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My new puppy needs shots. What else for health and how much?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 12 days old | 2 lbs

Hi, I just got a puppy a few days ago, I wanted to get his shots and maybe anything else he would need to make sure his healthy! Do you know what I would need to get besides the shots and how much would all of it be?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Marlow Ball, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 7th, 2017

Congrats on a new puppy! Some vaccines are based on lifestyle and your region. Your vet will consult with you and recommend vaccines based on lifestyle. Core vaccines are DHP/PV (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvo. This must be boostered every 3 weeks until 14-16 weeks old. Rabies is given once a year at 12 weeks or older. Bordatella is usually given once every 6-12 months. Optional vaccines are leptospirosis which is a fatal bacterial infection that can cause kidney and liver failure and is spread by wildlife. I see this in my area and strongly recommend it, it can also infect people! Lymes vaccine is optional and important in areas where this disease is prevalent. Canine influenza vaccine is also important if you live in areas with outbreaks or travel with your pet, or go to doggie daycare. Fecals and deworming is important and is usually done during vaccines. Heartworm prevention and flea/tick prevention is also important. There are many reasons to neuter including decreased territorial aggression, desire to roam and mark. It also eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and greatly reduces risk of prostate cancer. Many pets benefit from doggie school! Puppy kindergarten is a lot of fun and great for socializing your new pet (but I recommend waiting 3 weeks after the last set of shots!) Prices vary greatly but budget $75-130 per visit. Hope that helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 7th, 2017

    It varies by area but you are paying for the health exam also with the vaccines. The main vaccines in that area that are needed are distemper and parvo combination, lyme disease when old enough and rabies. Kennel cough will be recommended if your puppy goes to the groomer, dog parks or day cares, or boards around other animals. You will have to check around your area for prices on Monday when they are open and see what puppy packages they have

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