s medical, wellness, illness, routine care expenses but never pay more than $65/month. For complete health coverage at a low cost, Eusoh is the best option. On average, members save around 50% when compared to traditional pet insurance. I love the idea of not having to worry about being able to afford medical care for my furry companion. Dogs are family, after all! - There is no premium, so you don't overpay for care in your monthly contributions. Any unused contributions are rolled over entirely as a credit. - You can easily know in advance what will be reimbursed and by how much (usually 80%), and you can submit expenses easily from your smartphone. - You can choose the veterinarian or healthcare provider you want and are covered for a broader range of services. - You can get advice from other Eusoh members. Find your Price on Eusoh Five simple tips to keep your dog healthy Here are five simple tips that will help you keep your dog healthy and will hopefully drive your medical costs lower at the same time: Food: Consult your vet about your dog's diet. As for humans, food is an essential part of health.Exercise: Keep the dog mentally and physically active with daily walks, outdoor time, playtime, and various toys (see my favorite dog toys here).Grooming: Brush your dog's hair daily (or at least a few times a week). It will help maintain healthy skin and coat. Try to bathe your furry friend once a month and regularly take it to the groomer (or do it yourself). Cut your dog's nails to make sure they don't touch the ground when he's standing up (usually every 2 to 6 weeks). Clean the eyes with cotton and water and the ears with an ear cleaning solution when necessary.Dental health: Try to brush your dog's teeth at least two or three times a week (ideally once or twice a day) for two minutes at a time with a dog tooth-brush and tooth-paste. Dental hygiene is crucial for dogs, not only to avoid dental problems but for health in general.Vet: Don't skip the annual visit, even if the dog seems healthy. Some conditions or medical problems aren't obvious, especially in the early stages, and you wouldn't want to miss something that would jeopardize your pet's health and cost you more to treat if you find out about it later. Three tips to save on medical costs Telehealth I know vet appointments can be expensive, and it doesn’t necessarily make financial sense to go just for a couple of questions. If that’s what stops you, you can get instant answers with telehealth services. Airvet is an excellent option, for example. Download the free app, and Airvet will connect you with a vet in no time, 24/7. It would cost around $30 to speak to a veterinarian right now but could be cheaper if you are willing to wait, and you can keep chatting with the vet for up to 72 hours after the initial contact at no extra cost for any needed follow-up. Let’s face it; most pet owners don’t have a clue when it comes to their favorite animal’s health. If something worries us, it usually means hours of googling health symptoms ending up in needless worry, often resulting in an unnecessary visit to the clinic. The peace of mind from getting answers and knowing your dog is well taken care of is priceless. And, if you avoid one unnecessary vet visit, the service just paid for itself. Medication There is a good chance that your veterinarian will advise you to use heartworm, tick, and flea prevention medication. Instead of buying it directly from the vet and usually pay more, ask your healthcare professional for a prescription and purchase the products elsewhere. Your prescription can be filled in many big-boxed or pet stores. You can also buy them online for more convenience. On top of being the most popular online dog food company, Chewy is also an online pet pharmacy with a large selection (hundreds of products), fast shipping, and very competitive prices! You can also use the “Autoship & Save” option to get an extra 5% to 10% discount and receive the medication when you need it. Preventive care Preventive care is much cheaper than curative care. Skipping a yearly vet visit can feel like you are saving money in the short term, but catching medical problems at an early stage usually generates significant savings over time. It's best for your furry friend as well. If you love dogs, I would like to present to you our Dogs are Awesome! clothing line. I have partnered with TeeSpring to create a whole collection for dog enthusiasts willing to show it. More content you could like Should you get pet insurance? A simple step by step guide.Check our new dog owner guide to learn how to find a good vet, the questions to ask, and more.Learn more about the cost of owning a dog or look specifically for your favorite dog breed, guard dogs, hypoallergenic dogs, or dogs for an apartment.Find out more about essential dog supplies and tips to select the right ones for you and your dog.If you want to know whether to train your dog yourself or hire a professional and learn about the cost of training classes and supplies, check our article written with a certified dog trainer.Get two fantastic training courses for free. The first one is the guide to getting a dog, and the second one will teach you six simple dog training techniques.Find the price of puppies in the US for over 150 breeds. Special thank you I want to thank Leslie Brooks, DVM, a licensed veterinarian based in Indiana, for sharing this information.