i have a dog that i have had for about 4 years how old would that make him in doggy years? alos how often do dogs need to get their shots?? and are they expensive???
2006-09-01 05:53:29 · 6 answers · asked by notyochic 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It depends on the breed your dog is. For a giant breed like a great dane, 4 is approaching mid-life (40s-50s), but for a smaller more long-lived breed, 4 is still a young adult (20s).
Different shots are required at different times. Rabies is required by law to be administered every year. But other shots are only required every 3 years or every 2 years. Your vet can talk to you about your dog's lifestyle and determine which vaccinations are needed (I go to the woods a lot with my dogs, so they are vaccinated against leptospirosis, but a lap dog who only walks around the block wouldn't need that).
A dog should see its vet every year, just like humans go in for an annual physical. At that time the vet will give any boosters or shots that are needed and check general health. This kind of wellness visit costs me around $60 usually, but it can vary depending on how many vaccinations they are recieving, your vet and the part of the country you live in.
2006-09-01 05:59:01 · answer #1 · answered by tenzo0 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The age of the dog is related to the size of the dog; generally smaller dogs live longer & some giant breeds live only 5-6 years on average. But remember that is an AVERAGE, we had a very large dog see 14. Your vet can give you a better idea of the age.
The only way to find out how often dogs need their shots is to ask your vet.
Are shots expensive? How do you put a price on the health of your dog? Failure to get your dog its shots can lead directly to its death. If you love your dog, you'll see that it gets the medical care it needs, including shots.
If money is really tight, most vets will work out a payment plan.
Feed your dog the highest quality dry dog food you can get. Quality food makes a large difference in keeping your dog healthy and your vet bills low. Ask your vet to recommend a good food.
2006-09-01 06:55:30 · answer #2 · answered by marianddoc 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some states require Rabies on a yearly basis, others every three years (check out your laws). Traditionally dogs get other vaccines every year but recently a 3 year vaccine was approved. Ask your vet about the 3 year shot as we are finding out that yearly shots aren't good for the dogs. The only except I know is the bordetella vaccine which should be given every year if your dog is going to be exposed to a lot of other dogs (like in a kennel for example).
2006-09-01 06:31:14 · answer #3 · answered by SabrinaD 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the first answer was good but I wanted to add that shots may vary by state. mine get vaccinated every 3 years (not every year) so the best thing you can do is make an appointment with the vet to get their shots updated. your vet should then send a notice when they are due for more.
2006-09-01 06:04:19 · answer #4 · answered by Crazy dog lady 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rabies is regulated by the state that you live in.
The other shots are not required and are not necessary on an annual or tri-annual basis.
Read the links for Wisconsin University
http://svmweb.vetmed.wisc.edu/articles/68/4/39
http://www.news.wisc.edu/releases/8413.html
Vaccinations are good for many, many years.
2006-09-01 10:58:36 · answer #5 · answered by A Great Dane Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your dog is 28 yrs old in humane yrs and a dog needs adult shots yrly and rabies unless you get the 3 yr rabies also it depends on where your at her its 15 for rabies and 8 for adult shot
2006-09-01 08:02:42 · answer #6 · answered by sweets 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋