PET HEALTH
Distemper Vaccine Cost: What To Expect
The distemper vaccine for dogs is typically included in their annual vaccination regimen. Although important, the price of all those shots can quickly add up. Worried about the distemper vaccine cost? We’ll break down what to expect and what you should know about this crucial vaccination.
The Average Cost of a Distemper Vaccine
The average cost of a distemper vaccine for dogs ranges from $75 – $100 for puppies and typically starts at $25 for adults.1,2 Why the difference in prices? The DAPP vaccine that covers distemper, hepatitis, parvo, and dog flu all in one is given to puppies in multiple rounds between 6 weeks and 1 year old. Once your dog reaches adulthood, they’ll only receive a single booster shot annually.1
The average cost for puppies includes all three rounds they need for proper immunization. Since adults only need one booster vaccination a year, the price decreases. Check with your vet to see what their distemper vaccine for dogs costs depending on your pup’s age.
Is a Distemper Vaccine Necessary?
Getting your dog vaccinated is an important part of keeping them healthy. Even if your dog spends most of their life indoors, they can still be at risk of a life-threatening canine distemper infection.
While it’s primarily transmitted through contact with other dogs, the virus can also be carried inside or on inanimate objects — like shoes, clothes, leashes, and toys.3 That’s why most vets recommend the distemper vaccine for dogs as one of the first shots a puppy should receive.
What does the distemper vaccine do for dogs?
The distemper vaccine helps protect your dog from the distemper virus. Without vaccination, the virus can attack your dog’s skin, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and even their brain. If not diagnosed and treated quickly, the infection can turn fatal. Plus, you could pay anywhere from $500 – $2,000 for treatment.4
Dog insurance could help cover some or most of that cost, but keeping your dog vaccinated is still the best option for both their health and your wallet.
Will Pet Insurance Cover the Distemper Vaccine Cost?
MetLife Pet offers an optional Preventive Care plan add-on that can reimburse you for covered routine and wellness expenses — including the distemper vaccine for dogs — up to your annual limit amount.5,6 But most standard pet insurance policies, including MetLife Pet’s, don’t cover the cost of vaccines. As “routine care,” they’re considered outside the purview of accident and illness coverage.
Ready to start saving on vet bills with award-winning7 MetLife Pet Insurance? Get a free quote today.