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How Much Do Parvo Shots Cost?
Parvo shots can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 per vaccine, though they most commonly range from $30 to $40. Your vet will develop a core vaccine schedule for your dog depending on their age and breed. Puppies most commonly receive three shots of the parvo vaccine during the first year of life. Here’s the typical schedule:
- First shot: 6 to 8 weeks old
- Second shot: 10 to 12 weeks old
- Third shot: 12 to 16 weeks old
What Factors Affect Parvo Shots Costs?
Parvovirus, or parvo, is a contagious virus that can affect dogs and cats, though feline parvovirus is less common. Parvo most often affects puppies, as their immune systems are not yet fully developed.
Pets can spread the virus through direct contact with an infected animal or by coming in contact with a contaminated object. The disease causes acute gastrointestinal illness and can be fatal if left untreated.
What Are Parvo Shots?
Getting your puppy the CPV-2 vaccination is the best thing you can do to protect them from parvo. This shot is considered a core vaccine that vets strongly recommend in your dog’s first year of life.
Any dog breed can contract parvovirus, but the most vulnerable breeds are:
- American Staffordshire terriers
- Doberman pinschers
- English springer spaniels
- German shepherds
- Labrador retrievers
- Rottweilers
Benefits of Parvo Shots
The parvovirus vaccine can protect your dog from severe health issues — and even death.
The virus is highly contagious and can be passed not only through infected dogs, but also infected objects, surfaces and dog waste. A person who has touched an infected dog and then touches your dog can also spread the virus. Parvo is commonly contracted at dog parks, doggie daycares and boarding facilities, though it can happen anywhere.
The virus infects the stomach and intestines, where it destroys cells, impairs absorption and disrupts the gut barrier. It can also affect your pet’s bone marrow, lymphopoietic tissues and heart.
Once infected, your dog is likely to experience the following symptoms:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Depression
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Weight loss
These symptoms are highly painful and distressing for your dog and can become life-threatening within 48 to 72 hours. Again, the best way to protect your dog from the risk of parvo infection is vaccination as soon as they reach the vet-approved age.
Hepatitis and rabies vaccines are also considered core shots for puppies to get to stay healthy. Non-core vaccinations include the Bordetella vaccine for what is commonly known as kennel cough, the leptospirosis vaccine, and optional shots for canine influenza, Lyme disease and rattlesnake bites.
When To Take Your Dog to the Vet for Parvo
If you see parvo symptoms in your dog, you should contact your vet immediately. If it’s after hours for a vet visit or vaccine clinic, you should contact an emergency animal clinic.
As for when to take your dog to the vet for parvo shots, most vets recommend administering the first shot between 6 and 8 weeks of age. If your dog is older and is unvaccinated, your vet can tell you the best time to begin their core vaccine schedule.
How Do Parvo Shots Work?
Parvo shots work similarly to most vaccines. The shot introduces a mimic of the parvovirus into your dog’s bloodstream. Your dog’s immune system then works to understand and eliminate the virus under a more controlled set of conditions than if naturally infected.
Once your dog is fully vaccinated, should they come in contact with parvo, their immune system should be able to recognize and fight the infection before it spreads and becomes a severe health issue.
The Bottom Line: Are Parvo Shots Right for Your Pet?
Veterinarians and pet experts strongly recommend getting your pet the parvo shot as well as all other core vaccines. While it’s best for your pet to receive core vaccines as a puppy, it’s better late than never if you have an adult dog. The cost per parvo shot can range from $20 to $100 but depends on your location, vet and whether you’re doing a multivariate vaccine.
Though the parvo shot is relatively low-cost, many pet insurance providers offer wellness plans that help pet parents partially or fully cover core dog vaccinations.
Lemonade, Spot and Embrace are all pet insurance companies that offer coverage for preventive veterinary care, including vaccine accessibility. If you have a wellness plan with these providers, you can submit a claim for the cost of your dog’s parvo shots and get reimbursed, usually within a couple of weeks.
More Pet Insurance Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About Parvo Shot Costs
The CPV-2 parvo shot is usually administered with other vaccines, called the DA2PP or DHPP vaccine bundle. The cost of the DHPP vaccination package is usually between $50 and $100, though this price can vary by location and vet. While pet insurance offers plans that cover the cost of your pet’s vaccines, you may be able to find low-cost vaccines at a local animal clinic, pet store or shelter.
Vets typically administer three parvo shots: one at 6 to 8 weeks old, one at 10 to 12 weeks old and the last at 12 to 16 weeks. Your puppy is not considered fully vaccinated and therefore fully protected until they have had all three shots.
Most vets agree that vaccinating your dog is better done late than never. However, the longer you wait between getting all three parvo shots, the less active your dog’s immune system will be and the less of an immune response your puppy will have from the subsequent vaccination. Adhering to the standard puppy vaccination schedule, including annual boosters, is the best way to ensure the success of vaccines by building antibodies and to keep your puppy protected from infection.
If you plan to spay or neuter your pet, keep in mind that vets recommend you fully vaccinate your puppy a few weeks before scheduling any type of surgery. Deworming, on the other hand, should take place before vaccinations. You can also talk to your vet about other wellness options for your puppy, including heartworm tests, heartworm prevention and microchips.
Yes. Because puppies are high-risk, the parvo shot is considered a core vaccine and is administered in a dog’s first year of life.