All dogs should get at least an annual checkup at the vet. They will usually weigh and examine the dog. They will check ears, eyes, nose, and feel over the body for anything unusual. They will generally ask questions about the dog's diet, appetite, and energy levels. They may take a stool sample to check for parasites and if the dog has not been on a steady heartworm med, they will check for that too. They may clip the nails if you want. Then comes the shots -- rabies are given every 1 or 3 years depending on which shot you get; then they get the annual combination booster for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus. They may also suggest getting a vaccine for corona or bordatella (if your dog will be around other pets), Lyme disease, or others depending on risk. I think it usually runs us around $100 each dog.
Two of my dogs have had reactions to vaccines -- one got hives (bumpy welts all over her body) and the other had a swollen muzzle. So, they get their shots split up and get an antihistamine shot prior to them. |