Veterinarian expenses

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I'd like to compare vet prices in my area but I don't know what to ask about when calling around! So I thought you guys could help me compile a list of common and expected veterinarian expenses. I.E.: visits, procedures, treatments, medicines, etc. Also, what have you taken your dog in for and when? Thanks everybody!

[Kyoko]

My vet's visit is $42.00. Rest of the stuff is all depends.....When my old chow had Hotspot most recently, it cost me about $140.00 all together with visit fee, medication, shot, etc.... Charlie has VIP pet insurance so most of her procedure gets reimburst. I don't know if this expensive compare to the other or cheap or not. I just have been going there for 14 years, and I trust this vet. I will be curious to see what you find out from the others....

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Here it is $65 + 13% tax to have an appointement. Then the fees start on top of that. The prices are astronomical! My 12 yr old got put under to get his teeth cleaned at the tune of around $1100 (including "bloodwork" that they insisted on doing first, $300 for that $800 for the cleaning) I havent found an economical pet insurance here in Canada if anyone knows of one let me know...the ones I have seen arent really worth it - I am better of hoping for the best.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

My vet's fee is also $42, plus the annual vaccinations (I do all that is recommended) and it is usually about $120 total. For puppy vaccinations; however, they do not charge the $42 fee each time, which is nice. I have probably spent under $100 for Peri's vet visits - 9, 10 and 12 weeks. I am about to have my chihuahua's teeth cleaned and that is $160 plus a $50 bloodwork test as Abby's mom describes above. But he is a little squirt, maybe that is why it is less. As for Peri getting spayed in a few months, they quoted me $400. Bottom line, I trust my vet and would not go to a cheaper place at this point in time. They saved my chihuahua's life a few years back and my parents have used them for 20+ years and 5 dogs! I think that is important...like stated by others.

[Kyoko]

Charlie's spay was about $375, and she stayed over night. I got $200 back from VIP Pet insurance, which was nice.

[Shannon Querry]

I just paid $55 for a fecal exam and wellness visit for our new puppy, I believe the exam was $34 and the fecal was $21. I need to look into insurance lol!

[Michele Barton]

I am really lucky. My last visit was for 2nd set of vaccinations and I paid $54 total for BOTH puppies. My vet gave them a thorough examination and talked with me for about 1/2 hour, told me what to expect in the next month regarding their development, etc. I absolutely LOVE my vet, Dr. Max Mandel, Stephens City, VA. I drive 1 hour to get there, past other vet offices. When we had our GR put down 3 years ago, we were there for over an hour, she received a gentle yet thorough exam and we talked in length about her condition; afterward, he let us stay in the room alone with her for as long as we needed. No charge. Not a penny. He never charges for euthanasia. This man loves animals, he is soft-spoken, he talks to and pets your pets - I've never seen a nervous pet sitting in the waiting room. He has 5 dogs and 9 cats; I told him I hope he has a big house - he said it could be a 1-room shack and he wouldn't care. I'll be paying $550 total for their spaying and neutering. I'm not sure if this is pricey or not, but I wouldn't have anyone else do it.

Nancy, besides prices you should ask people who live around you for recommendations. I wouldn't choose a vet strictly by price (I did that when I got my first dog, and it was a terrible experience). Expensive does not necessarily equal quality, nor does cheap. Just some food for thought. Best of luck in your search.

[Kelli, Fenway, & Dustin Pedroia]

You'll pay a pretty good bit in the first 4 months. We just went through this with our second baby. We took him in for a wellness visit right after we got him to make sure everything was ok with him, then you have to take them back for several rounds of shots as well as getting them started on a heartworm treatment and flea/tick treatment if you choose to use a medicine instead of going natural. After that if your pup was not already spayed or neutered you have to get that done. This will vary in price depending on the weight of your pup at the time and then may vary even more if there are complications (i.e. one testicle not descended, folded vulva, etc). It's more expensive if it's a more involved surgery. You should be able to call your vets in your area and ask the price for initial vaccinations (remember to ask if price includes the fee for an office visit), ask about an estimate for spay/neuter (or you can look into spay and neuter clinics in your area and may even find a vet that will honor the spay and neuter certificate, which makes it cheaper), and ask for the price of heartworm, flea and tick meds as well. You shouldn't have any other vet expenses at first, unless you have some emergency or your pup develops a UTI, tape worms (or other types of worms) or an ear infection (which are pretty common). Other than that you should be good until you have to do vaccinations again the next year. We've been really lucky and have very healthy dogs, but it's still pretty expensive. I won't go into price because unless you live in this area (Columbia, SC) it won't really be comprable because prices vary so much. Best to call around to the vets in your area and get price quotes from them. That's what I did. I also asked friends, the people at our pet food store, and my trainer I had lined up if there were any vets that they recommended, which really helped with my search for a good vet. Just make sure you feel comfortable with whichever vet you choose, because they will have your precious baby's life in their hands.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

If you brush your dog's teeth occassionally, you might never have to worry about dental cleanings. I mentioned that cost because my chihuahua has a problem with his teeth (chihuahua is a breed with dental issues if you don't watch it).
I know Taquito gets bordetela and DHPP (distempor/parvo) annually. Rabies every other year I think. Fecal exams are definitely necessary when they are puppies because it can detect gaurdia and parvo. Blood work - hopefully you will never need, but if something goes wrong, they test it. Also if your pup has to go into surgery, they recommend so they can ensure they are healthy enough to handle anesthesia.
My vet recommended that Peri (doodle) get on heartword meds at 9 weeks. I also put her on K9Advantix for fleas and ticks at 10 weeks as per the vet's recommendation. I buy the flea meds at 1-800-Petmeds or Dog.com depending on who is running specials. Okay, I know that is a lot of info, but there you go! Dogs are expensive, but they such a wonderful addition to the family. Well worth the cost - I would do anything for mine. If nothing bad happens in a year, I spend the following per adult dog:
$120 annual vet exam
$60 heartworm meds
$150 flea and ticks
$300 food and treats (I use a high end food Taste of the Wild)
More for collars, crates, other supplies.

[Christine + Ellie]

Welcome to the expensive life of NYC - Ellie's shots have been $65 each. Her first visit was $75 flat fee. I took her in at 12 weeks for a shot and some meds (heartworm + ear infection med) and that came out to $100.

[Kevin Poole, Penny & Ozzy]

We live in a small town in Washington State and asked our neighbors for vet recommendations. The vet we use is a 5 minute drive away. Our Goldendoodle Penny has just had her 2nd set of shots and it cost $25. We asked about spaying, and were quoted $100 if under 50lbs and $150 if over 50lbs. He seems like a great vet, gives a lot of attention to his patients, very friendly and easy going...we are pleased so far.

[Kyoko]

Wow. That's a great price!