We are looking to get a golden retriever that is 7 months old. She has had one visit to the vets and one round of shots. What more is she going to need in the future and when? Are there any questions that I should be asking before adopting? I have never adopted a dog before and am not really sure what questions to ask or what to expect as far as shots and routine checkups. I know they aren't cheap, but I would just like some insight.
2007-12-04 07:46:54 · 10 answers · asked by Jamie Z 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
My apologies, this retriever is 7 weeks old.
2007-12-04 08:02:16 · update #1
Usually it doesn't do much good to give a puppy that old booster shots. I'd take her to the vet for a checkup soon after you adopt her (it's always a good idea). They may recommend another round of Distemper/Parvo and a Rabies (if she hasn't already had it), or they may just recommend the Rabies. You're looking at about $20-$60 for that, depending on what she gets.
After this, she will need another Rabies in a year, and then should be good for 3 years. Some vets still revaccinate for the other stuff annually, and some will do it every 2-3 years. I'm of the opinion that annual vaccinations are too much for a dog's immune system.
You should consider having her spayed, if she isn't already. It will be easier for both of you.
As far as questions to ask -- what food has she been eating? What kind of training has she had? Weird quirks? Is she crate trained?
Try to make sure that you get ALL of her paperwork, including the vet visit info, any registration papers, etc.
Good luck!
2007-12-04 08:03:56 · answer #1 · answered by Loki Wolfchild 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She will need two more rounds of puppy shots since she is so young and a rabies shot at one visit. After she is 8-10wks old take her for a puppy shot, then again a puppy shot and rabies at 16wks. Some vets want them to come more often, but that is all that is necessary.
If the first puppy shot was after 8 wks, you could have waited until 16wks for a follow up one. But the immune response before 8wks might not be strong enough to protect her from the first shot.
2007-12-04 08:14:48 · answer #2 · answered by mama woof 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She needs to have 2 more rounds of the puppy shots, and she is well overdue. I think they are the Distemper/Parvo, Bordetella and Corona, then one rabies and then a rabies every year. She should have had all her shots by the time she was about 4 months, but since you are adopting I think you are still okay just get them all within 2 weeks of eachother. But I definitely wouldnt let her outside alone or let her play with any dogs you are unsure about untill you get them all. Take her to a shot clinic it will be about $8 or $12 a shot I think the combos ones are a little more. But get that puppy its shots as soon as you get her and like a person above me said get her spayed asap too.
2007-12-04 08:12:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every vet has their own protocol. The newest protocol for vaccinations for puppies is online at The American Animals Hospital Association.
http://www.aahanet.org This is the protocol used by all 27 U.S. vet schools.
As for annual vaccinations, scientific studies have shown that any shot given past the age of 6 months is good for years.
Here's the link to Wisconsin University
http://svmweb.vetmed.wisc.edu/articles/68/5/39
Here's a whole lot of links to read at Dr. Bob Rogers' site
http://www.critteradvocacy.org
What I'm saying is that even with all the studies out there, vets are still doing the shots annually . Some vets have gone to the tri-annual protocol, but given the side effects, it's still too much.
Learn about vaccines to keep you pup healthy in the future. Side effects are many.
2007-12-04 08:23:19 · answer #4 · answered by A Great Dane Lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She'll need to be spayed right away, and if she is big, that might be $100, but you can find low cost programs too. She should have had 4-5 shot sets by now, especially for parvo and distemper. Costs vary from vet to vet- could be $10-25 each. After this puppy stuff is done, there isn't much maintenance required at all.
2007-12-04 07:54:42 · answer #5 · answered by Flatpaw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs should get puppy shots until they are four months old. They then get their rabies shot and spayed/neutered at six months of age. So this pup should have all of that already done, but ask and make sure. Is she updated on all her shots? Has she had her rabies shot? Is she spayed? Does she have any current health problems? If everything is up to date she'll need to go for a check up once a year.
2007-12-04 07:54:27 · answer #6 · answered by Loves Dogs 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dogs get 4 sets of shots plus the rabies shot most vet give them at 7,9,12,15 weeks of age and the rabies at 4 months
2007-12-04 11:39:02 · answer #7 · answered by chihuahuamom 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Annual shots, and a 6 month in between exam is reccommended. Annual dental cleaning. Spaying.
Dental cleaning 100.00
Spay 150.00
shots 80-100 each year.
MONTHLY Frontline and Heartguard 20.00/mo.
Grooming at home 20.00yr with weekly hard work or 60/mo hands free
2007-12-04 07:54:51 · answer #8 · answered by WTFever 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
you always want to get rabi shots , shots for worms and when you pick out your puppy make sure its freindly see if you can get it to come to you justt because its eaier to tell ithere oersonalitty is goign to be ok
2007-12-04 08:15:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are many, he will need esp. rabbi every year (nearly)there are about 5 shots including tick
2007-12-04 07:51:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋