Approximately $200-500 per year for flea and tick prevention. Approximately $60-150 per year for vaccinations. Annual physical exams cost $45-200 for the first year and $20-100 for subsequent years. Heartworm test and preventions cost between $0-35. Desexing (spaying and neutering) costs between $35-200.
Typically, you will have to pay for the costs upfront and then the insurance company will reimburse you. However, there are some plans that will pay the veterinarian up front. [4] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source The costs of pet insurance increase if you have particular breeds or for older dogs. [5] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Read the terms of the policy carefully to determine what is covered. Most plans are focused on accidents and illnesses, although some also cover routine care such as annual exams. [6] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Instead of pet insurance, you could start an emergency savings fund to deal with possible future accidents or emergencies. [7] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Large breeds such as Great Danes and Rottweilers cost the most to insure. Small dogs like shih tzus and poodles are the least expensive to insure. [8] X Research source
Annual physical exam. Flea and tick prevention. Preventing fleas and ticks will save you a lot of money in the long run. Vaccinations. Ask if it is possible to personalize your pet’s vaccine costs. Some vaccines are required by law and some are optional and may be more or less effective for your dog. You might be able to save money on vaccinations. Heartworm test and preventions. Dental cleaning. Fecal exam. Neuter costs. Neutering your pet can save a lot of money in the long run. It can help you avoid health conditions like uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers.
You may need to bring a stool sample. Many dogs have intestinal parasites when they are born. Your veterinarian will check for roundworms and potentially give you deworming medication at the check-up. [11] X Research source
Try to pack everything you need the night before the appointment to reduce any anxiety. You will need a large enough box or dog carrier to transport the newborn puppies to the vet with their mother. Find a carrier that is comfortable for the puppies and is easy to carry in your car or on the bus. You could try spraying your dog carrier with a pheromone such as Adaptil, which will calm them down. [12] X Research source If you are driving to the vet’s office, you could try playing relaxing music in the car. [13] X Research source
Keep your puppies away from any unruly animals.
“How much do my puppies weigh?” “What is a healthy weight for my puppies?”
Get the eyes, ears, feet, nose, abdomen and genitalia examined. Get the abdomen and lymph nodes checked out. [18] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Make sure the skin and coat are examined. [19] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Ask them to check the teeth and mouth. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
Spaying your female dog will keep them healthy. In particular, it will help prevent infections and breast tumors. [22] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Neutering your male dog is a good way of preventing testicular cancer. [23] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Spaying and neutering your dog is a way to help stop more dogs from going homeless. [24] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Find out about worm medications. Your veterinarian may ask for a stool sample to determine possible worms. Many new puppies have worms. However, it is easy to treat roundworms with a medication that can be given at home or at the veterinarian’s office. [27] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
Hepatitis. Parvovirus. Canine Distemper. Leptospirosis. Ask about personalizing vaccines to save money. [28] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Search for classes based on the age and skill level of your dog. [29] X Research source
If a puppy starts vomiting and gets diarrhea at the same time, call your veterinarian.
If you notice a puppy has not eaten for days, take them to the vet.
If the discharge is clear, it may be a symptom of allergies. If the discharge is watery, it may be caused by an eyelash or other foreign body. If the discharge is yellowish, green or purulent, your dog may have a bad infection.
It may be a sign of a urinary tract infection or something more serious like bladder stones. [35] X Research source
Take note of constant crying. If one of your newborn puppies is crying a lot, they may be in pain. You should listen to them and see a veterinarian. [37] X Research source
If a puppy loses more than ten percent of their regular body weight, you should take them to see a veterinarian. [39] X Research source Weight loss can be caused by any number of diseases such as Addison’s disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism. [40] X Research source
If their nose is discharging something yellow, green or smelly, you should see your doctor. It could be a sign of an infection, allergy or other illness. [42] X Research source
