Puppy/Dog vet costs

[EldonsSocks]

We are gearing up to get a puppy (Norfolk Terrier) and I just want to get a handle on vet costs in the first year. I guess the breeder will give the first ones (I need to check this) and then if we pick up at 8 weeks we have two more sets to get - is that right?

I presumed that flea and worm treatments can be done by us at home - or do people use vets? Apologies if these questions seem naive - I just want to be fully prepared before we take the plunge. Thanks

[Gymbob]

I think it's two sets of injections in total. some breeders do the first lot (I did both lots) and you would get the second lot done.

you would then do the flea and worming yourself. pets at home will dispense wormers now.

other than that it should just be your annual health check and boosters to pay for. I think most people have insurance for their dogs too. mine is from Argos, but there's a site where you can do comparisons for the best deal.

hope that helps x

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Vaccinations - at the very least you will need to organise the second injection, but not all breeders do the first.
Flea and worm treatments - owners usually give these themselves. Take advice from your local vet about what you need to cover for. For example lungworms could be a problem in your area. Over the counter products are much older than the prescription only products and are likely to be less effective.
Micro chipping- if not already done you will need to get it done before 6th April next year.
Neutering - you may wish to have your dog neutered.
Insurance - there are some issues in the Norfolk breed that would make me want to have top quality insurance.

[WeAllHaveWings]

For our lab we joined the vet surgeries Pet Health Plan which covers first vaccinations (he hadn't had any when we got him), monthly advocate (for lung worm, fleas etc), 6 monthly milbemax (for tape worm etc), 2 health checks a year, and annual boosters.

This costs ~£11 month. For worm/flea treatments like advocate you need to get it from the vets (or at least a prescription from the vets), the stuff you buy in pet shops/supermarkets is no good.

The vets Pet Health Plan also gave 10% of microchipping, neutering.

On top of this we also have PetPlan insurance which is ~£32/month.

[WeAllHaveWings]

Norfolk terrier will be cheaper as its smaller....

[EldonsSocks]

Brill - thanks all. Lonecat - can you say a little more about the health risks with Norfolks that would warrant top insurance? I have done a bit of research but nothing came up that seemed too bad (though I know very little).

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Porto systemic shunts, femoral head and neck necrosis would be the main two, both requiring costly surgery relatively early in the dog's life. Usually in the first year.