How Much Does the DHLPP Vaccine Cost?
DHLPP, more commonly known as the distemper vaccination, is a type of vaccine that prevents several types of canine diseases. It is considered to be one of the most important shots a dog should get, even though this is not required by law.
This vaccine is commonly administered to puppies during their first few weeks and is maintained annually for the rest of their lives. It can help prevent deadly diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and leptospirosis.
How much does the DHLPP vaccine cost?
On average, the complete set of shots can range anywhere from $12 to $25 per shot, with the complete series costing about $150, on average. The costs will really come down to your geographical location and the clinic you use. These costs won’t include the office examination fee, which is usually another $40 to $75, but some offices may tie in the vaccination costs.
According to VetInfo, the DHLPP vaccine will cost $15 to $20 per vaccine, and the factors affecting the costs will be the geographical location, clinic and if other vaccines will be needed.
Dr. M answered this question on JustAnswer.com and said the costs will really depend on the geographical location and if the doctor ties the office fee into the vaccination. Most of the time, the vaccination will be $3 to $10.
The Healthcare and Emergency Animal Rescue Team, a non-profit organization, charges $20.
DHLPP vaccine overview
The DHLPP vaccine will protect your dog from hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, distemper and leptospirosis. As a puppy, it will be administered in four-week intervals once the dog reaches 12 weeks old and annually once the dog reaches adulthood. Before 12 weeks old, however, a puppy will receive all of its antibodies from their mother’s milk, which helps protect the puppy from the serious infections noted earlier. However, as the dog reaches 12 to 16 weeks old, this protection will decrease, calling for this vaccination. The first dosage will often be injected at six to eight weeks old and will be administered every four weeks until 16 weeks old.
The diseases it fights
Distemper
The D, as part of the DHLPP, stands for distemper. This contagious viral infection can be deadly, affecting the nervous system, often causing seizures and/or paralysis. Effects of this disease include vomiting, confusion, coughing, a fever or diarrhea.
Hepatitis
The H stands for hepatitis, another contagious disease that affects the liver and other internal organs. The first sign of hepatitis is a blue-like cloud which forms over the eye. Once contracted, it can be hard to cure.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis, the L, in DHLPP, is a disease that both humans and pets can get. This disease isn’t a virus but bacteria. This can be contracted either by bodily fluids or via infected food, and the first symptoms may include pains, a fever or excessive thirst. Sometimes, this vaccine isn’t recommended by vets since it isn’t common in the United States, so if you were to see the term DHPP, it means leptospirosis won’t be included in the series of tests.
Parainfluenza
Known as the least deadly of the diseases on the list, this contagious disease still needs to be protected against since it can make your dog miserable for quite some time. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing or a runny nose, similar to that of a human cold/flu.
Parvovirus
The final P, parvovirus, often affects puppies, causing excessive diarrhea and vomiting that leads to excessive weight loss. If not caught early, it can be fatal.
What are the extra costs?
Some clinics will tie its vaccination fees with their office exam fee, while others may charge an additional office examination fee. As noted in our “how much does it cost?” section, it will probably be an additional $45 to $75 to visit your vet.
Oftentimes, a vet may want to combine other vaccinations, which will increase the price. For example, the rabies vaccine can often be combined, increasing the costs by $20 or so.
How can I save money?
Some clinics offer a variety of vaccinations that will be administered together with the DHLPP vaccination. You may be able to save money by having these vaccinations done at the same time.
Check with your local Humane Society or shelters to see if they have any low-cost vaccinations available. If you don’t know where to start, a simple search such as “low-cost vaccines in my area” can often yield some results.
While not recommended, you can administer the vaccines on your own. According to this PetHelpful.com article, you can administer the shot for as little as $19, saving you close to $32.
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